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Friday, February 6, 2026
Vol. 86, No. 6
SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
Town to hold Valentines Vow Renewal Ceremony
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to renew their wedding vows at a special ceremony in recognition of Valentine’s Day, on Friday, February 13th, at Oyster Bay Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event will include a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay. The special ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and will include light refreshments for all guests. “Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, and many couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries on this special day. We look forward to making this special day even better as couples renew their marriage vows and declare their endless love for one another,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Couples often select Valentine’s Day to celebrate their relationship,” added Town Clerk Richard LaMarca. “It may be a sentimental choice for couples who had their first date, first kiss, or even engagement on Valentine’s Day. Whatever the reason, we are proud to offer this special vow renewal ceremony at Town Hall.” The ceremony will take place at Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue in
Councilwoman Laura Maier, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Supervisor Joe Saladino, Councilman Andrew Monteleone and Tax Receiver Jeff Pravato celebrate with over 100 couples at a prior year's Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony at Town Hall. Oyster Bay hamlet. The event is offered free of charge to Town residents but reservations are required. Residents interested in renewing their wedding vows should RSVP to (516) 624-6380 by February 9th. The story of America’s first Valentine is a proud piece of Oyster Bay history
which dates back to the time of the Revolutionary War, as British troops occupied Long Island homes. During the height of the American Revolutionary War, love improbably blossomed between Lt. Col Simcoe and a young patriot named Sally Townsend as the Townsend property served as a headquarters for a regiment
of 300 British troops. Lt. Col. Simcoe presented Sally with a poem he wrote asking her to be his Valentine, and his famous poem, entitled ‘Will You Be My Valentine,’ became the first documented written Valentine in America.
Magician to headline foundation’s annual fundraiser The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer will present “An Evening of Magic” on Friday, April 10. The highly anticipated annual event will feature award-winning magician Will Fern. The high-energy, contagiously fun magician is well known for his stroll-
ing magic and has been honored by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He will deliver an unforgettable night of laughs with world-class magic, mind reading and easy-going humor in support of children with cancer. The benefit fundraiser dinner begins
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at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Philodendrum Room at the Milleridge Inn, 585 N. Broadway, Jericho. Tickets are $125 per person and include dinner and a show, along with beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert. Seating is limited so tickets must be purchased in advance. There will also be numerous raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing. The Sarah Grace Foundation has
been supporting children with cancer and their families in the Long Island and New York City area since 2003 and is named in honor of Sarah Grace Weippert of Hicksville. Founded by Sarah’s parents, Marissa and Matt Weippert and Sarah’s brother James, the organization is dedicated to honoring Sarah’s memory. See page 12
Water District elects new chairman PAGE 4 Physics meets Phys Ed at Northside PAGE 6