February 11, 2026 Lindenhurst South

South Bay's Neighbor

TOWN OFFICIALS LEAD EFFORT FOR NEW POST-9/11 MEMORIAL - 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.

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

This is the new Good Samaritan University Hospital.

WHERE BETTER NEVER STOPS.

Introducing the most advanced, state-of-the-art health care experience the South Shore has ever seen.

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.

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

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:

FULL COURSE

TUESDAY MENU

Lindenhurst Launches Student-Led Chromebook Repair Clinic

The Lindenhurst Union Free School District’s Information Technology Department has launched an innovative program that provides high school students with hands-on technical experience by training them to repair District Chromebooks.

Students participating in the program, primarily those enrolled or interested in the District’s Cybersecurity pathway, completed specialized training and earned an industry-recognized certification to repair Acer Chromebooks. Twice a week, these students now work in the District’s Administration Building,

diagnosing device issues and completing supervised repairs under the guidance of the District’s IT staff.

“A major focus in the Lindenhurst School District is creating diverse opportunities for real-world career experience,” said Director of Instructional Technology & Innovation Jennifer Freedman. “This program exemplifies that goal, giving our students hands-on skills in IT and electronic repair that they can leverage in future careers.”

The District’s Chromebook insurance plan covers the cost of replacement parts and major damage, allowing

the student-led initiative to focus on the repair labor as a core part of their technical training. This structure reduces overall repair costs for the District while significantly accelerating turnaround time for students in need of a functional device. Beyond the operational benefits, the program offers students a tangible advantage for their futures. By working with real equipment in a professional setting, participants build practical skills and résuméready experience that prepares them for college and careers in the growing technology field.

Lindenhurst High School students have been gaining hands-on experience repairing the District’s Chromebook devices. Students not only gain official IT certifications through the program, but also save the District money and time in returning devices to service. Photo courtesy of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District

THE ARGYLE THEATRE Announces Full Cast For Upcoming Production Of NEWSIES Director TOMMY RANIERI, Choreographer TRENT SOYSTER

Musical Director JONATHAN BRENNER

Long Island’s largest year-round professional theatrical venue, The Argyle Theatre, has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies, directed by Tommy Ranieri with choreography by Trent Soyster and musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. Performances run through March 22, 2026.

Joining the previously announced cast of Mason Ballard (Regional: Bonnie & Clyde) as Jack Kelly, Cara Rose DiPietro (Regional: Little Shop of Horrors) as Katherine Plumber, Keyon Pickett ( Hallmarks’s

“A Christmas Love Story”) as Davey, Jeremy DerMovsesian (Regional: Saturday Night Fever) as Crutchie, Arielle Faye Beane (Argyle’s Mary Poppins) as Medda Larkin, and Andrew Foote (National Tour: Jekyll & Hyde) as Joseph Pulitzer are Sean Joseph Condenzio, Shea Curran (Regional: MEMPHIS), Kevin Dennis (Broadway: Paradise Square Argyle’s Rock of Ages), Mikey LoBalsamo (Regional: Murder on the Orient Express), Chris Donovan (Regional: Come From Away Argyle’s Music Man), Michael Di Leo (Regional:

From Away Argyle’s Music Man), Cole Hong Sisser (Regional: Jagged Little Pill ), Maclain Rhine (Regional: Grease), Errol Service Jr. (Regional: Pretty Woman), Ryan Wong (Regional: The King and I), Carson P. Zoch (National Tour: Shrek the Musical), Noah Lytle (National Tour: The Addams Family), Ryan Schaefer (NYC: Bodas de Blood), Jillian Reef (Regional: Young Frankenstein), Zoë Lewis-McLean (Regional: Waitress) with Swings: Rhagan Carter (Regional: White Christmas), Jacob Lill (Regional: On the Town),

Nathaniel Dickson (Film: Dear Dad) Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies follows Jack Kelly and a band of teenage newsboys who rally to strike against powerful publishers after unfair price hikes threaten their livelihoods. Based on the 1992 Disney film and inspired by a true story, the Tony Award-winning musical features a score by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein, with favorite songs including “Seize the Day,” “Carrying the Banner,” and “Santa Fe.”

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/parkpolice/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.”

also offered training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation, along with many other law enforcement-related topics and skills.

