February 25, 2026 Massapequa

East Lake Authors Are Biography Buddies

Fifth graders may be working on individual research papers, but the writing process is a team effort in Grace Falcon’s class at East Lake Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. For the biography writing project, which is part of a nonfiction unit, each student selected a famous person to research. Their subjects include artists, athletes, presidents and more. They used books from the library

and online sources to learn about each person’s biographical information, early life, accomplishments and contributions to society. After completing their rough drafts, the young authors are revising their stories. Recently, students shared their revisions with classmates to get constructive feedback to use as they continue through the editing process. Another round of peer editing will take place before fifth

graders publish.

Ms. Falcon said that students are encouraged to elevate their writing through expert words and context clues. They will write their finals versions in Google Docs and design covers in Canva that will feature a caricature of each person in a setting that reflects his or her life. When finished, they will share their stories with their first grade buddies.

Choosing The Best Flashlights

A flashlight is an invaluable part of any disaster preparedness kit, and it's a handy tool to have on hand in a car, at home or when traveling. You never know when you might need a flashlight, and it's helpful to have many on hand. When stocking up on flashlights for emergency kits, choose ones with light-emitting diode, or LED, technology. According to Popular Mechanics, LED flashlights are 70 percent more efficient than incandescent models. That means the batteries powering the light have the potential to last 10 times longer. Furthermore, LEDs do not have any fragile parts like incandescent bulbs. That makes them more likely to withstand shock or even endure being dropped.

41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Black History Month Commemorative Celebration

The Eta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host its 41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Black History Month Commemorative Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at The Heritage Club at Bethpage in Farmingdale, New York.

For more than four decades, this signature event has brought together civic leaders, educators, faith leaders, nonprofit partners, and community advocates to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. King while advancing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s commitment to service, justice, and educational opportunity across Long Island.

Distinguished 2026

Honorees

This year’s celebration will recognize five leaders whose work reflects excellence in public service, education, and community impact:

Raphael G. Warnock, United States Senator and Senior Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church

Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League; Former Mayor of New Orleans

Janeene Balmir, Senior Vice President, Global League Finance, National Basketball Association

Michaelle C. Solages, New York State Assembly, District 22

Dr. Monique DarrisawAkil, Superintendent, Uniondale Union Free School District

45 Years of Expanding Access Through the HBCU College Tour

The 2026 program will also commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Eta Theta Lambda Chapter’s HBCU College Tour, one of the chapter’s longest-running signature initiatives. For more than four decades, the tour has introduced generations of Long Island students—primarily African American and Latino—to the academic, cultural, and leadership opportunities available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, helping expand college awareness, aspiration, and access.

“For more than 40 years, this celebration has served as both a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and a call

to action,” said Kendall Richards, Ph.D., president of the Eta Theta Lambda Chapter. “By honoring leaders who embody service and justice and investing in scholarships and youthfocused initiatives, we reaffirm our responsibility to uplift communities and help prepare the next generation of leaders.”

Community Impact

Proceeds from the event support the Eta Theta Lambda Chapter’s scholarship fund, HBCU college tour, youth mentoring initiatives, leadership development programs, and community outreach efforts serving students, families, and communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

MEGA MAGIC WITH MIKE D’URZO Award-winning magician and mentalist. Michael J. Grant Campus

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,

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

Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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 are open 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 with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE AMITYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE ELECTION

APRIL 14, 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that a Special Meeting of the qualified voters of the Amityville Union Free School District (the “District”), Town of Babylon, Suffolk County and Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York will be held at the Amityville Public Library, 19 John St., Amityville, New York 11701 (the “Library”) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, between the hours of 10:00am and 9:00pm, for the purpose of voting on the following items:

1) To adopt the annual budget of the Amityville Public Library for the fiscal year 2026-2027, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation upon the taxable property of the District; and

2) The election of two (2) members of the Board of Trustees, consisting of: (i) one (1) trustee to serve a five-year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2031; and (ii) one (1) trustee to serve a one-year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2027. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the five-year term, and the candidate receiving the second highest number of votes shall be elected to the one-year term.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that candidates for the office of Trustee of the Library Board of Trustees shall be nominated by petition. Petitions must be filed with the School District Clerk (address above), between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm no later than Monday, March 16, 2026. Forms of petition may be obtained from the School District Clerk. Each petition must be directed to the School District Clerk; must state the name and address of the candidate; must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District and list each signer’s address.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that copies of a statement of the estimated library expenses for the fiscal year 2026-2027 may be obtained at the Library (address above) and in the Office of the School District Clerk, located at 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, daily except Saturday and Sunday, beginning March 16, 2026, between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Library will host a public informational meeting for the purposes of discussion of the proposed 2026-2027 Library Budget on March 30, 2026 at 6:00pm. All residents of the District are invited to attend at the Library.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not already appear on the register of said school district, or who does not register as hereinafter provided, except as may otherwise be provided by the laws of the State of New York. Registration is available in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, through April 14, 2026. The register so prepared includes all persons who have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance herewith, and all persons who shall have been registered previously hereunder for an annual or special meeting or election, and who shall have voted at any annual meeting or election, held or conducted at any time within four (4) years prior to the preparation of the register. A qualified voter is one who is (i) a citizen of the United States, (ii) at least eighteen (18) years of age, and (iii) a resident within the District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the meeting and election

