February 12, 2025 Copiague

South Bay's Neighbor

At a recent meeting of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber welcomed Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney as guest speaker. District Attorney Tierney addressed Crime and Punishment issues in the County and laid out his accomplishments and plans for the future. On hand also were Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, members of the Copiague Fire Department and Suffolk County Police Department, and members of the Copiague Chamber Board of Directors including President Donna Farina. Photo by TOB Photographer Steve Gravano

“ The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

How can we help support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

Recipe Of The Week: Cherry Pie Bars

Tart, red cherries and Valentine’s Day seem to be the perfect pair. Not only do cherries align with a Valentine’s Day color scheme, they even resemble little hearts when hanging from their stems. Celebrating Valentine’s Day involves many different traditions, and enjoying decadent desserts is among them. Purchasing ready-made treats from a local bakery is one way to indulge in a sugary confection, but crafting a recipe at home is another way to show that special someone how much you care. “Cherry Pie Bars” are not exactly a pie, but a pound cake with a cherry pie filling swirl. They can be made for many different occasions, but make for something sweet on Valentine’s Day. Whip up this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.

Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream sugar and butter on low. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat until just combined.

Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the pie filling over the top, and spoon the rest of the cake batter over the pie filling. It’s fine if the cherries show through.

Bake 35 minutes or until the top has turned slightly golden. Do not overbake. Allow to cool and slice into squares. Enjoy!

TO WIN

RANDAZZO FUEL

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS

SAT. FEB. 15th

11:00AM-1:00PM MAPLE SUGARING

Caumsett State Historic Park

Preserve. This interactive program geared for adults will teach you how to make your own maple syrup at home! Not recommended for children. Please call for reservations 631-423- 1770. Registration Required

11:00AM-2:00PM CLOTHING SALE

St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. In the church hall. Forget the supply chain worries, plenty of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at great prices. Rain or shine. Hot beverages will be served. For more information, please call 631-242-7530

8:00PM

DEVERNE WILLIAMS’ VINTAGESOUL

Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Electrifying Disco and Motown performances. Secure your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or call 631-581-2700.

SUN. FEB. 16th

1:00PM

WINTER CONCERT SERIES

Sunday afternoon at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano) For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at 631-8883525. For information on the day

HOLIDAYS

2nd - Groundhog Day 14th - Valentine's Day 17th - Presidents' Day

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 info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 631-5811002.

3:00PM-7:00PM ANNUAL OUTREACH DANCE SPONSORED BY THE LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

Join them for their Annual Fundraiser at Division 2 Hall in Babylon. $40 pp includes beer, wine, soda, buffet dinner, dessert, Irish coffee Bar. Bring a bag of non-perishable food for inclusion in a Special Raffle! Reservations are a MUST call or text Mary Gibbons 631-671-6178

FRI. FEB. 21st

6:3-PM TRIVIA NIGHT

N. Babylon Lions Club Trivia Night at North Babylon A. Tatti Youth Center, 213 Phelphs Lane in N. Babylon. $35pp includes Prizes, pizza, salad. Raffles and 50/50. RSVP by 2/10 to Diane @ 6315530217 or Judy @ 631-7453007

SAT. FEB. 22nd

10:00AM-11:00AM WILDLIFE WONDERS: FUN WITH FEATHERS

Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344

SUN. FEB. 23rd

1:00-4:00pm

AN AFTERNOON WITH ELVIS

Long Island Society of Italian Americans, (LISIA) is having an Afternoon With Elvism at The Malverne American Legion, 240 Franklin Ave, Post 44. $30.00 pp, includes admission, show, coffee and cake and a cash bar. Bring your own snacks, max 10 to a table. Call Diane Langella @ 516-777-0607 for reservations.

TUES. FEB. 25th

1:00PM

CARNEVALE CELEBRATION

The Italian Cultural Society of Farmingdale cordially invites you to join them at their February Carnevale celebration. Entertainment and light refreshments. Costumes and/ or masks are encouraged for all attendees. Come join the fun! Allen Park Meeting Room, Motor Avenue in Farmingdale. For more information, please contact ICSF Co-President Aggie Vitale agvit@aol. com

6:30PM

BABY SHOWER

The Kiwanis Club of Copiague is having a Baby Shower and will be collecting new clothing, diapers, blankets and many other items a baby needs. Items will be donated to Madonna Heights. Please drop off donations at Red Lobster 801 Sunrise Hwy in Copiague on Tuesday, Feb. 25th. For more information, please contact Lori Prisco 631-495-8755, or Christine Madrazo 631-559-1079

Copiague Memorial Public Library

50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726

Tel 631-691-1111 Fax 631-691-5098

Afternoon Games Fridays, February 14, 21, 28

12:30 - 3:30 PM

Come with your group to play any game of your choice. Registration is required.

