December 21, 2022 West Islip

The West

McDonald's located at 131 Sunrise

Highway recently kicked off its Grand Reopening celebration with a special Fire Safety appearance by the West Islip Fire Department, a "Cookie with a Cop" event with SCPD, Third Precinct, and Facepainting. Pictured: West Islip McDonald's Management and crew with the West Islip Fire Department.

Local Artist Finds New Success

Kristen Hadjoglou, a local artist from Eastport, New York, truly offers something different to the marketplace. Her signature personalized hand-made coloring books are what really launched her career as an artist, but she has expanded to offer various other products as well.

“I was born an artist,” said Kristen. “I always knew that growing up. I attended Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting. From there, I worked in multiple industries where I was able to express myself creatively. Life surprisingly led me into obtaining a career as a Financial Advisor, which has been very fulfilling since helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.” However, Hadjoglou never lost her passion for the arts.

As a long-time Eastport resident, she grew attached to many of the local businesses and what made the town so unique. “One day I drew a few pictures on a couple of pages as a gift for our local general store, and it quickly turned into an entire hand-drawn coloring book, which spotlighted the main destinations in the town. What started as a fun project

I worked on in my downtime turned into something that ended up being sold in local businesses and even on Amazon. People love to open up a physical book and see visuals that bring back special memories, and I love being a part of that.”

Since then, Kristen started her own company, Underdog Nation, where she sells her coloring books, stickers, clothing items, journals, puzzles and other fun gifts (such as crayons in the shape of people and stars)! With recent success, she is starting to focus more and more on her career as an artist. The best part is that Kristen can make something for any age group to enjoy.

“I recently finished a project with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, which was a custom coloring book that’s filled with drawings of local businesses. It brought the Chamber Members together in a special way and is being sold around

Patchogue.” Another special project Kristen recently produced is a personalized coloring book that was used by a local fireman’s foundation for fundraising efforts.

“If you dream it, I can probably find a way to make something fun with it,” said Kristen.

“Whether it’s a single page or a full book, everything I draw is by hand in my personal style and reflects how much I care about the project. I’ve been inspired by all things local and historic, and it’s been fun to find a new way to teach kids in our community about local history. Some other projects I’ve worked on came from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I absolutely love what I do, and that means I usually get things done pretty fast! I’m living that dream phrase, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Looks like I’m almost there.”

If you, your business, Chamber of Commerce, town or the like are interested in more information, please contact Kristen today at 631.245.8090 or kkhudn@ gmail.com.

You can also visit her website at www. underdognation.io.

West Islip Junior Honored For Her Musical Work

West Islip High School junior Sophia Stehlik, an accomplished percussionist and composer, was recently selected as an alternate for the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honors Jazz Ensemble. This prestigious event includes the finest musicians from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In addition, Stehlik’s compositions were recently featured at the New York State School Music Association annual conference, where she attended as an All-State timpanist. Her composition “Little Bells” was performed at the Electronic Music Composition Showcase, and her composition "Rondo” was performed at the Young Composers Honors Concert live by the SUNY Fredonia woodwind quintet.

WEST ISLIP JUNIOR HONORED - West Islip High School junior Sophia Stehlik, an accomplished percussionist and composer, was recently selected as an alternate for the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honors  Jazz Ensemble. She is pictured with West Islip High School IB music teacher William Willis. Photo courtesy of West Islip School District

Accessing Schooling Options

(NAPSI)—Parents are more optimistic about their children’s academic, emotional, and social development and they increasingly support school choice according to EdChoice, which wants all K–12 students to access the schooling options— public, private, charter, homeschooling or other— best for them. Learn more at www.edchoice.org.

Airbag Recall

(NAPSI)—For more peace of mind on your next trip, check whether your vehicle’s airbags have been recalled. Millions of unrepaired recalls are on U.S. roads today. You can find out if your vehicle has an open recall by visiting CheckToProtect.org.

Grand Reopening Celebration

The West Islip McDonald's located at 131 Sunrise Highway recently kicked off its Grand Reopening celebration with a special Fire Safety appearance by the West Islip Fire Department, a "Cookie with a Cop" event with SCPD, Third Precinct, and Facepainting.

MANAGEMENT AND CREW - Pictured: West Islip McDonald's Management and crew with the West Islip Fire Department.

Glowing With Gratitude At

Paul J. Bellew

County families, Headstarts Pronto, Suburban Children, Youth Enrichment, the Family Service League, The Consolation Home, local churches, and more. Follow their Facebook page for upcoming events https://www.facebook.com/HelpingHandsInWestIsli. They are all volunteers. Donations are accepted anytime towards their programs. https://www.paypal. com/donate?hosted_button_id=Q84FKWW5F42DW

- Students at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School in the West Islip School District showed their gratitude and thanked those who have impacted their life during a special assembly on Nov. 23. Students prepared essays about why they are thankful for those who have a special place in their hearts, and they showed their gratitude by reading their essays on stage for the audience and classmates. Invited guests were on hand to hear why they made a significant impact on the students’ lives and included parents, siblings, teachers, bus drivers, security guards and more. Guests came to the stage to receive a special flower from the students. At the conclusion of the assembly, the students created a gratitude chain with links from every student at Paul J. Bellew. Photo courtesy of West Islip School District

