February 11, 2026 Deer Park by Long Island Media Group

WHERE BETTER NEVER STOPS.

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Here at Good Samaritan University Hospital, “better” isn’t a finish line. It’s a starting point. A new beginning. A symbol of transformation our community deserves. And while our Patient Care Pavilion will feature an all-new, expanded emergency department, technologically advanced operating rooms, reimagined private patient rooms, and enhanced Trauma and Stroke centers, we know that better care isn’t just about the building. It’s about the people inside, and the hands that heal. Because better is something we live every day. And it never stops.

Deer Park’s DECA Students Earn 27 Trophies At County Competition

Deer Park High School’s business students earned 27 trophies at DECA’s recent Suffolk County Regional Competition. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District

Deer Park High School sent 76 business students from its DECA club to participate in DECA’s recent Suffolk County Regional Competition, guided by adviser Gregory Menig. They were among nearly 900 students from across the county vying for spots in this year’s state career conference.

Deer Park’s students proved outstanding, earning 27 trophies. In addition, nine received honorable mention recognition for their performance.

The trophy winners will be moving on to compete in New York DECA’s 67th annual State Career Conference, to be held from March 4-6 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, New York, as they try to qualify for the International Competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

Congratulations to the following Deer Park students:

TROPHY WINNERS

Ruby Kappel – Apparel & Accessories Marketing (third place)

Thomas Wesnofske

– Automotive Services Marketing

Tanin Ahmadzai/Lucas DiVanna – Business Law & Ethics Team (third place)

Noah Olthoff – Business Services Marketing

Lauren Marable – Business Services Marketing (second place)

Connor McGuinness –Entrepreneurship

Arfan Rahman/Armaan Sayedi – Entrepreneurship Team

Arianna Ahmad/Emily Velasquez – Financial Services Team

Sidra Syed – Food Marketing (first place)

Elizabeth Boyle – Hotel & Lodging Management

Abigail Cullen – Hotel & Lodging Management (third place)

Jaidyn Schabe – Personal Financial Literacy (second place)

Jose Oliva – Principles of Entrepreneurship

Aaron Allen – Principles of Entrepreneurship (first place)

Abigail Daniel –Principles of Finance (first place)

Ethan Cullen - Principles of Hospitality & Tourism

Sean Cullen – Quick

Serve Restaurant Management

Jayna Singh – Quick

Serve Restaurant Management (third place)

Gianna Montes –Quick Serve Restaurant Management (second place)

Parleen Kaur –Restaurant & Food Service Management

Samantha Mieses –Restaurant & Food Service Management (second place)

Madison Griffin – Retail Merchandising

Jaskarn Singh/Eshan Zaman – Travel & Tourism Team

HONORABLE MENTION

Raquibul Hasan –Accounting Applications

Manaal Irfan – Apparel & Accessories Marketing

Caleb Pierre –Automotive Services Marketing

Abrar Hossain –Entrepreneurship

Bertrand Mondelus –Food Marketing

Aubriella Nunez – Hotel & Lodging Management

Raiaana Sarker – Retail Merchandising

Imaan Fasih/Enaya

Jehanzeb – Travel & Tourism Team

Black Experiences In The Revolutionary War Lecture At Bethpage State Park

New York State Parks celebrates America’s SemiQuincentennial.

On Sunday, February 22nd, the New York State Parks’ Interpreter for African American History will present a special lecture program called “Black Experiences in the Revolutionary War”. The program will be held from 1:30 – 3:00pm at Bethpage State Park’s Heritage Club in the Lenox Room.

Program Description: The Revolutionary War was more than battles. It was about people. Those saying no to England also said they did not want to be treated like slaves. Yet, many of them in New York, from the elite class down to tenant farmers were enslavers. Blacks became soldiers for both sides. Black women and children were both laborers and refugees. This program takes a look at the Black faces of the war, people who traditionally have been left out of the story. Presented by Lavada Nahon, Interpreter of African American. Reservations required.

To register, visit Eventbrite. com and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For questions, please call (631) 581-1072.

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly Sworn Into Fifth Term

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), reelected by the residents of the 17th Legislative District in November 2025, was sworn into his fifth term in the County Legislature at the 2026 Legislative Organizational Meeting, held January 5 at the William J. Lindsay County Complex in Hauppauge.

Legislator Donnelly represents residents in the Towns of Babylon, Huntington and Islip, including all or parts of Baywood, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore and South Huntington. A life-long resident of Deer Park and graduate of Deer Park High School, he is a more than four-decade Deer Park Fire Department volunteer firefighter and EMT. Legislator Donnelly served as a Town of Babylon Councilman from 2011 through 2017 and retired as

a 27-year member of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) immediately after election to his first term in the Legislature in 2017.

