September 10, 2025 Amityville

Summer Senior Advocate Schedules

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Summer 2025 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.

“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage

of this opportunity.”

This summer, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:

• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, September 19, 9 – 11 am

• North Amityville Senior Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesday, September 17, 10 am – 1 pm

• Tanner Park Senior Center, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday, September 10, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesday, September 23, 12 – 3 pm

In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:

• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, September 17, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursday,

September 18, 8:30 am –12 pm; residents only

Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.

“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”

Signs It’s Time To Replace Gutters

Homeimprovement projects run the gamut from complex undertakings like room additions to simpler renovations like a new front door. Some home renovations excite homeowners more than others, but all improvements are a way to make a home safer, more comfortable and/or more functional.

A gutter replacement might not inspire the same level of excitement as a room addition or an overhaul of an outdoor living space, but new gutters can help to prevent roof damage and make properties safer by ensuring rain water is directed away from walkways. Homeowners who suspect it might be time for a gutter replacement can look for these signs of fading gutters.

• Cracks or splits. Cracks or splits at the seams of the gutters where two pieces connect is a telltale sign they need to be replaced. Cracks or splits are can slowly lead to separation of gutter pieces, which will lead to leaks. But not all cracks or splits

are found at the seams. In fact, some homes feature seamless gutters, which also can crack or split. Regardless of where they’re found, cracks or splits are a warning signs of fading gutters.

• Rust. Rust is rarely a good sign whether you’re looking at a vehicle or even garden tools. Rust also is a bad sign in relation to gutters. Gutters are painted, and not only for aesthetic purposes. Paint on gutter also serves to protect them from water. When paint begins to flake, gutters will begin to rust and may even produce noticeable rust flakes on the ground below. Rust on gutters and rust flakes beneath them are indicative of gutters that need to be replaced.

• Gutters pulling away from the home. Gutters that appear to be pulling away from the home is a sign that they need to be replaced. Gutters are fastened to a home during installation, which ensures they can withstand rain and water. Over time,

those fasteners can wear down, ultimately leading to gutters that appear to be pulling away from the home. Though gutters can be refastened, eventually they will need to be replaced.

• Pooling water. Pooling water in a gutter may just be a sign that gutters need to be cleaned. However, pooling water on the ground directly beneath gutters indicates they’re not effectively directing water away from the home.

• Water damage inside. A home’s interior might not be the first place homeowners look when inspecting for damaged gutters, but a flooded basement or crawl space could indicate a gutter problem. Gutters and downspouts are designed to direct water away from a home when functioning properly. When that isn’t happening, water can pool beneath the foundation, leading to pooling water and other water damage in basements and crawl spaces.

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SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, SEPT. 11th

7:00PM

LINDENHURST HOMEMAKERS EVENING UNIT

Please join Lindenhurst Homemakers Evening Unit 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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 12th

6:00PM–10:00PM

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13th

11:00AM–10:00PM

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14th

11:00AM–8:00PM LONG ISLAND FAMILY FESTIVAL

Enjoy a weekend of free family fun at the Long Island Family Festival in Tanner Park in Copiague. Rain date: October 24-26. Furry and Feathered Family Members Invited. Free parking for everyone. Town permit not required during the festival. For more details and a complete schedule of events, visit www. lifamilyfestival.com.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13th

9:00AM-4:00PM

AMITYVILLE’S COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

Residents looking to clean out can also clean up, and make a few extra dollars. This garage sale will not count toward the annual Village limit of two sales per household a year, and the garage sale permit fee will be waived. Visit Amityville.com for updates and information. Rain Date:

HOLIDAYS

1st - LABOR DAY

11th - PATRIOT DAY

22nd - FALL BEGINS

- ROSH HASHANAH (Begins at sundown)

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

Sunday, September 14th. To sign up for the sale, Village residents may contact Amityville Village Hall at 631-264-6000, or email Mayor@ amityville.com using the subject: Garage Sale.

