February 8, 2023 West Islip

Good Samaritan University Hospital puts you first

Today, tomorrow, always

We do more than provide state-of-the-art treatment and compassionate care. We educate the physicians of the future, while expanding the medical capabilities of the entire Catholic Health system. We’re ensuring that Long Islanders will be taken care of with the most advanced medical technology, integrity, and compassion…now and forever.

Learn more at goodsamaritanuniversity.org

$23,000 a year in savings* from lighting upgrades means more of this for Long Island.

For rebate information, visit PSEGLINY.com/Business

When the nonprofit Canine Companions requested a free energy assessment, we discovered that installing LED fixtures and other energy efficiency measures could save them nearly $2,000 a month. And with available PSEG Long Island rebates, the installation was affordable. Today, those changes have meant more funds for the mission of providing service dogs to Long Islanders with disabilities. And that means a better Long Island for us all. *Actual

Neighbor Pets’ Place Adopt a pet today!

BABYLON ANIMAL SHELTER • 80 NEW HIGHWAY, AMITYVILLE • 631.643.9270

CRYSTAL

8 year olds old. Lovely cream colored female.

LANA

5 months old. New arrival. Dog social, still being evaluated.

CHERRY

In the shelter since 2020. Sweet but shy, has lived outdoors.

BOOTS

5 month old kitten. Growing up at the shelter.

BROOKHAVEN ANIMAL SHELTER • 300 HORSEBLOCK ROAD, BROOKHAVEN • 631.451.6950

TIMMY

1-2 year old male. He is very playful with lots of energy.

NICHIE

3 year old female. Playful and energetic yet gentle and affectionate.

MONA

5-6 year old female. Sweet and gentle. Enjoys going on walks.

MAPLE

7-8 month old female. Outgoing, affectionate and energetic. Loves toys.

LITTLE SHELTER • 33 WARNER ROAD, HUNTINGTON • 631.368.8770

ARCHIE

12 year old male. Pug. A charming senior, ready to be your truest

2

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

Offering High Quality Child Care, Early Learning, Pre-School, Pre-K & Summer Camp

Child Care & Pre-School includes:

Flexible days (6 weeks - 5 years old)

• Full day “Creative Curriculum” taught

The Girl Scouts Of Suffolk County Kick-Off Cookie Season

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) is excited to announce that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is running now through April 17, 2023. For more than 100 years, the Girl Scout Cookie Program has allowed girls to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills. All proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Season support local Girl Scouts by expanding their opportunities for new experiences and activities.

“Every Girl Scout that participates in our Girl Scout Cookie Program develops invaluable entrepreneurial experience while increasing their confidence from an early age,” said Tammy Severino, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County President and CEO. “This program allows girls to learn professional and financial literacy skills while earning funds that will go directly to their troops and community to grant new opportunities.”

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girlled entrepreneurial program in the world and helps Girl Scouts reach goals that power endless opportunities and adventures. Within the program, girls can create a personalized page on the Digital Cookie platform— which allows girls to offer an online option to purchase cookies. Throughout the season, local troops and Girl

Scouts will also be setting up in-person booth sales held across Suffolk County.

Booth Sales allow Girl Scouts to engage with their community while they gain early business experience and progress in leadership. Each booth is designed and created by the girls in the troop, using their creativity and artistic ability to construct their unique booth. Girls gain experience managing inventory, handling customer transactions, creating displays, and much more. Booth Sale season starts February 3rd. To find the nearest Booth Sale, visit the Girl Scout Cookie Finder to support your local troop.

To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program and how to support local Girl Scouts, visit: https://www. gssc.us/en/cookies/aboutgirl-scout-cookies.html.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County: The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is one of the largest youthserving agencies on Long Island, serving over 15,000 members dedicated to the mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. For more information about Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.

Listening To Jazz Music

The New Orleans Musicians Clinic reports that listening to jazz music can expand blood vessels by up to 30 percent. Widening of blood vessels increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Maintaining a

healthy blood pressure is important, as the Mayo Clinic notes that unchecked high blood pressure can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and/or dementia.

