Deer Park HS librarian Evan DeNaro and Robert Frost Middle School library media specialist Anne Lotito-Schuh took their Library Leaders clubs on a field trip to Hofstra University’s Axinn Library. Students toured the stacks and explored the library’s graphic novel special collection. They also viewed rare archival items, including a geometry book from the 1500s, a map of Long Island from the 1600s. Following the tour, students created their own accordion journals, reflecting on their experiences as Library Leaders. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
Deer Park’s Luppy And Wesnofske Win Suffolk Zone Awards
Deer Park High School
seniors Giovanna Luppy and Thomas Wesnofske were recently chosen as the winners of the 2026 Suffolk Zone Awards. The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annually gives awards to one male and one female student in each Suffolk high school, selected for excellent achievement in physical education, outstanding character and leadership in schoolwide activities.
Luppy is a member of Deer Park’s girls cross-country, girls winter and spring track, and unified basketball teams. She serves as president of the school’s Patriot Club and vice president of the International Culture Club, and is a member of the Falcon Leaders, Best Buddies, Art Club, Student Booster Club and SADD Club.
“Physical education has taught me the importance of how new experiences can build confidence, teamwork and a greater appreciation for staying active,” Luppy said. “By supporting and motivating others, we can help create a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and improving.”
Wesnofske is a member of Deer Park’s boys crosscountry, boys swimming and boys spring track teams, earning All-League honors in swimming and track. An
Kayak Open House Set
Outdoor enthusiasts and curious beginners alike are invited to attend a Kayak Open House at The Dinghy Shop, located at 334 S Bayview Ave., Amityville, NY 11701. The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide selection of kayaks, paddles, and accessories, as well as participate in guided, on-water kayak demonstrations. The event will also feature paddling workshops designed to help attendees build skills and confidence on the water.
Whether new to kayaking or a seasoned paddler, attendees can connect with local clubs and learn more about paddling opportunities across Long Island.
For more information or to RSVP, visit www. dinghyshop.com, or call (631) 264-0005.
Deer Park High School seniors Giovanna Luppy and Thomas Wesnofske were recently chosen as the winners of the 2026 Suffolk Zone Awards. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
MOTHER'S DAY
Mangano Family Funeral Home And North Babylon Seniors Bring 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.
“Giving back is an important part of who we are, and we’re thankful to be able to provide comfort and bring warmth and
brightness to patient rooms and family spaces during these incredibly difficult moments,” said Sal Mangano, President of Mangano Family Funeral Homes. “Thank you to our dear friends at Spangle Drive Senior Center for rolling up their sleeves and creating beautiful floral arrangements to remind the families they are surrounded by care, compassion and support. Our commitment to serving families in such a
way aligns with hospice’s mission to create an environment filled with dignity, comfort and serenity.”
About Mangano Family Funeral Homes
With more than 115 years in operation as a family-owned business, Mangano Family Funeral Homes provide families and their loved ones with caring and compassionate service in their time of need. To learn more please visit www.manganofh.com.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Diana Lambert
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Josh Marlowe
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
ADMINISTRATION
Teri Tinkler
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert SCAN
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.
Mangano Family Funeral Homes, Family Florist and local residents create floral arrangements at Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon, that are later donated to Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson and Mary Ann Tully Hospice Inn in Melville.
Kim Mangano of Mangano Family Funeral Home and Family Florist helping students with their floral arrangements.
MAY HAPPENINGS
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
FRIDAY, MAY 1st
SATURDAY, MAY 2nd
9:30AM-3:00PM YARD SALE FUNDRAISER (Rain or Shine)
Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. Free admission (no vendors) For more information, please call 631-242-0221, churchon231@gmail.com
SATURDAY, MAY 2nd
9:00AM
I LOVE MY PARK DAY
Join us to celebrate and enhance New York’s parks, historic sites, greenway trails and other public lands. As the largest single-day volunteer event in New York State, it brings our community together. The work you do that day not only enhances the natural beauty and accessibility of our iconic state park but also ensures that this cherished space is ready to be
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
enjoyed by all throughout the season. By volunteering, you contribute to preserving the environment, fostering community pride, and supporting the long-term sustainability of New York’s treasured public lands. Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 4090 Sunrise Hwy in Oakdale. Register at ILMPD Event Map | LONYL Registration
9:30AM-3:00PM
SPRING PERENNIAL PLANT SALE
United Methodist Church in Sayville. Corner of Greene Ave and Main Street. Visit the Sayville Garden Club's annual Perennial Plant Sale. A wonderful selection of potted plants and house plants fairly priced. For more information, please call 631 567 2561, sayvillegardenclub@gmail.com
7:00PM
AMERICA’S 250th, CHOIR’S 50th (Rain or Shine)
100+ singers from parishes all over Long Island celebrate our parish choir’s 50th anniversary with Vivaldi’s Gloria and a hymn festival. It's also the 20th spring choir concert for the month of Our Blessed Mother Mary as they close the 10th year of the monthly concert series in memory of the 100th birthday of original parishioner Nelson Pontillo. Free Will Offering, All Welcome, Just Walk In, Hospitality to Follow. A special acknowledgement goes to Padre Pio Prayer Group anticipating their Mass for the Saint later in May. Our Lady of Grace RC Church - 666 Albin Ave. in West Babylon. For more information, please call the parish office 516-587-5185
MONDAY, MAY 4th
1:00PM-7:00PM
NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER BLOOD DRIVE
Charles S. Barr, Blood Drive Coordinator, Memorare Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus, 2183 Jackson Ave. in Seaford, is hosting the New York Blood Center for a Blood Drive. Please feel free to call 1-800-933-BLOOD to make a reservation or just walk in. Call Charlie Barr, 516-510-4703, with any questions.
