Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata was recently sworn in as President of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association (SCVOA) Executive Board. Having served on the Executive Board since 2022, Mayor Lavorata now succeeds outgoing President, Village of Brightwaters Mayor John Valdini. Pictured (left to right): Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri; Suffolk County Legislator (LD15) Jason Richberg; Village of Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata; and Village of Brightwaters Mayor John Valdini.
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:
MOTHER'S DAY
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.
Mayor Lavorata Inducted As SCVOA Executive Board President
Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata was recently sworn in as President of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association (SCVOA) Executive Board. Having served on the Executive Board since 2022, Mayor Lavorata now succeeds outgoing President, Village of Brightwaters Mayor John Valdini. The SCVOA’s mission is to inform, support, and advocate on behalf of the 32 villages of Suffolk County.
Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “It’s a privilege to take on this role and continue working alongside such dedicated village leaders across Suffolk County. I look forward to strengthening collaboration among our communities and advancing the shared priorities that support our residents and local governments.”
Pictured (left to right): Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri; Suffolk County Legislator (LD15) Jason Richberg; Village of Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata; and Village of Brightwaters Mayor John Valdini.
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.
Lindenhurst School District Announces Nominations For Pride Of Lindenhurst Award
The Lindenhurst Board of Education is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the annual Pride of Lindenhurst Award, recognizing individuals and groups whose outstanding contributions inspire pride throughout the Lindenhurst Public Schools and the greater school district community. Purpose
The purpose of this award is to recognize an outstanding contribution made by an individual or an organization to instill pride in the Lindenhurst Public Schools and, by doing so, in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District. Award Categories Awards are presented annually in the following categories, with only one recipient selected per category:
Category 1: Open to any student or group of students, male or female, elementary or secondary Category 2: Open to any employee of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District, except central office administrators Category 3: Open to any community organization or individual who demonstrates an outstanding effort to improve pride in the
Lindenhurst Union Free School District
Nominations and Awards
Nominations must be submitted in writing and mailed to the President of the Board of Education. Members of the Board of Education and Central Office Administrators are not eligible for this award. Awards in Categories 2 and 3 will be presented at a public Board of Education meeting in June. For Category 1, elementary student recipients will be honored at their school’s graduation ceremony, while secondary student recipients will be recognized at the high school graduation.
Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for deserving candidates who exemplify dedication, leadership, and a commitment
Did You Know?
to strengthening the Lindenhurst school community.
To request a nomination form, please contact the Lindenhurst School District. Completed nomination forms must be mailed to: Board of Education Lindenhurst Union Free School District 350 Daniel Street Lindenhurst, New York 11757
All nominations must be received by May 7, 2026. For additional information or to request a nomination form, please call 631-867-3001.
The Pride of Lindenhurst Award continues to celebrate the individuals and organizations who make a lasting impact and help foster a strong sense of pride across the district.
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.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION
Teri Tinkler
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN HERE FOR MORE
INFORMATION:
VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held on the 5th day of May 2026 at 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, on the question of the enactment of Local Law #32026, amending the Code of the Village of Lindenhurst as follows:
Local Law #3-2026
Amending the Code of the Incorporated Village of Lindenhurst, New York, Chapter 171, Article VIII, entitled “Alternative Veterans Exemption,” § 171-45(D) to read as follows:
Chapter 171. Taxation Article VIII. Alternative Veterans Exemption § 171-4 5. Exemption Established D.
In addition to the exemption provided by Subsections A, B, and C, of this section, qualifying real property shall be fully exempt from taxation and special district charges, assessment, and special ad valorem levies where the veteran meets the following criteria:
(1) The veteran is considered to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of Military service;
(2) The veteran is rated one
hundred percent disabled or has been declared individually unemployable by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(3) The veteran is eligible for or has received pecuniary assistance from the United States government and has applied such assistance toward the acquisition or modification of a suitable housing unit with features or facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran’s disability.
§171-50 Effective date
This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
Dated: April 21, 2026
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Inc. Village of Lindenhurst Kathleen Schrader Village Clerk
LV N & S - 872 - 4/29/26
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed Proposals will be received by the Inc. Village of Lindenhurst, 430 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York until 11:00 a.m. May 13th 2026. Proposals will be publicly opened and read, and awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:
BID 957-26A
VILLAGE PARK RUBBER SURFACING REPLACEMENT
FIREMENS PARK: 393 N. ALLEGHANY AVE FOR
INC. VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST
Specifications may be obtained at Lindenhurst Village Hall, 430 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 on or after April 29th 2026. The Village Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids it deems necessary in the best interest of the Village Taxpayers.
By Order of the Village Board Inc. Village of Lindenhurst Kathleen Schrader Village Clerk
LV N & S - 873 - 4/29/26
Tell Us About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
Pavers, Patios, Drivew ays, Stoops, Cultured Stone
•CULTURED
•BELGIA
•BRICK
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.
Adoption Gives Dogs A New ‘Leash’ On Life
“Adopt don’t shop” is a mantra utilized by many organizations devoted to finding loving homes for shelter animals. With thousands of dogs, cats and other companion animals residing in shelters or being fostered until they can find their forever homes, rescue organizations urge the pet-loving public to adopt rather than purchase dogs from private breeders. Individuals who choose to adopt a dog from a private rescue, humane
society, animal shelter, or another welfare group would be wise to follow some guidelines that can help individuals and families find the best matches with their new pets.
“It’s important to be honest with the rescue group regarding, not only what you’re looking for in a dog, such as disposition, energy level, age, and size, but to describe the overall household dynamic,” advises Toni Diamond, founder of Diamond
Dogs Rescue, Inc. (www. diamonddogsrescueinc. com), a foster-based rescue with resources in New Jersey and Massachusetts. “This way the rescue can match your needs with the dogs they have available to ensure the best opportunity the placed pet will remain in your home.”
Here are some other tips to consider if you’re thinking of adopting a pet.
• Think about fostering first. If you’re on the fence about whether to take in a dog right
now, fostering offers a way to gauge how life can change with a dog in the household. Fostering a dog can free up resources and enable rescues to help other dogs. Many “foster fails” are dogs that foster families adopted themselves because they couldn’t bear to give the dogs up.
• Expect to be vetted. Rescue groups generally do some type of adopter check, which includes an application questionnaire, and may want to visit your home to be sure that it is safe and comfortable for the dog. Expect an adoption fee, as this helps defray the cost of sheltering animals.
• Don’t feel limited by geography. Rescues handle dogs from across the country. Some may even be willing to facilitate travel from one area
to another. If you see a dog online that seems to be a perfect fit but is a good distance away, contact the rescue to see what can be done.
• Be patient and openminded. Rescued animals often have been jostled around a bit, moving from place to place. Expect a transition period for the shell-shocked animal to settle down
before judging his or her true personality. It’s possible for rescued dogs to have accidents in a home, act out or be hesitant around people while they learn to trust their new owners.
Adopting a dog can be a great way to add to the family and provide a loving animal with new beginnings.
Format: Texas Scramble
Benjamin Markan Partner, REMCO Agency PROUDLY HONORING
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
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
Diane Caputi Retired, Dime Bank
Steven M. DiMare CEO, Unified Home Remodeling
David P. Ofenloch, Esq. Partner,Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP
