OH, THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK! - The Howitt Players cast of Seussical celebrates their performance on the Howitt Middle School stage. The production, which ran from March 26–28, 2026, featured a cast of 44 talented students supported by a crew of approximately 150 peers. Photo Courtesy of the Farmingdale School District
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
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
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
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! The Howitt Players Proudly Present Seussical
The Howitt Players burst onto the stage in a riot of color and rhyme, bringing the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life for the Farmingdale community.
Arbor Day Events & Activities
Communities across Long Island and the nation will celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 24, 2026, with events dedicated to tree planting, environmental education, and the preservation of natural resources.
Arbor Day is an annual observance that encourages individuals and organizations to plant and care for trees, highlighting their essential role in improving air quality, conserving energy, supporting wildlife, and enhancing community landscapes.
music, and activities for all ages.
Additional celebrations include an Arbor Day event at Bayard Cutting Arboretum on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring free, familyfriendly programming centered on the importance of trees and conservation.
Suffolk County will also mark the occasion with its “Plant it Forward” initiative, launching April 24 as part
of the Suffolk County 250. The initiative introduces a Living Legacy Tree Registry to document tree plantings across the county in honor of the milestone celebration.
In addition, PSEG Long Island, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, will promote proper tree planting through customer programs designed to enhance energy efficiency
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The talented young cast of 44 performers impressed the audience with their dedication and growth. The production featured:
• Gabriel Haas as the mischievous and storytelling Cat in the Hat.
• Victoria Carbone as the imaginative Jojo.
On March 26, the troupe held a special performance for the district’s fifthgrade class, followed by two spectacular evening performances for the community on March 27 and 28. The Howitt Middle School auditorium was transformed into a landscape of imagination, from the lush Jungle of Nool to the microscopic world of Whoville. The production featured vibrant costumes and spirited set designs that captured the “creativity, color, and most beautiful music” of the beloved Broadway musical. “This show was so much fun to bring to life!” shared Director and Vocal Director Mr. Eric Hulse, who celebrated his tenth production with the Howitt Players. “I love the themes of creativity, imagination, hope, and determination that shine throughout the story. Each student worked incredibly hard to bring their characters to life on stage.” For Co-Director and Choreographer Ms. Amanda Whorlow, the production was a “full-circle moment,” as Seussical was her senior musical in high school. “It meant the absolute world to me that I was now able to share the Seussical experience with my students—an experience filled with joy, laughter, and the most unforgettable memories,” said Ms. Whorlow.
• Liam Rosenthal as the kind-hearted and faithful Horton the Elephant.
• Stella Levenson as the devoted Gertrude McFuzz.
• Nilah Nicolas and Alexandria Romano as the spirited Mayzie La Bird and Sour Kangaroo.
• George Guadagnino and Leah Lopez as the Mayor and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville.
• Ella Cook as the formidable General Genghis Khan Schmitz.
• Benjamin Sinisi as Yertle the Turtle and Maguire Jones as The Grinch.
The magic of Seussical was a massive collaborative effort involving approximately 150 additional students contributing to the crew, scenery club, and orchestra. Under the guidance of Production Manager Ms. Kate Shields, the stage crew managed everything from complex lighting to the “unreal sewing skills” required for the production’s unique costumes.
“It takes a village to put together a production as complex as this one,” Ms. Whorlow added. “These kids were talented beyond belief. They were also dedicated, passionate, kind, caring, supportive, and absolutely hilarious.”
The main Arbor Day event on Long Island in 2026 will be Branches in Bloom: A Spring Festival at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival will showcase blooming magnolias and cherry trees, along with educational exhibits, guided tours, live
Kids Coloring Contest!
Get creative and color the drawing to the best of your ability! Three winners will be chosen - one in each age category: 4-5, 6-7, 8-10.
