Rotarians - Third Graders - Dictionaries - Perfect Together

(L-R) Rotarians Vicki Tay, Jules Rosenberg, David Ardam, Phil Facquet, Michelle Tancredi - Principal and Sawmill Intermediate students This week Rotarians from the  Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club distributed over 800 dictionaries to third graders in Commack and Kings Park schools. The dictionaries were a gift to students as part of the clubs Literacy Project. “The dictionaries represent our clubs commitment to education and our commitment to our local kids. The distribution of the dictionaries is always fun, the response we receive from the kids is amazing.” said Dr. Phil Facquet, president.

Students in Mr. Rubins class at Fort Salonga Elementary show off their dictionariesMembers of the club had the opportunity to spend some time with third graders at Park View and Fort Salonga in Kings Park and Burr Intermediate and Sawmill Intermediate in Commack. “We talk to the students about the use of a dictionary and a little about the Rotary. The kids get to ask us questions and we get to enjoy the interaction. The third graders we spoke with this year seem to be keenly aware of the challenges they will face in fourth grade and beyond and were genuinely appreciative of our gift.” said Facquet.

In addition to the dictionary project the Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club recently held a “Student of The(L-R) Vice Principal Hillary Bromberg, Phil Facquet, Lauren Hogan and Park View students Year” luncheon where  six middle school students, three from each school district, were recognized for their community service.  The club is also building a “Healing Garden” at the Nissequogue River State Park.  A dedication of the garden is scheduled for July 31 at the park. 

The Commack-Kings Park Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 at the Bonwit Inn in Commack. The luncheon meeting is open to the public for more information contact Dr. Facquet at drfacquet@optonline.net.

Support For NRSP Ran Deep At Sunset 5K Run/Walk

Results of the run - 238 people participated in the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation’s annual 5k Sunset Run/walk. After days of horrible weather, including torrential rains, the sky cleared, most puddles disappeared and folks showed up ready to run.  The kids set the pace in the 1k fun walk. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious. They were all winners! When the call went out to line-up for the 5K, the crowd was ready for the  run through the Nissequogue River State Park.  The signal was given, the runners took off and immediately faced some challenging uphill terrain. Some ran, some walked and many did a combination of both. Congratulations to everyone who participated and to those who posted the fastest times.  First place- Boyd Carrington - Amityville, Second Place - Keith Guilfoyle -  Commack and Third Place-  Michael Robles - Smithtown. For the Women - First Place - Tara Wilson - West Islip    Second Place -  Una Broderick - Wantagh and Third Place-  Erin Enders - Commack.      

Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club's "Students Of The Year"

The Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club recognized the contributions of six local students from the Commack and Kings Park School districts. The students are incredible representatives of their generation. They have each dedicated a good portion of their free time to making life a little bit better for others. Congratulations to all of the honorees!

Meet the Honorees:

Kings Park

Gianna Gambale – Gianna volunteered to assist in a coat drive at St. Joseph’s Church, and worked with the Pre-K students at the Vacation Bible School at Abiding Presence Church.  In addition, as a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Gianna volunteered her time to cook for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House, took part in a fundraiser at Barnes and Noble by assisting patrons, and collected $100 in gift cards for a holiday raffle fundraiser to help families in need in Kings Park.  As a band member, Gianna has also played her instrument at community events and parades.  Gianna is a very active member of the WTR and Kings Park communities and is a role model for her peers.

 Samantha Nathan – As an active member of the youth organization in her church, Samantha hasparticipated in Suffolk County’s Habitat for Humanity, and collected, prepared, and packaged food and meals for those in need.  In addition, she has assisted in collecting shoes, eye glasses, and prom dresses for those less fortunate, and participated in fundraisers for charitable organizations.  She helps to decorate the church during the Christmas season, collects birthday gifts and supplies for local children in need, and has helped create care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan.  Samantha has a huge heart and loves to lend a hand whenever she can.

Allyson Yuditsky –  Allyson is dedicated to helping others in her school and in her community.  She takes part in Healthy Sundays through St. Catherine’s Hospital, where her mother works.  On these days, she travels to communities and assists her mother and the volunteers of St. Catherine’s to bring medical attention and food to those who may not be able to afford it.  For example, she helps to direct people as they seek free flu shots and blood sugar tests after they attend a weekly mass.  As a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Allyson volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House to make and serve food for the residents of the home.  In addition, she is a member of both the 7th and 8th grade band and chorus at WTRMS and has volunteered her time by marching in parades and playing at various community events.  As a member of the youth group at her church, she has taken part in car washes, food and clothing drives, and also made bracelets to be sold as a fundraiser for children in Haiti.  Lastly, Allyson danced for an event through her dance company, Encore, and raised funds for a charity with her troupe. 

Commack:

Shannon Burns is a seventh grader and Girl Scout since she was in Kindergarten. She is involved in many service projects to benefit those in both her community and abroad. Through recycling efforts, she helps to raise funds to provide a better life to a child in Columbia. Shannon earned a bronze award by fundraising, shopping and cooking desserts for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House. This hard-working young lady also works as a dance assistant in her local dance studio, and has done so for the past three years. An active member of her community, Shannon has also volunteered through her church to help prepare children for their First Holy Communion. Additionally, Shannon is a member of two school clubs—the Best of Buddies club, which promotes friendships between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers, and the Pay-it-Forward Club, which focuses on making a difference in school and the community.
Shannon has truly helped so many with her kind deeds and outstanding service.

