February 25, 2026 West Islip

High School Seniors Impacted By Alzheimer’s Invited To Apply For AFA’s Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 to college-bound high school seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses as part of its annual Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship. Entries can be

submitted at www.alzfdn. org/scholarship and must be received by Sunday, March 1 at 5 pm ET.

Eligible teens are invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting an essay (1,500 words maximum) or submitting a video (no more than four minutes long) describing how

Alzheimer’s disease has shaped their lives, what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimer’s, and how they plan to advocate or raise awareness in the future.

The contest recognizes the emotional, academic, and personal challenges young people often face when a loved one is living with the disease. By amplifying student voices, the program aims to raise awareness, foster empathy, and support the next generation as they pursue higher education while honoring the resilience shown by families affected by Alzheimer’s.

Examples of ways that Alzheimer’s impacted a student’s life can include:

· Having a loved one with

Alzheimer’s disease or another dementiarelated illness

· Helping care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementiarelated illness

· Volunteering or working in a care setting that serves individuals with dementia

· Raising Alzheimer’s awareness in their school or community

· Conducting Alzheimer’s research

The program is open to current high school seniors living in the United States who will be attending a U.S. college or university this Fall. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate.

The top prize awarded is a $5,000 scholarship. Additional prizes are awarded for runners up and honorable mentions. More than $527,000 in college scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception.

AFA provides these scholarship funds through the generous support of charitable donors. Individuals wishing to support this and other programs and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease can do so by visiting www.alzfdn. org/donate or calling AFA at 866-232-8484.

Save Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program is encouraging homeowners to find and fix leaks to save more than 10 percent on utility bills now and help save water for future generations. For more information and tips about how to save water, visit www. epa.gov/water sense.

at Woodloch

LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP

Two Udall Students Honored

Two students from Udall Road Middle School in the West Islip Union Free School District recently participated in the New York State Association for Bilingual Education Student Essay Contest.

Seventh grader Alisson Loja Chillogallo earned first place for her essay, “¿Por qué es importante ser bilingüe/plurilingüe y alfabetizado?,” and sixth grader student Brielle Florendo received third

place for her essay, “A Bilingual World.”

Both essays, written in English and Spanish, and English and Tagalog, focused on the importance of being bilingual and highlighted how it strengthens communication, deepens cultural appreciation and opens doors to academic and career opportunities.

Chillogallo explained the importance of being bilingual by writing, “We

would be able to cultivate our knowledge in infinite ways.” Florendo also said, “It’s a skill that builds understanding in an increasingly global world.” The students will be recognized at an awards luncheon on March 21. They received a $150 award for first place and a $50 award for third place, along with certificates honoring their achievements.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Lambert

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lambert

Ethan Keattikul

Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION

Teri Tinkler

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Victoria Kokolakis

MANAGING EDITOR

Felicia Edwards

MARKETING MANAGER

Noelle Lambert

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

Kerry Mastrobuoni

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVES

Carol Link

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Principal Dr. Daniel

courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Hold On To That Balloon!

PSEG Long Island is reminding customers that balloons released into the air can become entangled in overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems.

“Safety is PSEG Long Island’s No. 1 priority. That’s why we’re cautioning customers to please hold onto their metallic balloons,” said John O’Connell, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Transmission and Distribution Operations.

“Though they’re festive, fun and look nice, we want the public to be aware that metallic balloons also conduct electricity. If they

get loose and come into contact with a power line or other electrical equipment, that could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries.”

To mitigate these risks, PSEG Long Island encourages the public to follow these safety guidelines:

• Metallic balloons and other decorations should be kept clear of overhead power lines and equipment, and never purposely released into the air.

• All balloons with helium should be secured to weights that prevent them from floating away.

• To properly dispose of a Mylar balloon, safely puncture it in several places to release the helium, and discard it in the trash.

• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, toy or anything caught in an overhead power line. Report it by contacting PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.

To see a video of metallic balloons coming into contact with electrical wires, visit https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=jxgGYDccsQ4

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

Left-handed, lefty, southpaw

- these are all terms used to describe people who favor their left hands for writing, throwing a ball and myriad other activities. It is estimated that between 10 and 12 percent of all people are left-handed. Although that makes southpaws an undeniable minority, the number of lefthanded people is creeping up.

Sports Proclivity

Being left-handed may confer an advantage for athletes. Wayne Gretzky, Sandy Koufax and Martina Navratilova are just a

Fun Facts About Lefties

few of the many accomplished left-handed sports legends.

Sports scientist Florian Loffing with the Institute of Sport Science, University of Oldenburg in Germany found that in sports where there is a short time constraint, lefties appeared to excel. That could be why he found 26 percent of the top male players in table tennis are lefties. And sports like baseball and cricket are dominated by lefthanded players.

Health Risks And Benefits

According to a 2010 study

published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers found those who were left-handed had an increased risk for dyslexia, ADHD and certain mood disorders. It could be tied to the hemispheres of the brain and how 30 percent of left-handed people are partial to the right hemisphere or have no dominant hemisphere for language functioning.

Conversely, lefties can bounce back from stroke or other brainrelated injuries more readily than righties, according to data

published in 2015 in Scientific Reports. A study published in Laterality found that left-handed people are less likely to suffer arthritis and ulcers.

More Creative Lefties are more likely to be artistic or innovative. Research published in the American Journal of Psychology found there is some evidence that left-handed people are better at divergent thinking, a method of idea generation that explores many possible solutions. The Left-Handers Club, a pro-lefty

advocacy group, also found that left-handed individuals tend to be drawn to careers in the arts, music, sports, and informationtechnology fields.

