October 1, 2025 West Islip

Assemblyman Durso And Island Harvest Host 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’ During Hunger Action Month

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso recently partnered with Island Harvest Food Bank in Melville for their 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’. Assemblyman Durso was joined by a bipartisan team of Long Island Assembly members to pack boxes with nutritious food that will be delivered to low-

income senior citizens throughout Long Island.

“For the past few years, I have had the privilege of partnering with Island Harvest Food Bank to host Assembly ‘Assemble Day,’ where my colleagues and I get to work filling boxes with food to feed seniors in need,” said Assemblyman Durso. “This year, our event happened to fall

on Hunger Action Day, a national day of action held annually during September as part of Hunger Action Month to raise awareness and provide nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger. This is one of the many reasons why I was proud to present Island Harvest with a $50,000 grant to assist with their amazing work. Thank you to my colleagues, all the volunteers, Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO of Island Harvest, and the entire Island Harvest team for all you do.”

“Island Harvest Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Michael Durso for hosting the 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’ with us,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO. “Assemblyman Durso brought a bipartisan coalition of the Long Island Assembly delegation together on Hunger Action

Did You Know?

Outdoor living spaces are a good investment for homeowners seeking to enjoy their home exteriors to the fullest, and that investment continues to pay dividends when homes are put on the market. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, a number of outdoor living upgrades provide a sizable return on investment (ROI) when homeowners put

their properties up for sale. According to the report, a wood deck could recoup up to 82 percent of the original cost at resale, meaning a job that comes in around the national average price of $17,000 could net $14,000 at resale. An outdoor kitchen could prove an even better investment in terms of ROI, as Remodeling magazine indicates such a feature nets a return between 55 percent and 200 percent at resale depending on the location of the home and the materials used for the project.

Day to build meal packages for seniors enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Assembly-

man Durso, who created Assembly Assemble Day, is a champion for Island Harvest in Albany and literally rolls up his sleeves to help our neighbors on Long Island facing food insecurity.”

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Two West Islip Seniors Named Commended Students

Bruno Basile and Vincent Maffetone from West Islip High School have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors exceptional academic talent nationwide. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.3 million students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

West Islip High School

Principal Andrew O’Farrell said, “These students have demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability and strong potential for continued academic success. This honor is a testament to their commitment to learning and achievement.”

West Islip High School seniors Bruno Basile and Vincent Maffetone were honored as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Commended Students are recognized for their exceptional academic promise and represent some of the nation’s most capable high school students. While they will

not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarships, their performance on the PSAT/ NMSQT places them among the top students in the country.

• Chicken Parmigiana • Shrimp Oreganata

PAJAMA STORYTIME • AGES 2-PREK

WEDNESDAYS, OCTOBER 1 & 22 • 6:30PM

onnecting Our Community

Wrap up your busy day with a very quiet, calm, sedate storytime Well, maybe not with Miss Carol, but at least she will try to wear the kids out before bedtime!

TWIST & SHOUT STORYTIME • AGES 2-PREK

TUESDAYS, OCTOBER 7 & 21 • 9:45 OR 10:30AM

Join Miss Kerri every other Tuesday for a high-energy morning of stories, songs, rhymes and more

ALL-BY-MYSELF STORYTIME • AGES 3-PREK

WITHOUT AN ADULT

EVERY THURSDAY • 1:30PM

Preschoolers can practice their independence in this on-my-own storytime with Miss Kerri Stor ytime will not be held on October 2

LIBRARY PLAYDATE • AGES 18 MOS.-AGE 4

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 • 10:30AM

Stay for the duration or just stop by for this openplaytime in the Children’s Activity Room

Saturday, October 18

2- 3pm: Just a little spooky 3:30 - 4:30pm: Not for the timid!

Join us for a spooky walkthrough of our fabulous Teen-produced Haunted House. Choose your scare level accordingly: lights on for the first session, lights OUT for the second Registration not required T E E N L I B R A R Y P R O G R A M S

fe a t u r i n g a b u n a n d f i n i s h i n g c u r l s !

