West Sayville Christian School is proud to announce that thirteen WSCS students made the High Honor Roll and twelve students made the Honor Roll at the end of the third quarter of the 2015/2016 school year.

Congratulations to the following well-motivated students.

Those on the High Honor Roll include Angelique Adams, Rebecca Alessi, Renee Crane, Christopher Dandola, James Dandola, Joshua Darling, Joseph Ferrara, Anna Fitzgerald, Lilly Keegan, Madison Olivant, Haley Reed, Severino Roderick, and Gwendolyn Vignato.

The Honor Roll Students are Declan Carolan, Lauren Ferrara, Garrett Gilbert, Ella Herritt, Alesia LaCassia, Rachael McCaffrey, Kaleigh Murphy, Nina Rea, Elizabeth Rogerson, Matthew Van Pelt, Raymond Voss and Sarah Winslow.

Contact: Ms. Karen Warren, Principal
631-589-2180

Mercy Center Ministries has been a Patchogue mainstay since 1983 when doors opened at their first shelter for homeless 16-21 year old teen girls on River Avenue.

In 1987 and 1989 they opened two more shelters in Blue Point and Sayville respectively, for  teen girls with children.

Mercy accepts homeless and runaway youth from the entire county, providing an important service assisting families in crisis.  The number one reason youth leave home is due to family conflict.  Mercy helps by providing shelter and comprehensive services on site at each of their shelters.  The goal is for youth to heal, and learn important life skills to work toward independence.   Education and employment are mandatory program components.  The first thing to suffer when youth become transient is academic standing.

Mercy holds fundraising events throughout the year.   Our biggest fundraiser, our Chinese Auction and Fashion show will take place on May 3^rd at 5:45, at West Lake Inn, Patchogue.  This year’s theme is “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Guests will be able to browse an auction with 70 baskets valued at $100 and up.  Local Fashions from main street shops will be featured on the runway, and a full dinner is included in the price of the $55 ticket.  Seating is pre-arranged.  Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting www.mercycenterministries.org, or by calling 631-447-3978.  This is a perfect  girls night out or Mothers Day gift!

Briana Taylor, LMSW
Executive Director

Mercy Center Ministries
PH-631-447-3978
Fax-631-447-0113
www.mercycenterministries.org
Please Like us on Facebook>>>

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercy-Center-Ministries/129128911376?ref=hl

by Linda Mittiga, Sayville Schools Public Relations

Sayville Middle School Health teacher Jodi Maurici has been a long-time role model of practicing what she teachers. Recently, she organized an activity that was extremely well-received by both her students and their parents.

“I challenged a number of students to give up all added sugar for two weeks and that went viral as well with parents and families jumping on the bandwagon with their students.”

To help the students find better choices with healthy alternatives, Mrs. Maurici offered classroom instruction for several weeks. She demonstrated how to make healthy, low- or no-sugar and low- or no-fat foods in the Middle School kitchen-lab to give her students “a taste” of easy meals and simple snacks. “Healthy doesn’t always mean gross,” one student remarked in surprised delight after tasting the results.

It was a revelation to many. There were numerous student endorsements about the healthy-eating project. Tyler Schaefer noted, “I never thought something that was really healthy for you could taste so good! When I was watching the food being prepared, I saw all the healthy items put into it and thought it was going to taste horrible, but the food actually came out really good.”

“I was kinda expecting it to taste like broccoli or brussel sprouts,” Luca DeStefaro said, “but I enjoyed the food and drinks. I might start making them myself.”

Kayal Huisman commented, “I think the cooking activities were a nice and fun way to learn new healthy snack recipes. My favorite cooking recipe was the healthy ice cream. It was a very fun and cool experience to make snacks in class. I have already made the healthy cookies at home, and my family loved them. It is not only good, but it is fun to make these recipes. I think it is great that they are healthy but still taste great.”

