(State Point) Americans face unprecedented wait times to see their doctors. This squeeze is particularly acute in primary care, but is also being felt in specialties like neurology, psychiatry and OB/GYN.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), here are the top reasons why it’s harder than ever to be seen by a health care provider:
1. Not enough doctors. With the U.S. population growing and aging, the need for physicians continues to grow. Yet, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the physician shortage is projected to reach 86,000 by 2036.
2. A broken Medicare system. With an aging population and more Medicare patients on the
Why It’s Harder Than Ever To Make An Appointment With Your Doctor
horizon, the Medicare system needs significant reform. Today, Medicare pays physicians nearly 30% less than it did in 2001, when adjusted for inflation. So while the overhead costs of running a practice—equipment, office space, staff salaries—have all soared, payment for caring for Medicare patients has decreased dramatically, making running a practice extremely challenging.
“Physicians have shouldered the burden of a broken Medicare payment system for far too long. Especially in small, independent practices, and practices in rural and underserved areas, physicians have been forced to cut costs, eliminate staff, or limit the number of Medicare patients we see,” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D.,
president of the AMA. “These are steps we take simply to keep the doors open and the lights on. But unfortunately, because of this dysfunction, all patients—not just Medicare patients—are put at risk when our flawed and outdated payment system forces physicians to close their practices.”
3. Administrative burdens. Increasing bureaucracy and administrative barriers, such as prior authorization, consume significant time for physicians. Doctors today, on average, spend two hours on paperwork for every one hour they spend with patients.
4. Backlog and burnout. One of the ultimate legacies of COVID-19 is a backlog of services and screenings put off during the pandemic, now offered
by fewer providers. Two in three doctors admitted to experiencing burnout during the pandemic, according to a survey from the AMA, the Mayo Clinic and Stanford Medicine. That’s the highest level of burnout ever recorded by the AMA. One in five physicians surveyed during the pandemic said they planned to leave medicine within the next two years, while one in three said they’d cut back on their hours.
While there is indeed a crisis in care, the AMA says that there are solutions to address the problem. They include:
• Fixing the broken Medicare payment system.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Committee has called for connecting physician payment to
the Medicare Economic Index, which would ensure rising practice costs do not continue to overwhelm what Medicare pays.
• Adding voices to the chorus of patients and physicians calling for reform. Those concerned about this problem and worried about continued
access to their physician, can visit FixMedicareNow. org.
“It is imperative that we take steps as a country to help all patients get the high-quality care they need and to ensure physicians can continue to deliver it,” says Dr. Scott.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for academic and athletic scholarships with an award amount of $3,000 each. Scholarships are available to residents of the 9th Assembly District who are current college students or high school seniors entering college. Applicants do not need to be of Italian American heritage to apply. Students can access and
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.
complete the application by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl. org/apply-for-scholarshipform
The application deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026.
“This is an excellent opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 9th Assembly District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers and intend to pursue higher education,” said Assemblyman Durso.
“With college costs on the rise, these scholarships can help reduce the financial burden for so many young
people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”
The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community.
For additional information, or to inquire if the student lives in the 9th Assembly District, please call Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.
Sharp Tax
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
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
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
From The Desk Of Mayor Ralph Ekstrand
UPCOMING EVENTS in Farmingdale Village!
Farmingdale’s 12th Annual
St. Patrick’s Day ParadeSunday, 3/15/2026, Easter Egg Hunt ~ Meet the Easter Bunny - Saturday, 3/28/2026 & More!
Farmingdale Village fun continues with upcoming community events planned. Bring family and friends and enjoy community and seasonal events in Farmingdale Village!
Great news - Farmingdale Village was Voted Long Island’s Best Downtown 2026, 11 out of the past 12 years in the Four Leaf Best of Long Island contest! Congratulations to all Farmingdale and Long Island 2026 Best of Long Island winners and thanks to all that voted!
Farmingdale Village announces that the 12th Annual Farmingdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at 2 PM. Get Your Green On and join the community for a great Parade & fun celebration in downtown Farmingdale! The parade kicks off from Northside Elementary School and spans about half a mile down Main Street to the Village Green including
local community groups, Farmingdale/local Fire Departments, pipe bands, Village / local officials, and more!
Enjoy lunch with family and friends before the parade and stay downtown afterwards for dinner and drinks. Farmingdale Village is a terrific downtown destination; shop and dine local - explore the many shops, merchants, Culinary Quarter Mile restaurants, bars, clubs, eateries, with some new spots!