“It’s a tremendous honor to once again have the trust of the residents of the 17th Legislative District,” said Legislator Donnelly. “As someone who has lived here my entire life, I remain deeply committed to serving our community and look forward to continuing to be a strong voice for our neighbors in county government.”

With his first responder background and commitment to keeping public safety a priority, Legislator Donnelly is pleased to have been reappointed by new Legislative Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo to the Public Safety Committee which has jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to law-enforcement related

business or activities, including the Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department, the County’s correctional facilities and the medical examiner. Legislator Donnelly was also reappointed as a member of the Budget & Finance, Fire, Rescue, EMS & Emergency Preparedness, Seniors & Human Services and Ways & Means Committees.

“From my first day in office, I have been focused on protecting the residents of Suffolk County and they have my commitment that I will continue to use my position on Public Safety to prioritize and advance these goals,” Legislator Donnelly added. “I also look forward to continue serving on the other committees to which I have been reappointed.”

The 17th Legislative district office remains at 590 Nicolls Road in Deer Park and provides free notary services, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Constituents can contact Legislator Donnelly at his district office by phoning (631) 854-4433.

Winter Concert ‘Salon’ Series At Bayard Cutting Arboretum

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the River Room at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park in Great River, New York. The 2026 Winter Concert Salon Series performance schedule is as follows: February 08 – JK Hodge

(Piano)

February 15 – Student Showcase Variety Performance

March 01 – Serenade

Duo Jerry Saulter (Guitar), Michele LoPorte (Flute)

March 08 – Cambiata

Duo Paul Finkelstein

(Cello) & Suzanne Mueller (Cello)

March 15 – Cross

Island Ensemble Suzanne Mueller (Cello), Eleanor Zayas (Piano), Joseph Rutkowski (Clarinet)

Seating will be limited with pre-registration

required through the Islip Arts Council. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. The concerts, free to the public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust.

State Park

For registration, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 888-3525 or visit isliparts.org. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly sits at the legislative horseshoe after being sworn in for his fifth term at the Organizational Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature on January 5 in Hauppauge.

Deer Park High School Students Earn National Recognition In New York Times Writing Contest

Deer Park High school students Lucas Di Vanna and Aubriella Nunez were recently named finalists in the New York Times Learning Network’s second annual Open Letter Contest. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District

Two Deer Park High school students, Lucas Di Vanna and Aubriella Nunez, were recently named finalists in the New York Times Learning Network’s second Open Letter Contest. This year’s prompt asked students, “If you were to write a letter to someone asking for change, who

would you write to? What would you say?”

The contest drew 9,946 entries from teenagers around the world. From that field, The New York Times selected 10 winners, 13 runners-up, 40 honorable mentions and 139 additional finalists.

Di Vanna was named a

runner-up for his letter, “Our Island Has a Heartbeat – Don’t Silence It,” while Nunez was selected as an additional finalist for her piece, “Chocolate, Sweet, Sweet Chocolate!” Both students were advised and supported throughout the submission process by teacher Teresa Greco.

Deer Park BOE Recognizes Middle School Student Leader Inaaya Khan

At the Deer Park School District’s Jan. 20 Board of Education meeting, Robert Frost Middle School student Inaaya Khan was recognized for her outstanding leadership and dedication to her school community. Khan is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, a Gold Honor Roll student and a Project Wisdom Student of the Month.

As a sixth grader, Khan

presented Principal Dr. Eliana Levey with the idea of starting a Muslim Student Association modeled after the high school’s club.

The following year, she became the founder and president of Robert Frost’s Junior Muslim Student Association.

“As the club’s adviser, Dr. Levy has witnessed firsthand Inaaya’s leadership skills among her peers,” Superintendent James

Cummings said. “She designs activities for each meeting, coordinates with high school’s MSA and advocates for her fellow students. She is an impressive individual with a bright future ahead, and Dr. Levy and I could not be more proud to recognize her as a student of distinction within the Deer Park School District.”

New York State Park Police Open Applications For The New Year

The New York State Park Police recently opened applications for park police officers for the state park system which will be accepted until Feb. 18, 2026. The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation requires candidates to be at least 20 years of age at the time of hire and must not have passed their 43rd birthday as of Oct. 1, 2026. Candidates are also asked to have education and experience

including 60 college semester credit hours completed by June 30, 2026; military service; or municipal police training. Learn more at parks.ny.gov/ about/park-police/park-policenewapplicants.

