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APDA Long Island Information and Referral Centers supports area Parkinson’s community in April and year-round.

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, and the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) will commemorate the month with a “Did You Know?” campaign that will educate the public about Parkinson’s disease (PD) – highlighting everything from statistics and symptoms to personal stories and ways to get involved – while also helping those affected by PD feel empowered with the resources and support they need.

Through a nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, APDA works every day to provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. The APDA I&R Centers at St Charles Hospital and Catholic Health Ambulatory Center Commack supports people living with PD throughout Long Island NY and beyond, as well as their care partners and loved ones by helping them assemble the resources, support, and medical expertise they need to feel more empowered, connected, and optimistic.

Throughout Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month (and always), the APDA I&R Centers at St Charles Hospital and Catholic Health Ambulatory Center Commack have a variety of programs and events planned, with many ways for people to get involved. April’s activities include an in person PD Educational Lecture at St Charles Hospital, a Lunch and Learn, Support Groups for both PWP and their Care partners and family members and much more. Additionally, throughout the month, APDA will share educational information and resources on all APDA social media channels using #DidYouKnow.

With approximately one million people living with PD in the United States –65,000 of which are in New York State – and 90,000 new diagnoses every year, it is critical to engage, inform, and support the PD community and raise public awareness about the disease. Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on this issue.

“With a new diagnosis every six minutes, nearly 7,200 people in this country will learn they have PD in April alone,” said Julie Garofalo, RN, APDA I& R Centers Coordinator at St. Charles Hospital and Catholic Health Ambulatory Center in Commack. “Here on Long Island, we are the boots on the ground. From support groups and exercise classes to educational events and access to PD experts, the APDA Long Island I&R Centers are here for every member of our local PD community, working tirelessly to help make their journey more positive.”

Beyond Long Island, APDA offers extensive virtual programming and a robust resource library – with many resources available in Spanish and Mandarin/Simplified Chinese – to ensure that all members of the PD community have access to high-quality information and services no matter where they live and to help them to feel connected to the community even from a distance. From popular webinar series like Dr. Gilbert Hosts, Unlocking Strength Within, and Let’s Keep Moving with APDA to a variety of virtual exercise and movement classes, there is something for everyone.

Support from the public is crucial, and Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month is an especially meaningful time to take action to help those coping with this progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. People can support by raising awareness of PD and/or by making a donation @ www.apdaparkinson.org that will enable APDA to continue their critical work and fund research that will lead to better treatments and ultimately, a cure. Every effort makes a difference.

The APDA Long Island I&R Centers at St Charles Hospital and Catholic Health Ambulatory Center Commack offers a wide range of Parkinson’s disease programs, resources, education, and support. To learn more, visit www.apdaparkinson.org/ny  or [email protected]  or call 631-862-3560

About the American Parkinson Disease Association:

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to assist the more than one million people with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $282 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and end this disease. To join in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through a network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as a national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org. 

From left, Thomas Ronayne, Ray Meyer, Robert Misseri Paws of War Co-Founder, Councilman Sal Ferro, Town of Huntington Historian Robert Hughes and Robert Renna at the check presentation on March 21. Photo from Paws of War

Paws of War held a formal check presentation at the Burr Family Cemetery, Home Depot Shopping Center, 5025 Jericho Turnpike, Commack on Friday, March 21 at 11:30 p.m.

Huntington Town Councilman Sal Ferro and The Ferro Foundation made a generous donation in the amount of $5,000 to Paws of War, a 501(c) nonprofit organization, in support of the Burr Family Cemetery restoration project. This initiative will help preserve an important piece of our community’s history while honoring those laid to rest at this historic site.

Burr Family Cemetery – Two of the family members were
veterans in the War of 1812.

This important project honors the memory of two War of 1812 veterans laid to rest there while preserving a significant piece of local history.

The restoration effort, spearheaded by Paws of War, will include the installation of a new fence, landscaping enhancements, the resetting and replacement of headstones, a new flagpole, a picnic area, and an informational plaque to educate visitors about the cemetery’s historical significance.

