November 23, 2022 Massapequa

Santa’s Mailboxes From North Pole Have Arrived In Town Offices

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 12th

The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 12th with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary.

Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily at the following locations:

Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage.

For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, please call (516) 624-6380 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or visit the www.oysterbaytown.com.

Councilwoman Maier Delivers Toy Donation To Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier recently delivered five pallets filled with toys to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, collected by the Town in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and Councilwoman Maier’s fundraising efforts.

“I cannot say enough about the caring people who work Cohen Children’s Medical Center and I thank all those who opened their hearts and wallets to

help children and families going through a difficult time,” said Councilwoman Maier. “This cause means so much to me personally, and in addition to the toys we’ve collected through Town efforts, I’m proud to say many are being donated by Mighty Mason’s Warriors. This is a group organized to help fundraise and collect donations in my son’s name – all to help in supporting the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma.”

Continuing efforts to

help make the upcoming holiday season a brighter for those less fortunate, the Town of Oyster Bay has once again teamed up with Toys for Tots to host a collection drive. Donation boxes have been set up at Town facilities, and the Town will also host the largest ‘CruiseThru’ collection drive on Saturday, December 3rd at John Burns Park in Massapequa. For more information, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com.

Helping You Help Others

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

www.mhaw.org

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW)offers a wide range of assistance to veterans in Suffolk County, home to more veterans than any county in the state. These offerings address affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, peer support and other services.

In this article, we’ll look at Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), an initiative in which MHAW collaborates with the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. SSVF programs provide housing and support services to eligible, low-income veteran families who are homeless, or who are about to become homeless.

Regrettably, America’s veterans require a number of support services. The National Library of Medicine recently estimated that up to 16 percent of U.S. service members who had been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq now have post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Their other health concerns include suicide, traumatic brain injury, substance use and instances of interpersonal violence.

While Long Island has made significant strides in addressing homelessness among veterans in recent years, “Suffolk County still has its population of homeless veterans,” said Marcelle Leis, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant who serves as MHAW’s Director of Veteran Services. “They’re living in train stations or they might be living in the woods. Yet even though they’re in need, these individuals often don’t trust government or community agencies enough to step forward and request assistance. And they often don’t feel safe going into shelters.”

Community-based resources like SSVF, says Ms. Leis, can make a major difference in these veterans’ lives by helping them deal with mental health

issues, poverty and their need for supportive systems.

Some SSVF services include personal financial planning, credit counseling and income support services. Qualifying veterans may also obtain legal assistance, housing counseling and healthcare navigation.

In relation to employment, SSVF also offers vocational and rehabilitation services through the state’s Department of Labor Employment Training Assistance by way of Suffolk County’s One-Stop Employment Center.

Also, SSVF provides case management services, as well as peer support and outreach services through MHAW’s Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Veterans may also receive assistance obtaining VA and other public benefits though the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency.

SSVF can also help veterans with temporary financial assistance in the form of rental assistance, utility bills, security or utility deposits, moving costs and childcare support. Eligible veterans may be single, or part of a family in which the head of the household, or spouse, is a veteran.

If you are a veteran in need, or you know of one, MHAW urges them to contact Marcelle Leis, their Director of Veteran Services, by calling 631-9460147 or by emailing her at mleis@mhaw. org.

five pallets

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

Veterans And Students Connect At McKenna In Massapequa

Students heard personal stories of service and sacrifice at McKenna Elementary School in the Massapequa School District, which hosted a Veterans Day program on Nov. 10. Throughout the morning, 40 retired and active members of the armed forces visited classrooms to share their experiences.

The special visitors were parents, grandparents and other relatives of McKenna students and represented all branches of the military. The veterans who attended served as far back as the Korean War. Many of the

guests showed pictures, uniforms and equipment such as military backpacks and helmets.

Principal Dr. Lowry said that every classroom was visited by at least one veteran or active service member. During 30-minute question and answer sessions, students asked the guests about their military service, memories and postmilitary life.

