Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino (R,C,I-Sayville) criticized Gov. Cuomo’s decision to veto the veterans’ pension buyback legislation that has passed the Senate and Assembly several times with nearly unanimous support.

Garbarino has consistently proven to be a strong supporter of legislation benefiting our nation’s veterans.

“It’s deeply discouraging to see the governor veto the veteran’s pension bill for a second time. This bill, which passed the Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support, was intended to help our returning servicemen and women buy back up to three years of time in the pension system, making up for the time they spent serving our country in uniform,” Garbarino said.

The bill would have allowed veterans from any era to buy back up to three years of service credit in the public employee retirement systems for their military service. Currently, New York only allows veterans who served during specific conflicts to buy back service credit. For instance, Iraq veterans are currently eligible, while Afghanistan veterans are not. The bill would have fixed that and recognized the service of Afghanistan veterans.

“Last year just days before Veterans’ Day, the governor asserted that he could not support this legislation due to questions about the cost. This past session we addressed those questions and included a funding mechanism. I don’t understand why the governor continues to turn his back on our nation’s veterans. As this legislation was modified to meet the governor’s demands I see no excuse why this bill was vetoed again. Anyone who supports our nation’s veterans should contact the governor’s office or their local representative and voice their opposition to this veto,” concluded Garbarino.

Contact: James Coughlin coughlj@assembly.state.ny.us

Fall Harvest is the theme of this year’s exhibit by the Bell Street Artists at the BAFFA Gallery in Sayville. The exhibit can be seen from November 7th through the 29th during the Gallery’s open hours.

An artists’ reception will be held at the Gallery from 1 to 4 PM on November 15th. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 AM to 1:00 PM.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

BAFFA Gallery is located at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville.

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

Hunger is very real here in the Sayville area.  The number of local residents experiencing difficulty affording food over the last year has steadily increased.

This number doubles during the holidays.  The Greater Sayville Food Pantry offers help to those who need access to nutritional food.  Many families we serve are faced with the daily dilemma of whether to eat or pay bills.  They are the working poor who can’t seem to catch up on their bills, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and single parents who live from paycheck to paycheck.

Once again, The Sayville Food Pantry will be sponsoring a food drive during this year’s annual Holiday Parade and would greatly appreciate your help.  On Saturday November 28^th at 10:00 am, The Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Annual Holiday Parade and our Shopping Cart Elves will be collecting donations along the parade route.  We would be extremely grateful if you could post the attached flyer on your website during the month of November to encourage your visitors to bring a non-perishable donations to this year’s parade.  Through your participation, we can continue to help those who are in need in the Oakdale, Bohemia, West Sayville, Sayville, Bayport and Blue Point areas.

The Greater Sayville Food Pantry
47 Gillette Avenue
Sayville, New York

by Linda Mittiga, Sayville Schools Public Relations

The new class offering, Virtual Enterprise International (VEI), was only launched in September at Sayville High School.

The students in both Mr. Chad Cross’ and Mr. Bryan Coon’s classes quickly coordinated and prepared to showcase their business savvy at the VEI Business and Entrepreneurship Leadership Conference held in early October.

“Both Mr. Cross and I are teaching separate VEI classes.” Technology/Business Department Chairperson Bryan Coon explained about the new course offering. These two classes are independent of the other “with the students in each class starting up a totally different type of business.” This year, the two VEI companies were Ohana Surfboard and a 24/7 Meals.

At the conference, a representative from the two Sayville “firms” gave a 30-second “elevator pitch” (a short summary used to quickly and simply define a process, product, service, organization, or event) before an audience of over one-thousand business leaders, college administrators and professors, high school teachers and students in the Tilles Center for the Performing Art at LIU Post. For Mr. Cross’s VEI class, Hunter Bauland (12th grade) spoke as the Chief Operating Officer of Ohana Surfboard Company. He explained in his pitch that the Sayville based company designs and manufactures surfboards, sells them on their company website, and will ship globally at a flat rate. For Mr. Coon’s class, Jack Saracino (12th grade) was the Chief Executive Officer from the firm 24/7 Meals and gave his 30-second elevator pitch to explain the offerings and benefits of the virtual firm he represents.

