April 22, 2026 Deer Park

Bringing Comfort To Hospice

Mangano Family Funeral Homes and Family Florist visited the Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon and worked with local residents to create and donate floral arrangements to Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson and the Mary Ann Tully Hospice Inn in Melville. Pictured: Kim Mangano (center) and the team at Family Florist setting up for a class teaching local residents at Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon about how to create floral arrangements.

PSEG Long Island Celebrates Earth Month With Free Trees

PSEG Long Island is celebrating Earth Day all month long by distributing free trees and handing out LED lightbulbs and reusable shopping bags at numerous locations throughout Long Island.

“At PSEG Long Island, Earth Day is a time to showcase the ways that we can help the environment and also help drive affordability over the long term,” said Scott Jennings, PSEG Long Island’s president and COO. “Customers who strategically plant trees in their yards can save up to 20% on their home’s summer energy bills once the trees are fully grown, while also improving air quality and reducing storm water runoff for all residents across Long Island and the Rockaways.”

Energy Saving Trees giveaway

PSEG Long Island, Suffolk County, and the Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity

(RISE) are partnering with the PSEG Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation to

provide 500 customers with a free tree. For customers in Suffolk and Nassau counties,

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INFORMATION:

the free, energy-saving trees can be reserved at https:// get.arborday.org/pseg until all trees are claimed. The program highlights how planting the right trees in the right location can reduce utility bills and promote ongoing system reliability.

The trees will be available at the following locations.

Suffolk County (online reservation required) Wednesday, April 22 - 9 AM to noon

Lee Dennison Building, 100 Vets Memorial Hwy., Hauppauge

All reserved trees will be held until noon, when they will become available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nassau County (online reservation required)

Saturday, April 25 - 9 AM to noon

PSEG Long Island Customer Service Center, 175 E. Old Country Rd., Hicksville

All reserved trees will be held until noon, when they will become available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Energy-Saving Trees online tool helps customers estimate the annual energy

savings that will result from planting trees in the most strategic location near their homes or businesses. All participating customers will receive one tree and are expected to care for and plant it at the location provided by the online tool, taking into account utility wires and obstructions. The types of trees offered include river birch, flowering dogwood, red oak, American elm, and Japanese cedar.

“Trees add beauty to neighborhoods and provide places of respite, along with many other benefits such as helping reduce energy consumption and filter pollutants that may negatively affect community health and wellbeing,” said Calvin Ledford, president of the PSEG Foundation. “The PSEG Foundation is proud to support the EnergySaving Trees program, which will help provide 500 trees to customers on Long Island and in the Rockaways. We are excited that our employees can volunteer to be part of this initiative, distributing the trees and sharing energy efficiency information, and help create a more environmentally

sustainable ecosystem across Long Island and the Rockaways.” LED lightbulbs and shopping bags

PSEG Long Island volunteers will also be in local communities throughout the month to share information about energy-saving and financial assistance programs, distribute reusable shopping bags, and hand out free LED lightbulbs to save customers money and energy:

April 25 - 10 AM to 2 PM Family Earth Day @ Elwood Park, 309 Cuba Hill Rd., Elwood April 30 - 9 AM to Noon Huntington YMCA, 60 Main St., Huntington Serving the community

PSEG Long Island is committed to giving back to the people and communities it serves by actively supporting hundreds of local charity events each year through the company’s Community Partnership Program. For more information on how PSEG Long Island supports the communities it serves, visitpsegliny. com/inthecommunity/ communitypartnership.

May Moore’s Guest READers Share The Joy Of Reading

To celebrate READ Month at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School, district administrators, board of education members and high schoolers were invited to visit classrooms over five days in early March to read picture books to students ranging from prekindergartners to second graders.

These guest READers included Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Marguerite Jimenez, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Alicia Konecny, Executive Director

of Secondary Education and Human Resources

Jeanne Koslowsky, Social Studies and FACS Director

Vanessa Langdon, Deer Park High School Associate

Principal Dr. Dina Pannone, Robert Frost Middle School

Associate Principal Richard Santoro, Districtwide Elementary Associate

Principal Matthew Comiskey and Deer Park High School’s public speaking students.

“READ Month is one of our most exciting traditions,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “With this year’s theme, ‘The Greatest Readers on Earth,’ we are celebrating the joy of reading in a fun and engaging way.

Our students are tracking their reading and working together toward a collective schoolwide goal, while the guest readers helped to bring stories to life. It’s a wonderful reminder that reading truly is the greatest show of all.”

“Sharing a love for reading with our youngest learners is

one of the most meaningful ways we can inspire curiosity and imagination,” said Konecny, a former principal of May Moore. “When we model a love for reading, we help inspire a lifelong passion for learning.”

School District

Deer Park High School Students Create Vibrant Community Mural

Deer Park High School

students from Rebecca Yackel’s mural painting course recently had the exciting opportunity to collaborate on a community mural project at Venetian Shores for the Town of Babylon. Inspired by the natural beauty of the waterfront, students Antonietta Cafisco and Jayna Singh took the lead in designing a vibrant, beach-

themed mural to bring joy to the beach staff.