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 mail your submission to:
Long Island Media Group
Attn: Marketing 565 Broadhollow Road Suite 3 Farmingdale, NY 11735
Name: Age: __ Phone Number: Email address: Town:
Architects Of Tomorrow
L.I.’s Largest Car Show Returns To TOBAY Beach On April 26th
Hundreds Of Vehicles To Participate, Trophy Presentation, Free Concert & Free Admission For Spectators
Long Island’s largest and most premier car show experience returns to TOBAY Beach on Sunday, April 26th, from 11am to 4pm. “Car Show Long Island” features hundreds of automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, and emergency service vehicles. A live concert performed by That 70’s Band will take place during the day, followed by trophy presentations. The event is free for spectators.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Whether you’re a proud classic car owner or you want to see the latest and greatest automobiles in the world, Car Show Long Island is the place to be! With a diverse range of vehicles showcased, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire and interact with some of
the most impressive cars around. This free familyfun event is a perfect way to spend the day, all with the beautiful backdrop of TOBAY Beach. Spectators can check out cool cars, vendors, exhibits and enjoy live music while surrounded by Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars.”
Car Show Long Island’s 2026 TOBAY Beach Spring Classic features some of the hottest and most classic cars in the tri-state region. While enjoying live music performed by That 70’s Band and great eats from the Food Truck Corral presented by Eagle Chevy Performance, thousands of spectators are expected throughout the day to get up close and personal with Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and
exotic cars. Trophies will be awarded in each class, and children will have a say when deeming which rides are their favorites in the Kids’ Choice Award.
Car Show Long Island’s 2026 TOBAY Beach Spring Classic is being presented by: Optimum, Signarama of Huntington, Whitey’s Tire Services of Brooklyn and Cascone & Kluepfel Attorneys at Law.
Classic Car enthusiasts and spectators can also grab a bite to eat from the food truck corral, and can also check out numerous vendors and displays. A rain date of Saturday, May 2nd has been arranged. For more information, visit www.carshowli.com, call (516) 797-4121 or e-mail carshowli@oysterbay-ny. gov.
From the boardroom to the big stage, 51 students traded the classroom for the high-stakes world of professional competition. Now, two are headed for the global spotlight. Members of the Farmingdale High School DECA chapter descended on Rochester between Wednesday, March 4, and Friday, March 6, 2026, for the Annual New York DECA State Career Conference. Nearly 3,000 aspiring professionals joined our fifty-one students to navigate a grueling gauntlet of roleplay scenarios, technical exams, and boardroomstyle presentations. Under the mentorship of business teachers Alexis Zaino and Jackie Tannazzo, and with Superintendent Paul Defendini and Board of Education Trustee George Andriopoulos in attendance, the Farmingdale delegation demonstrated that they are not just students—they are the future of the global market. The district-wide leadership in attendance underscored a clear message: Farmingdale is committed to excellence on every stage. The competitive field was packed with the state’s brightest talent, but Farmingdale students consistently broke through the noise. Whether navigating complex financial ethics or pitching the next big innovation, these nine individuals demonstrated a level of poise and technical mastery that placed them among the elite in New York State: Christian Ventura: Recognized for his strategic agility in Sports & Entertainment Marketing, earning a Top 10 spot in Role Play 2.
Andrew Romance: A dual threat in Financial Consulting, securing Top 10 honors for both his Presentation and his Overall score. Zara Mir: Dominating the Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling category with Top 10 finishes in both Presentation and Overall
place finish. The duo’s award-winning presentation has earned them a coveted spot at the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta.
performance. Emma Nivar & Leo Scardina: Proving the power of creative strategy by placing in the Top 10 Overall for their Innovation Plan. Anna Carle & Giuliana Depascale: Showcasing the impact of social responsibility with a Top 10 Overall finish for their Community Giving Project. The journey reaches its peak in late April as Elisa Kelly and Emma Kelly prepare to take their 4th Place-winning Community Giving Project to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Juniors and sisters, the Kellys will represent the very best of Farmingdale on the global stage in Atlanta, Georgia. Their success serves as powerful validation of the district’s robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum, which equips students with specialized skills and professional certification pathways to thrive in the modern economy. The entire Farmingdale School District is incredibly
proud of the hard work and professionalism displayed by every DECA member in Rochester. We celebrate these outstanding achievements and wish Elisa and Emma the very best of luck as they head to Atlanta to compete against the best in the world.
Home Heating And Cooling Efficiency
(NAPSI)—Improving your home’s heating and cooling efficiency can go a long way toward saving energy and money, and upgrading your HVAC to super-efficient heat pump technology is one of the most effective ways to achieve this, say the experts at ENERGY STAR. Learn more at energystar. gov/homeupgrade.
