April 1, 2026 Massapequa

South Bay's Neighbor

CHAMBER CELEBRATES 2ND ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE - The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14, 2026, drawing thousands for a day of community pride and celebration. Featuring over 70 marching groups, the growing event was led by Grand Marshal Brian Kilmeade, who brought hometown spirit to the festivities. The Chamber thanks its sponsors, organizers, and volunteers for making the parade a success as it continues to grow into a beloved local tradition.

Mad Science Ignites Young Minds

experiments that brought the subject to life.

Second graders were immersed in the science of chemical reactions during an engaging workshop on March 20 at Unqua Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. Educators from Mad Science led students in several hands-on

The program was funded through the PTA’s Arts in Education committee.

Mr. Skyler and Mrs. Kim from Mad Science, a STEM Education service, taught students about molecular structure and the forces

that hold atoms together. In an electroplating activity, the young scientists used coins, batteries and wires to explore conductivity. They also looked the properties of matter by making slime with a concoction of glue, glycerin and food coloring.

From The First Color TV’s in the 1960’s To The First Flat Screens In The 1990’s From Cable TV In The 1980’s To The Streaming Services In The 2000’s

From Rotary Phones To Pay Phones To Flip Phones To Smart Phones From FM Radio To Satellite Radio From 8 Track & Cassette To CD’s

Through All These Changes, South Bay’s Neighbor Newspapers Has Been Proudly Publishing Since 1953 And Continues To Bring The Local Communities

Schools,

Libraries And

Massapequa Chamber Of Commerce Celebrates Success Of 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, 2026, bringing together thousands of residents, families, and local businesses for a day filled with community pride, tradition, and celebration.

Building on the incredible success of its inaugural year, this year’s parade continued to grow, welcoming over 70 marching groups, including local schools, community organizations, first responders, and small businesses. The energy along the parade route was electric, as spectators lined the streets of Massapequa to celebrate together and support their local community.

Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshal was Massapequa’s own Brian Kilmeade. Known nationally for his work on Fox News and as a bestselling author

and radio host, Kilmeade brought a true hometown pride to the event. He spent the morning engaging with residents, taking photos, and greeting families along the route, showing a genuine appreciation for the community he calls home.

“This parade is something I felt was long overdue for Massapequa,” said Robin Hepworth, Chamber President and Founder of the parade. “To see it continue to grow in just its second year is truly incredible. As someone who has photographed many St. Patrick’s Day parades across Long Island, I knew our community deserved a celebration like this—and it’s been amazing to watch it come to life.”

The Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to its generous sponsors who made the event possible. Special recognition goes to Main Sponsor Embassy

Diner, led by owner Gus Tsiorvas, for their continued support in both years of the parade. Additional thanks to Emerald Isle Sponsor TLC Home Care, Celtic Pride Sponsor LifeVac, Blarney Stone Sponsor Masone Masonry, Dublin Entertainment Sponsor Ginger Freck of Douglas Elliman Realty, Leprechaun Golf Cart Sponsors Genstar Masonry and Coastal Collision, Shamrock Sponsor Paddy’s Loft, Clover Sponsors Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Lebenthal Financial (Gary Slavin), and Schneps Media/ Long Island Press, and Copper Penny Sponsor Apple Air. Milestone Marker Sponsors Pickup Pros and J.P. Scar Inc.

The parade would not have been possible without the dedication of its cochairs, Tom Antonetti, Robin Hepworth and Keith Wilson, along with

the Chamber’s Board of Directors and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to organize the event. Now in its second year,

the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade has quickly become a cherished community tradition— bringing together residents, businesses, and organizations in a celebration of unity, local pride, and Irish spirit.

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14, 2026, drawing thousands for a day of community pride and celebration. Featuring over 70 marching groups, the growing event was led by Grand Marshal Brian Kilmeade, who brought hometown spirit to the festivities.

Buying

APRIL HAPPENINGS

MONTH OF APRIL

9:00AM-11:00AM

TUBER SALE

The Long Island Dahlia Society will hold a tuber sale at the Barn at the Bayard Cutting Arboritum during the month of April on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Various types available. Plant sale will start in May. Further information at LongIslandDahlia.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4th

3:00PM CONCERT OF SACRED LENTEN MUSIC

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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-957-7755

10:00AM-4:00PM

AMVETS LADIES AUXILIARY 18 CRAFT AND VENDOR FAIR

Hosted at AMVETS Post 18, 141 Carleton Avenue in East Islip. Free Admission, raffles, 50/50, Cake sale. For more information, please call 631-277-9842 or 516-885-1410, GCM42@AOL.COM

call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email: contactus@republicairport.net

upsizing, downsizing, or buying your rst home, I’ll guide you every step of the way with honesty and dedication.