Ambidextrous Inclinations

The world is geared towards being right-handed, with buttons on jackets, doorknobs, desks in school, and more designed with right-handed people in mind. Therefore, many lefties become ambidextrous simply because they have to, according to data published in Reader’s Digest.

West Islip Club Spreads Valentine’s Day Cheer

West Islip High School’s Dose of Hope, founded by Leighann McDermott and advised by Allie Ragin, recently organized a compassionate visit to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to brighten the day of patients at the hospital.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Dose of Hope donated 100 gift bags filled with thoughtful items including fuzzy socks, handmade cards, sweets and other Valentine’s Day treats. The gift bags were distributed to patients as a gesture of love, hope and encouragement.

During the visit, students spent time connecting with patients through conversation, sharing smiles and offering words of support. The experience provided a meaningful opportunity for club members to give back while making a positive impact on those facing difficult circumstances. The visit not only lifted the spirits of patients but also strengthened a sense of community and compassion, highlighting the powerful role students can play in spreading kindness and making a difference.

WORDS

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.

Middle Schoolers Learn, Create And Connect At EdCamps

Beach Street and Udall Road Middle Schools in the West Islip Union Free School District held their second EdCamps on Feb. 12 and 13 in recognition of P.S. I Love You Day, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore their interests through engaging,

student-centered learning experiences.

During the first two periods of the day, teachers, administrators and even students facilitated a wide variety of interactive workshops. Students were able to choose two different EdCamp sessions to attend,

allowing them to customize their learning based on personal interests and strengths.

Several sessions encouraged creativity and self-expression, as students designed keychains, bracelets and necklaces using various materials.

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Paul Romanelli led a session focused on artificial intelligence, while Dr. Patrick Kiley-Rendon, executive director of technology and innovation, hosted a popular Lego EdCamp workshop.

Other sessions included

hands-on science experiments, dance classes, escape room challenges and Zentangle art activities.

Students also participated in family and consumer science lessons where they created sweet treats, as well as circuit training, glow parties and additional dance

and fitness activities. The EdCamps promoted collaboration, creativity and student voice while reinforcing P.S. I Love You Day’s message of connection, positivity and a sense of belonging across the school community.

12 and

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Second Graders Enjoy Super Bowl Fun

Second grade students in Ms. Sadusky’s class at Oquenock Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District held a Super Bowl themed day filled with learning activities. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Second grade students in Ms. Danielle Sadusky’s class at Oquenock Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District recently celebrated a spirited Super Bowl Day. The day was filled with engaging footballthemed learning activities that combined academic skills with fun and teamwork.

During each “quarter,”

students participated in hands-on stations designed to highlight multiple subject areas while embracing the excitement of Super Bowl festivities. The activities included designing jerseys, playing football-themed bingo, creating tally mark graphs, practicing skip counting and exploring addition and subtraction with a snack

concession stand. Students also played roll and read games, used skip counting cards and matched coins as part of their math learning.

In addition, second graders enjoyed activities such as designing their own football headbands, participating in a football toss and balloon hike, and playing time-to-the-hour memory games. These Super

Bowl-themed activities helped students build math fluency, reading comprehension and vocabulary in an interactive and festive setting. The event brought enthusiasm and energy to the classroom, allowing them to learn while celebrating one of the most iconic days in American sports culture.

2026 Winter Events At Sunken Meadow State Park

Sunken Meadow State Park, in Kings Park, will offer the following programs during the Winter of 2026. There will be a fee of $4.00 per adult, $4.00 per child, and children under 3 are free. An $8.00 parking fee per car will be charged as of April 1st, on the weekends. A $10.00 fee starts as of Memorial Day weekend and ends after Labor Day weekend. Advanced reservations are required. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please be prompt. If others are waiting, your place may be given to them if you have not arrived when the program starts. To make a reservation, visit Eventbrite. com and search #NatureEdventure.

Tiny Tots: “Nature Discoveries” Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3-5.

Held on Thursdays

10:30 - 11:30am

Snow Buddies

February 26th

Shamrock Shuffle

March 12th

Mr. Golden Sun March 26th

Pop Up Crafts at the Nature Center (FREE) Wed., Thurs., Fri., February 18-20 All Day 9:00am - 4:30pm FREE DIY ACTIVITIES will be available for three days in the Sunken Meadow Nature Center classroom. Stop by whenever you wish from 9:00am-4:30pm

to make a pinecone birdfeeder, wintergreen scent box, and a paper snowflake. Friendly outdoor educators will be available if assistance is needed. While you are here, meet our ambassador animals, enjoy our children’s room, and walk the boardwalk! (Meet at the Nature Center in Field 1) No Reservations Required.

Winter Scavenger Hunt: (Children’s Program) Sunday February 22nd 10:30am – 12:00pm This scavenger hunt will give your kids a fun, exciting, and interactable way to familiarize themselves with the natural sights and sounds of the winter landscape – with some silly surprises to be found along the way. We will be walking along a very easy, flat path enjoyable for all ages. (Meet near the bathrooms on the boardwalk in Field 3) Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite. com and search #NatureEdventure

Shamrock Bird Walk: (Adult Program) Sunday March 15th 10:30am – 12:00pm Bundle up and join us for some late winter birding at the park! On this brisk stroll along the beach, marsh, and creek, we will discover the birds that make Sunken Meadow their home for the winter. Some binoculars are available to borrow, but feel free to bring your own. (Meet near the bathrooms on the boardwalk in Field 3) Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite. com and search #NatureEdventure