If you say the name three times, you might just find yourself in the audience of Seaford Middle School’s upcoming production of “Beetlejuice Junior.” A cast of 65 students have been rehearsing for months for the pair of evening shows on March 28 and 29. Show times are Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. in the Seaford Middle School gymnasium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased in advanced by emailing Ms. Sherwin at bsherwin@seaford.k12.ny.us. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
MARCH HAPPENINGS
THURS., MARCH 27th
6:30PM-9:30PM
MUSIC BINGO FUNDRAISER
The Seaford Historical Society will host a fundraiser, Music Bingo, at the museum. The event is $25 per person, which includes 2 bingo cards. There will be raffles, door prize and a 50/50. Coffee and water will be available. The museum is located at 3890 Waverly Ave. in Seaford. Tickets can be purchased at their website seafordhistoricalsociety.org/ music-bingo. Seating is limited. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-783-8629
FRI., MARCH 28th
10:00AM-1:00PM
FIND YOUR TREASURE SALE
Simpson UMC Presents A Find your treasure sale. Clothing $5 a bag. New Clothing $3 a garment, Household Items, Children’s clothing, toys and furniture, Small animal needs. Something for everyone! Simpson UMC, 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. Call Mary for more information 516-991-8098
SAT., MARCH 29th
8:30AM-11:30AM
HECKSCHER STATE PARK
MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K
1 Heckscher State Parkway, Field 6 in East Islip. Rain or Shine. Boston Qualifier Marathon and USATF Certified 5K and Half Marathon! The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on fully closed park roads. This is one
HOLIDAYS
9th - Daylight Savings Begins
17th - St. Patrick's Day 20th - Spring Begins
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
of the 1st Marathons & Half Marathons of the spring - come run a well supported event at Scenic Heckscher State Park! Each runner will receive a longsleeved shirt & a finisher medal! For more information, please contact Brendan Dagan 516-5313323
SUN., MARCH 30th
12:00PM-5:00PM NORTH BABYLON LIONS CLUB DART TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
Sand City Brewery, 150 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. $39pp to play, includes cold foods and cash bar. $15pp to be a guest, includes cold foods and cash bar. Raffles, 50/50. Come join the fun and support one of their causes. For more info https://www.ourgroupline.org/ TheLionsClubofNorthBabylon/ or contact gail315@optonline.net
2:00PM FREE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Echoes of Sinatra at the Hicksville Public Library – Keeping the “Sinatra” memory alive! The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call 516-797-7900 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.
THROUGH MARCH 30th
8:00AM-6:00PM
FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW AT HICKS NURSERIES
100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. Free Event. Spring is in the Air at Hicks Nurseries’ 35th Annual Flower & Garden Show! Escape the chill of winter and step into spring as you discover eight unique gardens in full bloom. For more information, please call 516-334-0066
11:00AM-4:00PM MONSTER MAYHEM SCAVENGER HUNT
At The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through March 30. Cost: Free Event. For Kids. Search for monster-themed artifacts hidden throughout our exhibits in this legendary scavenger hunt. Discover them all and win a finger puppet monster to take home! For more information, please call Cristina Ainslie at 631-367-3418
MON., MARCH 31st
7:30PM
BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS
The Babylon Chorale will hold auditions starting with rehearsal at 7:30pm at Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood Campus, Building 5 All voice parts are welcomed. For further information, visit www.babylonchorale.org or email info@babylonchorale.org
Recipe Of The Week: Celebrate Passover With Homemade Charoset
is steeped in tradition. Many of these traditions involve symbolic foods which tell the story of the Israelites and their miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery. One such food is charoset (also spelled haroset), which symbolizes the mortar the Israelites used to build bricks when they were slaves in Egypt. Charoset is a fruit relish used on small sandwiches made from matzoh and bitter herbs. The bittersweet taste is supposed to teach the bitterness of bondage and the sweetness of freedom. Passover celebrants can make their own charoset by following this recipe, courtesy of Israel My Glory magazine.
Directions:
Makes 15 tablespoons
1 large apple, any variety 1⁄2 cup chopped nuts
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Small amount of lemon juice (optional)
Charoset is part of the traditional Passover seder plate
The easiest method is to put the apples and nuts into a food processor and pulse until finely diced. Sprinkle enough lemon juice on the mixture to keep the apples from turning brown. Then mix in the other ingredients. Some people also mix in a little grape juice or wine. The recipe is very forgiving, so the measurements do not have to be exact.