TICKET PLACEMENT

11:00AM-2:00PM

Drawing begins 2:15PM 4th ANNUAL BASKET EXTRAVAGANZA Constantino Brumidi Lodge (Sons & Daughters of Italy) 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. Dozens of raffle baskets. Winners need not be present. Reservations/and or questions, please call Karen 631943-3622

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13th

10:00AM-5:00pm, and SUNDAY, SEPT.14th

10:00AM-3:00PM 17th ANNUAL CIVIL WAR WEEKEND

The Town of Islip will host its 17th Annual Civil War Weekend at Islip Grange Park in Sayville, located at 10 Broadway Ave., at the corner of Montauk Highway and Broadway Ave. The event, presented in partnership with Company K, 67th Regiment, New York Infantry 1st Long Island Volunteers, invites residents and visitors to step back in time and experience American history brought to life. Admission and parking are FREE. For more information, please visit www. newyorkcivilwar.com or email historian@islipny.gov.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14th

11:00AM-3:00PM FARMINGDALE’S 15th ANNUAL ART IN

THE PARK EXHIBIT, SHOW & SALE

Free to Exhibit & Attend (must register in advance) and attend. Calling all artists! Showcase your talent at Farmingdale's 15th Annual Art in the Park Exhibit, Show & Sale on the Village Green. Visit the Village website community events page, stop by Village Hall for the artist application/details or email francie1112@aol.com. The event is planned by the Farmingdale Cultural Arts Committee. Rain date: September 21st. Farmingdale Village Green, 361 Main Street, 516-2490093, www.farmingdalevillage.com

11:00AM

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS It's back to school time! Let Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, give you a boost at the Blessing of the Backpacks, after the 9:30AM service, and enjoy Ice Cream Sunday! Please join us for our 9:30 service or the 11:00AM Blessingor both! All students, teachers and school workers are welcome.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21st

10:00AM-4:00PM

2025 WEST ISLIP COUNTRY FAIR West Islip Library Grounds, Higbie Lane & Montauk Hwy. Fun for Everyone! FREE ENTRY, Games, Food, Vendors, Music for listening + dancing and MORE. For more information, please visit www. WestIslipCountry Fair.org. Email: WestIslipCountryFair@gmail.com

Spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens.

The tree and bare root retailer Bower & Branch advises that soil temperatures in many regions of the country may still be warm enough to encourage root growth well into the start of winter. Furthermore, fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year’s bounty.

Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.

• Think about fall annuals and bulb planting. Near the end of September, start planting cool-weatherloving pansies and violas for pops of color

as summer flowers fade. Also, it’s a good idea to stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the temperatures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.

• Sow salad seeds. Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler temperatures. Try new and interesting lettuce varieties and enjoy salads well into the fall season.

• Take inventory of the sun. Positioning a garden carefully means maximizing hours of sunlight, which begin to dwindle in the fall. Experts say gardens grow best in sunny locations that receive six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is where container

gardens can be helpful, as they allow gardeners to move plants into spots that will get ample sunlight.

• Fill in landscaping gaps. Some fall plants can add color around the landscape and brighten up homes to add curb appeal. In addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. So take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be enjoyed next year as well, sprouting in early spring and developing leaves and buds through late summer.

• Clean up unwanted growth. Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent vegetable plants and

A Beginner’s Guide To Fall Planting And Maintenance

get rid of errant weeds. Rather than bagging leaves, mow them with a grass catcher and then add the mix to a vegetable garden as an excellent soil insulator. The nitrogen and carbon will fertilize the soil, enhancing growing possibilities and limiting weed growth.

Homeowners know there’s no shortage of ways to tweak a property. Some homeowners may lament that the work associated with home ownership is never done, but owning a house also provide endless opportunities to upgrade the spaces people call home.

Landscape lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years. That popularity is undoubtedly due to a number of variables, and each highlights a benefit of installing landscape lighting around a property.

• Affordability. Some may think of big budget projects like kitchen remodels or room additions when pondering home renovations. Such projects can have a dramatic impact on

the look and feel of a home, but landscape lighting can be equally transformative at a fraction of the cost of larger undertakings. The home renovation experts at Angi.com estimate the average landscape lighting project costs around $4,000, making affordability a notable benefit of the project.