Aidan McCullough remarked, “personally, I would say that my teacher, Mrs. Maurici, was very creative with how she thought of these recipes,” while James Anderson agreed adding, “I thought it was very generous of Mrs. Maurici to make food for us, even though it was after lunch!”

In fact, the whole concept of healthy cooking caught on so well that when the parents discovered what their children were learning, they emailed Mrs. Maurici for other ideas and recipes they could make at home.

By the end of the project the general consensus was clear. Mrs. Maurici’s lessons for eating healthy were so easy to make and delicious that her students (and their parents) ate it up!

Story by Linda Mittiga

Linda A. Mittiga
Sayville School District Public Relations
(631) 244-6514

On Oct. 25, 2015, during a ceremony held at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Richard Sele, a 1979 graduate of Sayville High School, was promoted to Brigadier General in the United States Army Reserve.

He is currently serving as deputy commanding general of the 108th Training Command (IET), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and on April 14, 2016 he was inducted into the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Hall of Fame during a ceremony at North Carolina A&T State University.

During his military career, he was awarded the Bronze Star, as well as many other prestigious medals, including five meritorious awards.

Brig. General Sele is also an accomplished artist.  His scratchboard art encompasses themes such as civil war, genocide, and international conflict.  His work may be seen online at www.impactart.weebly.com.

More information about Richard Sele may be found on the Army’s website at:  http://www.army.mil/article/157705/Defying_the_odds__Sele_promoted_to_brigadier_general/

Brig. General Richard Sele

Submitted by: Kristin MacKay
631-566-2972
Kmackay2002@gmail.com

The year is 1985 and the place is New Jersey when a wannabe rock star (professional wedding singer) is left at the alter and finally changes his tune.

What: THE WEDDING SINGER
Where: The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center
When: April 30, 2016 – May 22, 2016
Tickets: $18-$29

The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer’s sparkling new score does for the ’80s what Hairspray did for the ’60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in 20 years. It’s 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

Friday, May 6 8:00pm
Saturday, May 7 8:00pm
Sunday, May 8 2:00pm
Wednesday, May 11 7:30pm
Friday, May 13 8:00pm
Saturday, May 14 8:00pm
Sunday, May 15 2:00pm
Wednesday, May 18 2:00pm
Friday, May 20 8:00pm
Saturday, May 21 8:00pm
Sunday, May 22 2:00pm

Fri, Sat, Sun Performances: Adults-$29 Seniors-$27 VIP-$40 Students-$22 Children 12 & Under-$18
Wed 7:30pm Performance: Adults-$26 Seniors-$24 Students-$20 Children 12 & Under-$16
*Sunday Matinees include complimentary bagels 30 minutes prior to show
**Wednesday Matinee includes complimentary refreshment

Group Rates available

For more information or to order tickets please contact the Box Office at (631) 218-2810 or visit our website at www.cmpac.com

Contact: William Sheehan, PR/Marketing Director
(631) 218-2810 ext. 17 william@cmpac.com

Ann Armoza

The BAFFA Art Gallery, in Sayville, is pleased to present The Spirit of the Brush: Asian Brush Paintings featuring Pola Lanzaro & Friends.

The exhibit opens on May 14^th and will run through May 22^nd.

Pola Lanzaro is past-president of the Long Island Sumi-e Society and has been an instructor at the Islip Art Museum. Over the last ten years her work has been exhibited at the Korean Embassy in Washington, DC, the Heckscher Museum in Huntington, Guild Hall, the Steinhardt Conservatory in Brooklyn and many galleries on Long Island.

There will be an artists’ reception at The Gallery on Sunday, May 15^th, from 2 to 4 PM. Exhibit hours are Noon to 4 PM on weekends and 11 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The BAFFA Gallery is located at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville.

For further information: 631-589-7343 or www.baffa.org.

Continuing Family Legacy After Three Generations –Free Family Event Open To Public May 6-8, 2016.

