January 1, 2025 Copiague by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

Unwelcome pest 19. Saddle horses 20. Type of gibbon 23. Delta is one 24. NE Massachusetts cape

Soup cracker

Yes vote

27. Muddy ground

28. Physics apparatus (abbr.)

29. Type of drug 30. German city 31. Animal disease

32. Martini ingredients

33. Get away

34. Spanish municipality

36. Thrust a knife into

Fun Facts About Lefties

Left-handed, lefty, southpaw - these are all terms used to describe people who favor their left hands for writing, throwing a ball and myriad other activities. It is estimated that between 10 and 12 percent of all people are left-handed. Although that makes southpaws an undeniable minority, the number of left-handed people is creeping up.

Left-handers are worthy of notice and recognition. As such, explore these interesting facts and figures about left-handers.

Sports Proclivity

Being left-handed may confer an advantage for athletes. Wayne Gretzky, Sandy Koufax and Martina Navratilova are just a few of the many accomplished left-handed sports legends. Sports scientist Florian Loffing with the Institute of Sport Science, University of Oldenburg in Germany found that in sports where there is a short time constraint, lefties appeared to excel. That could be why he found 26 percent of the top male players in table tennis are lefties. And sports like baseball and cricket are dominated by left-handed players.

Health Risks And Benefits

Lefties should take notice that there may be some side effects to being left-handed. According to a 2010 study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers found those who were lefthanded had an increased risk for dyslexia, ADHD and certain mood disorders. It could be tied to the hemispheres of the brain and how 30 percent of lefthanded people are partial to the right hemisphere or have no dominant hemisphere for language functioning. Conversely, lefties can bounce back from stroke or other brain-related injuries more readily than righties, according to data published in 2015 in Scientific Reports. Also, a study published in Laterality found that left-handed people are less likely to suffer arthritis and ulcers. More Creative

Lefties are more likely to be artistic or innovative. Research published in the American Journal of Psychology found there is some evidence that lefthanded people are better at divergent thinking, a method of idea generation that explores many possible solutions. The Left-Handers Club, a pro-lefty advocacy group, also found that lefthanded individuals tend to be drawn to careers in the arts, music, sports, and information-technology fields.

Ambidextrous Inclinations

The world is geared towards being right-handed, with buttons on jackets,

doorknobs, desks in school, and more designed with right-handed people in mind. Therefore, many lefties become ambidextrous simply because they have to, according to data published in Reader’s Digest. Presidential Possibilities? Many notable people have been left-handed, including eight U.S. Presidents. James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama all are or were left-handed. Even though the world may not have been designed for left-handed people, lefties certainly thrive.

JANUARY HAPPENINGS

THRU THURS. JAN. 2nd

10:00AM-3:00PM

CHRISTMAS HOUSE

LONG ISLAND

If you are looking for an exciting and fun, indoor family holiday attraction, Christmas House Long Island is now open daily at the Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway in Hicksville. This unique 45+ minute walk-through features interactive and imaginative experiences that will delight people of all ages! For more information, please call 516-878-0273

THRU SAT. JAN. 4th

12:00 PM 1:30 PM

MAGIC OF LIGHTS

Jones Beach State Park. 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience, which features holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience this all from the comfort of your own car! One carload, one price. For dates, times, and ticket availability, visit magicoﬂights.com.

SAT. JAN. 4th

12:00PM-1:30PM

FOREST BATHING WALK

Start the new year with a Forest Bathing Walk with one of Sweetbriar’s nature educators and forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo. Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in a forest or other natural environment. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown.

HOLIDAYS

1st - New Years Day

20th - Martin Luther King Jr. 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

For more information, please call 631-979-6344

MON. JAN. 6th

7:30PM

BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS

The Babylon Chorale will hold auditions at Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood Campus. All voice parts are welcomed. For further information, visit www.babylonchorale.org or email info@babylonchorale.org

THURS. JAN. 9th

7:00PM LINDENHURST EVENING HOMEMAKERS GROUP

Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group 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 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more info.

SAT. JAN. 11th

8:45AM-10:30AM

POLAR PLUNGEFreezin for a Reason

Get ready to take the plunge for an amazing cause! Join us for the Town of Huntington 2025 Polar Plunge and show your support for the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics! Location: Crab Meadow Beach in Northport. This event is about more than just a chilly dip, it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate and empower these remarkable athletes. Let’s make a difference together. For more details and to register, visit: www.polarplungeny.org/ Huntington

SUN. JAN. 12th

11:00AM-2:00PM

2025 NYS PARKS

WINTER RUN SERIES

at Heckscher State Park, East IslipField #2. Absolutely No: Baby Joggers, Rollerbladers, Skaters, Bikers or Pets Are Permitted! For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323

SAT. JAN. 18th

4:00PM-7:00PM

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street in Farmingdale, invites the community to their Family Game Night. Come have fun with Duck Races, Cornhole Games, Board Games, Life-Size Jenga, Connect Four, food and much more! Please RSVP to ofﬁce@armingdaleumc.org.

