March 15, 2023 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

March Happenings

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

Money And Energy Saving Tips

PSEG Long Island is sharing tips for customers to save money and reduce their energy consumption every day of the year.

even more.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

2:00PM-3:00PM

ALZHEIMER'S SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will be holding an in-person event called “Memory Cafe” as apart of the Early-Stage Social Engagement Program at The Arbors at Islandia East. To register for the event visit www.alz.org/events.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

6:30PM-8:30PM

SAINTS DAY SOCIAL

Join us at the Brumidi Lodge to celebrate St. Patrick and St. Joseph. Dinner, refreshments and dessert included. $40 per person, ages 7 and under are free. Contact Karen at 631-943-3622 to purchase tickets in advance.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

9:00AM-12:00PM

4-LEAF CLOVER 5K RUN/WALK

Rain or shine at the East Moriches Middle School. The first 100 participants are guaranteed a race t-shirt. Contact 516-531-3323 for more information.

11:00AM-2:00PM

LEARNING ABOUT GOUACHE WORKSHOP

Learn about the water-based media Gouache with instructer Beth Drucker. The cost for the workshop which includes materials is $75 per person. Register online at www.theatelieratflowerfield.org/ workshops or call 631-250-9009 for more information.

6:30PM

TALENT SHOW

The Grace United Methodist Church in Lindenhurst will be hosting a talent show. All talents are welcome. Free coffee and cake will be served. A free-will offering will be taken. Call 631-226-8690 for information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

1:00PM-2:00PM

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Parade begins to form up at noon in the area of the Finley Middle School at Forest Avenue and Dosoris Lane in Glen Cove. It steps off at 1PM and proceeds through the streets of downtown Glen Cove, ending at 70 Glen Street. For more information visit www.glencoveparade.com.

4:00PM

BABYLON CHORALE CONCERT

The Babylon Chorale presents Out of the Darkness - Through the Glass Ceiling, a tribute to women composers in celebration of National Women's History Month. Held at St. Peter's By-The-Sea Episcopal Church in Bay Shore. To purchase tickets visit www.babylonchorale.org or email info@ babylonchorale.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

6:00PM

BUDGET INFORMATION MEETING

The meeting will be held at the North Babylon Public Library.The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its March meeting immediately following the Budget Information Meeting. The public is invited to attend. Contact Marc D. Horowitz at 631-669-4020.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

9:00AM-11:00AM

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Held at Brumidi Lodge Deer Park. Ages 3 and under are free. Ages 4-12, $12 and 13+ are $18. Includes breakfast, toy auction, 50/50 raffle, lottery cash board raffle and crafts. Contact Karen at 631-943-3622 to reserve your seat or table.

10:00AM-1:00PM

FREE HALF DAY KIDS CAMP

Enjoy crafts, stories, a scavenger hunt and lunch at the Community Presbyterian Church in Deer Park. For kids ages 3 to 12 years old. Register by March 22nd. Call 631-242-0221.

11:00AM-4:00PM

ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN SHOW

This show benefits the Smithtown Historical Society for maintenance of farm buildings and animal care. Held at Frank Brush Barn in Smithtown. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 12. Contact Vinnie at 631-524-0529.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

10:00-10:45PM

BOOKS IN THE BARN

Held at the newly refurbished barn at the Smithtown Historical Society. Listen to stories about farms, barns and animals. Visit the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies and barn cats. Register online at www. smithlib.org/children or call 631-360-2480 ext. 140.

1:00PM

MUSIC LOVER'S CLUB

Enjoy a free musical performance the last Monday of every month through April at the United Methodist Church in Islip, Meeting Room 1. Refreshments to follow. For more information contact Donald Warner at 516993-9032.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

6:30PM

WANTAGH PRESERVATION SOCIETY MEETING

Interesting "Show &Tell" meeting planned. Bring any Wantagh related items to share information on, or just come and listen. Light refreshments will be served. Contact 516-826-8767 for questions.

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day was launched to encourage consumers to explore energy- saving opportunities. In the past eight years, since PSEG Long Island was established, business and residential customers throughout Long Island and the Rockaways have done just that. More than $380 million in rebates have been distributed to customers through PSEG Long Island’s energy efficiency programs. That’s a savings of more than 2.1 billion kilowatts of energy since 2014 – and enough electricity to power more than 270,000 homes for an entire year.

These tips can help customers save money and energy any time of year:

· Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use approximately 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

· Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.

· Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs. ENERGY STAR estimates that properly used programmable thermostats can save about $180 a year. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.

· Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill up to 3%. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save

· Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.

· Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.

· Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.

· Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Robust rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units, ducted geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort PLUS program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.

· More moneysaving ideas and rebate information are available at https://www.psegliny. com/saveenergyandmoney/ energystarrebates.

Independent annual evaluations by Demand Side Analytics (DSA) have found PSEG Long Island’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to be costeffective and energy-saving.

DSA’s 2020 evaluation showed that PSEG Long Island Energy Efficiency Program, including rebates, generated $1.74 in benefits to society for every $1 in costs to operate the program.

For additional information, visit: https://www.psegliny. com/efficiency. Join the conversation online using the hashtag: #CutYourEnergyCostsDay.

Troop 205 Recognizes Its 106th Eagle Scout

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recently recognized James Quinn Kelly of East Islip with Troop 205 on being their 106th Eagle Scout at his Eagle Court of Honor at the Timber Point Elementary School. James’ Service Project, earning him Eagle Scout status, was repainting the welcome sign and mulching and refurbishing picnic tables around the area. He is currently a senior at East Islip High School where he excels academically, has been a scholar athlete in soccer and track and will graduate with 11 Advanced Placement classes. In addition, James is a two time Top Engineer and Class and School Robotics Championship winner.

FCA Offers Free Help With Medicare Enrollment Recent Changes Make Coverage Even More Affordable

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. Family and Children’s Association’s (FCA) Free Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) can help with enrollment guidance by phone.

The Open Enrollment season for people who are currently enrolled in Medicare ended December 7, 2022, but there is another potential opportunity to switch Medicare health plans for those currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO).

The additional Open Enrollment season runs from January 1 through March 31, with any changes effective the first day of the month following enrollment. There is also the opportunity to drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to traditional Medicare during this time, although you would also need to sign up for a Medicare drug plan. If you find that the plan in which you are currently enrolled does not work for you, this

added flexibility can help you find a new plan that better suits your needs.

Please note, that if you were not currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you cannot sign up for one at this time. The current enrollment period only allows people to switch or drop a plan.

Income Limit Increase Helps More People

The Medicare Savings Program has dramatically increased the income limits for eligibility. This program can help pay your Medicare Part B premium and can dramatically lower your drug costs. If you were previously found to be ineligible for this program, you should call Family and Children’s Association’s (FCA) Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) office to see if you are now eligible.

Medicare coverage can be confusing for the uninitiated, as there are various options. Choosing the right plan for you requires

careful consideration. If you need help understanding or choosing a plan, FCA can help guide you through the process with free help by calling 516-485-3754.

There are four basic parts of Medicare:

Hospital Insurance (Part A) covers you as an inpatient in a hospital or skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility, or for skilled home care after a hospitalization. Medicare Part A also can cover hospice care if you have a terminal illness. For most people Medicare Part A is premium free.

Medicare Medical Insurance (Part B) covers physician and other outpatient services. These services include doctor visits, hospital outpatient services, lab tests; physical, speech or occupational therapy; and durable medical equipment for use in the home. The standard Part B premium amount in 2022 is $164.90. Most people pay the standard Part B premium amount. If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your

IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.

Medicare Part C You may opt for Medicare Advantage plans instead of Part B. Medicare are managed care plans including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). These plans generally have a network of providers. In an HMO you must use providers in that network. If you join a PPO, you can go out of the network, but you will have a higher copayment for out of network services. Medicare Advantage plans generally cover prescription drugs, otherwise covered by Medicare Part D, and frequently cover nonMedicare services such as vision, dental and hearing services. Medicare Part D is prescription coverage. There are 19 drug plans in New York State. These plans vary

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

Did You Know?

You can protect your finances and your reputation if you act fast when you encounter credit card fraud. For more information on credit card fraud, as well as other personal finance advice, visit www. ValuePenguin.com.

in premium cost and formularies. Medigap

There are Medicare supplement plans known as Medigap. These are standardized plans that can fill most of the Medicare gaps such as deductibles and co-insurance.

For more information about these changes to Medicare and for any other information pertaining to your health benefits, you can call our office at 516-485-3754 and a trained counselor will assist you.

Barry Klitsberg is an Assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Coordinator at FCA in Garden City and an Aging Services Program Specialist at US Department of Health and Human Services.

