April 16, 2025 Amityiville by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

Amityville School District Reveals New Mascot With Input From School Community

On April 4, the Amityville Union Free School District officially unveiled its new mascot after months of input from the greater school community. The district will now be represented by the Hawks, a powerful symbol of strength and courage.

Changing the mascot was a thoughtful process which involved input from the entire school community. This involved a community survey to first solicit new mascot ideas, as well as a community forum to discuss the survey results and foster open dialogue about the change. The district then held several focus groups with various student groups, including Amityville student-athletes.

The district identified the four most frequently suggested options and presented them for a vote by

the high school students.

“I thank our entire school community for participating in this process, as well as Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health Evan Farkas, for spearheading this effort,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert. “While I understand that changing our mascot brings strong emotions for some, I am hopeful that we can move forward together, united in pride for our school community.”

The announcement naming the Hawks as the district’s new mascot was shared through a creative video produced by the high school’s broadcasting students, shown at all schools throughout the district via the Amityville Broadcasting Network. “I thank our broadcasting students for putting in the

time and creativity to make our announcement so special,” Farkas said.

Looking ahead, students will now vote on the official Hawks logo, which will be shared with the greater community in the coming weeks.

Link to announcement video: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=GQ_ tleWxJ3E

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THE JADES

ROBERT E. HANSEN

Recipe Of The Week: No-Bake Cheesecake Eggs

No-Bake Cheesecake Eggs

Serves 2

Base

1 medium chocolate Easter egg

35 grams unsalted butter

75 grams digestive biscuits

Filling

200 grams full-fat soft cheese (such as cream cheese or neufchâtel), at room temperature

1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons icing sugar

100 milliliters double cream

25 grams cocoa powder

Decoration

50 grams milk chocolate, melted Easter chocolates, Sprinkles

Directions:

Base

Carefully split the Easter egg into two halves. Melt the butter in the microwave in short bursts or in a small pan over a medium heat. In a food processor, blitz the biscuits to a ﬁne crumb, add the melted butter and pulse a few times until the mixture is well combined.

Divide the mixture equally between the two halves of the Easter egg, and very gently press down, without breaking the shell.

Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the cheese, vanilla extract and icing sugar until smooth. Add the double cream and cocoa powder and whisk again until smooth and thickened. Divide the mixture evenly between the two Easter egg halves and smooth over as carefully as possible. Chill in the fridge for an hour or so until set.

Decoration

Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the two halves and decorate with some Easter chocolates and sprinkles.

Editor’s note: Icing sugar also is known as confectioner’s sugar or powdered sugar. In the United States and Canada, “double cream” may not be readily available. Double cream has a higher butterfat content and is primarily sold in the UK. If double cream is not available, try substituting with heavy cream with the highest fat content you can ﬁnd, but note that the consistency of the ﬁnished product may be slightly different.

Easter Egg Coloring Tips

Coloring Easter eggs is a time-honored tradition dating back more than 2,500 years. There is evidence that people living in the ancient settlement of Trypillia dyed eggs. Ancient Persians also were believed to paint eggs for Nowruz (Persian New Year).

Christians adopted similar traditions to symbolize aspects of the Easter story. Originally Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross, according to Chase Oaks Church. Good Housekeeping reports early Christian

missionaries adapted the dying tradition to include more egg colors to represent different aspects of the Easter story. Yellow represented the resurrection, blue represented love and red remained a symbol of Christ’s blood.

Whether families dye eggs to symbolize the Easter miracle or simply for fun, the following are some coloring tips to enhance the process.

1. Prevent cracked eggs. Most colored eggs are hard-boiled. To prevent cracking during the boiling process, add a teaspoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of

salt to the boiling water. Additional anticracking measures include rubbing half a lemon on each shell before boiling.

2. Boil eggs and cool completely. It takes roughly 10 minutes to hard-boil an egg. Fill a pot with enough water to submerge the eggs, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Gently lower the eggs into the water with a slotted spoon. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and cool in a bowl of water or run under cold tap water.

3. Don’t forget the vinegar. Whether you use colored dye tablets or drops of food coloring from the pantry, use a mix of water and vinegar in the coloring solution. According to Education.com, food coloring is an acid dye and bonds using hydrogen. This chemical process only works in an acidic environment. Vinegar is added to water to make it more acidic and help the dyes adhere more strongly to the eggs and produce brighter colors.

4. Stick to white eggs. Stores sell both brown and white eggs. The species of chicken determines whether the eggs will be white or brown. When coloring eggs, it might be better to purchase white eggs, as the dyes will show up more vividly on the white shells.