“The Burr Family Cemetery is a part of Huntington’s history, and I am honored to support Paws of War in their incredible work to restore and preserve this site,” said Councilman Sal Ferro. “This project ensures that the sacrifices of those who served our country are never forgotten while also creating a space for the community to reflect on our past.”

Paws of War, widely recognized for their work in rescuing and training service dogs for veterans and first responders, has expanded their mission to include projects that honor and support those who have served. Their dedication to the Burr Family Cemetery restoration underscores their commitment to preserving the legacy of American veterans.

“This restoration is about respect, remembrance, and ensuring that history is not lost to time,” said [Paws of War Representative, Tom Ronayne. “We are incredibly grateful to Councilman Ferro and The Ferro Foundation for their generous support in making this possible.”

The restoration project is expected to be completed in the coming months, providing a renewed space where the community can honor and learn about the local heroes who played a role in shaping our nation’s history. A ribbon cutting ceremony is slated to take place this summer.

For more information on Paws of War and their initiatives, visit pawsofwar.org

A view of the Port Jefferson Country Club

The Village of Port Jefferson has entered into a new partnership with Lessing’s Hospitality Group to provide exclusive food, beverage, and catering operations at the Port Jefferson Country Club, according to a press release. The Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously on March 17th to approve the license agreement (an assignment of the existing lease), marking a significant step forward in enhancing hospitality services for residents, members, and visitors alike.

Known for delivering personalized service and high-caliber events, Lessing’s will provide custom menus, full-service event support, and tailored food and beverage experiences at the Port Jefferson Country Club. They will begin operating “The Turn,” with food and beverage service officially launching on opening day of golf at PJCC, Saturday, March 29, 2025. Effective immediately, Lessing’s will assume responsibility for all catering operations at the Country Club, including member events, weddings, social, and corporate functions.

“We are so proud to welcome Lessing’s Hospitality Group to Port Jefferson Country Club,” said Mayor Lauren Sheprow. “With their longstanding reputation for excellence in golf course food and beverage management, catering, and member events, we are confident this partnership will bring a new standard of service to Port Jefferson Country Club and elevate the overall guest experience for our community.”

Established in 1908, the Port Jefferson Country Club is a distinguished fixture on Long Island’s North Shore. The golf course was designed by renowned architect Alfred H. Tull and spans 145 acres as a 6,800-yard, par-72 championship course. The 170+ acre Country Club was acquired from the estate of the late Norman K. Winston by the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson for $2.9 million in 1978 via a resident referendum. Today, the Port Jefferson Country Club remains one of the premier golf and event destinations in the region, offering an 18-hole membership-accessible championship course with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound.

Michael Lessing, CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, added, “It is an honor to partner with the Village of Port Jefferson and oversee hospitality at such a distinguished venue. We look forward to serving the community with exceptional dining experiences and memorable events, both at The Turn and throughout the Country Club.”

Lessing’s Hospitality Group brings over 135 years of hospitality management experience and operates at over 100 locations, including 10 golf and country clubs. Their portfolio features renowned venues such as The Heritage Club at Bethpage State Park and Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club.

Photo courtesy of LI Ducks
Suffolk County Ballpark receives new field, mound, bullpens and outfield wall

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Long Island Ducks team officials have announced the completion of a new turf field installation at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, home of the Atlantic League ball club. The new FieldTurf playing surface, installed by local supplier LandTek, will begin to be utilized this April for the Ducks 25th Anniversary Season on Long Island.

“This Capital Improvement is part of the ongoing effort by the County of Suffolk to update County buildings while keeping Fairfield Properties Ballpark operating at the highest professional level in partnership with the Long Island Ducks,” said Romaine. “The new turf field will improve efficiency greatly, save millions of gallons of water per year, and be more environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for fertilizer and chemicals on the playing surface in future seasons.”

The field renovation included full replacement of the entire playing surface, pitching mound, bullpens and padded outfield wall. With the conversion to an artificial surface, the Ducks are now the eighth team in the 10-team Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Partner League of Major League Baseball, to convert to turf.

