February 25, 2026 Bethpage by Long Island Media Group

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello March and that means that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is here! Bethpage is always one of the first towns to hold the beloved Irish heritage celebration and it happens to be the first day of the month. We hope you get to enjoy the festivities and cheer on the pipe bands, fire departments and marchers with your favorite green clothes and put those shamrocks on!

Our chamber board congratulates Bethpage Fire Department Ex-Chief Brian Durr and the Embassy Diner’s Gus Tsvorias as the 2026 Grand Marshals for the 34th annual Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Just a few days later the clocks will be Spring Ahead on March 8th then Spring Equinox arrives March 21st, there will be more sunlight as the days shift and milder weather arrives more often. Local gardeners can “plant the peas” but they know to wait until after April holidays to think about the chance of wintry storms to fade away entirely.

We’ve also refreshed our membership information for sponsors and our general members. And now the 2026 Chamber Member window decals are being given out so look for them and help us get more installed on our Bethpage business windows by encouraging them to join our chamber of commerce. The more members there are the better we can collaborate for support.

This month we have started spring cleaning with a fresh outlook for the nicer days ahead, please volunteer if you can. Until then keep Bethpage Strong!

34th ANNUAL

Bethpage St. Patrick’s Parade

Honoring The 2026

Grand Marshal’s Brian Durr & Gus Tsiorvas

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Irish Soda Bread Makes The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer

Irish cuisine may not be as widely recognizable or familiar across North America as Chinese, Italian or Mexican fare. But that doesn’t mean Irish food lacks fans and flavor. As the world prepares to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on or around March 17, individuals who want to include some popular Irish fare in their festivities won’t want to exclude this recipe for “Irish Soda Bread” from AllRecipes.com.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

Irish Soda Bread

Yields 1 1⁄2 loaf (20 servings)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup margarine, softened

4 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1⁄4 cup butter, melted

1⁄4 cup buttermilk

Mix flour, softened margarine, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Combine melted butter with 1⁄4 cup buttermilk in a small bowl; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.

Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

Katherine Miraval Ins Agcy Inc

Kathy M Miraval, Agent

326 Broadway

Bethpage, NY 11714

Bus: 516-433-2929

A Hearty Stew Tailor-Made For St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day is a festive day in which people from all walks of life embrace Irish culture. Celebrated right in the middle of March, St. Patrick’s Day calls for hearty fare that those who have been to the Emerald Isle know is a staple of the Irish diet. This year, anyone looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and stay warm in the process, can enjoy this recipe for “Irish Stew With Lamb and Potatoes” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot and sear the meat. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the onions and carrots in the pan for 3 minutes. Return the meat to the pot, season with salt and ground black pepper and deglaze with the stock. Cover and simmer on a low heat for 40 minutes.

Irish Stew With Lamb and Potatoes

Serves 6

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 3⁄4 pound lamb neck, on the bone, thickly sliced

4 small onions, diced

2 carrots, sliced

6 cups beef stock

8 to 10 small waxy potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size

1 to 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

3. Add the potatoes to the pot, cover and cook for another 30 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Season to taste and serve garnished with parsley.

Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Applications Now Available

Residents & Businesses Invited To Sponsor Hometown Hero Banners To Recognize Veterans And Active Duty Personnel

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman

Steve Labriola announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hometown Heroes Community Recognition Program. This cherished initiative honors the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces – both living and deceased – who are current or former residents of the Town of Oyster Bay.

Councilman Labriola stated, “This Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Program allows us to show our deep gratitude to the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our nation. Their courage and dedication deserve our utmost respect, and this initiative provides a lasting tribute to their service.

We are proud to bring this important initiative back to our communities.”

The program features banners bearing the honorees’ names, ranks, photographs, and areas of service. These banners will be displayed at selected park facilities throughout the Town of Oyster Bay in the months leading up to Veterans Day in November. To participate, individuals or organizations may sponsor a banner for $75, covering the production cost. No profit is made from this program.