Sayville Ford, Long Island’s Ford Giant, is set to unveil its newly renovated showroom and business facility during its grand re-opening weekend event Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8, 2016, Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Located off of Sunrise Highway in Sayville, New York, the multi-generational dealership will mark the occasion with a free, family-friendly celebration complete with giveaways, raffles, food and petting zoo. The family owned and operated dealership will celebrate its 60^th year in 2017, and this event defines the beginning of a new era.

In 2015, Sayville Ford underwent major renovations, and after more than a year of construction, Sayville Ford is bigger and better than ever. The new facility houses a large, showroom, second floor conference and office area, drive-in service lanes, on-site car wash and a state-of-the-art customer lounge — all in an effort to provide customers the ultimate dealership experience.

Three generations later and three buildings later, Sayville Ford, has been part of the local community since 1957 when Neil Spare, Sr. opened Sayville Ford at 102 Main Street, Sayville (where present day Walgreens is located), selling both Fords and gasoline from street side pumps.  In 1966, after college and serving in the US Navy as a submariner, his son, Neil Spare, Jr. joined the business.  As the dealership grew, Spare, Jr. relocated the dealership and in 1975, a new facility opened at its present location. In 2008, Neil Spare Jr.’s daughter, Melanie Spare-Oswalt, joined the business after an 18-year career in the insurance industry and became the third generation Spare to operate the business.

Sayville Ford proudly serves as a local institution, providing employment to more than 90 people, supporting local events including Drive 4 UR School; Sayville Ford Annual Mustang Show with proceeds going to the Make A Wish Foundation, Long Island Cares and more.

Sayville Ford is located at 5686 Sunrise Highway, Sayville, NY. 

ABOUT SAYVILLE FORD:
Sayville Ford, Long Island’s Ford Giant, is a multi-generational dealership located at 5686 Sunrise Highway, Sayville. Three generations later and three buildings later, Sayville Ford, has been part of the local community since 1957, and is now owned and operated by Neil Jr. and his daughter, Melanie Spare-Oswalt. The newly renovated facility includes a large showroom, drive-in service lanes, on-site car wash and a state-of-the-art customer lounge and service facility — all in an effort to provide customers the ultimate dealership experience. For more information SayvilleFord.com or call (844) 846-6962.

Submitted by: Danielle Carella
Danielle@pranamarketing.com

The restoration project has begun! “Save the Grange!” is no longer a slogan. “Save the Grange” is a plan of action that is now in motion!

Recent donations to the “Friends of the Grange” from the “The John C. Dunphy Private Foundation,” the “Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce” and the general public (by means of Grange oriented events) made possible the beginning of the restoration project.

A series of photos portraying the development of the restoration project are available for viewing at both FriendsoftheGrange.com and spelmanstudios.com .

The direct link to the photos at Spelman Studios is: http://spelmanstudiosonlineevent.zenfolio.com/islipgrange .

“Be the Spark” (https://www.sparkcharity.com) has recently joined the effort to support the restoration of historic structures located at the Grange in Sayville (Town of Islip).

The buildings located at the Grange date back to the 1800’s. (Go to FriendsoftheGrange.com)

For educational purposes, Friends of the Grange will host American Heritage oriented events such as: Civil War Reenactments, Apple Festivals, Concerts in the Park, Art Displays, Theater in the Park and many other culturally entertaining events.

Please sign up to become a Friend of the Grange at FriendsoftheGrange.com – FREE!

Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated! Your direct involvement and participation with a variety of events or committees are cherished!! Your ideas, suggestions and moral support are taken to heart and discussed with our team members!

Above it all, we value YOU as a friend!!

Thank you for your support.

Frank Grasso
A Friend of the Grange

Special Thanks to Spelman for their professional photography.

Contact info is as follows: Spelman Studios, 53 Main Street, Suite 3, Sayville, NY 11782  Service: 631-254-1363   Fax: 631-254-3595 www.spelmanstudios.com

Town of Islip News

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter recently invited a group of elementary school students to Town Hall to congratulate them on their recent success in the FIRST Lego League Tournament.

