Deer Park High School’s Varsity Cheer Team made school and town history by qualifying for Nationals and competing at the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) for the first time. Qualifying for and competing at NHSCC represents a major milestone for the athletes, coaches, and the Deer Park High School community. The historic appearance reflects the team’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence, and marks a proud moment for the entire Deer Park community.
Double Up On The Guac? Those Avocados Are Good For Your Heart Health
Adding avocados to a healthy diet could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, including lowering your cholesterol, according to research published by the American Heart Association. That’s especially good news because the consumption of avocados in the U.S. has nearly tripled in the past two decades, up to nearly 2.6 billion pounds a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Avocados contain high amounts of fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin K. The fruit is a known source of healthy, unsaturated fats and a great replacement for certain fat-containing foods like butter, cheese or processed meats.
A study recently published in the Journal of the American Heart
Association found that:
• People who ate at least one avocado each week had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to those who never or rarely ate avocados.
• Replacing half a serving daily of margarine, butter, egg, yogurt, cheese or processed meats such as bacon with the same amount of avocado was associated with a 16% to 22% lower risk of cardiovascular disease events.
A recent study published in the Journal of American Heart Association found that eating one avocado a day as part of a moderatefat diet resulted in lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.
“Although avocados are not a total solution to improving heart health,
research shows substantial benefits to adding them to your diet,” said Mayra L. Estrella, Ph.D., M.P.H., a member of the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health and an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health in Houston. “However, everything in moderation because avocados are not calorie-free. A medium avocado averages about 240 calories and 24 grams of fat, according to the California Avocado Commission. Yet, they are a source of healthy fat that can be eaten in place of “bad” saturated fat in a typical diet. And of course, if you’re eating them in
Did You Know?
As more people work remotely, electricians and safety advocates are warning that various missteps may be putting people at unnecessary risk of fire and other unsafe conditions. Electrical equipment is necessary to run home offices just like it is traditional offices. Some people may find they have a shortage of electrical outlets to power their devices, and as a result they may turn to extension cords or power strips. While that may seem like an easy fix, it is easy to inadvertently overload outlets and circuits by connecting more than one power strip or extension cord together in a practice known as “daisy chaining.”
guacamole or another types of dip, you’ll want to be careful not to indulge in too many chips, as well.”
The research on avocados aligns with the American Heart Association’s guidance to follow the Mediterranean diet – a dietary pattern focused on fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, fish and other healthy foods and plantbased fats such as olive, canola, sesame and other non-tropical oils.
The American Heart Association website has a number of heart-healthy recipes using avocados.
Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peerreviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content.
According to the U.S. Office of Compliance, using a daisy chain in the workplace violates the National Electrical Code as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s rules. While it may not break code at home, overloading any outlets increases risk for fire. The National Fire Protection
Association indicates that more than 45,000 residential fires are started each year due to electrical failure and malfunction. Overload causes products to overheat, and that can spark fires in the power cords themselves or inside the wall where electrical lines are hidden.
Repeat Customers
Small business owners no doubt recognize the value of repeat customers, but few may recognize just how valuable such customers can be to their bottom lines. A study from researchers at Harvard Business School found that a customer’s eighth purchase was an average of 80 percent higher than his or her first purchase. In addition, a survey from the strategic planning, marketing and sales consultants Altfeld, Inc. found
that the probability of selling to an existing customer is between 60 and 70 percent, while that probability shrinks to as low as 5 percent for new customers. Customer retention strategies like offering superior customer service and seeking input from customers can help small businesses generate more repeat customers, which can greatly improve their chances for long-term success.
By JoAnn Cilla
Replace January’s Resolutions With February’s Intentions
This month, a familiar feeling is setting in for many people. The 2026 calendar is still shiny and new, but the New Year’s resolutions you made with so much energy and optimism in December are already broken or holding on for dear life. You are still paying for a gym membership but haven’t gone since the second week of the year. The 2026 monthly budget you spent hours working on is busted, and your motivation for change has been replaced by guilt. This is usually the moment when people decide they have failed and quietly give up until next January.
