April 24, 2024 West Islip

BEACH STREET ENGINEER RACE IN REGATTA CHALLENGE

Students in Ms. Pope’s technology class at Beach Street Middle School in the West Islip Union Free School District put their engineering and boat-making skills to the test during the annual Paddleboat Regatta Racing Challenge in April. Students were challenged with designing their own paddleboats made of wood during the last few weeks. After carefully crafting their boats, students created paddles using Tinker Cad and the three-dimensional printer. Once assembled, they added rubber bands and wound their paddles tight as they raced head-to-head in the water against classmates. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

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.

Northwell.edu /BEFAST

BALANCE off?

EYESIGHT changes?

FACE drooping?

ARM weakness?

SPEECH difficulty?

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

Fourth Grader Takes First In Poster Contest

FOURTH GRADER TAKES FIRST IN POSTER CONTEST - Congratulations to fourth grader Cody Donadio from Oquenock Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District who was recently named the winner in the Bicycle Safety Poster Contest sponsored by Suffolk County. He won the contest for District 11 and was recently presented with a certificate by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron. He is pictured with, from left, Oquenock Elementary School Principal Amanda Harvey, his father, Legislator Flotteron and his teacher Ms. Faraci. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Long Island Take Steps

presented by

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Belmont Lake State Park TAKE

11:00am Event Start

12:15pm Dedication Ribbon Ceremony

Join us as we bring to life the IBD Journey for patients, caregivers, and supporters. Take Steps with us to fundraise and make a difference in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s path to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

We are excited to announce floor-to-ceiling room renovations to our Mt. Laurel Suites, as well as our Springbrook rooms!

First renovations completed as early as this spring!

Ziti

Calabrese

Marsala

Cacciatore

Francese

Marsala

• Chicken Piccata

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• Eggplant Rollatini

• Farfalle Primavera

• Gnocchi Bolognese

• Grilled Pork Tenderloin

• Manicotti

• Meatballs in Sauce

• Mussels Marinara

• Mussels Garlic & Oil

• Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe

• Penne alla Vodka

• Pork Filet Salpino

• Rigatoni Bolognese

• Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

• Sausage & Peppers

• Sausage & Potatoes

• Stuffed Chicken

• Stuffed Rigatoni

• Stuffed Shells

• Tortellini Alfredo

Antipasto (Choose One)

• Antipasto Platter

• Mozzarella Caprese Platter

• Cheese Platter

• Grilled Vegetable Platter

Salad (Choose One)

• Garden Salad

• Caesar Salad

• Giardinastro

• Spinach & Goat Cheese

• Arugula Salad

Main Course (Choose one per ten people. Must choose one pasta dish.)

Pasta (must choose one)

