February 1, 2023 West Islip

Town Of Babylon Thanked For Direct Support Program

Local Businesses And Organizations Appreciative

Local small businesses and organizations recently came together at Babylon Town Hall to thank the Town of Babylon for its Direct Support Program, which distributed vital American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The 267 grants from the program helped businesses stay afloat as they recovered economically from the pandemic and has allowed them to pursue postpandemic growth and prosperity. Over $8.3 million was issued to 192 small businesses, 68 nonprofit organizations and seven veterans groups, and 98 of the recipients are minority- and womenowned businesses.

“Our small businesses place a great deal on the line to drive our local economy,” said Chairman of the Town of Babylon Small Business Committee Councilman Anthony Manetta. “Therefore, it was the Town of Babylon’s goal for our businesses and nonprofits not just to survive but to thrive postpandemic as well.”

Several business owners testified to the significant impact the program had in maintaining their businesses and, in turn, supporting economic progress and hope for the community. “Many of us had to close our doors for months at a time, which had a significant impact on our businesses and personal finances,” said CBC Wireless owner and grant recipient Reggie Mays. “I do not think we would have survived without the program’s funds.” His Wyandanch business that has been opened since 1995 utilized the money it received to address pandemic-based revenue loss.

“I feel that this year will be a better year for all of us,” said Dalisa Pizza owner and grant recipient Frances Dalisa in her appreciation for the funds. The North Babylon

ARPA Funds

restaurant, previously in Deer Park, has been a local staple for 50 years and used the grant money it was awarded to pay bills and handle rising costs.

Veterans organizations were also deeply grateful for the funds they received, with John Simpkins of Martin Kessler Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 2912 commending the Town on behalf of the contingency.

Chair of the Town of Babylon Veterans Advisory Council and former veteran Councilman DuWayne Gregory expressed the importance of including veterans groups in the Direct Support Program, for they provide countless services and programs to the community and help a population that has selflessly sacrificed a great deal for this country.

The Town of Babylon also utilized ARPA funds to make significant investments in public safety through grants to various municipalities and fire departments to purchase

life-saving equipment. Using the allocated funds, the Wyandanch Fire Department obtained a new ladder truck, the Lindenhurst and West Babylon Fire Departments received LUCAS devices— which assist with the performance of CPR— and the Copiague Fire Department will soon be acquiring three AEDs. In addition, Babylon Village will be using the funds to purchase an ambulance.

Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Shaffer expressed his sincere gratitude to those who assisted him in organizing the profoundly impactful program, as well as to all of the recipients for their dedication and contributions to the community. The supervisor, as well as many of the recipients, also delivered a special message of appreciation for Viscel Moore, whose leadership and years of experience made the program possible.

TOWN OF BABYLON THANKED FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROGRAM - Local small businesses and organizations recently came together at Babylon Town Hall to thank the Town of Babylon for its Direct Support Program, which distributed vital American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

What Is The 50-30-20 Approach?

Effective financial strategies vary depending on which stage of life a person is in. For example, a recent college graduate working his or her first professional job will not have the same financial strategy as someone on the cusp of retirement. But one financial strategy that people of all ages can look to for guidance is the 50-30-20 approach. Popularized by United States Senator Elizabeth Warren, the 50-30-20 approach to financial planning can be a valuable resource for anyone trying to develop a budget. The approach is simple yet effective. Under the 5030-20 approach, income is allocated based on this breakdown:

· 50 percent of money is spent on needs, including housing costs, health insurance, car payments, and groceries

· 30 percent of money is spent on wants, including hobbies, dining out and travel

· 20 percent of money is allocated to savings

Proponents of the 5030-20 approach note that calculations should be based on after-tax income, or what’s often referred to as “take-home pay.”

Professionals with steady paychecks can easily determine their 50-3020 breakdowns by saving a month’s worth of pay stubs and establishing their monthly budget based on what’s coming in. The task can be trickier for self-employed or freelance workers, who may benefit from working with financial planners as they seek to create monthly budgets based on the 50-30-20 approach.