“With updated guidelines and requirements, we are proud to welcome a new generation of park police candidates,” State Parks Acting Commissioner, Kathy Moser, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and

Historic Preservation. “Our park police officers play a vital role in protecting the people, places and experiences that make our state park system so special. As visitation continues to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals who are committed to public service and to ensuring our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Visit https://parks.ny.gov/park-police for more information regarding the application process, agility test and written exam.

New recruits will receive hands-on field work and classroom education in the following: criminal procedure law, penal law, vehicle and traffic law, park and recreation law, and criminal investigations. They’re also offered training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation, along with many other law enforcementrelated topics and skills.

Robert Frost Middle School student Inaaya Khan with Principal Dr. Eliana Levey.

Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, FEB. 12th

10:00AM-2:00PM

AFA HEALTH SCREENING DAY

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting Long Islanders to get free health screenings. The event takes place at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center, 149 Schleigel Boulevard in Amityville. Open to the public and free of charge. First-come, ﬁrst-served basis; no appointments required. For more information, contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000

FRIDAY, FEB. 13th, and SATURDAY, FEB. 14th

Friday 7:30AM, Saturday 1:30PM

VALENTINE’S CABARET DINNER & SHOW

Celebrate St. James, in partnership with the director and cast of Lighthouse Repertory Theater, is presenting a special Valentine’s Cabaret fundraiser. The talented cast is generously donating their time and talent to support the restoration of the historic Calderone Theatre. Performances will be held at Celebrate St. James, located in the historic Calderone Theatre at 176 Second Street in St. James. All proceeds support ongoing theatre restoration efforts. For tickets and more information, please visit www. celebratestjames.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19th

10:00AM-12:00PM

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

WINTER BIRD WALK: FAMILY PROGRAM

2026 Robert Moses State Park in Babylon, Winter Environmental Event Winter on the beach is one of the best birding times of the year! Dress for the weather and we will be walking on sand. Bring binoculars. Reservations required: Visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call or cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21st

1:00PM–4:00pm

HOLIDAY CHEER BUS AWARDS CEREMONY KiDS NEED MoRE will host its Holiday Cheer Bus Awards Ceremony to celebrate the volunteers, fundraisers, donors, sponsors, and community partners who made the holiday season possible. The event honors the “elves” behind the scenes who helped spread cheer to children and families across Long Island. Carney’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 136 Broadway in Amityville. For more information, visit kidsneedmore.org.

7:00PM-11:00PM DANCE TO THE OLDIES

Will be held at the Wade-Burns VFW 7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue in Lindenhurst. Tickets $40.00 pp includes: Hero sandwich, Macaroni and Potato salad, Tap beer, House Wine, Soda, coffee, Tea, Dessert.

Music by DJ Ralph. Call Dot Kelly at 631-957-6574 for ticket availability. Must be 18 or older to attend.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22nd

1:30PM–3:00pm BLACK EXPERIENCES IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR LECTURE

The New York State Parks’ Interpreter for African American History will present a special lecture program called “Black Experiences in the Revolutionary War” at Bethpage State Park’s Heritage Club in the Lenox Room. Reservations are required. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For questions, please call 631-581-1072

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25th

7:00PM

BOY BAND & POP DIVA MUSIC BINGO 317 Main Street in Farmingdale. All winners will receive a prize! Reserve your spot now and purchase your ticket! 21+ / Limited menu available during the event. For more information, please call 631-9214670

THRU SAT. FEB. 28th 11:00AM-4:00PM HIDDEN HEARTS SCAVENGER HUNT

At The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Find the hidden hearts and snag a prize! Free Event. For more information, please call 631-367-3418

State Utilities is a major oil dealer on Long Island providing heating fuel to residents and businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County; we offer on-line fuel ordering, delivery, and full service heating oil contracts.

State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.

Celebrating 74 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their interior comfort. Thank you.

•

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.

Legislator Tom Donnelly And Senator Monica Martinez Host Emergency Preparedness Training

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) and New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez (D-Brentwood) recently hosted a New York Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program in Deer Park to help residents learn how to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The event, held on January 8 in the Deer Park School District Administration Building, is part of a statewide initiative by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). It was requested and hosted by Paul Sanders Soodoo and the Deer Park Community Cultural Alliance. Legislator Donnelly and Senator Martinez worked in conjunction with the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, DHSES, the New York National Guard and the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue

and Emergency Services (FRES) to bring the training to the community.