The Farmingdale High School DECA delegation gathers on the grand staircase in Rochester. Accompanied by business teachers Alexis Zaino and Jackie Tannazzo, with Superintendent Paul Defendini and Board of Education Trustee George Andriopoulos, these 51 students represented the peak of Daler professional excellence.
Juniors Elisa and Emma Kelly celebrate their 4th-
Local Artists Invited To Showcase
Work At ‘Art In The Park’
Oyster Bay Town
Councilman Tom Hand is inviting local artists and artisans to participate in a special day of creativity and community at Art in the Park. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 30th, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay, offering a unique platform for talented individuals to display and sell their handcrafted creations. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15, 2026.
“Art in the Park provides an incredible opportunity for local artists and artisans to showcase their best work, connect with the community, and gain recognition,” said Councilman Hand. “Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and be part of a vibrant community event, featuring live music, food trucks, and fun activities for kids.”
Artists and artisans must be 18 years or older and can only display and sell original, handcrafted pieces. Commercial or mass-produced items will not be permitted. Participants are responsible for supplying their own 10x10 canopy and any additional equipment needed for their space. Full details, including associated costs, are outlined in the application available online.
Organized by the Town’s Department of Community
& Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division, Art in the Park celebrates a diverse range of handcrafted works, including ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculptures, and more.
To apply, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/capa or contact the Cultural and Performing Arts Division at (516) 797-7932 for more information.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
Camps/Schools
Arbor Day Events & Activities
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and
service.
Residents are encouraged to take part in local events, plant trees at home, and support conservation efforts throughout their communities. For the most up-todate event details or to register for activities, visitors should check the official websites of the Planting Fields Foundation and Bayard Cutting Arboretum.
Spring into Fun!
Free Family Festival with Inflatables, Games & More!
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor
Joseph Saladino and the Town Board invite you to celebrate the season at the Free Family Fun Spring Festival on Saturday, April 25th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. Get ready for an exciting afternoon packed with entertainment for all ages! Families can enjoy free attractions, including inflatable rides, games, a petting zoo, and multiple photo opportunities! Plus, an array of food trucks will be on-site with delicious specialties available for purchase.
“This amazing Spring Festival is the perfect way for families to come together and celebrate the season with bounce houses, games, and adorable animals at the petting zoo,”
said Supervisor Saladino. “We’re excited to welcome residents for a fun-filled afternoon in the park as we embrace the beauty of spring with fantastic attractions and activities for
A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors! This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses and organizations,
including Starkie Bros Home & Garden, Extreme Auto Body, Action Auto Wreckers, The Gucciardo Law Firm, Steel Equities, Gold Coast Studios, Jovia Financial Credit Union, No Limit Ninja, iSMASH, Webster Bank, Soccer Stars, Sports Hub, Renewal by Anderson, Bounce!, Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy, New York Life Insurance Company, Crestwood Camp & School, Bluestar Carpentry, Busto’s Martial Arts, Royal Events Princess Parties, and News 12 Long Island. Don’t Miss Out! Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a day of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. For more details, contact the Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/capa.
Saladino Seeks Nominations For Veterans Volunteer Awards
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board invite residents to help shine a spotlight on local heroes by submitting nominations for the Town of Oyster Bay’s annual Veterans Volunteer Awards. Honorees will be recognized during the Town’s beloved ‘Salute to America’ Celebration on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at John Burns Park.
This annual tribute celebrates the extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond in service to our veteran community - those who
continue to make a lasting impact through compassion, advocacy, and selfless dedication.
“‘Salute to America’ is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and the importance of those who continue to stand beside them,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Each year, we are proud to recognize individuals whose unwavering commitment strengthens and uplifts our veteran community. I encourage residents to nominate someone who truly deserves to be honored for their
outstanding service.”
Nominations are accepted in two categories:
• Veteran Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a veteran)
• Friend of Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a non-veteran)
All nominees must be Town of Oyster Bay residents. Submissions must include a brief narrative outlining the nominee’s ongoing contributions to veterans’ causes. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 5, 2026. Award recipients will be honored
during a special ceremony at the ‘Salute to America’ Celebration— an unforgettable evening featuring live musical performances and a spectacular fireworks display, held in gratitude for the brave men and women who have protected our nation’s freedoms.
To submit a nomination or request an application, visit oysterbaytown. com/vetnominations or email kfileccia@oysterbay-ny.gov, or call (516) 797-7925