April 17, 2024 West Islip

IS IT A STROKE?

WHAT TO KNOW & WHERE TO GO

BE FAST to recognize stroke symptoms and get help immediately—because prompt treatment is crucial.

At Northwell's South Shore University Hospital, our 24/7 team of experts—and prestigious Comprehensive Stroke Center certification—mean we can effectively treat even the most complex stroke events within minutes. So recovery is within reach.

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BALANCE off?

EYESIGHT changes?

FACE drooping?

ARM weakness?

SPEECH difficulty?

TIME to call 911, if “yes” to any of the above.

Boy Scouts Of America Suffolk County Council Fellowship Dinner Awards

The Suffolk County Council Fellowship Dinner was held on Thursday, March 21 at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp.  The Scouting community came together to celebrate all the volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the Scouting Program.  This

year the Sagtikos District was proud to congratulate their honorees.  The Silver Beaver Award was presented to Debbie Pesiri Falcon and John Cannarella.  This is the highest award a council can bestow upon a volunteer and is awarded for their service given to the council.

The David R. Brady Award Commissioner Award was presented to Sharon Cannarella which honors an individual who leads with inspiration, demonstrating leadership through diligence and attention to detail in all aspects of Scout Commissioning.

Dianne Corallo, Sagtikos District Commissioner Joe Fatuzzo, Sagtikos Advancement Chair and 2024 Silver Beaver Award Recipient Debbie Falcon, Sagtikos District Chair Steve Gellar, 2024 Silver Beaver Award Recipient John Cannarella, Recipient of the David R. Brady Commissioner Award Sharon Cannarella, Sagtikos District Committee Member for Event Planning, Membership and Funding Legislator Steven J. Flotteron.

SPOT

1 year old Chihuahua mix. Warms up quickly and has an affectionate demeanor.

CARLY Young female who enjoys playing, needs a playmate.

HUBBARD

2-3 year old male. Goofy, fun-loving, and a ball of energy

TRINITY

10 year old Lhasa mix. Full of love and loyalty. Enjoys going on walks.

JACKIE Young female, friendly and outgoing with bunny soft fur.

BATMAN

2 year old male. Strong and powerful in appearance but a gentle giant at heart.

MOCHA

3 year old Chihuahua mix. Active and playful, the ideal sidekick for your activities.

REAGAN Young female, a little shy, you can win her heart with “Temptations.”

BINGO

10 month old male who is known for his sweet and affectionate nature.

ELVIS

2 year old Bulldog mix with a down to earth personality. Humorous and cuddly.

SABRIE

Adult female, sweet and unassuming, would be a good companion.

JUNO

1.5 year old male. Super sweet, social, and loves everyone she meets.

Pet Partners Looking For Some Special Animals

April

30 Is National Therapy Animal Day: Consider Volunteering With Your Pet

It’s no secret animals can have a positive impact on a person’s mental and physical health. That’s why every year thousands of facilities such as libraries, schools, hospitals, assisted living, and more ask Pet Partners volunteers to bring therapy animals to visit and provide comfort to their students, residents, patients, and customers. This April 30 is a special day to recognize the beneficial role therapy dogs and other therapy animals, in partnership with their human companions, play in creating happier, healthier communities.

Unfortunately, there’s a shortage of therapy animal teams in the United States. Pet Partners is the nation’s leading registry of therapy animals, and their volunteer teams can’t fulfill all the requests they receive for therapy animal visits. The need for therapy animals has never been greater to provide comfort and support, especially after the impacts of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social discord in recent years.

The good news is that a wide variety of species can be therapy animals, not

just dogs. Cats, equines, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mini pigs, birds, and even llamas and alpacas are eligible for registration through the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, which makes more than three million visits a year.

“An animal’s temperament is what determines whether they might make a good registered therapy animal with Pet Partners, not any specific species or breed,” said Pet Partners President and CEO C. Annie Peters. “Many of our therapy animals are rescue pets, and they assist everyone from veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, students with literacy challenges, patients in recovery, and people with intellectual disabilities. We couldn’t be more grateful for all that our volunteer therapy teams do for people in need around the world.”