5. Create distinctive designs. By covering portions of the bare eggs before dipping into color, people can create unique designs. Things like masking tape, rubber bands, wax (or crayons), and even twine can be

used. The dye will only take on the uncovered areas, leaving white behind.

6. Dyes are not the only way to color eggs. Everything from watercolor paint to acrylics to decoupage can be used to cover eggs in vivid colors. Egg decorators also can use colored yarns, fabric or stickers. Search for creative materials to set Easter eggs apart this year. Coloring eggs is a popular Easter tradition, and there are many ways to ensure this beloved activity produces beautiful results.

Why Is Easter Sunday Such An Important Christian Holiday?

Christians around the world fill church pews on Easter Sunday to participate in one of the holiest and most important celebrations of the liturgical year. Although every Sunday presents opportunities to share in the word of God, Easter Sunday is an especially significant date on the Christian calendar.

Each Easter, Christians celebrate the miracle of Christ’s defeat over death through his resurrection and ascension to his father’s side in heaven. However awe-inspiring, Easter is much more than this event and its retelling. Easter actually is the core of the Christian religion as it has come to be known, including inspiring the rituals and teachings that have been shared for nearly 2,000 years. Without the events that unfolded during Holy Week, the Christian

faith would not exist as it was prophesied. Christ’s selfless sacrifice on the cross for others’ sins, as well as his miraculous resurrection, are the anchors upon which all of Christianity has been built.

In 1 Corinthians 15:17, St. Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” Pope Benedict VVI similarly summarized St. Paul’s words, indicating that if the resurrection were taken away, it may be possible to piece together ideas about God and men, but the Christian faith would be “dead.” In his book, Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict further wrote, “Jesus would be a failed religious leader… he would then remain purely human, and his authority would extend only so far as his message is of interest to us.”

According to Christianity.

com, Easter is part of the redemptive plan of mankind. It is worthy of celebration because it proved to people that Jesus is the Son of God. This gives Christians confidence that there is life after death, and they will have the same power working in them that raised Jesus from the dead.

Out of Holy Week and Easter also came the start of Christian masses. On Holy Thursday, Jesus introduced his disciples to the bread that they ate at the Last Supper as “his body” and the wine as “his blood.” This would serve as the basis for the Christian celebration of Holy Communion, which remains a vital component of the faith and religious services.

Easter is a significant date on the Christian calendar that inspires Christians across the globe to celebrate their faith.

South Shore Audubon Society Offers Scholarships

The South Shore Audubon Society is offering two $2,000 college scholarships this year: one funded by Evelyn Bishop and her family, and one funded by Jay Koolpix. Each scholarship will be awarded to a different college junior, senior, or graduate student who is taking courses to prepare for a degree in an area of biological or environmental science. This includes wildlife management, forestry, animal behavior, ecology, marine biology, oceanography, mammalogy, ornithology or the field of sustainable and renewable energy. To be eligible for the Scholarships, applicants must be residents of one of the areas listed at www. ssaudubon.org/areas-weserve.asp and/or attend

a college in Nassau or Suffolk County. Previous winners have used their scholarships to help purchase books, to pay for travel expenses to field sites, for specialized equipment or other educational needs. Applications are available at the SSAS website, www.ssaudubon. org, or from the emails listed below. Applications are due by April 30, 2025. They should be emailed to either Betsy Gulotta, betsy.gulotta@ncc. edu, or Betty Borowsky, bborow@optonline.net. For more information and for assistance with application forms, contact Betsy Gulotta or Betty Borowsky at the email addresses above.

EXOTIC WAREHOUSE

MEETINGS

COME CELEBRATE EASTER WITH US! MAKE YOUR EASTER RESERVATIONS EARLY!

PRIX-FIXE

Penne alla Vodka:

Verona Salad • Caesar Salad • Mozzarella Caprese • Artichoke Oreganata • Rice Balls • Eggplant Rollatini Baked Clams • Stracciatella Soup • Pasta e Fagoli Soup • Calamari Fritti (Traditional or Sweet Chili)

MAIN COURSE (CHOOSE ONE)

PRIX-FIXE PREMIUM

Chicken Valdostana:

Shallots, Prosciutto, Vodka in Tomato Basil Sauce with a touch of cream

Pappardelle Bolognese:

Authentic Meat Sauce topped with Ricotta Cheese On Top

Orecchiette alla Verona:

Imported Pasta Sautéed with Sausage, Sundried Tomatoes, Chick Peas, Rapini, Garlic and Oil

Zucchini Linguini: (Vegan)

In a Spicy Marinara Sauce with Crispy Shitake Mushrooms

Porcini Risotto: (Vegetarian)

