September 28, 2022 West Islip

ASSEMBLYMAN DURSO HONORS THE WOMEN OF WEST

Assemblyman Durso with

New York State

Assembly District Women of

honoree

Women of West

Northwell Direct, NYPD Announce Finest Care: Free, Confidential Counseling For Police Officers

Northwell Direct and The New York Police Department recently announced a new collaboration that will connect the 36,000 uniformed Members of Service with free, confidential counseling and other mental health services. Finest Care enables officers to call a

confidential Northwell Health behavioral health access and navigation center to be assessed and linked to Northwell’s expansive network of psychologists and psychiatrists through the Northwell Direct provider network*. Northwell Direct is owned by Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer.

“Northwell Direct is honored to be able to provide New York’s Finest with the highestquality mental health services available,” said Nick Stefanizzi, CEO of Northwell Direct. “By providing a confidential and easy-to-use navigation service, we’re breaking down barriers and changing how behavioral health is accessed. With Finest Care, the dedicated public servants of the NYPD will be immediately connected to the help they need by making a simple phone call.”

The 24/7/365-day-aweek call center will be available for all uniformed Members of Service and all calls will be received and triaged by trained nurses and master-level therapists. If a Member of Service is experiencing an acute crisis, the nurse or therapist will be able to arrange for an appropriate

and immediate medical response, including the dispatch of an ambulance or access to emergency tele-psychiatry services.

“We are excited to be able to increase police officer access to Northwell’s stellar behavioral therapy teams, and wide choice of venues, helping us provide Finest Care, everywhere,” said Eli Kleinman, MD, MPH, NYPD chief surgeon.

“Finest Care through Northwell Direct is an excellent resource for NYPD, said Lokesh Reddy, MD, NYPD deputy chief surgeon. “Our police officers will have more access to exceptional mental health services.”

“To best serve our women and men police officers, the NYPD is dedicated to ensuring the continuity of all aspects of our proactive and comprehensive wellness program,” said Dr. Adria Adams, the director of the NYPD’s Health and Wellness Section. “And our collaboration with Northwell Direct is integral to that important work. It ensures there is no interruption in accessing immediate mental health care, outside of the department, on an ongoing basis, in a comprehensive manner, and with a health partner that offers a large footprint of service facilities throughout our region. We know

this continuation of the Finest Care program will meet our officers’ needs with the thoughtfulness and confidentiality they require.”

Appointments with a psychologist or psychiatrist for comprehensive evaluation and counseling will be available within 48 hours of the call for urgent issues. In-person or virtual visits will be offered to accommodate personal preference and schedule.

“Mental health disorders are among the most common illnesses in our communities, and they can have a severe impact on functioning and quality of life,” said Manish Sapra, MD, executive director of the behavioral health service line at Northwell Health. “Police officers face unique stressors not seen in the general public. We are confident this program will help reduce stigma associated with seeking and accepting help.”

Members of Service can be seen at Northwell Health facilities located in: Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Manhasset, Bay Shore, Port Jefferson, Glen Oaks, and Ossining.

*Northwell Direct’s provider network is provided through Northwell Direct Administrative Services Organization, Inc.

Vendors Wanted Christmas Fair/Craft Fair

Trinity Lutheran Church will be hosing a Christmas Fair/Craft Fair and they are looking for Vendors.

The event will take place

on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 9 am to 3 pm.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 111 Nassau

Avenue in Islip. For more information, please call (631) 666-5884 or (631) 277-1555.

2022 Pitch & Putt Tournament At Robert Moses State Park

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the Pitch & Putt Tournament at Robert Moses State Park. This outing is open to the first 72 registrants who will tee off at 9:00AM on Monday, October 3, 2022. For an application you can call (631) 321-3510 or visit parks.ny.gov.

Prizes and awards given for team low gross, men’s and women’s individual low score and closet to the pin. The entry fee is $40.00 per person or $160.00 per foursome. This fee entitles the participant to a continental breakfast, lunch, awards & a giveaway. Application deadline is September 28, 2022.

If there are any questions, please call (631) 321-3510, weekdays from 9:00AM5:00PM, or (631) 669-0449, daily.

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 on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Options For Community Living Receives Support From Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Nonprofit organizations are an integral force on Long Island, improving the quality of life for adults and children in our communities. Partnerships take this impact one step further.

Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options), a Long Island based notfor-profit human services organization, and Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU), enjoy a partnership designed to strengthen the Long Island community through volunteerism, in-kind donations, board support, and grant funding.