Therapy animals have a special aptitude for interacting with members of the public and enjoy doing so. Therapy animal handlers have a strong trust-based bond with their pet and facilitate interactions that benefit

Six Stress Reduction Tips For Caregivers During National Stress Awareness Month In April

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it can have long-term health impacts as well if you don’t take steps to manage it constructively. For individuals who face the stressful task of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering six stress reduction tips for caregivers as part of National Stress Awareness Month (April).

make the problem itself a little less stressful.

Set realistic goals and go slow. Everything cannot be resolved at once, nor does it need to be. Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic expectations. Prioritize, set practical goals, do your best to achieve them, and take things one day at a time.

Mind your health.

meditating, listening to music or even taking a few deep breaths can all help relax the mind and reduce stress. Find something that works for you and do it regularly!

Share your feelings.

all involved. The handleranimal pair takes part in an extensive evaluation process to make sure they will be successful with people in a variety of circumstances.

We have experts available to talk about the value therapy animals bring to communities, what behaviors a pet should exhibit, how the process works and more. We also have therapy animal handlers all across the United States who would love to talk about the joys of volunteering with their pets.

Pet Partners is also specifically seeking more cats and handlers to become registered volunteer teams. In partnership with Cat Person, a cat care brand, a research study on the Cat Human Bond found that cats can provide a special form of comfort that dogs cannot. Special incentives are also being offered for new cat teams.

Learn more about National Therapy Animal Day at petparters.org/ntad. If you are interested in an interview, please contact Mary Tan at the above contact information.

“Family caregivers often find it challenging to make time for themselves, but being proactive about addressing caregiver stress and self-care is not selfish; it’s essential and it benefits both the caregiver and the person for whom they are caring,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Failing to manage stress increases the risks of caregiver burnout, depression, and many other mental and physical health issues. Caregivers need to take care of themselves so they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones.”

Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions, and provide care for a longer duration of time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

AFA offers these six stress reduction tips for family caregivers:

Be adaptable and positive. Your attitude influences stress levels for both you and the person you’re caring for. If you can “go with the flow,” and avoid fighting the current, that will help you both stay relaxed—conversely, becoming aggravated or agitated will increase the chances that your person will as well. Focus on how to adjust to the situation in a constructive way.

Deal with what you can control. Some things are totally out of your control. What is in your power to control is how you respond and react to these outside factors. Concentrating on finding solutions can help

Inadequate rest, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all exacerbate stress (and cause other health problems as well). As best you can, make it a priority to get sleep, eat right, drink plenty of water and find ways to be active. You cannot provide quality care to a loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.

Clear and refresh your mind. Exercise, yoga,

Disconnecting from your support structure and staying bottled-up increases stress. Whether it’s with a loved one, trusted friend or a professional, don’t be reluctant to talk about your stress, because that can actually help relieve it!

AFA’s Helpline has licensed social workers available for caregivers seven days to provide support or even just listen.

AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are specifically

Continued On 14

April Happenings

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

7:00PM

AUCTION/TRIVIA NIGHT

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Blue Door Boutique is sponsoring an auction/trivia night at the school auditorium, 240 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst. There will be a fun-filled night of trivia and exciting auctions. Admission$5 and includes an auction paddle, entrance to the trivia quiz. Admission tickets are available at the door. Please email gtonness@optonline.net for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

10:30AM

GARDENING CLASS

A series of gardening classes created to address everything that's going on in your garden at the time of the class. Held at Organics Today Farm in East Islip. Visit OT Farm on Facebook for more information or text 631-480-6497.