After Veterans Day, the banners will be taken down to prevent damage from winter weather and returned to the service member’s family or loved ones. Those who sponsored banners in the previous year must submit a new application

to be included in the 2026 season. Applications are due by March 13, 2026.

Supervisor Saladino concluded, “This program

is a meaningful way for our community to pay tribute to those who have bravely and selflessly served our nation. It is an honor to recognize their sacrifices and their continued contributions to our local communities through advocacy and leadership.”

For more information or to download an application, visit www.oysterbaytown. com/herobanners or call (516) 797-4121.

John F. Kennedy Middle School Eighth Grader Wins Gold In Prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

John F. Kennedy Middle School eighth grader Sara Feng recently earned top honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, claiming a Gold Key – the competition’s highest recognition – along with six additional awards for her short fiction.

Sara, an aspiring novelist, submitted 11 flash fiction pieces to the competition on her own initiative. With support from her mother, who actively seeks out opportunities for Sara to showcase her work, the young writer earned three Honorable Mentions, three Silver Keys and a Gold Key for her story “Safire.”

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Since its founding in 1923, the competition has launched the careers of notable writers including Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Lena Dunham

and Amanda Gorman. As a Gold Key winner, Sara’s piece advances automatically to the national level competition. If selected, she could attend a recognition ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Sara’s creative ambitions extend beyond this recent success. She is currently working on completing her first novel and awaiting results from the New York Times Learning Network’s multimedia competition, where she submitted work on the topic of “Growing up with AI.”

“I love to write, even in my spare time,” Sara said. Her ultimate goals include becoming a published author and seeing her stories adapted for film.

With such impressive achievements already under her belt by eighth grade, Sara appears well on her way to making those dreams a reality.

Town Councilman Steve Labriola distributes banners with local scouting groups.

Sara Feng, an 8th grader at JFK Middle School, recently won seven recognitions from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. She is pictured here with English teacher Karen Hayes (left) and Director of Literacy & English Language Arts, Ms. Valerie Filbry. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Locales With Considerable Irish American Populations

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are lively and greentinted affairs filled with music, dancing, food, and signature beverages like Guinness stout and Irish coffee. The phrase “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” has a lot of truth to it, as people from all walks of life enjoy having a little fun each year on March 17. But that fun might be amped up a little in cities with large populations of people who trace their ancestry to the Emerald Isle and locales where staples of life in Ireland are particularly accessible.

A local Irish pub tends to be a fun place to spend St. Patrick’s Day regardless of where the establishment is located, but in 2023 LawnStarter examined a wide range of variables in an effort to identify the most Irish cities in the United States. After gathering publicly available data that ranged from a city’s Irish population to its number of Irish dance schools to the amount of Irish pubs open within city limits, the team at LawnStarter came up with this list of the “Most Irish” cities in the U.S. The list is unofficial and intended to entertain as much as inform, but those looking to spend St. Patrick’s Day in a locale with a notably Irish feel can consider a visit to any of these cities:

1. New York, NY

2. Chicago, IL

3. Boston, MA

4. Philadelphia, PA

5. San Francisco, CA

6. Pittsburgh, PA

7. Denver, CO

8. San Diego, CA

9. Seattle, WA

10. Omaha, NE

Celebrants looking for cities where St. Patrick’s Day is a particularly big deal can consider a visit to these locales that LawnStarter identified as having the most St. Patrick’s Day events:

1. Chicago, IL

2. Boston, MA

3. Denver, CO

4. New York, NY

5. San Diego, CA

If it’s Irish dance performances you’re looking for, consider these cities, which LawnStarter found are home to more schools of Irish dance than other locales in the U.S.:

1. New York, NY

2. Los Angeles, CA

3. Chicago, IL

4. Orlando, FL (tie)

4. San Diego, CA (tie)

4. San Francisco, CA (tie)

There’s much fun to be had on St. Patrick’s Day. And spending the day in certain locales may be even more amusing and enjoyable.