“Both students did a terrific job delivering 30-second “elevator pitches,” Mr. Coon said. “It was an invaluable learning experience for both classes. I was very impressed and proud of both of our firm speakers,” Mr. Cross added.
These enterprising students have just begun to explore their business options with the new Virtual Enterprise International. See below for the description from the High School Program of Studies below:

*VIRTUAL ENTERPRISE (NEW CLASS -*COLLEGE CREDIT)

Virtual Enterprise International is a course that allows students to experience, in a simulated business environment, every aspect of a business, including human resources, accounting, production, distribution, and marketing and sales. This workplace simulation class enables students to understand how managers, employees, workgroup teams, and departments interact with each other and work together for the success of the company. The Virtual Enterprise class allows students to experience all the facets of being an employee in a simulated business setting.   They are involved in every aspect of the business including human resources, accounting, product development, production, distribution, marketing and sales. Students engage in virtual trading with 3,000 other virtual firms throughout the world. This course also provides students with hands-on-skills for life-long employability, up-to-date technical and supportive resources and inclusion of technology into all business courses, opportunities for real world application of student’s skills, and coordination and integration with other academic areas.

*This course carries dual credit towards the high school diploma, and for a fee, 6 college credits in Business from Farmingdale State College. Participating students are considered non-matriculated undergraduate students at Farmingdale State College.

Available to students in grades 9-12 

(College credit is only available to students in grades 10-12, freshmen who complete the course may retake it for college credit by participating in a different position within the virtual company).

Full Year – 1 credit
  
Photos: Hunter Bauland and Jack Saracino

LT. Michael Murphy Division USNSCC Blood Drive at American Legion-Smith Wever Post 651, 23 Foster Ave., Sayville, NY, on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 from 3:00pm -7:30pm.

Your donation will help to save up to THREE lives.
Our community hospitals need your help.
Please share this lifesaving gift!

Eligibility Criteria:
• Bring ID with signature or photo.
• Minimum weight 110 lbs.
• Age 16 – 75 (16 year olds must have parental permission)
• Age 76 and over need doctor’s note
• Eat well (low fat) & drink fluids
• No tattoos for past 12 months

For questions concerning medical eligibility call 1-800-688-0900.

For more information or to make an appointment please contact:
Kelsey Nogueras at (631) 965-8774 or noguerask9@gmail.com

Thank you for caring!

On November 14^th, the Bay Area Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Richard Wright presents Twist of Fate.

Musical pieces to be performed are Verdi’s Overture to La Forza del Destino, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture and Schubert’s Symphony Number 4 (The Tragic).

The Orchestra will perform at Bayport-Blue Point High School, 200 Snedecor Avenue in Bayport.

The concert begins at 7:30 PM. The concert is free but freewill donations are welcome.

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

Members of the Sayville Village Improvement Society and Library met on South Main Street to view the newly installed plaque commemorating the start of the Society and the Library 101 years ago at this location.

SVIS President Catherine Hoose (right) and Library Director Alice Lepore (left) are on either side of the plaque. SVIS members left to right are: Barbara Fitzpatrick, (corr. sec’ty) Elaine Whitehouse, Joan Lengyel, Patricia Brinkmann (treasuer) Grace Papagno (secretary) and Suzanne Robilotta (vice president). In absentia Kay Porter, President for the 100th Anniversary and Sheila Rettaliata, Treasurer.

We, members of the Sayville Village Improvement Society will be holding our Holiday Party on Sat. Dec.5 at the Gillette House, 47 Gillette Av. from 5-8. Donation $20.00 buys the fun, food and music. Please come and help us raise the funds to make Sayville beautiful next spring!

SVIS President Catherine Hoose (right) and Library Director Alice Lepore (left) are on either side of the plaque. SVIS members left to right are: Barbara Fitzpatrick, (corr. sec’ty) Elaine Whitehouse, Joan Lengyel, Patricia Brinkmann (treasuer) Grace Papagno (secretary) and Suzanne Robilotta (vice president). In absentia Kay Porter, President for the 100th Anniversary and Sheila Rettaliata, Treasurer.

Submitted by Suzanne Robilatta

Photos and story by Linda Mittiga, Sayville Schools Public Relations

Enjoying delicious soups with family and friends was as memorable as ever at The Eighth Annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser—a Sayville High School Art Club event in recognition of National Hunger Awareness Month (October).

New recipes and some returning favorites were homemade by teachers, staff, families, and such local merchants as Café Joelle (Autumn Bisque Soup) and Green Pear Catering, while sides also included fresh salads and rolls.

For the price of the $10 admission, attendees not only enjoyed their dinner fare, but they were able to select a one-of-a-kind handmade ceramic bowl created by Sayville High School Art students and teachers.