East Islip Wrestlers Win

County’s Dual Meet, Finish In Top Four In State

East Islip High School’s varsity wrestling team recently captured the Suffolk County Division I Dual Meet Championship in front of over 1,500 spectators at Bay Shore High School. Led by captains Stephen Coleman, Sebastian Regis, Justin Shayew and James Sturek, The Redmen were able to defeat William Floyd, Northport and Connetquot before facing the tough defending champions Brentwood in the finals.

The final match was highlighted by wins from Anthony Avitabile, Coleman, Rocco DeStefano, Regis, Shayew and Chris Trahey. East Islip (25-0) went down early but made a tremendous comeback, erasing a 12-point deficit and winning four straight matches in order to take the title, 29-27. Shayew began the winning streak with

a 5-1 decision, followed by an exciting overtime victory by Trahey. Avitabile was then able to defeat his opponent by technical fall, 18-3. Coleman then came through with a pin in the first period to put the Redmen ahead for good.

“This was the first time in school history that the Redmen were crowned as Suffolk’s best Dual Meet team,” coach Michael Longobardi said. “The excitement of the event was felt by all in attendance as many spectators said the final match was the best they have seen in years.”

This performance qualified East Islip for the NYSPHSAA Dual Meet Championships on Jan. 28 at Arena at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. After losing a close match to Ballston Spa in the first round, the Redmen rebounded

with a big victory over Hilton High School. East Islip’s wrestlers were able to advance to the final four due to criteria that put them ahead of their previous opponents. Unfortunately, they lost in the semifinals to eventual second-place finishers Minisink Valley.

“When all was said and done, we were one of the top four teams in New York State out of over 500 programs,” said Longobardi, now in his eighth year as head coach.

“This was a tremendous accomplishment, as the wrestling program had never reached these heights before, raising the bar for all future teams. It was a huge accomplishment by all involved in the program as everyone on the starting team was once part of the East Islip Kid Wrestling

Helping You Help Others

The Charity of the Month for March is Canine Companions®

www.canine.org

Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people by providing highly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. They proudly o er their support services free of charge to recipients.

Clients come to Canine Companions because of their reputation, the quality of their dogs, the experience of their training sta and the desire to lead a life with greater independence. The organization is proud to have various chapters and training centers across our nation, with their Northeast Region (Long Island Chapter) located right here on Long Island, in Medford.

Did you know this non-profit runs a Veterans Initiative™? Through this initiative they place service dogs with veterans. Canine Companions’ expertly trained service dogs can perform physical tasks to enhance independence including opening doors, picking up prosthetics and alerting a veteran with hearing loss to important sounds in their environment.

the fulfillment of their lives through these dogs. The service dogs are not just partners, they are their right hand, their left hand, their legs and more. We can’t pay the veterans back enough, and I’m proud to be part of an organization serving them.” Mr. Woycik helped organize a Veterans Day event, Salute Independence , which awards local veterans who continue to serve their communities. Thanks to his tireless work, this annual event has raised more than $500,000 in total so far to support the organization’s Veterans Initiative™.

DIVISION I DUAL MEET CHAMPIONSHIP - East Islip High School’s varsity wrestling team captured the Suffolk County Division I Dual Meet Championship. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

With the increase in veterans facing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Canine Companions launched a program in 2018 to directly place service dogs with veterans with PTSD. Dogs are trained to identify each veteran’s unique stressors and perform tasks that directly disrupt escalation of symptoms, thus enhancing their quality of life. The dog supports their handler in crowded public situations by creating barriers and distance that might provoke anxiety for individuals with PTSD. Additional tasks such as nightmare interruption, turning on lights and retrieving items are taught to support veterans’ daily lives.

“When I see a veteran with a Canine Companions service dog, it still gives me goosebumps,” said Colonel E. David Woycik Jr., a highly decorated retired Army O cer and an active Canine Companions Board Member. “I see the satisfaction these veterans get...

If you are a veteran that would like to learn more, please visit www.canine. org, click on Service Dogs and then Veterans.

Looking to make a di erence? You can become a Puppy Raiser with the Long Island Chapter today. Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers provide specially-bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love. Volunteers are warmly welcomed in other capacities as well, such as Front Desk Reception, General O ce Support, Puppy Transporter and Event Support, amongst other fields. Without loyal volunteers, this organization couldn’t fulfill their mission, so they are beyond grateful for each individual that gives their time and e orts to help.

To learn more about these opportunities, please visit www.canine. org or call 631.561.0200.

If your non-profit would like to be featured in this column,please email noellelambert@longislandmediagroup.com for consideration.

Never be without power again!