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A Journey through Lent featuring Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist Saturday. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690. A free-will offering will be taken.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4th

10:00AM-4:00PM

SUNDAY, APRIL 5th

9:00AM-2:00PM

EASTER PLANT SALE

The Seaford Fire Department will be hosting its annual Easter Plant Sale, at Seaford Fire Department headquarters on the corner of Waverly & Southard Avenues. A wide variety of plants and flowers will be available for purchase (while supplies last). Come early for the best selection. Rain or shine.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11th

10:00am-1:00pm FRIENDS OF THE LINDENHURST MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOOK AND JEWELRY SALE

A preview for current Friends of the Library from 9:00AM-10:00AM. Anyone may sign up for membership at the Sale to take advantage of early access. Located at One Lee Avenue,

11:30AM-1:00PM SPRING BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

The Spring Bereavement Support Group will start on Saturday April 11-June 13. Located at 210 South Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631226-7725 x 200

SATURDAY, APRIL 11th

SUNDAY, APRIL 12th

12:00PM-4:00PM ST JAMES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB SPRING OPEN HOUSE

43 years in the making: Once again open to the public. This will be the last show until November. New Drive In Theater, City scene with operating roadway, Freight yard, LIPA Power plant, Working Fire Scene, Two Operating Subways, Lighted vehicles and much more! Train Show is located at 176 Mills Pond Road in St James. For further information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732w

TUESDAY, APRIL 14th

THURSDAY, APRIL 16th

7:00PM

THE BAY SHORE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING

At the Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library, 1 South Country Rd., in Brightwaters. The guest speaker will be Arthur Frischman, Long Island Sign Guy. The meeting is open to the public at no charge. Refreshments will be served. Learn more at: https:// www.bayshorehistoricalsociety.org/ programs-news

SUNDAY, APRIL 19th

10:00AM-4:30PM ALL KIDS FAIR

7:00PM REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING 7150 Republic Airport, Room 201 in Farmingdale. For information

A full day of amazing exhibitors, activities and classes! At the Hilton Long Island/Huntington (AKA the Huntington Hilton) in Melville! Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Rd, in Melville. Mostly inside but partially outside - including food trucks, petting zoo, and a few other surprises. For more information, visit https://www.allkidsfair.com/

7:00PM-9:00PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd

"THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND"

Author Bill Bleyer will discuss "The Battle of Long Island", Long Island's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Learn about the single-day engagement, the British occupation and the resilience of Long Islander's. The program is held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. in Islip. Free and open to the public. For more information, please call 631-559-2915, www. isliphamlethistory.org

Town Yard Waste Collection Resumes April 6th

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone announced that Yard Waste collection will resume the week of Monday, April 6th, for homeowners who receive Town collection services. Yard waste is picked up on the same day as recycled materials, including plastics, metals, glass and cardboard.

“With signs of the spring season approaching, many residents are beginning to clear their properties from leaves and other debris left behind by winter,” said Councilman Monteleone. “Yard waste collection, which includes lawn clippings, will get underway the first week of April and run throughout the year.”

Residents should place yard waste curbside on their same day as their recycling items. Yard waste is collected by Town sanitation crews and taken to compost facilities. Waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, tree trimmings, hedge and shrub clippings and other garden/yard waste. Materials should be placed in bags at the curb, and should weigh no more than 50 pounds. No household garbage, refuse or animal waste should be disposed with yard waste.

“Collecting Yard Waste is an important component to our recycling program,” said Councilman Monteleone. “One of the prime benefits of recycling yard waste is that the cost to take these materials to a compost facility is less than the cost to dispose of them at an out-of-state landfill. This successful program is another example of the Town’s commitment to providing high quality environmental services while protecting our taxpayers’ wallets.”