GLOWING WITH GRATITUDE

PASTA

Baked Ziti with Ricotta $40.00 $75.00

Penne Alla Vodka $55.00 $105.00

Lasagna - OR -

Vegetable Lasagna $50.00 $95.00

Linguine With Clam Sauce $50.00 $95.00 (Red Or White)

PORK & BEEF

Sausage

1/2

Pepper Steak $65.00 $120.00

VEAL

Veal Parmigiana $80.00 $150.00

Veal & Peppers - OR -

Veal & Mushrooms $65.00 $120.00

Stew Sautéed With Onions, Garlic & Peppers Or Mushrooms In A Red Sauce

Veal Marsala $80.00 $150.00

Sautéed With Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic, Marsala Wine

SEAFOOD

Shrimp Marinara - OR -

Fra Diavolo ................................. $80.00 .... $150.00

Sweet Or Spicy Marinara Sauce

Shrimp Parmigiana $80.00 $150.00

CHICKEN

1/2

Chicken Parmigiana $60.00 $110.00

Chicken Francese $65.00 $120.00

Lightly

Hawaiian Chicken

Sweet

Chicken Fingers $50.00 $90.00

Chicken Florentine $70.00 $130.00

Sautéed

Shrimp Scampi $80.00 $150.00

Butter, Garlic & White Wine Sauce

Shrimp Francese $85.00 $160.00

Lightly Fried, Sautéed In Lemon, Butter, Garlic & White Wine Sauce

Seafood Combo (Choose 3) $90.00 $170.00

Sweet Marinara OR Fra Diavolo Sauce: Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Calamari, Scallops

Baked Salmon ............................ $90.00 .... $170.00

Over Sautéed Spinach

APPETIZERS

ENTREES

Pollo

Ricky’s Chicken

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail $70 $105

Mozzarella Sticks $55 $80

Fried Ravioli $50 $75

PASTAS

Chicken Marsala

1/2

Nonna’s Pasta $65 $100

Baked Lasagna $60 $90

Baked Ziti $55 $85

Baked Stuffed Shells $60 $90

Baked Ravioli $60 $90

Penne Alla Vodka $55 $85

Fettucine Alfredo $55 $85

Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce $50 $80

Pasta

Penne

Penne

Penne

Pasta

Baked

Rigatoni

Pasta

Rigatoni

Linguini

Pasta

Pasta

SALADS

1/2

Seafood Salad $75 $150

Tossed

Caesar Salad $40 $60

Cold Antipasto Salad $50 $80

Mesclun Salad $45 $60

Nonna’s Salad $45 $60

Gorgonzola Salad $45 $60

Greek Salad $40 $60

Caprese Salad $50 $70

Vitello

Veal Parmigiana

Melanzana

Pesce

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Oreganata $105 $140

Nonna’s Shrimp $110 $160 Nonna’s Seafood Pescatore $120 $170

Favorites

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. They have five service areas:

It’s the holiday season; a time to be jolly. A time particularly for children to be happy. On Wednesday, December 14th, EAC Network stepped up to support children in need on Long Island who otherwise would not have the possibility to celebrate this Holiday season like every child deserves to by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at Walmart in Farmingdale.

More than a hundred children and young adults, from 4 to 19 years old, were able to get a $100 gift card to spend on gifts of their choice. The event was organized in collaboration with Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) who donated $10,000 and Summit Health-CityMD, who donated $5,000.

Malik and Adrian, both 14 years old, were so grateful to be part of the shopping spree. With sparkles in their eyes as they explored the isles at Walmart and admired the different items on the shelves, their first stop was at the electronic game area, where they eagerly looked at different options available. The feeling of gratitude for the possibility to acquire a game or two, along with other items, was palpable.

Volunteers from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Summit HealthCityMD spent the afternoon with each child to assist them as they purchased gifts.

After picking up a game, with excitement and humility Malik said, “I now have only one item in my cart, but I have what I was looking for and it feels good. It feels great.”

Sadly, the number of children in foster care is rising throughout the United States. These children are at a much higher risk of incarceration, teenage

pregnancy, substance abuse, lack of self-esteem and of ending up on public assistance. However, EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program works to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children and youth in foster care by providing positive outlooks and enrichment opportunities through oneon-one mentoring as well as life skills workshops and activities, with the goal of assisting, caring and empowering children to take control of their lives.

If you are in need and believe you can benefit from any of EAC Network’s offerings, please contact Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network at Robert.Stricoff@eacnetwork.org or 631.433.1662.

West Islip Applauds 23 AP Scholars

Twenty-three seniors from West Islip High School have been named AP Scholars by the College Board. This recognition is bestowed for excellence in college-level academic achievement on Advanced Placement courses and exams.

