February 18, 2026 Massapequa 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.

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.

Identity Theft

(NAPSI)—Identity theft can happen to anyone, but you can protect yourself by using strong passwords and multifactor authentication, monitoring your credit and using Truecaller Caller ID and Scam Blocking app. Learn more at www.truecaller.com.

“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.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, FEB. 19th

10:00AM-12:00PM

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

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

Free Concerts At Local Libraries

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.

Scheduled performances for February include:

• 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

Berner Keeps The Ball Moving In The Fight Against Hunger

As the annual Souper Bowl food drive came to an end on Feb. 6 at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School District, the preferred team was obvious. The boxes for the Seattle Seahawks were filled significantly higher with donations of

nonperishable goods than the boxes for the New England Patriots.

The annual charitable drive, organized by the Chiefs Challenge Club, was again a success with hundreds of items donated over the seven-day drive. The school community

contributed a variety of food such as canned vegetables, cereal, pasta, rice and soup. All donations will be given to the Harry Chapin Food Bank at Long Island Cares.

As food was brought in each morning, students and staff could place the items in a box representing

the team they expected, or wanted, to win the Super Bowl. Chiefs Challenge members helped promote the drive by making posters to hang around the school and sharing facts about hunger on Long Island during the morning announcements.

Advisers Caroline Glynn and Juliette Happe said that Long Island Cares provided the boxes and also would pick up the donations at the end of the drive. They noted that all of the food benefits local families.

“It’s really good that we’re helping people who need it,” said seventh grader Michael Despagno, the Chiefs Challenge treasurer. “It’s really awesome how people showed they care and donated a lot of food.”

This year, the Birch Lane Elementary School PTA also joined in, and boxes were placed there for donations.

Classifieds

Assemblyman Durso Announces Scholarship Opportunity

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for academic and athletic scholarships with an award amount of $3,000 each.

Scholarships are available to residents of the 9th Assembly District who are current college students or high school seniors entering college. Applicants do not need to be of Italian American heritage to apply.

Students can access and complete

the application by visiting: https://www. nyiacsl.org/apply-forscholarship-form

The application deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026.

“This is an excellent opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 9th Assembly District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers and intend to pursue higher education,” said Assemblyman Durso.

“With college costs on the rise, these scholarships can help reduce the financial burden for so many

young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”

The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community.

For additional information, or to inquire if the student lives in the 9th Assembly District, please call Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.

Councilman Hand Invites Residents To Apply For Picnic Permits Online

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand announced that residents can apply for picnic permits at all Town parks with picnic facilities online by visiting www. oysterbaytown.com/ picnic. Reservations are available for picnic space at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, Harry Tappen Beach and Marina in Glenwood Landing, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, and Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park.

“Our beautiful Town Parks are the perfect location for a family,

school, or community group outing set in the great outdoors. Each location, from Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay to Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, offers something unique for residents to enjoy,” Councilman Hand said. “We’ve also streamlined the process for residents to apply for a picnic permit, helping to increase convenience and accessibility.”

Picnic Permits are required for groups of 25 or more at all Town of Oyster Bay picnic pavilion locations and include exclusive use of the permitted area from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the reservation date. Some locations are covered, have access

to water, and permit barbequing.

To view picnic availability, residents can visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ picnic and filter their preferred date, facility, specific location, and features using the page menu. Those who don’t have a preexisting account can create one on the same page and apply for the reservation. It is recommended that residents reserve their picnic pavilion early as spaces fill up quickly for the season.

For more information on Town of Oyster Bay picnic permits, call (516) 797-4139.