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
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.
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.”
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
• Wide Selection Of Trusted Brands Offering Options For All Price Points
• Expansive Showroom To See And Select Materials For Your Upcoming Project
• In-House Designer Available To Assist With Material Selection And Provide 3d Renderings
• Dedicated Project Manager Assigned To Oversee Each Renovation From Start To Finish
Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular flower given on this day for lovebirds.
Just because millions of roses are prepared in advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement. A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.
• Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.
• Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person, make sure they
are fresh by gently feeling the part of the petal that meets the stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.
• Opt for neutral tones. If you’re unsure of which flowers to buy, stick with varietals in white and soft, neutral tones. Bright, high-contrast florals may come off as tacky unless you can guarantee that the person prefers them.
• Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How Flowers Do That, a United Kingdom-based flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day draws closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement.
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced 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 sonags 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 concert schedule information, call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.
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 are required. To register, visit Eventbrite.
com and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For questions, please call (631) 581-1072.
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.
A copy of the current vehicle registration (New York State plates only)
Residents are required to bring:
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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