Plainedge School District Proudly Presents
*Children must be 4 years of age on or before December 1, 2025
(Subject to space availability and enrollment)
Participants will be chosen through a lottery on 1/22/25 at 4:00 PM at the Plainedge High School Auditorium.
PORTAL
1/6/25
Only FULLY COMPLETED registration forms with ALL required documentation will be entered into the lottery for selection.
1 Log onto www plainedgeschools org
2 Under the "Parent" tab, Select Registration
3. Then select 2025-2026 Pre-Kindergarten
Saturday, 12/28 8am-6pm
Sunday, 12/29 9am - 4pm
Monday, 12/30 8am - 7pm
Tuesday, 12/31 8am - 6pm Wednesday,
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
THURS. DEC. 26 - 9:00AM
FRI. DEC. 27 - 3:00PM
HOLIDAY DISCOVERY DAYS
Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children. Sweetbriar Nature CenterECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. for more informatio, please call 631-979-6344
THURS. DEC. 26 & JAN. 2
11:00AM-1:00 PM
FESTIVE LIGHTHOUSES
Did you know lighthouses were lit with whale oil? Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own - complete with batterypowered tea light and mini wreath - to light up your home this winter. The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold spring Harbor. No registration required. For more information, please call 516-282-6426, Cristina Ainslie.
FRIDAY, DEC. 27TH
5:30PM Activities, 7:00PM Movie
A VERY GRINCHY PAJAMA PARTY
Wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer. This special family evening is packed with activities, a beloved holiday movie, and delicious treats. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City. For general info 516-5724111. Reservations 516-572-4066
HOLIDAYS
3rd - Giving Tuesday
21st - Winter begins 25th - Christmas Hanukkah begins at sundown
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
TUES., DEC. 31st
8:30PM-1:30AM
THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Hosted by:The Holy Name Society. Music provided by: The Switch LI Food Catered by: Seaqua Catering Maria Regina Auditorium - Pontieri Hall. To Purchase tickets visit https://linktr.ee/hns_mariaregina and select "New Year's Eve Party Tickets", Choose the number of tickets you wish to purchase and then checkout. **TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR**
Email: HolyNameSociety@ MariaRegina.com
TUES., DEC. 31st
8:00PM-1:00AM
NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA 2025
Celebrate New Years Eve at The Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station with Cocktail Hour, Buffet Dinner, Ball Drop, & Live Music! Call 631-828-4818 to reserve your spot or get your ticket now on our website! https:// themeadowclub.ticketspice.com/ new-years-eve-gala
NOW THRU DEC. 31st
8:00AM-6:00PM
CHRISTMAS AT HICKS
Pictures with Santa, every day through December 23. Make sure to bring your own camera for pictures. A walkthrough Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! A festive animated story for the young and young at heart! Please bring your donation of a
non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and drop off at the end of your walkthrough. 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. For more information, please call 516334-0066
NOW THRU JAN. 02, 2025
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
NOW THRU JAN. 04, 2025
Sunday-Thursday
5:00PM- 10:00PM Friday & Saturday
5:00PM -11:00PM 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.
18. Atomic #76 19. Guy (slang)
Ladies’ undergarments
42. Behave in a way that belittles 43. Denial 44. A place to sleep 45. Electronic counter-countermeasures
46. Intestinal pouches
48. SE Asia family of languages
49. Sound 50. Select
51. Give the impression of dishonesty
52. Witness
34. Atomic #31
35. Assist in committing a crime
Central
Massapequa Chamber Of Commerce Raises $6,000 For Breast Cancer Awareness
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Walk, held on October 27th in honor and memory of Past president Patricia Orzano, raised an impressive total of $6,000. These funds were presented to two incredible organizations – Mondays Cancer Care and Hewlett House – that provide vital support to those battling cancer.
It was a special moment for all involved as the donations were presented to both organizations in person December 5th. Mondays Cancer Care offers hands-on wellness and beauty services for individuals undergoing cancer treatments, while Hewlett House serves as a community resource center for all cancerrelated concerns. Both organizations offer their services free of charge and depend entirely on the
generosity of donors.
The Chamber is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort, especially the walk participants, those who donated in Patricia’s memory, and our generous sponsors: Masone Masonry (Main Event Sponsor), J.P. Scar Inc (Coin Sponsor), and Four Pebbles on a Bench by Gary Slavin and Drug Free Long Island - DFLI Coalition (T-Shirt Sponsors).
As the community approaches the one-year anniversary of Patty’s passing, a heartfelt tribute was made in her honor, thanks to the vision and leadership of Chamber President Robin Hepworth. Her idea to create an event that would not only remember Patty but also celebrate the impact she had on everyone around her, proved to be a touching success.