Partnership projects are designed to bridge the missions of both organizations.

As a major supporter of Long Island-based community programs for children, Bethpage Federal Credit Union donated 65 backpacks to families in Options programs. Each backpack was filled with supplies for students in

kindergarten through 12th grade.

“Every child deserves to start the school year with confidence”, said Robert Suarez, AVP of Community Development. “Starting the school year off with the appropriate supplies sets students up for success, empowers them, and fuels a love of learning.”

Additional support in the form of grant funding was awarded to Options through the Bethpage Cares Charitable Giving Program.

A $15,000 grant award provides vital financial support for Options housing program for formerly homeless Long Islanders with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Last year, this program provided safe, stable, supportive housing for 200 adults and children.

“Our partnership with Bethpage Federal Credit Union is invaluable,” said Yolanda Robano-Gross, CEO, Options for Community

Living, Inc. “Their commitment to enriching the lives of Long Islanders is evident in everything they do. We could not be more grateful for their ongoing support.”

About Options for Community Living, Inc.

Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc. operates residential programs for adults recovering from mental illness, care coordination services for adults and children with chronic health conditions, and housing and services for homeless people with disabilities and/or HIV/AIDS.

Options’ mission to assist people to live independently and with dignity in the community has grown through the years to serve more than 2,200 adults and children annually. For more information about Options for Community Living, Inc., please visit their website at http://optionscl.org or call

631.361.9020.

About Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Bethpage Federal Credit Union has been

serving its members and their communities for 80 years. Its mission is to continuously meet the needs of its members, employees,

and the communities it serves by being a trusted financial partner committed to excellence.

OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING RECEIVES SUPPORT - As a major supporter of Long Island-based community programs for children, Bethpage Federal Credit Union donated 65 backpacks to families in Options programs. Pictured: Employees from Options for Community Living, Inc. and Bethpage Federal Credit Union hold donated children’s backpacks.

Home & Garden Issue

Designing Your Garden For Better Mental Health

(StatePoint) Gardening is not only a means for beautifying outdoor spaces and growing delicious foods. According to those who spend significant time in the yard, getting outside can also support your wellbeing.

“Gardening is good for the mind, it’s good for the soul and it’s good for the body,” said legendary football coach, Vince Dooley. “I enjoy coming out to garden, and when I finish, I feel like I’ve done something, and I feel good.”

Landscape architect Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground recently visited Dooley in Athens, Ga. to discuss gardening and mental health. Here are some of the insights they shared:

Health Benefits

• Active benefits: Gardening exercises the body and clears the mind.

Studies show that increased outdoor exposure leads to fewer long-term health problems, helping improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, strength, and dexterity—all leading to better mental health. Simply planting, growing, harvesting and maintaining plants gives you a direct emotional boost. Why? Gardening helps foster nurturing instincts and restores a sense of hope and purpose, ultimately improving self-esteem.

• Passive benefits: Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry. Scientific evidence proves that just being in nature has positive impacts on stress levels and brain chemistry. It can also lower blood pressure, increase concentration and improve mood. What’s more, being outdoors offers a deeper sense of belonging and a

new sense of purpose outside the daily grind.

Designing Your Garden

Scott advises designing your garden to reflect how you want to live outside. He typically builds “rooms” connected by meandering paths for resting, unwinding, and feeling restored. However, your outdoor spaces don’t always need to be quiet. They can encourage activity as well. If you enjoy company, create gathering spaces. Or, if you have hobbies that can be done

outdoors like exercising, painting or writing, you can set aside areas for them.

Finally, Scott recommends designing your garden to awaken your five senses. Here’s how:

1. Sight: Choose calming colors, or those that bring you joy. The simple sight of a breathtaking array of plants or an arrangement of favorite flowers is bound to give your mental health a boost.

2. Taste: Growing your own food will provide you with an incredibly rewarding harvest. Not only will you be able to enhance meals with the fruits of your labor, you’ll get the personal satisfaction of a job well done.

3. Hearing: Among the plants and flowers, add fixtures, such as wind chimes and water features, that’ll produce soothing sounds. And with the new habitat you’ve created, you’ll enjoy bird song, too!

4. Touch: From the light, feathery textures of petals to the rough surfaces of bark or bush stems, touch offers a deeper sense of connection to nature.

5. Smell: You may already use aromatherapy indoors. Take this concept outside by growing fragrant flowers and herbs, so you can literally

“stop to smell the roses.”

