February 4, 2026 Amityville Copiague

RIBBON CUTTING-HOUSE OF EGRET - The Amityville Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Grand Opening of House of Egret, an architectural interior design studio at 11 Ireland Place in Amityville. On hand to celebrate were business owner Karolina Molnar and her daughter Sara Castellani, Amityville Mayor Michael O'Neill, Trustees Roger Smith, Robert Russo, Adam Ansanelli, friends and members of the Amityville Chamber of Commerce including Chamber President Maureen Pecorella. Good Luck. Photo courtesy of Bob Liquorie

This is the new Good Samaritan University Hospital.

WHERE BETTER NEVER STOPS.

Introducing the most advanced, state-of-the-art health care experience the South Shore has ever seen.

Here at Good Samaritan University Hospital, “better” isn’t a finish line. It’s a starting point. A new beginning. A symbol of transformation our community deserves. And while our Patient Care Pavilion will feature an all-new, expanded emergency department, technologically advanced operating rooms, reimagined private patient rooms, and enhanced Trauma and Stroke centers, we know that better care isn’t just about the building. It’s about the people inside, and the hands that heal. Because better is something we live every day. And it never stops.

To

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

T3 Accounting Services

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, FEB. 5th

7:00PM

BLACK JAZZ ARTISTS TO BE CELEBRATED

Black History Month will be celebrated this year at The Jazz Loft with a special presentation by the Loft’s 17-piece Big Band. The program will feature compositions by Black composers, arrangers, and performers. The band is conducted by The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. For more information, visit https://www. thejazzloft.org or call 631-7511895

SATURDAY, FEB. 7th,

THRU SUNDAY, FEB. 8th

12:00PM-3:00PM ART FROM THE HEART

Eastern Suffolk BOCES presents Art from the Heart: An Artistic Journey, featuring artwork from the students of Sayville Elementary School and Brookhaven Learning Center, at the BAFFA Art Gallery. Reception on Sunday from 12:00 to 3:00. The BAFFA Art Gallery is located in the historic Gillette House at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville. For further information visit www.baffa.org.

MONDAY, FEB. 9th

7:00PM

SCAM PREVENTION SEMINAR

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

to a scam awareness program featuring experts from the Nassau County Office of the Crime Victim Advocate, Family & Children’s Association, and the Nassau County Police Department. Topics include identifying new scams, how to report and recover from fraud, and ways to prevent identity theft. Be Safe, Not Sorry: Protect Yourself from Scams! Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown. RSVP and information: Senator Rhoads’ office at 516-8820630 or rhoads@nysenate.gov

TUESDAY, FEB. 10th

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING

7150 Republic Airport, Room 201, in Farmingdale. For more information, please call 631-7527707 x6109 or email: contactus@ republicairport.net

THURSDAY, FEB. 12th 10:00AM-2:00PM AFA HEALTH SCREENING DAY

Resource Center at 631-223-4000.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19th

10:00AM-12:00PM

WINTER BIRD WALK: FAMILY PROGRAM

2026 Robert Moses State Park, in Babylon Winter Environmental Event Winter on the beach is one of the best birding times of the year! Dress for the weather and we will be walking on sand. Bring binoculars. Reservations are required: Visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call or cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25th

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Nassau County Legislators Tom McKevitt and Kayla Knight, and the Kiwanis Club of Levittown invite residents

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting Long Islanders to get free health screenings. The event takes place at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center, 149 Schleigel Boulevard in Amityville. Open to the public and free of charge. First-come, firstserved basis; no appointments are required. For additional information, contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education &

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

THRU SAT. 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

Legislators Recognize Junior Fire Academy Graduates

On the morning of Sunday, January 11th, the Suffolk County Fire Academy hosted a graduation ceremony for participants of the 2025 Junior Basic Exterior Fire Operations Program!

The Junior Basic Exterior Fire Operations Program allows Junior Firefighters from across Suffolk County

to get a head start on their Firefighter 1 training, which is a requirement upon joining a Fire Department.

