February 18, 2026 Seaford

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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

Reporter Gives The Inside Scoop To Seaford’s Media Students

Accomplished news

reporter John Dias visited Seaford High School on

Feb. 2 to share his career journey and inspire students interested in media arts

careers. A three-time Emmy Award–winning reporter for CBS News New York, Mr. Dias spoke to approximately 45 students enrolled in Broadcasting, Filmmaking

Accomplished news reporter John Dias visited Seaford High School on Feb. 2 to share his career journey and inspire students who may pursue media arts careers. Mr. Dias, a three-time Emmy-winning reporter for CBS News New York, spoke to about 45 students in the Broadcasting, Filmmaking and LIU Journalism courses. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District

and LIU Journalism courses.

The Long Island native described his career path, which began as a television reporter in Colorado before returning home to work at News 12 covering New York City. He has been with CBS for eight years and discussed how reporters find stories, gather information and produce news packages, emphasizing the importance of balancing hard news with “feel good” feature stories.

Mr. Dias explained the many roles he performs as a reporter, including interviewing sources, filming B-roll footage and editing content for television and social media. During a question-and-answer session, he addressed covering controversial topics and stressed the importance of separating personal opinions from professional reporting.

Teachers Curtis Tripoli (Broadcasting), Melinda McKee (Filmmaking) and Kathryn Miedl (Journalism)

provided overviews of their courses and showcased student work, as well as several of Mr. Dias’ stories, inviting him to reflect on the reporting process behind each one.

Coordinator of Fine and Applied Arts Dr. Patrick Kennedy spearheaded the visit to connect students with a media professional, noting that Mr. Dias offered practical advice on interviewing and story selection through a behindthe-scenes look at the life of a news reporter.

“We were fortunate to hear about John’s journey from high school through his various roles in the industry, and how evolving technology continues to shape journalism today,” Dr. Kennedy said. “Students gained real-world insight into the skills needed to succeed in journalism and left feeling inspired and better prepared to pursue careers in broadcasting and storytelling.”

THE ARGYLE THEATRE Announces Full Cast For Upcoming Production Of NEWSIES Director TOMMY RANIERI,

Choreographer TRENT SOYSTER

Musical Director JONATHAN BRENNER

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.”

• 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

MESSAGE FROM BETHPAGE WATER DISTRICT

STRENGTHENING TREATMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE & WATER QUALITY FOR THE NEW YEAR

Happy new year to all our Bethpage residents. As we begin 2026, the Bethpage Water District is proud to share important progress on projects that strengthen our treatment capabilities and improve system reliability. In December our new ISEP system for nitrate and perchlorate began startup, adding another advanced layer of protection to meet evolving water-quality standards. Combined with the installation of Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) system at Plant No. 1, all District wells are fully equipped with the highest level of water treat technology to remove 1,4-dioxane.

Plant No. 1 will remain our major priority and is on track to become our most advanced facility throughout the District. Once construction is completed and all treatment systems - ISEP, Packed Tower Aeration, AOP and Granular Activated Carbon - come online by spring 2026, Plant No. 1 will signi cantly enhance our long-term water quality and operational exibility.

We also completed approximately 1.4 miles of water main replacement along Sherman and Harrison Avenues, improving reliability and pressure throughout the system. Additional upgrades are underway, including recoating the Adams Avenue elevated tank and advancing Phase 2 of the North-South transmission main to strengthen distribution.

Michael J. Boufis, Superintendent

Bethpage Water District

We remain steadfast and committed to delivering high-quality, reliable drinking water to every home and business in Bethpage for 2026... and beyond. Cheers to a bright year ahead!

Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.

“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman

Hand. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”

Councilman Hand noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but highquality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos

should be sent to photos@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.

Seaford High School Launches Annual Scholarship Drive

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 1-800-456-2267. 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 on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

The Seaford Scholarship Fund is kicking off its annual fundraising drive. All residents and businesses in the Seaford School District are encouraged to contribute to this scholarship drive. The funds collected will be used to award scholarships to deserving seniors from the Seaford High School Graduation Class of 2026. Anyone wishing to contribute may make checks payable to Seaford Union Free School District and forward to Seaford High School at 1575 Seamans Neck Road, Seaford, NY 11783 – Attn.: Ms. Nicole Schnabel, Principal. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Toni Coacci at (516) 592-4385.

Tell

Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.