“I wanted to bring
something meaningful to honor Patty’s memory,” Hepworth shared. “She was the heart and sole of our Chamber and it’s important that we remember not only the challenges she overcame but the way she touched so many lives. This event is a testament to her spirit.”
Additionally, Event Chairperson Robert R. Barrett played a pivotal role in making this event a reality. His tireless dedication and
organizational expertise ensured everything went smoothly and was a resounding success.
Patricia Orzano, who left an indelible mark on the Chamber, is remembered fondly for her unwavering philanthropy and her dedication to giving back, even while bravely fighting breast cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire us all. Patty’s memory lives on in our hearts forever, and we
are honored to follow her example and continue her philanthropic spirit.
For more information about Mondays Cancer Care, visit www. mondayscancercare.org. For details on Hewlett House, visit www.hewlett-house. org.
Patty’s memory lives on in our hearts forever, and we are honored to follow her example and continue her philanthropic spirit.
Research Shows The Health Benefits Of Regular Walking
Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood or a power-walk in the park, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, says taking part in physical activity is one of the best ways to manage stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and boost your mood.
Improved technology and the growing popularity of fitness applications, electronic wearables and step counters have made counting steps an easy way to count health benefits, as noted through a growing body of scientific research. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021 (EPI), found that:
•Study participants who took more steps in short spurts lived longer, regardless of how many steps they had in longer, uninterrupted bouts. The benefits leveled off at about 4,500 steps a day in short spurts.
•Compared to no daily steps, each initial increase of 1,000 steps a day was associated with a 28% decrease in death during the follow-up period.
•A 32% decrease in death was noted in participants who took more than 2,000 steps daily in uninterrupted bouts.
Middle-aged people who
walked the most steps-perday had a 43% lower risk of diabetes and a 31% lower risk of high blood pressure, compared to those with the fewest steps, according to research presented at the Association’s 2020 EPI Conference. For women in the study, each 1,000-step interval resulted in a 13% lower risk of obesity, and those with the highest step count were 61% less likely to have obesity, compared to women who walked the least.
People who took at least 7,000 steps a day had a 50% to 70% lower risk of dying compared with people who took fewer than 7,000 steps a day, according to a study published in September in the journal JAMA Open Network. Researchers found that a higher daily step count (over 10,000 steps) lowered the risk of premature death from any cause among Black and white middle-aged women
and men.
“Walking is a great way to improve your health and your mental outlook, and it doesn’t take a lot of expensive sporting equipment to do it. Put on a good pair of shoes and grab a water bottle and you’re ready to go,” said Donna K. Arnett, M.S.P.H., Ph.D., B.S.N., a past president of the American Heart Association (20122013) and the dean and a professor in the department of epidemiology of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health in Lexington. “It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you walk, the important thing is to get moving. Counting steps doesn’t have to be part of a structured exercise program. Increasing your everyday activity, like parking slightly further from your destination, doing some extra housework or yardwork and even walking your dog can all add up to more steps and better health.”
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can knock that out in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. And every
minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts toward your goal.
Arnett points out that walking indoors at home, in a gym or even a mall can be easy ways to get beneficial physical activity. However, research indicates that being outdoors in areas rich with trees, shrubs and grass (i.e., a higher level of greenness) may help reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.
“Unfortunately, many people do not have access to safe walking trails or adequate green space.
The American Heart Association continues to advocate for policy changes that make it easier for people to have access to safe places to walk, exercise and play, as well as sustainable transportation options that integrate walking, bicycling and wheelchair use,” Arnett said. “The easier it is for people to engage in physical activity in all aspects of their daily life, the more likely we are to achieve healthier, longer lives for everyone.”
The Conveniece Of Dog Strollers
Dog strollers have surged in popularity in recent years, particularly as pets are allowed in locations that might have been off limits in years past. It’s common to see pet owners scooting their prized pooches around in strollers once used exclusively for small children. Dog owners who have never owned a dog stroller before may wonder just how useful they can be. Some people have replaced traditional dog carriers with strollers, which tend to be more ergonomic and comfortable to use than carriers. Strollers can be a convenient means for taking dogs (typically smaller pups) to busy public locations or even to work. Strollers also can keep dogs out of the elements when the weather can be difficult for them to handle. Older dogs with mobility issues can benefit from strollers because they still enable the dogs to get fresh air without tiring them out. Also, people who own multiple dogs may find strollers make it easy to take multiple pooches out and about. Strollers also let small dogs rest while other dogs gets more exercise walking alongside the stroller. Dog strollers come in a range of sizes and can be purchased where most pet supplies are sold.
A Scoop Of Family Time And A Dash Of Math
Baking cookies is a favorite holiday activity in many households, and students and their families got a head start on this time-honored tradition on Dec. 13 at Fairfield Elementary School in the Massapequa School District.