Kim Siegel is an eager, dedicated 8^th grade student who started a club to make scarves and donate them to people who are homeless or financially challenged. Kim and a friend went to a scarf knotting demonstration and then she was inspired a club to make scarves for those in need. She wanted to recruit people for her club so she distributed flyers around school. The scarves are knotted at Kim’s house, and she is in charge of scheduling the time and making sure there are enough supplies on hand. Kim is a Girl Scout who also teaches younger troops how to knot scarves. With her efforts, she was able to donate about 100 scarves to a soup kitchen she volunteers at for the 2011 holiday season. Kim is warmed by the thought that those in need can stay a bit warmer in the cold seasons, and it shows to the community that kids really do care. She knows, by all of her efforts, that if you put your mind to do something, you can accomplish anything.

Ryan von Hof is an 8^th grade, well-rounded student who has been a member of student council since the 3^rd grade. Ryan has volunteered and served in a leadership role in numerous charitable projects. He always has a desire to help others and was influenced by his late grandmother, who worked tirelessly to help others in her life. In honor of his grandmother, he has helped people through his efforts volunteering at coat drives, food drives, making food for food pantries, and raising funds to help children with cancer.

Ryan was recently asked to take on a leadership role through student government to serve on their Executive Committee, in which he leads a dedicated group of about 120 students. The committee’s many efforts have included: raising $500 to donate to a local animal shelter, donating two tons of food to a food pantry, and donating twelve “Welcome Home baskets” for recipients of Habitat for Humanity homes.

In addition to his numerous volunteer and charitable works, he also tutors students after school. Ryan is aware of the work and effort to make a difference in peoples lives, but he knows his efforts are honorable. He also is involved in motivating students to take action to help others, and firmly believes that, Together, we can accomplish great things. Ryan has recently qualified for the Presidents Volunteer Service Award, based on the number of volunteer hours he has completed.

The Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club is part of Rotary International. The club meets for a lunch meeting every Tuesday at the Bonwit Inn in Commack at 12:15. If you would like to learn more about the Rotary or are interesed in becoming a member stop by or check out the website Rotary Club of Commack-Kings Park.

Rotary International’s Mission & Core Values

“We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”  - Rotary International’s Strategic Plan. Our Core Values include: Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity and Leadership. 

"Lightly Sweetened" "Made With Whole Grains" Don't Fall For The Marketing

Don’t Fall for the Marketing! By Kia Edwards

In the quest for healthy living, we all face a few challenges.  Some people hate eating healthy, while others constantly try to eat healthy only to be foiled by some clever marketing tactics.  There are many foods that claim to possess certain health benefits to get us to buy their products.  The trick is that these tactics aren’t regulated by any governing body.  Here are a few examples:

“Lightly Sweetened”

- There is no regulation used to determine which food is lightly sweetened and which isn’t since there is no regulation on adding sugar to food.  This term is used in order to make foods more marketable…not many people are willing to buy foods that say “LOADED with sugar”. 

“Made with Whole Grains”

- This term has become quite popular with cereals.  They’re not lying- but this statement does lead the cautious shopper to believe that the product is a better choice than other cereals while causing the more carefree shopper to think that it’s the best invention ever.  Period.  The whole grain claim is usually backed by including a tiny amount of whole grains in the product.  If you take a look at the ingredients list, you’ll likely find that there is more sugar than whole grains. 

“High in Fiber”

- Adding fiber is another way to make foods seem healthier.  Snack bars, cereals and even some desserts have added fiber so they can claim health benefits.  The truth?  The fiber added doesn’t usually come from natural sources such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.  They tend to come from isolated fibers- which don’t have the same health benefits as natural sources of fiber.  Some of them can help with digestion, but none of them can help with lowering cholesterol.  These foods are NOT a suitable replacement for natural sources of fiber. 

Fortunately, the FDA recently announced that it is going to revamp nutrition labels and it might even create new regulations so foods that are “lightly sweetened” will have an actual standard to accurately judge its claim.  Until these changes occur, here is some advice when choosing food: read the labels carefully!  The ingredients should be things that you recognize (eggs, flour, quinoa, yeast, etc.).  However, if you find yourself struggling to pronounce the name of an ingredient (i.e. Monosodium glutamate, which is better known as MSG), and you have no idea what it is, leave it alone.  Foods in their most natural form are always a safer choice in these instances as highly processed foods tend to contain these mystery ingredients.  Eating a chicken leg or breast is one thing, but chicken nuggets?  I’m not sure what part of the bird they come from.  Being more vigilant about marketing tactics will make your quest for healthy living far easier!  

Kia Edwards is a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist who lives in New York City. She studied French and Economics at Colgate University, spent 15 years as a high-level competitive gymnast and 6 years as a gymnastics coach.  Her business, La Fortesse At Home Fitness Training, helps clients get healthy with simple at home exercises and nutrition counseling. www.LaFortesse.com 

Hauppauge HS Student Carter Thornton Hosting "Adoption Day" At Smithtown Animal Shelter

Hauppauge High School student Carter Thornton is joining with the Smithtown Animal Shelter hosting “Adoption Day” at the shelter on Saturday, June 8th between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

Carter has arranged for a bake sale, 50/50 raffles and face painting. All proceeds will be going to the shelter.

Stop in and support Carter’s efforts, visit with the shelter animals and think about adopting one of the homeless dogs or cats.

Donations of can dog and cat food as well as dry kitten food, towels, bathroom mats, and blankets are always appreciated.

The Smithtown Animal Shelter is located at 410 E. Main St. in Smithtown.