January was never meant to be a verdict on your entire year. It is just one step on a 12-step staircase. Just because you slipped on the first step
JOANN CILLA
doesn’t mean you have to fall down the entire staircase.
Resolutions tend to be rigid. Lose 20 pounds. Save more money. Be less stressed. The problem is that resolutions often demand perfection from day one, at the exact moment when our lives are still playing catch-up after the holidays. One missed week, and we are ready to quit.
Intentions work differently. An intention is a direction, not a mandate. It invites progress instead of punishment. Intentions understand that there is no straight line to success or happiness; we will have good days and bad days. If we fall down a step with our intentions, we simply get back up and keep walking.
February is the perfect time to reset. The noise of January has faded. The pressure to reinvent yourself overnight is gone. You can take what you learned last month and adjust your goals without drama. Maybe the intention is to move your body more, instead of committing to a daily workout you secretly dread. Maybe it is to be more thoughtful with money, instead of swearing off every small pleasure. Another benefit is that
intentions do not have to last all year. Some of the most effective ones are short. They could be a month, ninety days, or even just a few weeks. Shorter intentions feel manageable and achievable, which builds confidence. Confidence is what carries you forward, not willpower alone. Intentions also evolve. What you need in February may look different by June. When you give yourself permission to revisit and refine your intentions, you stay engaged instead of defeated.
If your resolutions fell apart in January, don’t write 2026 off. Replace last month’s resolutions with February intentions that fit the season you are in right now. A year shaped by intention often lasts much longer than one ruled by resolutions.
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25th
7:00PM
BOY BAND & POP DIVA
WHY CHOOSE AMY?
Low Commission - High Returns
Aggressive Marketing & Open Houses Until Sold
Top Rated on Google & Zillow
Trusted Neighborhood Knowledge
One-on-One Guidance from Start to Close
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
SATURDAY, 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
9:00AM-2:30PM CLOTHING DRIVE at Hicksville High School, 180 Division Avenue. Fundraising clothing drive in support of The Sarah Grace Foundation For Children With Cancer. The Foundation is an all-volunteer Hicksville based charity that has supported these children and families for 23 years. Items can be dropped off in the main lobby of HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL on Saturday, February 28.
2:00PM
MEGA MAGIC WITH MIKE D’URZO Award-winning magician and mentalist. Michael J. Grant Campus
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
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: 631851-6589, Ammerman Campus, Selden: 631-451-4163
SATURDAY, FEB. 28th
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
SUNDAY, MARCH 1st 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM LONG ISLAND PET SHOW 2026 at Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena, 1001 Crooked Hill Road in Brentwood. The Long Island Pet Expo is designed to educate and entertain the public about the wonderful world of pets. Featuring many pet vendors, educational and entertaining performances, special attractions, hands-on-petting opportunities, pet adoptions, and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets. Well behaved leashed pets are welcome! A fun day for the whole family!
UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS
MONDAY, MARCH 2nd
7:00PM-9:00PM
THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH SIDE SPORTSMAN'S CLUB
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host Ed Gross,
Historian, on the history of the Sportsman's Club; how it grew from an 18th century house to an Inn. Presidents and notables of the era hunted and fished there. The Club worked with Robert Moses to create Connetquot River State Park. Meeting will take place at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave, is free and open to the public. For more info: www.isliphamlethistory. org, 631-559-2915.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4th
12:00PM-4:00PM
SENIOR CITIZEN
ST. PATTY'S PARTY LUNCHEON
Join The New Serenaders at The Irish Coffee Pub for a St. Patty's Party Luncheon. Get ready to enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, drink, singing, and dancing fun. Included will be a 3-course meal with choice of entree, unlimited beer, wine, soda, dessert, coffee, tea, music, and more. The Irish Coffee Pub is located at 131 Carleton Avenue in East Islip. For more information, please call 631277-0007
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th
6:00PM
CHEF COMPETITION
Cook your favorite entree or dessert or just come, taste and cast your vote. Admission $10. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information, and to RSVP, please call 631-226-8690
Deer Park High School Recognized On Ap School Honor Roll
Deer Park High School has earned Bronze recognition on this year’s AP School Honor Roll, highlighting the school’s ongoing commitment to expanding student access to Advanced Placement coursework.