Risotto Tossed in Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Topped with Shaved Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan:

Baked in Marinara, topped with Melted Mozzarella, Served with Vegetables

Pollo: (Served with Vegetables)

Francese, Parmigiana, Marsala, Toscana

ADD A DESSERT $

Cannoli • Tiramisu • Key Lime Pie • NY Cheese Cake

Breaded Breast of Chicken Topped with Prosciutto, Melted Mozzarella, Porcini Sauce, Served with Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables

Chicken Scarpariello:

Oven Roasted off the Bone with Sausage, Peppers, Mushrooms, Rosemary

Sole Portoﬁno:

Parmesan Encrusted in Lemon White Wine Sauce, Served with Risotto

Salmon Fiorentina:

Fresh Salmon pan seared in lemon beurre blanc served over Spinach

Shrimp Scampi:

Garlic, butter, white wine and lemon, served over riscotto with vegetables

Veal: (Served with Vegetables)

Marsala, Parmigiana, Sorrentino, Piccatta

Grilled Pork Chop: (Add $4)

Topped with Mushrooms, Onions, Cherry Peppers, Served-Roasted

Potato, Vegetables

Branzino Oreganata (Add $6):

Fresh Mediterranean Sea Bass Topped with Seasoned Breadcrumbs in a Lemon White Wine Sauce with Shrimp

Squid Ink Linguini (Add $6):

Tossed with Mussels, Calamari, Shrimp, Broccoli Rabe, Cherry

Tomatoes, Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Crispy Duck (Add $6):

Fresh Long Island Duck in an Orange Cranberry Glaze Served with Wild Rice & Vegetables

Steak (Add $9):

Grilled, Topped with Asparagus and Melted Mozzarella in Barolo

Wine Sauce Served with Onion Rings

Choose Any Entree from our Easter Chef Specials with Prix Fixe

APRIL HAPPENINGS

THURS., APRIL 17th

7:00PM

VOICES AT THE TABLE

Farmingdale United Methodist Church Presents "Voices At The Table", 407 Main Street, invites the community to a live retelling of the story of the Last Supper on Maundy. For information please contact the church at ofﬁce@ farmingdaleumc.org or call 516 694-3424

SAT., APRIL 19th

10:00AM-2:00PM FOOD DRIVE

N. Babylon Lions Club Food Drive at ShopRite 1960 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please contact donnaquarant@ gmail.com

11:00AM-1:00PM

FOURTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT’S EGG HUNT

Sen. Martinez announces annual district egg hunt. Families are encouraged to hop on down to Geiger Park for this year's Eggceptional Egg Hunt. Remember to bring your basket as you gather your little bunnies for this egg-stra special day, because it's going to be quite the hoppening! The egg-stravaganza will also provide attendees an opportunity to dispose of unused or expired medications and shred sensitive documents. Geiger Park, 130 Grant Boulevard in Deer Park.

11:00AM-2:00PM

PHOTOS WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Costello's Ace Hardware of

HOLIDAYS

12th - PASSOVER BEGINS

15th - TAXES DUE

20th - EASTER

22nd - EARTH DAY

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

Farmingdale presents photos with the Easter Bunny. Free for everyone! The Easter Bunny will take pictures with your family, kids, and pets on Saturday, April 19th. Make sure to bring your camera. 242 Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale. For more information, please call 631-694-1100

11:00AM-2:00PM CLOTHING SALE

St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park is having a Clothing Sale in the church hall, rain or shine. We have women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at great prices. Hot beverages will be served. Come by and take a look.

For more information, please call 631-242-7530

THURS, APRIL 22nd

7:00PM

GENERAL MEETING

N. Babylon Lions Club General Meeting. Phelps Lane Pool BldgBlue Room, 151 Phelps La., N. Babylon. We're not just Pancakes and Pasta, join us in helping others while having fun. For more information, please contact: Joefatuzzo@gmail.com

THURS., APRIL 24th

1:45PM–7:30PM

BLOOD DRIVE

Levittown Fire Department with Senator Steve Rhoads 120 Gardiners Avenue, Levittown Follow the link to schedule an appointment: https://Donate. nybc.org/Donor/Schedules/Drive_

Did You Know?