Empty Bowls, which is a fundraiser for the Sayville Food Pantry, was organized by the High School Art Club under the supervision of advisers Evan Hammer and John Verschure, with the assistance of Art Department Chairperson Debbie Urso, the National Art Honor Society run by Jennifer Berotti, and supported by the entire Art department districtwide. Many thanks go to the student volunteers (see list) who either sold the unique hand-crafted bowls (which are both dishwasher and microwave safe) or ladled the soups to hungry customers.

By the time everyone had their fill at the well-attended supper, the fundraiser had collected more than $1,500 for the Sayville Food Pantry!

Thank you to all Volunteers & thank you for all the Donations:

STA donated several cases of water!
*Students-
Grade 12
D. Lumley, T. Connolly, C. Poppalardo, C. Guinnessey, S. Wilson, E. Pigott, R. Zarett
Grade 11
G. Fraccalveri, R. Zarett, M. MacFarlane, S. Sherard, M. Cascio, J. Philbin, N. Angelillo, C. Kroll, D. Koster, K. Van Wickler, K. Mangino
Grade 10
J.Hodgkinson, A. Carter, N. Dufrenoy, H. Decker, K. Fitzpatrick, A. Flaumenhaft, E. Abrahall, J. Luceri, M. Kelly, K. Golon, O. Oguwale, G. Thorton, B. Tersigni, J. Newman
Grade 9
M. Buffardi, A. Pittari, K. Hill, M. Damon, L. Schweikert, A. Herrera, G. Rossi, M. Donnelly, Keira Mizzi, E. Malone, C. Howland

*Faculty & Staff – Art Club Advisors (Hammer/Verschure) Art Honor Society Advisor (Berotti) Art Dept. Chair (Urso) Shaw, Depompeo, Anzalone (MS), Pace, Laxton (Cherry), Pontieri (MS), Peterson (MS), Ms Krivosta & Mr Papalia (MS), Amelia-Pesko (MS), Schweikert, Armen, Abigail (Athletic Trainer), Rich Michaels (Cherry)
*Parents – Ms Buffardi, Mr Boniak, Ms Weingarten.

Even as the temperatures begin to dip, there is plenty of work to be done at the Project Bloom community garden in East Islip, and a team of 10 accountants from the NextGen Committee stepped in recently to help.

The garden, located at Brookwood Hall on Irish Lane, depends upon Keep Islip Clean volunteers to plant, weed, trim and generally maintain a lush area that includes vegetable beds, a children’s garden, memorial garden and greenhouse.

The NextGen Committee, which is affiliated with the NYS Society of CPAs, is a support network that fosters professionalism and sense of community among young accountants through volunteerism. This is the third year that members of the group have volunteered through KIC for a fall project.

From top, left: William Huether, Robert Huether, John Hermus, Alanna Horowtiz, Stephanie Angel, Jennifer Gallino, Eric St. Germain. Kneeling, from left: Luz Witkin, Kaitlin Dorsch and Rebecca Brodsky.

Keep Islip Clean, a certified affiliate of the national organization Keep America Beautiful, is a not-for-profit,
501c3, community service organization.

Contact: Nancy Cochran, 224-2627

Veterans, who are now students at Dowling College joined  U.S. Marines who served in Iraq and Afghanistan in unloading 2,400 Thanksgiving Turkeys

that Stop & Shop donated to Island Harvest Food Bank and Long Island Cares, the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Stop & Shop’s Turkey Express program will deliver nearly 21,000 turkeys to hunger relief organizations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island this holiday season.

(Pictured left to right): Arlene Putterman, Manager of Public Relations for Stop & Shop’s New York Metro Division, Marine Staff Sargent Ricardo Martinez, Dowling Veteran Allan Fajardo, Michael Wern, Dowling College’s Veteran and Military Services Coordinator, Marine Captain, Brad Bolton, Dowling Veterans Robyn Hall and Michael Meinardus.

Facts about Hunger on Long Island:

• One of every eight Long Islanders, approximately 316,000 people receive emergency food each year, that’s over 65,000 people every week.

• 74 percent of the Long Island households served by emergency food programs are food insecure, according to the U.S. government’s official food security scale.

• 39 percent of Long Islanders who receive emergency food are children under 18 years old.

• Nearly half – 48 percent – receiving emergency food assistance are the “working poor”: households that include at least one employed adult. Of these, 63% have monthly incomes below the federal poverty level. Nearly half report having to choose between paying the rent or utilities and paying for food.

