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South Bay's Neighbor

Oquenock Elementary Welcomes

New Principal

West Islip Union Free School District has named Dr. Donna Flynn as principal of Oquenock Elementary School, effective July 1. A familiar face in the West Islip School community, Dr. Flynn has previously served as assistant principal at Beach Street Middle School since July 2023 and from October 2018 to August 2021. She also served as assistant principal at West Islip High School from August 2021 to June 2023. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

DAVID SANDERS

DANCE DYNAMICS

SCHOOL OF NATIONAL DANCE CHAMPIONS

REGISTRATION DATES & TIMES

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY AUGUST 11TH, 12TH & 13TH 6-8:30PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH 11-2PM

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH, 19TH & 20TH 6-8:30PM

SATURDAY AUGUST 22ND 11-2PM

CLASSES START THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

Call For More Information Or To Register! FAMILY & MULTIPLE CLASS DISCOUNTS!

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Awards

Students From East Northport, Dix Hills, Huntington, Farmingdale, Shirley, Mastic Beach, Bellport, West Islip, Syosset And Wading River Honored

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) recently awarded Ten $1,000 scholarships to ten 2026 graduating students from across Long Island. Also, for the fourth year in a row the Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship ($500) was awarded by the DeRosa family in the memory of LIMEHOF inductee Pat DeRosa.

“The record number of scholarship applications we received this year is an encouraging sign for the future of the arts,” said Tom Needham, Vice Chairman of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. “We are proud to

provide thousands of dollars in scholarship support to outstanding students pursuing careers in music performance, music education, and theater, and we look forward to seeing the contributions they will make to their communities and the arts for years to come.”

Kolton Chamberlain (Tuba & Voice) Mastic Beach, NY/ William Floyd High School. Kolton will be studying Music Education & Performance at Ithaca College.

Harry Diner (Violin & Logic Pro Electronic Music) Huntington, NY/Harborfields High School. Harry will be attending Cornell University. Riley Fergus (Viola) East

Northport, NY/Half Hollow Hills High School. Riley will be studying at The Juilliard School.

Chloe Leshnower (Classical Voice) Dix Hills, NY/Half Hollow Hills High School East. Chloe will be pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, with a Vocal Performance Certificate.

Abigail Ng (Violin) East Northport, NY/Northport High School. Abigail will be pursuing a degree in Music Education at Syracuse University.

Gavin Pollack (Oboe) West Islip, NY/West Islip High School. Gavin will be

attending the University of Miami Frost School of Music, studying Music Education with a minor in Education.

Julius Radino (Drums) Bellport, NY/Bellport Senior High School. Julius will be attending the University of Miami Frost School of Music, pursuing the M.A.D.E. program.

Jackson Seifert (Tenor Trombone) Shirley, NY/ William Floyd High School. Jackson will be attending the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University.

Nicholas Suwalski (Trumpet) Farmingdale, NY/ Farmingdale High School. Nicholas will be studying for a Double Major in

Trumpet Performance and Music Education at Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music.

Lisa Yasinov (Voice –Soprano) Syosset, NY/ Syosset High School. Lisa will be pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Classical Vocal Performance at New England Conservatory.

2026 Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship Winner Christian Seymourimage (Saxophone) Wading River, NY/Riverhead High School.

Christian will be studying Music Education at Ithaca College.

LIMEHOF has awarded tens of thousands of

scholarships to Long Island high school students since its inception. The students submit applications that are judged by LIMHOF’s education committee, chaired by board member Tom Needham. This year had a record number of applications received. Students from schools in Queens and Brooklyn are eligible to apply in addition to those from Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

For more information about LIMEHOF’s scholarships and educational programs visit https://www. limusichalloffame.org/ scholarshipsgrants/

2026 LIMEHOF Music Scholarship winners. L-R Harry Diner, Chloe Leshnower, Abigail Ng, Gavin Pollack, Julius Radino, Jackson Seifert, Kolton Chamberlain, Lisa Yasinov, Nicholas Suwalski and Christian Seymour. Photo Credit Steve Leung.

LOOP-LOC SAFETY COVERS FREE MEASURE & INSTALLATION ON NEW COVERS

*When Ordered Before September 1st

The Paumanauke Native American Festival Inc., in partnership with the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) and the Town of Babylon, proudly presents the 44th Annual Paumanauke Pow Wow, taking place Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9 at Tanner Park in Copiague.