“Keeping our ballpark atop the list of favored destinations for Major League players looking to continue their careers is important,” said Ducks President/Chief Business Officer Michael Pfaff. “This project, along with our commitment to keeping ticket prices affordable and parking free, allow us to continue to deliver on our promise of providing the most fun, fan friendly and affordable entertainment experience on Long Island for many years to come.”

The Ducks open the 2025 regular season, presented by Catholic Health, on Friday, April 25, against the Lancaster Stormers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). Tickets for all Ducks games are now available and can be purchased by visiting the ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or going online to LIDucks.com.

The Long Island Ducks are entering their 25th Anniversary season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, have led all MLB Partner Leagues in total attendance for four consecutive seasons, and have sold out a record 713 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

Celebrating its third decade, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the Major Leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. Over its 26-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,400 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 47 million fans to its 10 family-friendly ballparks that stretch from New York to North Carolina. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

Nina Kezys. Photo from SCCC

Suffolk County Community College has announced that Nina Kezys, a psychology major from East Northport, has been selected as one of 20 college students nationwide named to the prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team and has also been chosen as New York’s 2025 New Century Transfer Scholar. Ms. Kezys was chosen from among more than 2,000 nominees for each award. She will earn a $5,000 scholarship for the All-USA Academic Team honor, and an additional $2,250 scholarship as a New Century Transfer Scholar.

These awards recognize Ms. Kezys’s outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to community service. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning Dean’s List recognition for the past two semesters, she has demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As Vice President of the Rotaract Community Service Club and Vice President of Membership for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, she has contributed significantly to the college community. Additionally, Kezys plays on the Women’s Soccer Team, serves as a Peer Mentor overseeing the Michael J. Grant Campus Food Pantry, and actively participates in the campus Honors and Psychology clubs

Ms. Kezys will receive her awards during the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) annual national convention taking place in Nashville in April.

Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, praised Kezys’s accomplishments, stating, “Nina’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service embodies the very best of Suffolk County Community College. Her commitment to making a difference on campus is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and know she will continue to make a lasting impact everywhere she goes.

The All-USA Academic Team is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Nominees must be able to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. Sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) national honor society, the program celebrates students who leverage their community college experience to better themselves, improve their schools, and positively impact their communities.

The New Century Transfer Scholar, is an honor given to only one student from each state. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, with support from Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

 

The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor has announced a spring series of NYS Certified Safe Boating Courses for individuals aged 10 and older. These courses provide essential knowledge about safe boat operation, regulations, and responsibilities of boat ownership. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will earn a Safe Boating Certificate.

The course meets the New York State education requirement for the Personal Watercraft Operation Permit, Youth and Adult Boating Certificate. New York State certified instructors present the course in the Museum’s workshop. Participants may view the museum’s exhibits during short breaks throughout the 8-hour course.

Participants may bring a bagged lunch for the lunch break. Adults over the age of 18 have the option to walk into Cold Spring Harbor village to purchase lunch or coffee at any of the businesses or restaurants Main Street has to offer. Minors are not permitted to leave the museum during the course unless a parent or guardian is accompanying them.

Starting January 1, 2025, a safety certificate will be required of all operators, regardless of age.

Upcoming course dates are scheduled for Saturdays, April 5; May 3; June 21; and July 12. Each course will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to continue offering this important course to our community,” said Cristina Ainslie, Assistant Director of The Whaling Museum & Education Center. “Boating safety is paramount, and this course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe on the water. Dozens of Long Island residents already have their certificates with us through this course at the museum, and we’re excited to offer more opportunities to get certified this spring!”

The program fee is $35, which includes access to exhibits at the museum for the day. Payment will be collected at the museum before the program begins, and both cash and credit card are accepted. Registration is required and can be completed online at cshwhalingmuseum.org/events.

For more information about the NYS Safe Boating Course or to register, please visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/safeboating.