• The elderly make up 4 percent of Long Island’s hungry.

• About 6 percent of Long Islanders receiving food assistance are homeless and are made up of individuals who are the victims of abuse or have been forced out of closed institutions. Many of these individuals are also mentally, physically, emotionally or socially disabled and face limited employment opportunities, additional barriers and/or may have difficulty feeding themselves.

Stop & Shop donates over $12 million in product and financial support to individual food banks. In addition to the Turkey Express program, Stop & Shop continues to fight hunger through the Food for Friends campaign, which will raise more than $1 million this year for more than 300 local hunger relief organizations through the states that it operates in.

Submitted by: Rubenstein Associates
Howard Cannon O: (212) 843-8072
hcannon@rubenstein.com

Congratulations to the following Sayville High School students (and Alternates) who were selected by virtue of their highest scores for NYSCAME All-County:

ALL-COUNTY

Chorus

Savannah Votino
Jillian Brudi
Jamie Baio
Sean McNally

Orchestra

Bridgett Pitre
Nick Burkel

Band

Mark Doucet
Rebecca Kranz
Amanda Minutello
Matthew Tomko
Francis Reilly
Isabella Giovan
Julianna Giovan

During last spring’s Solo and Ensemble Festivals throughout the State, thousands of music students auditioned for the honor of participating in the NYSSMA All-State Conference in Rochester, New York in December 2015.

Congratulations to the following students who qualified for All-State:

ALL-STATE:

Emily Osterloh – Electronic Music
Joseph Panzerino – Electronic Music
Alex Jones – Electronic Music
Savannah Votino – Mixed Chorus

NAfME All-National All-National:

Jillian Brudi – Mixed Chorus
Nick Burkel – Orchestra

All Country music students

All State music students

All National music students

Photos by Linda Mittiga

Story and photos by Linda Mittiga, Sayville Schools Public Relations

At the Third Annual All-Elementary Duathlon, excitement was as sharp as the crisp October air.

Bringing bikes of all shapes and sizes, wearing hats and thermal outerwear, and sporting colorful helmets, all 418 elementary school student-athletes geared up at 7:30 for the early Saturday-morning start of two events—the Fun Run and the Duathlon.

“These events are not races,” the Sayville Elementary School Duathlon organizers emphasized during opening remarks. “The students should be proud of their participation, no matter how long it takes to complete the course. There are two simple goals—to finish and to have fun doing it!”

The Fun Run’s half-mile run around the Lincoln Avenue field was specifically for students in Kindergarten through First Grade who choose the running event. After their race, the older students lined up for the Duathlon. On the “go signal,” the first wave of participants, Fifth-grade boys, who had assembled at the starting line, sprang into action. Fifth-grade girls started one minute after, and the succession of Fourth-graders, Third-graders, Second-graders according to genders was similarly paced one-minute apart, until the First-Grade level, in which boys and girls ran together.

After completing the first circuit around Lincoln Avenue fields, the “Duathletes” grabbed their bikes for the second part: a 2.5-mile ride on a designated route in the Lincoln Avenue vicinity. Once the bikers returned to the Lincoln Avenue School, they corralled their bikes in the transition area, and took the final 1/2–mile run around the field both to cross the official finish line and to achieve their personal best.

Cheering them on to a successful finish was a host of enthusiastic family members and volunteers. Everyone was flushed with enthusiasm by the time the last contenders crossed the finish line.

Special thanks go to Duathlon organizers Gary Jensen, Lincoln Avenue Principal Dr. Michele LeBlanc, and Coach Bolger, along with Paula Troha for all their efforts coordinating the event. In his opening remarks, Mr. Jensen also acknowledged , “a large group of people who made this event possible.**”

Extra congratulations go to all the participants who made history; this year’s Third Annual All-Elementary Duathlon was bigger than in the previous years, boasting a new record of 418 participants, compared to 288 last year and 255 the first year.

**Among those who were owed thanks:
• All sponsors who contributed funds to pay for the T-shirts;
• Gold Sponsors – Sal’s Pizza, Sayville Running Company, Sunrise Tri, Roseland Dance, Sayville Teachers Association, STAT Health, Sayville Falls Mini Golf, Legislator Bill Lindsay;
• Sasha Gagnon –T-shirt artist
• Town of Islip, Officers at 5th Precinct, Volunteers of the Sayville Fire Department;
• Parent Volunteers – here early and extremely hardworking;
• Pilot Club, Boys Scouts 184, Leadership Club, Athletes Helping Others Club, MS Cheerleaders;
• Teacher Volunteers – who were out on the course.

by Linda Mittiga, Sayville Schools Public Relations

Already this year, our R.I.S.E. students are rising to the challenges of their scientific research, reported Sayville High School Science Research Teacher Maria Brown.