The third grade classrooms were abuzz in the afternoon as parents
and other family members joined students to fill jars with all of the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. They worked together to add precise amounts of flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, chocolate chips and other ingredients, which had to be layered in a specific order. Jars were then sealed, wrapped in a bow and brought home.
All of the ingredients and supplies were provided by class parents.
The event has been a tradition in third grade classes for more than a decade. In addition to fostering the homeschool connection, it helped students work on their math skills as they measured the ingredients.
Students showed off their completed jars to take home, which featured precise amounts of ingredients layered in order. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Saladino Cautions Residents Of Scam Donation Bins
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato and Assemblyman Michael Durso joined to warn residents who leave donations in collection bins to make sure that the organizations behind those bins have good intentions.
Particularly during the holiday season, Town officials have witnessed a proliferation in illegally placed bins asking residents to drop off clothing or toy donations. Many of these structures appear to be homemade, contain stencil lettering and no sign of legitimacy.
“The holiday season is the time for giving, and our residents have a reputation of being among the most giving on Long Island, donating food, clothes and toys to those less fortunate,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Unfortunately, this time of year is also when we begin to see this
particular type of scam, and we want to make sure our residents are vigilant when it comes to making donations, whether it be with clothing or monetary contributions.”
While collections bins are not permitted in Town of Oyster Bay operated lots, some wellintentioned businesses that authorize donation bins may not be aware of some that are fraudulent.
Residents should be aware of the following warning signs:
• Collection bins with no identification
• Overflowing, nonmaintained donation bins
• Donations being requested over the phone
• Acknowledgement of a donation never made
• Requests for personal identification, including social security number
“We want our wellintentioned residents to be certain that donations made out of the goodness
of their hearts are going to the right place,” Supervisor Saladino added. “Residents should be wary of any bins with no identification, as this is in violation of county and state codes.”
Town officials have removed illegally placed bins in the past year after learning that donations were allegedly being improperly collected and sold for profit. Any residents who see these type of donation bins in their community in the Town of Oyster Bay should contact the Town’s Code Compliance Bureau at (516) 624-6200.
To learn how charities spend donation monies, residents can visit charitynavigator.org or charitywatch.org. To determine is a charity is registered in New York State, visit the State Attorney General’s website at www.charitiesnys.com or call (212) 416-8401.
With Winter Heating Season Nearing, PSEG Long Island Customers May Be Eligible For Assistance Company Reminds Those Struggling With Bills That
As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island reminds customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.
“While PSEG Long Island is not a provider of natural gas or heating oil, we want all of our customers to be able to keep their homes warm this winter,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Operations. “To help customers manage their electricity expenses, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. There are also state programs that can help with heating costs. We know some customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs. We’re here to help.” Assistance available to those struggling with bills
PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.
PSEG Long Island also offers its Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program, a free program for incomeeligible customers designed to help them save energy and lower their energy bills. A REAP technician will visit a customer’s home to conduct a free home energy survey and may install
energy-saving measures. To learn more, visit psegliny.com/myaccount/ customersupport/ financialassistance/reap.
Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance programs offered by New York State:
• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390 and still qualify for benefits. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/ programs/heap/.
• Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or or if they are running low or are out of their deliverable heat source (i.e. fuel oil, kerosene or propane). This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, 2025. If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/
• For low-income households facing no-heat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting
applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/
Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program, which provides a discount of $40 or more a month on their electric bill.
Customers who do not or cannot receive one of these state and federal benefits can apply for the Household Assistance Program in other ways. More information is available at psegliny. com/myaccount/ customersupport/ financialassistance/ householdassistance
How customers can lower their bills
The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:
State Programs Are Available
director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables, speaks at the PSEG Long Island Energy Forum for Advocates on Oct. 23, 2024. The annual event is an information sharing opportunity for groups and agencies that provide services to the financially disadvantaged.
• Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.
• Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.
• Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.
• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs. ENERGY STAR® estimates that homes with high heating and cooling bills, as well as homes that are unoccupied for much of the day, can save approximately $100 a
year with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.
• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
• Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.
• Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.
• Customers on Time-ofDay rates can run the
dishwasher, clothes dryer and other highenergy-use appliances outside of peak hours.
• Customers on Time-ofDay rates can charge electric vehicles to run outside of peak hours.
• Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Plus program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications. More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at psegliny.com/ saveenergyandmoney/ energystarrebates.
Youth Girls Ice Hockey Clinic Coming January 4th Register Today!
Oyster Bay Town
Councilman Steve Labriola is excited to announce the Town’s upcoming Youth Girls Hockey Clinic, scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center. The clinic, running from 10:15 AM to 12:00 PM, is open to girls between the ages of 6 and 16.