Food for Radiant Skin Wednesday, February 12

7:00 – 8:00 PM

Lisa Zimmerman will provide top tips for healthy, youthful, radiant skin that you will not hear from your dermatologist. Registration is required.

Afternoon Book

Discussion Thursday, February 13

1:30 - 3:00 PM

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Download a copy of this book from Libby or pick up a copy at the Circulation Desk. Registration is required.

Long Island Sierra Club Thursday, February 13

6:30 - 8:30 PM

This program will be held in person and via Zoom. Six years after launching the EV1 in 1996 in California, the first electric car since the early years of motorized vehicles, General Motors not only stopped production on the EV1 but recalled and destroyed approximately 1,100 of them. Learn the inside story behind the plot to kill electric vehicles. Registration is required.

Continued On 18

Garage Door Sale!

Garage Door Sale!

Garage Door Sale!

Copiague Chamber Of Commerce

Two Dozen Copiague Students Honored At Recognition Awards

To celebrate the achievements of its student body, Copiague School District held a Student Recognition Awards ceremony at Copiague Middle School on Jan. 27. Surrounded by administrators, board of education members, family, friends and faculty, students were recognized for their

hard work in academics and dedication both in and out of the classroom.

Held twice a year, the awards ceremony recognizes students nominated for their efforts by administrators, teachers and staff in their respective buildings and selected by the Copiague Board of Education.

“Publicly recognizing excellence is our way of celebrating some of the great successes of the Copiague Public Schools’ programs and, at the same time, enabling us to showcase outstanding role models to our community,” said Copiague School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen

Bannon.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

• Deauville Gardens East Elementary School: Adriel Ortez Vasquez and Kobe Watlington.

• Deauville Gardens West Elementary School: Alexandria Paulino and Arianna Quispe Lopez.

• Great Neck Road

Elementary School: Addyson Arce and Jayla Smith.

• Susan E. Wiley Elementary School: Christopher J. James Ballaera, Naomy Gonzalez, Jayden Manzanares Rubio and Isla Miller.

• Copiague Middle School: Gabriella Ng Agtuca, Tristan Andrews,

Adele Collado, Aryana Matusewicz, Emely Moran, Jireth A. Orellana Perez and Sofia Soares.

• Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School: Valery Cedeno, Rhianna Coleman, Samari Cooper, Adonai Adam Guglielmelli, Angelina Ramos, Adam Schimmoller Jr. and Kristina Wendel.

TASTINGS

2/13: Decoy Wines & Bootlegger and Beaverkill Cream. 4-7pm

2/14: Various Wines, Surfside and Stateside RTD Cocktails 4-7pm

2/15: Broken Shed Vodka 4-7pm

2/16: Cazadores Tequila 12:30-3:30pm

Runner-Up In Optimum Essay Contest

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School student Glorianni Pena Feliz was recently named a runner-up in this year’s Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest sponsored by Optimum and the Univision Foundation. Feliz won an iPad for her essay.

The contest, open to students in grades 6-12, encourages students

to reflect on how they stay connected to their communities and Hispanic traditions, whether through media, entertainment, cultural experiences or personal relationships. Feliz wrote an essay about her hair, remarking how she used to straighten it to fit in.

As she got older, she wrote, she decided to embrace her Hispanic culture more,

including her hairstyle. Optimum also provided a gift card to Copiague School District’s Social Studies Chairperson Michele Penyy to be used for classroom supplies.

In addition, Feliz was awarded a certificate from the Town of Babylon presented by Town of Babylon Councilman Antonio Martinez.

Did You Know?

It’s hard to imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and that association can be traced to a name that is very familiar to people who enjoy sweets on February 14. According to History.com, Richard Cadbury utilized advancements at his family’s chocolate factory in England to produce new varieties of what was then known as “eating chocolate.” Cadbury then began marketing eating chocolates in decorative boxes, and while History.com notes he never patented the heart-shaped box, it’s widely believed Cadbury was the first to create one.