Snowball Dinner At Westminster United Presbyterian Church

Snowball Dinner on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 5:30-8:30pm at Westminster United Presbyterian Church, 109 Udall Road, West Islip. Eat

good food, play games, win raffle prizes and have a ball! $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children. Free for children 3 and under. Tickets are limited so please purchase

Student-Musicians Selected For Festival

yours as soon as possible. Please call 631-661-6740 for tickets and more information."

Students Manufacture Their Future Career Options

Students from Mr. Burn’s introduction to trades class from West Islip High School were recently invited to CPI Aerostructures to explore various types of manufacturing careers on Long Island. Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter was also in attendance.

Robert Isoldi, director of manufacturing operations and facility maintenance at CPI Aerostructures and a West Islip alumnus, gave

students a presentation and facilities tour. He attributes his experiences in the engineering technology classes and involvement in the FIRST robotics team at West Islip High School as a catalyst for his passion in mechanical engineering. Students were gifted shirts that read “Manufacture Your Future.” The hope is this experience will help students pursue a career in manufacturing

and engineering at some of the many companies on Long Island. There are career opportunities in engineering design, manufacturing, fabrication, welding, metrology, quality control, distribution, sales, shipping and accounting. The students were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to see how their foundations in school can be applied in the real world.

STUDENT-MUSICIANS SELECTED FOR FESTIVAL - Twenty West Islip High School student-musicians were selected to perform at the 63rd annual Mid-Island Band Festival in Patchogue. These fine musicians represent the top instrumentalists from Suffolk County. Congratulations to the following students: (front row): Leah Gallagher, Nicole Williams, Marley Grover, Lily Locovare, Angelina Buccellato, Kyla Timpug, Sophia Biondo, Daniel Pipitone, Shannon Koerner and Jessica Belle; (back row): Gavin Pollock, Thomas Kerrigan, Sean Koerner, Brendan O’Regan, Jack Agatstein, Nicholas Soulos, Michael Tronolone, Hugo Gomez, Kevin Mauri and Robert Marrali. Photo courtesy of West Islip School District

Do You Have A GPS Plan For 2023?

Last month I wrote about starting the year on a strong note. My advice included reviewing your goals from last year, organizing your business and home, and moving all your correspondence to the digital world.

Today, I want to share something I learned a few months ago; how to write a GPS plan to help you achieve your goals in 2023. To be successful in business, you must continue to learn and grow. The month-long workshop I took helped me create a roadmap for success and identified potential obstacles that I might run into along the way. Here are a few of the key takeaways:

equipment, using social media, etc. Once you have everything written down and broken out by month, you have a GPS plan for your business. The key is to follow it! Don’t put it in a filing cabinet.

STUDENTS MANUFACTURE THEIR FUTURE CAREER OPTIONS - Students from Mr. Burn’s introduction to trades class from West Islip High School were recently invited to CPI Aerostructures to explore various types of manufacturing careers on Long Island. Photos courtesy of West Islip School District

1) Have a Strategic Goal for December 31st: Where do you want to be with your business at the end of the year? Write down specific, measurable goals (e.g., revenue, profit, number of items sold). This exercise helped me visualize what success will look like on 12/31/23.

2) Write Your GPS Plan: It’s the same idea as using your phone when you need to drive somewhere that you haven’t been to before. When you get into the car, you don’t put your phone away, you put it on the dashboard and follow every direction. Write your strategic goal at the top of a page, then include everything you will need to do during the year to hit that goal. This includes sales, expenses, finding new customers, opening a new location, buying

3) Identify Obstacles. In my workshop, we played something called the “What If” game. We had to write down 10 things that kept us up at night. For example, what if…my building burned down? What if…my computers were hacked? What if…the housing market crashed? For every question, we had to write a response on how we would handle it. After I was done, I wrote “Emergency Response Plan” on the front of my paper. Now, if something bad happens, I won’t panic. I’ll know what to do.