Groups / Organizations / Clubs interested in participating / marching in the Village of Farmingdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, email: Joe Fortuna, Joef@ thenuttyirishman.com, or call 516-293-9700. Individuals and residents can also join in the line-up to march. The Parade stepoff is at 2 PM, marchers and parade participants meet at Northside School, about 1:30 PM to line-up. Main Street will be
temporarily closed for the parade. The Parade is planned by the Farmingdale Business Improvement District. Special Thanks to Joe Fortuna of The Nutty Irishman, the Farmingdale BID, Parade Participants, Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, Farmingdale School District & all others helping to make this Parade a success!
Farmingdale Easter Egg Hunt - Photos with the Easter Bunny: Bring family, friends & Easter baskets to the Farmingdale Village Green, 361 Main St., Saturday, March 28, 2026 – arrive early by 10:45 AM (before 11 AM), bring Easter baskets - then take photos with the Easter Bunny at the gazebo! Egg hunt for children 11 years old & younger. Thanks to the Farmingdale Cultural Arts Committee for planning this free community event. If inclement weather, the Meet the Easter Bunny event moves inside Village Hall (361 Main Street) and Eggs will be given to the children.
Replace January’s Resolutions With February’s Intentions
By JoAnn Cilla
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 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
JOANN CILLA
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.
Free Concerts At Local Libraries
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced today that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.
“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Supervisor Saladino. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”
Scheduled performances for February include:
• Art Lillard & The Blue Heaven Swing Sextet on Saturday, February
21, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library – The group plays a variety of swing standards and no-sostandard swing and blues numbers, written by such luminaries as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, and Lester Young.
• Pure Joy with Paige Patterson on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – Musical therapy for the soul! A feel-good mix of bestloved songs from Sinatra to Santana, Bon Jovi to Broadway.
The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.
• The Little Big Band on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – The Little Big Band pays homage to the elegant and awe-inspiring bands of the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s, and beyond. Open to all. Free Tickets required. For more information, contact the library at (516) 938-0077.
Photo courtesy of Marketing Masters NY
Don’t Overlook Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Of all the coverages on an auto insurance policy, rental reimbursement — also known today as transportation expense coverage — is one of the easiest to overlook. It’s inexpensive, it sits quietly on the policy, and it rarely gets attention… until the day you actually need it. And by then, many drivers discover the hard way that their limits haven’t kept up with today’s rental car costs.
Here’s the situation I see o en: a policyholder gets into an accident, their car goes to the shop, and repairs are expected to take a week or more. ey call the rental counter only to realize their policy includes $30 per day — a limit that used to go far but now barely covers an economy car. If you need an SUV or a minivan for family needs, the gap can be even wider. When repairs stretch out, that daily shortfall adds up quickly and becomes an out-of-pocket burden for the driver.
Rental reimbursement is designed to keep your life moving while your car is undriveable due to a covered claim. It helps pay for a rental car or, in some cases, public transportation or rideshares, depending on your insurer. Yet despite how valuable it is, many policies still carry low limits simply because no one has looked at them in years.
Here’s the good news: upgrading this coverage is usually one of the most a ordable improvements you can make to an auto policy. Increasing to $40 or $50 per day, or a higher tier if you routinely drive a larger vehicle, o en costs just a few dollars a month. at small jump can save you hundreds when you’re already dealing with the stress and inconvenience of an accident.
A few quick tips:
1. Review your daily limit and total maximum payout.
2. ink about the type of vehicle your household realistically needs.
3. Ask your agent how long your current limit would last during today’s repair timelines, which are o en longer due to parts availability.
Rental reimbursement is easy to ignore — until it becomes the one thing you wish you had more of. A quick review now can prevent a very expensive surprise later.
Insurance questions or a free review of your policy....Call Us at 516-753-2600.
A Hot Breakfast For A Relaxed Weekend Mornings
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.
Peasant Omelet
Makes 1 serving
1 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
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish 1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons milk
3 fresh eggs
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.
WORDS
Charitable Lunar New Year Celebration
On February 1, The Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) rang in the Chinese New Year with a fundraiser at Lotus Garden Restaurant in Farmingdale. Tables were adorned with Chinese decorations and horoscope placemats encouraging guests to discover their birth date zodiac sign.
This year marks the Year of the Horse
representing a period of high energy, rapid change, and bold action. As the 7th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle, the Horse is associated with independence, intelligence and a fast-paced, sometimes impulsive, nature.
Organized by Ways and Means Chair
Debbie Podolski and her committee, guests also received a lucky red
envelope containing a door prize raffle ticket. Everyone enjoyed a delicious familystyle meal with hot tea. Lucky guests went home with their winning raffle prizes. It was a great fundraising start to the New Year. (Thank you to Tina Diamond for photos and a description of the fundraiser).
Submitted by Maria Ortolani, Publicity Chair
Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Applications Now Available
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.
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