Shelley Germana. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook University

By Daniel Dunaief

Performance on tests, essays and presentations can often reflect as much, if not more, about what’s going on with a student outside the classroom as it does during a course.

A sociologist by training who earned her PhD from Rutgers, Shelley Germana, Senior Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education at Stony Brook University, recognized the impact and importance of health, family life, and financial strains when she taught a class of conditionally admitted students to Rutgers University.

“It’s the first time I realized [student performance] was largely about the non-academic stuff,” said Germana. “I was teaching as if it was just about academics, give them theory, give them concepts, break down the information for them. It wasn’t about that.”

Instead, mental health and social challenges, among others, affected how well they did in class.

That realization changed her career path from a plan to become an educator into one in which she dedicates herself to student success.

Indeed, fast forward to today, and Germana helped create the Summer Academic Resilience Program Stony Brook for students in 2024 who were struggling academically after their first year.

The five credit summer course, which was offered as part of a pilot program for 30 students, was given at no cost to the students. While living on campus and having access to dining facilities, the students not only received classroom support, but also had wrap around services.

This includes accessibility support, mental health aid, and employment. Students took a three-credit general education course and a two-credit academic success course for five weeks.

The students in this course had grade point averages that were close to or below 2.0, which could have led to a suspension.

The effort on the part of the students and the school paid dividends, with four students still below 2.0 in the fall and the remainder above that threshold. At the same time, 11 students earned a grade point average above a 3.0 this past fall.

“What this demonstrates is that this degree of structured, holistic support can be really transformative,” said Germana.

The university is preparing for the 2025 summer session and is hoping to increase the number of student participants to 50.

Embracing a bigger role

Provost Carl Lejuez applauded the work Germana has done with this pilot program and her overall efforts on behalf of student success.

Germana “was in the number two role for undergraduate education for many years and everyone was really aware of how hard she worked and how talented and strategic and student focused she was,” said Lejuez. “I was really excited about the possibility of her being in that role and it has worked out in every way I thought it would.”

Indeed, in academic year 2024-2025, Stony Brook had record enrollment, while the university has also managed to increase student retention to around 90 percent.

“That’s because of the holistic approach she takes,” said Lejuez.

Germana credits a number of other parts of the university for the increasing percentage of students who return for their second year of classes.

“Everybody has a hand in student success and retention, from student affairs to faculty,” said Germana. “It’s all part of the package.”

Germana added that student advisors have had a positive influence on success as well.

In a recent Boyer Commission report that looks ahead to 2030, the commission has specific recommendations for advising, including lowering case loads. This enables advisors to meet regularly with students.

The commission also urges advisors to move beyond academic support and into areas like the transition from high school to college.

“The recommended case loads were lower than what we had at Stony Brook,” said Germana. The administration, from the president to Lejuez supported the university’s investments in academic advisors.

Germana and Vice President for Student Affairs Rich Gatteau run a working group that meet regularly to discuss holistic success and have advocated for greater support for advisors.

Two years ago, Stony Brook invested about a million dollars in adding academic advisors.

The university plans to make a similar type of investment again this year.

“What I love about [Germana] is that she understands traditions and best practices and is always working with people to be innovative and think about new ways to do it.”

Flipping the script

Germana suggested that institutions of higher learning have sometimes approached struggling students by suggesting they have a learning deficit.

While she does not dismiss the fact that some students have preparation issues, she prefers to focus on the assets they bring to the classroom, despite the challenges they face in their lives.

“We should not be underestimating what the students bring” to the classroom, Germana said.

“They are clearly capable or they would not have been admitted,” said Germana.

Like some students at Stony Brook, Germana, who is a native of southern New Jersey, is the first member of her family to attend college.

Higher education is a “transformative experience” that has enriched her life.

She added that the college experience and the opportunities that follow are empowering. 

Stony Brook can and should be a “place where they’re going to grow and transform and become citizens of the world,” Germana added.

