- Deer Park High School’s football program hosted its second annual Commitment Day on March 24, welcoming Robert Frost Middle School eighth graders who plan to continue their football careers at the high school level. The event, held in the high school chorus room, introduced incoming players to the varsity and junior varsity coaching staff and provided an overview of team expectations and rules. The Deer Park varsity football team will open its upcoming season at home on Sept. 10 against Centereach. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
Legislator Donnelly Honors The Stapleton Family Of Deer Park
Suffolk County
Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) honored the Stapleton Family of Deer Park as his Irish Americans of Distinction for 2026, presenting them with a special proclamation during the Irish American Heritage Celebration held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 24.
Longtime residents of Deer Park, Viv and Noreen Stapleton have built a family deeply rooted in Irish music, faith and community. Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Babylon and parishioners of Ss. Cyril and Methodius RC Church, they raised their four children, Thomas, Sean, Shane and Fiona, immersed in Irish music and dance.
Born in Dublin, Viv Stapleton emigrated to New York in 1992 and has
distinguished himself as a lifelong drummer, performing with numerous pipe bands including FDNY, NYU, NYC Transit Police, NYC Sanitation and Nassau County Firefighters. He currently serves as lead drummer of the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band and has competed at the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland and All-Ireland competitions. Their children have also achieved distinction in Irish music and culture, with Thomas serving as Pipe Major of Roisin Dubh’s Grade 3 band, Shane earning recognition as an AllIreland champion solo snare drummer and Fiona serving as President of the Iona University Pipe Band and Gaelic Society while also excelling as an Irish dancer.
“The Stapleton family
embodies the spirit of Irish-American Heritage Month through their dedication to music, culture and community,” said Legislator Donnelly.
“Their passion for preserving Irish traditions across generations is truly laudable and I am proud to recognize them as my 2026 Irish Americans of Distinction.”
Resolution 104619 designated March as “Irish American Heritage Month” in Suffolk County. Held in conjunction with this legislation, the Irish American of Distinction program recognizes outstanding leaders from the community to highlight the enormous contributions Irish Americans have made to our county. All 18 honorees, one from each legislative district, were recognized at the March 24 ceremony.
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly, pictured far left, presents a proclamation to from left to right, Viv, Noreen, Shane and Fiona of the Stapleton Family, residents of Deer Park, as his Irish Americans of Distinction for 2026 at the Irish American Heritage Celebration, held on March 24 at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. Not pictured, Sean and Thomas Stapleton.
APRIL HAPPENINGS
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, 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
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
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
James. For further information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732w
TUESDAY, APRIL 14th
7:00PM REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
7150 Republic Airport, Room 201 in Farmingdale. For information call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email: contactus@republicairport.net
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
SATURDAY, APRIL 18th
12:00PM-2:30PM EXPO & HEALTH FAIR
The Farmingdale Community Summit Council, Inc. is thrilled to announce the Farmingdale Community Expo and Health Fair, a free event open to all members of the community at the Farmingdale Public Library. An afternoon of connection, learning, and fun! For more information, please call 516-454-6813, or website: FarmingdaleSummit.org, email: farmingdalesummitmail.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 19th
10:00AM-4:30PM ALL KIDS FAIR
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/
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 631-559-2915, www. isliphamlethistory.org
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. $25 donation per person. Tickets are 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
2026 Summer Run Series
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the return of the annual Summer Run Series. This eight-race series will begin Monday, June 8 and will run through Monday, August 10, 2026. Participation in the Summer Run Series will be limited to a total of 4,000 runners. Advance registration is required, please visit https://events. elitefeats.com/26srs.
Registration for Tier 1 includes all eight races and is open to a maximum of 2,500 runners. Cost is $100 per registrant. Online registration opens Saturday, April 11 at 6:00 AM for 2,500 runners.
Registration for Tier 2 and wheelchair accessible races is open to a maximum of 1,500 runners. Cost is $75 per registrant. Tier 2 registration includes the following four races only: Heckscher 5-mile on June
8, Sunken Meadow 10K on June 15, Heckscher 5K on August 3, and Jones Beach 5-mile on August 10. Wheelchair accessible races include the following four races only: Heckscher 5-mile on June 8, Caumsett 5K on July 13, Heckscher 5K on August 3, and Jones Beach 5-mile on August 10. Online registration opens Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 AM to the first 1,500 runners. The Summer Run Series will be held on Monday nights at 7:00 PM at the following State Parks: June 8 Heckscher - 5-mile (Wheelchair accessible) June 15 Sunken Meadow - 10K June 22 Belmont Lake5K July 13 Caumsett State Continued On 14
Earth Day is now a global event, but its origins are somewhat humble. Prior to the 1960s, awareness of the link between public health and pollution was minimal. However, according to EarthDay.org, the 1962 publication of Silent
Spring by American marine biologist, writer and conservationist Rachel Carson was a watershed moment for the environmental movement. The book did much to raise awareness of the effects of pollution on public health. Indeed, the publication of
Carson’s book proved a pivotal step toward the eventual establishment of Earth Day in 1970, which EarthDay. org characterizes as the dawn of the modern environmental movement.
