November 2, 2022 Islip

EVERYTHING WE DO HELPS YOU HEAL

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Adopt-A-Family Food Drive

On Saturday, November 19th, at 11 AM, scores of volunteers will drop off bags of food at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Office Building, located at 754 Montauk Highway in Islip. Each bag will go to a family and will contain non-perishable items for Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners.

“The Thanksgiving table may not look the same for everyone,” said Father Edwin Beckham, Priestin-Charge at St. Mark’s. “So, we’re also including items not only reflective of the traditional American holiday meal, but also of different cultures, such as flan mix; canned (pure) pumpkin; coconut milk, jerk seasoning, etc. The diversity of the world’s cultures is God’s gift to be celebrated.”

“This is a version of the LI Cares-Harry Chapin Food Bank Adopt-a-Family project,‘’ said Irene Ross, food drive organizer. “As always, all donations will go to God’s Provision, an affiliate of that organization.”

If possible, we’d like each bag to contain at least eight items. A typical bag might include (this is only an example-you’ll create your own): 1 can green beans; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 box onion rings; stuffing mix; Jiffy cornbread; gravy; cranberry sauce; olives or nuts.

The following are some suggestions. We appreciate your recommendations for adding additional nonperishable items.

Traditional American: Stuffing mix; cranberry sauce; cake/cookie mix; frosting; canned vegetables (especially green beans); canned onion rings; soups (especially cream of mushroom); noodles; rice; canned pumpkin pie filling; cranberry sauce; canned yams; marshmallows; oatmeal; raisins; olives; canned or packaged nuts; salt; pepper; chicken stock; supermarket gift cards (please be sure they are in a separate envelope so they don’t get accidentally thrown out); Caribbean Island/

Spanish/Latin American (all items are readily available in supermarkets, such as Stop and Shop): jerk seasoning; sofrito; flan mix; olives; coconut milk; spices such as bay leaves, cinnamon, allspice curry salt, and pepper; canned (pure) pumpkin; cake/cookie mix and frosting; canned green vegetables, especially peas; beans especially kidney; rice (basmati); tropical salsa; relish; corn meal; raisins; pigeon peas, sazon seasoning; supermarket gift cards, please be sure they are in a separate envelope so they don’t get accidentally thrown out.

We welcome volunteers! If you’d like to join us, or for more information, please leave a message for Irene Ross at the church office at 631-581-4950 or email: fooddrivestmarks@ gmail.com

NOTE: To get to the office building, turn left on St. Mark’s Lane, take another left at the driveway, and go down past the Thrift Shop.

THINKING OF SELLING?

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR MOVE WHILE

IS STILL LOW

Insurance Tips And Information

Shopping for Insurance

Are you old enough to remember the Sym’s slogan, “An educated consumer is our best customer?” Do you do your homework before you shop? Are you a coupon clipper? An Amazon addict?

Getting a good quote on your Auto insurance is not simply a matter of being accident free. ALL insurance companies have algorithms that rate some criteria higher than others.

KeepCleanIslip General Meeting

Please join KIC for their next General Meeting on Thursday, November 17th at 7:00 pm. Ballroom at Brookwood Hall, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip 11730

What is your credit score? How long do you remain with an insurer before leaving for a lower price? What amount of coverage do you currently maintain?

There are many, many things that tell insurers about you and help them predict whether you will be a good client. The insurers crunch numbers to gauge how much of a risk you’ll be. We all are aware of that. But they also predict how profitable you will be over a number of years.

Want to learn what will

make you an attractive customer? Speak to an agent. Be respectful of the agent’s knowledge. You’ll likely learn that the agent isn’t simply a salesman. They’re often impressive educators and fiscal watchdogs.

SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you. Give us a call today! 631-873-4775

Your Vote Is Your Voice

As a member of the League of Women Voters (LWV), a 102 year old nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, this is my “busy season.” With my LWV colleagues, all volunteers, I speak to groups, answer countless questions, organize and moderate debates, and write articles; all as outreach during election season. Additionally, we encourage all citizens to vote responsibly in every election in which they are eligible, whether that be fire districts, libraries, school districts, local, state or federal. Your vote is your voice and I urge you to use it this Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th. Below is some significant information to keep in mind:

• Be sure you are registered to vote prior to heading to the polls.