Stony Brook University Libraries. Photo from SBU

The Marian B. and Jacob K. Javits Foundation recently gave $1 million to Stony Brook University Libraries, creating its largest-ever endowment. This endowment was established to help preserve, promote and make accessible the Senator Jacob K. Javits Collection at Stony Brook.

Additional funding for the Jacob K. Javits Collection Engagement Fund will be matched by the New York State endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge, tripling the impact of this endowment gift. This project also received institutional support to begin programming as the endowment builds.

The Javits family, 1956; left to right: Marian B. Javits, Carla Javits, Senator Jacob K. Javits, Joshua Javits, and Joy Javits. Photo from Special Collections, Stony Brook University Libraries

“We thought a high-caliber New York State academic institution, which already had a long and deep familiarity with our father’s papers, would be the perfect venue to maintain and disseminate his ideas and achievements,” said Senator Javits’ son, Joshua Javits.

“By making the collection more accessible, we hope the practical ideas and concepts that he worked on his whole life will inspire people and the future of policymaking,” said Carla Javits, Senator Javits’ daughter.

Senator Javits played a critical role in shaping national policies on civil rights, social justice, the arts and environmental protection during his more than three decades of service as an elected official from New York. He also had a long-standing relationship with former Stony Brook University President John H. Marburger III and spent time at the university, meeting with faculty and students and giving lectures on campus.

The collection was received in 1981, when Senator Javits contributed his life’s papers, highlighting resources over the senator’s 34-year career. The collection features almost 2 million items, containing speeches, bills and campaign literature, audio and film recordings, photographs, artifacts and memorabilia, cartoons and correspondence.

“This collection serves as a powerful educational resource,” said Kristen Nyitray, director of Special Collections and University Archives. “It is not only an archive of the past, but a source for informed citizenship and critical thinking about the present and future.”

“We are profoundly grateful for the generous endowment received to maintain the Sen. Jacob K. Javits Collection. As we navigate these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure access to such invaluable resources,” said SBU Libraries Dean Karim Boughida. “By facilitating enhanced access to the collection, we honor Sen. Javits’ legacy and reaffirm our commitment to serving as a hub of knowledge and collaboration for all.”

Information about the collection can be accessed on the SBU Libraries Special Collections website.

 

The Rocky Point High School cheerleading squad. Photo courtesy of Samantha Ferrara

By Rich Acritelli

Rocky Point High School won the New York State championship in varsity cheerleading on March 8 in Binghamton. Led by the big smile and the can-do attitude of their second-year coach Samantha Ferrara, the girls completed a memorable season. Ferrara is a 23-year-old graduate from this school district. During her first season, they won the nationals in Florida and in the previous year as a junior varsity coach the squad went undefeated.  Over the last three years, Ferrara has been a no-nonsense, motivated, drama-free and caring coach.

From 2014 to 2019, Ferrara was an extremely capable “flyer.” As a seventh grader on a national championship team, she was one of the finest cheerleaders in this state as she was recognized with all-division and county honors. In 2018, she was picked as Suffolk County Cheerleader of the Year for her excellence in this sport. Ferrara was recruited by the universities of South Florida and Rhode Island but chose to cheer at Hofstra. After an elbow injury and the pandemic, she decided to retire from cheerleading and transferred to St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue to major in teaching secondary mathematics. Ferrara has already gained a wealth of experience as a substitute teacher at Rocky Point High School and had leave replacements at Baldwin High School and Longwood Junior High School. 

This year, Ferrara led a combination of an experienced group of varsity girls and newer faces to replace six key graduates from last year’s team. Ferrara identified the will of this team, as keeping matters light and absorbing what they were taught, and quickly implemented it during practice and against opposing teams. Ferrara is thankful to be coaching at Rocky Point and feels that this position has been a “dream job” utilizing the lessons that were taught to her years ago that “nothing would be handed to you” and “we were taught to be the best.” And next to Ferrara is her trusted assistant Jessica Fleischer, a talented cheerleader and graduate of Sachem North. Both were on the 2018 All Long Island team and they cheered together at Hofstra University. Ferrara enjoys working with Fleischer and views her as an experienced coach.