• Appearance. There’s no denying the aesthetic appeal of a well-lit landscape at night. Landscape lighting can be utilized to draw attention to aweinspiring components of a landscape, whether it’s natural features like gardens and foliage or manmade components like architectural features. Improved appearance can increase curb

appeal, which is often associated with how a home looks during daylight hours. But photographs of a welllit nighttime landscape can impress buyers as well.

• Cost savings. Landscape lighting might help homeowners reduce the cost of their homeowners insurance. Researchers at PolicyGenius.com found that insurance companies typically offer a discount of 2 to 5 percent to homeowners who install a home security system. Insurance providers may offer additional savings to homeowners who pair such systems with landscape lighting, which can be a deterrent to burglars who prefer to operate under a cloak of darkness.

• Safety. Insurance firms

• Propagate plants in the fall. As temperatures gradually begin to cool, start taking cuttings from perennials, gathering seed pods from azaleas and rhododendrons and dividing hardwood cuttings, says the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horticulturist on the proper ways to propagate stems using rooting hormone and other techniques.

• Continue to water plants. Water is essential in the fall and winter as roots can still be growing. Gradually reduce watering duration as plants go dormant.

The Benefits Of Lighting Up Your Landscape

may discount premiums because of landscape lighting because they view it as a deterrent to potential criminals. But landscape lighting also makes moving around a property at night safer for residents and guests. Lighting can be used to illuminate walkways, outdoor living rooms, patios around pools,

and other areas where residents and guests will be walking at night, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries that may result from such spills.

• ROI. Savvy homeowners consider a renovation’s return on investment before deciding to go forward with a project.

Studies vary, but the National Association of Realtors indicates landscape lighting can recoup as much as 70 percent of homeowners’ investment in the project at resale. When viewed through the lens of ROI, the cost of installing landscape lighting is even less.

How To Prepare For A Lengthy Renovation Project

Home renovations can increase resale value and outfit spaces to make them more accommodating to residents. Homeowners interested in remodeling projects understand that such undertakings are often a lengthy process. But the time spent waiting often is well worth it when the work is done and the finished product looks just as homeowners imagined.

Depending on the scope and scale of a project, home renovations can take anywhere from a day or two for minor cosmetic changes to nine months for a major project.

The lender RenoFi says projects like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom have a lot of

moving parts, including plumbing and electrical work, structural changes, flooring, and installation of appliances. Due to that complexity, such projects may take six to 12 weeks. A home addition can take months. Homeowners weary of such lengthy undertakings can implement strategies to make conditions at home more manageable.

• Get a rough estimate from contractors so that you can budget accordingly. A project will go nowhere without proper funding. Get detailed estimates that include labor and building materials. Then start saving and stash money away for the project so you’re not caught off-guard later on.

• Clear out clutter. Remove any extraneous items from the room or rooms that will be remodeled. Although it will be an added expense, it is a good idea to rent a storage unit or have a storage pod placed in the driveway or yard for the duration of the project. Move items that will not be needed into the unit. This will get them out of the way and protect them from damage.

• Stay with relatives. While some people have no issues living in a residence during a renovation, others may find the work simply too inconvenient or distracting to be around. Time away from the property can help manage stress, and prevent kids, pets and others from getting in the way of work.

• Safeguard sensitive items. Take inventory of items in the home and catalog them for insurance purposes. This way, you’re covered in the case of damage or theft. Remove documents, like birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other private papers, and keep them in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe.

Women In Business From Across Long Island Get Together For Annual Multi-Chamber Networking Event

Women professionals and entrepreneurs from across Long Island came together in the heart of Farmingdale for the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce’s annual Women in Business Multi-Chamber Networking Event. Held at the lively and welcoming 317 Main Street, the gathering brought together talent, leadership, and community spirit for an evening of networking, collaboration, and celebration.