It helps to have fewer surprises in business, and to know where I want to be at the end of the year. It means a lot less stress and a lot more focus on what I love to do.

JOANN CILLA

Fun Facts About Lefties

Left-handed, lefty, southpaw - these are all terms used to describe people who favor their left hands for writing, throwing a ball and myriad other activities. It is estimated that between 10 and 12 percent of all people are left-handed. Although that makes southpaws an undeniable minority, the number of left-handed people is creeping up.

Left-handers are worthy of notice and recognition. As such, explore these interesting facts and figures about left-handers.

Sports Proclivity

Being left-handed may confer an advantage for athletes. Wayne Gretzky, Sandy Koufax and Martina Navratilova are just a few of the many accomplished left-handed sports legends. Sports scientist Florian Loffing with the Institute of Sport Science, University of Oldenburg in Germany found that in sports where there is a short time constraint, lefties appeared to excel. That could be why he found 26 percent of the top male players in table tennis are lefties. And sports like baseball and cricket are dominated by left-handed players.

Health Risks And Benefits

Lefties should take notice that there may be some side effects to being left-handed. According to a 2010 study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers found those who were left-handed had an increased risk for dyslexia, ADHD and certain mood disorders. It could be tied to the hemispheres of the brain and how 30 percent of left-handed people are partial to the right hemisphere or have no dominant hemisphere for language functioning. Conversely, lefties can bounce back from stroke

or other brain-related injuries more readily than righties, according to data published in 2015 in Scientific Reports. Also, a study published in Laterality found that lefthanded people are less likely to suffer arthritis and ulcers.

More Creative Lefties are more likely to be artistic or innovative. Research published in the American Journal of Psychology found there is some evidence that lefthanded people are better at divergent thinking, a method of idea generation that explores many possible solutions. The Left-Handers Club, a prolefty advocacy group, also found that left-handed individuals tend to be drawn to careers in the arts, music, sports, and information-technology fields.

Ambidextrous Inclinations

The world is geared towards being righthanded, with buttons on jackets, doorknobs, desks in school, and more designed with righthanded people in mind. Therefore, many lefties become ambidextrous simply because they have to, according to data published in Reader’s Digest.

Presidential Possibilities?

Many notable people have been left-handed, including eight U.S. Presidents. James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama all are or were lefthanded.

Even though the world may not have been designed for left-handed people, lefties certainly thrive.

Winter Coloring Contest!

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for February is The Corporate Source

The Corporate Source (TCS) is a non-profit organization that started in 1996. They strive to change the perceptions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce by having them work in integrated settings where their value, productivity, commitment and dedication can be experienced by all. To accomplish this mission, TCS addresses the factors a ecting employment inequity and overcomes barriers to employment that keep this staggering number of people with disabilities excluded from the workforce. TCS is extremely proud of their work and today the operate in over 100 locations , many here on Long Island, NY.

private sector organizations. A small sample of their longterm client collaborations include Janitorial and Disinfecting Services for the US Merchant Marine Academy, Mail-room Operations at Long Island and NYC Internal Revenue Service locations, Call Center Support at the Manhattan VA Medical Center and Kennel Care for the Department of Homeland Security at JFK Airport.

for your chance to win a 4-Pack of Movie Theatre Tickets; elligble to be used at either Elwood Cinemas in East Northport or The Bellmore Playhouse in Bellmore!

3 WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN; 1 FROM EACH AGE GROUP: 2-4 YEARS OLD • 5-7 YEARS OLD • 8-10 YEARS OLD

To submit your entry, please fill out the form below and mail it all to Long Island Media Group • 565 Broadhollow Rd, Suite 3, Farmingdale, NY 11735 You may also email it all to info@longislandmediagroup.com.