Classifieds

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

THINKING

e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

Marketing & Business Development Specialist (Lake Grove, NY) Help dvlp sales strategies in-line w/franchise & customer service targets for org in refurbishing smart electronic devices, water damage/screen repairs. Salary: $38.36/ hr. Master’s in Bus Admin, Int’s Bus, or Mktg & 1 yr exp in job or 1 yr of sales & mktg analysis exp. I-FixScreens.com, Inc., Attn: Kamran Faisal, 3207 Middle Country Rd, Lake Grove, NY 11755. 427968N021225

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?

Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?

Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you GET YOUR AD NOTICED!

CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646

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Residential Rentals

Playing the Residential Real Estate “What If” Game in 2025

By JoAnn Cilla

In business, and especially in real estate, success often comes down to how well you can anticipate and adapt to change. That’s where the What If game comes in. It’s a strategy I often discuss with home buyers and sellers to help them see the positive and negative market scenarios and to create a plan for each one.

For Long Island’s residential real estate market in 2025, the What If game is more relevant than ever. The market is shifting, mortgage rates are unpredictable, and buyers and sellers are adjusting their expectations. For my clients, it’s essential to think ahead and go through the possibilities. Here are four of the most popular questions:

What If Mortgage Rates Drop? We’ve seen mortgage rates fluctuate dramatically over the past few years. If rates drop significantly in 2025, demand will surge as buyers who were sitting on the sidelines jump in. This could lead to bidding wars,

rising home prices, and a big seller’s market.

If you are a seller: Take advantage of the increased demand by pricing your home competitively but strategically. With more buyers in the market, you may receive multiple offers—so work with your agent to negotiate the best terms, not just the highest price. Also, make sure your home is market-ready.

If you are a buyer: Be prepared to move quickly. Get pre-approved for a mortgage and have your finances in order so you can make a strong, competitive offer. Consider being flexible with contingencies to make your offer more attractive but be mindful of your budget, don’t get caught up in bidding wars that push you beyond your comfort zone.

What If Mortgage Rates Stay High? If rates remain high or increase, affordability will continue to be a challenge. Buyers will be more selective, and homes may sit on the

market longer.

If you are a seller: Price your home realistically and be open to negotiation. High rates mean fewer buyers. Keeping a well-maintained, move-in-ready home will give you an edge.

If you are a buyer: Look for homes where sellers are willing to negotiate. High rates may limit your purchasing power, but you can explore options like adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) or first-time homebuyer programs. You can always refinance later if rates drop.

What

If Inventory Remains Tight? Long Island has seen low inventory for several years, keeping prices elevated. If this trend continues, competition among buyers will remain fierce.

If you are a seller: A lowinventory market gives you an advantage. You can price confidently but should still be mindful of appraisal values. If you’re also buying another home, consider negotiating a lease-back option or extended closing to give yourself time to find your next property.

If you are a buyer: Be proactive and work with an agent who has access to off-market listings. Act fast when you find a home you love and consider writing a compelling offer letter to make your bid stand out.

What If the Market Slows Down? A slowdown could be caused by shifts in the economy, changes in the job market, or other unexpected events.

If you are a seller: Be patient and flexible. In a

slower market, buyers have more negotiating power. Pricing correctly from the start is key—overpricing can lead to long days on market and price reductions. Also, marketing matters more than ever—professional photos, virtual tours, and strategic online exposure can make a big difference. If you are a buyer: A slower market could mean more opportunities! With less competition, you’ll have time to negotiate better terms and possibly secure a lower price. However, if the slowdown is due to economic concerns, make sure you’re financially prepared before making a big investment.

Final Thoughts: Playing the What If game in real estate means preparing for any kind of market conditions and being ready to act immediately when things change. Whether you’re buying or selling, having a solid strategy gives you a competitive advantage!

TO PLACE YOUR AD

PLEASE CALL 631-226-2636

Nation’s Blood Supply

(NAPSI)—To ensure the nation’s blood supply is prepared for all emergencies, the Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS and by volunteering to support blood collections at www.redcross.org/ VolunteerToday.