Sayville students Nicole Farese and Jahan Rahman, who participated in the High School Science Research Program this past summer at Brookhaven National Laboratory presented their research in Berkner Hall at the Poster Session showcase on November 5, 2015. Invited to attend the Poster Session were families, friends, teachers, administrators, and scientists from BNL.

Sayville Senior Nicole Farese’s research: The Calibration Study for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Metrology Fixtures, focused on determining the amount of strain needed to apply a force that will cause charged coupled devices (small lenses that will make up the large telescope lens) to be completely smooth. This force is necessary as each small lens must fit perfectly together to maximize the functionality of the whole lens, which will outfit the largest telescope in the world!

Sayville Junior Jahan Rahman evaluated the geospatial models generate by Nicholas Cowan last year to locate and analyze coyote scat to determine relatedness between coyote’s that have taken up residency on BNL’s property. To date, no coyote have been confirmed to utilize the property at BNL.

Sayville Superintendent Dr. Walter Schartner attended the poster session and congratulated Nicole and Jahan for their important research contributions and for participating in the poster session.

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

Due to inclement weather, the venue for Veterans Day in Sayville was changed from Sparrow Park to VFW Post 433 – Sayville’s Veterans of Foreign Wars and was hosted by Post Cdr. Joe White.

“Our Veterans continue to receive outstanding support from the Greater Sayville Community,”American Legion Post Cdr. Steve Antonacci said in his welcoming remarks.

The VFW Hall hosted the event since the Lt Michael Murphy of US Naval Sea Cadets were hosting a Community Blood Drive at the Smith-Wever American Legion Post 651 in the heart of Sayville.

Wreaths were presented by Sayville Boy Scout Troops 184 & Cub Scout Packs from Bayport & Ronkonkoma in addition to other Community Groups that laid wreaths at Sparrow Park.

VFW Chaplain Ron Bergmann gave the Opening Prayer. Master of Ceremonies Steve Antonacci introduced Elected Officials New York State Assemblymen Andrew Garbarino and Al Graf, a Navy Veteran. Local Islip Town Receiver of Taxes Alexis Weik echoed their combined sentiments ‘Thanking the Veterans for Their Service to Our Grateful Nation’.

A reception was held at the conclusion of the program after American Legion Chaplain Ray Tomich called about 50 scouts up to the podium for assistance distributing “THANK YOU CARDS” made by students of the Bayport Tiny Tots Learning Center. After each scout found their Veteran and presented their card, Chaplain Tomich read the  poem inside each card (see photo below) signed each pre-school student.

Our Thanks to Director Jeanne Monahan & Teacher Debbie Giattino and their students who cared enough to ‘Thank a Veteran’ today.

Submitted by Chaplain Ray Tomich

West Sayville Christian School is proud to announce that thirteen West Sayville Christian School students made the High Honor Roll and nine students made the Honor Roll at the end of the first 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, Joseph Ferrara, Anna Fitzgerald, Ella Herritt, Lilly Keegan, Haley Reed, Severino Roderick, Gwendolyn Vignato and Sarah Winslow.

The Honor Roll Students are Declan Carolan, Sophia Ermmarino, Lauren Ferrara, Garrett Gilbert, Peter McCaffrey, Madison Olivant, Nina Rea, Raymond Voss and Carter Warren.

Contact: Ms. Karen Warren, Principal

631-589-2180

On September 20, financial professional Karlyn B. Grasso of Four Tier Financial Group, an office of MetLife and a part of the MetLife Premier Client Group (MPCG), was honored at MetLife Stadium as an MPCG Community Champion.

Grasso was lauded for her work with local charities, including the John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, the Friends of the Grange organization, the Islip Arts Council, the Boy Scouts of America Long Island Eagle Scout Project, and the John T. Mather Memorial Hospital foundation. Through her efforts, Grasso has helped donate more than $550,000 to various not-for-profits within her local community.

The MetLife Premier Client Group is a distribution channel of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), New York, NY 10166. Securities and investment advisory services offered through MetLife Securities, Inc. (MSI) (member FINRA/SIPC) and a registered investment adviser, 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. MLIC and MSI are MetLife companies.