Despite an increased knowledge base and laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, the overwhelming number of people with disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed. In America alone, roughly 61 million adults live with a disability. Today, about 1 in 6 American children are diagnosed with a developmental disability and they then age out of most public programming when they become 21. With less to do each day and having fewer prospects for employment, these young adults often become socially isolated and depressed.

Sometimes, employers may have misconceptions which make them reluctant to hire a person with disabilities. TCS works to change perceptions to show employers the benefits of an inclusive workforce. Given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and capabilities, these employees show dependability, honesty, tenacity and dedication to doing the best job possible. Several TCS workers have received awards and recognition for their achievements and outstanding performance on the job.

TCS employs nearly 400 people with disabilities in the greater New York tristate region, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, providing outsourcing services to several federal, state and

Most recently, they have partnered with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to develop a program for professionally educating and training people with disabilities for entry level positions in the growing IT field. Corporations like Microsoft, Ernst & Young and more have had very positive experiences where people with disabilities are e ective for these positions from a number of perspectives.

This non-profit works year-round through special events, networking opportunities, social media outreach and other e orts to raise awareness and funds to support disability employment initiatives. There are many ways that you can support the mission of TCS.

For more information, visit www. thecorporatesource.org or contact Ruth-Ann Gater at ruth-ann.gater@ thecorporatesource.org and stay tuned for next week’s article.

February Happenings

We Will Be There

We Will Be There

Before hiring other agents, ask them the following:

We Will Be There For You

• Will they take professional photographs?

• How will they advertise/promote your home?

Before hiring other agents,

• Will they just list your home on MLS and make you do the rest?

Wednesday, February 1 12:00PM-1:00PM

Alzheimer's Disease Book Club

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting the Virtual Caregiver Book Club starting February 1st for six weeks. They will be reading and discussing “On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's” by Greg O’Brien. To register for the virtual book club, contact Joanna Rekas at 800-272-3900 or jrekas@alz.org.

Thursday, February 2 11:00AM

White Elephant Sale

Free admission. Located at The Seaford American Legion. Contact Mary at 631-567-4483 for any additional information.

Sunday, February 5 2:00PM-5:00PM

Fundraiser To Support East Islip St. Patrick's Day Parade

A fundraiser to support the parade will be held at Harp & Hound in Islip. A $20 donation at the door includes assorted appetizers, live music by J&D Acoustics, and a cash bar. There will also be raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. Email localhibernians@gmail.com for more information.

Tuesday, February 7

7:00PM

Republic Airport Commission Meeting

The meeting will be held at the Republic Airport, Room 201, Farmingdale, NY. For more information, call 631-752-707 x6109 or email info@republicairport.net.

Saturday, February 11 5:30PM-8:30PM Snowball Dinner

$10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children. Free for children 3 and under.

We Will Be There For You

• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?

• How will they advertise/promote

• Will they just list your home on

• Will they be at every Showing

631-874-0210 or Fran 631-587-1578 for more information.

information.

• Will they take professional photographs?

Friday, Februrary 17

When you hire us to sell your home, Showings to Closing. To find out

• Will they take professional photographs?

Before hiring other agents, ask them the

Before hiring other agents, ask them the following:

• How will they advertise/promote your home?

When you hire us to sell your home, we’ll be there every step of the way, from Showings to Closing. To find out what your house is worth, call us today.

• How will they advertise/promote your home?

• Will they just list your home on MLS and make you do the

• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?

• How will they advertise/promote your home?

Saturday, February 11 22nd Annual WinterFest Free admission. Arts and crafts for kids, free entertainment and more at Levittown Hall. For more information contact levittowncouncil@yahoo. com.

• Will they just list your home on MLS and make you do the rest?

10:00AM

Fire Island Frolic

• Will they just list your home on MLS and make you do the rest?

• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?

When you hire us to sell your home, we’ll be there every step Showings to Closing. To find out what your house is worth,

• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?

Before hiring other agents, ask them the following:

Saturday, Februrary 11 4:00PM-6:00PM

• Will they take professional photographs?