With the support and teamwork of the entire class, the mural was completed in just one day, a true testament to the students’

dedication and hard work.

This hands-on experience allowed students to apply artistic techniques in a real-world setting while strengthening their skills in problem-solving and

community engagement.

The completed mural now serves as a welcoming and colorful addition to Venetian Shores, reflecting both the spirit of the Town of Babylon and the creativity of Deer Park’s students.

“We are incredibly proud of their efforts and grateful for the opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the community,” Yackel said.

A Powerful New Memoir Explores Love, Waiting, And The Unspoken Realities Of Caregiving

And I Wait…, a deeply moving debut memoir, offers an intimate look into the emotional landscape of caregiving, resilience, and the quiet moments that shape us.

Through honest and reflective storytelling, And I Wait… captures the experience of standing beside a loved one through illness—where hope, uncertainty, and strength coexist. With a voice that is both compassionate and unflinching, the author invites readers into the spaces often left unspoken: the waiting rooms, the pauses, and the life that exists between before and after.

This memoir

resonates with caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who has faced the complexity of loving someone through difficult transitions. It challenges the notion that there is “nothing more to be done,” offering instead a perspective rooted in presence, dignity, and enduring connection.

And I Wait… is now available on Amazon.

For more information, please visit: https://a.co/ d/0aCvJFMM

About the Author

The author brings a unique perspective shaped by both personal experience and a deep understanding of care, illuminating the emotional truths that

connect us all.

Dr. MaryAnn Fragola, Doctor of Nursing Practice, is Chief of Wellness Services at New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, where she specializes in Supportive and Palliative care. For more than twenty-five years, she has guided patients and families through serious illness, focusing on dignity, comfort, and quality of life.

And I Wait… was born from a deeply personal experience. When her father was diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Fragola found herself on the other side of medicine — not as the clinician, but as the daughter. Writing this memoir became

part of her own healing and a way to give voice to the complex emotions caregivers often carry but rarely express.

Through her work and her writing, she remains committed to helping patients and families navigate illness with honesty, compassion, and presence. She hopes this story helps caregivers recognize that many of the thoughts and emotions they experience during illness and grief are more normal than they realize.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, time with her family, and the loyal companionship of her German shepherds.

The Value Of Repeat Customers

Small business owners no doubt recognize the value of repeat customers, but few may recognize just how valuable such customers can be to

their bottom lines. A study from researchers at Harvard Business School found that a customer’s eighth purchase was an average of 80 percent

higher than his or her first purchase.

In addition, a survey from the strategic planning, marketing and sales consultants Altfeld, Inc. found

that the probability of selling to an existing customer is between 60 and 70 percent, while that probability shrinks to as low as 5 percent for new

customers. Customer retention strategies like offering superior customer service and seeking input from customers can help small businesses

generate more repeat customers, which can greatly improve their chances for long-term success.

Winners will receive a 4-pack of tickets to the Long Island Aquarium All entries must be submitted by May 15. Winners will be notified on May 18. One entry per person.

Please

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 News From Schools, Organizations, Libraries And Local Businesses! 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

Deer Park Students Showcase Artwork At ‘Colors Of Long Island’

Eight talented Deer Park students were selected to have their artwork displayed at the annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibition at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. The participating students are John Quincy Adams Primary School first grader Eliana Moreira and second grader Eliza RinaldiAmaral; May Moore Primary

School first grader Aiden Ruiz and second grader Aria Daal; John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fifth graders Michael Salmeron Argueta and Lilly Vilorio Tran; and Deer Park High School freshman Zahra Karim and junior Kevin Mostriansky. The artwork was chosen by art teachers Briana Fayans (JFK), Samatha Racano (May

Moore), Ashley Woolsley (JQA) and Rebecca Yackel (DPHS).

“The students were thrilled to see their artwork on display at such an impactful exhibit,” Fayans said. “It is always such a joy to see the hard work of students all across Long Island come together in such a colorful way.”

APRIL HAPPENINGS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd

7:00PM-9:00PM

"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 631559-2915, www.isliphamlethistory.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd

7:00PM

"STUMP THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY"

All Welcome to the Wantagh Preservation Society's "Stump the Historical Society" night! Bring your questions, this will make for an educational fun, interactive meeting. As the saying goes, "you're never to old to learn something new." Place: Wantagh Preservation Society Museum, 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. Light refreshments will be served. For more information: homebound315@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 24th

9:30AM-10:30AM

FIRST STEPS INTO NATURE

Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, stories, play, and more. Children ages 2-5y. Help Introduce The Wonders Of The Natural World To Your Child. An experienced educator will lead your youngster through hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more! Children will gain a greater appreciation of

nature and wildlife while having fun. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631979-6344

