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. 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.
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.
“Business First has saved us nearly $3,200.”* —Lisa Basini, Baking Coach, Bellport
Lisa’s passion is baking. Opening a store was a big step—one she made with support from PSEG Long Island. She earned incentives for choosing a vacant space that reduced her monthly energy costs. Now, her thriving business has made life a little sweeter for all of us.
Reduce your energy costs. Get a free business energy assessment. psegliny.com/businessassessment
*Incentives, grants, and rebates will vary with every project.
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, FEB. 19th
10:00AM-12:00PM
WINTER BIRD WALK:
WHY CHOOSE AMY?
Low Commission - High Returns
Aggressive Marketing & Open Houses Until Sold
Top Rated on Google & Zillow
Trusted Neighborhood Knowledge
One-on-One Guidance from Start to Close
“Amy is professional, honest, and gets results!
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
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
sandwich, Macaroni and Potato salad, Tap beer, House Wine, Soda, coffee, Tea, Dessert. Music by DJ Ralph. Call Dot Kelly at 631-9576574 for ticket availability. Must be 18 or older to attend.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22nd
9:00AM–12:00pm 33rd ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Mayor's Beautification Society of Lindenhurst is hosting their annual pancake breakfast at Fireman's Pavilion, 555 Heiling Blvd. Enjoy breakfast, lots of raffles and 50/50. Adults $12 and Seniors (60+) / Children (under 12) $10. Breakfast served until 11:00AM followed by raffle drawings. Purchase at door or email: LINDENHURSTMBS@GMAIL.COM
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 631-921-4670
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
SATURDAY, FEB. 28th
2:00PM
MEGA MAGIC WITH MIKE D’URZO Award-winning magician and mentalist. Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College, in partnership with the Lively Arts Series, announce the Spring 2026 Season, featuring a dynamic lineup of performances presented at the Michael J. Grant and Ammerman campuses. Tickets and information available at sunysuffolk.edu/spotlight or by calling: Michael J. Grant Campus, Brentwood: 631-8516589, Ammerman Campus, Selden: 631-451-4163
Pino’s Pizza Of Deer Park
Deer Park Varsity Cheer Makes History
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT
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
Deer Park High School’s Varsity Cheer Team made school and town history by qualifying for Nationals and competing at the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) for the first time.
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
The team traveled to Orlando, Florida, where it competed on January 31 in the Cheer: Varsity Coed Division II Intermediate Semifinals (High School). Performing before a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators, Deer Park faced off against hundreds of teams from across the United States in one of the most prestigious cheerleading competitions in the country.
Qualifying for and competing at NHSCC represents a major milestone for the athletes, coaches, and the Deer Park High School community. The historic appearance reflects the team’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence, and marks a proud moment for the entire Deer Park community.
Clearing
Snow And Ice Safely
(NAPSI)—While clearing snow and ice from driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is no small job, you can rely on outdoor power equipment for the heavy lifting. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminds home and business owners to use snow throwers safely. Learn more at: www.opei. org.
Pain
Patches
(NAPSI)—Makers of a patch used in outer space for it’s adhesive properties also make patches on planet Earth for pain relief. Learn more at us.hisamitsu.
Science Comes To Levitating Life At May Moore Primary School
The marvels of Mad Science were on display at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School on Feb. 4 during an interactive “Fire and Ice” show that included lessons on vortexes and levitation. To the students’ amazement, an everyday hairdryer was used to create a mini tornado that lifted balloons.
“When planning our assemblies, we intentionally align the themes and lessons with the curriculum being taught in our classrooms,”
Assistant Principal Kimberly Essig said. “During the Mad Science assembly, our students were incredibly excited to observe experiments and make meaningful connections
between their classroom learning and the real world. Students arrived with background knowledge that allowed them to actively engage with the presenter, ask thoughtful questions and develop a deeper understanding of how different scientific reactions take place.”
Babylon And Huntington Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2026 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:
• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 20, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
• North Amityville Senior Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, February 18 & March 18, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Senior Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, March 4, 8:30 am – 11 am
• Tanner Park Senior Center, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday, March 11, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays, February 24 & March 24, 12 pm – 3 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, March 26, 10 am – 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28
Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, February 25 & March 25, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, March 18, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, February 26 & March 26, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program
(HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and troublefree access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
Town Of Babylon Honors P.S. I Love You Day With Founders
Town Officials, DiPalma Sisters, First Responders, And School Leaders Unite To Raise Mental Health Awareness
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Town of Babylon officials joined P.S. I Love You Day founders Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma, along with local educators, first responders, and community members, for a press conference recognizing P.S. I Love You Day and highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.
After losing their father to suicide, the DiPalma sisters created P.S. I Love You Day, now observed nationally on the second Friday of February each year. The initiative’s mission— to promote mental health awareness, reduce bullying, and strengthen suicide prevention through education and compassion—continues to resonate with communities nationwide.
The event featured remarks from Babylon Town Councilman Terence McSweeney, Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma, and local school officials. In a show of unity and support, Town of Babylon officials, the DiPalma sisters, school administrators and faculty, first responders, and residents in attendance wore purple, the signature color of P.S. I Love You Day, and participated in a group photo inside the Babylon Town Hall Board Room.
To further demonstrate solidarity, the cupola atop Babylon Town Hall and the building’s columns were illuminated in purple in honor of P.S. I Love You Day and those the initiative seeks to support.
Town of Babylon officials joined students, first responders and community leaders in wearing purple and holding P.S. I Love You Day hearts to show support for mental health awareness and anti-bullying efforts throughout the community.
Town of Babylon council members, the DiPalma sisters and community partners gathered with educators, first responders and residents at Babylon Town Hall to honor P.S. I Love You Day and reinforce the message that “You Are Not Alone.”
Town of Babylon officials and the founders of P.S. I Love You Day (Jaimie DiPalma at the podium) address the community at Babylon Town Hall, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, kindness and suicide prevention. The Town’s Board Room was illuminated in purple in solidarity with the national day of awareness.
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A recent study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health. The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.
Home Heating And Cooling Efficiency
Improving your home’s heating and cooling efficiency can go a long way toward saving energy and money, and upgrading your HVAC to superefficient heat pump technology is one of the most effective ways to achieve this, say the experts at ENERGY STAR. Learn more at energystar. gov/homeupgrade. (NAPSI)