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Tournament asks competitors to construct mobile ‘robots’ that can perform simple tasks. The students, from Bayport’s Academy Street Elementary School, were among the youngest competitors in the entire tournament. Despite competing against middle-schoolers, these students finished 6^th out of 40 teams in the championship tournament.

“We’re so proud of these students and everything they have achieved,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “They made the effort to keep learning about science and technology outside of the classroom, and this dedication paid off at the FIRST competition. We’re looking forward to their future projects.”

The theme for the 2016 championship was “Trash Trek”, and concerned recycling.  The team, known the Brainstormers, toured Covanta, the Islip Recycling Center and the Islip Town Compost Facility in preparation for the tournament.  The team learned how there are more people on Long Island who do not participate in recycling than those who do participate. The Brainstormers created a home recycler machine, called “The Recycler”, to eliminate the storage and mess of recycled materials in the home.

Pictured (l-r): Eileen Kaler; Matthew Bachek; George Economos; Jillian Kaler; Ellie Ricci; Supervisor Angie Carpenter. TEAMMATES NOT PICTURED: Vincent Greenlaw; Brayden Robertson.

Town of Islip News

Islip Town Councilman Steve Flotteron recently presented an Eagle Award to Raymond Ebarb of Troop 76 in Sayville.

For his Eagle project, Raymond put his musical skills to work and organized a concert of popular songs for the residents of the Long Island Veterans Home in Stony Brook.

Councilman Flotteron thanked Raymond for his service to those who have served our country.

Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino (R,C,I-Sayville) joined in celebrating the Assembly’s annual West Point Day, where cadets from across the state represent the United States Military Academy in the Assembly Chamber.

Garbarino was proud to welcome Cadets Shannon Wisseman, from Sayville, and Courtney Dooley, from Bayport, who are members of the West Point class of 2018. Cadet Wisseman graduated from Sayville High School and is a Psychology major at the Academy and Cadet Dooley graduated from Bayport-Blue Point High School and is an American History major at the Academy.

“As a proud supporter of our nation’s military personnel, I take great pride in honoring Cadets Wisseman and Dooley today from the 7^th Assembly District,” said Garbarino. “I have a great deal of respect for all members of the United States Armed Forces, active, reserve and veterans, but I have a special sense of pride knowing that Shannon and Courtney are representing our community so well. I would like to personally thank them for their service on behalf of the residents of Long Island, the citizens of New York State and our country, I wish them continued success as they progress through the Academy and their future military service.”

West Point Day is an annual event hosted by the state Legislature. The event provides cadets the opportunity to visit the Capitol and be recognized for their commitment and service to our country as representatives of New York State.

Assemblyman Garbarino with West Point Cadets Courtney Dooley and Shannon Wisseman

Contact: James Coughlin jwcoughlin1@gmail.com

by Linda Mittiga, Sayville Schools Public Relations

Sayville Sophomore Zoe Rivera had an amazing vision.

The Girl Scout who had been working independently on the highest Girls Scout achievement—the Gold Award—selected a project that would fulfill the requisite of having a positive impact on a community. However, Zoe chose to broaden the community aspect by relocating her project all the way to Africa.

“Her project was to build a water well in Liberia,” Mrs. Kathy Van Dorn explained about her  former student, “right outside of a school and provide a clean water source to the surrounding villages. In order to accomplish this, she had to raise $3,000 to install the well. This required raising awareness about a less fortunate country within our own community.”

Zoe gave presentations within the school district to inform her home community about her project and to help raise awareness for the importance of clean water.  Her energy was unstoppable and her ingenuity was enterprising.

“Zoe set up bins to collect loose change at schools and organized fundraisers,” Mrs. Van Dorn continued.  “One of the fundraisers she hosted was a benefit concert which was held at Sayville High School with the Tri-M students, middle school jazz choir and two a capella groups from William Floyd High School. She also arranged a Pancake Fundraiser at Applebee’s in Patchogue.”