Scott and Dooley offer more insights in “Garden Therapy,” a recent episode of “Done-In-A-Weekend Projects,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of outdoor spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.

By gardening, your mental health will be better off for it. Just be sure to start small, simple and stress-free.

PHOTO

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for September is Harmony Cafe

Harmony Cafe is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to empower people by providing wellness, education and access to affordable nutritious foods, in a socially engaging environment that creates healthy lives.

Rosemarie Mccarthy, the Founder of Harmony Cafe, grew up in a working-class family, where money was tight and food insecurity was sometimes a cause of stress. When she happened upon a mention of the One World Everyone Eats café model in a magazine, she went looking for a cafe to volunteer. This model goes off of the idea of a donation-based cafe that services a diverse socioeconomic range and providing nutritious and delicious meals. It sounded like something to which she wanted to donate her time and energy, but to her surprise, there was nowhere to volunteer in the Long Island region. With grit and determination, she decided to start Harmony Cafe right here on Long Island.

Right now they do not have their own physical cafe, however they have hosted meal events, primarily at the VFW hall on Edwards Street in Patchogue, NY. Their meal events use a Pay-What-You-Can pricing donation model, where anyone can come get a healthy fresh meal and pay only what they can.

When the global pandemic started affecting the Long Island community, the nonprofit organization redirected their mission to assist those in need. This included hosting food drives, grab-ngo sites and free food delivery services. Rosemarie’s vision for this organization is to have a storefront cafe.

Ideally, the cafe would be in or around Patchogue, NY and would

service anyone who walks through their doors. Harmony Cafe is actively looking for the right opportunity to make this happen. Whether you are a chef or someone that is looking for restaurant/cafe space and would like to partner with Harmony Cafe to share the space, or you are someone who knows of a storefront spot that would possibly work as a home for this cafe, please call 631.730.8775 or email info@harmonycafeli.org.

Additionally, volunteers are needed to help their organization continue to grow! You can join their Volunteer Team and help in the following areas:

• Coordinate Fundraisers

• Wellness Chefs

• Wellness Assistant / Instructor (Training Is Provided)

• Fresh Food Donations (Or Supermarket Gift Cards)

• Serve On Their Board Of Directors (Actively looking for a treasurer that has a background in finance or accounting. Retirees are encouraged to apply!)

• Community Outreach

Lastly, Harmony Cafe holds a Free Thanksgiving Dinner each year at Toast Coffeehouse in Patchogue. This year, it will be held on November 22 and there will be live music there as well! The organization is seeking sponsors to help support this great event. Last year the organization proudly served over 300 traditional Thanksgiving restaurant dinners to those in need.

For more information, please visit www.harmonycafeli.org.

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

Join Our Team!

Levittown

Open Positions

Bus Drivers Mechanics

Bus Attendants

Public Schools is looking for qualified individuals to join its Transportation Department.

NOTICE TO

Mindfulness & Spirituality Workshop Through Art For Breast Cancer Survivors Register By October 14

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program is offering a free four-session creative arts workshop empowering breast cancer survivors to express themselves using art. This therapeutic program offers a safe place to communicate thoughts, feelings, concerns, problems, hopes and dreams. The professional staff guides participants through different exercises and discussions helping to find ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.

This Mindfulness & Spirituality Workshop helps participants stay focused and aware of the present moment while exploring the relationship between spirituality, healing and art.

This workshop will be facilitated by Angela

Auto Insurance Tips And Information

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

Landlord Policy

Home improvement projects run the gamut from minor repairs to complete overhauls. Replacing exterior siding is one of the most significant home improvement projects homeowners can undertake. Such a project can give homes a completely new look, which is why the choice of siding is important.

Homeowners have many siding options, and the following guide can help them make the best choice for their homes.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is easily maintained and among the more budget-friendly siding options. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, vinyl siding is made from PVC plastic that does not rot or flake. Siding professionals

M. Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director for the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program, along with Kimberly Newman, BFA, Communications and Marketing Coordinator for the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program.

The workshop will take place on four consecutive Thursdays—October 27, November 3, November 10 and November 17—from 10 am to 11:30 am.

All four sessions will start with a relaxation/ breathing exercise. Then participants will complete several creative projects focusing on mindfulness & spirituality. These projects will help reduce negativity and will be selfsoothing resulting in stress reduction.

This workshop is free but registration is required and members must commit to attending the entire fourweek-session. Registration ends on October 14.

The support group is sponsored due to generous funding from the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation and New York State.