A six mile hike to the Lighthouse at Robert Moses State Park. Meet at east end of Field 5 near the boardwalk entrance. Possible Robert Moses State Park Fee $10.00 or free with an Empire Pass. Contact Sal at 631-235-2059 or sailingsals60@gmail.com.

When you hire us to sell your home, we’ll be there every step of the way, from Showings to Closing. To find out what your house is worth, call us today.

When you hire us to sell your home, we’ll be there every step of the way, from Showings to Closing. To find out what your house is worth, call us today.

February Family Fun Day

For children 3 to 12 years old with an adult. There will be crafts, a scavengar hunt and more. Free event located at Community Presbyterian Church. Registration is required as space is limited. Call 631-242-0221 for more information.

• How will they advertise/promote your home?

Monday, Februrary 20 9:00AM-12:00PM

• Will they just list your home on MLS and make you do the rest?

Winter Break Camp

• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?

Patty Vorilas Lic. R. E. Salesperson O 631.729.2612 | M 516.238.6756 patty.vorilas@elliman.com elliman.com

O 631.729.2612 | M 516.238.6756 patty.vorilas@elliman.com elliman.com

When you hire us to sell your home, we’ll be there every step of the way, from Showings to Closing. To find out what your house is worth, call us today.

Sunday, Februrary 12

Bellport Blood Drive

Located at the Bellport Community Center. Call 800-933-2566 or email mgatto@nybc.org to make an

Sunday, Februrary 12 10:00AM-11:30AM 12:00PM-1:30PM

Valentine's Day Card Exchange

Sensory Beans Inc. in Wantagh will be hosting their annual Valentine's Day Friends Card Exchange. $35 per child. Contact 516-308-1462 for more information.

Starting February 20th and ends on February 24th. Children can have fun during their winter break with hands-on experiments and more at The Long Island Explorium. Grades: 3rd-6th. $375 per camper. Email lisa@longislandexplorium.org for more information.

Tuesday, Februrary 21

February Board Of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its February meeting. The public is invited to attend. Call 631-669-4020 for more information.

w/ Fresh

& Roasted Peppers - Unsliced)

3 Pounds of Homemade Salad (Macaroni, Potato or Coleslaw)

1/2 Tray of Wings (Buffalo, BBQ or Teriyaki)

1/2 Tray of Mini Rice Balls

PLUS 1/2 Tray of Penne ala Vodka

$ 229 99 plus tax

All hero’s are made on our fresh store baked bread. We only use Boar’s Head Brand Cold Cuts. Must place order by Feb. 9th.

Valid on 2/12 only

West Islip Library

Registration for all Children’s Room programs is OPEN

VIRTUAL BINGO WITH MRS. SULLIVAN

Grades K - 6 WIJV14

Friday, February 3 @ 4:30 PM

Don’t have time to come down to the library? That’s okay, join us for Zoom Bingo! Zoom information will be sent via email.

PICTURE OF PEACE WITH PICASSO

Grades 1 - 3 WIJ063

ENDS FEBRUARY 17!

The more you read, the more badges and tickets you’ll earn, the better chances you’ll have to win some great raffle prizes!

for Babies - Preschoolers:

Read 30 books with a grown -up between January 9 and February 17. for Grades K - 6:

Read for 6 hours between January 9

Tuesday, February 14 @ 5:30 PM

Grades 4 - 6 · WIJ076

Tuesday, February 14 @ 6:45 PM

Investigate what peace means, as you visit Picasso ’s world and look at what he expresses in his painting Guernica, one of the greatest anti-war paintings in the world. Then create your own peace art in the style of Picasso to show your own expression of peace, love, and happiness.