SAT. JAN. 25th

8:45AM-12:00PM

8:45AM 5K Start

9:00AM Half Marathon & Marathon Start

ICEBREAKER MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K

at Eisenhower Park Field 2 Rain or Shine. Certiﬁed course and a Boston Qualiﬁer! The course is a looped course and great for spectating. The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on park paths and fully closed roads. For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323

Did You Know?

Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Great Neck Road’s Winter Wonderland

The gymnasium at Great Neck Road Elementary School in the Copiague School District had quite the makeover in midDecember, transforming into a winter wonderland. During their physical education classes, students stepped into a snowy adventure filled with

winter-themed activities. The event was organized by physical education teachers Rachel Cone and Timothy Mattiace.

Stations were set up around the room for students to rotate through the various activities.

In small groups, they played hockey, went ice

skating on small slider pads, worked together to complete a winter-themed puzzle and tossed darts at the Grinch. Students also went bobsledding on scooters, competed in holiday bowling and tossed rings at a Santa cone.

Neck Road Elementary School

District enjoyed a winter wonderland of activities during physical education classes this month.

Great

in the Copiague School

Photo courtesy of Copiague School District

GRAND OPENING

Members of Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School’s class of 2025 connected with senior

Class Of 2025 Connects With Seniors

citizens from throughout the Town of Babylon during the annual Senior to Senior Dinner on Dec. 3 in the high

school’s cafeteria.

Dressed in their holiday best, the high school seniors served dinner to senior

citizens in their community.

The annual event serves as a kickoff for the December holiday season and provides

the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for the local seniors.

Following their meal, the multiple generations took to the dance floor to show off their moves to holiday music.

CLASS OF 2025 CONNECTS WITH SENIORS - Walter G.

Copiague High School held its annual Senior to Senior dinner on Dec. 3, where members of the class of 2025 connected with local senior citizens. Photo courtesy of Copiague School District

O’Connell

• Create and design marketing materials, including ﬂyers, and brochures

• Perform clerical tasks such as scanning, photocopying, ﬁling, and organizing documents

• Answer and direct phone calls in a polite and efficient manner

• Manage and maintain a clean and organized office environment

• Proofread documents for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

• Manage office supplies

• Perform other duties as assigned

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Copiague Memorial Public Library

50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726

Tel 631-691-1111 Fax 631-691-5098

Soup-er Bowl Drive

Donations accepted until January 31

We will be collecting canned soups for those in need. All donations will be delivered to a local food pantry and will benefit individuals for the upcoming winter season.

String Lights Collection

Instead of tossing out your string lights after the holidays, consider recycling them with us. Whether they’re old, unwanted, still working, faulty, or completely broken, we’ll gladly collect them and ensure they’re properly recycled, helping reduce waste and protect the environment.

Afternoon Games

Fridays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28 12:30 - 3:30 PM

Come with your group to play any game of your choice. Registration is required.

Alzheimers and Dementia Support Group for Caregivers

Wednesdays, January 29, February 26

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Connect with other community members to share your experience with this tragic disease. For more information and to register, please call 1-800-2723900. Registration is required.

VA Outreach

Wednesdays, January 15, February 19

7:00 - 8:00 PM

Are you a Veteran?

Unsure of what benefits you are entitled to? Need information on any benefits? Then come to the Library and see an Outreach Specialist from the Nassau Veterans Center. Registration not required.

One-on-One Medicare

Counseling and Assistance

Fridays, January 17

February 21

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Register for a 30-minute one-onone appointment with a Suffolk County RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) volunteer from HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program) to answer questions and provide information regarding Medicare health insurance, benefits, and savings programs. Registration is required.

Medicaid Enrollment

Assistance for the Aged, Blind and Disabled

Fridays, January 24, February 28 2:00 - 5:30 PM

Representatives from the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council will assist aged, blind and disabled patrons in enrolling in various Medicaid programs that may be available to them. Assistance will be given on a first-come, firstserved basis. For more information, please call the NassauSuffolk Hospital Council at 631-9634168. Registration not required.

Let’s Play Ping-Pong Fridays, January 3,

12:30 - 4:30 PM

Ping-pong is a fun activity that patrons of all ages can enjoy! Please call the Library to book a one hour appointment to play with a friend! Registration is required.

Cookies, Coffee and Karaoke

Saturday, January 4 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Let’s start the new year with some karaoke. Sing your favorite song or enjoy the tunes sung by your family and friends. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Wednesdays, January 8, February 5 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program at EOC of Suffolk, Inc. works with Veterans who are either homeless or on the verge of homelessness by helping very lowincome Veterans and their families gain access to the resources they need in order to successfully transition to, or maintain, permanent housing. Registration not required.

All About Portion Sizes

Wednesday, January 8 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Happy New Year! Join Anthony Garcia from Cornell Cooperative Extension to learn about the importance of portion sizes and the impact it has on our health. Registration is required.