The local civic groups in our community have been hard at work with ongoing projects and new initiatives to bring out the best in our towns.

From new events supporting established charities to spectacular multi-organization runs, the dedicated members of these groups have worked collaboratively and cohesively to help their neighborhoods thrive.

Bayport Civic Association, president Bob Draffin

For the April meeting, as has been the case for the past 15 years, the proposed school budget was discussed.

Albeit technically on vacation, Dr. Tim Hearney, superintendent of Bayport-Blue Point School District, was able to make the presentation for the BCA.

Six iterations of the budget (Dec. 7, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 5, and April 12) had been presented to the board of education before it was officially adopted on April 12.

The budget, to be voted upon by the community on May 17, comes in at $80,969,342. This is a 5.19 percent increase from last year and a tax levy increase of 3.49 percent. This is the highest year-to-year budget increase with the closest being 3.74 percent from the 2013-2014 school year.

Draffin expressed his support for added mental health resources, including a school psychologist in every district building as well as the universal pre-K offering.

The late Tom Reid, owner of AGC Printing, publisher of the beloved Bayport-Blue Point Gazette, was posthumously honored with the Civic Pride Award this year.

Greater Sayville Civic Association, president Christine Kelly Sarni

The GSCA and the Junior Civic have kept their calendars full with co-ventures with The Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce.

During Springfest, which had hundreds of attendees, the GSCA and Junior Civic were on hand to help with booths and general administration of the fun activities that were on display for the community.

“I think the youth in our community are yearning for a chance to be involved and help keep Sayville the great place that it is,” said Sarni.

During the third annual Sayville Cleanup, the Junior Civic came out in droves to collect garbage from various spots in the neighborhood.

Last year, hundreds of pounds of garbage were collected.

Following the success of last year’s Kentucky Derby event, which featured its own community best-dressed list, the GSCA will be hosting another fundraiser at Sayville’s Bait and Tackle on May 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Proceeds will go towards the annual graduation scholarships the GSCA awards to Sayville High School graduates who have shown to be civic-minded.

Oakdale Historical Society

St. John’s Church in Oakdale is the second-oldest house of worship in Suffolk County, dating back to the Nicholls family’s ownership of the Town of Islip.

Needing some extensive renovation for its windows (original from the 18th century on the sides and stained glass from a medieval church in France in the front), the cost for repairs is substantial.

David Chan, a local Idle Hour resident, has taken it upon himself to revive the Independence Day race, the Firecracker 5K run throughout Oakdale’s most prestigious landmarks, to help raise money for the renovation of the 257-year-old church.