N o r e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d

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Ce l e b r a te I ta l i a n H e r i ta g e Mo n t h w i t h o p e r a e n t h u s i a s t Ta n i s h a M i tc h e l l a s s h e p r ov i d e s a

d eta i l e d p r e s e n ta t i o n a b o u t Pa va r ot t i ’ s l i fe -

f r o m h i s h u m b l e b e g i n n i n g s i n Mo d e n a , I ta l y

to h i s r i s e to s ta r d o m

A H I S T O RY O F I S L I P ’ S BAY I S L A N DS

T H U R S DAY, O C T O B E R 9 • 7– 8 : 3 0 PM

L e s l ey C l o c k Ka n e , 6 t h g e n e r a t i o n r e s i d e n t o f

Ca pt r e e I s l a n d , w i l l p r ov i d e a h i s to r y l e c t u r e

o n t h e i s l a n d s t i t l e d H a ve m eye r, S ex to n a n d

Ca pt r e e E xa m i n e h e r c o l l e c t i o n o f

p h oto g r a p h s a n d l i s te n to w h a t l i fe wa s l i ke

l i v i n g i n t h i s a r e a o f o u r tow n

I N T RO T O C H AT G P T

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 2 • 7- 8 PM

G e n e r a t i ve A I s e e m s to b e t h e wa y o f t h e f u t u r e , s o j o i n u s a t t h e l i b r a r y f o r a n i n t r o d u c t i o n to C h a t G P T, t h e m o s t fa m o u s

A I c h a t b ot

I N T RO T O 3 D P R I N T I N G

S AT U R DAY, O C T O B E R 2 5 • 1 0 A M – 1 2 PM

I n t h i s h a n d s - o n c l a s s , s t u d e n t s w i l l l e a r n t h e

b a s i c s o f 3 D p r i n t i n g i n c l u d i n g h ow to u s e t h e

s o f t wa r e T i n ke r c a d , to c r e a te a n d d e s i g n 3 D

o bj e c t s S t u d e n t s m a y b r i n g a n ew U S B to

s a ve t h e i r d e s i g n P r e r e q u i s i te s : B a s i c

c o m p u te r s k i l l s

M E D I C A R E M A D E E A SY

T H U R S DAY, O C T O B E R 3 0 • 7- 8 PM

J o i n Ma r i e Ca n to n e w h o w i l l r ev i ew t h e

b a s i c s o f Me d i c a r e , s u p p l e m e n ta r y

i n s u r a n c e , a d va n ta g e p l a n s , p r e s c r i pt i o n

d r u g p l a n s , e l i g i b i l i t y r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d

e n r o l l m e n t w i n d ow s . Yo u w i l l l e a ve t h e

s e m i n a r w i t h a c l e a r u n d e r s ta

a n d w h e n yo u s h

SOCIAL WORK INTERN

We offer a free ser vice to the public through the Social Work I ntern Program provided by Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare. Our social worker intern can help with referrals to social ser vices, including help with food assistance (SNAP and more), housing referrals, mental health resources and beyond! For more information, call us at 631-661-7080

ONGOING FOOD DRIVE

OCTOBER 1–31

We’ve par tnered with the Women of West Islip (WOWI to help our local food pantries Donate nonperishable unexpired food items anytime during Librar y hours.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE

OCTOBER 5-13

We ’ v

CAREGIVING RESOURCE TABLE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 • 11AM–1PM

Stop by our lobby to receive information on how you can volunteer to help caregivers in the community If you are a caregiver, speak with a representative from Willing Hear ts, Helpful Hands and gather materials and resources to help you navigate caregiving.

SAME DAY DENTURE SERVICE

Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser October 11, 2025

Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be hosting its annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Irish Cultural Center in Babylon Village. This event supports two vital community organizationsthe Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition - which provide direct

assistance to local individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.

This is a 100% volunteerled event, and every dollar raised goes directly to these two frontline organizations. With your generous support, they can continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those fighting breast cancer right here in our community.