The event—hosted by the Farmingdale Chamber’s Mind Your Business women’s group—welcomed members from multiple Long Island chambers of commerce, reinforcing the power of connection among women in business. This year’s program was co-chaired by Catherine Gabreski and Christa Lucarelli, with Roberta Perry of ScrubzBody® Skin Care Products volunteering

as the evening’s energetic emcee.

Attendees were inspired by guest speakers Faith Lovell and Elizabeth Hashagen, who shared empowering messages about leadership, resilience, and building strong professional networks.

The evening was filled with inspiration, connection, and community spirit—plus it raised $2,000 for Bethany House, helping women and children in need.

Local businesses added special touches that made the evening unforgettable:

• 317 Main Street and The Nutty Irishman Recovery Room – for food, desserts, and warm hospitality

• Mionetto Prosecco – for adding sparkle to the celebration

• Signature Sounds Entertainment – for the fun photo booth

• Balloons and Bouncers – for the festive backdrop

• KarinaCPhotography –for capturing the event beautifully

• A Plus Linens – for donating décor elements

“The energy in the room was incredible,” said Roberta Perry. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when women from all backgrounds come together to support each other’s success—not just in business, but in

community.”

Guests enjoyed a supportive, empowering environment designed to foster meaningful relationships and promote professional growth among women-led businesses.

For more information about upcoming events or to join the Farmingdale Chamber’s Mind Your Business initiative, visit www. farmingdalenychamber.org.

Hundreds Gather To Celebrate The Science Of Spirituality Meditation Center’s 21st Anniversary

On Sunday, August 24, over two hundred people gathered to take part in the 21st Anniversary Celebration and Open House at the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center in Amityville.

The SOS Center has been a cornerstone of peace and spirituality, where people from all backgrounds learn about meditation through workshops, retreats, and meditation sessions. That sense of community and warm fellowship was on full display as attendees from all walks of life and cultural traditions reflected on their shared philosophy of kindness, caring, service, and respect for all. The Science of Spirituality Meditation Center provides

a forum for inner peace, mutual understanding, and collaboration. Holistic wellness programs, including meditation workshops, vegetarian cooking classes, yoga, and more, are offered regularly to the community at no charge.

One of the highlights of the 21st Anniversary celebration was the presentation by Village of Amityville Mayor, the Honorable Michael O’Neill, of a proclamation acknowledging the meditation center’s decades-long dedication to promoting peace and wellbeing in the community. It includes the following:

“...The Village of Amityville does desire

to take note and publicly acknowledge the contribution to the community of the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center.

Science of Spirituality Meditation Center is deserving of such recognition and is honored for the health and wellness it offers to the residents of Amityville through seminars, workshops, and retreats.”

Other distinguished members of the Village of Amityville who were in attendance include Trustee Roger Smith, Trustee Adam Ansanelli, Police Lieutenant Frank Caramanica, as well as Town of Babylon Human Services Commissioner

Traci Fonville, and Town of Babylon Food Pantry representative, Bessie Lowe. The day continued with free mini-meditation sessions, vegetarian cooking demos, yoga classes, and live music. A delicious, complimentary picnic-style lunch was served.

The Science of Spirituality Meditation Center provides a sanctuary for personal growth, spiritual exploration, and community connection. Over the years, the Center has welcomed countless individuals seeking balance and resilience in today’s fast-paced world through meditation, classes, workshops, and outreach initiatives.

For more info, contact Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 County Line Road, Amityville, NY 11701, 631-822-7979, infotristate@sos.org. https://www.sos.org/find-local-programs/

It seems like just yesterday people were heralding the arrival of summer. After many months of fickle weather, summer’s warm temperatures and ample sunshine can be that hug from Mother Nature people need. But soon summer will be coming to an end, making room for apples, corn and pumpkin spice. Even though summer will soon be singing its swan song, there is still plenty of time for families to enjoy the waning days of surf and sunshine. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.

Catch a concert

Summer is a time of year when many artists go on tour and sell out everything from arenas to ampitheaters

Families Can Make The Most Of Summer’s End

to more intimate venues. Find a singer the entire family enjoys and grab some tickets.