For more information on the Town’s sanitation services, including recycling and yard waste, visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Grace Episcopal Church

MARCH 29 - PALM SUNDAY

10:00am (In-person & Live Stream) - Celebrate Jesus’ Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem (Procession From The Parish Hall) APRIL 2 - MAUNDY THURSDAY

7:30pm (In-person & Live Stream) - Commemorates The Foot Washing & Last Supper Of Jesus Christ With The Apostles, The Nighttime Vigil. (Join Vigil On Zoom, Link To Be Posted On Chruch Website)

APRIL 3 - GOOD FRIDAY

12:00 noon (In-person Only) - Stations Of The Cross - Commemorates The Cruci xion Of Jesus & His Death On The Cross. (No Live Stream)

APRIL 4 - HOLY SATURDAY

THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER - 8:00pm (In-person & Live Stream)Commemorates Jesus’ Body Resting In The Tomb

APRIL 5 - EASTER SUNDAY

10:00am (In-person & Live Stream) “HE HAS RISEN! - The Resurrection

23 Cedar Shore Drive • Massapequa

The Very Rev. Dr. Walter V. Hillebrand, Rector

Classifieds

with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

Did You Know?

The exact origins of April Fool’s Day are unknown, though historians have some interesting theories regarding the dawn of this day devoted to pranks. Some historians have linked April Fool’s Day to the festival of Hilaria in ancient Rome. According to History. com, Hilaria was celebrated by the followers of the cult of

Cybele at the end of March. During the festival, celebrants dressed up in disguises and mocked fellow citizens. Another theory suggests April Fool’s Day might be linked to the transition from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in France in 1582. The news of that transition, which officially recognized

the start of the new year as January 1 after it had been April 1, reached some people’s ears more quickly than others’. Those who were slow to get the news continued to celebrate April 1 as the start of a new year, inspiring others to mock them and refer to them as “April fools.”

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Three Nassau County Coalitions Launch “Talk It Out” Cannabis Education Campaign, Including Spanish-Language Initiative “Sin Rodeos”

Three community coalitions — Hispanic Alliance for Prevention (HAP), Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC), and Levittown Community Action Coalition (LCAC), announced today the launch of “Talk It Out,” a comprehensive cannabis education campaign aimed at equipping parents, empowering youth, and strengthening community partnerships throughout Nassau County.

The campaign includes a Spanish-language initiative called “Sin Rodeos,” designed to provide culturally relevant prevention education and resources to Spanish-speaking families in the community.

The three coalitions are prevention initiatives of YES Community Counseling Center and local school districts to provide science-based education and resources that help families and communities address emerging substance use trends.

“Open and honest conversations between parents and youth are one of the most powerful prevention tools we have,” said Elvia Lodati, Coalition Coordinator at YES Community Counseling Center. “Through the Talk It Out campaign, we want to make sure families across Nassau County have access to clear, reliable information about cannabis and its impact on young people.”

In addition to promoting education and open communication, the campaign will raise awareness about the Nassau County Social Host Law (Local Law 7-2021). Under this law, adults may be held legally responsible if someone under the age of 21 uses cannabis in their home or on their property. While cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older in New York State, it remains illegal for minors, and violations may result in fines or other legal consequences.

Campaign Focus Areas

Parent Education

Through workshops, bilingual educational guides, and community forums, the coalitions will equip parents with research-based information and practical strategies to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about cannabis. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and supervising gatherings to prevent underage substance use.

Youth Engagement

The campaign will introduce youth leadership opportunities, school-based initiatives, and social media efforts that promote healthy decision-making and peer support in preventing cannabis use among teens.

Community & Business Partnerships

Local businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders will play an important role by displaying

campaign materials, supporting prevention awareness, and reinforcing compliance with state and local laws related to cannabis.

About the Coalitions

The Hispanic Alliance for Prevention (HAP), Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC), and Levittown Community Action Coalition (LCAC) are community-based prevention coalitions operating under YES Community Counseling Center, a local agency providing counseling and prevention services throughout Nassau County, and in partnership with area school districts. Together, these coalitions work to reduce substance misuse through education, collaboration, and community-driven prevention initiatives across the county.

For more information about YES Community Counseling Center and the coalitions’ initiatives, visit:

YES Community Counseling Center: www.yesccc.org

Hispanic Alliance for Prevention (HAP): www.hapcoalitionny.org

Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC): www.mtacoalition.com

Levittown Community Action Coalition (LCAC): www.lcacoalition.org

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