New Beginnings

Monday, February 18

6:30 - 8:00 PM

If you are divorced, widowed, single, aged 50 plus who would like a new beginning, come and be inspired to make new friends and learn new skills towards reinventing yourself. Social worker and life coach Marla Matthews will lead this discussion. Registration is required.

Unsung Heroes: African American Medical Pioneers

Wednesday, February 19

6:30 - 7:30 PM African Americans have been at the forefront of many important medical advances. Discover the contributions of

Pittsburgh’s Freedom House Ambulance Corps, the first in the nation; Staten Island’s Black Angels, nursing pioneers in the treatment of tuberculosis and more. Join educator Howard Rosenberg in this informative presentation. Registration is required.

Can My Home Help Me Retire?

Thursday, February 20

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Join Mortgage Loan Officer Dennis Young of Fairway Mortgage and Financial Planner Christian LaPeter of LaPeter Financial Concepts for an interactive seminar and learn how your home can play a valuable role in helping you retire. We will also discuss the ins and outs of different loan products, putting together a budget and much more!

Registration is required.

Defensive Driving

Saturday, February 22 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Save money on your car insurance! A $33.00

order or cash, is due the day of class. Please arrive early to sign in. Late comers will not be admitted. Please bring a pen and your driver’s license. Registration is required.

Plants That

and More

Tuesday, February 25

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Join horticulturist Paul Levine to learn all about which plants are best for the bedroom, bathroom and other rooms in your home. Registration is required.

Celebrating President’s Day 2025!

We know it as President’s Day, but the Federal government observes this national holiday as Washington’s Day to commemorate the birthday of our country’s first President (he was born on February 22nd). President Lincoln, born on February 12th, is also often associated with President’s Day, which is meant to honor all American Presidents, past and present.

Five fun facts about our nation’s Presidents:

A Remarkable Coincidence: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was approved.

Founding Fathers Who Signed: George Washington and James Madison are the only U.S. Presidents who signed the Constitution.

Tallest and Shortest: James Madison stood at just 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 100 pounds. Meanwhile, Abraham Lincoln reached 6 feet 4 inches, making him the tallest President (tied with Lyndon B. Johnson).

A Solemn Resting Place: Woodrow Wilson is the only President buried in Washington, D.C., resting at the Washington National Cathedral.

America’s First Native-Born Citizen President: Martin Van Buren was the first President born as a citizen of the United States. All earlier Presidents were born as British subjects.

This Presidents Day, take a moment to honor the men who have guided our nation and learn something new about the remarkable history they helped shape!

JOANN CILLA BROKER/OWNER

203 E. Montauk Hwy. Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Office: 631-539-6000 Cell: 516-429-1911 joann@joanncillarealestate.com www.joanncillarealestate.com

Seniors Enjoy Winter White Party

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) recently attended the Town of Babylon Tanner Park Senior Center’s 2025 Winter White Party. Held in Copiague on Friday, January 24, the joyous event is just one of many celebrations put on by the center and was a festive and exciting day for Babylon seniors.

This year’s Winter White event was attended by senior citizens from throughout

the town who enjoyed the good food, games and music – all while dressed in white! Currently under the direction of Kerry Riordan, Tanner Park Senior Center is one of the six senior centers in the Town of Babylon. As with all the centers, it serves as a recreation, socialization and information resource center for Babylon residents.

“It was wonderful to attend the Tanner Park Senior Center’s 2025 Winter

White Party to spend time with our Babylon Seniors,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Director Riordan and her incredible staff go above and beyond to create programs that bring energy and foster engagement for and with our local seniors. This event was yet another example of their outstanding efforts, and we are truly grateful for all they do every day!”

Ann Krauthamer, Dee Ladato, Marie Doherty and Darla Raymond at the Tanner Park Senior Center 2024 Winter White Party on Friday, January 24 in Copiague.

Copiague Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes Guest Speaker Ray Tierney

COPIAGUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES RAY TIERNEY - At a recent meeting of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber welcomed Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney as guest speaker. District Attorney Tierney addressed Crime and Punishment issues in the County and laid out his accomplishments and plans for the future. On hand also was TOB Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Suffolk County Legislature Kevin McCaffrey, Joe Cardinale, representing Congressman Andrew Garabarino, Byron McCray, representing State Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, Chamber Vice President Pete Buccino and Chamber President Donna Farina.