“It was important for both the students and the veterans to experience,” Dr. Lowry said. “Students learned about the need to respect and honor the

service of our veterans. And it warmed the hearts of the veterans to interact with the children and share their experiences in a positive way.”

McKenna’s lobby was transformed into a hall of heroes, which each grade designing patriotic artwork. Projects included a “Hats off to our veterans” display by kindergartners, paper camouflage soldiers by second graders, a red poppy field by third graders and an American flag made out of red, white and blue paper links by the fifth grade.

Lockhart Students Send Veterans Some Love

To mark Veterans Day, students at Lockhart Elementary School in the Massapequa School District showed their support for the men and women who have served in the United States military.

Students in Karley Riegel’s third grade class penned personal letters to veterans on Nov. 10. She said that the letters, which included heartfelt

messages of appreciation and gratitude, would go to members of AmVets Post 88, one of the organizations that participated in Lockhart’s Veterans Day assembly that morning.

The school also hosted a collection drive for veterans. Students were asked to bring in different items. Kindergartners and first graders contributed nonperishable food such

as applesauce, oatmeal and rice. Hygiene products, like deodorant, shaving cream, shampoo and soap, were requested second through fifth graders. All of the donations, which filled several large boxes, will go to the parish outreach center at St. Kilian’s Church in Farmingdale, which partners with local veterans organizations to distribute items.

DOZENS OF ACTIVE AND RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WELCOMED

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Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Receives $1.8 Million Donation From MacKenzie

Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently announced that it has received a $1.8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Through this generous donation, Girl Scouts of Nassau County will accelerate programming designed to equip girls with the tools to become the next generation of powerful leaders, create new programmatic opportunities, encourage access for new communities, improve cultural competency and think outside-the-box to create new ways to meet the needs of today’s girls. This generous gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to GSUSA and 29 local councils selected by MacKenzie Scott, making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history.

“This humbling and empowering gift will accelerate our ability to provide girls with the tools and mentorship to make a difference in their communities and make the world a better place,” said Randell Bynum, the chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “At Girl Scouts of Nassau County, we see how our programming excites and inspires girls across every community we serve, and this generous contribution will further Girl Scouts mission to help our girls grow into future leaders in business, science, arts and everything in between, and will help us expand access through innovation and diversity. We are incredibly grateful for MacKenzie Scott’s commitment to supporting and uplifting young girls.”

The $1.8 million funding is expected to have an

immediate impact on Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s programming. Among the planned initiatives is establishment of a new, 1250-2500 square-foot girl program center and event space in a growing Girl Scout neighborhood. This facility will strategically hold daily Girl Scout programming and also serve as flexible location for council programs, activities with community partners, troop/service unit meetings and production studio to give girls media and content development experience.

Girl Scouts of Nassau County also plans to develop a three-year strategic plan focusing on diversity to ensure all girls have access to Girl Scouts and feel like they belong. This will include comprehensive training opportunities for staff members, DEI workshops for volunteers

Scott

and implementing ageappropriate programming experiences for girls at all levels. In addition, Girl Scouts of Nassau County has also created an IDEA Lab (Innovation, Diversity, Equity and Access), which is the staff team that will focus on innovative efforts, both operational and programmatic for the organization. This will include bolstering a range of pilot programs including expanding family engagement experiences, promoting advocacy for girls and fostering mental and physical wellness, art exploration and college and career readiness.

“We are so appreciative of MacKenzie Scott’s gift to Girl Scouts. This is a great accelerator for our ongoing efforts to help girls cultivate the skills and connections to lead in their own communities and globally,” said Sofia

Chang, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of USA. “The support from all our donors, including this generous support from MacKenzie Scott is critical in delivering on our work of reimagination

and transformation. We’re excited to prove how her investment in girls will change the world - because when one girl succeeds, we all succeed.”