This special event provides an excellent opportunity for young athletes to experience the excitement of ice hockey in a supportive and encouraging environment. No prior hockey experience is required, though basic skating skills are necessary. Participants will receive hands-on instruction and leave with a complimentary TOBAY hockey jersey.
“All young girls in our community, whether new
to hockey or looking to sharpen their skills, are invited to lace up their skates and join us for this fantastic clinic,” said Councilman Labriola. “This is a great chance to foster a love for hockey, develop
teamwork, and have some fun on the ice.” Important Details: All participants must wear standard hockey gear. Equipment will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
For additional information, please contact the Department of Parks at (516) 433-7465 x8230or register today at www. oysterbaytown.com/portal.
Have Your Furry Friends Tested Annually
The American Heartworm Society advises dog owners to have their furry companions tested for heartworm annually. Such tests can typically be conducted during routine preventive care visits to the veterinarian. The AHS notes that such tests are necessary even for dogs that are taking year-round heartworm prevention medications. Tests can confirm that such programs are working or indicate if they are not effective. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that antigen tests are the most commonly performed tests. These tests detect the presence of adult female heartworms and they are typically highly accurate. If a test is positive, veterinarians may recommend further testing, including radiographs, a blood profile and an echocardiogram. Such tests can determine a number of things about the infection, including its severity. The AVMA also notes that the additional testing can help determine the best course of treatment. Cat owners should know that it’s more difficult to detect heartworm in cats than in dogs. The AHS indicates that cats are much less likely than dogs to have adult heartworms, making the disease harder to detect in felines. Veterinarians may recommend cats receive both the antigen test and an antibody test, which detects exposure to heartworm larvae. The AVMA notes that more testing may increase the likelihood of detecting the disease in cats.
ST. CHARLES CEMETERY FARMINGDALE, NY
Administrative Assistant
• 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
Requirements
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to handle inquiries and complaints professionally
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively
• Accurate data entry skills with attention to detail
• Clerical experience in an office setting is preferred
• Phone etiquette skills to handle calls with professionalism and courtesy
The position offers an opportunity to work in a professional office environment with a supportive team. The successful candidate will have the chance to develop their administrative skills while providing excellent customer service.
Monday - Friday, 35 hour work week, from 9am-5pm
Half day (over time pay), 9am-1pm, every other Saturday.
Full Health, Dental and retirement benefits offered Please submit resume to ccomando@ccbklyn.org
Tree / Shrub Plan ting, Pruning & Trimming
Complete Tree Service Any Style Fence Installation /Repair Driveways, Pati os, Pavers, Cobblestone Retaining Wa lls Power Washing (Cedar Houses, Siding, Decks, PVC Fences) LG Guevara
Want To Maintain Good Health? Get An Annual Exam
Annual exams play a vital role in staying healthy and are highly recommended by primary care physicians. Even if you’re feeling well, a regular assessment allows your doctor to have a complete picture of your physical well-being and help establish goals that include proper diet, exercise and weight management. Catholic Health Physician Partners Primary Care Physician Danielle Amisano, DO, discusses the importance of annual exams and the role they play in helping your doctor develop a plan to keep you healthy.
Q: Why are annual exams so important?
A: An annual exam is an opportunity to identify and address health issues and develop a personalized roadmap for the year ahead. From setting exercise and weight loss goals to practicing healthy forms of stress management, your doctor can work to develop a plan that will allow you to live a healthy life. The annual visit allows your physician to move from reacting to problems to preventing them.
Q: What role does a primary care doctor play in annual checkups?
A: As a primary care physician, my goal is to establish who you are on your best day in order to better help you on your worst day. This allows us to build a more complete understanding of how lifestyle affects health and enables us to better treat our patients when they are sick. As with most relationships, the key to success is a strong foundation of mutual trust. I approach my role in annual visits as a coach, mentor, counselor and confidant.
Q: At what age would you suggest starting the habit of annual exams?
A: My suggestion is to start at any age. No matter your phase of life, you and your physician can work together to prepare for any challenges. Our bodies are constantly changing and being affected by our choices. It is important that we move away from looking at our health as a dichotomy between feeling sick and feeling well.
Q: What are the important exams people should get annually?
A: This will depend on your age, risk factors, lifestyle and medical history. For the healthy woman at average risk, hypertension, high cholesterol, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease are some of the major conditions that have screening tools to help identify disease as early as possible. Healthy men at average risk should have screenings completed for hypertension, high cholesterol, prostate cancer, colon cancer and heart disease. Talk to your physician about what exams and tests are important based on your age, sex and risk profile. To make an appointment with a Catholic Health primary care physician, please visit chsli.org or call (866) MY-LI-DOC.
About Catholic Health Catholic Health is an integrated system encompassing some of the region’s finest health and human services agencies. The health system has nearly 17,000 employees, six acute care hospitals, three nursing homes, a home health service, hospice and a network of physician practices.