Donations of any size are welcome, and they offer opportunities for corporate and business sponsorships. Your involvement will not only help them reach their fundraising goals but will also show your commitment to the well-being of the community.

You, your colleagues, and your friends are invited to join them on October

11th for a day of fun and purpose. The event will feature live music, great food, drink specials, games, and a Chinese auction— something for everyone to enjoy while supporting a truly important cause. If you have any questions or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, Continued On 18

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, OCT. 2nd

7:00PM

HILARIOUS HYPNOTIST SHOW

(Doors open 6:30) Includes Complimentary Brumide Bento Snack Box, Coffee/Tea, Dessert, Cash Bar & Raffles. No one embararssed or insulted. All ages welcome. For more information, please call Antonietta 631-617-7945 or Pat 631-922–0225. Constantino Brumidi Lodge (Sons & Daughters of Italy) 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park

SATURDAY, OCT. 4th

8:00AM-2:00PM

INDOOR MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Tables still available. Food, Thrift Shop, Antiques and more. 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631226-8690

1:30PM

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 210 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. Event is on Rectory Front Lawn (in case of inclement weather go to the school auditorium) All four or two legged pets and their owners are invited to the Annual Animal Blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assis Hospitality to follow. For more information call: 631-226-7725

2:00PM

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

The community is invited to bring their creatures, great and small, live or stuffed, to be blessed at the Farmingdale United Methodist

HOLIDAYS

13th - COLUMBUS DAY

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY 31st - HALLOWEEN

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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

Church, 407 Main Street in Farmingdale. For more information please call 516 694-3424

MONDAY, OCT. 6th

4:00PM-7:00PM

VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR

Brookhaven Town and the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency are hosting the Second Annual Veterans Resource Fair at Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville. Do not miss this important opportunity to connect with organizations offering essential programs and services for veterans. For more information, please call the Department of General Services at 631-451-6331

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8th

12:00PM-4:00PM

SENIOR CITIZEN FALL FEST LUNCHEON

Join The New Serenaders at The Irish Coffee Pub for a Fall Fest Luncheon Party. Enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, drink, singing, and dancing fun. Included will be a 3-course meal with choice of entree, unlimited beer, wine, soda, dessert, coffee, tea, music, and more. The Irish Coffee Pub is located at 131 Carleton Ave. in East Islip. For more informaton, please call 631-2770007

THURSDAY, OCT. 9th

7:00PM

HISTORY OF WANTAGH

Tom Watson of the Wantagh Preservation Society will talk on the History of Wantagh. Seaford Historical Society, at the museum 3890 Waverly Ave. in Wantagh.

For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi 516-783-8629

6:45PM-8:30PM

BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 INTEREST NIGHT

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 39 N. Carll Ave, Babylon Village. Are you a young man that is looking for adventure, personal challenge and community service? Come and meet the Scouts of Troop 1 Babylon and find out what we do to cover those goals. For more information, please call 631-290-1314

7:00PM

LINDENHURST HOMEMAKERS EVENING GROUP at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd. in Amityville. (off of New Hwy.) Open to all, 18 years old & up. Meetings start at 7:00pm, new members should arrive 15 min. early. For more information, please call Lisa LeBrie 516-413-7467

SATURDAY, OCT. 11th

1:00PM-6:00PM

ANNUAL BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER

Division 2 of the AOH will be hosting its annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser, at the Irish Cultural Center in Babylon Village. This event supports two vital community organizations - the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition - which provide direct assistance to local individuals and families affected by this devastating disease. For more information, call Ron Rice, Chairman, 631-335-7191, ronrice107@gmail. com, Lucinda Lauro-Rooney, CoChair, Lucindadiv2@gmail.com

Fans of fall know that few things can beat the crisp, sunny afternoons of October. The early days of the month bring with them comfortable temperatures and beautiful vistas. Summer’s heat and humidity often are things of the past, and time spent outdoors, whether raking leaves or tailgating at a football game, can be quite pleasant.