Collecting DVDs For U.S. Troops & Children’s Hospitals

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” in an effort to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces as well as movies for children’s hospitals. Donations will be accepted November 1st through November 30th and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with Big Hy for Heroes for our 5th Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe as well as to children receiving care in local hospitals. Help support these brave men, women and children by donating DVDs.”

The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to

U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world, and continues to do so today.

Exciting, suspenseful, comedy and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the

following locations:

Town Hall North – 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South –977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

Additionally, letters of gratitude to soldiers and holiday cards for children are also welcome. For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local Children’s Hospitals, please call (516) 624-6380.

Town Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Open On November 25th

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto announce that the Town’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and SyossetWoodbury Community Parks will officially open for the season on Friday, November 25th and remain open through Sunday, February 26th.

“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Councilman Imbroto. “Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months,

and are the ideal way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable!”

Public Skating Sessions are available at both outdoor rinks on Fridays from 4pm-6pm and 7pm9pm, Saturdays from 1pm3pm, 4pm-6pm, and 7pm9pm, and Sundays from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm. Adjusted hours take effect during Holiday Breaks, with information available on the Town’s website.

For residents wishing to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage. Indoor skating is open to the public seven days a week, including: Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm to 5:30pm and 8:30pm to 10:30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm; Saturdays from 2:45pm to 5:45pm; and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. While the Ice Skating Center is open on New Year’s Day, it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and for Special Events.

For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 7977990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink or (516) 677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink. All information is available on the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/ice.

Ames Food Drive To Benefit Massapequa Community

Community service is the mission for the National Junior Honor Society at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus, and students did just that with a fourweek food drive. Hundreds of nonperishable items, such as boxes of pasta and canned vegetables, were collected from Oct. 13 through Nov. 4. Donations were given to the parish outreach center

Church in Massapequa Park, which then distributes food to people in need in the community. Adviser Michelle Grossi said honor society members were asked to contribute at least one food item each. Additionally, they created and hung posters throughout the school to promote the food drive.

Ninth grader Brady Gil noted that the food drive was

a way for students to take meaningful action, show leadership and “be more than yourself.” Fellow honor society member Antonella Esposito said that it allowed them to show their care for the local community.

“It’s important to help those in the community who are less fortunate,” added Sofia Dalton. “It warms my heart to help out people in my town.”

Lustgarten Foundation

(NAPSI)—The world’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research, the Lustgarten Foundation, is dedicated to curing this devastating disease—and you can help with a donation. To learn more about the condition and what you can do, visit www.lustgarten.org or call toll-free 866-789-1000.

Top Honors Reflect Years Of Hard Work

Massapequa High School seniors James Bacheller and Christina Fradella were in the same class when they were called down, one by one, to Principal Barbara Lowell’s office. In this case, being summoned to see the principal was a good thing, as they were told they are the top two graduates of the Class of 2023.

James is the valedictorian with a grade point average of 101.958 and Christina is the salutatorian with the second highest GPA at 101.146. After finding out the news, both made phone calls to their parents.

“It means a lot to me,” James said. “It’s not just the four years of high school that went into it.”

James said that at a young age, his parents taught him how to be a good student. He excelled at Birch Lane Elementary School, and kept that diligence as he moved onto Berner Middle School, ninth grade at the Ames Campus, and finally the high school’s main

campus.

Christina, who started out at Unqua Elementary School, said that with two brothers who graduated before her, it is nice to have an accomplishment to call her own. Admittedly an anxious student who always sought to do well on assignments and tests, she explained that earning salutatorian honors shows that her hard work meant something.

“I was really surprised and very excited,” she said.

James is planning to major in biomedical engineering in college. His favorite courses at Massapequa High School include pre-calculus, Advanced Placement physics and AP United States History. He has also been active in student life, serving as a student government officer, vice president of Science Olympiad and member of Mathletes and the tennis team. James even started his own club, the Allergy and Asthma

Awareness Club which primarily does fundraising for organizations that support people with those conditions. Outside of school, he tutors students in math and science, and participated in a summer science research program through Hofstra University.