4 Interesting Facts About The Month Of March

March marks a turning point for many people each year. Perhaps because winter winds down and officially ends in midMarch, the month is easy to characterize as a turning point toward spring and all that entails, including warmer weather and additional hours of daylight. The vernal equinox is one of many interesting facts about the third month of the year.

1. March might mark the official return of spring, but the inspiration for its name is far less serene. According to Almanac. com, March is named for Mars, the Roman

god of war. That might not jibe with modern impressions of March, but it makes sense from a historical perspective. That’s because military campaigns were once routinely suspended during the cold winter months. Upon the return of spring and the more favorable conditions it produced, military campaigns would start up again, thus making March an aptly named month.

2. Though presidential inaugurations in the United States are now held in January, that wasn’t always the case.

In fact, March 4 was the official Inauguration Day until 1933, when the Twentieth Amendment was ratified and inaugurations were officially moved to January. Even George Washington, the first man to serve as President of the United States of America, was initially slated to be inaugurated on March 4. However, the Library of Congress notes that electoral ballots could not be counted as quickly as Congress anticipated, so the first inauguration was delayed until April 30,

1789. President Franklin D. Roosevelt holds the distinction of being the first American president to be inaugurated in January after he was sworn in on January 20, 1937.

3. March hosts one of the most beloved holidays across the globe, even though the day commemorates the patron saint of a small country in western Europe. St. Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland, a small island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean with a population of roughly seven million people.

Despite that, World Population Review reports that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more than 200 countries each year on March 17. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is world-renowned, but the holiday is celebrated in other countries one might not immediately associate with Ireland and St. Patrick, such as Singapore, Russia and Japan.

4. College sports fans anxiously anticipate the arrival of March each year. That’s because the month marks the return of March Madness,

Warm Up With Irish Coffee This St. Patrick’s Day

Though it might not be as beloved as a pint of Guinness or as inviting as a shot of Jameson’s Irish whiskey after some cold hours spent marching in or viewing a parade, Irish coffee has a place all its own on St. Patrick’s Day.

The origins of Irish coffee are sometimes debated, though many historians trace the beverage to a stormy night in Ireland. One fateful night in 1943, Irishman Joe Sheridan was called back to work at the restaurant and coffee shop at the Foynes Airbase Flying Boat terminal in County Limerick. A flight that had recently departed for Newfoundland was forced to return to the airport that night due to inclement weather. According to the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, Sheridan was asked to make something for the passengers to help them stay warm. Before serving some freshly made coffee, Sheridan decided to add a little Irish whiskey, and the rest is history.

The popularity of Irish coffee is undeniable, and some of that popularity likely stems from how easy it can be to make the drink at home. Though Irish coffee is a straightforward beverage, the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime

a college basketball tradition that annually draws millions of fans to watch and/or attend games in the weeks long single-elimination NCAA Tournament that culminates with the national championship game. The origins of the phrase “March Madness” are not precisely known, though many historians trace the phrase to high school basketball in Indiana in the 1930s. Legendary broadcaster Brent Musburger is credited with associating the term with the NCAA Tournament in the 1980s.

Museum offer the following tips for those who want to whip up a batch that would make Sheridan proud.

1. Preheat an Irish coffee glass by filling it with boiling water. Keep the water in the glass for 5 seconds, and then pour the water out.

2. Add one teaspoon of brown sugar and a good measure of Irish whiskey into the warmed glass.

3. Fill the glass to within 1 centimeter (a little less than half an inch) of the brim of the glass with hot and strong black coffee. Stir well so all of the brown sugar dissolves.

4. Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon. The goal is to ensure the cream floats on top of the coffee.

5. Do not stir after adding the cream. It’s important to avoid stirring because Irish coffee will be most flavorful if you drink the coffee and whiskey through the cream.

A pint of Guinness might be a must for millions of St. Patrick’s Day celebrants across the globe. But those who want something a little warmer can try their hands at Irish coffee as they toast the patron saint of Ireland this March.