Earth Day is now a global event, but its origins are somewhat humble. Prior to the 1960s, awareness of the link between public health and pollution was minimal. However, according to EarthDay.org, the 1962 publication of Silent Spring by American marine biologist, writer and conservationist Rachel Carson was a watershed moment for the environmental movement. The book did much to raise awareness of the effects of pollution on public health. Indeed, the publication of Carson's book proved a pivotal step toward the eventual establishment of Earth Day in 1970, which EarthDay.org characterizes as the dawn of the modern environmental movement. April 22, 2025 is Earth Day!

schedule/323184 or call 1-800 933-BLOOD. For more information, or help scheduling an appointment, please contact Ron Hlawaty at ronhlawaty@yahoo.com or Jodie Behrens email resqchick048@ gmail.com. Appointments Preferred. Walk-Ins Welcome!

6:30PM A NIGHT IN MONTE CARLO

The Heritage Club in Farmingdale is hosting a A Night in Monte Carlo. Cocktail reception, followed by an elegant buffet dinner and extensive Viennese display. The event will feature casino gaming, rafﬂe prizes and art pieces available for purchase and created by UCP-LI artists. Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island! To purchase tickets, please visit https://specialevents. ucp-li.org/2025MonteCarlo. For more information, please contact cschramm@ucp-li.org | 631-2320011 ext. 450

SAT., APRIL 26th

10:00AM

ANNUAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

The community is invited to the annual Arbor Day Celebration in Amityville at the corner of South Bayview Ave. and Bayview Pl. in Amityville. (south of Merrick Road). Get educational information on tree planting and maintenance and celebrate the day with a tree planting to beautify the open space known as The Mary Carroll Marsden Community Garden.

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SPECIALS

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Amityville’s Varsity Boys Basketball Team Honored For Historic Season

On March 26, Amityville Memorial High School’s varsity boys basketball team was honored for their historic season during the board of education’s meeting at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.

Led by head coach Jack Agostino, Amityville’s basketball team won the Suffolk Class AA championship game after a thrilling 60-57 win over Smithtown West at Farmingdale State College on March 7. This marks the 20th Suffolk County championship in program history, and the 12th title under Agostino.

“It’s an honor to celebrate our boys varsity basketball team,” said Evan Farkas, the district’s director of athletics, physical education, and health.

“They had an incredible run and we’re really proud of the entire team for what they’ve accomplished.”

Parents, district

Students recently met with a variety of career professionals at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in Amityville during Career Day.

Members of the National Junior Honor Society led the guests to different classrooms throughout the building during the

administrators and members of the board of education applauded the team for a memorable season. Each member of the team and the entire coaching staff received a certificate of recognition

from the board.

“This team’s performance both on and off the court reflects a spirit of teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship that we are all proud to celebrate as the Suffolk County champions,”

said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert. Coach Agostino’s coaching staff includes his brother, Anthony Agostino, and alumni A.J. Price and Billy Kretz. The 20242025 boys basketball team

includes:

Christian Araque

Da’Jon Clinton

Amir Dickerson

Allan Dodson-Isabell

Adam Dodson-Isabell

Westley Flythe

Jordan Hines

Taki Mason

Teydan Mason

Anthony Martinez

Julian Nelson

Isaiah Nixon

Seth Smith

Ryan Victor

Students Explore Numerous Careers

event. Some of the guests were alumni of the middle school and they spoke about the lessons they learned during their years in the Amityville School District.

The school’s Career Day featured a wide range of speakers that included police officers,

politicians, data analysts, educators and health care professionals. The district would like to thank all of the guests who took the time to share their careers with the middle school students.

Photos courtesy of Amityville Union Free School District

Application Open For Fall 2025 Hope

Now, through April 30, applications are being accepted for the fall 2025 semester for the Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program.

Since 2006, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The nationwide program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as

they assume critical roles in the financial well-being of their families.

Scholarships vary from $1,800 to $2,500 and are applied toward higher education at an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school. Unique to the program is a scholarship for spouses of the fallen, Restoring Family.

• Honorary Scholarship – awarded to those seeking graduate or post-graduate degree.

• New Beginnings Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing an associate degree, entry level classes or training.

• Restoring Family Scholarship – awarded to spouses of the fallen.

• Restoring Hope Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a master’s or doctorate of social work, psychology counseling, or mental health counseling-

related field.

• Restoring Self Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Since the program’s inception, Hope For The Warriors has granted 290 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships totaling $737,107.

To receive an application to apply for the fall 2025 semester, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and connect to services.

About Hope For The Warriors: Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial,

career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, high-quality mental health care services. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

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Northeast Elementary School recently hosted its annual Spring Learning Night in Amityville.

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Spring Learning Night Celebration

Students and their families were welcomed to participate in several Dr. Seuss themed multicurricular activities such as letter matching, flower measurement, planting, and one-to-one correspondence, among other programs. At the end of the night, students event built their own edible rainbows and took home a gift bag.

Photos courtesy of Amityville Union Free School District