After high school, Christina looks to study environmental engineering. Classes she has enjoyed include precalculus, AP chemistry and AP United States History. In her science research class, she is working on creating a solar-powered rain water collector and purifier. Christina is the historian for student government, has won three medals with the Science Olympiad team, belongs to the robotics club and is a three-sport athlete as a member of the tennis, winter track and lacrosse teams. Christina works with youth lacrosse players to help train goalies and organized a food drive for St. Rose of Lima Church.

Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Receives

Continued From 5

Today’s challenges are complex, interconnected and more than ever, global. Solving them will demand collaborative leadership and innovative perspectives. Girls represent humanity’s greatest untapped talent pool and investing in them will produce the greatest return in economic development,

social progress, and public health, improving not only individual lives, but the fabric of society overall.

For more information about the Girl Scouts of Nassau County and its efforts to support girls and communities throughout Nassau County, visit www. gsnc.org.

We Are Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together

to build a better world. Through programs in Nassau County, across Long Island and from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges— whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike

or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alumni, Girl Scouts leads the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.

Repeat Customers

Small business owners no doubt recognize the value of repeat customers, but few may recognize just how valuable such customers can be to their bottom lines. A study from researchers at Harvard Business School found that a customer’s eighth purchase was an average of 80 percent higher than his or her first purchase. In addition, a survey from the strategic planning, marketing and sales consultants Altfeld, Inc.

found that the probability of selling to an existing customer is between 60 and 70 percent, while that probability shrinks to as low as 5 percent for new customers. Customer retention strategies like offering superior customer service and seeking input from customers can help small businesses generate more repeat customers, which can greatly improve their chances for long-term success.

Mechanical Engineer wanted by Flexographic Printing Company in Hauppauge, NY. Will oversee preparation of all production orders at a exographic printing company. Check for food safety & quality issues throughout the production line. Insure the mfg team’s compliance w/ the company’s high quality stds. Monitor the workforce for compliance w/ internal & external Good Manufacturing Practices. Ensure the company’s Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures are being followed on the production line. Routinely update the company’s quality mgmt s/ware to avoid production interruptions. Train less knowledgeable members of the team. Reqmts: Bach deg in Mechanical Engg or closely rltd eld, & 12 yrs of exp in the job o d or closely rltd. Forward resume to: Silvia Avila, HR/ SQF Practitioner, Aladdin Packaging LLC, 115 Engineers Rd, Hauppauge, NY 11788

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Amid Persistent Inflation, Innovations In Medicare Advantage Can Help New York Beneficiaries Save Money In 2023

The latest economic data show that many of us are paying more for essential goods like groceries and fuel, and prices for many everyday products continue to climb, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, posing a challenge for New York seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries who often live on fixed incomes.

Concerns about inflation make it important for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to choose a health plan that can save them money during Medicare annual enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

A recent study by ATI Advisory found that beneficiaries who chose Medicare Advantage plans saved almost $2,000 per year in out-of-pocket costs compared to

Original Medicare.

Affordability is one of the reasons Medicare Advantage plans continue to grow in popularity. Nearly half of people eligible for Medicare in 2022, including 52% of beneficiaries in New York, chose Medicare Advantage plans.

How health plans can help you save

In 2023, seniors and other beneficiaries will see even more innovative benefits from Medicare Advantage plans, like enhanced dental coverage, for example, to help them achieve significant savings and live a healthier life.

Dental care is not covered by Original Medicare – not even routine cleanings –leaving the beneficiary on the hook to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for procedures like crowns, fillings, implants, dentures and more. The average Medicare

beneficiary spent nearly $1,000 in one year on out-of-pocket dental costs, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans now provide comprehensive dental benefits that cover all non-cosmetic dental care including dentures and implants with zero out-of-pocket costs up to the annual coverage limit on most plans. Members can see any dentist nationwide who accepts Medicare, reducing worries about the cost of seeing an out-of-network provider.