JFK Masquers Guild Brings ‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ To Life

The JFK Masquers Guild at John F. Kennedy Middle School delivered three nights of theatrical magic with their production of “Beetlejuice Jr.,” performing to packed houses of family and friends Jan. 29-31.

Directed by Central Boulevard’s music teacher Jackie Rorke, the show featured dozens of JFK’s talented singers and dancers, supported by a dedicated student stage crew working behind the scenes to bring the production to life.

The cast dedicated weeks to rehearsals, with their hard work culminating in a special masterclass with Andrew Kober, who portrayed Beetlejuice in the Broadway production. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on an outstanding production that brought this beloved show to the JFK stage.

“Beetlejuice Jr.” is a family-friendly, shortened adaptation of the Broadway hit musical that follows strange teen Lydia Deetz as she moves into a haunted house and befriends the ghostly Maitlands. When she teams up with the mischievous demon Beetlejuice to scare away the living, chaos ensues as Beetlejuice reveals his true, devious colors. Beneath the scares and laughs lies a heartfelt story exploring themes of family, grief and acceptance.

Kramer Lane Rallies Behind Hometown Olympian Charlie McAvoy

Milan wasn’t the only place alive with Olympic spirit on Feb. 6– Kramer Lane Elementary School hosted a spirited pep rally to celebrate second grade teacher Jennifer McAvoy’s son, Charlie, who is representing the United States on the men’s hockey team and is the only U.S. athlete from Long Island competing in the Winter Olympics.

The student body gathered in the multipurpose room dressed in red, white and blue, carrying an array of pom-poms, American flags and signs wishing Charlie luck. The event kicked off with the

Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, performed by four Kramer Lane students who represented the school at the NYSSMA All-County performance a few weeks ago.

Students then learned about the Winter Olympics – from its history to the many winter sports it hosts. Members of the student government helped tell Charlie’s story through a timeline of his life, sharing his various hockey milestones from when he started playing as a young boy in Long Beach all the way to his professional career with the Boston Bruins. The

room filled with cheers as students watched a video compilation of Charlie in action on the ice.

The Bethpage High School cheer team made a special appearance, leading Kramer Lane

students in enthusiastic chants of “Char-lie! Charlie!”

Ms. McAvoy then participated in a Q&A with students, answering questions about Charlie and offering insight into

what it was like raising an Olympian.

The event concluded with a special video message from Charlie himself to the Kramer Lane students, encouraging them to

follow their dreams and thanking them for their support.

It was a proud and patriotic afternoon, and everyone in Bethpage is cheering Charlie and Team USA on.

The event concluded with a special video message from Charlie himself to the Kramer Lane students. Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Students gathered in the multipurpose room dressed in red, white and blue, carrying an array of pom-poms, American flags and signs wishing Charlie luck.

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Lenten Traditions Explored

The Lenten season marks a period of 40 days when faithful Christians prepare for the glory of Easter Sunday. Easter commemorates the miracle of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is foundational for the Christian faith.

Lent is the 40-day period (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter. Lent begins on Feb. 18 and ends

on Thursday, April 2.

Lent is a season when Christians reflect and prepare to celebrate Easter. Lent is a period of spiritual purification that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. Fasting, giving alms and prayer are some of the hallmarks of Lent.

Many Lenten traditions are well known, but others are not. Here’s a glimpse at some of those traditions.

The first ‘Lent’

Lent is based on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert in preparation for his public life. Matthew 4:1-11 shares that Christ was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit for a period of fasting and prayer, where He constantly encountered the devil and his temptations. Lent also mirrors the period of time (40 days) that the Israelites spent in their journey from slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Israel.

Black fasts

While certain Lenten restrictions have lightened up a bit in recent years, it once was the norm to

consume a single meal per day of bread, water and herbs after sunset on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which was known as a black fast. During the other days of Lent, no food was allowed until 3 p.m., which Christians believe was the hour of Our Lord’s death.

Piñatas for Lent?

The Lenten tradition of hitting a papier-mâché creation filled with candy originated in Italy. Eventually the idea was picked up by the Spanish and brought to Mexico, where the familiar piñatas now known to partygoers across the globe appeared.