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early mail or absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the School District Clerk (address above). Completed applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail or absentee ballots must be received by the School District Clerk, or in the polling place at the Library, not later than 5:00pm, prevailing time, on Monday, April 13, 2026. A list of persons to whom early mail or absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Saturdays and Sundays and such list will also be posted at the polling place at the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a qualified voter whose

ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reasons of permanent illness or physical disability, and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law, shall be entitled to receive an absentee ballot without making separate applications therefor.

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter. Military voters who are qualified voters of the Library District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday March 20, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the Office of the School District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

Dated:

Amityville, New York

February 19, 2026

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE AMITYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY AND TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

BY DISTRICT CLERK AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE

VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIÓN DE LOS ADMINISTRADORES

14 DE ABRIL DE 2026

SE EMITE AVISO de que se celebrará una Reunión Especial de los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Amityville Union (el “Distrito”), el municipio de Babylon, condado de Suffolk

y el municipio de Oyster Bay, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville, 19 John St., Amityville, Nueva York 11701 (la “Biblioteca”), el martes 14 de abril, 2026, entre las 10:00 y las 21:00, con el fin de votar los siguientes puntos:

1) Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville para el año fiscal 2026-2027, y autorizar que la parte necesaria de este se recaude, mediante impuestos, sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del Distrito; y

2) La elección de dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Síndicos, compuestos por: (i) uno (1) fideicomisario para servir un mandato de cinco años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026 y expira el 30 de junio de 2031; y (ii) un (1) fideicomisario para cumplir un mandato de un año que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026 y expira el 30 de junio de 2027. El candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será elegido para el mandato de cinco años, y el candidato que reciba el segundo mayor número de votos será elegido para el mandato de un año.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los candidatos al cargo de Fideicomisario de la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca serán nominados mediante petición. Las peticiones deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior), entre las 9:00 y las 17:00 horas, a más tardar el lunes 16 de marzo de 2026. Los formularios de petición pueden obtenerse del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Cada petición debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe indicar el nombre y la dirección del candidato; debe estar firmado por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes cualificados del Distrito y indicar la dirección de cada firmante.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se pueden obtener copias de un estado de cuenta de los gastos estimados de la biblioteca para el año fiscal 2026-2027 en la Biblioteca (dirección anterior) y en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar, situada en 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, todos los días excepto sábados y domingos, a partir del 16 de marzo de 2026, entre las 9:00 y las 16:00 horas.

SE EMITE ADEMÁS AVISO de que la Biblioteca acogerá una reunión informativa pública con el fin de debatir el presupuesto propuesto para el periodo 2026-2027 el 30 de marzo de 2026 a las 18:00. Se invita a todos los residentes del distrito

a asistir a la Biblioteca.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, conforme a la sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en dicha reunión y elección cuyo nombre no aparezca ya en el registro de dicho distrito escolar, o que no se registre según lo establecido posteriormente, salvo que lo dispongan las leyes del Estado de Nueva York. La inscripción está disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección arriba) de lunes a viernes, de 9:00 a 16:00, hasta el 14 de abril de 2026. El registro así preparado incluye a todas las personas que se hayan presentado personalmente para su registro conforme a este documento, así como a todas las personas que hayan estado previamente registradas bajo este término para una reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria, y que hayan votado en cualquier asamblea o elección anual, celebrada o celebrada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años previos a la preparación del registro. Un votante cualificado es aquel que (i) es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, (ii) tiene al menos dieciocho (18) años de edad y (iii) es residente dentro del Distrito durante un periodo de treinta (30) días previos a la reunión y elección

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes para votos anticipados por correo o por correo pueden solicitarse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección arriba). Las solicitudes completadas deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, si la papeleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la papeleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante. Las papeletas anticipadas por correo o por correo deben ser recibidas por el secretario del distrito escolar, o en el colegio electoral de la biblioteca, a más tardar a las 17:00 horas, hora vigente, el lunes 13 de abril de 2026. Una lista de personas a las que se hayan entregado papeletas anticipadas por correo o por correo estará disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en cada uno de los cinco días previos al día de la elección, excepto sábados y domingos, y dicha lista también se publicará en el colegio electoral durante la elección.

SE DA ADEMÁS AVISO de

External Diploma Program

The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP, is a

competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for

NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who fare

que un votante cualificado cuya capacidad para comparecer personalmente en el colegio electoral esté sustancialmente afectada por motivos de enfermedad permanente o discapacidad física, y cuyo registro de registro haya sido marcado como “permanentemente discapacitado” por la Junta Electoral conforme a las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación, tendrá derecho a recibir una papeleta de voto por correo sin presentar solicitudes separadas para ello.

SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes cualificados. Los votantes militares que sean votantes cualificados del Distrito de la Biblioteca pueden presentar una solicitud para una papeleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de papeleta militar o una papeleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de papeleta o papeleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y las solicitudes de papeleta militar deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección arriba) a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del viernes 20 de marzo de 2026. No se solicitará ninguna papeleta militar a menos que la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar la reciba a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del día de las elecciones.

Fechado: Amityville, Nueva York 19 de febrero de 2026

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE, DEL PUEBLO DE BABYLON Y DEL PUEBLO DE BAY, SUFFOLK COUNTYOYSTERNASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

POR SECRETARIO DEL DISTRITO DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE AMITYVILLE UNION, MUNICIPIO DE BABYLON, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, MUNICIPIO DE OYSTER BAY, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

AM, MASS, MP - 1182 - 2/25, 3/11, 3/25 & 4/8/26

better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs. Anyone interested should

call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.

Author, Baseball Player Inspires McKenna Dreamers

It’s not every day that children get to meet a published author or a Major League Baseball player, but fifth graders at McKenna Elementary School in the Massapequa School District had the pleasure of connecting with both on Feb. 4.

Angela O’Hoppe, an educator in the Sayville School District and former speech therapist at McKenna, read her recently published book, “If You Choose to Believe Them.”

The story is about her son, Logan O’Hoppe, a catcher for the Los Angeles Angels,

who attended his mother’s first author appearance as he was still available for a few more days before heading to spring training. The book is a true story of how Logan defied the odds to achieve his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player.

The messages of self-belief, resilience and perseverance encourage children to listen to the people who say, “Yes you can,” while blocking out the negative voices.

Ms. O’Hoppe, who was a speech therapist at McKenna from 1994 to 2004, read to approximately 85 students

who eagerly anticipated the visit. They cheered as they watched as short highlight video which included footage of Logan being drafted, his first major league hit, first grand slam and exciting plays in the field.

The hallway leading to the library was lined with red and white balloons – the Angels colors – as well as posters that students made featuring the team logo and inspirational messages, acrostic poems written from the word “Believe,” and writing pieces about their own dreams. All students and staff were encouraged to wear red. The visit was organized by fifth grade teacher Megan Cumming and speech therapist Denise Watson, Ms. O’Hoppe’s former colleague at McKenna.

After reading her book, Ms. Hoppe asked her students to share their personal dreams, and reminded them to surround themselves with people who will encourage and nurture those ambitions. The program

concluded with a questionand-answer session with Ms. Hoppe and Logan.

Principal Dr. Amanda Lowry and Assistant Principal Mary Anne Ferraro noted the book was read in all fifth grade classes, making Ms. O’Hoppe’s visit even more special for them. After listening to the story, students took part in thoughtful discussions about goal-setting and engaged in activities that connected directly to the book’s message. Dr. Lowry added that this message aligns with district social-emotional learning initiative, RULER.

“We are so happy and grateful that Logan took time out of his busy schedule to come here and share his story with each of the kids, along with his mother’s wonderful book that highlights his journey,” Dr. Lowry said. “Together, their story shows students that with belief and determination, they too can rise above challenges and achieve their goals.”

Benefits Of Leisure Activities

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Leisure activities may be widely viewed as fun ways to fill up free time, but the benefits of leisure activities extend beyond beating boredom. An analysis published in the journal BBA Molecular Basis of Disease found that leisure activities have a positive impact on cognitive function and dementia. The analysis, conducted by researchers with the Aging Research Center in Stockholm who examined various studies regarding the relationship between certain activities and cognitive function, defined leisure activity as the voluntary use of free time for activities outside the home. After retirement, leisure time constitutes a large part of many retirees’ lives, and finding ways to fill that time is more beneficial than merely avoiding boredom. The researchers behind the study concluded that the existing research is insufficient to draw any firm conclusions regarding the effects of certain types of leisure activities on the risk for dementia and cognitive decline, though they did note that multi-domain cognitive training has the potential to improve cognitive function in healthy older adults and slow decline in affected individuals. A multidomain approach to cognitive training involves memory, reasoning, problemsolving, and map reading, among other activities. Aging adults who embrace activities that require the use of such skills may find that they’re not only finding stimulating ways to fill their free time, but increasing their chances of longterm cognitive health as well.

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“During our first meeting with Michele we knew immediately she was the person we wanted to help sell our home of 36 years. Every detail of the process was clearly explained to us and executed exactly as proposed. Michele helped us carefully review our offers and pointed out the positives and negatives of each one. In the end we got a terrific price for our home and we were very happy. We highly recommend Michele for her professionalism and many years of real estate knowledge.” ... Andrew & Sheryl Engel