Celebrating Native American heritage and traditions, this familyfriendly annual event welcomes visitors of all ages for two days filled with vibrant cultural experiences, including Traditional, InterTribal and Aztec dance performances, exciting dance competitions, traditional drumming, Native American artisans,

artists, crafts, authentic foods, and specialty vendors. The Pow Wow offers an opportunity for the public to experience and learn about Native American culture while supporting an important cause. Proceeds from the event benefit the Native American Scholarship Fund.

Event Details Dates & Times

Saturday, August 8 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Grand Entry Ceremonies: Noon & 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 9 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Grand Entry Ceremony: Noon Location

Tanner Park 400 Baylawn Avenue Copiague, NY 11726

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Photo by Dan Seagraves

AUGUST HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7th

10:00AM-1:00PM

MEET THE AUTHOR

Romance/ Women's Fiction Author

Effie Kammenou at Jack Jack's Coffee House 223 Deer Park Ave. in Babylon. Effie Kammenou writes emotionally rich women's fiction and contemporary romance with historical elements inspired by Greek heritage, close-knit families, and second chances at love. For more information, please call 917 577 3411, misslaffsalot48@gmail.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8th

11:00AM-5:00PM CLAMFEST

A Clamfest will be held at the Sayville United Methodist Church. The church is located at the corner of Main Street and Greene Avenue. The menu includes clam chowder, baked clams, hot dogs, hamburgers and more! Come on down and enjoy yourself! For more information, please call 631-589-0624

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8th

10:00AM–9:30PM Grand Entry Ceremonies: NOON & 7:00PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9th

10:00AM–5:00PM Grand Entry Ceremony: NOON 44th ANNUAL PAUMANAUKE POW WOW

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

at Tanner Park in Copiague. The Pow Wow offers an opportunity for the public to experience and learn about Native American culture while supporting an important cause. Proceeds from the event beneﬁt the Native American Scholarship Fund. No advance ticket sales. Cash only at the gate. Rain or shine. For more information, visit www.paumanauke. org or call 516-495-6076. Information is also available through the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts at www.babylonarts.org or 631-587-3696.

MONDAY, AUGUST 10th

7:00PM

SWINGTIME BIG BAND

Swingtime Big Band is bringing the Swing Era to life at the Long Island Maritime Museum to celebrate America's 250th Birthday. This 20-piece swing band will be performing music from the Great American Songbook in threedimensional sound, authentically recreating the style, musicality, and essence of each iconic big band that originated in these song hits. This concert is FREE and will take place at the historic Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a free performance under the stars! For more information, please call 631-888-3525

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11th

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT

COMMISSION MEETING

7150 Republic Airport, Room 201, in Farmingdale. For more

information, please call 631-7527707 x6109 or email: contactus@ republicairport.net

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16th

4:30PM LUAU NIGHT

Featuring Hawaiian Entertainment, Dinner, Music by DJ and Dancing $45 includes a Buffet Dinner, Soda, Dessert, and Coffee/Tea. Cash Bar. Rafﬂes. Tix & Info: Antoinette @ 516-526-6777. Brumidi Lodge Sons & Daughters of Italy in America 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park

EVERY THURSDAY thru AUGUST 23rd

6:45PM-10:00PM

BINGO THURSDAY NIGHTS

At Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave. in Lynbrook. $2000 Cash Prizes. Doors open 5:00pm. - Games Start 6:45pm. We have computers!!! For more information, please call 516-887-2228

EVERY SATURDAY thru OCTOBER 24th

9:00AM-1:00PM

AMITYVILLE FARMER'S MARKET

The Amityville Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings on the Great Lawn at 25 Broadway in Amityville, next to the historic First United Methodist Church. Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information, contact amityfarmers market @ gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol. com.

Continued From 6

paumanauke.org or call (516) 495-6076. Information is also available through the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts at www. babylonarts.org or 631-5873696. About BACCA

The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching Long Island through arts programming, performances, exhibitions, and educational opportunities that celebrate creativity and community.

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.

Kids Coloring Contest!

Get creative and color the drawing to the best of your ability! Four winners will be chosen - one in each age category: 4-5, 6-7, 8-10 & 11-12.