Professor Michael Foley, author of “Dining with the Saints,” says the original piñata had seven cones to represent the seven deadly sins. Hitting the cones and defeating the sins revealed the heavenly reward in the form of candy.

Prayerful pretzels

In the early Middle Ages, when other foods were not allowed during Lent, pretzels became popular. The twisted shape of the pretzels was associated with arms entwined in prayer.

Hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are synonymous with Easter. Although they may predate Christianity and might have been a tradition adopted to make Christianity more relatable to the masses, one legend suggests they originated with a twelfth century Anglican monk. This monk reportedly baked the buns and marked them with crosses in honor of Good Friday. These yeasted sweet rolls have since become a popular treat on Easter weekend.

Lent precedes Easter each year and is full of time-honored traditions.

Bethpage 34th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

Honoring The 2026 Grand Marshal’s Brian Durr And Gus Tsiorvas

The Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is proud to announce plans for the annual Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This longstanding community tradition celebrates Irish heritage while bringing together residents, families, and local organizations.

The 2026 Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, following the 12:00 p.m. Mass at St. Martin of Tours Church. This year’s parade will honor Brian Durr and Gus Tsiorvas, who have been selected as the 2026 Grand Marshals in recognition of their dedication and service to the community. Brian Durr is a former chief and 50-year member of the Bethpage Fire Department. Gus Tsiorvas is the owner of Bethpage’s Embassy Diner, known as the “Home of the Brave.”

The parade route will begin on Central Avenue, continue to Stewart Avenue, head north to Burkhardt Avenue, proceed to Broadway, and conclude southbound at the Center of Town, where closing ceremonies will be held at the Showmobile.

The annual parade features a wide array of participants, including pipe bands, local fire departments, marching units, and

community organizations, culminating in a festive celebration that reflects Bethpage’s strong sense of pride and tradition.

The Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, made up entirely of dedicated volunteers, relies heavily on community support to make the event possible.

Funding is raised through donations, volunteer efforts, and fundraising initiatives such as the Luck of the Irish Sweepstakes, as well as special events held throughout the year, including a fundraiser in November 2025.

In addition to organizing parade logistics and promotion, the committee hosts several celebratory events, including Grand Marshal celebrations and investiture ceremonies, to formally honor those selected for leadership roles in the parade.

Community members interested in supporting the parade, purchasing raffle tickets, volunteering, or learning more are encouraged to contact the committee via email at bethpagesaintpatrickscommittee@gmail. com

Updates and additional information can also be found on Facebook by searching Bethpage Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

The Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee looks forward to welcoming the community for another memorable celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit in 2026.

Last Year’s Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025

Photos courtesy of the Town of Oyster Bay

BRIAN DURR

GUS TSIORVAS

Teri Catapano Black

ursday) Soup or Salad (Tossed or

ENTRÉE: Pasta, Chicken, Veal, Filet of Sole or Eggplant, served with Vegetable of the Day & Cheesecake or Cannoli

Irish Songs To Enhance St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Music can enliven any event and often sets the tone for boisterous festivities. From dinner parties to weddings, music plays an integral role in many momentous occasions.

Music also is front and center during St. Patrick’s Day parties and other celebrations. Imparting traditional music as well as modern Irish songs into St. Patrick’s Day fanfare can kick parties up another notch.

To get the celebration started, consider adding these Irish songs to your St. Patrick’s Day event, courtesy of Irish Travel Guide, Vagabond Tours, and The Irish Road Trip.

• “The Lonesome Boatman”: This is a lesser-known Irish folk song that debuted on the 1969 album from Finbar and Eddie. It is a haunting song that features the tin whistle, like many traditional Irish songs.

• “Molly Malone:” This song has been an anthem for the people of Dublin since the late 19th century. It talks about a Dublin fishmonger, and The Dubliners’ take is a popular version.

