April 24, 2024 Seaford

Partners Looking For Some Special Animals

April 30 Is National Therapy Animal Day: Consider Volunteering With Your Pet

It’s no secret animals can have a positive impact on a person’s mental and physical health. That’s why every year thousands of facilities such as libraries, schools, hospitals, assisted living, and more ask Pet Partners volunteers to bring therapy animals to visit and provide comfort to their students, residents, patients, and customers. This April 30 is a special day to recognize the beneficial role therapy dogs and other therapy animals, in partnership with their human companions, play in creating happier, healthier communities.

Unfortunately, there’s a shortage of therapy animal teams in the United States. Pet Partners is the nation’s leading registry of therapy animals, and their volunteer teams can’t fulfill all the requests they receive for therapy animal visits. The need for therapy animals has never been greater to provide comfort and support, especially after the impacts of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social discord in recent years.

The good news is that a wide variety of species can be therapy animals, not

just dogs. Cats, equines, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mini pigs, birds, and even llamas and alpacas are eligible for registration through the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, which makes more than three million visits a year.

“An animal’s temperament is what determines whether they might make a good registered therapy animal with Pet Partners, not any specific species or breed,” said Pet Partners President and CEO C. Annie Peters. “Many of our therapy animals are rescue pets, and they assist everyone from veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, students with literacy challenges, patients in recovery, and people with intellectual disabilities. We couldn’t be more grateful for all that our volunteer therapy teams do for people in need around the world.”

Therapy animals have a special aptitude for interacting with members of the public and enjoy doing so. Therapy animal handlers have a strong trust-based bond with their pet and facilitate interactions that benefit

all involved. The handleranimal pair takes part in an extensive evaluation process to make sure they will be successful with people in a variety of circumstances.

We have experts available to talk about the value therapy animals bring to communities, what behaviors a pet should exhibit, how the process works and more. We also have therapy animal handlers all across the United States who would love to talk about the joys of volunteering with their pets.

Pet Partners is also specifically seeking more cats and handlers to become registered volunteer teams. In partnership with Cat Person, a cat care brand, a research study on the Cat Human Bond found that cats can provide a special form of comfort that dogs cannot. Special incentives are also being offered for new cat teams.

Learn more about National Therapy Animal Day at petparters.org/ntad.

If you are interested in an interview, please contact Mary Tan at the above contact information.

Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) recently held its second Murder Mystery Event- I Love the 80’s to Death, at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh. Guests enjoyed dinner and refreshments while teaming up to question “suspects” and discover who committed the crime. It was an afternoon of laughter, intrigue, and fundraising. The event hosted 139 guests and raised over $56,000 for Options’ programs which help vulnerable adults, children, and families living on Long Island.

Yolanda RobanoGross, CEO at Options for Community Living, Inc. welcomed sponsors and guests with gratitude. “Your generous support helps people who are diagnosed with mental illness and other chronic illnesses live with dignity in the community and we are

Options’ Hosts Second Murder Mystery Event

Vital Funds Raised For Vulnerable Long Islanders

incredibly thankful.”

A moving testimonial was provided by Paul Ferretti, who resides in Options housing and works for the agency providing peer services for others living with mental illness. Paul discussed his life full of “highs and lows” including recovery from substance use and a debilitating stroke. “It’s been a journey,” said Paul. “I didn’t have the drive or energy to pick up

and start over again, but every step of the way there was Options. I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

The afternoon concluded with the announcement of raffle basket and silent auction winners along with prizes for the “Best Dressed,” “Best Detectives,” and “Worst Detectives.”

Thanks to generous sponsors and a caring community, the event was a “phenomenal success”

stated Robano-Gross. “We are already discussing plans for next year’s event and what the theme will be.”

Stay tuned!

To learn more about Options for Community Living, Inc. and how you can support its mission, visit www.optionscl.org or call a member of the Development Department at (631) 361-9020.

About Options for Community Living, Inc.

Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc. operates residential programs for adults recovering from mental illness, care coordination services for adults and children with chronic health conditions, and housing and services for homeless people with disabilities and/or HIV/ AIDS. Options’ mission to assist people to live independently and with dignity in the community has grown through the years to serve more than

2,200 adults and children annually.