Early October is home to two holidays: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which fall this year on October 13th. That means following the first full week of the month, people in the United States have a chance to enjoy a three-day weekend to soak up all fall has to offer. Here are a few ideas.

Camping and hiking

Fall festivals

Plan An October Weekend Getaway

Take in the awe of fall foliage up close and personal by visiting a rural area or park a short drive away from home. New York City residents, for example, can head to the Catskills, while Chicagoans can head to White Pines State Park. Different regions of the country will showcase their fall colors at other times, and while foliage may be past peak, these two- to three-hour drives can be highly enjoyable.

Check out the chamber of commerce or visitors’ bureau websites of various cities and towns to see what is being offered relatively close by. Many will put on community fairs, festivals, and the like. Columbus Day also presents a chance to celebrate Italian culture in many places, so Italian food and cultural festivals may be on the docket for those looking for such an excursion.

Skiing towns

When the last of the summer tourists depart from ski resort towns and the lull sets in before the winter ski season heats up, visitors to Colorado cities like Aspen, Telluride, or the Vermont city of Stowe can find great

deals on hotel stays and dine out at relatively empty restaurants.

Warm weather culture

Indigenous cultures

People who are not ready to part with warm weather can head to Miami. Miami often puts on a huge festival on Columbus Day, and people from all over the world come to enjoy it. There’s fun for all ages, and guests are welcome to arrive in costume.

Individuals looking to learn more about Native Americans may want to

travel to the states with the highest populations of Indigenous peoples. These include Alaska, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota. It’s likely celebrations will be held in these areas, highlighting their distinct culture and heritage.

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING? Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276 BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser October 11, 2025

Continued From 12

please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Information: Ron Rice, Event Chairman, Cell: (631) 335-7191 | Email: ronrice107@gmail. com, Lucinda LauroRooney, Event Co-Chair, Email: Lucindadiv2@ gmail.com

Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we can make a difference.

A Unique Twist On Constitution Day Lesson

Seventh graders in Ms. Pulitano’s social studies class at Udall Road Middle School in the West Islip Union Free School District had an unexpected twist to their social studies class on Sept. 17. They discovered that, in honor of Constitution Day, the “country had been taken over by aliens.”

As part of the interactive lesson, students — who had been studying constitutional rights and the Bill of Rights — were told that under the new alien regime, citizens would only be allowed to keep three Amendments. Working in small groups, the seventh graders had to select which Amendments to preserve and provide compelling reasons for their choices.

critical thinking, persuasive argument and collaboration. Groups debated and defended their selections, mirroring the kind of civic dialogue and decision-making at the heart of American democracy.

The activity encouraged students to not only deepen their understanding of the Constitution, but also to practice

The creative Constitution Day activity gave students a memorable way to connect with history, while reinforcing the importance of the rights and freedoms they enjoy today.

Help Families In Need This Thanksgiving!

The Town of Brookhaven Department of General Services, Youth Bureau Division, and INTERFACE Program invite you to take part in their Thanksgiving Food Drive. Together, we can help needy families enjoy a happy holiday season by donating non-perishable food items.

Suggested Donations Include:

Canned Sauce, Pasta, Canned Yams, Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Cake Mix / Icing, Jello, Canned Gravy, Canned Corn, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce,

Corn Bread, Juice, Cereal They are also accepting $10 gift cards from any local grocery store for the purchase of turkeys.

Donation Dates: October 14 – November 13

Drop-Off Locations:

• Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville

• Brookhaven Town Highway Department, 1140 Old Town Road, Coram

• Brookhaven Town Parks &

Recreation Department, 286 Hawkins Road, Centereach

• Brookhaven Town Vehicle Control Building, 550 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue

• New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Road, Centereach

• Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai

• College 101 Resource Center, 290 Main St., East Setauket

• Modular Devices, 1 Roned Road, Shirley

• Village of Lake Grove, Village Hall & Recreation Building, 980 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove

• Coram Fire Department, 303 Middle Country Road, Coram

Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of families right here in our community. For more information, please contact the Town Youth Bureau at (631) 451-8011.

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