• Because of redistricting, mandated by the US Constitution after the (2020) census, some of your district numbers may have changed! You can find your polling place easily on the NYS Board of Elections (BOE) website at www.voterlookup. elections.ny.gov. If you don’t have access to the internet, go to your local public library, where you can find assistance to get on one of their computers. Your information is private.

• You may have applied for an absentee ballot. If you plan to vote this way, the same website allows you to track your ballot to be sure it’s been received and will be counted by your county’s BOE. With a new tracking system now in place, if you have applied for an absentee ballot, but you decide you’d rather vote in person, you will not be able to cast your vote in a machine during early voting or on Election Day. Instead, you’ll be given an “affidavit ballot” and the BOE will check your records

to confirm whether or not your absentee ballot was received. This is to ensure no one’s vote is counted twice.

• This year you’ll be voting for your local member of the House of Representatives, one US Senator, NYS Governor and Lt. Governor and your local member of the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly. In Suffolk County, you’ll also vote for County Comptroller and County Clerk. There may be some local races on the ballot too.

• There is a NYS Environmental Bond proposition on the back of your ballot. If approved, this would allow the NYS Comptroller to issue and sell $4.2million in bonds to be used to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. This is not a tax, investors buy NYS bonds.

• Suffolk County also has a countywide proposition clarifying the wording of the term limits law and four Suffolk townships have local propositions too. Nassau does not have a county proposition on this year’s ballot.

Please plan ahead; learn about the candidates and know what’s on your ballot. You can visit www.vote411. org, enter your address (no need for your name or personal info) and you will see the offices, candidates, and propositions that will be on the ballot. All candidates were sent questions and given the opportunity to answer them on the site; sometimes candidates refuse to respond, this is indicated. No one ever should be too busy, too disinterested or even too frustrated to vote. Your vote is your hard-earned right, but also your obligation as an American citizen.

Important Contact Information:

Suffolk County Board of Elections: 631-852-4500

Nassau County Board of Elections: 516-571-2411

United Against Bullying

East Islip’s John F. Kennedy Elementary School celebrated Unity Day on Oct. 19 by wearing orange to show support for bullying prevention. Students also participated in signing pledges and had an opportunity to

create an orange paper leaf to add to the JFK Unity Tree, a powerful symbol reminding everyone that bullying can be prevented when everyone is united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

“Building the Unity

Tree was an interactive and hands-on activity,” Principal Deborah Smith said. “It created a visual reminder demonstrating that when we are united, we can create social change.”

Winter Coat/Jacket Drive

The AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary 18 East Islip is sponsoring a winter coat drive now through November 4. The coats will be donated to a local charity for distribution to

anyone in need.

Collecting Men, Women, & Children’s (all sizes) new or gently used, clean, ready-to-be-worn winter coats or jackets for distribution to individuals

needing a helping hand.

The AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary is located at 141 Carleton Avenue in East Islip. For more information, please call 631. 581.6913.

East Islip Volleyball Teams Support Breast Cancer Awareness

East Islip High School’s varsity and junior varsity girls volleyball teams hosted a Rocking the Road for a Cure breast cancer awareness event at their matches on Oct. 7.

RTRFAC founder Dawn Dimilia attended the event and shared her personal story as a two-time breast cancer

survivor. She also imparted valuable information to the East Islip students and audience members about the importance of early detection and getting regular exams.

“Thanks to everyone in attendance and to those who supported RTRFAC by purchasing raffle tickets and merchandise,” JV

coach Diane Wahrenburg said. “Dawn and all of the volunteers for her organization provide valuable services for those going through surgeries and treatments on Long Island and in Queens. All in all, it was a fantastic event and congratulations to both teams for winning their matches as well.”

The Return Of Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) recently celebrated Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend, as it returned for the first time since 2020. Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend is held each year as Girl Scouts explore the many natural wonders found across our country. This year, GSSC celebrated the weekend’s return with an interactive hike at Heckscher State Park.

“Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend is a staple within the Girl Scout community that the girls look forward to each year,” said Tammy Severino, GSSC’s President and CEO. “We are always focused on continuing to offer and provide girls with programming that gives them the opportunity to learn and explore the world around them. Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend is one of many key ways for the girls to have these new adventures in the outdoors.”

The interactive hike took place from the beach east of the cottages to the forest

and past the campground. Girls downloaded an app, Agents of Discovery, to complete this mission. This event allowed girls the opportunity to uncover new and exciting facts about the state park and the nature around them. The event was kicked off by Assemblyman Doug Smith and GSSC’s Board Member Krupa Lauricella, with GSSC’s President and CEO Tammy Severino joining the Girl Scouts and their families on the adventure.

Studies show that 71 percent of girl members ages 8–14 tried their first outdoor activity through the organization, and half would not have had access to outdoor activities and programming if not for Girl Scouts. GSSC offers programming dealing with environmental conservation, camping, and outdoor science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to give girls the opportunity to develop a new knowledge and passion for their shared environment.

Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend events

are all part of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s ongoing mission to build girls of courage and confidence who make the world a better place, and to create an empowering community for Girls throughout the region.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County: Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is the largest youthserving agency on Long Island, whose mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. It serves more than 30,000 girls and their families, with the dedicated support of more than 5,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.

Tell Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.

OUR

Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church

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

Holiday Bazaar & Luncheon

The ECW of St. Mark’s Church will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar & Luncheon on Saturday Dec. 3rd from 9:30am - 3:00pm at 754

Montauk Highway, Islip, NY (adjacent to Rt.111). Holiday crafts, ornaments, baked goods, wreaths, vintage items, jewelry

raffles and

much more.  Homemade soup, sandwiches, hot dogs and desserts served. And a visit from Santa Claus !!! For Details call 631-5814950 or 516-459-2976

Long Island Cars “Best Cars on Long Island” CAR SHOW & SWAP MEET Sunday November 6, 2022

Helping You Help Others

The Charity of the Month for November is Association for Mental Health and Wellness

On Friday, November 11, Long Islanders join all Americans to mark Veterans Day, a day to honor those who’ve served our country and protected our freedoms.

On Sunday, November 6th, “Long Island Cars” will present the “Best Cars on Long Island” Car Show & Swap Meet at LICHA at Bald Hill in Farmingville. Classic and collectible

automobiles including street rods, muscle cars, antiques, exotics and imports compete in this judged event with trophies awarded in over fifty classes from stock to modified.

Once again, this final show of the season will include “Long Island Cars” signature Swap Meet, where vendors will Continued On 20

In this spirit, our Charity of the Month for November is one of Long Island’s leading advocates for the interests of our veterans, the Ronkonkoma-based Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW).

While MHAW serves all residents in Suffolk County by offering comprehensive services and advocacy that focus on mental health as well as overall health and wellness, the organization places a major focus on assisting Suffolk County’s veteran population.

MHAW provides a high-level of support for our community’s veterans regarding affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, reintegration skills, and other necessary supportive services. MHAW truly serves a surprisingly large number of veterans.

Home to more than 800,000 veterans, New York State has the fifth-highest veteran population of any state nationwide, and some 72,000 veterans reside in Suffolk County, the most of any county in the Empire State. Indeed, that Suffolk County figure is 18 percent higher than the number for Erie County, which ranks number two.

that of civilians, and the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is nearly 15 times higher. Left untreated, these invisible wounds can

have devastating effects on veterans and their families. According to the RAND Center, a non-profit, public policy, research organization, people affected with depression, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury can exhibit higher rates of other unhealthy behaviors, higher rates of physical health issues, and higher rates of suicide than those who are not affected.

MHAW tackles these challenges facing veterans in several strategic ways. In future columns this month, we’ll explore four of their standout initiatives: One significant component of MHAW’s veterans services is the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project, named after an Army medic from Mt. Sinai who succumbed to PTSD upon his return from Iraq. A second element is MHAW’s work in providing permanent housing with support services to veterans. A third program is called Supportive Services for Veteran Families, which functions in partnership with EOC of Suffolk, Inc. And a fourth component are MHAW’s food pantries and its efforts to battle food insecurity

PEARL

HERCULES

SELMA AND

Sadly, our country’s veteran population, which includes our local veterans, face substantial mental health challenges. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the rate of major depression among military veterans is five times as high as

If you are a veteran, if you know a veteran in need, or if you just want to lend a hand, MHAW encourages you to contact them at (631) 471-7242 x1502 or email mleis@mhaw.org.

