It’s not every day that children get to meet a published author or a Major League Baseball player, but fifth graders at McKenna Elementary School in the Massapequa School District had the pleasure of connecting with both. Author Angela O’Hoppe and Major League Baseball player Logan O’Hoppe visited McKenna Elementary School on Feb. 4 for a reading of Ms. O’Hoppe’s book, “If You Choose to Believe Them,” to fifth graders. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
For many sixth graders in the Massapequa School District, their Family and Consumer Sciences class is their first real exposure to the kitchen. The first semester wrapped up for students on Jan. 23, leaving them with new cooking skills and confidence.
Family and Consumer Sciences is part of the sixth grade wheel courses at Berner Middle School, which also includes art, health and technology. Each semester, students take two of those courses on an every-other-day schedule. Among the cooking projects this past semester were cookies, monkey bread, pizza rolls and roasted potato wedges.
Several students have helped out with baking and cooking at home, but never took the lead until this class. They work in small groups, with each assigned a job including chef, assistant chef, kitchen aide and dishwasher. By rotating jobs throughout the semester, students get exposure to different responsibilities.
“It’s important to work together as a team,” sixth grader Amalia Hillebrand said. “Each role helps you understand what it’s like to be in a kitchen.”
Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Dani Shehada said that students learn how to prepare and read a recipe, and measure ingredients. Kitchen safety skills are taught before any cooking begins, and students are reminded to always keep a clean workspace.
“Throughout this semester, all of my students have shown tremendous growth by becoming more confident and independent individuals,”
Ms. Shehada said. “They have also developed skills such as communication, critical thinking, timemanagement and problemsolving.”
Christopher Brooks and Hudson Fodera, who were in a group together, said their favorite projects included pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and a chocolate fudge dip. They enjoyed the class so much that they got together one day at Hudson’s house to make Funfetti sugar cookies on their own, using the recipe they learned in class.
“I know how to handle a kitchen better,” Hudson said, who added that the most important aspect is following the recipe. “One wrong ingredient, or if you
forget an ingredient, it will mess up the entire recipe and might not be good to eat.”
Ms. Shehada said that the goal of Family and Consumer Sciences classes are to give students practical skills they can use in their everyday lives. In eighth grade, they also learn how to sew and participate in a career exploration project, in addition to cooking.
“In FACS, I learned new ways to cook and tried different recipes,” sixth grader Charlotte Ventura said. “I expanded my tastebuds and made new friendships along the way. I learned basic safety precautions when preparing food. FACS is important because as we grow older, we must know how to be safe in the kitchen and be able to prepare food ourselves. We must know the way to share roles and responsibilities in the kitchen and in life.”
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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.
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 required to have completed 60 college semester credit hours by June 30, 2026, or have relevant education and experience, including military service or municipal police training.
Learn more at parks. ny.gov/about/park-police/ park-policenew-applicants.
“With updated guidelines and requirements, we are proud to welcome a new generation of park police candidates,” said 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.”
Recruits will receive hands-on fieldwork and classroom education in the following areas: 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.
Visit https://parks. ny.gov/park-police for more information regarding the application process, agility test, and written exam.
CIRCULATION
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Josh Marlowe
Felicia
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
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
To help residents looking to renew their LIRR parking stickers, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer two special Commuter Parking Sticker Weekends on Saturday, February 28th and Sunday, March 1st, and Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
Residents are required to bring:
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
A copy of the current vehicle registration (New York State plates only)
Proof of residency such as a copy of a current home telephone, utility bill (PSEG, water, cable, etc.), W-2 or paystub.
“Residents looking to
renew their LIRR parking stickers are invited to visit either Town Hall locations during these two special Commuter Parking Sticker Weekends,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Please take advantage of these convenient weekend hours before your parking sticker expires on March 31st.” Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Commuter parking stickers are also processed daily, Monday through Friday, 9am to 4:45pm at both Town Hall locations. For more information, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (516) 624-6332.
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It’s not every day that children get to meet a published author or a Major League Baseball player, but fifth graders at McKenna Elementary School in the Massapequa School District had the pleasure of connecting with both on Feb. 4.
Angela O’Hoppe, an educator in the Sayville School District and former speech therapist at McKenna, read her recently published book, “If You Choose to Believe Them.”
The story is about her son, Logan O’Hoppe, a catcher for the Los Angeles Angels,
who attended his mother’s first author appearance as he was still available for a few more days before heading to spring training. The book is a true story of how Logan defied the odds to achieve his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player.
The messages of self-belief, resilience and perseverance encourage children to listen to the people who say, “Yes you can,” while blocking out the negative voices.
Ms. O’Hoppe, who was a speech therapist at McKenna from 1994 to 2004, read to approximately 85 students
who eagerly anticipated the visit. They cheered as they watched as short highlight video which included footage of Logan being drafted, his first major league hit, first grand slam and exciting plays in the field.
The hallway leading to the library was lined with red and white balloons – the Angels colors – as well as posters that students made featuring the team logo and inspirational messages, acrostic poems written from the word “Believe,” and writing pieces about their own dreams. All students and staff were encouraged to wear red. The visit was organized by fifth grade teacher Megan Cumming and speech therapist Denise Watson, Ms. O’Hoppe’s former colleague at McKenna.
After reading her book, Ms. Hoppe asked her students to share their personal dreams, and reminded them to surround themselves with people who will encourage and nurture those ambitions. The program
concluded with a questionand-answer session with Ms. Hoppe and Logan.
Principal Dr. Amanda Lowry and Assistant Principal Mary Anne Ferraro noted the book was read in all fifth grade classes, making Ms. O’Hoppe’s visit even more special for them. After listening to the story, students took part in thoughtful discussions about goal-setting and engaged in activities that connected directly to the book’s message. Dr. Lowry added that this message aligns with district social-emotional learning initiative, RULER.
“We are so happy and grateful that Logan took time out of his busy schedule to come here and share his story with each of the kids, along with his mother’s wonderful book that highlights his journey,” Dr. Lowry said. “Together, their story shows students that with belief and determination, they too can rise above challenges and achieve their goals.”
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced today that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.
“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Supervisor Saladino. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”
Scheduled performances for February include:
• Back on Bourbon Street on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Jericho Public Library – Playing the best musical grooves of New Orleans from the 1950’s through today. You’ll hear the right-on sounds of Dr. John, The
Neville Brothers, Fats Domino & many more! Open to all. Free Tickets required. Two tickets per person. For more information, contact the library at (516) 9356790.
• Art Lillard & The Blue Heaven Swing Sextet on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library – The group plays a variety of swing standards and no-sostandard swing and blues numbers, written by such luminaries as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, and Lester Young.
• Pure Joy with Paige Patterson on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – Musical therapy for the soul! A feel-good mix of
best-loved songs from Sinatra to Santana, Bon Jovi to Broadway.
• The Little Big Band on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – The Little Big Band pays homage to the elegant and awe-inspiring bands of the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s, and beyond. Open to all. Free Tickets required. For more information, contact the library at (516) 938-0077.
The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.
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.”
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New York State Parks celebrates America’s Semi-Quincentennial.
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 are required. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For questions, please call (631) 581-1072.
Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
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