April Happenings

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

7:15PM-10:30PM

JINGO

The Constantino Brumidi Lodge n Deer Park presents JINGO, a fun spin on traditional bingo where bingo balls are replaced with music beats. Doors open at 6:30 PM $30 per person Includes: 1 JINGO packet, crayons or markers on the table,dessert, coffee/tea, cash bar, and door prize. For tickets or more information call 631-943-3622.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

8:30PM

DRIVE-IN MOVIE

A charity drive-in movie, screening Back To The Future, at Costello's Ace Hardware in Copiague. Attend for a donation of any amount. Proceeds benefit Kids Need More, helping families coping with life-threatening illnesses. Just show up or reserve your parking spot on their website at kidsneedmore.org/movie.

9:00AM

GARAGE SALE

The Seaford Historical Society Garage Sale will be held at the Seaford Historical Society Museum in Seaford, rain date is Sunday April 28. From furniture, frames to tolls, toys and toasters-everything is priced to sell. Don't miss these steals and deals. Something for everyone. For more information email mapfannon@verizon.net.

10:00AM-2:00PM

ANNUAL SPRING YARD SALE

For the past ten years, the members of the Islip United Methodist Church have held a huge, church-wide garage sale to raise money for their various mission projects. This year,

the event will be held at the Islip United Methodist Church, in Islip. There will be lots of items available. For more information, please call 631-581-7663.

10:00AM-2:00PM SPRING BOOK SALE

Sponsored by the Friends of the Lindenhurst Library, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the Sale. The address is One Lee Avenue, Lindenhurst NY 11757. For more information visit their website, lindenhurstlibrary.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

10:30AM

HONEY BEE CLASS & HERBAL HEELING WALK

Held at Organics Today farm in East Islip. The Honey Bee class begins at 12pm. Visit OT Farm on Facebook or Text 631-480-6497 for class times and more information.

3:00PM

SWINGING WITH THE RAT PACK

Swing with the Rat Pack and experience a musical extravaganza that brings to life the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy the captivating performance at the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Book your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or please call 631-581-2700.

MONDAY, APRIL 29

1:00PM-4:00PM

EARTH DAY CLEANUP

The Levittown Community Council is hosting an earth day cleanup at Veterans Memorial Park in Levittownn. This is a free event.

Levittown families, organizations and business groups are welcome to participate as they clean up various locations throughout Levittown. Adult supervision is required for all groups. For more information email levittowncouncil@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

1:30PM-3:00PM

ANCIENT WISDOM TUESDAY

Lelonni Campbell draws on ancient philosophies and interprets them for the modern world. Learn how you can use them to deepen insights into how universal principles can guide you in everyday life. No registration required. Please visit their website at www.connetquotlibrary.org or call 631-567-5079 for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD:

FRIDAY, MAY 3 6:30PM-9:30PM

OCEANS OF HOPE FUNDRAISER

Held at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. Individual tickets are $250. For a package (10 tickets) it's $2,250. Included in admission is food, drink, live music, silent auction and raffle. For tickets or more info call 631-369-9840 x104, email kvahlsing@nymarinerescue.org, or visit www.nymarinerescue.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 9:00AM-4:00PM

GUN SHOW

The biggest Gun Show on Long Island will take place on Saturday and Sunday May 5th from 9am to 3pm at the IBEW Local 1049, 100 Corp Drive, Holtsville. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian. For more information call 516-221-7380.

Introduction to Backgammon (In-Person)

Monday, April 29th Time: 10:30am-12:30pm FREE

Join Jay Palatnik and learn how to play one of the oldest board games. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org

Smarter Social Security (In-Person)

Monday, April 29th Time: 7:00pm

Technology Class: Introduction to Email (In-Person)

Presented by: Sharper Training Solutions

Thursday, May 2nd Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm

In this hands-on class you will learn all about using email, how to send, receive, forward and reply to e-mail as well as create folders to save emails. Prerequisites: Basic Computer skills. Register now at www.seafordlibrary. org

Virtual Lecture: NYC in the Movies

Daniel Mazzola, CFA, CPA, will provide a broad overview of Social Security and show how married couples can maximize their collective payouts using two simple strategies. Bring your questions! Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.