MONDAY, APRIL 22

4:00PM-8:30PM

BLOOD DRIVE

Held at the Amityville Fire Department, 55 West Oak Street, in the Meeting Room. For more information or to schedule your appointment visit their website, at nybc.org or call 800.933.BLOOD.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT MEETING

The next public meeting of the Republic Airport Commission will be held at 7150 Republic Airport, Rm 201, Farmingdale NY. Please call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email, info@republicairport.net for more information.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

7:15PM-10:30PM

JINGO

The Constantino Brumidi Lodge n Deer Park presents JINGO, a fun spin on traditional bingo where bingo balls are replaced with music beats. Doors open at 6:30 PM $30 per person Includes: 1 JINGO packet, crayons or markers on the table,dessert, coffee/tea, cash bar, and door prize. For tickets or more information call 631-943-3622.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

8:30PM

DRIVE-IN MOVIE

A charity drive-in movie, screening Back To The Future, at Costello's Ace Hardware in Copiague. Attend for a donation of any amount. Proceeds benefit Kids Need More, helping families coping with life-threatening illnesses. Just show up or reserve your parking spot on their website at kidsneedmore.org/movie.

9:00AM

GARAGE SALE

The Seaford Historical Society Garage Sale will be held at the Seaford Historical Society Museum in Seaford, rain date is Sunday April 28. From furniture, frames to tolls, toys and toasters-everything is priced to sell. Don't miss these steals and deals. Something for everyone. For more information email mapfannon@verizon.net.

10:00AM-2:00PM

ANNUAL SPRING YARD SALE

For the past ten years, the members of the Islip United Methodist Church have held a huge, church-wide garage sale to raise money for their various mission projects. This year,

the event will be held at the Islip United Methodist Church, in Islip. There will be lots of items available. For more information, please call 631-581-7663.

10:00AM-2:00PM

SPRING BOOK SALE

Sponsored by the Friends of the Lindenhurst Library, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the Sale. The address is One Lee Avenue, Lindenhurst NY 11757. For more information visit their website, lindenhurstlibrary.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

3:00PM

SWINGING WITH THE RAT PACK

Swing with the Rat Pack and experience a musical extravaganza that brings to life the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy the captivating performance at the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Book your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or please call 631-581-2700.

MONDAY, APRIL 29

1:00PM-4:00PM

EARTH DAY CLEANUP

The Levittown Community Council is hosting an earth day cleanup at Veterans Memorial Park in Levittownn. This is a free event. Levittown families, organizations and business groups are welcome to participate as they clean up various locations throughout Levittown. Adult supervision is required for all groups. For more information email levittowncouncil@yahoo.com.

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poder manegar los camiones necesita una licencia limpia. No

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West Islip Public Library Budget And Trustee Results

West Islip residents approved the 2024-2025 Library Budget in a vote held at the Library on Tuesday, April 9. The $4,509,627 operating budget was approved by a vote of 236 yes to 32 no. Angela LaGiglia was elected to a fiveyear term as Library Trustee with 163 votes and Idamarie Tully was elected Trustee for the two years remaining of the term left vacant by the tragic passing

of Trustee Margaret Bell with 83 votes.

“Everyone at the West Islip Public Library wishes to express their appreciation to all who participated in the budget vote process this year” said Director Andrew Hamm. “The Board of Trustees and the library staff look forward to working together with the community to expand on our role as a center of civic life in the West Islip community.”

Passover Is A Celebration Of Freedom

Passover is a Jewish celebration that begins at sundown on Monday, April 22nd and ends the evening of Tuesday, April 30th.

According to the religious resource My Jewish Learning, Passover is a festival of freedom that marks the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their freedom from slavery. The term “passover,” which is also known as “pesach,” coordinates to a key moment in religious history.

According to texts, the Egyptian Pharaoh refused to liberate the children of Israel, despite requests from Moses and his brother, Aaron. The pharaoh was warned that his people and he would be punished if the pharaoh did not comply. Persistent and obstinate in his refusal, Pharaoh was subjected to 10 plagues, each of which was more devastating than the previous one.

These plagues included blood, frogs, bugs, flies, pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the demise of all firstborn males. To be spared the penultimate devastation, Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb for a meal and to mark their doors with its blood. The Lord would see the blood and pass over that household, sparing the occupants’ sons.