The AP School Honor Roll
honors schools nationwide whose AP programs are creating meaningful pathways to college readiness. Replacing the previous AP District Honor Roll, the program identifies schools meeting established benchmarks tied to student
participation and success. Recognition is awarded at four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Schools qualifying for the AP School Honor Roll must meet clearly defined, research-based criteria, including:
• College Culture: A minimum of 40% of the graduating cohort participated in at least one AP exam during high school.
• College Credit: At least 25% of graduates earned a score of 3 or higher on one or more AP exams.
• College Optimization: At least 2% of the graduating class completed five or more AP exams, with at least one taken as an underclassman.
Bronze recognition underscores Deer Park’s dedication to strengthening its AP offerings and encouraging students to challenge themselves academically while building skills that support future college success.
Deer Park High School has earned Bronze recognition on this year’s AP School
Honor Roll. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
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.”
La
Immanuel Amalio Rodriguez (Regional: Gypsy), Garrison Hunt (Regional: Come
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
Teddy Bears Get Checkups At May Moore Primary School
Stacey Pinto, an expert in trauma injury prevention from Catholic Health’s Good Samaritan University Hospital, ran a special Teddy Bear Clinic for students at Deer Park’s May Moore
Primary School. The Teddy Bear Clinic is designed to help students learn about medical safety and procedures in a fun, handson and developmentally appropriate way. After a safety education talk, students practiced caring for their own “injured” stuffed animal patients using medical supplies.
Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
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.
n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Benefits To Cooking Your Own Meals
Aging men and women may be tempted to eschew home cooking entirely. After all, there are plenty of convenient frozen or take-out foods available that can be whipped up in a snap. However, there are certain benefits to cooking your own meals. John Moore, DO, an Aetna medical director and senior health specialist, says that cooking can be good for helping to stave off cognitive decline. Dr. Moore notes that, when cooking, the mind is
put to use following a recipe and learning new skills and tasks. Furthermore, cooking for oneself can boost seniors’ selfconfidence, reassuring them that they can handle an important daily task without having to rely on their family for meals. As long as it is deemed safe (i.e., no sign of cognitive decline or forgetfulness), seniors should be encouraged to continue cooking.
Looking For A Place To Come In Out Of The Cold...The Old Village Hall Museum Is Open To Visitors Year-Round
Did you know that long before Lindenhurst became known as such, Native Americans called the area Neguntatogue, which translates to? In 1930, what famous baseball players visited Lindenhurst to play an exhibition game against the local Lindenhurst team, Addie Klein’s Lindenhurst Nine? Did Lindenhurst ever have its own police department? Can you name an early area settler who fought in the French and Indian War and then served as a Sergeant in the American Revolution? The answers to these and other historical questions that tell the Lindenhurst story from the mid-1600s through the late 20th century can be found at the Lindenhurst Historical Society’s Old Village Hall Museum. The museum building itself is indeed a historical artifact and is among the four historical museum buildings owned by the Village of Lindenhurst and championed by the Historical Society’s stewardship. Open year-round, the museum offers residents and visitors more than a glimpse into Lindenhurst’s storied history. So, if you are looking for some local activity to while away a chilly Saturday afternoon or a place to take the children during school holiday break, why not visit the museum? Docents are on hand to answer questions and offer insight on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 pm to 4 pm. Come in out of the cold and discover a sense of place and a community bonding heritage. Admission is always free.
The Old Village Hall Museum is located at Irmisch Historical Park, on the corner of South Broadway and Kent Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information, call 631-506-8431 or email the Lindenhurst Historical Society at lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