• Cavatelli Calabrese

• Farfalle Primavera

• Gemelli alla Gabriella

• Linguine w/ Clam Sauce

• Linguine ai Frutti di Mare

• Orzo Mediterranean

• Penne alla Vodka

• Penne Fantasia

• Shrimp Mia

Poultry

• Chicken Adriana

• Chicken w/ Sauteed Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes

• Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Francese

• Chicken Grigio

• Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Chicken Sorrentino

• Grilled Turkey London Broil

• Roasted Turkey Breast

• Stuffed Chicken

• Brussels Sprouts

• Butternut Squash

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• Eggplant Rollatine

• Grilled Asparagus

• Grilled Potatoes

• Rice Primavera

• Roasted Potatoes

• Spaghetti Squash

From the Land

• Boneless Spare Ribs

• Grilled Pork Tenderloin

• Meatballs

• Pork Chop Caprese

• Pork Filet Salpino

• Sausage & Peppers

• Veal Marsala

Starch & Vegetables

• Veal Parmigiana

• Veal Scallopine

From the Sea

• Grilled Salmon

• Maryland Crab Cakes

• Mussels Margherita

• Mussels w/ Garlic & Oil

• Shrimp Oregenata

• Shrimp Parmigiana

• Stuffed Flounder Filet

• Stuffed Shrimp

• Shrimp Scampi

• Grilled USDA Prime Flat Iron Steak

Jeff Lambert

ASSISTANT TO THE

Patty Franks

PRODUCTION

MANAGER

Joe Lambert

Edward Rodriguez

ADMINISTRATION

Teri Tinkler

Diana Lambert

Dorrine Lambert

Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Felicia Edwards

MARKETING MANAGER

ADMIN & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Natalie Raccuglia

Victoria Kokolakis

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

Noelle Lambert CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

Carol Link

Bob Liquorie

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

Kathy Trotta SCAN

Kerry Mastrobuoni ACCOUNT

BELLA

8 year old Schnauzer mix. Outspoken, decisive, making every outing an adventure.

FEATHER Friendly and adorable female kitten who loves attention.

RAVEN

1.5 year old female. Sweet girl who is full of love and loyalty.

NALA

2 year old Bulldog mix. Infectious and adventurous spirit, always cheerful.

JOCELYN Adult female who is friendly and looking for her forever home.

JACK SPARROW

3-4 year old male with excitement and charm. Loves to play with his toys.

COCO

15 year old Chi/Min Pin mix. Reserved at first then will share his treats.

LES Handsome young male, who is a little shy and looking for his BFF.

ATHENA

10 year old female. Her gentle demeanor would make a great companion.

GYPSY

2 year old Pug mix, a puppy at heart. She’s full of spunk and charm.

SUSHI Young female tortie willing to share her toys with the right person.

BRANDO

5-6 year old male. Outgoing and social, makes him a delight to be around.

The Museum Of American Armor Awards Hofstra University Student

Following a regional wide challenge for college and high school students to submit an essay regarding the lasting legacy of D-Day some 80 years after the historic World War II invasion by Allied forces, Dominick Pursino, a 22 year old Hofstra University student from Hempstead, has been selected as the winner of an all-expense paid trip to the invasion beach this June. His visit will be coordinated by the internationally respected Beaches of Normandy Tours.

The founder and president of the Museum of American Armor, Lawrence Kadish, was the underwriter of the challenge in the belief that many of today’s generation are not aware of the legacy of D-Day that continues to touch their lives.

Mr. Kadish noted, “A survey by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) found that a quarter of Americans didn’t know that D-Day occurred during World War II and less

An All-Expense Paid Trip To Normandy

than half knew that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president during that time. With such basic historic facts unknown to many college students, there is little surprise that few appreciate how our geo-political world is defined by the courage, valor, and sacrifice of Americans who answered the call of freedom over seventy-five years ago.”

In considering the undisguised joy of those under Nazi rule being liberated by the Allies following D-Day, Pursino wrote, “When I was a boy, my grandmother would tell me hundreds of stories about her childhood, living in the small Italian seaside town of Giovinazzo. Out of all the stories she would tell, the one that stuck out to me the most was the story about the Nazi occupation in her hometown. The loud, menacing and synchronous marching of German troops in formation were heard from miles

away instilling fear into my grandmother’s daily life and the rest of the people in the town. There was a constant state of terror in whatever street, alleyway or town the Nazi’s stepped foot in. In these occupied nations like my grandmother’s town the people suffered. Genocide, persecution, forced labor, and severe punishments were given out to the people who spoke out against their occupation.

“I will always remember when an American D-day veteran hosted an assembly when I was in middle school. He referred to the Omaha Beach where he landed as a vast killing field with death flying down like raindrops during a thunderstorm. I could never fathom the murderous atmosphere that these soldiers endured when storming the beaches, hopping off the boats to their likely death,” Pursino reflected in his essay.

Armor Museum

Senior Trustee Michael D. Sapraicone, stated, “Dominic’s essay reflected his unique understanding of the valor and courage of those who engaged in history’s largest amphibious assault and how their sacrifice liberated an enslaved continent. We continue to be in the debt of those who came ashore and those who dropped behind enemy lines in what history has called “The longest day.”