Suffolk County Legislators RJ Renna and Steve Flotteron were on hand for the occasion, which included graduates from their shared West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department.

The Legislators were particularly proud to recognize Junior Firefighters Michael Manzi and Dominick Newell! This was the second Junior Basic Exterior Fire Operations

Program hosted by the Academy, and it featured 17 junior firefighters from across the Suffolk County.

Said Legislator Renna: “Entering the ranks with this training largely behind

them enables them to become fully qualified firefighters soonermaking them even more of an asset to our community! It should be noted that Michael and Dominick completed this courseworth seven college credits - in addition to regular schoolwork, sports, and being active members of our Junior Brigade. Great work!”

1st

Copiague Chamber Of Commerce

Babylon And Huntington Winter Senior Advocate Schedules

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2026 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals

to appropriate community agencies.

“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk

County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”

This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:

• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 20, 8:30 am – 11:30 am

• North Amityville Senior Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, February 18 & March 18, 10 am – 1 pm

• Rainbow Senior Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesdays, February 4 & March 4, 8:30 am – 11 am

• Tanner Park Senior Center,

2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesdays, February 11 & March 11, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays, February 24 & March 24, 12 pm – 3 pm

• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, March 26, 10 am – 12 pm

• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, January 28, February 25 & March 25, 10 am – 1 pm

In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:

• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesdays, February 18 & March 18, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays,

January 29, February 26 & March 26, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.

“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical

services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”

# # # Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly represents the 17th Legislative District, which includes parts of Baywood, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore and South Huntington. He is a member of the Budget & Finance, Fire, Rescue, EMS & Preparedness, Public Safety, Seniors & Human Services and Ways & Means committees of the Suffolk County Legislature.

Copiague Student Celebrates Win

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School student Ja’Nyah Martin was part of the winning team, Jammin’ for Jovia, at Adelphi University’s Apprentice Challenge, a competitive marketing event that tasked students with solving a real-world business problem.

The annual competition challenged teams to develop innovative marketing proposals focused on understanding what Generation Z seeks from financial institutions and creating strategies to boost brand relevance, loyalty and engagement. Student teams presented their ideas to a panel of Adelphi University business professors and industry professionals.

The winning team consisted of 10 Long Island

high school students who impressed judges with their creativity, research and strategic thinking. In total, the 2025 Apprentice Challenge included 213 students from 27 local high schools, highlighting the strong level of competition and collaboration among participants.

By earning first place, the Jammin’ for Jovia team demonstrated exceptional skills in marketing analysis, teamwork and professional presentation, key competencies for future success in business and related fields.

Classifieds

VITA Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provided by Bethpage Federal Credit Union will be conducted virtually for the 2026 tax season. Services will be available to taxpayers who meet the necessary criteria by visiting lovebethpage. com/vita and completing the Bethpage Virtual VITA Application. The application will be available February 1

and space is limited. Appointments run from the beginning of February to the first week in April.

AARP Tax Assistance Tuesdays, February 3 - April 7

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

IRS-certified AARP TaxAide volunteers will be at the library to assist individuals with low to moderate income in preparing and filing their tax returns. You must

Memorial Public Library

pick up a tax information packet at the Information Desk after making your appointment to see what documents you must bring. For joint returns, both spouses must be present with their own photo ID and Social Security card. Please call for an appointment. Registration is required.

Early-Stage Dementia Support Groups Tuesdays, February 10,

17, 24 March 3, 10

1:00 - 2:00 PM

This support group is for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease/ dementia and offers activities and discussions that will encourage social engagement, disease education, and a supportive environment. A group for the caregivers will be held at the same time. For more information and to register, please call 1-800272-3900. Registration is required.