A Hot Breakfast For A Relaxed Weekend Morning Peasant Omelet

A hot breakfast can be just what the doctor ordered on weekends. Weekday mornings might be too hectic to whip up a hot breakfast, but that’s often not the case come Saturday and Sunday. For those with time to cook breakfast over the weekend, this recipe for a “Peasant Omelet” from Lines+Angles is delicious and simple to prepare.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chopped potatoes and saute until almost fork tender. Add the garlic and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender. Add ham and fresh parsley, stirring until heated through. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

2. Melt butter in an omelet pan or saute pan. Beat milk and eggs together. Pour egg mixture into the omelet pan. Cook over medium heat, gently move the eggs by sliding a spatula under the eggs, to promote even cooking. Cook until eggs are set.

1 serving

tablespoon olive oil 1 small potato, peeled and chopped into small pieces 1 clove minced garlic, peeled and minced 2 slices cooked ham, cut into bite-size pieces

teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 pickle, sliced lengthwise (optional)

3. Slide cooked omelet onto plate. Season with freshly ground black pepper and top with potato and ham mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced pickle. Serve immediately.

Seaford Opens Doors For Free Heart Screenings

Nearly 200 teenagers and young adults received free cardiac exams at a Heart Screen New York community event on Feb. 7 at Seaford Middle School. The screening was a partnership between the Seaford School District, Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation and Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation. After checking in and submitting a heart history form, participants went

into the gymnasium for a blood pressure check. Boys and girls then entered separate screening areas where their height and weight was measured. They underwent an EKG test that records the electrical

activity of the heart, followed by an analysis of heart sound.

If a need for further evaluation was determined by medical professionals, participants were then given an echocardiogram, which creates images of a heart’s structure and function using sound waves.

Results were discussed during consultations with cardiologists. After leaving the gym, participants visited a station to learn CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator, another way of fulfilling the event’s life-saving mission. Upon checking out, youngsters received copies of their EKG results, which they were encouraged to give to their pediatricians or physicians.

registrants. Many of the participants were athletes from Seaford Middle School and Seaford High School.

There were 146 volunteers from the Acompora and Murray foundations, including doctors, nurses, medical students and CPR instructors. Several administrators and teachers from Seaford also volunteered throughout the six-hour event.

The Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation is named in honor of a teen who died in 2000 from a condition known as commotio cordis while playing lacrosse at 14 years old. It is led by his parents John and Karen Acompora.

more than a decade ago.

Mr. Witt said that planning for the Seaford screening event began about a year ago. The two foundations also hosted a heart in the district in 2015. He noted the importance of early detection if someone does have a heart issue, and they can be referred to specialists for treatment.

“This was a great opportunity to get the youngsters in our community a thorough heart examination,” Mr. Witt said. “This goes beyond a routine checkup.”

Battaglia, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Rhonda Meserole and Lenox Nyack.

Kevin Witt, Seaford’s director of physical education, health and athletics, said that 198 people took advantage of the screening, which was open to community residents ages 12 to 24. There were several walkins in addition to advance

The Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation is in honor of a young man who died on the basketball court in 2009 after going into sudden cardiac arrest. Dominic’s mother, Melinda Murray-Nyack, is the founder and president.

The two foundations have screened thousands of students since the heart screen program began

Sophomore Brock Conway, a three-sport athlete at Seaford High School, came with other members of the wrestling team for a screening. He appreciated that this opportunity was offered in his community.

“It’s important for me and my health,” Brock said. “It was well-organized and I also learned CPR. This is really great and I’m glad I was able to come and get screened.”

Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District

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Reducing Your Risk Of RSV: What You Need To Know

As cold and flu season sets in, a seemingly simple cold could signal a more serious concern for some people—but there’s good news, too.

The Risk of RSV Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that mimics cold-like symptoms. While many people recover quickly, RSV can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death in certain

groups, particularly older adults. The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. However, there’s a way to protect yourself: vaccination. Last year, RSV vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalization or emergency visits by 75%, making them a powerful tool in preventing severe outcomes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) recommends RSV vaccination for:

• Everyone 75 years and older

• Adults aged 60–74 at higher risk due to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, severe obesity, or diabetes, as well as those living in nursing homes. Unfortunately, chronic conditions are widespread in older populations. Public health experts encourage

you to discuss your RSV risk with your healthcare provider. Nearly 95% of adults aged 60 and older have at least one chronic health issue, and almost 80% have two or more, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether you have eligible risk conditions.

Taking Action Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and

Progress (CVEEP), a trusted source of information that advocates for access to recommended vaccines, emphasizes the importance of vaccination for those most vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, especially in underserved communities.

RSV vaccines can be given alongside other vaccinations, and they’re free for most people. Both private and public

insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover RSV vaccines. Adults who are eligible can get vaccinated against RSV at any time of year.

Find a Vaccine

To locate an RSV vaccine near you and learn more about RSV protection options, visit www.vaccines. gov or www.CVEEP.org/ RSVReady.