Together, let’s help our veterans. MHAW urges you to step forward and support the valiant veterans living right here in our community, and to help them live fulfilling lives.

Drivers Wanted

Help Wanted

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE/ HANDYMAN WORKER FULL TIME MONDAY-FRIDAY Main tenance, Repairs/General Upkeep of Buildings & Grounds. Mechanically Inclined, Receive & Load Material & Eq uipment. Knowledge of Operating Fo rklift Valid Drivers License Required, Depend able and Ha ving Reliable Transportation.

TILE SERVICES

Long Island Cars “Best Cars on Long Island” CAR SHOW & SWAP MEET Sunday November 6, 2022

page 17

be selling all kinds of auto parts, accessories and collectibles.

If you’re looking to buy a collectible car

GROUT

want to check out the “Car Corral”, where car owners sell direct to buyers, no commission or fees.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, November

6th, pack up the family and head over to Bald Hill for a great day. There will be food, refreshments and live entertainment. LICHA at Bald Hill is located at 1 Ski Run Lane in Farmingville, 11738. L.I.E. 63 North, take County Rd 83 North 1 mile and exit right, follow signs to amphitheater parking lot.

Hours: 8am to 4pm, rain date: November 13th. Admission: $10.00; under 12 years are free; free parking. Show or sell your collectible car with admission.

Judged cars and vendors register at the gate between 7am and 10 am. For more information, please call (631)567-5898 or LonglslandCars.com.

Service

CHEAP

The Value Of Activity-Driven Fundraisers

Fundraising is vital to the survival of many nonprofit organizations. Charity watchdog groups like Charity Navigator suggest nonprofits should aspire to spend less than 10 percent of their budgets on fundraising. That can be a tall task and underscores the need for charities to find creative, costeffective ways to raise funds.

Nonprofit organizations raise funds in various ways. Some organizations partner with local businesses and receive a portion of the proceeds participating establishments earn on certain days, while other organizations may cold call prospective donors during times of the year when giving to charity tends to increase, such as the holiday season. Activitydriven fundraisers are another popular way for nonprofit organizations to raise funds, and these endeavors can be

highly effective.

What are activitydriven fundraisers?

Activity-driven fundraisers focus on an engaging activity that encourages supporters to actively participate in an effort to raise funds.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is one of the more notable activity-driven fundraisers in recent years. Participants in the challenge would pour a bucket of ice water over their heads or the head of another person, and then challenge or nominate another person to follow suit.

Participants also would urge donations to support research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable motor neuron disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Additional examples of activitydriven fundraisers are runs and walks in which participants solicit donations from supporters that increase with each mile they walk or run.

The American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness 5K

walk and fun run is one popular activitydriven fundraiser that annually attracts sizable numbers of participants and donors.

Are activity-driven fundraisers effective?

The sheer volume of activity-driven fundraisers makes it more difficult to gauge the success of these events. However, a recent study from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people are inclined to contribute more when the experience is painful and laborintensive. That suggests that activitydriven fundraisers like charity runs can be highly effective and lucrative ways to raise money. Indeed, various estimates suggest the Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than $220 million worldwide.

Nonprofit organizations raise funds in myriad ways. Activity-driven fundraisers are among the more engaging, and often successful, ways to raise money for a good cause.

Burritos

With

Ground

Tacos

Classic Tacos

Served in your choice of Hard Corn, Soft Corn or Soft Flour Tortilla with Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Tomatoes and Sour Cream With your choice of:

Empanadas

Bacon Mac & Cheese $3.50

Beef ................................................................................................... $3.50 Chicken $3.50 Sides

The

Ground

Bean

The

Tomatoes, Sauteed Vegetables and Guacamole

Fish Burrito

Fried Cod, Rice, Cheese, Pinto Beans, Pico, Cabbage and Bang Bang Sauce

Beef and Reef

Grilled Shrimp, Marinated Steak and Rice with Baja Sauce

Nachos

Nachos Covered in Black Beans, Melted Cheese, topped with Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole. With your choice of:

Meatless

$8.00

$10.50 Grilled Chicken................................................................ $12.00 Buffalo Chicken $12.00 Marinated Steak

Ground Beef

Ground Beef

$3.00 Grilled Chicken $3.50 Buffalo Chicken $3.50 Marinated Steak $3.75 Carnitas $3.25 Bean $2.75

Veggie

Authentic Tacos

$2.75

Cliantro, Guacamole and Onion, Served on a Corn Tortilla Ground Beef

$4.00 Grilled Chicken....................................................................... $4.00 Marinated Steak $4.00 Carnitas $4.00

Soft Fish Taco $4.00 Fried Cod, Cabbage, Pico de Gallo, Baja Sauce. Served on a Soft Corn Taco

Soft Shrimp Taco $4.00 Grilled Marinated Shrimp, Cabbage, Pico de Gallo, Baja Sauce. Served on a Soft Corn Taco

Rice.................................................................................................... $4.50 Black Beans $4.50

Bangin’ Creations

The All American $12.00

Marinated Steak, Shredded Cheese, Bacon, French Fries, Onions and Bang Bang Sauce

West Islip Lion $12.00

Chicken Fingers, Roasted Potatoes, Mozzarella Sticks, Bacon, Cheese, Sour Cream with Baja Sauce

Fajita Burrito

Rice, Shredded Cheese, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream.

With your choice of: Grilled Chicken $12.00 Marinated Steak $13.00 Grilled Shrimp $14.00

The Big Papa

Chorizo Sausage, Roasted Potatoes, Crispy Onions, Cheese, Black Beans, Sour Cream and Bang Bang Sauce

Al Pastor Taco

$4.00 Roasted Pork Shoulder, Grilled Pineapple, Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Salsa Verde. Served on a Soft Corn Taco

Salad Bowls

Your Choice of Tortilla Shell or Bowl

Bang Salad

Romaine Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Tomatoes, Roasted Corn, Guacamole, Sour Cream over Black Beans with your choice of Blue Cheese, Bang Bang Sauce or Balsamic Vinaigrette.

With your Choice of: Meatless $11.50 Ground Beef $12.00 Grilled Chicken $13.00 Marinated Steak $14.00 Grilled Shrimp ....................................................................... $14.50

Quesadillas

Pressed white tortilla, shredded cheese. Side of Pico del Gallo and Sour Cream, With your choice of:

Meatless $8.00 Beans ......................................................................................... $9.00 Veggie $10.00 Grilled Shrimp $13.00 Grilled Chicken $11.00 Buffalo Chicken $11.50 Marinated Steak $12.00

Enchiladas

Enchilada Suiza . $14.00

Pressed white tortilla, shredded cheese. Side of Pico del Corn Tortilla, Rice, Chicken and Cheese with Pico, Black Beans, Lettuce, Salsa Verde and Sour Cream

Bang Bang Enchilada $15.00

Corn Tortilla, Cheese with Pinto Beans, Rice, Pico, Guacamole and Sour Cream. With Choice of: Meatless • Grilled Chicken • Ground Beef • Carnitas Steak • Shrimp

Burrito Enchilada $15.00

Flour Tortilla, Rice, Black Beans, Steak, Sour Cream with Lettuce and Sliced Tomato

Chicken Buffarito $12.00 Buffalo Chicken, Rice French Fries, Shredded Cheese and Sour Cream,. Side of Blue Cheese or Ranch

Southern Twang $12.00

Pulled Pork, Rice, Pinto Beans, Shredded Cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole

Loaded Tator Bowl $6.95 Roasted Potatoes Topped in Melted Cheese and Chives

Specialty Sauces

SM MED LRG

Sour Cream $0.75 $1.50 $3.00 Baja Sauce $1.00 $2.00 $4.00

Bang Bang ................................. $1.00

$2.00 ...................$4.00 Pico de Gallo $1.00 $2.00 $4.00 Salsa Verde $1.50 $3.00 $6.00 Guacamole $1.75 $3.50 $7.00

Gringo Grub

Ltr. Bottle $3.75