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Deer Park HS Celebrates Winter Athletes At Annual Awards Night
Earlier this month, 27 Deer Park High School students competed in New York DECA’s 66th annual State Career Conference in Rochester. They were among over 3,000 students from 132 schools in attendance. A total of 11 Deer Park students received recognition for their outstanding performances.
Top 10 Role Play Medals:
Elizabeth Boyle — Hotel & Lodging Management
Gianna Montes — Quick Serve Restaurant Management
Top 10 Test Medals:
Aaron Allen — Principles of
Entrepreneurship
Madison Griffin — Retail Merchandising
Samanta Mieses — Restaurant & Food Service Management
Jaidyn Schabe — Personal Financial Literacy
Jayna Singh — Quick Serve Restaurant Management
Trophy Winners:
Ruby Kappel — Seventh place in Apparel & Accessories Marketing
Lauren Marable — Second place in Business Services Marketing
Sidra Syed — Fourth place in Food Marketing
Thomas Wesnofske — Fifth place in Automotive
Services Marketing
The four trophy winners will be competing in DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, at the end of April.
Additionally, students Tanin Ahmadzai, Abigail Cullen, Lucas DiVanna, Madison Griffin, Jaidyn Schabe and Sidra Syed were inducted into the New York DECA Honor Society. Requirements for induction include three or more years of membership in DECA, an 85 average in all classes, a 90 average in business classes and participation in at least one state conference.
Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
Deer Park High School students who competed in New York DECA’s 66th annual State Career Conference in Rochester.
Deer Park High School students Tanin Ahmadzai, Abigail Cullen, Lucas DiVanna, Madison Griffin, Jaidyn Schabe and Sidra Syed were inducted into the New York DECA Honor Society.
Deer Park High School students who competed in New York DECA’s 66th annual State Career Conference in Rochester.
Deer Park HS Celebrates Winter Athletes At Annual Awards Night
Deer Park High School hosted its annual winter varsity sports awards night on March 12, led by Athletic Director
Dominick Fontana. Student athletes from nine winter teams –cheerleading, kickline, boys and girls basketball,
wrestling, boys bowling, boys swimming and diving, and boys and girls winter track – were recognized for their hard
work and achievements throughout the season.
During the ceremony, held in an auditorium packed with proud
families, athletes received certificates and plaques honoring accomplishments such as Most Valuable Player, Coaches Award, Spirit Award and Scholar-Athlete recognition.
Community Presbyterian Church Donates Easter Baskets To Food Pantry
Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
The Deer Park High School varsity kickline team was honored at the school’s winter varsity sports awards night on March 12.
The Deer Park High School varsity boys wrestling team was honored at the school’s winter varsity sports awards night on March 12.
The Ladies of our Mission Committee at Community Presbyterian Church in Deer Park assembled 74 Easter baskets and donated them to the North Babylon Food Pantry. The baskets were put together by members of the committee. The church is located at 1843 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park.
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2026 Summer Run Series
From page 6
Park - 5K (Wheelchair accessible)
July 20 Robert Moses - 1-Mile Beach Run
July 27 Hempstead Lake - 5K
August 3 Heckscher - 5K (Wheelchair accessible)
August 10 Jones Beach - 5-mile (Wheelchair accessible)
The Summer Run Series is sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust, Foundation for Long Island State Parks, 106.1 WBLI, 102.3 WBAB, Runners Edge, FourLeaf Federal
Credit Union, Boening Brothers, Performax Physical Therapy and Wellness, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Newsday, and WildPlay Elements Park, Jones Beach.
All proceeds will support future New York State Parks programs For additional information on the annual Summer Run Series, please contact the Regional Recreation Department at 631-321-3510. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom. Photo courtesy of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Did You Know?
Avid
readers may feel there’s nothing better than diving into a good book, but that book might be even more beneficial than they realize, particularly for older book lovers. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine noted that reading books can promote empathy, social perception and emotional intelligence, notable benefits that researchers found contributed to a survival advantage. Researchers behind the study noted book readers experienced a 20 percent reduction in risk of mortality over a 12-year followup period than non-book readers. Equally notable among the researchers’ findings was older individuals who read books enjoyed this survival advantage regardless of their gender, overall health, socioeconomic status, or education levels.