Beneficiaries can also save money in unexpected ways. Why pay for a gym membership or fitness program if you don’t have to? UnitedHealthcare offers eligible Medicare members a free gym membership through its Renew Active fitness program, offering no-cost access to a network of more than 22,000 gyms nationwide among other

benefits. Studies continue to show that moderate exercise can improve brain health, social wellbeing, and overall wellness.

Many people don’t know that through Medicare Advantage they may even have access to benefits that will help pay for common everyday expenses.

Those who are “dually eligible” for Medicare and Medicaid, receive robust support from UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. In 2023, with food and utility prices rising higher than the average inflation rate, members will receive a credit of up to $2,200 to spend on many over-thecounter products, healthy foods, home heat, electricity, water, sewer, home internet, and more.

These are only some of the ways Medicare

Calling All Sisters Of St. Joseph Alums “Together Again”

The Sisters of St. Joseph invite alums from all classes, faculty and staff to the Annual Alum Holiday

Event on Thursday, December 8 at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn. For more information or

to purchase tickets, please visit www.brentwoodcsj. org or call 631-273-1187 ext. 154.

Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings

12-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior caused by Alcohol, Drugs

or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice. For further information e-mail or call:

Donna526@aol.com or (631) 589.3790; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous.org

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown Office Celebrates The Gift Of Giving

For Douglas Elliman Realty—one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the nation, with more than $51 billion in national closed sales volume in 2021— giving back is core to the company culture and its brand identity. The firm is deeply committed to supporting the local communities it serves, along with important causes nationwide through its philanthropic initiative, Elliman Cares. More than 6,600 agents across the country are making a difference every day—and here on Long Island, where the company runs 25 residential sales offices, one especially giving-driven office is making a major impact this holiday season.

Centrally located on the North Shore of Long Island, Elliman’s Smithtown location is best known for its consistent success and carefully selected group of agents that take their careers and reputations seriously. Many of the agents are passionately involved in charitable endeavors, and this holiday season is the perfect time to shine the light on their efforts.

Katy Cardinale, Smithtown’s Branch Manager and Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is a model of hard work, humility and generosity who inspires the same qualities in those around her. “Community service has always been a priority for me,” said Katy. “I’ve volunteered at Cub Scouts, PTA events and with local families in need. I also founded and currently serve as the President of the Kings Park High School Robotics Booster Association. It’s important for me to give back and be involved in my community. I’m grateful to be surrounded by generous agents who

Rob Scarito, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker on Team Scarito, currently serves as Vice President of the Hauppauge School Board. Rob said, “I am honored to have played an integral role in the passing of the largest tax discount for veterans in the Hauppauge School District.” Aside from making a difference right in Hauppauge, he and his sons participated in the Annual Food & Toy Drive at Brookhaven Town Hall on Sunday, November 13th, which benefited people from all over Long Island.

Noelle Lambert, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, is also holding a holiday drive with the Bryn Elliott Team now through December 19th to benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, an organization dedicated to reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness on Long Island. “I’m actively collecting non-perishable foods and personal care items, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant, that will be given to local individuals facing homelessness,” said Noelle. “It’s heartbreaking to think how each night, many of us head to our warm homes that are filled with more than we need, yet others right here on Long Island are battling homelessness. We have to continue to help these people.” If you would like to donate to this drive, please visit the Douglas Elliman Smithtown office and

drop your donations in the appropriate bin. You can also contact Noelle at 631-478-3819 for a full list of donation drop-off locations.

John Matthew, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is holding his annual Holiday Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive now through January 30, 2023—benefitting the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. Elliman’s Smithtown office is receiving donation dropoffs, as well.

Also, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the office is hosting the annual Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive and is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys in the specially marked Toys for Tots bin.

The giving keeps on keeping on with several Smithtown agents leading campaigns to raise awareness and funds for the causes close to their hearts. Carlos Salinas, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, is an Ambassador for Real Men Wear Pink, an annual, year-long initiative from The American Cancer Society. As an Ambassador, Carlos raises awareness

and money in the fight to end breast cancer. Although he has exceeded his fundraising goal for 2022, he continues to campaign because every dollar really does make a difference. You can donate to his campaign, online or by check, now through the end of the year. Please contact Carlos at 347-277-9431 for more information.

