February 4, 2026 North Babylon by Long Island Media Group

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

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

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

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 &

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

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

North Babylon Seniors Participate In Youth Leadership Institute

Two North Babylon High School seniors, Jairo Cortes and Daniel Carhuallanqui, recently participated in

the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, a statewide program that empowers students to

become informed, civicminded leaders.

As part of the most recent training session, Cortes and Carhuallanqui took part in a press conference training led by New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos. During the workshop, students learned how to confidently address

the media, advocate for issues that matter to them and speak effectively in public settings.

PRHYLI provides students with hands-on experiences in leadership, public policy and civic engagement, preparing them to take an active role in their communities.

Participants attend a series of trainings throughout the year that culminate in a mock legislative session at the New York State Capitol.

The final PRHYLI training session will take place on Feb. 11, at which time student delegates will be selected to represent their schools at the

Statewide Assembly in Albany.

The students’ participation highlights their commitment to leadership, service and civic responsibility, and the district is proud to see them representing North Babylon High School.

North Babylon High School seniors Jairo Cortes and Daniel Carhuallanqui recently participated in the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute. Photos courtesy of North Babylon School District

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!”

New York State Park Police Open Applications For The New Year

The New York State Park Police recently opened applications for park police officers for the state park system which will be accepted until Feb. 18, 2026.

The New York State Office of Parks Recreation

and Historic Preservation requires candidates to be at least 20 years of age at the time of hire and must not have passed their 43rd birthday as of Oct. 1, 2026. Candidates are also asked to have education and experience including

60 college semester credit hours completed by June 30, 2026; military service; or municipal police training. Learn more at parks.ny.gov/ about/park-police/parkpolicenew-applicants.

“With updated guidelines and requirements, we are proud to welcome a new generation of park police candidates,” State Parks Acting Commissioner, Kathy Moser, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and

Historic Preservation. “Our park police officers play a vital role in protecting the people, places and experiences that make our state park system so special. As visitation continues to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals who are committed to public service and to ensuring our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”

New recruits will receive hands-on field work and classroom education in

the following: criminal procedure law, penal law, vehicle and traffic law, park and recreation law, and criminal investigations.

They’re also offered training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency

vehicle operation, along with many other law enforcement-related topics and skills. Visit https://parks.ny.gov/ park-police for more information regarding the application process, agility test and written exam.

Each one of us has a vision of the perfect event. We will make your vision become reality and plan the event to your heart’s desire.

Brumidi Catering is available for ALL your special occasions/events as well as for Trade Shows, Special Events, Corporate and Union meetings and more.

If you are planning an event for 75-275 people, we can comfortably accommodate you.

Located near ALL major Long Island routes, with ample parking and is fully handicap accessible. Please call our Banquet Manager, at 631.338.6357 to schedule an appointment to come see our beautiful Grand Ballroom and book your special event.

Visit brumidicatering.com info@brumidicatering.com Brumidi Catering Co. Inc. offers On-Site Full Service,

(drop off) & Full Service Event Planning as well as Hall Rentals.

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, 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 troublefree 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.

Franchises That Have Never Won A Super Bowl

More than 135 million people tuned in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs attempt to make history at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. Seeking their third straight Super Bowl title, a feat that had never been accomplished in the history of the National Football League, the Chiefs ultimately fell short, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 40-22.

Chiefs fans who were

disappointed by the result of Super Bowl LIX could nonetheless rest a little easier knowing the franchise already had four Super Bowl wins to its credit. Many devoted fans and storied franchises have no such championship pedigree to fall back on. In fact, the number of franchises that have yet to win a Super Bowl might surprise diehard and casual fans alike. All told, 12 franchises have yet to win a Super Bowl,

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly Sworn Into Fifth Term

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), reelected by the residents of the 17th Legislative District in November 2025, was sworn into his fifth term in the County Legislature at the 2026 Legislative Organizational Meeting, held January 5 at the William J. Lindsay County Complex in Hauppauge.

Legislator Donnelly represents residents in the Towns of Babylon, Huntington and Islip, including all or parts of Baywood, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore and South Huntington. A life-long resident of Deer Park and graduate of Deer Park High School, he is a more than four-decade Deer Park Fire Department volunteer firefighter and EMT. Legislator Donnelly served as a Town of Babylon Councilman from 2011 through 2017 and retired as a 27-year member of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) immediately after election to his first term in the Legislature in 2017.

Organizational

but perhaps this year’s game will end with one of those teams permanently removing themselves from this list:

• Arizona Cardinals

• Atlanta Falcons

• Buffalo Bills

• Carolina Panthers

• Cincinnati Bengals

• Cleveland Browns

• Detroit Lions

• Houston Texans

• Jacksonville Jaguars

• Los Angeles Chargers

• Minnesota Vikings

• Tennessee Titans

“It’s a tremendous honor to once again have the trust of the residents of the 17th Legislative District,” said Legislator Donnelly. “As someone who has lived here my entire life, I remain deeply committed to serving our community and look forward to continuing to be a strong voice for our neighbors in county government.”

With his first responder background and commitment to keeping

public safety a priority, Legislator Donnelly is pleased to have been reappointed by new Legislative Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo to the Public Safety Committee which has jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to law-enforcement related business or activities, including the Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department, the County’s correctional facilities and the medical examiner.

Legislator Donnelly was also reappointed as a member of the Budget & Finance, Fire, Rescue, EMS & Emergency Preparedness, Seniors & Human Services and Ways & Means Committees.

“From my first day in

office, I have been focused on protecting the residents of Suffolk County and they have my commitment that I will continue to use my position on Public Safety to prioritize and advance these goals,” Legislator Donnelly added. “I also look forward to continue serving on the other committees to which I have been reappointed.”

The 17th Legislative district office remains at 590 Nicolls Road in Deer Park and provides free notary services, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Constituents can contact Legislator Donnelly at his district office by phoning (631) 854-4433.

Families Anonymous

Virtual Meetings

12-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior

caused by Alcohol, Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice. For further information

e-mail or call: Donna526@aol.com or (631) 835.8788; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous. org

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly sits at the legislative horseshoe after being sworn in for his fifth term at the

Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature on January 5 in Hauppauge.

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There is no definitive age when a child may need to get eyeglasses. However, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthal-mology and Strabismus notes that children’s visual systems are still developing during the first 12 years of their life, and during this period wearing glasses can be important for normal vision development. Glasses can help straighten crossed or misaligned eyes, bolster weak vision caused by differences in vision between a child’s eyes, and even protect the stronger eye. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children begin vision screening around age 3 and receive annual screenings each year at ages 4, 5 and 6. After that, screening is recommended when children turn 8, 10, 12, and 15. Of course, parents who begin to suspect their children are having trouble with their vision are urged to take the child to an ophthalmologist once such suspicions arise. Some notable signs include inexplicable declines in academic performance, children sitting closer to the television than they once did and children’s own remarks regarding their vision if they say anything at all.