Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art outdoor classroom with a ribboncutting ceremony on Sept. 26, attended by district and school administrators. The innovative project began as an idea from Principal Chris Molinelli and was brought to life through the leadership and craftsmanship of head groundsman Phil Cortese, who designed and constructed the entire space. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union recently announced that applications for its annual Scholarship Program are now open.
High school seniors are invited to apply for financial assistance as they prepare for college. Designed to support hardworking, communityminded students, the program provides awards that can help offset the rising costs of tuition, books,
Union Scholarship
and other college expenses.
“Our scholarships are one way we can help ease the financial burden on families while encouraging students to pursue their dreams,” shared Kimberly Ruiz, Manager Community Engagement New Markets.
“Each year, we proudly award 10 accomplished students, knowing that investing in young people is an investment in the future
Must-Have Items
When Hosting A Tailgate
Tailgating is an integral part of the game day experience for millions of football fans. As a new season dawns, fans who want to take their tailgating to championship heights can be sure to bring along these must-have items.
from the elements by blocking both the sun and rain. Fans who want to go the extra mile can bring along a canopy with an attachable sun wall to provide additional protection
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of our communities.”
To apply, please visit; https://www.fourleaffcu. com/community/educationscholarships/.
The 2026 Scholarship Program application deadline date is Friday, January 9, 2026 (no late submissions are accepted).
• Portable grill: A portable grill that’s easily built and dismantled is an absolute must when tailgating. Tailgates are as much about food as football, and some grilled fare, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, are go-to prekickoff selection. Don’t forget to bring along plenty of charcoal, a fire starter, and a lighter when heading to a tailgate with a portable grill in tow.
• Foldable tables and chairs: Fans tend to mingle around a tailgate, but foldable tables and chairs are ideal for serving and eating food. Tailgate hosts can request guests bring their own foldable chairs to save room for additional items in their vehicles.
• Canopy: The elements are hard to predict, and savvy tailgaters know a canopy is a useful item to bring along to any tailgate. A canopy can protect guests and food
John Quincy Adams Primary School Dedicates New Outdoor Classroom
Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art outdoor classroom with a ribboncutting ceremony on Sept. 26, attended by district and school administrators.
The innovative project
began as an idea from Principal Chris Molinelli and was brought to life through the leadership and craftsmanship of head groundsman Phil Cortese, who designed and constructed the entire space. The inviting
new classroom features concrete slabs, blackboards, custom landscaping and convertible benches that transform into tables – allowing teachers to expand lessons beyond traditional indoor settings. In addition to creating
26. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
Must-Have Items When Hosting A Tailgate
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against the sun and wind.
• Insulated cooler(s): Insulated coolers can keep food from spoiling and ensure beverages stay cold throughout
the tailgate. Let the number of guests dictate whether or not you bring along an extra insulated cooler or two. At least two coolers might be useful, as tailgate hosts can designate one for
beverages and another for food.
• Collapsible food storage tubs: The right food storage tubs can make a tailgating host’s job that much easier. Use the tubs to store premade items, such as sides and chopped vegetables, that will be eaten during the tailgate. Once emptied, the tubs can be collapsed and easily stored in a reusable shopping bag, making for easy cleanup and transport home.
• Portable Bluetooth speaker: Music can set a festive tone for a tailgate, so bring along a portable Bluetooth speaker to set the right tailgating tone. A pre-selected playlist can keep the music playing throughout the festivities.
• Entertainment: A football is a no-brainer
a versatile learning environment, the project included the replanting of two memorial trees honoring former teachers, ensuring their legacy continues to flourish in the heart of the school’s courtyard.
Among the first to make use of the new space were second graders in Kasey Kephart and Jackie Stein’s class, who explored lessons on kindness and heroes while enjoying the natural surroundings.
“While outside, our
students completed a lesson on heroic characteristics and enjoyed the fresh air in this wonderful new learning space,” Kephart said. “We are so excited to continue using the outdoor classroom for future lessons and experiences.”
Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School celebrated the opening of its new outdoor classroom with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept.
John Quincy Adams Primary School second graders enjoyed learning in the school’s new outdoor classroom.