Air Force Technical Sergeant Alex Compere and Army Sergeant First Class Christian Ruiz Marquez led the informative training, which covered how to develop a family emergency plan, assemble an emergency supply kit and respond to both natural and manmade disasters. Attendees received certificates of completion and free preparedness backpack kits with basic supplies and guidance materials to take home. Desiree Kleberg and James O’Brien of DHSES distributed the materials and additional information was provided by Red Cross volunteer Magnolia Chiri Garcia, who was in attendance.

“This New York Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program is the perfect example of how community

partnerships and advocacy can make a direct impact,” said Legislator Donnelly.

“Thanks to the collaboration between residents, state and local agencies and dedicated volunteers, our community is now better prepared for whatever emergencies may

come.”

“Emergencies will happen whether you’re ready for them or not, and the New York Citizen Preparedness Training gives people the information they need to protect themselves during these events,” said Senator

Martinez. “Preparing now for these situations can make a real difference for you and your loved ones if disaster strikes. I encourage you to begin planning ahead.”

The New York Citizen Preparedness Training Corps Program helps ensure that New Yorkers are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to act quickly and effectively in the face of disaster. For more information or to register for an upcoming session, visit www.prepare.ny.gov

From left, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, Paul Sanders Soodoo of the Deer Park Community Cultural Alliance, Army Sergeant First Class Christian Ruiz Marquez, Air Force Technical Sergeant Alex Compere and New York State

Senator Monica R. Martinez at the New York Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program in Deer Park on January 8.

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Deer Park Black Student Union Members Volunteer

Day Of Service

Four dedicated members — Reanissa Norton, Caleb Pierre, Ceica Pierre and Khira Russel — of Deer Park High School’s Black Student Union recently volunteered with the Nu Phi Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless in Amityville. Guided by adviser Aleisha Forbes, the students spent four hours sorting through donations to help local families as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Day of Service.

Deer Park High School Black Student Union members Reanissa Norton, Caleb Pierre, Ceica Pierre and Khira Russel volunteered at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Day of Service. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

Town Officials Lead Effort For New Post-9/11 Memorial At Overlook Beach

More than two decades after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the toll of that day continues to grow.

At Overlook Beach, the Town of Babylon and the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association are planning a new post-9/11 memorial to honor town residents who later died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero.

The memorial will recognize that deaths from 9/11-related illnesses have now surpassed those killed on the day of the attacks, with experts warning that thousands more may be diagnosed in the coming decades.

“Unfortunately, we believe these illnesses could continue for the next 25 to 30 years,” said Thomas Richardson, a Deer Park resident, former FDNY chief of department, and member of the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association.

Planning is being led by the Chiefs Association, whose members bring decades of service and firsthand experience with the long-term effects of 9/11.

“This is really a team effort,” said Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney. “The Chiefs Association has led the way, with support from Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Tony Martinez and our DPW staff.”

McSweeney said the memorial is meant to reassure families that their loved ones have not been forgotten and to formally acknowledge the lasting human cost of 9/11.

“This is how the town reflects the nation’s gratitude to those who spent countless hours at the site,” he said. “It will give families a place to mourn, reflect, and find support.”

The post-9/11 memorial will be built alongside Babylon’s existing 9/11 memorial, completed in

2005, which honors the 48 town residents killed in the attacks. Families and Chiefs Association leaders urged a unified design so all sacrifices are recognized in one space.

As a result, the new memorial will mirror the original design, with completion targeted for Sept. 11, 2026. Funding will come through the town’s capital improvements budget.

McSweeney, an FDNY firefighter for more than 22 years, said the memorial also serves an educational purpose.

“If we don’t keep teaching what really happened and its long-term effects, history has a way of repeating itself,” he said.

While some memorials nationwide now include post-9/11 deaths, Babylon’s dedication is believed to be among the first on Long Island created specifically for town residents who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.

The memorial will honor not only first responders, but anyone who worked at the World Trade Center site and later died from exposure-related conditions recognized by the World Trade Center Health Program under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

For town leaders and the Chiefs Association, the memorial ensures that sacrifice is recognized not just on one day in history, but for generations to come.

Babylon Town Post9/11 Memorial Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have been a Babylon Town resident at some point during the rescue and recovery period

• Must have been registered with the WTC Health Program or diagnosed with a

certified 9/11-related illness

• Must have passed away

as a direct result of that certified illness For more information

or to apply, contact Councilman Terence McSweeney’s office at

gmontes@townofbabylon ny.gov or 631-957-3081.