Presented by: Brian Rose, Professor Emeritus, Fordham University

Friday, May 3rd Time: 1:00pm

For more than 125 years, filmmakers have been drawn to the dynamic vitality of New York City. This presentation demonstrates the changing ways New York has been captured on film. Register now online with your email address to receive the link to the NYC in the Movies Zoom session.

Boating Safety Certificate Course (In-Person)

Presented by: United State

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Saturday, May 4th Time: 10:00am-3:00pm

Cost: $50.00 for Adults $35.00 under 18

Receive your certificate the same day. For boaters ages 10 and up. Pay by check only. Payable to U.S.C.G Aux. To save time, there will be no lunch break; bring your lunch/snacks. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.

Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place

Names (In-Person)

Wednesday, May 8th

Time: 7:00pm

Each day, millions of people “take” the Major Deegan, the Hutch, and the Holland Tunnel. Few remember that before these names became an urban shorthand for congestion, they were actual people. Join author and CUNY Professor Rebecca Bratspies as she talks about her book “Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names” and explore how these names can teach us about our shared history. Register now ONLINE at www.seafordlibrary.org

Technology Class:

Introduction to Email

Part 2- Attaching and Downloading (In-Person)

Presented by: Sharper Training Solutions

Friday, May 10th Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm

Having trouble finding the document you want to attach to an email? In this class you will learn how to send emails with attached files, download attachments to your windows computer and understand the Windows file structure including drives, folders, and files. Prerequisites: Kindergarten and 1st Grade, Intro to Email. Register now at http://www.seafordlibrary. org

Rescheduled: Macy’s Flower Show (In-Person)

Monday, May 13th Time: 1:00pm

What began in 1946 at Macy’s in San Francisco to promote a fragrance has become a major annual twoweek event in five Macy’s locations. The Macy’s Flower Show welcomes spring with beautiful flowers, trees and plants and is a delight to experience and a work of art. Each year the show has a different theme. Join Sheila Taub as she discusses the shows. Register now ONLINE at www.seafordlibrary.org.

Veterans representing multiple branches of the military and eras of service gathered in the Seaford High School cafeteria for bagels, crumb cake, coffee and camaraderie on April 12. Joining them at the inaugural Veterans Breakfast were their children and grandchildren, who attend the high school and middle school.

Principal Nicole Schnabel said that

Seaford Students And Staff Salute Veterans

the event was held in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, which is observed every April. Spreading the word through emails and social media posts, students were encouraged to invite relatives who have served in the armed forces. Members of Seaford American Legion Post 1132 were also in attendance.

Vocalists from the barbershop choir, Sweet

Adelines and Viking Voices opened the program by singing the National Anthem. Following opening remarks from Ms. Schnabel, students introduced the veterans who accompanied them. Social studies teacher Scott Gilbert shared a story about his father, who served in the Ghost Army in World War II. Earlier this year, his father’s unit was awarded the Congressional Gold

Medal, and Mr. Gilbert went to Washington, D.C. to accept it.

Students appreciated the opportunity to honor the veterans in their lives. Junior Myles Munro attended with his 92-yearold grandfather, Allison “Bud” Munro, who served in the Army during the Korean War.

“He was very excited to go,” Myles said. “It was definitely a special day. It was great for him to see

people that he can relate with, who’ve been through the same things as him.”

Ms. Schnabel explained that the veterans breakfast was organized by a committee of administrators and teachers, and she plans to involve students to help plan next year’s event. She added that it was an honor to welcome the veterans to the school, many with deep connections to the Seaford community. The

Seaford Booster provided a gift to all of the special guests, a camouflage Seaford Vikings T-shirt.

“It’s important that we honor the veterans who have dedicated themselves to our country,” she said. “I could not have imagined anything better, and that is because of the energy of our students and staff. It was a really special morning and we’re looking forward to making this a tradition.”

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