South Bay's Neighbor
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
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!”
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 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.
New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency
Help Needed - @ New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency. The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply, and 1-2 day supply of type O;
NYBC warns this could signal more severe shortages in the weeks ahead. Please sign up to donate at a convenient donation location near you: smarturl.it/NYBC_ Urgent
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
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
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.
7150 Republic Airport, Room 201, in Farmingdale. For more information, please call 631-7527707 x6109 or email: contactus@ republicairport.net
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
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25th
7:00PM
BOY BAND & POP DIVA MUSIC BINGO
THURSDAY, FEB. 12th
10:00AM-2:00PM AFA HEALTH SCREENING DAY
MONDAY, FEB. 9th
SCAM PREVENTION SEMINAR
New York State Senator Steve
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 &
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
Community Rallies At East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center To Support The Berry Family
We extend our deepest gratitude to our community for joining us at East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on December 17th in support of the Berry family and their one-year-old son, Jackson, as he courageously battles AML leukemia. It is through the compassion and generosity of those who attended, along with local businesses—from West Babylon, Babylon Village, Lindenhurst Village and beyond who made such a special event possible. Our community truly came together, and on a night like this, it was nothing short of remarkable!
Working Together For Lindenhurst
Trustee Pichichero said, “We sincerely appreciate the spirit of cooperation that exists between the Village
and our
Fire Department. Personally, I thank all of our Lindenhurst Fire Department members for their ongoing, selfless
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Working Together For Lindenhurst
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service and dedication to the people of the Lindenhurst Community.”
“I know firsthand the amount of time and effort our firefighters put in, not only responding to emergency and rescue calls, but also in the extensive training required to be prepared for the wide range of situations we face,” added Trustee Collins.
The Village Board of Trustees remains committed to maintaining open communication and a collaborative working relationship with the Lindenhurst Fire Department in support of public safety and community well-being.
Advance Care Plans
The United States population is rapidly aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million older Americans, comprising roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population.
With age comes the added burden of dealing with illnesses such as heart failure, dementia and cancer, any one of which can leave you unable to make decisions involving your care. Unless you have a plan in place, the burden will fall on your family.
Protect your loved ones from having to make life and death decisions on your behalf by developing an advance care plan today.