Young East Islip Engineers Qualify At FIRST Lego League Challenge

Two terrific teams of young robotics engineers from East Islip competed in the FIRST Lego League Challenge, held over four days in January and February at Mineola High School. One team, dubbed the Lego Girls, consisted of the trio of John F. Kennedy Elementary School fourth graders Jayne Elliott, Sonali Kamath and Antonia Rezza. Another five-person team included East Islip Middle School students Sachin Kamath, Mason Latino and Nicholas Selvaggio along with two students from other schools, Luke Bruzzo and Chris Sullivan.

The East Islip teams were two of approximately 100 teams competing in this qualifying round. The competition consisted mainly of middle school teams and some elementary teams from across Long Island in the 9-14 age range, and entails showcasing proficiency in four topic areas, each

given 25 percent weight. In Robot Performance, a robot built using Lego Technic pieces must be built and programmed for autonomous operation to complete a set of missions that have various point values, with the highest score winning. For Innovation Project, each team must research and present on a yearly challenge statement, defining the problem, finding a solution, prototyping the solution, sharing the solutions with experts in the industry and making improvements based on industry feedback.

This year’s theme was energy distribution, storage, production and usage. Robot Design challenged the students to showcase their knowledge in building a robot, attachments, sensors, block coding, documentation and a detailed understanding of mission strategy for the robot. Finally, in

Core Values, each team is challenged to share how they’ve exhibited the competition’s core values throughout the season.

The JFK rookie team of Lego Girls took home first place for the Robot Performance as well as their Core Values presentation at the Jan. 21 qualifier. After a few years of competing and not qualifying, East Islip’s middle school team also won first place for Robot Performance and their Core Values presentation at the Jan. 22 qualifier. Both teams displayed their knowledge, growth and experience in coding, robot design, creativity and character throughout the many categories that they were judged in, and were presented with awards and congratulated by the judges and competing teams. They will both move on to compete in the FIRST Long Island championship

Continued On 8

FIRST PLACE FOR ROBOT PERFORMANCE AND CORE VALUES PRESENTATION

Young East Islip Engineers

Continued From 7

on March 5.

“The level of accomplishment and pride

these young engineers felt was tremendous,” STEAM teacher Amy Elliott said.

“They truly demonstrated that with teamwork and

dedication, you can do whatever you put your mind to.”

FIRST PLACE FOR ROBOT PERFORMANCE AND CORE VALUES

PRESENTATION - The Lego Girls team of John F. Kennedy Elementary School fourth graders Jayne Elliott, Sonali Kamath and Antonia Rezza won first place for Robot Performance and their Core Values presentation at the FIRST Lego League Challenge qualifier. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

Come support a B enef it Event…

yla’s ause

We’re back at Mulcahy’s!

Just steps from the train station!

at “Kyla’s Kause”

Kyla, Danielle Margarita-Leonard and Aaron Leonard’s beautiful daughter, is a twelve year old who was diagnosed eleven years ago with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurologic al condition, which causes severe impairments with speech, movement, and cognition. Proceeds from the event will go directly to Kyla to help cover the ongoing (and lifelong) costs associated with her care

When: Saturday, March 18, 2023

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Where: Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall

EXXCITING NEWS!!

This year's event will be even more special , as Danielle and Aaron have decided t o once again honor and acknowledge another child with Angelman Syndrome at the event.

3232 Railroad Ave

Wantagh, NY 11793

What: Food and Open Bar

Chinese Auction

50/50 e Music by Andy Arowana

Meet Jeffray Jeffray is 12 years old and was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when he was 3 ½ We are excited to share that Jeffray and his mother, Theresa, will be joining us this year. Your continued support does not go unnoticed, and the Leonards are proud to share the support and love with this special boy and his mother. Mail

If you are unable to attend and would still like to donate : ail a check made payable to “The Kyla M. Leonard Special Needs Trust” to: Denise Naccarato, 316 Seacliff St., Islip Terrace, NY 11752

If you would like to donate raffle items or have questions about the event , please contact: Denise Margarita-Naccarato 631-834-4625 Gregg Jaffe 516-770-5305

Dave Udell 516 -987-4347

EMPLOYMENT SECTION

NOTICE-Federal and State

law make it unlawful for employers and employment agencies to advertise prospective employment where the job is limited as to age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, genetic disposition or carrier status or marital status unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). This publication does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws

Engineering & Renewables Director sought by Elecnor Hawkeye, LLC in Hauppauge, NY. Candidate must have Bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a directly related eld and three (3) years of experience in a Director role within renewable infrastructure industry. Experience must include: EPC Renewable Projects, including at least one project over $50M with interconnection facilities for PV Solar, Thermo-solar or wind plants; HV (> 69 kV) AIS substations and GIS substations; Hv Overhead Transmission Lines (> 69 kV); Underground Transmission Lines (> 69 kV); Protection Relay Testing and OMICRON software; Substation commissioning; IEC standards. Respond to: submit resume via email to aallen@elecnorhawkeyellc.com

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The Benefits Of Leisure Activities

Leisure activities may be widely viewed as fun ways to fill up free time, but the benefits of leisure activities extend beyond beating boredom. A 2011 analysis published in the journal BBA Molecular Basis of Disease found that leisure activities have a positive impact on

cognitive function and dementia. The analysis, conducted by researchers with the Aging Research Center in Stockholm who examined various studies regarding the relationship between certain activities and cognitive function, defined leisure activity

as the voluntary use of free time for activities outside the home. After retirement, leisure time constitutes a large part of many retirees’ lives, and finding ways to fill that time is more beneficial than merely avoiding boredom. The researchers behind the

study concluded that the existing research is insufficient to draw any firm conclusions regarding the effects of certain types of leisure activities on the risk for dementia and cognitive decline, though they did note that multi-domain cognitive training has

Roofi ng / Si ding

ALL ROOF, ROOF LEAKS,

the potential to improve cognitive function in healthy older adults and slow decline in affected individuals. A multi-domain approach to cognitive training involves memory, reasoning, problemsolving, and map reading, among other

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

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activities. Aging adults who embrace activities that require the use of such skills may find that they’re not only finding stimulating ways to fill their free time, but increasing their chances of long-term cognitive health as well.

East Islip Varsity Wrestlers Top League And County, Regis Wins State Championship

It was a tremendous year for East Islip High School varsity wrestling team including the Suffolk County Division I Dual Meet Championship, followed by the League V and Suffolk County championship titles and a remarkable performance at the state championships highlighted by a first-place victory by Sebastian Regis.

East Islip won the League V championship title for the second consecutive time – and the 10th in its rich program history – on Feb. 4, crowning eight individual champions and boasting a record-setting 20 place winners who earned All-League. East Islip earned 365 total team points at the tournament, held at Rocky Point High School, setting another

school record for most points scored in league tournament history.

East Islip’s eight league champs were junior Dylan Aristides (30-6) at 118 pounds, senior Matt Walsh (24-10) at 126 pounds, sophomore Logan Alfalla (32-5) at 132 pounds, junior Anthony Avitabile (41-2) at 145 pounds, senior Stephan Coleman (41-5) at 160 pounds, senior James Sturek (394) at 189 pounds, senior DeAndre Perez (27-13) at 215 pounds and junior Sebastian Regis (43-1) at 285 pounds. League finalists included eighth grader Gryffin Alfalla (22-9) at 118 pounds, senior Justin Shayew (38-5), senior Chris Trahey (30-8) and junior Nick Groneman (25-7).

Additionally, freshman Rocco DeStefano (367) placed fourth at 102 pounds, sophomore Anthony Leidtke-Merida placed fourth at 110 pounds, junior Justin Mazzuco placed fourth at 126 pounds, junior Sean O’Shea placed fourth at 138 pounds, senior Eric Rossi placed fourth at 152 pounds, senior Jason Vetrano placed third at 172 pounds, freshman Christian Horeis placed fourth at 189 pounds and senior Adrian Amaya placed third at 215 pounds.

All 20 place finishers at the league contest qualified for the Suffolk County Wrestling Championships, held Feb. 13-14 at Stony Brook University, with the team winning the county title

Benefits Of Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received

surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.

The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health. Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.

and six wrestlers making the podium: Logan Alfalla (fourth place), Shayew (fifth), Avitable (third), Coleman (third), Sturek (second) and Regis (first).

Avitabile, Coleman, Sturek and Regis all qualified for the NYSPHSAA State Championships, held Feb. 24-25 at MVP Arena in Albany. The 51-1 Regis earned his 100th victory on route to claiming the title as 2023 Division 1 New York State champion at 285 pounds, beating Middletown’s Stephan Monchery in the finals.

“This has been one of the best seasons in East Islip history,” coach Michael Longobardi said. “We finally checked off the last box. I couldn’t have done it with a better group

of wrestlers, coaches and parents. I have been truly blessed to coach this group

and I am beyond proud of all of them.”