Seaford Public Library
Virtual Women’s History Lecture: Behind the Throne-Eight First Ladies Presented by: William Thierfelder
Friday, March 28th
Time: 1:00pm
This program gives an overview of eight women who were not only the wives of Presidents but
who often made significant contributions to the presidency and even the direction of our nation. This impressive and inspiring group--including Dolley Madison, Edith Wilson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, and Michelle Obama--illustrates the strength of women often having to navigate difficult political and social waters. Their stories are truly inspirational. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.
Flower and Vegetables
for the Early Spring Garden (In-Person)
Friday, April 4th
Time: 1:00pm
Many of the early spring flowers need to be planted before the winter to start to bloom when the weather warms up, but you can still plant a few seasonal beauties as the garden begins to thaw. Horticulturist Paul Levine will share some great flowering plants that will welcome Spring to your garden. At the conclusion of the program, plants will be raffled off. Register now
Aptitude Assessment
at www.seafordlibrary.org.
Long Island Reads Program: Storms, Shipwrecks, Lifesavers and Lightkeepers: The History of the Fire Island Lighthouse (In-Person)
Tuesday, April 8th
Time: 7:00pm
Please join Angela Reich, Fire Island Lighthouse
docent and author of an historical novel Shipwreck of Hopes involving our Long Island Maritime history and local residents who manned our shores, responsible for maritime safety in the country’s busiest shipping lanes. Book sale to follow. Register now ONLINE at www.seafordlibrary.org.
(NAPSI)—An aptitude assessment from YouScience Discovery can show you all of the potential career opportunities that are ideal for your specific talents, including careers potentially never previously considered. Learn more about aptitude assessment and perhaps about yourself at www.youscience.com.
Seaford Launches Scholarship Drive For Class Of 2025
Town Hiring Basketball Coaches & Referees For Summer Program
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that the Town is looking for experienced basketball coaches and referees for the Summer Youth Basketball Program, designed for boys and girls in 3rd through 8th grade.
“This is a great opportunity for basketball enthusiasts to have some fun over the summer while making a positive impact on the youth in our community,” said Councilwoman Maier.
“Coaches can start as young as age 16, allowing them to have a meaningful summer
job while receiving handson experience and making a difference.”
All coaches must have a minimum of two years’ experience playing basketball and/or coaching a prior team. All referees must have at least two years’ experience in refereeing basketball games. Coaches must be available to coach at least one game per week, as well as one practice per week. Coaches will be given the opportunity to set up practice at a time that works best for themselves and their team.
The basketball program will run Monday, June 16th through Thursday, August 13th (final two weeks are allotted for any necessary makeups) and evaluations will begin June 7th. The program will run at Haypath Park in Old Bethpage, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. For more information, prospective applicants should contact the Town’s Department of Parks, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.
Support Blood Collections
(NAPSI)—To ensure the nation’s blood supply is prepared for all emergencies, the Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood. org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS and by volunteering to support blood collections at www.redcross.org/ VolunteerToday.
Projects
(NAPSI)—Many homeowners improve their living spaces through redecorating and Do-ItYourself projects. To help, Design House offers a variety of products to empower homeowners to create living spaces they will love. For information visit: www. todaysdesignhouse.com.
A Funny And Frightful Musical Coming To Seaford Middle School
If you say the name three times, you might just find yourself in the audience of Seaford Middle School’s upcoming production of “Beetlejuice Junior.” A cast of 65 students have been rehearsing for months for the pair of evening shows on March 28 and 29.
Director and producer Barbara Sherwin said that “Beetlejuice Junior” was only released last summer for schools so it’s a show that hasn’t been done before in Seaford. The “Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice” movie also came out within the last year.
“It was a relevant, fun show to do,” she said. “There’s great music. The characters are interesting and relatable.”
This year’s leading actors are eighth grader Max DiMola as Beetlejuice and seventh grader Samantha Juan as Lydia. Also in major roles are Michael Redash as Charles, Gia Lennon as Delia, Christopher Falta as Adam and Teaghan
Clancy as Barbara. Musical numbers include “Day-O,” “Dead Mom,” “The Whole Being Dead Thing” and “What I Know Now.”
Max is appearing in his third show at Seaford Middle School, and is familiar with taking on a prominent role after playing Simba in the “Lion King.” His debut was in the ensemble of the “The Little Mermaid” in 2023.
“It’s so different from shows we’ve done in the past,” Max said of “Beetlejuice.” “It’s a nice
change. I liked both of those shows but this in a completely different universe. Everyone is working really hard and putting in the time to make this show as great as it can be.”