Ava Almeida. Photo courtest Jonathan Rufa

Another feat accomplished during this year’s winter sports season was through junior Ava Almeida’s pole vaulting. Recently, this outstanding athlete earned a 10-foot height score and, for a second time, represented this school at the winter track and field state championship. Impressively, she tied the school winter record and scored first in Suffolk County and on Long Island. Starting this sport in the ninth grade, Almeida has constantly pushed herself to learn about this event and to follow an upper and lower body weightlifting regimen. Almeida looks back on this season and believes that her hardest competition was against Half Hollow Hills High School West and East Islip High School.  

Almeida has been training with Apex Vaulting, which she says has been a tremendous support system. She recognizes the important tutelage of Rocky Point varsity girls coach John Mattia, who ensured that Almeida participated in additional meets. Only in her third year of pole vaulting, Almeida started jumping 7 feet and quickly improved to 10 feet last season. Through her daily schedule of lifting weights for the upper and lower parts of the body and conditioning, there has been tremendous improvement over the last year. 

One of the strongest student athletes at Rocky Point High School, she is an honor student and has been placed on the principal’s list. Currently, she takes advanced physics, honors algebra and human anatomy; she plans to pursue a college degree that focuses on becoming a physician’s assistant. As she enters the spring season, Almeida is determined to pole vault 10 feet 6 inches for this outdoor track and field event. Almeida will surely return next season as one of the best pole vaulters on Long Island and perhaps in New York State.

Trevor Green. Photo courtesy the Green family

Trevor Green, a two-sport athlete, will return this fall as one of the best runners in all of Suffolk County. An impressive junior student-athlete, Green has already committed to the University of Minnesota for swimming.

Before the state tournament, Green was recognized as the most outstanding swimmer in Suffolk County and is highly regarded among his peers. Last week for two days, the best swimmers from Buffalo to Montauk traveled to Ithaca. During the first day, the boys swam in the time trials to determine if they would be swimming in the finals and for their lane placement. 

Hearing the massive support that Green received from his family, friends and fellow swimmers, for two days Green dominated the pool. It was an exciting event, where these swimmers completed many different events and distances in front of a highly charged crowd of fans. Green swam well, but he expected to do better in his final race event. 

Since he was nine years old, Green has emerged as a dominant backstroke and individual medley competitor (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle). Green placed second in the state in the individual medley and third in the state for the backstroke. In ninth grade, Green placed 14th in the 200-yard individual medley and second in the 500 freestyles. As a sophomore, Green took second and 14th in these same events. Next week, Green will be racing against some capable competition in the sectionals that are being held again at Ithaca College.

Heading toward his senior year, Green should be pleased with all his numerous achievements in both running and swimming. Looking at the state championships, Green believed, “I knew there was going to be good competition and would push me to good times. I wanted to rebound off my performance from last year and finish in the top three. I’ve been pushing myself hard in practice and it paid off.” 

Congratulations to the mighty athletic results of coach Ferrara and the varsity cheer team, Almeida and Green on their abilities to shine against the rest of the state.

Hauppauge High School’s Fine and Performing Arts Department presented their production of “Mamma Mia!” from March 14-15, bringing ABBA’s timeless classics to the stage. 

“Mamma Mia!” follows Sophie, a young woman living on an idyllic Greek island who is about to marry her fiancé. She’s determined to have her father walk her down the aisle, but there’s one big problem: she doesn’t know who he is. Sophie embarks on a mission to uncover his identity, inviting three men from her mother’s past to her wedding, each of whom could potentially be her father. As the mystery unfolds, Sophie and her mother, Donna, learn valuable lessons about love, family and the journey to self-discovery. 

“The cast, crew and creative team poured their hearts into this production, dedicating countless hours to perfecting every song, dance and scene,” said Theater Director Jordan Hue. “Their passion, commitment and teamwork truly brought ‘Mamma Mia!’ to life in a way that was both joyful and unforgettable.”