JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

I love going to the Long Island Aquarium. I often go the week of my birthday, when you can get a free ticket. I’ve even gone in groups with my mom, grandma and best friend because we’re all birthday neighbors.

And with the Sunday of April 16 being gloomy and chilly, myself, my boyfriend AJ and his sister Amanda decided to take a day trip to Riverhead to see some amazing aquatic animals and mammals, and even butterflies. Heading there, we had Tropical Smoothie for breakfast, as well as some Burger King, so that we would remain sustained throughout the entire day. We were there from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., entertained every minute of it.

We started our journey through the aquarium by, of course, petting the sting rays. And then we checked out the butterflies exhibit, which is situated in an indoor, luscious garden. You can find butterflies every where you turn, some grouping together to enjoy fruits on various plates throughout the garden. The butterfly that

L. I. VETERANS BULLETIN

Christy Hinko

we set our sights on.

If I had to put a team together of people who could get the job, any job, done, the first dozen would be veterans right here in Nassau County, and the majority of them would be a band of women veterans that I have had the privilege of working with on various projects in the past couple of decades.

A couple of years ago, I started a Facebook page, Long Island Veterans Bulletin, to aggregate veteran events, services and information that are hyperlocal to the island. These things range from support groups, parades, fundraisers, available or changing services and offers which are specific and directly related to veterans. The virtual bulletin board is gaining momentum and is used to disseminate information, reaching more veterans and veteran supporters than ever before.

Long Island is home to one of the highest populations of veterans in the entire country, mostly thanks to the returning-from-war veterans of the older war eras. Sadly, this number will sharply decrease as our fellow veterans age, retire, relocate and ultimately pass away. That is why it is critical for veterans on Long Island to form stronger bonds, network and share their experiences. Check out Anton Media Group’s version of Long Island Veterans Bulletin in the upcoming months for a spotlight on local veterans, supportive organizations, issues and events.