Winners will receive a 4-pack of tickets to the Long Island Aquarium All entries must be submitted by August 23. Winners will be notified on August 24. 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:

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Yes: _______ No:

Perseids Meteor Shower Viewing At State Parks

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that several Long Island State Parks will remain open during the nighttime hours for viewing of the Perseids Meteor Shower on Wednesday, August 12 through predawn hours of Thursday, August 13, 2026

There will be no charge and the normal star gazing permit will not be required. You must remain near your vehicle.

We suggest that you dress appropriately, bring bug spray, and a chair that reclines. Binoculars are not necessary. Look towards the northeast and enjoy the celestial show.

State Parks that will remain open for viewing are:

• Jones Beach State ParkWest End 2 (west parking lot)

• Sunken Meadow State Park - Field 3

• Montauk Point State Park

- Upper Parking Lot

• Wildwood State Park –Field 1 Parking Lot

• Orient Beach State Park –Main Parking Lot

• Hallock State Park Preserve – Upper Parking Lot

LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP

LI’s Argyle Theatre Presents BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical

Directed By Banji Aborisade;

Choreographer Victoria Casillo; Musical Director Jonathan Brenner Starring; Tess Jonas, Joey Lavarco, Lily Daugherty, Lukas James Miller, Chris Donovan, And Kristine Zbornik

Performances through August 30, 2026

The Argyle Theatre’s BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical, is a Tony® and Grammy® Awardwinning Broadway hit that celebrates the life, music, and enduring legacy of one of America’s greatest songwriters. Featuring an unforgettable catalog of chart-topping classics and the inspiring true story behind them, Beautiful will run through August 30, 2026.

Before she was hit-maker

Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the charttopping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.

Beautiful is the inspiring tale about a girl who

became King with a stirring book by the late Oscar and Tony-nominated Douglas McGrath and the music and lyrics of icons Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend”, “One Fine Day”, “So Far Away”, “Take Good Care of My Baby”, “Up on the Roof”, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, and “Natural Woman”, this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget.

The cast will star Tess Jonas (Regional: Little Women) as Carole King, Joey LaVarco (Broadway: 13 The Musical) as Barry Mann, Lily Daugherty (Educational: A Little Night Music) as Cynthia Weil, Lukas James Miller (National Tour: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) as Gerry Goffin, Chris Donovan (Regional: Argyle’s The Music Man) as Don Kirshner and Kristine Zbornik (Broadway: A Catered Affair, Argyle’s The Full Monty) as Genie with Laila Canelo (Regional: West Side Story Argyle’s A Bronx Tale), Meredith Heller (Argyle’s Fiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Carol), Cody Howard (Regional: Oklahoma!), Dante Rayvonne Hill (International Tour: The Wizard of Oz), Shannan Lydon (Argyle’s A Chorus Line, Jersey Boys), David Benjamin Perry (Regional: White Christmas), Jeremiah Smith (National Tour: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol), Kendall Stewart (Regional: Once On This Island),Payton Tabb (TheatreWorks USA: Stuntboy, In the Meantime), Ephraim Takyi (National Tour: The Wiz), Remi Veronica (OffBroadway: After Happily Ever After) and Travis Talib Wroten (TheatreWorks USA: Pete the Cat). Swings include Ava Arkin, Tatiana Padro, Nathan Stevenson,

and Jake Van Eycken.

“Carole King’s music has been the soundtrack to so many of our lives. Her songs capture the joy, heartbreak, friendship, and resilience that connect generations, and they remain as powerful today as when they were first written. Beautiful is more than a jukebox musical— it’s the inspiring story of an artist who found her voice and changed the landscape of popular music forever. We are thrilled to bring this remarkable production to the Argyle Theatre and share these timeless songs and extraordinary story with our audiences on Long Island this summer.”

— Evan Pappas, Producing Artistic Director, The Argyle Theatre

With a book by Douglas McGrath, and music and lyrics by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann And Cynthia Weil, the creative team includes Banji Aborisade (Director), Victoria Casillo (Choreographer), Jonathan Brenner (Musical Director), Elizabeth Olson (Scenic & Projection Design), Gib Gibney (Lighting Design), Amanda Scanze (Costume Design), Kimberly S. O’Loughlin (Sound Design), Emma Uva (Hair/Wig/

Makeup Design), Callie Hester (Props Designer & Artisan), and Russ Brown (Music Coordinator). The production team includes Gabrielle P. Guagenti (Production Stage Manager), Alden Kennedy (Assistant Stage Manager), and Pat Downes (Technical Director). The Casting Director is Michael Cassara, CSA.