These West Islip seniors were recognized as AP Scholars for 2022, awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Congratulations to the following students: Bradyann Alessi, Sophia Bahm, Ruth Boucher, Emma Carangi, Jacob Cascio, Asfar Chaudhry, Brendan Conroy, Michael Crisci, Emma Fallon, Jack Greene, Vincent Grieco, Elizabeth Lam, Alexander Mantagas, Shane Marshall, Kelsey McCabe, Alexander Miranda, Christopher Palazzo, Alexander Prokopiou, Isabella Rega, Sebastian Roman, Abdul Basit Salim, Alexander Scourtos and Andriyana Vaskiv.

Military Caregiving

(NAPSI)—A new program offered by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation provides veteran caregivers with trained professionals to perform daily tasks, including housekeeping, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and grooming. For more information about military caregiving and available services, visit hiddenheroes.org/respite.

West Islip Musicians Selected For Day Of Tuba

WEST ISLIP APPLAUDS 23 AP SCHOLARS - Twenty-three seniors from West Islip High School have been named AP Scholars for 2022 by the College Board. Photo courtesy of West Islip School District

WEST ISLIP MUSICIANS SELECTED FOR DAY OF TUBA - Congratulations to the following West Islip student-musicians who represented the district at the 40th annual SCMEA Day of Tuba – Gavin Salus (Bayview Elementary); Thomas Harrison Loudon, Joseph Nealon, Matthew Piropato, (Beach Street Middle School); Luke Jablonski (Oquenock Elementary); William Siegmann (Paul J. Bellew Elementary); Thomas Kerrigan, Sydney Krowles, Laveeza Malik and Caitlyn Salus (West Islip High School). This event took place in Central Islip with various clinics, rehearsals, exhibits, vendors, master classes and concluded with a concert featuring approximately 100 tuba and euphonium players in the massed ensemble. Thomas Kerrigan and Daniel Pipitone were also selected to perform with the SCMEA All-Star Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble. Photo courtesy of West Islip School District

Frisch Financial Group Names

Shawn P. Gallagher, CFP®, CRPC® CFP Partner

Frisch Financial Group, Inc., a feeonly fiduciary advisory firm with offices in Manhattan, Westchester, Tampa-Florida, with headquarters in Melville, NY (Long Island), is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn P. Gallagher, CFP®, CRPC® to the position of Partner with the firm. Founded in 1999, Frisch Financial Group manages

over $550 million in assets (AUM) and offers a comprehensive range of customized investment management, financial planning, and wealth management services to select clientele focused on achieving their goal of financial independence.

“We’re excited to recognize Shawn for his exceptional leadership, client-centered approach, and commitment to

maintaining the highest level of competency,” remarked David Frisch, Founder and CEO, Frisch Financial Group. “Since joining the Frisch team in 2015, Shawn’s extensive expertise and keen ability to listen to his clients’ needs and goals have made him a true asset to our firm and our clients, and his being named a partner is a welldeserved,” David added.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience in the financial and investment banking industry, Shawn provides his clients with comprehensive financial planning and portfolio allocation strategies. He works with each client to customize an investment strategy based on their unique financial goals and risk tolerance, as well as the state of the economy and market. He

is an active member of the Long Island Chapter of the Financial Planning Association as well as the National Association of Personal Financial Managers (NAPFM). He holds a B.A. from Syracuse University and has earned the Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC™) designation in 2011 and the Certified Financial

Continued On 23

SHAWN P. GALLAGHER

di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

THINKING

and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of

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

Frisch Financial Group Names

Shawn P. Gallagher, CFP®, CRPC® CFP Partner

Planner® (CFP®) designation in 2013. Prior to joining Frisch Financial Group, Shawn held financial and wealth management advisor positions at other leading financial investment firms, including Laidlaw & Company, T. Rowe Price, and E*TRADE. Shawn has strong ties to his Long Island community of West Islip,

NY, where he resides with his wife and two children.

Frisch Financial Group’s support of the Building Homes for Heroes® organization provides him with a unique opportunity to assist injured veterans who are new homeowners with pro-bono financial advice and guidance in maintaining their home expenses, paying property taxes and planning for a successful

future. Shawn is a lifelong auto enthusiast and in his free time he enjoys golfing and the guitar.

About Frisch Financial Group, Inc.

Frisch Financial Group is a fee-only fiduciary advisory firm founded in 1999 with offices in Manhattan, Westchester, Tampa-Florida, with headquarters in Melville, NY (Long Island). The firm currently manages

over $550 million in assets (AUM) and offers a comprehensive range of customized investment management, financial planning, and wealth management services to select clientele focused on achieving their goal of financial independence. For more information, visit www. FrischFinancial.com

Photo courtesy of Rob Martin, Headshots Long Island.

GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Call Our Classified Dept. 631-226-2636 press “2”

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

Call The Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

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

CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT? Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 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

New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency

Help Needed - @ New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency. The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply, and 1-2 day supply of type O; NYBC warns this could

signal more severe shortages in the weeks ahead. Please sign up to donate at a convenient donation location near you: smarturl.it/NYBC_ Urgent

ISLIP

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