• “A Nation Once Again”: This hymn was written in the early to mid1840s by Thomas Osborne Davis. As the creator of the Young Irelander movement, he helped pave the way for changes in Irish nationalism, and the song is often classified as “Irish rebel music.”

• “Grace”: This song was written about an Irish artist who married Joseph Mary Plunkett, one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. “Grace” is a sad Irish folk song, but a classic, nonetheless.

• “The Fields of Athenry”: This tune often is considered the unofficial national anthem of Ireland. It captures the tragedy of the Great Famine

as well as the enduring spirit of the Irish people.

• “Wild Mountain Thyme”: This classic folk song has stood the test of time and recently was covered by pop star Ed Sheeran. It has become synonymous with Ireland, even though it may trace its origins to 18th-century Scotland.

• “Zombie”: While not a traditional Irish folk song, “Zombie” was written by one of the best-known alternative Irish rock bands, The Cranberries. It’s a powerful song that alludes to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

• “Danny Boy”: What St. Patrick’s Day gathering would be complete without the widely recognized “Danny Boy”? This classic was inspired by the Siege of Derry, and the song became renowned during WWI. Frederick Edward Weatherly, an English barrister, and singer put lyrics to “Danny Boy” in 1912.

• “Raglan Road”: This song is known as one of Ireland’s most romantic tunes. Poet Patrick Kavanagh wrote the lyrics, purportedly inspired by his brief connection with doctor Hilda Moriarity.

• “The Rocky Road to Dublin”: A tale of the adventures and troubles of a man traveling to Liverpool from his home in Ireland, this is a popular Irish song among tourists.

• “The Wild Rover”: This tune tells of a wayward son spending money on beer and whiskey but promising to return home to change his wild ways. It’s a classic Irish drinking song.

Modern or classic, plenty of inspiration can come from singing Irish tunes during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Crafts Are A Lucky Bet For St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

While it certainly can be fun to visit a pub and raise a pint in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, such efforts are not necessarily a family-friendly way to commemorate the patron saint of the Emerald Isle. Thankfully, there are plenty of activities for children and adults that focus less on imbibing and more on hands-on fun so everyone can be involved equally. Crafting often fits that bill.

The following are some unique craft ideas to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Many of these projects include items you may already have around the house.

Shamrock key chain

Find your favorite salt dough recipe and use a shamrock cookie cutter to cut out the shape of a lucky clover. Poke a hole at the top where you can connect a key ring. When

the shamrock is dried and hardened, paint it in a vivid shade of green. Attach keys, a school ID or anything else to the key ring, or simply hang it from a backpack.

Leprechaun hats

With a little green paint, green card stock and construction paper in black and gold, anyone can create miniature leprechaun hats. Paint the toilet paper tube green, then wrap the bottom in a strip of black and place a gold “buckle” made out of a rectangle of gold or yellow paper. Glue the tube to a round of green card stock, and voila, you have a perfect leprechaun hat for decorating a room or table.

Easy rainbow craft

Grab some fruity

O-shaped cereal and let kids sort the colors into red, orange, yellow, green, and purple. Glue rows

of these colored cereal rings onto a piece of white cardstock to make the rainbow. At the base of the rainbow, glue some cotton balls to serve as the clouds.

Beaded bracelets

Visit a craft store and stock up on small green, white and gold beads, as well as some bracelet wire or poly string. Spend a few hours making bracelets that everyone can wear with their green attire for St. Patrick’s Day. The bracelets also can be given as gifts.

Shamrock slime

Those who can find green glitter glue and shamrock confetti can turn their favorite slime recipe into one worthy of St. Patrick’s Day.

Rainbow cereal bars

Incorporate some of the marshmallows from a favorite “lucky” cereal

brand into the mix of rice cereal treats to give them a rainbow-inspired upgrade.

Pots of gold

If you have leftover

plastic witches’ cauldrons from Halloween, paint them gold and use them to store foil-wrapped chocolate coins. Otherwise, tie green helium-filled

balloons to the cauldron to make a perfect centerpiece. St. Patrick’s Day crafts get the entire family in on the fun of celebrating the Emerald Isle.