Margaret Remhild, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is a member of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce and the St. James Chamber of Commerce, while also being involved with both the Smithtown Children’s Foundation and the Thomas Matthew Miloscia Foundation. On November 15th, the Smithtown Children’s Foundation held their Community Table Grand Tasting event at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown, with proceeds going to help local families in crisis. On December 3rd, the Thomas Miloscia Foundation, a local organization with the mission to provide financial and emotional assistance to children and young adult cancer patients, will hold a fundraising event from 2-6PM at Maia Salon Spa & Wellness at 725

Smithtown Bypass in Smithtown. Come down for pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, holiday shopping, tinsel hair, children’s activities and more, all for a great cause!

Rounding out the volunteerism, Michelle Bender, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, happily volunteers at the Smithtown Historical Society, while Nick Albanese, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is an active volunteer at the Smithtown Booster Club. Noelle Lambert is a

loyal volunteer at Connect Church and Tom Diana donates his time as a volunteer at the Commack Basketball Association, an organization that’s dedicated to providing a basketball league that is free to join for boys and girls of Commack and its neighboring communities.

Please consider celebrating this holiday season by making a donation to one of the aforementioned drives— together we can help the season to shine brighter for those in need.

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown location is at 200 W Main Street, in Smithtown. For more information, please call the office at 631.543.9400.

share my vision.”

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Greg DAmico, Agent

1026 Park Blvd

1026 Park Blvd

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Bus: 516-798-3276 Fax: 888-798-3701 greg@gdamico.com

Bus: 516-798-3276 Fax: 888-798-3701 greg@gdamico.com

Individual premiums and budgets will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements. Availability and amount of discounts and savings vary by state.

Individual premiums and budgets will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Availability and amount of discounts and savings

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

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SHINING A LIGHT ON PTSD AND

- A group of military veterans who are PSEG Long Island employees recently took to the water to raise awareness of mental health issues afflicting many veterans. The group was among 22 veterans participating in the fifth “22 PTSD Awareness Challenge” (22PAC) event, an arduous, 22-mile kayaking trip from Bridgeport, Conn. to Port Jefferson to help shine a light on veteran PTSD and end veteran suicide. Pictured (l-r): PSEG Long Island employee-military veterans Thomas Leuschner, Evan Rohman, Richard Rohman, Matthew Testagrose, Michael Probst, Devin McLaughlin, Michael Pira, Leo Tolson and Thomas Sketch after a 22-mile kayaking trip to increase awareness about PTSD and veteran suicide.

A group of military veterans who are PSEG Long Island employees recently took to the water to raise awareness of mental health issues afflicting many veterans. The group was among 22 veterans participating in the fifth “22 PTSD Awareness Challenge” (22PAC) event, an arduous, 22-mile kayaking trip from Bridgeport, Conn. to Port Jefferson to help shine a light on veteran PTSD and end veteran suicide.

In teams of two, the 22 veterans operated pedalpowered kayaks in a physically demanding, fivehour cross-Sound journey. The hot sun, humidity and headwinds made the trip that much more difficult.

The number 22 is significant for this event because it is the estimated number of military veterans who take their own lives each day.

Here’s what the employees had to say about the event:

Devin McLaughlin of East Moriches, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, participated for the second time this year.

“Some people I met in the service are no longer with us because they lost their battles with depression,” said McLaughlin. “In a small way, doing this ride helps me think of them and lets me know I’m doing my part for them and for other veterans facing challenges.”

Michael Probst and Tom Leuschner, both U.S. Army veterans, are co-workers and Holbrook residents who supported the cause this year.

“I did the 22 PAC for my brothers and sisters in the armed forces and to support a great cause,” said Probst.