ZUMBA FOR KIDS

Wednesday, February 15 @ 4:30 PM

Join Lauren in this fun, get moving, jump around Zumba class for

All teen programs are for students in grades 7th – 12th. Please add your name and grade level in the note field for all programs. Community service opportunities are opened up to West Islip Teens only. There are 2 ways to register: Register from our site https://www.westisliplibrary.org/teen -services/  Call the library at 631-661-7080

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD WIYA 261

Wednesday, February 15th @ 4:30PM

Come and let your voice be heard at our Teen Advisory Board meeting! Receive 1 hour of community service for talking with our teen librarian about programs and events you’ d like to see at the library. Pizza will be provided. Registration required. WI Teen Residents only.

UPSIDE DOWN ESCAPE ROOM WIYA 280

Friday, February 17th @ 4:30PM

Have fun taking part in this Stranger Things inspired escape room! You and your team will explore the Upside Down as you deci pher clues and solve puzzles to try and escape within one hour. Those who escape will win a certificate. WI Teen Residents Only.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS WIYA 224

Saturday, February 18th @ 1-4PM

Are you more of a warlock or a druid? Let your imagination run wild as you take part in one of the most famous tabletop fanta sy games of all time! Players of all skill levels welcome. Register for one or both sessions. WI Teen Residents only.

COSMETIC PRODUCT HAUL (YOUTUBE)

Wednesday, February 22nd @ 6 PM

Join Alicia as she takes you through a haul of some of her favorite, tried and true cosmetic products ranging from hair, make up, and skincare! Registration not required.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT for Families WIJ080

Thursday, February 16 @ 7:00 PM

Miss Carol is back with another fun family game night! Filled with a little competition and lots of shenanigans, it is positively going to be a great time for all!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SHENANIGANS

Grades K - 3 WIJ065

Monday, February 27 @ 4:15 or 5:30 PM

Join Color Palette for some fun St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans crafts and slime included!

WILDLIFE WONDERS: THAT’S ONE COOL CAT!

Grades 1 - 6 WIJ068

Tuesday, February 28 @ 4:15 or 5:30 PM

Lions are beautiful and powerful animals. Find out more about these cool big cats and why it is so important to protect them. We will make a ROARsome West Islip lion craft!

MUSIC THERAPY WIYA 250

Monday, February 13th @ 4:30PM

Group members will engage in interactive music experiences in which they can channel their creativity. Activities may include songwriting, expressive singing, music and movement, relaxation, and more. This small group will be led by a music therapist allowing for participants to make connections with others through music. WI Residents only.

Registration for FEBRUARY Adult Programs is OPEN!

Most programs require registration and are open to all unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions about the programs we offer, you may email us at registration@westisliplibrary.org. There are 2 ways to register:  Register from our site https://www.westisliplibrary.org/adult -services/ adult-programs/  Call the library at 631-661-7080

DEFENSIVE

DRIVING

February 4th @ 9:30AM-3:30PM Save 10% on your auto insurance. This class may reduce up to 4 points off your license. Bring your driver’s license along with cash, check or money order made out to Empire Safety Council the day of the class. You must arrive 10 minutes prior. To register, call 631 -664-0652. $30 non-refundable fee.

RETIREMENT & ESTATE PLANNING (ZOOM)

WIA 108

Monday, February 6th @ 7PM Join a financial advisor from Ameriprise who will discuss important documents and best strategies to use while engaging in Estate Planning. They will be sharing the benefits of creating a plan, protection of assets, trusts, taxes, and annual gifting. A Q&A will be provided at the end of the session.

TECH Q&A WIA 162

Wednesday, February 8th @ 7PM If you have any tech questions, drop by this casual class where we will talk about different computer and tech topics.

GREEN LIVING & DETOXIFYING YOUR HOME (ZOOM)

WIA 105

Monday, February 13th @ 7PM Join nonprofit organization “Green Inside and Out ” as they take a virtual walk through the rooms of the home. They will discuss how to incorporate health and sustainability into your choices regarding personal care products, cleaners, pesticides and plastics to make your home "green" and toxin -free.