The fundraisers along with the loose-change collection added up better than originally hoped. “What an outstanding young lady! Not only did she raise her target goal of $3,000,” Mrs. Van Dorn announced with excitement,  “she ended up raising $6,200!” With more than double the target, Zoe will now be able to fund two water wells for some well-deserving children.

In late March, after Zoe paid the company to build the wells in Liberia, a process expected to take six to eight weeks, the Liberian videographer/photographer associated with the project began sending Zoe photos of her one-time vision, now a reality.

Linda A. Mittiga
Sayville School District Public Relations
(631) 244-6514

Every year, high school students plan and prep for their upcoming prom. Finding the right dress, saying yes to the right date, and attending the best after-party.

It’s supposed to be the perfect night –but that could all end in an instant. To keep teens and drivers safe this prom season, the Community Ambulance Company is implementing a prevention program to offer free prom and banquet transportation to those students from the Bayport, Connetquot and Sayville School Districts. The Community Ambulance Company has joined together with Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay and Youth Enrichment Services (YES) to create a program to prevent teens from drinking and driving after prom.

For teens that may be unfit to drive in Bayport, Bohemia, Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville on prom and banquet night Lindy’s Taxi will have drivers on hand to pick teens up and drop them off safely at their local home, no questions asked.

Free Prom Transportation to Prevent Unfit Driving
According to the Community Ambulance Company Medical Director and attending Emergency Medicine Physician at Northwell Health – Southside Hospital, Dr. Brian S. Blaustein, DO, “motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in teenagers. About a quarter of those crashes involve underage drinking. During prom time throughout the United Stated ambulances are called to scenes of accidents involving under aged drinking that resulted in sometimes serious injuries or fatalities.”

“Our goal is to provide a joint program to prevent any horrible tragedies from occurring as a result of drunk driving during prom time. If we can avoid someone from being injured or killed and keep our children safe, it is well worth it.” said Christopher Gonzales Chief of Community Ambulance Company.

When asked about the co-sponsorship Legislator Lindsay stated:
“I am excited to collaborate with Community Ambulance Company to help ensure the safety of our students attending the prom. By providing alternative transportation, it is my hope they will have a safe and wonderful evening as they enjoy this milestone night”.

MaryAnn Pfeiffer, Executive Director of the Youth Enrichment Services said: “YES is excited to partner with CAC and SC Legislator Bill Lindsay to ensure safety for our children and our communities. The continuing efforts by YES and our other community partners to educate about the dangers of drinking and driving as well as alcohol abuse will have an impact in the communities, within our families and with our youth.”

Jamie Atkinson, Community Ambulance Company Board of Director/Vice-President stated:
“Talking with kids about drinking on prom night should be part of an ongoing conversation with them about the hazards of drinking. Educate your children about the dangers of drinking and driving and make sure they have a memorable night. We encourage all teens who are unfit to drive to take advantage of this program by phoning Lindy’s Taxi at (631) 588-1055 to obtain free prom transportation.”

The Community Ambulance Company proudly serves the areas of Sayville, West Sayville, Bayport, Bohemia and Oakdale, answering an average of over 4000 calls per year. If interested in joining, please contact (631) 567-2586 for more information.

Visit us on the web – www.Communityamb.org
Fan us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/commamb
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/commamb

Contact: Jamie Atkinson Board Of Director Vice-President
Office: 631-567-2586
Jamie.Atkinson@communityamb.org

Kathy Leddy and her daughter Mackenzie of Sayville are currently raising their 9th puppy for Canine Companions for Independence.
Puppy Mater is a 1.5 year old lab/golden retriever cross who will soon enter advanced training, and will learn over 40 commands that are useful to a person with disabilities.