Contact:  Danielle Delzatto-Jackson
Ddelzatto@Metlife.Com

On the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War, The Bristal Assisted Living communities sponsored the play “A Piece of My Heart” that honors American women who served during that conflict.

The Bristal Assisted Living communities sponsored the play “A Piece of My Heart” performed professionally at the Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The play presented a powerful, true drama of five nurses who staffed field hospitals during the Vietnam War.

Named “The most enduring play on Vietnam in the nation,” by The Vietnam Vets Association, “A Piece of My Heart” focuses on the role of women during the war, and seeks to pay tribute to the nearly 11,000 women in uniform who served in-country during that time.

80 year old Ann Berg,  a resident of The Bristal at East Northport, and a former Bellmore resident said, “The acting was amazing, and the experiences of these young women were heart wrenching and unforgettable.”

Jan Burman, President of The Engel Burman Group, developers and operators of The Bristal Assisted Living communities, said “For many who served in Vietnam, the experience is as much an emotional presence for them today as it was fifty years ago. We believe we have a responsibility to present this play as it reminds all of us of the enormous burdens our veterans continue to bear in the defense of our nation.”

Steven Krieger, a Partner at The Engel Burman Group added, “These women completed their tours of duty under enormously difficult circumstances and with little recognition. Some gave their lives while others left Vietnam with many emotional and physical scars they still bear today. A half century later, this play seeks to explore their experiences and pay tribute to all those women who served.”

There are nine communities of The Bristal Assisted Living on Long Island. Each offers activities for residents based on their personal preferences, hobbies and interests. Programs include arts and crafts, book clubs, shopping trips, and regularly scheduled cultural outings. With a cinema, library, billiards parlor and fitness center on-site, residents can enjoy themselves right in the comfort of The Bristal.

Submitted by: Rubenstein Associates
Howard Cannon, O: (212) 843-8072
hcannon@rubenstein.com

On November 8th , Mercy Center Ministries Celebrated their 32nd Anniversary at Island Hills Golf Club by Honoring Catherine Olinger of Patchogue, for her service to Mercy and the community.

Mercy owns and operates three shelters in Patchogue, Blue Point and Sayville for 16-21 year old runaway/homeless adolescent girls and adolescent girls with children.

Each year Mercy recognizes a community member who has made a difference in the lives of others through community service and support. Cathie joined the Board at Mercy in 1996 and has been President from 1999 to present day.

In addition to her 20- year commitment to Mercy, Cathie’s major contributions to her community include: Patchogue Library Trustee 1970-1973, Patchogue Pilot Club 1989-present, Brookhaven Town Office of Women’s Services Advisory Board 1991-present, Brookhaven Town Meals on Wheels volunteer for 15 years, Brookhaven Hospice Volunteer for 5 years, Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Director for 6 years. Cathie is a retired Patchogue Medford School teacher and served on the Executive Board of the Congress of Teachers for 14 years of her 33 year teaching career. Cathie received a proclamation from Supervisor Romaine’s office declaring November 8th, Catherine Olinger Day in the Town of Brookhaven.

Featured left to right in Photo: Catherine Olinger, Briana Taylor, Executive Director, Mercy Center, Melissa Austin, Associate Director Mercy Center. PHOTO by Sue Miller

Submitted by: Briana Taylor, LMSW
Executive Director, Mercy Center Ministries
www.mercycenterministries.org

The spirit of giving continues to hold strong in Sayville!

Once again, Creations Early Childhood Learning Center partnered with Cadette Troop 1294 from Sayville Middle School to provide 40 families-of-four with Thanksgiving dinner!

Creations families generously collected gift cards, canned vegetables and fruit, stuffing and mashed potatoes, gravy and desserts. The Girl Scouts then worked hard to assemble these goods into lovely recyclable bags donated by Reuseit.

The Thanksgiving meals were delivered to St. Lawrence the Martyr Church Outreach Program.

The generosity of our community is overwhelming and will help make this a very Happy Thanksgiving for many of our neighbors.

Submitted by: Lisa Walker

Ooh la la Boutiques is kicking off the holiday season with these amazing sale events, starting off with a free gift with purchase in all Ooh la la locations on Black Friday.

For Saturday November 28th, which is Small Business Saturday, any customer who uses their American Express will receive 10% off their purchase and a free gift.

Lastly, on December 4th to celebrate our annual Pink Friday Sale, all stores are 15% off.