The Hofstra student is a senior intent on pursuing a Masters Degree with hopes of becoming a history teacher with a discipline in special education.

The Armor Museum will provide the Dominic with air and ground transportation and appropriate accommodations on the Cotentin Peninsula, France, that is near the historic Normandy beaches. His visit will be coordinated by Beaches of Normandy Tours.

D-DAY ESSAY WINNER - D-Day essay winner

Dominick Pursino of Commack, a Hofstra University senior, is congratulated by Armor Museum senior trustee Michael Sapraicone for being selected the winning essayist whose writing reviewed the legacy of D-Day on the 80th anniversary of the historic World War II invasion. The essay sponsor, The Museum of American Armor, is providing Dominick with all expense paid trip to the Normandy beaches in cooperation with Beaches of Normandy Tours. Photo courtesy of The Museum of American Armor

Relay For Life Cancer Walk/Events Scheduled For Spring/Summer 2024

More than just a fundraising walk, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life global movement brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Join a Relay community to connect with survivors, caregivers, and others impacted by cancer in your local community.

Several Relay For Life events are scheduled for this spring and summer in Hempstead, Smithtown, Plainview-Old Bethpage, and Northport. While each Relay event embraces the uniqueness of its specific community,

all events share the same four signature elements: a celebration of cancer survivors, a celebration of caregivers, a luminaria ceremony to honor and remember loved ones, and the opportunity to fight back against every cancer as we join together for every life.

“We share a passion

to save lives, celebrate lives, and work to end cancer as we know it – for everyone,” said Michelle Maugeri, associate director of development, American Cancer Society. “In 2024, more than 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States. Being there for anyone impacted by cancer

is year-round work, and we’re excited to kick-off the Relay season for 2024.”

Relay For Life is community-based and volunteer-driven. Communities use their creativity to raise cancerfighting dollars to support the American Cancer Society and honor survivors and caregivers as well as remember those we’ve lost to the disease.

Upcoming Relay For Life Events:

Relay For Life of Smithtown West High School– June 1, 2024; relayforlife.org/ SmithtownNY

Relay For Life of Plainview-Old Bethpage –June 1, 2024; relayforlife. org/pobnyobny

Relay For Life of Northport - June 8, 2024; relayforlife.org/ NorthportNY

For more information, contact Michelle Maugeri,

associate director of development, American Cancer Society at (631) 944-8086 or via email at michelle.maugeri@cancer. org.

About The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancerfighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-2272345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Spring Happenings

By Natalie Raccuglia

As the cold weather comes to an end and the sun slips through April’s showers, you might be wondering how you can fill your weekends with fun-filled activities. From family fun at the farm, to a commemorative celebration in honor of spring, rest assured– we got you covered!

Tulip Festival: Now-May 10th

Weekdays 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Weekends 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Waterdrinker Farm

663 Wading River Road, Manorville, NY 11949

www.water-drinker.com

Experience the beauty of spring with nearly 500,000 tulips and other blooming bulbs at Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden. Celebrate the tulip at the farm’s annual Tulip Festival, with photo-ops that pay homage to the flower’s Dutch roots, including oversized wooden shoes, a windmill, and more. The Manorville location also offers lawn games, an obstacle course, cornhole, and various farm animals. Leashed dogs are welcome. Purchase weekday tickets online, while weekend tickets are only available for purchase at the gate only. The Tulip Festival will also be held at their Waterdrinker North Fork location at 4560 Sound Ave., Riverhead.

Gardening Offers More Than A Day In The Sun

Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. In addition, authors of a 2022 study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirus-related stress through outdoor activity.

Arbor Day Family Festival: April 27th - April 28th

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Planting Fields Arboretum

1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

www.plantingfields.org

Visit the Planting Fields Arboretum for a day filled with family-friendly activities celebrating the significance of trees and fostering environmental conservation. Enjoy thrilling tree climbing adventures, engaging children’s activities, and live music, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Hosted by the Planting Fields Foundation and New York State Parks, this one-day celebration guarantees a fun-filled day for the whole family. Please be aware that tree climbing activities are subject to weather conditions. For more information, contact Lara Solomon, Programs and Events Coordinator, at lsolomon@plantingfields.org or 516-9228686.