Pick fruit

Peach season varies depending on where you live, but May through September is a prime time for pick-your-own farms to open their orchards to the peach-picking public. Turn those peaches into pies for Labor Day festivities.

Watch some fireworks

Those who didn’t have an opportunity to catch a fireworks display already this summer, or who enjoyed it so much that they want more, can find out when the next big display will take place. Some beachside towns

and even amusement parks regularly host fireworks shows on the weekends.

Climb a lighthouse

National Lighthouse Day occurs on August 7. Locate a lighthouse within driving distance and visit one of the beautiful and historic structures that commemorate maritime history. For example, Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey, which was lit for the first time in 1764, is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Pick a day to re-do

Ask all members of the family what sticks out in their minds as the best summer day so far. It may have been paddleboarding

in a lake or taking a scenic drive. Compile the answers and then pick one activity to enjoy all over again.

Head to a state fair

State fairs fill calendars this time of year. They’re perfect ways to enjoy carnival rides, fair foods, live entertainment, and even livestock.

Watch balloons rise

Check to see if there is a hot-air balloon festival taking place nearby. Watch these huge items become lighter than air and get lifted off the ground.

Enjoy an outdoor movie

Purchase or borrow a movie projector and set up a screen outdoors. That screen

can be an actual outdoor screen or a white sheet stretched between two poles. Invite the neighborhood to come over, set up picnic blankets and enjoy a family flick.

Camp out Pitch a tent at a campground or even in your own backyard and spend an evening sleeping under the stars.

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Amityville Village Garage Sale

The Village of Amityville’s second annual community garage sale returns on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents looking to clean out can also clean up, and make a few extra dollars. This garage sale will not count toward the annual Village limit of two sales per household a year, and the garage sale permit fee will be waived.

Last year, nearly 100 homes signed up to participate, making Amityville a browser and shopper paradise. Shoppers can find treasures such as clothing, decorative and craft items, books, novelties, as well as tools, sports, cooking and boating equipment, furniture and other household merchandise.

“This event attracts more visitors to the Village than a single sale would. We’re excited to support our residents and hopefully also generate additional traffic to our retail shops, restaurants and many services in the Village,” said Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill.

A list of participating homes and a sale finder map will be provided on the Village’s website starting in August, and at Village Hall during the week prior to the event (21 Ireland Pl., Amityville, NY). Visit Amityville.com for updates and information. In the event of rain, the sale will take place on Sunday, September 14th.

The garage sale extends from neighborhoods south of Sunrise Highway to the Great South Bay, and from County Line Road on the western boundary to the areas off Bayview/South Bayview Avenue to the east. The Village reminds shoppers to drive safely and adhere to all traffic rules and parking signs, especially in the residential neighborhoods.

To sign up for the sale, Village residents may contact Amityville Village Hall at 631-264-6000, or email Mayor@amityville.com using the subject: Garage Sale. Happy shopping!

Kitchen Cabinets:

Reface Or Replace?

Thekitchen is a busy room in many homes. That popularity likely has something to do with why so many homeowners spend sizable sums renovating their kitchens. According to highlights from a recent U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median spend on major kitchen remodels grew by 14 percent from the previous year, and minor remodels increased by 25 percent. Spurred on by increased time spent at home during the pandemic, the main impetus for kitchen remodels, according to the study, was that homeowners wanted to make these improvements all along and finally had the time and means to do so.

There are many aspects of a kitchen that homeowners can change. Houzz found 94 percent of renovators either fully or partially replaced cabinets in their improvement plans. Cabinets are a major component of kitchen layouts. Cabinets help

to establish the aesthetic of a kitchen and serve a useful function, providing necessary storage space to ensure the room does not appear cluttered.

Homeowners have different options when it comes to cabinet renovations, and they may need to decide if they need to replace or reface their cabinets.

• Replacement. Cabinet replacement involves removing all of the existing cabinets before new cabinets are leveled and installed. According to the home improvement resource The Spruce, homeowners can expect to pay between $13,000 and $30,000 for contractorgrade cabinets. Cabinet replacement is a good idea when homeowners want to add more cabinet space or create a new layout in the room.