TUESDAY, MAY 5th
6:00PM-8:00PM CINCO DE MAYO TACO NIGHT
Sgt. John Sardiello Post No. 1634, 10 Bruce Street, West Babylon Stop on by for dinner before or after your evening events! Dine in or Take Out!! All proceeds will benefit the kitchen fund of American Legion Post 1634, providing future fellowship gatherings for our veterans and their families. For tickets, visit our Zeffy site at: https:// www.zeffy com/en-US/ticketing/ american-legion-post-1634-eventtickets. For more information, contact: secretary,post1634@flmail.com Space is limited.
THURSDAY, MAY 14th
6:30PM FASHION SHOW
At the Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372, Order, Seaford American Legion, 2301 Penatiquit Avenue. Great raffle prizes, the latest fashions, music, a wonderful dinner, dessert and more. The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money to continue to support the many charities they sponsor, plus award scholarships to several of our local high school students. For further information/ reservations please contact Rosemarie DiChiara at 516-458-0097.
South Bay's Neighbor celebrates local small businesses!
Small business is big business across much of North America. Small businesses boast a notable presence in the United States, where the Small Business Administration reports such establishments account for 99 percent of the nation’s firms.
Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy. Supporting these businesses is important, and here’s just a few reasons why:
• Small businesses are significant employers. The term “small business” can be misleading, particularly in terms of job creation. While small businesses are generally described as firms with fewer than 500 employees, recent data from the U.S. Small Business Administration indicated small companies accounted for two-thirds of employment growth across the U.S. over the last quarter century, ultimately creating around 13 million jobs during that time period.
• Small business spending is more likely to stay in the local community. Data from the American Independent Business Alliance indicates 48 percent of each purchase at a local independent business was recirculated locally. By comparison, just 14 percent of purchases at chain stores was recirculated locally. That means more than three times as much money is staying in communities when consumers buy from locally owned businesses compared to chain retailers.
• Innovative o erings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can and often do o er customers di erent options that larger retailers cannot match.
As Small Business Week approaches, take a moment to think about how you can support local small businesses right here on Long Island. And as always, thank you for your readership - your support means so much to our very own small business.
Deer Park’s Library Leaders Explore History And Creativity
Last month, Deer Park High School librarian Evan DeNaro and Robert Frost Middle School library media specialist Anne Lotito-Schuh took their Library Leaders clubs on a field trip to Hofstra University’s Axinn Library. Students toured the stacks and explored the library’s graphic novel special collection. They also viewed rare archival items, including a geometry book from the 1500s, a map of Long Island from the 1600s and a copy of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland” from the 1800s with painted edges. Following the tour, students created their own accordion journals, reflecting on their experiences as Library Leaders.
WORDS
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
The Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle Library Leaders clubs took a field trip to Hofstra University’s Axinn Library. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
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
Name: Age: __ Phone Number: Email address: Town:
646-907-8473
Sunrise Hwy. Lind enhu rst (next to IHOP)
631-226-2277 516-535-9700 CASHFOR CARS LONG ISLAND.NET
THE power of CLAS SIFIED!
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
THE power of CLAS SIFIED!
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
6
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you. GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 press “2”
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you. CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call toda y! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Contrary to one popular misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican independence. According to History.com, Mexico’s Día de la Independencia is commemorated on September 16. So what does Cinco de Mayo commemorate? Cinco de Mayo commemorates an improbable Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Though Cinco de Mayo is now celebrated across the United States, it remains a minor holiday in Mexico that is primarily observed in the state of Puebla. Knowledge of the holiday’s origins may or may not be widespread among American celebrants, many of whom view Cinco de Mayo as a celebration of Mexican culture.
HONORING
Benjamin Markan Partner, REMCO Agency
Benjamin has been a steadfast supporter of individuals and nonprofits, including New Ground, consistently giving back through donations and service to help break the cycle of homelessness for Long Island's Veterans and families
OUR MISSION
New Ground helps Veterans and families break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Our dedicated Social Workers target long-term solutions including higher education, career development, and financial literacy, to empower clients to achieve self-sufficiency. Supporting the children’s academics and well-being means future independence for all!
GOLF COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
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Se Necesitan Albaniles Con O Algo De Experiencia.
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Did You Know?
According to the Department of Defense (DOD), the United States Armed Forces had 1.33 million active-duty troops as of 2025, along with an additional 770,118 serving in the National Guard and reserves. Active-duty personnel serve across six main branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. As of December 2025, the Army had the largest number of active-duty troops (447,455), followed by the Navy (339,602), while the Air Force (315,317) ranked third in size.
Indoor Air Quality
(NAPSI)—Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Unbeknownst to homeowners, common pollutants lurk inside homes, affecting health in subtle yet significant ways. Learn more at www.NADCA.com/ Homeowners.