Because Passover is so symbolic, Passover seders, which take place either on the first Friday or both the first and second Friday of Passover, feature many traditions. It is customary to read the Haggadah at the seder table, but celebrants who cannot come together may share these important stories, blessings and songs via an online video chat.

In addition, if Passover celebrants cannot make it

to the store or find all of the ingredients for their seder plates, substitutions may need to be made. Traditionally, an egg, bitter herbs, a shank bone,

mixed nuts, fruits and cinnamon), and lettuce are included. Celebrants can even experiment with making unleavened bread

horseradish for a bitter herb is unavailable, any item that can cause tears, such as ginger or raw lemon, may be substituted.

Passover is an important part of Jewish history and a holiday that is celebrated each year with vigor.

Bayview Elementary School

Kicks Off PARP With “Dr. Seuss”

Bayview Elementary School kicks off PARP with “Dr. Seuss.” PARP is a NYS PTA program and stands for Pick A Reading Partner. The PARP program is designed to promote the love of reading in children and encourages reading partners to read with their children for at least 15 minutes per day. Bayview’s PTA organized two weeks of PARP events for the students to enjoy. The students walked into “Bayviewville” as the school magically transformed into various Dr. Seuss books for PARP - Cat in The Hat, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, The Grinch, The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, ABC’s, One Fish Two Fish, Ten Apples Up on Top, Oh, The Places You’ll Go, Happy Birthday to You, Fox in Socks, and Green Eggs and Ham Students were invited back to school for a pajama night. They were treated to an assembly by Turtle Dance Music had book scavenger hunts and played themed activities. Every student received a PARP packet with a reading log, bookmark, eraser, and

activity sheets. The grade that logs the most reading wins a pizza party courtesy of the Bayview PTA.

Udall Celebrates Their Love Of Language

UDALL CELEBRATES THEIR LOVE OF LANGUAGE - In honor of World Language Month, Udall Road Middle School in the West Islip Union Free School District held its annual International Festival on March 22. The English as a New Language and World Language teachers provided students in all grades with the opportunity to visit booths with English Language Learner students and World Language students to learn about various cultures and languages. The students received a “passport,” which they filled with the information they received at each booth. Winners were awarded prizes for obtaining the most correct information. The event helps foster global citizenship while also developing the skills necessary for West Islip’s Profile of a Graduate. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

3rd Annual Easter Food Drive

3RD ANNUAL EASTER FOOD DRIVE - Boy Scout Troop 95 held its 3rd annual Easter Food Drive at The Church of Christ in West Islip. Twelve families in the community received a basket of various food items to enjoy for Easter dinner.

State Utilities is a major oil dealer on Long Island providing heating fuel to residents and businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County; we offer on-line fuel ordering, delivery, and full service heating oil contracts.

State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.

Celebrating 74 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their interior comfort. Thank you. 421920CN041724

Experience the epitome of luxury and comfort in this exceptional residence, nestled in the serene community of Hunter’s Run. Boasting an impressive 3,000 sqft of elegantly appointed living space, this home is a true gem! Greeted by a charming front porch, the entryway unfolds into a spacious foyer, A mudroom with abundant storage connects the garage to the living space. The heart of the home is the expansive family room, adorned with a cozy wood / bio-fuel fireplace and French doors opening to a screened area and grilling deck. The kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring a large center island, a full dining area, and three skylights that bathe the space in natural light. The fridge, built-in microwave, and dishwasher are all under 2 years old, alongside a double door oven with a sizeable cooktop. Upstairs, find four generously sized bedrooms, including a palatial master suite with a walkin closet and a grand en-suite bathroom featuring a separate shower, jacuzzi tub, and dual sinks. Step outside to discover the heated saltwater pool, surrounded by 3 distinct decks, including a screened area. The outdoor shower, enclosed backyard with multiple fence lines, & undeveloped area with lush greenery offer a private, idyllic escape. The property includes a large driveway, a 2-car garage with a rear entrance. Seize the Chance to Call This Manorville Marvel Yours. With its blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality, this Hunter’s Run residence awaits to welcome you.