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE FROM BETHPAGE WATER DISTRICT

SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER: STAYING PREPARED THROUGH A SEASON OF EXTREME COLD

This winter has been one of the coldest and harshest we’ve experienced in years, and the extreme conditions have led to a signi cant increase in water main breaks across our District here in Bethpage.

Since January 1st, our crews have responded to 14 breaks, working around the clock to make repairs as quickly and safely as possible while minimizing disruption to residents. I commend our dedicated team for their professionalism and commitment during these demanding conditions. Situations like this underscore the importance of locally controlled water districts. Our ability to respond 24/7 to water-related emergencies helps ensure reliable service and public safety, even during severe weather.

As winter continues, we encourage residents to take simple precautions to protect their homes, such as shutting off outside water lines, disconnecting hoses, and keeping indoor pipes warm to help prevent freezing. By taking care of your property, you help reduce the risk of damage and service interruptions.

At times, water main breaks and repairs can cause temporary discoloration of water, as naturally occurring sediment is stirred up in the pipes. If this happens, running cold water for a few minutes typically clears it.

As you safeguard your property, we remain committed to safeguarding your water service.

Michael J. Bouﬁs, Superintendent

Bethpage Water District

The Spring Equinox

There’s much to celebrate on the Spring Equinox, which is also referred to as the “Vernal Equinox” or the “March Equinox” and marks the official beginning of spring, a season many people associate with rejuvenation and longer hours of daylight. One unusual aspect of the equinoxes (the Autumnal Equinox in September ushers in the beginning of fall) is these days feature the fastest sunsets and sunrises of the year. According to Earthsky.org, this phenomenon occurs because the sun rises due east and sets due west on the equinoxes, which means the setting sun hits the horizon at its steepest possible angle. That steep angle leads to a very short sunrise and sunset on the equinoxes. Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America.

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8, 2026

Residents are reminded that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Clocks should be set one hour ahead before going to bed on Saturday night, as the change takes effect at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning. The start of Daylight Saving Time brings longer daylight hours in the evening, providing more

opportunities for outdoor activities and community events. While many electronic devices update automatically, residents are encouraged to manually adjust clocks on appliances, vehicles, and other nondigital devices. Officials also remind the public to use the time change as an opportunity

to check household safety measures, including testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and replacing batteries as needed.

Daylight Saving Time will remain in effect until Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks will be set back one hour.

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Enjoy Corned Beef And Cabbage This St. Patrick’s Day

Corned beef and cabbage might not be a part of many people’s diet regimens throughout the year. But come March 17, it’s not uncommon to find people from all walks of life indulging in this beloved meal. March 17 marks the celebration of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over the years, the day has also become a celebration of the Emerald Isle. Such celebrations tend to feature corned beef

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Serves 6 to 8

Cook a whole brisket with both sections together with all its fat. (You can trim off the fat after the meat is cooked.) Whole brisket and second-cut corned beef brisket are hard to find, but your supermarket should have first-cut corned beef vacuumpacked in plastic. Choose the fattiest piece in the case and treat it gently.

You can cook the cabbage and potatoes in the same water as the corned beef. Because the other vegetables need to be cooked in water that simmers more than the meat, scoop out water from the corned beef pot and cook the vegetables in a separate pot or pots.

1 4- to 5-pound corned beef brisket

1 teaspoon pickling spices

1 head cabbage

2 pounds boiling potatoes

6 to 8 small carrots (optional) Parsnips (optional) Turnips (optional)

Directions:

Place the corned beef in a pot that holds at least 5 quarts of water. Cover completely with cold water. Place over high heat and bring to a simmer.

As soon as bubbles start to break on the surface of the water, adjust the heat so the water simmers very, very gently. With a slotted spoon, skim off the residue that accumulates on the surface. When the residue stops coming to the surface, add the pickling spices.

Continue to cook, with bubbles just gently breaking on the surface, for 3 to 4 hours, until fork tender.