Montauk Music Festival: May 16th - 19th

Montauk, NY 11954

www.montaukmusicfestival.com

Experience the Montauk Music Festival, a volunteer-run live music event that celebrates and supports the Montauk music scene. This is a four-day festival showcases talented up-and-coming independent artists and aims to stimulate artistic, commercial, and pedestrian activity in Montauk. The festival kicks off with the Opening Party on Thursday night at the Westlake Fish House, followed by three more days of performances at various venues around town. Stay updated with the full schedule and lineup, which will be available on their website.

Plants As Long-Term Investments?

Though plants might not seem like the first thing individuals think of when they ponder long-term investments, perennials can be just that. The home and garden experts at HGTV note that some perennials can live for a very long time. For example, according to HGTV, the colorful flowering plant peony, despite a blooming season that usually lasts just seven to 10 days, has been known to survive for 70 to 100 years. Hostas are another popular perennial because they require little maintenance, and that extra free time can add up over the course of the hosta's life, which can exceed 15 years. Long-living perennials are not necessarily unusual, but gardeners should know that many perennials, and påarticularly those characterized as "short-lived," tend to live around three years.

April Happenings

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,

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

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

10:30AM

HONEY BEE CLASS & HERBAL HEELING WALK

Held at Organics Today farm in East Islip. The Honey Bee class begins at 12pm. Visit OT Farm on Facebook or Text 631-480-6497 for class times and more information.

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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

1:30PM-3:00PM

ANCIENT WISDOM TUESDAY

Lelonni Campbell draws on ancient philosophies and interprets them for the modern world. Learn how you can use them to deepen insights into how universal principles can guide you in everyday life. No registration required. Please visit their website at www.connetquotlibrary.org or call 631-567-5079 for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD:

FRIDAY, MAY 3 6:30PM-9:30PM

OCEANS OF HOPE FUNDRAISER

Held at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. Individual tickets are $250. For a package (10 tickets) it's $2,250. Included in admission is food, drink, live music, silent auction and raffle. For tickets or more info call 631-369-9840 x104, email kvahlsing@nymarinerescue.org, or visit www.nymarinerescue.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

9:00AM-4:00PM

GUN SHOW

The biggest Gun Show on Long Island will take place on Saturday and Sunday May 5th from 9am to 3pm at the IBEW Local 1049, 100 Corp Drive, Holtsville. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian. For more information call 516-221-7380.

Conversions. 100% Financing Available thru 3rd party Free Estimates. All Work Guaranteed Call 631-464-4868 Ask for Jeff A+ Rated with BBB & Angie’s List! Renovate Right Inc. Lic/Ins 57225-H WWW.RENOVATERIGHTNY.COM

Being Up To Date On Vaccinations

(NAPSI)—Protect yourself and your loved ones by being up to date on your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations. You can conveniently schedule an appointment via digital scheduling at a CVS Pharmacy, through CVS. com or the CVS Pharmacy app. Visit www.cvs.com or www.minuteclinic.com for more information.

Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Support Group On Zoom

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program is forming a new online support group for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 18-months. The group, which is free, will provide the opportunity for people to meet with others, and receive support. Sessions will be

held on Thursdays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom for 6 weeks from May 2nd through June 6, 2024. For more information and to register, call Nina Foley, LMSW at (516) 877-4315.

The Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers emotional

support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800877-8077 or online at breast-cancer.adelphi.edu. You are not alone.

631-226-2636,

Deadline To Apply For Physical Disaster Loans Approaching

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters in New York affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred Jan. 9-10, to apply for physical damage disaster loans by May 10 deadline.

The declaration covers Suffolk County and the adjacent Nassau County in New York.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and

other business assets.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize future disaster damage. Approved loans may qualify for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified

by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.

The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for property damage is May 10, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Dec. 11, 2024.

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