FREEDOM RIDERS FILM WIA 107

Wednesday, February 15th @ 6:30PM In recognition of Black History Month, join us at the library to view this documentary about a group of civil right activists who traveled by bus in the South during 1961 to challenge segregated travel facilities. The Freedom Riders were greeted with mob violence and bitter racism, sorely testing their belief in non -violent activism.

HISTORIC NEWSLETTERS ONLINE (ZOOM) WIA

106

Thursday, February 16th @ 7PM Did you know you can find historical happenings in our community from our local newspaper database? Join librarian Liana as she walks you through the process of accessing these online newspapers and locating events from Long Island ’s past.

COMPUTER 1ST GRADE WIA 163

Saturday, February 25th @ 10AM In this class, you will learn how to work with text including inputting, inserting, moving, and erasing, learn basic word processing skills, and understand files and commands.

SENIOR SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, February 28 @ 11AM West Islip Public Library is proud to announce a Senior Support Group facilitated by our social work intern Kathleen Willig. Come join our discussion circle to talk about important topics, make new friends, and share your story. No registration required.

EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION: THE MAID BY NITA PROSE WIA 161

Tuesday, February 28th @ 7PM Librarian Kathleen will lead a discussion on this captivating mystery about Molly Gray, a hotel maid who is socially awkward and is tied up with a crime when she finds a guest murdered in bed and is compelled to investigate. The police have tagged her as the most likely subject. Find out what happens in this outstanding debut!

Squeaky Clean: Big Band Songbook

WIA 141

Sunday, February 12 @ 2 PM

Guitarist and bassist duo, Suzanne and Glenn, will take you back to the Big Band Era as they perform music from the 1930s and 1940s. Sing along to some great tunes while watching a multimedia presentation showing photos and movie clips from that time period.

WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4TH IN THE LIBRARY. TRUSTEE PETITIONS ARE DUE MARCH 6TH. A BUDGET NEWSLETTER WILL BE MAILED IN MARCH. CONTACT DIRECTOR ANDREW HAMM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

WEST ISLIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

STALLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

A cultural hub right in your own backyard!

LIL BUCK - MEMPHIS JOOKIN

Sat. Feb. 4 @ 8pm

KRISTIN CHENOWETH

Sat. Feb. 11 @ 8pm

EMERSON STRING QUARTET #2

Mon. Feb. 13 @ 7pm

American Ballet Theatre

STONY BROOK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sat. Feb. 18 @ 8pm

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTERSONGS WE LOVE

Sat. Feb. 25 @ 8pm

GALA – AMERICAN BALLET

THEATRE

Sat. March 4 @ 7pm

STORM LARGE

Sat. March 18 @ 8pm

STONY BROOK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sat. March 25 @ 8pm

PROKOFIEV’S PETER & THE WOLF FOR KIDS - Sun. March 26 @ 3pm

America’s National Ballet Company® is a show you do not want to miss!

March 4 @ 7pm | Main Stage

STARRY NIGHTS - SPRING

Wed. March 29 @ 7pm

MIKE E. WINFIELD - COMEDY

Thurs. March 30 @ 8pm

42ND STREET in HDFROM THE LONDON STAGE

Fri. March 31 @ 8pm

EMERSON STRING QUARTET #3

Tue April 11 @ 7pm

Comedian, storyteller, director, and actor sold out his Broadway show, but you can still see him with us!

Regular Tickets & Gala Tickets available at stallercenter.com/gala @stallercenter

DIAVOLO - ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION

Sat April 15 @ 8pm

MIKE BIRBIGLIA

Fri. April 21 @ 8pm

SHELÉA

Sat. April 22 @ 8pm

STONY BROOK OPERALA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN

Sat April 29 @ 8pm

Sun. April 30 @ 3pm

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

Sun. May 7 @ 7pm

LIVE PERFORMANCES STREAMING IN HD FROM THE MET OPERA Schedule at stallercenter.com/HD

Neighbor Pets’ Place

Adopt a pet today!