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

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.

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.

NOTICE

The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on January 6, 2026, and an abstract thereof has been published and posted as required by law and the period of time has elapsed for the submission and filing of a petition for a permissive referendum and a valid petition has not been submitted and filed. The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Lindenhurst, in the County of Suffolk, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of publication of the notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.

Kathleen Schrader Village Clerk

BOND RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST, NEW YORK, ADOPTED JANUARY 6, 2026, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,000,000 TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION OF AMBULANCES, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM

COST THEREOF IS $1,000,000 AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE

The object or purpose for which the bonds are authorized is the acquisition of: (a) two new ambulances, including related equipment, at the estimated maximum cost of $400,000 per ambulance and (b) one used ambulance, including related equipment, at the estimated maximum cost of $200,000, at the estimated maximum cost of $1,000,000.

The period of probable usefulness of the bonds is ten (10) years.

The maximum amount of obligations authorized to be issued is $1,000,000.

A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Village of Lindenhurst, Village Hall, 430 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York.

LV N & S - 857 - 2/11/26

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of the Building Zone Ordinance of the Village of Lindenhurst, Inc. and Section 7-712 of the Village Law of the State of New York,

notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing at the Municipal Building, 430 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York @ 7:00 p.m.: February 25, 2026 to hear the following:

1. Application of AZ & WE Enterprises, Inc -Maurice Azzopardi, Pres. 72 East Hoffman Ave, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 for permission to allow finished floor elevation that is below the minimum required 7.0’ for AE5 flood zone (5.1) in connection with maintaining 1st floor garage conversion and two doggie dormers. Property located at 725 Knoll Street, Lindenhurst, NY, 11757 and zoned Residential C. SCTM#:103-241-83

2. Application of Jose Velasquez - 332 North Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 for permission to reduce the minimum from yard from the required 25’ to (12.4’); to allow the swimming pool in the front yard as this is not permitted in connection with maintaining existing pool deck, two pergolas, rear decks, above ground pool and front deck. Property located at the above address and zoned Residential B. SCTM#:103-71-49

3. Application of Christopher Tedesco 461 First Ave, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 for permission to reduce the minimum front yard from the required 25’ to (0’); to reduce the minimum side yard from the required 10’ to (0’); to reduce the accessory structures

minimum front yard from the required 45’ to (3.8’) to reduce the accessory structures minimum rear yard from the required 5’ to (0’); to reduce the accessory structures minimum side yard from the required 5’ to (2.4’) Shed 1 and Shed 2 to (0.0’) in connection with the construction of an 8’ x 50’ boardwalk deck. Property located at the above address and zoned Residential C. SCTM#:103-21-4-25

4. Application of Juan Bedoya 132 South 7th Street, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 for permission to expand the height from the limit of 26’ to (28’); to reduce the minimum front yard from the required 25’ to (14.3’) in connection with the construction of 1st and 2nd floor decks, 2nd floor addition and to rebuild front step area. Property located at the above address and zoned Residential B. SCTM#:103-9-4-49

5. Application of Anna Dellamonica 6 Corncrib Lane, Levittown, NY, 11756 for permission to reduce the minimum front yard from the required 25’ to (24’); to expand the height from the limit of 26’ to (27.4’) in connection with the construction of a one-story addition, 2nd floor dormer with cantilever, front portico and interior alterations. Property located at 315 Kansas Street, Lindenhurst, NY, 11757 and zoned Residential B. SCTM#:103-16-4-8.1

6. Application of Jennifer Gromus 215 Claremont Ave, West Babylon, NY, 11704 for permission to reduce the

accessory structures minimum side yard from the required5’ to (4’)’ to reduce the minimum front yard from the required 25’ to (17.7’)’ to increase the lot occupancy from the limit of 20% to (20.21%) in connection with maintaining a front deck, skylights, 7.6’ x 14.0’ shed, garage conversion and demolition of an 8’ x 10’ shed. Property located at 440 North Monroe Ave, Lindenhurst, NY, 11757 and zoned Residential B. SCTM#:103-8-2-4