The Leddy’s brought Mater into their home at 8 weeks of age, teaching him basic commands and the all-important socialization skills.  Volunteer puppy raisers like the Leddy family are vital to the work of Canine Companions for Independence, who have placed over five-thousand assistance dogs free of charge to people with disabilities.

For a great Mother’s Day feature, contact:  John Bentzinger  jbentzinger@cci.org  516-330-6457

Earth Day Celebration will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 11:00am – 04:00pm (Rain date: Sunday, May 15) in Gillette Park and Gillette Ave.

The Town of Islip in cooperation with the Sayville Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the 26th Annual Earth Day Celebration in downtown Sayville. Vendors and Exhibitors with earth friendly good and services will be there.

For more information contact : (631) 595-3630

Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino (R,C,I-Sayville) criticized the State Assembly’s Higher Education Committee after the committee’s Majority members voted down a bill.

This bill increased the maximum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funding to $6,470 and increased the household threshold income cap for TAP from $80,000 to $100,000. He released the following statement:

“I’m disappointed that some of my colleagues have chosen to vote against making higher education more affordable for our state’s students. With our economy continuing to sputter, families are finding it more and more difficult to survive in New York and the possibility of attaining a college degree has become much more uncertain. This legislation would have increased the level of funding for TAP to lessen the financial burden of high tuition on struggling middle class families. Without this funding students will continue to rely on high interest loans that put a huge financial burden on them before they even have a job. We live in uncertain economic times and providing additional funding to families and students seeking higher education who don’t have the financial means is crucial. I hope that in the future we can work toward legislation that makes education a financially feasible opportunity for all New Yorkers.”

Contact: James Coughlin jwcoughlin1@gmail.com

Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay’s legislation, IR-1324, was passed unanimously at the May 10^th General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature.

The legislation will name the only handicapped accessible playground in West Sayville as the Betty Whitehouse Playground.

Betty Whitehouse, who passed away at 92, on December 6, 2015, is well deserving of this park bearing her name. Whitehouse was an integral part of the Sayville community where she was a teacher in the Sayville School District for 25 years and a member of the Sayville School Board for five years. Whitehouse also spent much of her time giving back to the community as a civic leader with boy and girl scout troops, little league sports and youth sailing clubs. Additionally, Whitehouse volunteered for the Sayville Food Pantry, Sayville Library, and St. Ann’s Church of Sayville.

Whitehouse was also ahead of her time as it relates to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from New York University in physical education it sparked her interest in astronomy and science. She would go on to fight for a planetarium to be built at the Old Sayville Junior High School while developing K-12 astronomy curriculum. Whitehouse later wrote a series of astronomy books for children.

“I cannot think of a better person to name this park after” said Legislator Lindsay. “Betty Whitehouse dedicated her life to bettering our community and I am proud that we can all honor her lifetime of service with the dedication of this park to her.”

The playground, which is adjacent to the Baymen Soccer Fields and the Suffolk County Dog Park, will cater to children ages 2-13 and has top of the line playground equipment that can be accessed by a child in a wheelchair. The equipment is surrounded by an interior safety surface and has concrete walkways to increase the ease of use for all children. The 77’ x 65’ play structure includes several slides, ramps, and recreational equipment.

“This playground really hits home for me, said Lindsay. “My younger sister is handicapped and I know how difficult it was for my parents to find a safe and welcoming environment for her to play as a child. I am confident that this park will be extremely beneficial to all children as it can provide them with a greater level of confidence and acceptance as well as a place to play and stay active for years to come.”

The ribbon cutting for the Betty Whitehouse Playground will take place in the coming months. The Sayville Chamber of Commerce will be donating a memorial stone to the playground in Betty Whitehouse’s honor.

###

*Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Government Operations, Personnel, Information Technology, and Housing Committee. Bill represents the 8th legislative district which consists of Bayport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Holbrook, Holtsville, Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville parts of North Patchogue and Ronkonkoma.