ALL ABOUT SPAY NEUTER • 4209 MERRICK ROAD, MASSAPEQUA • 516.799.CATS

JANIE

Young female. Cute and friendly looking for a best friend forever.

LINDA

Female kitten. Calico. Playful and enjoys play time with the volunteers.

POPPIE Young female. Brown Tabby. Beautiful girl who can entertain herself.

WOLVERINE

Handsome male Seeking his forever home.

BROOKHAVEN ANIMAL SHELTER • 300 HORSEBLOCK ROAD, BROOKHAVEN • 631.451.6950

WILLY

1-2 year old male. Full of love and energy. Very sweet and loves treats.

TINY 4-6 year old male. Sweet and bouncy. Enjoys attention and getting pets.

SHELLY 7 year old female. Sweet girl. A ball of sunshine who loves to play.

BENTLEY

6 year old male. Beautiful boy that loves getting lots of pets and belly rubs.

LITTLE SHELTER • 33 WARNER ROAD, HUNTINGTON • 631.368.8770

HAZE

7 year old

To inquire about having your shelter included in this column, email info@longislandmediagroup.com!

(NAPSA)-Not only does exercise help seniors stay healthy, it can help to reduce the cost of care for individuals and their families as well. That’s the word from the experts at SilverSneakers Fitness, a leading fitness program designed for seniors. Learn more at www. SilverSneakers.com.

NOTICE-Federal and

law make it unlawful for employers and employment agencies to advertise prospective employment where the job is limited as to age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, genetic disposition or carrier status or marital status unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). This publication does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws

POOL MECHANIC

Needed fo r

bl ished co mmercial p ool co mpany.

PART TIME CLEANER

Village

Needed: full time handyman/remodeler, experienced in all phases of home repair and maintenance for local established residential property management company. Skills needed: painting, spackling, carpentry, light plumbing, light electrical, general house maintenance-interior

COUNTER PERSON

Great Work Conditions.

Must Be Reliable & Must Have Own Car. Please Call For Interview!

631-968-8181

408722N020123

TO

The Public Libraries Of Suffolk County

Reaches RecordBreaking Three Million Digital Book Checkouts In 2022

Top 15 Public Library System Worldwide In Total Digital Circulation

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

The Public Libraries of Suffolk County announced today that it reached a recordbreaking three million digital book checkouts on Livebrary.com in 2022. This milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of library lending of e-books, audiobooks and other digital media as well as the library’s success in serving all members of the community. Livebrary, consisting of 56 libraries in Suffolk County, is #13 of all public library consortia, one of 129 public library systems worldwide and third in New York that surpassed one million checkouts last calendar year (complete list here).

The Public Libraries of Suffolk County have been providing readers 24/7 access to e-books and audiobooks for several years through the award-winning Libby app, the library reading app created by OverDrive. The large collection serves readers of all ages and interests, and usage

has grown every year.

“The Public Libraries of Suffolk County continue to provide access to a diverse collection of e-books and audiobooks giving readers the opportunity to connect with a wealth of information and entertainment from wherever they may be,” said Kevin Verbesey, Director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.

The highestcirculating title Livebrary readers borrowed in 2022 was The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. The top-circulating genre, romance, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes mystery, fantasy, children/ young adult and more.

The top 5 e-book titles borrowed through Livebrary’s digital collection in 2022:

1. Verity by Colleen Hoover

2. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

3. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

4. The Seven

Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

5. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

The top 5 audiobook titles borrowed through Livebrary’s digital collection in 2022:

1. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

3. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

4. The Maid by Nita Prose

5. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

Readers in Suffolk County just need a valid library card from a member library to access digital books from Livebrary’s OverDrive-powered digital collection. Readers can use any major device, including Apple(R), Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle(R) (U.S. only). Download the Libby app or visit Livebrary. com to get started borrowing e-books, audiobooks and more anytime, anywhere.

BUY NOW PAY LATER FINANCING AVAILABLE

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION AVAILABLE

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION AVAILABLE