• Refacing. Cabinet refacing is less messy and less disruptive than replacement. All cabinets remain the

same size and in the same location. The cabinet boxes must be in good shape to facilitate a refacing. The process involves the installation of new drawer fronts and cabinet doors, as well as the veneering of the cabinet boxes. New hardware is typically installed as well. The insides of the cabinets typically remain the same. The Spruce says cabinet refacing can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper than a replacement.

Most people call in professionals to change their cabinets. Cabinet replacement can be a do-it-yourself job, but it involves measuring and ensuring everything fits and is leveled appropriately. Homeowners who choose to reface their cabinets themselves may opt to paint or restain. Wood veneer or a new door and drawer panel installation can be complicated and is best left to qualified contractors.

Remedies For Creaky Floors

Hardwoodfloors are coveted features in many homes.

The National Wood Flooring Association says wood floors are the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. In the United States, the hardwood forests that provide flooring products are growing twice as fast as they are being harvested. Furthermore, wood floors can last for many generations and require fewer raw materials to produce than other flooring options. That means less waste may end up in landfills.

Hardwood floors can endure for decades in a home, but over time those same floors may need some tender loving care to keep them looking good and working as they should. Squeaky floors are a common nuisance that homeowners may experience. Squeaking is often caused by movement and friction between floorboards. Treating the problem involves identifying the underlying issue.

• Loose hardware.

Squeaky floors may be due to the loosening of the hardware holding the floor in place, says The Home Depot. When nails or screws no longer are secured tightly, the boards can rub together. The noise heard is the sound produced by rubbing. Tightening or replacing the hardware can help reduce the squeaking.

• Counter-snap kit method. This Old House says this kit method is a great way to fix squeaks without damaging the floor. Once the source of the squeak is located, drill a 3/32-inch pilot hole through the hardwood flooring. Then insert a screw through the kit’s depth-control fixture and into the pilot hole, and drive it until it automatically snaps off below the wood surface. Follow this up by filling the hole with wood putty that matches the floor color. Once the putty is dry, lightly sand the area to blend.

• Use a shim or shims. Sometimes the floor may squeak because of

Educators Prepare For A New Year Of Purpose And Possibility

On Aug. 27, the Amityville School District welcomed all staff members back to the start of the 2025-26 school year during Superintendent’s Conference Day. The theme of the day, “Recommit, Reconnect, and Reimagine,” set the tone for a year focused on purpose and possibility.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert kicked off the conference at Amityville Memorial High School’s auditorium by sharing the district’s goals such as recommitting

to their mission, reconnecting with purpose, and reimagining what’s possible for every student.

Additionally, Board of Education President Lisa Johnson and Mary Stephens, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, both addressed staff members with words of encouragement for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Talbert then listed several goals for the new school year such as the development of their 20252030 Strategic Plan, the

integration of Artificial Intelligence in education, school culture and climate, parental and family engagement, and finance and budgeting. She also urged all staff members to acknowledge the moment and to embrace all the learning opportunities that lies ahead for Amityville’s students.

The district would like to thank of all its staff members for their continued dedication to excellence and looks forward to another year of growth and success.

a gap between the joists and the subfloor. Filling the gap with a small piece of wood called a shim can help alleviate the gap or gaps.

• Drive up screws. If a squeak is just in one spot, The Home Depot says that you may be able to drive short screws from below into the subfloor.

• Small gaps. For small gaps between boards, sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between squeaky boards to reduce friction. Wood filler applied with a putty knife also may work. For larger gaps, use a liquid filler designed for wood floors. Homeowners also can visit their local home improvement center for other hardware solutions designed for underfloor repairs to remedy squeaks. Many work from underneath the floor and involve mounting plates or brackets to sure up the floor.

Squeaky floors can be problematic, but noises can be banished with some repair work.

Reconnect, and Reimagine,” with all staff during Superintendent’s Conference Day on Aug. 27. Photos courtesy of Amityville Union Free School District