Contact:  BRIAN SAPP
Office: 631-854-9611

by Ann Armoza

The Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts (BAFFA) presents Music 101.  BAFFA’s annual family concert focuses this year on musical rhythm and the evolution of musical styles from classical to Broadway.

The Bay Area Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Richard Wright, and the Bay Area Chorus, directed by Martha Campanile, will perform this interactive concert designed for young people, their parents and grandparents and the general public.

The Orchestra will perform music by Sousa, Bizet, Rimsky-Korsakov and Grieg. Choral pieces include works by Bach, Gilbert and Sullivan, Carol King and Broadway’s Les Miserables.

Please join us on June 4^th at the Sayville Middle School, 291 Johnson Avenue in Sayville, beginning at 4:00 PM.

The concert will be followed by a free ice cream social that is open to all.

For further information call 631-589-7343 or www.baffa.org.

by Pamela Fitzpatrick

The Patchogue Lioness-Lions Club has been sponsoring guide dogs since 1983.  They have sponsored 21  puppies over the years and are looking for a name for puppy #22!

The club is running a contest to find a name for this years puppy.  Entering is simple: fill out the entry available on their website and submit a name for the puppy. The entry fee of $5 per name will benefit the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown.

Entries must be submitted no later than 9 am on Sunday May 22 which is the day of the 13th annual walk for a guide dog which starts at the Patchogue Fire Dept (Jennings Avenue, Patchogue)

For more info or to download the form visit http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/patchoguelioness/calendar

by Linda Mittiga, Sayville Schools Public Relations

Sayville Baseball Held Sixth Annual Honor Presentation for Military Service Personnel and Veterans

For the sixth consecutive year, Sayville Baseball held its Annual SUPPORT  OUR TROOPS DAY in a brief ceremony honoring veterans, along with current servicemen and women, which preceded the home game on the baseball field (aka “The Swamp”).

Admiring the qualities of character, honor, integrity, and loyalty demonstrated by active and former military personnel, like his father, Sayville Baseball Coach Ryan Cox began this tribute to honor the commitment they have shown, to say thank you for their great service and sacrifice, and to instill these values in his players.

This year’s ceremony began with the Color Guard from VWF Post 433, Rick Erdmann, Gary Gentile and Andy Henning, marching onto the field, while the invited veterans, Coach Ryan, assistant coaches Chris Clehane, Eric Cox, and Peter Blumenauer, and the Sayville Baseball team stood in respectful silence for the National Anthem on the third baseline.  After, Sayville High School student Sean Barry played military themes on the bagpipes.

As part of the time-honored tradition this year, special recognition was given to Mr. Paul Simonsen, student assistance counselor at Sayville Middle School for the past 25 years.

“We, as Americans, are grateful to our military personnel who are presently serving our country,” Physical Education Teacher Jen Wittman-Cahill read the prepared announcement broadcasted across the field as part of the Support Our Troops ceremony. “…and to our Veterans who have paved the way with their service.” This was followed by a history* of Mr. Simonsen’s military background. After as part of the yearly tradition, retired Staff Sargent Simonsen threw the first pitch.

* “Staff Sergeant Simonsen served in the Army Reserve from 1981 to 1989 and was a squad leader for his Basic Training unit at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was attached to the 344th General Hospital out of Fort Totten, Queens N.Y. after his MOS training at the Academy of Health Sciences Fort Sam -Houston Texas. His specific training was as a medic and counselor. Staff Sergeant Simonsen also did training at Nassau Medical Center, and Sargent’s school at Indian Town Gap Pennsylvania. His duties included providing First Aid Training, MOS testing, and Safety NCO for his unit during his last two years. He retired from the Army as a Staff Sargent. He credits the Military for helping him go back to school for his Master’s degree as part of the Aces program under President Reagan. Staff Sergeant Simonsen has been married 25 years to his wife Janette and he has two great kids Bridget and Troy, ages 21 and 17.”

Linda A. Mittiga
Sayville School District Public Relations
(631) 244-6514