“I hope this event helped to bring awareness to this issue because 22 veterans a day taking their own lives is completely unacceptable and preventable.”

“I was so proud to be a part of this great cause,” said Leuschner. “This is the least I could do for our veterans who have done so much for us.”

Tom Sketch of Seaford, a U.S. Navy veteran, was one of the kayakers.

“It’s a great event to bring awareness to the challenges veterans face

after their service is completed,” said Sketch. “It was a little more difficult than I thought it would be but we had beautiful weather and I am glad I was able to complete it!”

Matt Testagrose of Shoreham, a U.S. Army veteran, participated in the event.

“It was great to see my fellow veterans and coworkers come together to show support for PTSD awareness,” he said.

Leo Tolson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Center Moriches, said, “The trip was exhausting but I wanted to do something to help raise awareness of how many veterans need help.”

PSEG Long Island is proud to count military veterans among its workforce. Its employees are dedicated to providing customers with safe, reliable power and also committed to the communities they serve by engaging in community service activities and raising funds to support and help their neighbors.

Massapequa Celebrates 25 College-Bound Athletes

More than two dozen student-athletes from Massapequa High School are set to continue their sports careers at the collegiate level next year. The athletic department hosted a National Letter of Intent signing ceremony on Nov. 9 for 25 seniors, who have committed to schools near and far.

From Nassau County to Chicago to Florida, the athletes will represent colleges and universities across the country. They were joined for their special day by their families and coaches, and received well wishes from Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, high school Principal Barbara Lowell and Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Recreation Shannon McEntee.

“Your dedication and love for your sport has gotten you to this point,” Ms. McEntee told the

athletes. “This is a huge accomplishment and we are very proud of you.”

The committed athletes are:

Baseball – Jack Castillo (SUNY Plattsburgh), Eric Corey and Justin Notargiacomo (Utica University), Dylan Kelly (Mount St. Mary College), Erik Paulsen (Stony Brook University), Michael Vilardi (Queens College) and Tyler Young (University of Tampa).

Girls Lacrosse – Joely Caramelli (Syracuse University), Kate Ciarlo (Marist College), Jessica Giller (Jacksonville University), Mary Koster (Siena College), Ellie Leisen (St. John Fisher University), Emma Mastroberti and Ashley Melillo (SUNY Cortland) and Bridget Valentine (University of Massachusetts).

Boys Lacrosse – Will Birney (Stony Brook University), Michael

Durnin (Adelphi University), Kevin Fiola (Quinnipiac University), Matthew Jannotte (Wingate University) and Patrick Radomski (Siena College).

Golf – Natalie Moody (SUNY Cortland). Gymnastics – Kalea

McElligott (Penn State University).

Softball – Madison Gangi (Molloy University) and Catherine Stork (SUNY Cortland).

Track and Field – Evelyn McCabe (University of Chicago).

Ms. Lowell, a former

college athlete, said that their time in Massapequa has prepared them well for the next step, where the must dedicate time to both their sports and their courses. It will be hard work, but well worth it, she explained.

Dr. Brennan, a swimmer

in college, said that the combination of academics and athletics will create an amazing college experience for them. He recognized the parents for the significant role they played in support the athletic pursuits of their children.

Innovations In Medicare Advantage Can Help Save Money

Continued From 14

Advantage can benefit your health and wallet. These benefits are simple to use and focused on personalized, modern, coordinated care.

Importantly, Medicare Advantage plans are on the cutting edge of a trend towards more in-home and remote care through programs like UnitedHealthcare’s HouseCalls, which offer an annual wellness visit in the home at no added cost.

There is little we can do to control inflation or

Better Heart Health

(NAPSI)—The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute created With Every Heartbeat Is Life, to help African Americans have better heart health. Learn more at hearttruth.gov.

economic pressures, but by understanding the benefits that are available through programs like Medicare Advantage, seniors and other beneficiaries can

take steps to save and put themselves on a path to better health in 2023. To learn more, visit UHCMedicareHealthPlans. com.