7. Application of Rita Pugh 413 37th street, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 for permission to increase the lot occupancy from the limit of 20% (26.8%); reduce the accessory structures minimum side yard from the required 5’ to (1.5’) in connection with maintaining an enclosed porch, garage conversion to living space, a 105 sq. ft. shed and maintain reducing of a 16’ x 16’ deck to 6.84’ x 16’ deck. Property located at the above address and zoned Residential B. SCTM#:103-1-3-53

8. Application of Devin Donnelly 211 36th Street, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 for permission to reduce the minimum side yard from the minimum required 10’ to (7.44’) in connection with the construction of a 2nd Floor addition, modify existing front portico and modifications to first floor. Property located at the above address and zoned Residential B. SCTM#:103-15-156

By JoAnn Cilla

This month, a familiar feeling is setting in for many people. The 2026 calendar is still shiny and new, but the New Year’s resolutions you made with so much energy and optimism in December are already broken or holding on for dear life. You are still paying for a gym

membership but haven’t gone since the second week of the year. The 2026 monthly budget you spent hours working on is busted, and your motivation for change has been replaced by guilt. This is usually the moment when people decide they have failed and quietly give up until next January.

January was never meant to be a verdict on your entire year. It is just one step on a 12-step staircase. Just because you slipped on the first step doesn’t mean you have to fall down the entire staircase.

Resolutions tend to be rigid. Lose 20 pounds. Save more money. Be less stressed. The problem is that resolutions often demand perfection from day one, at the exact moment when our lives are still playing catchup after the holidays. One missed week, and we are ready to quit. Intentions work differently. An intention is a direction, not a mandate. It invites progress instead of punishment. Intentions understand that there is no straight line to success or happiness; we will have good days and bad days. If we fall down a step with our intentions, we simply get

back up and keep walking. February is the perfect time to reset. The noise of January has faded. The pressure to reinvent yourself overnight is gone. You can take what you learned last month and adjust your goals without drama. Maybe the intention is to move your body more, instead of committing to a daily workout you secretly dread. Maybe it is to be more thoughtful with money, instead of swearing off every small pleasure.

Another benefit is that intentions do not have to last all year. Some of the most effective ones are short. They could be a month, ninety days, or even just a few weeks. Shorter intentions feel manageable and achievable, which builds confidence. Confidence is what carries you forward, not willpower alone. Intentions also evolve.

10. Application of DAVIS MAIN STREET LLC (Great South Bay Brewery Corp. -DBA- Breakers Burrito Bar) 75 Drexel Drive, Bay Shore, NY, 11706 for permission to rebrand, change of name for special permission for use as a restaurant and cabaret, Property located at 147 South Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst, NY, 11757 and zoned Business. SCTM#:10310-3-106

Upon the hearing, the applicant must appear in person, by an agent, or by an attorney. A person wishing to appear at the hearing may do so. Communication in writing in relation thereto may be filed with the board before or at the hearing.

All cases will be heard in which they are advertised, to be followed by rescheduled cases.

By order of the Board of Appeals

Philip Renna, Chairman LV N & S - 858 - 2/11 & 2/18/26

9. Application of Julia Naccari 327 South 12th Street, Lindenhurst, New York 11757 for permission to reduce the accessory structures minimum rear yard from the required 5’ to (2.4’) in connection with maintaining an above ground swimming pool and a finished basement. Property located at the above address and zoned Residential B. SCTM#:103-135-17

Replace January’s Resolutions With February’s Intentions

What you need in February may look different by June. When you give yourself permission to revisit and refine your intentions, you stay engaged instead of defeated.

If your resolutions fell apart in January, don’t write 2026 off. Replace last month’s resolutions with February intentions that fit the season you are in right now. A year shaped by intention often lasts much longer than one ruled by resolutions.

Lindenhurst Students Have A Monster Mash-Up

Students at Daniel Street Elementary School and Lindenhurst Middle School in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District recently teamed up for a collaborative and fun and cross-disciplinary, monsterthemed art project.

Last fall, second graders at Daniel Street School

designed their “perfect monsters.” Each student named their creation, made illustrations, and described its unique diet, habitat, and superpowers. The second graders catalogued this information in “Imagine Your Perfect Monster” worksheets, which were then passed to Mrs. Korsen’s

Second graders from Daniel Street Elementary School and eighth graders from Lindenhurst Middle School collaborated on a special, monster-themed art project. Photos courtesy of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District

eighth-grade art classes at the middle school.