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th

Doors open at 5:00PM Tournament starts at 7:00PM TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER TOURNAMENT

The Copiague Fire Department –Vigilant Engine Company is hosting its First Annual Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, and they're inviting the community to come out and support a great cause. Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged. All proceeds support the efforts of the Copiague Fire Department and help them to continue serving the community. For more information and registration visit: www. vigilantenginecompany.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th

10:00AM-5:00PM

MERRICK SPRING FEST - CRAFT FAIR Free Event. Family Shopping Fun. Merrick Avenue in Merrick. Vendors, Food Trucks, Carnival, Lice Music. For more information, please visit https://nassaucountyfairs.com/

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th

1:00PM-4:00PM

EARTH DAY COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

The Levittown Community Council presents Earth Day Community Clean-Up (Rain Date: April 27th) Location Meet-Up: Veterans Memorial Park, Hempstead Turnpike & Shelter Lane. Bring your own rakes, brooms, etc. ALL

participants under 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult For more information contact: email: levittowncouncil@yahoo.com facebook: @ levittowncommunity councilinc

Dinner at 2:00pm Play begins at 3:30pm "TWO CENTS"

A STAGED READING AND DINNER

Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1634, 10 Bruce Street in West Babylon. Written by Long Island playwright Amy Nicole. All proceeds to benefit the Trustee Fund of Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1634. For additional information, contact: secretary.posf1634@gmail.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30th

8:00 PM

Doors open at 6:30PM

COMEDY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh Comedy Night Fundraiser at Governor's Comedy Club 90 Division Avenue in Levittown. Tickets not sold at the door. Come support a great cause, comedy and wonderful raffle baskets. All proceeds support the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh's community service projects, scholarships and Kamp Kiwanis. For Tickets: contact Debbie Tota: 516.729.0521. Mail checks payable to Wantagh Kiwanis 2868 Lindale Street, Wantagh, NY 11793, www.facebook.com/ photo?fbid =1252757503617537&set =a.444021294491166 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

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Benefits Of Leisure Activities

Leisure activities may be widely viewed as fun ways to fill up free time, but the benefits of leisure activities extend beyond beating boredom. A 2011 analysis published in the journal BBA Molecular Basis of Disease found that leisure activities have a positive impact on cognitive function and dementia. The analysis, conducted by researchers with the Aging Research Center in Stockholm who examined various studies regarding the relationship between certain activities and cognitive function, defined leisure activity as the voluntary use of free time for activities outside the home.

After retirement, leisure time constitutes a large part of many retirees’ lives, and finding ways to fill that time is more beneficial than merely avoiding boredom.

The researchers behind the study concluded that the existing research is insufficient to draw any firm conclusions regarding the effects of certain types of leisure activities on the risk for dementia and cognitive decline, though they did note that multidomain cognitive training has the potential to improve cognitive function in healthy older adults and slow decline in affected individuals. A multidomain approach to cognitive training involves memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and map reading, among other activities. Aging adults who embrace activities that require the use of such skills may find that they’re not only finding stimulating ways to fill their free time, but increasing their chances of long-term cognitive health as well.

How Much Is Your Time Worth?

By JoAnn Cilla

I have been thinking about this question for the past few weeks. I asked friends and fellow business owners the question, and most of them said they never really thought about it. So, I will ask you. How much is your time worth? Not your salary, not your hourly rate on paper, but the value of an hour of your life?

Finding the answer to this simple question can mean the difference between success and failure in many areas of life and business. We all get the same 24 hours in a day, yet we treat those hours very differently. Most people treat time like it’s money. Some invest their hours; others spend their hours. Unfortunately, too many people waste their precious time without even realizing it.

If you earn $100,000 a year, a rough breakdown might suggest your time is worth about $50 an hour. But that number is misleading. It only reflects what someone is willing to pay you, not what your time is worth. Your real value is tied to how you choose to use it.

I learned that time can be

JOANN CILLA

separated into three distinct parts: earning, building, and living.

Earning time is what most people focus on. It’s the hours spent working and generating income. This is where most people come up with their “hourly rate.”

Building time is the time you invest in skills, relationships, and ideas. Reading, learning, creating, and networking are activities that may not pay you back immediately, but they dramatically increase your future earning power and freedom.

Finally, there’s Living Time.

These are the moments spent with family, and friends creating personal experiences. Ironically, this is often the most valuable time of all, yet it’s the easiest to neglect. “You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time.”

So how do you determine what your time is worth? Start by asking better questions: Is this activity moving me forward or keeping me stuck? Would I pay someone else to do this? Am I wasting my time with this person or doing this job?

Effective people guard and protect their time. They delegate what doesn’t require their unique abilities. They say no more often than yes. And they align their time with what matters most, not just what feels urgent.

The key to changing your patterns is to stop thinking of time as something you “have” and start thinking of it as something you “invest.” Every hour has a return, either positive or negative.

In the end, your time is worth exactly what you decide it is. Make good decisions!