Singapore: The Sparkling Little City State Wednesday, February 4 3:00 - 4:30 PM

Two hundred years ago, a treaty led to the founding of the British colony of Singapore. Since gaining independence in 1965, it has rapidly modernized into a wealthy global financial hub. Today, Singapore is known for its sleek architecture,

vibrant cultural districts, and strict laws. Join educator Sheila Taub to explore why Singapore is a top destination when visiting Southeast Asia. Registration is required.

Cookies, Coffee and Karaoke Friday, February 6 3:00 - 5:00 PM

It’s Karaoke Friday! Sing your favorite song or

Honoring Copiague’s Top 20 Students In The Class Of 2026

In celebration of outstanding academic achievement and the educators who helped make that success possible, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School hosted its annual top 20 luncheon for the Class of 2026 on Jan. 23. The event recognized the top 20 students in the graduating class, who each had the opportunity to invite a teacher who had a positive influence on their academic journey in the Copiague School District. The luncheon brought together students, families, teachers, Board of Education members, Senator Monica Martinez, Regent Thomas-Williams and central office administrators for a meaningful afternoon of recognition and gratitude.

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta welcomed attendees and reflected on the

significance of the event.

“Each of you is a beacon of hope for the future, and I have no doubt that your input will impact and extend far beyond these hallways,” he said.

During the ceremony, Mr. Agosta invited each honoree to the stage to be recognized for their academic excellence.

Students also shared a few words about the teacher who inspired and supported them throughout their educational journey, creating heartfelt moments of appreciation and reflection.

The district extends its congratulations to the top 20 students, in order beginning with No. 20: Raffy De Lamar Sime, Christian Cruz, Heily Fernandez, Rocsi Ramirez, Kaia Mabli, Catherine Yanase, Anne Marie De Oleo Mayorga, Jimena Machuca Arriola, Jocelyne Carranza Orellana, Carlos Bravo Hernandez, Rosina

Wickham, Aneisa Nicholas, Damaris Bonilla, Olivia Tyszko, Bielka Perez, Ronan Higgins, Enshan Ramkissoon, Daniel Zheng, Darein Reyes and Krzysztof Krasnowski. The teacher and staff honorees, in order of the top 20 students whom they were selected by, included: Sylvia Walsh, James

Copiague Memorial Public Library

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enjoy the tunes sung by your family and friends. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.

Readers Rendezvous Book Club

Monday, February 9

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Fuzz by Mary Roach

This program will be held in person and via Zoom. Join us for a lively discussion of Fuzz by Mary Roach, an entertaining dive into the curious intersection of humans and wildlife. Afterward, enjoy a special opportunity to hear directly from the bestselling author herself! Mary Roach will join us via Zoom to share insights about her books, her writing process, and answer your questions. Registration is required.

Miracle on Ice: The

Story of the 1980 Men’s Olympic Hockey Team

Tuesday, February 10

6:30 - 8:00 PM

The “Miracle on Ice” is one of the most iconic moments in U.S. sports history. Hockey fanatic and historian Jim Ward will tell the story of how head coach Herb Brooks, the demanding coach and former U.S. Olympic hockey player, united a group of college kids to defeat the Soviet powerhouse, eventually winning the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Registration is required.

Afternoon Book

Discussion

Thursday, February 12

3:00 - 4:30 PM

Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Download a copy of this book from Libby or pick up a copy at the Circulation Desk. Registration is required.

Long Island Sierra Club: Carnivorous Plants

Thursday, February 12

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Step into the strange and fascinating world of carnivorous plants with Matt Kaelin, author of The Sinister Beauty of Carnivorous Plants. Through stunning visuals and captivating storytelling, Kaelin explores the eerie elegance and deadly allure of these botanical predators. Registration is required.

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.

Travis, Melisa Dias, Crystal Gray, Anastasia Kourtis, Thomas Korn, Michelle Penyy, Jessica Jablonski, Alline Stanton, Matthew Miles, Kaitlyn Thompson, Colleen Gurtner, Jules Goeke, Kerri Hall, Taylor Cardone, Rosa Benaburger, John Danaher, Jason Taibi, Tracy Wenzler and Nicholas Lorenzen.