Armed with only the second graders’ descriptions, older students worked to bring the monsters to life. Eighth graders in the 3D art class sculpted clay versions of the monsters and built open dioramas to showcase

each monster’s world, while students in the 2D art class created imaginative “monster behind the door” interpretations.

The project culminated in a special meet-up in January, when the second graders visited the middle school library, and the younger students were able

to see their original ideas brought to life through the middle schoolers’ works, and were able to meet the artists responsible for it.

Standout creatures in the menagerie included Zoey—a friendly, gymnastics-loving monster who enjoys chocolate ice cream and lives in South

Carolina—and Max, a happy, fluffy, invisible monster who lives down the road and loves chicken and rice.

Inspired by The Monster Project, this initiative highlighted the power of creativity and collaboration across the Lindenhurst school community.

The younger students came up with a concept for a monster, including their appearance and preferences. The older students were then tasked with recreating the monster in different mediums, including clay.

Valentine’s Day brightens up the bleakness of the shortest and most wintry month of the year for the northern part of the globe. Businesses and homes are awash in pink and red each February, with heart-shaped decorations and boxes filling up store aisles. Sending heartfelt sentiments is a large part of celebrating Valentine’s Day, and most people cherish the day for the opportunity to bestow gifts on the ones they love.

The National Retail Federation says more than half of all consumers typically plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In 2025, $27.5 billion was spent on the holiday, with consumers continuing to prioritize gifting those closest to them. The NRF reports the top gift categories for Valentine’s Day are candy, flowers, greeting cards, an evening out, and jewelry. Here’s how to make these gifts more thoughtful and endearing.

Candy

Gift givers can select candy that is preferable to their loved one instead of choosing the first box of chocolate they find at the store. Perhaps the person you love likes confections from a boutique candy shop a few towns

When: Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

Where: The Lindenhurst Fireman’s Pavilion

Time: 9:00 am through 12:00 noon

Tickets: $12.00 Adults $10.00 Children 12 & Under

Thoughtful Valentine’s Gifts

over or has a hankering for candy from overseas? Mexico, for example, is known for its Dulce de Leche, while Halva is a dense, sweet treat from the Middle East. Choosing a special candy really sets the gift apart.

Flowers

Flowers are special gifts. Too often, people feel pressured to buy roses on

Valentine’s Day, even if this might not be a special someone’s preferred flower. Choose, instead, a flower that has particular meaning to the person or one that is known to be a favorite. Aster and Baby’s Breath are two blooms known for being symbols of love, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Greeting cards

A handmade card may express warmer sentiments than one picked up at the store, particularly since the former can be customized to the recipient. Include personalized sentiments, inside jokes or memories of time spent together. Craft and hobby stores offer plenty of supplies for paper crafting, so it’s possible to create a lovely greeting card with minimal effort.

A night out

A night out can be tailored to the interests of the couple celebrating. Book a dinner at a restaurant that was the scene of your first date; otherwise, stay in and watch a movie you each love.

Jewelry

Jewelry is a very personal gift. While it may seem like a great idea to surprise a special someone with a bracelet or earrings, if the style is off or the color wrong, the piece may not be worn. Rather, the surprise can be a trip to the jewelry store together to pick out something recipients wear all the time. Gifts that fit the interests, personality and memories of a couple can be especially meaningful on Valentine’s Day.

HOME IS WHERE THE LOVE IS

A Valentine’s Day message to Family, Friends, Neighbors & Fellow Business Owners

Some love stories begin with flowers. Others start with chocolate. But the ones that last a lifetime? They begin at home.

In our communities, love lives in the everyday moments... Saturday mornings around town, summer nights by the water, kids riding bikes down familiar streets, holiday dinners that turn into traditions, and neighbors who become lifelong friends.

A house is four walls and a roof. A home is where first steps are taken. Where birthdays are celebrated. Where memories are made year after year.

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love in all its forms. Love for your family. Love for your community. Love for the place you call home. Because when you love where you live, everything else just feels right.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

JOANN CILLA

Licensed Real Estate Broker

203 E. Montauk Hwy.

Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Office: 631-539-6000

Cell: 516-429-1911

joann@joanncillarealestate.com www.joanncillarealestate.com