For information, questions and to register, call Angela M. Papalia, LMSW at (516) 877-4329 or email apapalia@adelphi. edu

Participants will need computer access with a camera, microphone, and internet. Each attendee will receive a package in the mail containing: a printed packet outlining each session; printed sheets needed for activities; the zoom link for the workshop; and art supplies. Some additional everyday items will be needed. The packet will list everything needed for each session.

You’ve taken advice from Uncle Vincent and purchased a rental unit. No longer will your retirement income be dependent upon Social Security and the returns of the stock market.

But, now that you are a landlord, what type of insurance do you want? Can you insure the income? What if

KEN MARCUS

there is no income after a fire? Must you carry Liability Insurance? Can you demand your tenant purchase insurance coverage that benefits you?

Speak with your professionals. Attorneys, Insurance Agents, CPAs… all of these professionals have insights that will help you do things right from the get-go.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Home & Garden Issue

Options Abound When Shopping For Home Siding

note that the technology used to create vinyl siding has changed considerably in recent years, making this option more diverse than traditional vinyl siding. So homeowners turned off by the potentially plastic look of vinyl siding might be surprised at how different modern vinyl siding looks compared to the vinyl siding of yesteryear.

Fiber-Cement Siding

The home improvement television network HGTV notes that fibercement siding has grown in popularity among homeowners in recent years. This material does not require much maintenance and it’s nonflammable and resistant to termites. HomeAdvisor notes that fiber-cement siding can create the look of wood, stucco, or masonry,

making it a versatile option capable of creating various looks. In addition, fibercement siding is known for its durability, with some products coming with warranties lasting as long as 50 years.

Wood Siding

Homeowners have many choices if they prefer wood siding in their homes. Cedar, cypress, fir, pine, and spruce are just a handful of the many wood siding options homeowners can

choose from. HomeAdvisor notes that cedar shingle siding offers a natural look that blends well in wooded and waterfront landscapes. Wood clapboard siding is another popular option, though it tends to require more maintenance than cedar shingle siding. Homeowners who want wood siding should discuss their options with an experienced siding professional, as many factors, including the choice of wood, must be considered before making a final decision.

Stone And Stone-Veneer Siding

Many homeowners fall in love with the natural appeal of stone, but the price tag, which tends to be costly, may not be as awe-inspiring. HGTV notes that stone can be difficult

to add to an existing home, and doing so may drive the price up even further. Stone siding is durable, and there are many options, including solid stone and natural stone cladding, making this an option capable of providing an array of looks. Stone-veneer siding is less expensive than natural stone and also comes in an array of styles. As is the case with wood, stone siding options are so extensive that homeowners are urged to discuss each one with a siding professional before making their decisions.

These are just a handful of the many siding options homeowners can choose from. Siding can give homes a completely new look, making the choice of siding a significant decision worthy of careful consideration.

Melville

custom fabricator of exhibits and commercial interiors. We are looking for a Painter/ Wood Finisher.

in sanding cabinetry in preparation to receive the nal nish, patching cracks and surface blemishes. Sanding, patching, priming, and preparation of high-quality Millwork nishes, e.g. hardwood, veneer, MDF, metal, plastics, etc. Spraying experience is highly desirable.

• Prior experience with the following tools: orbital and pneumatic sanders, polishing wheels, downdraft tables, and various other prepping/ nishing tools.

• Willingness to work extended hours when necessary

meet

631-577-1119

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CALL NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS to place your classified ad. 631 226-2636, press “2”

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BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

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BIG BUDGET?

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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

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

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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

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Used Car Buying Online

(NAPSI)—A recent study by Interactive Advertising Bureau shows that 96 percent of consumers begin their car search online. In fact, millennials spend as much as 12 to 13 hours researching cars online before making the decision to buy.

time.

Buying a used car requires even more research and there are lots of places online to do so. Here are four points to help you avoid wasting

1. Know what you want. Have a budget and clear idea of the type of car that’s right for you first. Use online reviews, too. Getting pulled off track will overcomplicate

things.

2. Where you shop can be just as important as what you buy. Choose reputable websites and dealerships where vehicle history information is readily available.

3. Get a good handle on what the car you’re looking at is worth. That way, you’ll know when a bargain looks too good to be true.

4. Find the cars you want

and avoid the ones you don’t by starting your search using vehicle history at Carfax. com. Choose 1-Owner, no reported accidents and more, plus every car there comes with a free Carfax Report.