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OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, OCT. 23rd
3:00PM-4:30PM
GALLERY TEA
Islip Arts Council Gallery Tea
Steeped in Strength: A Gallery Tea for Breast Cancer Awareness. Includes teas, light bites, a gallery talk, and meditation. $20 Registration is required. Share in the power of creativity, compassion, and connection. Guests will gather for a soothing afternoon of art, tea, and refl ection — surrounded by works that celebrate resilience, healing, and the beauty of life. For more information, please call 631-8883525, Islip arts.org
FRIDAY, OCT. 24th
DOORS OPEN 6:00PM
BINGO STARTS 7:00PM
WEST ISLIP FIRE DEPT LADIES AUX MUSIC BINGO FUND RAISER
West Islip Fire Dept. 309 Union Blvd West in Islip. Tickets $20 extra cards for sale, 50/50, Lotto board. Raffl e baskets. for more information and for tickets, please call 516-318-530. Light food for purchase. Donate a non perishable item for a ticket to a special raffl e
6:30PM-8:00PM
HAUNTED HIKES
Garden City Bird Sanctuary, 182 Tanners Pond Rd. in Garden City. Long Islands favorite family Haunted Hike is back. With both Scary and not so scary walks (on separate trails) a maze and some fun photo opportunities. For more information, please visit https:// thegcbs.org/gcbs-home
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
SATURDAY, OCT. 25th
5:30PM-7:00PM FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT PAWS WITH A CAUSE Painting Night Fundraiser. Proceeds to benefi t Paws With A Cause Hosted by AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary #18, 141 Carleton Ave. in East Islip. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Painting begins 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call Vicky 516-241-8371
SUNDAY, OCT. 26th
Start Time: 8:00AM (KIDS FUN RUN)
Start Time: 8:30am (5K Run/Walk)
JOHN THEISSEN CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION FREAKY 5K "Flat and Fast" Start and Finish in TOH parking lot at 1869 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh. For more informtion, please call 516-6795098 or emal John john@jtcf.org. Register online at runsignup.com
1:00PM-5:00PM
GIOVANNI CABOTO LODGE SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
Will be held at Verdi's of Westbury. Funds raised enables the Lodge to award several scholarships to local high school students and to Lodge members children or grandchildren. It also helps support the many OSDIA sponsored charitable organizations. For tickets please contact Rosemarie DiChiara at 516458-0097
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29th 10:30AM-11:15AM
NOT-SO-SCARY PJ STORIES
at The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave in Merrick. Free Event . No registration required. Wear your PJs or a costume and drop in for stories that are more silly than scary. For more information, please call 516-3776112
7:00PM
POCKETBOOK BINGO
The Memorare Columbiettes Auxiliary is hosting Pocketbook Bingo. Doors open at 6:00pm, games start at 7:00 pm. The Memorare Council is located at 2183 Jackson Avenue in Seaford. $35 per person includes 8 games of bingo, wine, soda, snacks, coffee and dessert. (Snacks from home are always welcome). 50/50 and lotto board raffl es and additional bingo cards will be available for purchase For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Lisa Koenig 516205-0768
THURSDAY, OCT. 30th
6:00PM-7:45PM THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW SCREENING
The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave in Merrick. Community Room. Free event. No registration required. A fl amboyant transvestite offers shelter to a straight-laced, newly-engaged couple whose car breaks down near his mansion, introducing them to a wild and outrageous cast of partygoers. For more information, please call 516377-6112
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
•Traditional Antipasto Platter
•Mozzarella Caprese Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one)
•Penne Alla Vodka •Cavatelli Calabrese
•Baked Ziti •Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)
•Stuffed Shells •Manicotti
CORNBREAD STUFFING (Choose one)
•Crisp Apple & Sausage Meat
•Sauteed Spinach, Onions & Pancetta
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
•All Natural, FULLY COOKED, Hormone & Antibiotic
Free, Whole Young Turkey (Vegetable Diet Fed)
16lb. average cooked weight
*Carved for additional $15
*Fresh raw turkey available to substitute
VEGETABLE (Choose two)
•String Bean Casserole •O ven Roasted Brussels
•Candied Sweet Potatoes Sprouts
•Mashed Potatoes •String Bean Almondine
Come October 31, there is extra mischief in the air, and who knows what might be lurking around those dim corners? Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred. While trick-or-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen
Get Into The Spooky Spirit This Halloween
pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jacko’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some
of the ways to create a scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets
dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will
be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others. Halloween can be made even more entertaining with some extra activities that appeal to people of all ages.
External Diploma Program
The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP, is a
competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for
NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who fare
better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs.
Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.
MAINTENANCE MECHANIC
3-5 Yrs. Electrical Experience Required, Basic Carpentry, Minor Painting/Taping, Plumbing Knowledge A Plus. M-F 7:00am-3:30pm $81,888/Year, Comprehensive Bene t Package. Quali ed Candidates Should Use e Qr Code Below To Access OLAS Application Online.
COPIAGUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS www.copiague.k12.ny.us Equal Opportunity Employer
CHAPERONES WANTED
To Supervise Pre-School Age Group At The S.A.F.E. After School Childcare Program. Located at Santapogue Elementary School in West
Hours Are 2:30pm - 5:30pm Monday - Friday Applicants Must Meet The Following:
LICENSED/INSURED HI-65214 JAC BELL MASONRY CALL 631 205 4710
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Must-Have Items When Hosting A Tailgate
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when choosing some tailgating entertainment. But additional games can add to the fun. Pack a deck of cards for fellow fans who want to sit down and relax before the big game and some additional games, like cornhole and ring toss, for those who want to burn off some pregame energy.
Tell Us About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
• Smart TV: Fans know there’s no shortage of great games come football season. A smart TV with apps to stream games kicking off in other cities can take a tailgate up several notches. Fans will enjoy
JAG MASONRY & LANDS CAPING
Pavers, Patios, Drivew ays, Stoops, Cultured Stone Pool Areas, Etc! Free Estimates. Reasonabl e Prices & Reliable! Lic ensed & Insure d Lic. #59023-H References Avail abl e!
Se Necesitan Albaniles Con O Algo De Experiencia.
gathering around and watching a game in a different locale so they can keep up with all the action on game day. A high-capacity battery pack can provide all the power a tailgate needs, while a portable tripod stand can save hosts the hassle of packing an additional foldable table. Tailgating is a beloved tradition come football season. Some must-have items can enable football fans to take their tailgates up a notch this year.