February Happenings

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

Snowball Dinner

$10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children. Free for children 3 and under. Dinner held at The Westminster United Presbyterian Church. Tickets are limited. Call 631-661-6740 for tickets and more information.

Saturday, February 11

9:30AM-11:00AM

Bereavement Support Group

For 9 weeks at Our Lady Of Grace Church. Starting on February 11th and ends on April 8th. Call John 631-874-0210 or Fran 631-587-1578 for more information.

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.

Saturday, Februrary 11

4:00PM-6:00PM

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.

Saturday, Februrary 11

2:00PM-3:00PM

Estate Planning

Learn tips and tricks to keep your family out of probate court at Amityville Community University. Trusts, Wills, Health Proxy and more will be covered as well. Email npmorgan@ft.newyorklife.com or visit https://ACU-estate.eventbrite. com to register

Sunday, Februrary 12

9:00AM-3:00PM

Be There

Items listed are free of charge. Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run in the calendar on a space available basis. For further information, call 631.226.2636, extension 211 or send events to nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com

We Will Be There For You

Before hiring other agents, ask them the following:

• Will they take professional photographs?

• How will they advertise/promote your home?

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

Bellport Blood Drive

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

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

Valentine's Day Card Exchange

maintenance throughout the Town of Islip. Information and volunteer opportunities available. Contact Keep Islip Clean at 631-224-2627 or keepislipclean@optonline.net.

• How will they advertise/promote

• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?

• Will they just list your home on

• Will they be at every Showing

Friday, Februrary 17

10:00AM

We Will Be There For You

Fire Island Frolic

• Will they take professional photographs?

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.

Tuesday, Februrary 14

6:00PM & 7:00PM

Before hiring other agents, ask them the following:

• Will they take professional photographs?

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

Before hiring other agents, ask them the

• 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?

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

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

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.

• 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?

Western Suffolk BOCES’ Board Meeting

Saturday, Februrary 18

3:00PM

Before hiring other agents, ask them the following:

The meeting will be held at the Western Suffolk BOCES’ Administrative Offices. Proposal Executive Section, subject to Board approval. Public portion beginning with Item Number 1 on the Agenda. Call 631-549-4900 ext. 223 for more information.

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.

Valentine's Day Concert

way, from Showings to Closing. To find out what your house is worth, call us today.

• Will they take professional photographs?

• How will they advertise/promote your home?

Kathryn Wilson, a soprano soloist will be featured. The concert will be held at Grace United Methodist Church. A free-will offering will be taken. Contact 631-226-8690 for more information.

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

• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?

Wednesday, Februrary 15

7:00PM-10:00PM

Hard Luck Café Concert

Monday, Februrary 20

9:00AM-12:00PM

Winter Break Camp

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.

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

Tracy Walton and Sierra West, singer-songwriters will be featured. Tickets are $20 ($15 for Cinema Arts Centre/FMSH members) and can be purchased online at https:// cinemaartscentre.org or at the Cinema Arts Centre box office now until the event. The concert will be followed by an open mic. For more information visit https://fmsh.org

Thursday, Februrary 16

7:00PM

Keep Islip Clean General Meeting

Join KIC for their next general meeting in the Ballroom at Brookwood Hall in East Islip. This pertains to the beauti cation and

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

6:00PM

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.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for February is The Corporate Source

www.thecorporatesource.org

Based in Garden City, observing 27 years of service, The Corporate Source (TCS) has a presence throughout the Greater New York Metro Region, along with the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. They create value for individuals with disabilities by providing well paying jobs along with the necessary training, job coaching and support to be successful in the workplace. TCS creates value to companies and organizations by providing important outsourcing services and by increasing diversity at these sites.

With nearly 400 employees, this organization provides services such as janitorial, maintenance, call center services, mail room and courier, and kennel services to federal, state and public organizations. Recently, TCS moved into another area o ering tremendous growth potential for individuals with disabilities - Information Technology (IT).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 12 percent growth rate in the IT field between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In December 2022, employers across the United States listed over 18,000 open positions for IT support specialists, according to CompTIA’s monthly “Tech Jobs Report.” This expressed demand on the part of potential employers is echoed by the disability community, which has expressed tremendous interest in the IT sector.

