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:
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
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
‘Wonder’ Assembly At Belmont Promotes Kindness, Empathy
Fifth grade students at Belmont Elementary School in the North Babylon School District recently finished reading the book “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio. On Jan 23., fifth grade classes participated in a powerful and inspiring presentation from Dina
Zuckerberg, director of family programs at MyFace and the organization’s Wonder Kindness Project.
Founded in 2015,
MyFace created the Wonder Project Program to address bullying and promote inclusion by teaching students about facial
differences. The program is based on the bestselling novel “Wonder” and is designed to foster empathy, understanding and kindness toward anyone who may look or live differently. During the visit, Dina shared real-life stories and personal experiences, along with stories of children with facial differences, helping students gain a deeper understanding of how their words and actions can impact others. The presentation encouraged fifth graders to reflect on what it means to be kind, to stand up for others and to celebrate differences rather than fear them.
Through engaging discussion and meaningful storytelling, students learned practical tools from the Wonder Project to help create a more inclusive school environment. The program’s mission is to empower students to take action and eliminate bullying. The visit left a lasting impression and reinforced the importance of compassion, empathy and respect.
Fifth graders at Belmont Elementary School in the North Babylon School District had a special assembly with a representative from MyFace, who spoke about the organization’s Wonder Kindness Project. Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District
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 trouble-free 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.”
# # #
Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly represents the 17th Legislative District, which includes parts of Baywood, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore and South Huntington. He is a member of the Budget & Finance, Fire, Rescue, EMS & Preparedness, Public Safety, Seniors & Human Services and Ways & Means committees of the Suffolk County Legislature.
Volunteer Fire Service
(NAPSI)—Many fire departments are looking for volunteers to step up and serve their communities, reports the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the national association for the volunteer fire service. For more information about the volunteer fire service and to find an opportunity, visit www.MakeMeAFirefighter. com.
Type 2 Diabetes
(NAPSI)—You’re more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have overweight or obesity, are age 35 or older or have a family history of the condition. Learn about preventing or delaying diabetes and its health problems at the NIDDK website: www.niddk. nih.gov and on social media @NIDDKgov.
New Members Initiated
The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 of Deer Park initiated ten new members and welcomed one transfer at their January General Membership Meeting. Pictured are: Standing: Joan Beska, Mary Ellen Cito, Nancy Bacelli, Joseph Cannizzaro, Anna Cannizzaro, Fortunata Tallarico, Rosario Tallarico, Jacqueline Kaminsky and transferring from the Cellini Lodge is Karen Bondi. Not pictured: new members Richard and Cynthia Formato. Pictured seated: NYS OSDIA District I Trustee Tony Rotoli, Membership Chair Lucille Romanello, NYS OSDIA District Deputy Tony Izzo and Lodge President Cathy Lamberti. The Lodge encourages those of Italian American descent to consider membership; contact Lucille at (631) 987-9728 for details.
2026 Picnic Pavilion Reservations For Long Island State Parks
Are you interested in renting a picnic pavilion this summer at one of your Long Island State Parks? Reservations will open Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST on the New York State Parks Reserve America website or by calling 1-800456-2267. There are no in-person reservations. All picnic pavilion reservations must be made online or by calling Reserve America directly.
Reservable picnic pavilions are located at the following Long Island State Parks for the 2026 season, with the following restrictions:
• Belmont Lake State Park, North Babylon
o No sound systems /
DJ’s / amplified sound
o No buses on holidays
Memorial Day to Labor Day
o No generators permitted
• Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
o No electricity
• Heckscher State Park, East Islip
• Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead
o No generators permitted
• Orient Beach State Park, Orient
o No buses on weekends
• Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park (Field # 4)
o No pony rides, inflatables, sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
• Valley Stream State
Park, Valley Stream
o No sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
o No buses on weekends and holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day
After you have successfully reserved a pavilion, you can then apply for an add-on permit to enhance your reservation. Applications for add-on permits, which include sound system / DJ’s / amplified sound, pony rides, buses, inflatables, food trucks, or alcohol, can be found within the 2026 Group Picnic Application. Applications must be received at least 14 days prior to your reservation date.
For additional
information, please call the Regional Permit Office at 631-321-3770.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
Photo courtesy of Long Island State Parks
2026 Winter Concert ‘Salon’ Series
At Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the River Room at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park in Great River, New York.
The 2026 Winter Concert Salon Series performance schedule is as follows:
March 01 – Serenade
Duo Jerry Saulter (Guitar), Michele LoPorte (Flute)
March 08 – Cambiata
Duo Paul Finkelstein (Cello) & Suzanne Mueller (Cello)
March 15 – Cross Island Ensemble Suzanne
Mueller (Cello), Eleanor Zayas (Piano), Joseph Rutkowski (Clarinet)
Seating will be limited with pre-registration required through the Islip Arts Council. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. The concerts, free to the public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council
with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust.
For registration, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 888-3525 or visit isliparts.org. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.
Village of Amityville
Space is limited. Don’t delay.
LindenhurstKiwanis.org/Hometown Heroes
North Babylon High School Earns Bronze On AP School Honor Roll
North Babylon High School is proud to announce it has earned bronze recognition on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll by the College Board. This national distinction celebrates high schools that are expanding access to rigorous, college-level coursework and supporting strong outcomes for their students.
North Babylon High School achieved all the criteria for the bronze tier, placing it among a select group of schools recognized for fostering a robust college-going culture. The recognition is based on three key metrics for the Class of 2025:
1. College Culture: 45% of the graduating cohort took at least one AP exam during high school, exceeding the bronze benchmark of 40%.
2. College Credit: 33%
of students scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, surpassing the bronze requirement of 25%.
3. College Optimization: 13% of students took five or more AP exams across their high school career, with at least one taken in ninth or 10th grade, which exceeds the bronze benchmark of 2%.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said North Babylon High School Principal Dr. Jonathan Klomp. “This recognition is a direct testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers and staff who are committed to academic excellence and preparing students for future success in college and beyond.”
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 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.
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.
THE ARGYLE THEATRE Announces Full Cast For Upcoming Production Of NEWSIES Director TOMMY RANIERI, Choreographer
TRENT
Musical Director JONATHAN BRENNER
SOYSTER
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:
Cage aux Folles), Sam O’Neill (Regional: Rock of Ages), Leroy Thompson,
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.”
La
Immanuel Amalio Rodriguez (Regional: Gypsy), Garrison Hunt (Regional: Come
Pino’s Pizza Of Deer Park
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
THINKING
Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
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)
• ½ Tray of Choice: Chicken Parm, Francese or Marsala
• ½ Tray of Choice: Baked Ziti or Penne Vodka
• ½ Tray of Garden Salad
• ½ Tray of Garlic Knots
• Full Tray of Choice: Chicken Parm, Francese or Marsala
• Full Tray of Choice: Baked Ziti or Penne Vodka
• Full Tray of Choice: Sausage & Peppers or Meatballs
• Full Tray of Garden Salad & Garlic Knots
• Full Tray of Choice: Chicken Parm, Francese or Marsala
• Full Tray of Choice: Baked Ziti or Penne Vodka
• Full Tray of Choice: Sausage & Peppers or Meatballs