NOW ON SALE: Tickets for BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical range from $70-$95 and may be purchased online at www. argyletheatre.com or by calling (631) 230-3500.

Performance Schedule: Wednesday at 7 PM; Thursday at 7 PM; Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM; Saturday matinees at 2:30 PM Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. Select Wednesday matinees at 2 PM (July 22nd, 29th, and Aug. 19th).

For group rates, please contact Marty Rubin, Director of Sales, at Marty@ ArgyleTheatre.com. For advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ann Steinberg at Ann@ ArgyleTheatre.com.

For tickets and the complete schedule, please visit ArgyleTheatre.com.

Tess Jonas as Carole King. Photo coutresy of Richard Termine

Oquenock Elementary Welcomes New Principal

West Islip Union Free School District has named Dr. Donna Flynn as principal of Oquenock Elementary School, effective July 1. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

West Islip Union Free School District has named Dr. Donna Flynn as principal of Oquenock Elementary School, effective July 1.

A familiar face in the West Islip School community, Dr. Flynn has previously served as assistant principal at Beach Street Middle School since July 2023 and from October 2018 to August 2021. She also served as assistant principal at West

Islip High School from August 2021 to June 2023.

“I am honored to serve the Oquenock Elementary School community as principal and look forward to getting to know our students, families and staff,” she said. “Together, we will continue to create a school where every child feels supported, challenged and encouraged to reach their full potential. I’m excited to be part of this wonderful community and

to build on Oquenock’s strong tradition of excellence.”

Dr. Flynn holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Stony Brook University and a master’s degree in education from Dowling College. Additionally, she completed her doctorate in education from Concordia University. She holds professional certificates in school building leader and school district leader.

Beach Street Names New Assistant Principal

West Islip Union Free School District has appointed Allison Filippone as assistant principal at Beach Street Middle School, effective July 1.

Ms. Filippone has spent the last 20 years as an educator and school leader. She comes to West Islip from Sewanhaka High School, where she served as dean of students for the past two years and summer school assistant

principal in 2025. Prior to that position, she worked as an art teacher at Sewanhaka High School since 2006.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be joining such a welcoming school community,” she said.

“I believe that when students feel connected, supported, and known, they are more confident learners and more willing to take on new challenges. I look forward to getting

August Art Programs For Long Island Seniors

to know the community, celebrating successes, and contributing to the incredible work already happening at Beach Street.”

Ms. Filippone holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a master’s degree in fine arts education from Hofstra University. She completed her advanced certificate in educational leadership at Stony Brook University.

The AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center invites Long Island seniors to participate in free art programs at the Center (149 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville) this August.

Seniors can view the events schedule and register by visiting www.afalongisland. org or calling the Center at 631-223-4000.

Art has many benefits. It can improve emotional well-being and cognitive

health; reduce stress and anxiety; build self-esteem and confidence; and evoke positive memories. Participating in programs with others also stimulates social interaction and connection Programs offered during August include:

Art Appreciation Using the Arts and Minds Approach –This program gives seniors, individuals living with dementia, and caregivers, a place to enjoy and immerse

themselves in art! Directed by a specially trained leader, the group gathers around to look at a selected work of art, contemplating and reflecting on how it inspires them. The educator leads the group in a conversation about the art, connecting everyone’s observations, ideas, and feelings. A hands-on artmaking activity where everyone explores materials and creative expression follows the discussion.

Shoreline Expressions

- Use your creativity and create a unique piece of art using treasures from the seashore. Beach glass, seashells and driftwood combine to create seaside images and frame the beauty of the season.

Visual Poetry - Create poetry that combines words with images, colors, symbols, and typography to express ideas and emotions. Using cutout words and descriptive phrases, you

will craft a visual poem that adds meaning through both language and design.

Open Art Studio

- Explore painting, sculpture, collage, and more at your own pace. Allow your creativity to bloom with guidance and instruction from therapeutic specialists.

Visual Poetry – Message in a Bottle – Create a visual poem using words, images, colors, and symbols. Choose from pre-printed

text or write your own to create a meaningful keepsake while engaging creativity, memory, and attention.

All programs are open to seniors of all skill levels. No prior experience is needed. View program dates and times and register to participate by visiting www.afalongisland.org or by calling the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631223-4000.

West Islip Union Free School District has appointed Allison Filippone as assistant principal at Beach Street Middle School, effective July 1. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District