TCS has partnered in a key initiative with CompTIA to train and certify people with disabilities for lucrative positions in the IT field. The “TCS IT Training and A+ Certification Program” is a comprehensive 13 week program with instruction provided virtually with individualized support for program participants that is provided by TCS’ Vocational Rehabilitation unit. The structure of the training is adapted to meet the needs and learning

styles of the participants. At the conclusion of the virtual classroom, instruction students will have the opportunity to earn two professional certifications – CompTIA IT Fundamentals, an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills, and CompTIA A+, the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. The objective is to teach marketable IT skills, along with appropriate work behaviors, to ensure that graduates will be qualified for jobs such as: help desk technicians, desktop support people and field technicians who assist with hardware and equipment setup.

At their 2022 Long Island SummIT Awards Dinner, The Long Island Software & Technology Network recognized TCS for its innovative e orts and leadership to recruit people with disabilities to fulfill IT sector jobs.

On February 28, 2023, the second class coming through the TCS IT Training & Certification Program will be graduating. These graduates who are mainly from Nassau and Su olk counties are eager to begin their careers!

One of the initial graduates, Ayisat, expressed that she was thrilled to take advantage of this opportunity to further her career. She had been working for TCS as a Telephone Operator for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Manhattan when she was approached by her manager about the opportunity to participate in the IT Training Program. After successfully completing the program and obtaining her certifications, Ayisat secured a job as a Help Desk Technician. She is now working remotely and excited about her career potential.

Do you know of a company that would benefit by hiring one of their IT Program graduates? Would you like to learn more about this program? Please contact Ruth-Ann Gater at Ruth-Ann. Gater@thecorporatesource.org if so and stay tuned for next week’s article to learn more about TCS.

If your nonprofit would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.

New York State Parks On Long Island

Celebrate Black History Month

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce Black History Month 2023 at your Long Island State Parks.

The month - long celebration highlights some of America’s notable African Americans and their accomplishments through informative posters and pictures. We invite you to visit us to learn more about these great Americans and their

impact on American history and culture.

Displays throughout the month of February are at these Long Island State Park locations:

Hempstead Lake State Park Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, West Hempstead Open daily 9am – 4pm, for information call 516-766-1029 or email HempsteadLakeEE@parks. ny.gov

631-842-9011

Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center-West End 2, Wantagh Open daily 9am – 4:30pm, for information call 516-809-8222

Jones Beach State Park, Administration Building, Wantagh Open daily 8am –4pm, for information call 516785-1600

LI State Parks Regional Headquarters Lobby, West Babylon Open Monday through Friday 10am – 4pm, for information call 631-321-3510

Planting Fields Arboretum Hay Barn Visitor Center, Oyster Bay Open daily 10am – 4pm, for information call 516-922-8600

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.

West Islip To Host Film Screening For School Community

West Islip Public Schools

is one of more than 1,500 communities working to re-imagine the purpose of education through a community film screening and panel discussion. On March 21, the district will take part in Most Likely to Succeed’s worldwide campaign to reimagine education. The acclaimed film, “Most Likely to Succeed,” offers an inspiring look at what students and teachers are capable of when

they have the vision and courage to transform schools.

The purpose of this event is to foster meaningful discussion among educators, administrators, parents and students about how current obstacles can be overcome and steps toward change can be taken on a local level. Born out of these conversations is a communitywide commitment to moving forward; transformational initiatives are undertaken and

real change is ignited. Please visit mltsfilm.org for more information about the film and movement. Interested West Islip parents, middle school and high school students and staff members can RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ most-likely-to-succeedcommunity-film-screeningtickets-513448667787. The screening will take place at 7 p.m. at the West Islip High School auditorium.

BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?

Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET?

631-226-2636, press 276

THE power of CLASSIFIED! Call

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

BUYING?

The Public Libraries Of Suffolk County Reaches

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

be happy to assist you

CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

Record-Breaking

Three Million Digital Book Checkouts In 2022 Top 15 Public Library System Worldwide In Total Digital Circulation

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.