The meat can be safely held in its water for about 2 hours; reheat gently.

and cabbage, even though the dish may have little to do with Ireland (and even less to do with St. Patrick). The precise origins of the link between corned beef and St. Patrick’s Day remain a topic of debate, but some historians say the corned beef enjoyed today can be traced to New York City’s Irish immigrant population in the 19th and 20th centuries, who popularized salted meat made from brisket that was then sold by

Jewish butchers. Regardless of the authenticity of its link to Ireland, corned beef is delicious, and many modern Paddy’s Day celebrants wouldn’t think of going without it on March 17. Those who want to cook up their own can try this recipe for “Corned Beef and Cabbage” from Arthur Schwartz’s “New York City Food” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang).

Cook the vegetables until fork tender in separate pots of boiling fresh water or especially for the cabbage, use some of the water in which the corned beef was cooked.

Slice the corned beef and serve with mustard and/or horseradish on a platter, surrounded with some of the vegetables or with vegetables in a separate bowl.

Fish And Chips Is An Ideal Meal Throughout Lent

Lent is an important time of year for Christians across the globe. Lent is a season of sacrifice, and many practicing Christians abstain from consuming flesh meat on Fridays in the weeks preceding Easter. Abstaining from meat on Fridays throughout Lent does not require devoted Christians to avoid flavor. In fact, there are many flavorful non-meat dishes for Christians to choose from each Friday during Lent. One particularly flavorful option is this recipe for "Gourmet Fish and Chips" from Lines+Angles.

Directions:

1. For the mushy peas: Combine the peas with the baking soda in a large saucepan. Cover with 8" water. Cover and chill overnight.

2. The next day, drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.

3. Return the peas to a large saucepan and cover with about 0.5" water. Bring to a boil over a high heat before reducing to a simmer until tender to the bite, about 30 to 40 minutes; skim away any froth that rises to the surface and edges.

4. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.

5. For the chips/fries: Cut the potatoes into fries. Submerge in a large bowl of water as you heat the oil.

6. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan to 285 F; use a thermometer to accurately measure the temperature.

7. Remove the potatoes from the water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle over the corn starch, onion powder and some salt, tossing well to combine.

8. Deep-fry the potatoes until soft and starting to color, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towel and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.

9. Increase the temperature of the oil to 355 F. Working in two batches, return the fries to the oil and fry until golden-brown and crisp all over.

10. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and cover

Gourmet Fish And Chips

Makes 4 servings

For the mushy peas:

12 ounces green dried peas, split

1 tablespoon baking soda

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Salt

Freshly ground black peppercorns

For the fries:

2 1/4 lbs. white potatoes, peeled

8 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon onion powder or onion salt

For the fish:

4 large white fish fillets, approximately 2 lbs., such as cod or haddock, skinless, pin-boned

1 cup flour

1 large egg, beaten

12 fluid ounces beer, chilled

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

To serve:

2 gherkins pickles, sliced lengthwise

2 lemons

Sprig curly parsley

loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm; reserve the oil.

11. For the fish: Return the frying oil to 355 F; use a kitchen thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature.

12. In the meantime, season the fish with salt and pepper.

13. Combine the flour, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and some freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk briefly to combine before slowly whisking in enough of the beer to make a thick, smooth batter.

14. Working one by one, drop the fish fillets into the batter, turning to coat evenly.

15. Let the excess batter drip off the fish before carefully lowering into the hot oil. Deep-fry until golden-brown and crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove from the hot oil and drain on paper towel, covering loosely with aluminum foil.

16. Repeat steps 14 and 15 for the remaining fish.

17. Reheat the fries in the hot oil if needed, draining well.

18. To serve: Divide the mushy peas between ramekins and place on plates. Divide the fries into individual serving baskets and arrange next to the fish on the plates.

19. Cut the lemons in half, scoring a zig-zag pattern into them with a paring knife. Serve alongside the fish and fries, garnishing the fish with gherkin slices and some parsley sprigs