Samantha, performing in her first show, said she got involved in the musical to improve her confidence and stage presence. She loves the energy and enthusiasm at the rehearsals and is
excited for opening night.
Sixth grader Peyton Hujber, who plays Sky, is also in her first middle school production, and has some experience through outside theater groups. Working on a show with her friends from school has been very fun, she added.
Ms. Sherwin is supported by choreographer Carly Spadafora and stage manager Dan Krueger. With a crew of 25, total student
involvement in the show is about 90 sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
Show times are Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. in the Seaford Middle School gymnasium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased in advanced by emailing Ms. Sherwin at bsherwin@ seaford.k12.ny.us.
Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
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The United Methodist Church Of Seaford Votes To
Shutter Its Childcare Ministry, Transition Fueled By An Aging Congregation And Mounting Expenses Seaford Community Preschool Closing On June 30, 2025
On March 2, the United Methodist Church of Seaford Board of Trustees voted “no” to accepting the Universal Pre-K contract secured by preschool staff to address ongoing sustainability concerns with the Seaford Community Preschool.
After much prayer and discernment, with great sadness, the Seaford Board of Trustees concluded the issues facing the church’s childcare ministry are beyond what accepting a Universal Pre-K contract could effectively remediate.
The nearly unanimous decision was that United Methodist Church of Seaford no longer has the congregational commitment, ministerial bandwidth, and financial resources needed to support the preschool. The closure is slated for June 30, 2025.
Birthing a Childcare Ministry
The Seaford Community Preschool was founded as a ministry of the Seaford
United Methodist Church nearly six decades ago by a group of faithful disciples dedicated to helping children grow as Jesus grew, “strong . . . filled with wisdom; and God’s favor was on him” (Luke 2:40b).
Our United Methodist Book of Resolutions offers the example of John Wesley and his call to United Methodists to use buildings that otherwise might sit empty six days a week to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of children and their families.
The members of Seaford UMC have historically lived into this call by sacrificially offering their prayers, presence, gifts, and service to undergird the Seaford Community Preschool. The building which houses the childcare ministry is offered to the community at no cost as part of our United Methodist commitment to nurturing children in faith, providing essential services to local families, and
engaging in ministry within the communities we serve.
While nursery school staff takes care of the students and the families, volunteers from the Seaford UMC congregation service the property by completing small repairs, hiring and funding contractors to make large repairs, overseeing overall building maintenance, complying with state and town licensing rules, etc. In short, church volunteers do everything necessary to ensure the building is in working order on all levels.
Facing the Challenges
Associated with Aging Church Congregations
The United Methodist Church of Seaford congregation is a rapidly aging one, with a majority of members over age 60. It’s a situation faced by local churches of all denominations, managing the implications of an aging Boomer population and waning church engagement. While the older adults
within the Seaford United Methodist have long donated their skills, knowledge, experience, and spiritual insight to support ministry, it is now an unmanageable challenge. Some continued to work diligently to support the Seaford Community Preschool’s ministry and its mission despite a waning ability to participate fully, a declining number of volunteers, and ongoing financial strains.
“We thank the disciples of Seaford UMC for their longstanding dedication to supporting the church’s preschool ministry and recognize the contributions of our church members, honor each one, and will ensure that their faith and dedication are remembered long after the preschool’s final days,” says Rev. Richard Hanse, District Superintendent for the New York Annual Conference Long Island East District.
Transitioning Seaford UMC’s Childcare Ministry
Our current goal is to thoughtfully transition Seaford UMC’s childcare ministry and honor its legacy within the local community. We offer our gratitude and appreciation for the trust you have placed in our ability to care for your children over the years.
To the children and families that will be affected by this closure, please accept our sincere apologies for the disruption this decision will cause. For information on local, state regulated childcare providers, there is assistance through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services database of regulated childcare providers: https://ocfs.ny.gov/ programs/childcare/looking/
To the employees who must now journey with us as we transition our preschool ministry out of the life of the church, please know that we are deeply grateful for you and your service. Additional resources and information will be provided as we move
into a stage of transitional ministry.
“We understand that transitioning a church-based preschool can be emotional and extremely difficult,” Rev. Hanse explains. “We pray it will also present an opportunity to honor the past and embrace new ways to serve the community in the future in more sustainable ways.”
About the New York Annual Conference
The New York Annual Conference (NYAC) is a regional unit of United Methodist Church. The conference includes all of Long Island, New York City, Connecticut west of the Connecticut River and an area on both sides of the Hudson River as far west as Walton and as far north as Chatham and North Blenheim. More than 100,000 people belong to the over 430 United Methodist congregations comprise the NYAC.
