180 East Main Street, 1st Floor
400 West Main Street, Suite 106
4070 Hempstead Turnpike
NY 11783
Bayshore: 180 East Main Street, 1st Floor Babylon: 400 West Main Street, Suite
Massapequa Imaging: 1220 Hicksville Road Room I-12 Massapequa Park: 5165 Merrick Road
Bethpage: 4070 Hempstead Turnpike
Massapequa Park: 5165 Merrick Road
While vessels may be covered with snow and ice right now, it won’t be long until Hempstead Town thaws out and prepares for another great boating season out on local waterways. Supervisor John Ferretti and the Hempstead Town Board remind residents that New York State law now requires ALL operators of personal watercraft to receive a boater safety certificate, and Town officials have scheduled several courses to help bring local mariners into compliance.
Residents can sign up for a Town of Hempstead Boater Safety Course as early as February. This class, for ages 18 and up, will be split into three sessions: February
10th, February 17th, and February 24th, all from 7-10 PM at the Town Conservation and Waterways building (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend all three classes to become certified. Courses are administered by the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables.
“Setting sail along our region’s beautiful and pristine waterways is one of the great benefits of living in America’s largest township, but we want to ensure that residents are doing so safely to protect themselves and their fellow boaters,” said Supervisor Ferretti. “Our Bay Constables are highly trained and have invaluable wisdom
to share about local waterways and safer boating practices. We encourage boaters in need of certification to attend a course right here in America’s largest township.”
Once a boater obtains their certification, documentation must be on board the vessel while sailing.
To register for one of the Boater Safety Classes, please call the Town Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100. Residents who are already certified but cannot locate their card can obtain new documentation at https://www.ilostmycard. com/records?state_ cd=NY&cert_ type=Boating
Councilman Steve Labriola distributes banners with local scouting groups.
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Steve Labriola announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hometown Heroes Community Recognition Program. This cherished initiative honors the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces – both living and deceased – who are current or former residents of the Town of Oyster Bay.
Councilman Labriola stated, “This Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Program allows us to show our deep gratitude to the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our nation. Their courage and dedication deserve our utmost respect, and this initiative provides a lasting tribute to their service. We are proud to bring this important initiative back to our communities.”
The program features banners bearing the honorees’ names, ranks, photographs, and areas of service. These banners will be displayed at selected
park facilities throughout the Town of Oyster Bay in the months leading up to Veterans Day in November. To participate, individuals or organizations may sponsor a banner for $75, covering the production cost. No profit is made from this program.
After Veterans Day, the banners will be taken down to prevent damage from winter weather and returned to the service member’s family or loved ones. Those who sponsored banners in the previous year must submit a new application to be included in the 2026 season. Applications are due by March 13, 2026.
Supervisor Saladino concluded, “This program is a meaningful way for our community to pay tribute to
those who have bravely and selflessly served our nation. It is an honor to recognize their sacrifices and their continued contributions to our local communities through advocacy and leadership.”
For more information or to download an application, visit www.oysterbaytown. com/herobanners or call (516) 797-4121.
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.
Oyster Bay Town
Councilman Tom Hand announced that residents can apply for picnic permits at all Town parks with picnic facilities online by visiting www. oysterbaytown.com/ picnic. Reservations are available for picnic space at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, Harry Tappen Beach and Marina in Glenwood Landing, SyossetWoodbury Community Park, and Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park.
or more at all Town of Oyster Bay picnic pavilion locations and include exclusive use of the permitted area from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the reservation date. Some locations are covered, have access to water, and permit barbequing.
Picnic Permits are required for groups of 25
To view picnic availability, residents can visit www.oysterbaytown. com/picnic and filter their preferred date, facility, specific location, and features using the page menu. Those who don’t have a pre-existing account can create one on the same page and apply for the reservation. It is recommended that residents reserve their picnic pavilion early as spaces fill up quickly for the season. For more information on Town of Oyster Bay picnic permits, call (516) 797-4139.
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
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca invite residents to renew their wedding vows at a special ceremony in recognition of Valentine’s Day, on Friday, February 13th, at Oyster Bay Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event will include a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay. The special ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and will include light refreshments for all guests.
“Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, and many couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries on this special day. We look forward to making this special day even better as couples renew their marriage vows and declare their endless love for one
another,” said Supervisor Saladino.
“Couples often select Valentine’s Day to celebrate their relationship,” added Town Clerk LaMarca. “It may be a sentimental choice for couples who had their first date, first kiss, or even engagement on Valentine’s Day. Whatever the reason, we are proud to offer this special vow renewal ceremony at Town Hall.”
The ceremony will take place at Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay hamlet. The event is offered free of charge to Town residents but reservations are required.
Residents interested in renewing their wedding vows should RSVP to (516) 624-6380 by February 9th
The story of America’s first Valentine is a proud piece of Oyster Bay history which dates back to the time of the
Revolutionary War, as British troops occupied Long Island homes. During the height of the American Revolutionary War, love improbably
blossomed between Lt. Col Simcoe and a young patriot named Sally Townsend as the Townsend property served as a headquarters for
a regiment of 300 British troops. Lt. Col. Simcoe presented Sally with a poem he wrote asking her to be his Valentine, and his famous
You Be
Football fans know there’s nothing quite like the playoffs. Whether your passion rests with college football or the action on the professional gridiron, there’s plenty of exciting football to watch in the early weeks of winter.
Game watch parties are wildly popular. Indeed, big games are even more enjoyable when watched alongside fellow fans. When hosting a game watch party at home, certain culinary staples, including chicken wings, need to make an appearance. Fans hosting playoff parties this playoff season can ensure guests get what they need by offering up these “Zesty Chicken Wings” from Lines+Angles.
1. Combine all of the ingredients for the marinade in a food processor. Pulse until blended well.
2. Rinse chicken wings under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the marinade and chicken wings into a large resealable plastic storage bag. Seal the bag securely. Squeeze the bag several times coating the chicken wings thoroughly with marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and marinate overnight.
4. Prepare the grill for direct grilling. Brush the grill grate lightly with oil. Barbecue the wings over medium hot coals or at medium high-heat for 5-7 minutes on each side (turning once, halfway through) until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (optional).
For the marinade:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small white onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups Barbecue sauce (your favorite)
1⁄4 cup sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon turmeric
For the chicken wings:
1 1⁄2 pounds chicken wings
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon oil, for the grill
The National Football League (NFL) was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The firstever NFL game was played at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio, on October 3, 1920. In that contest, the hometown Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14-0. Though the Dayton Triangles were eventually purchased by a Brooklynbased syndicate and relocated to New York as a result of that transaction, the team’s status as the host of the first NFL game continues to pay dividends for residents of the southwestern Ohio city where the franchise ushered in the now wildly popular league. In recognition of the place the city of Dayton holds in NFL history, the NFL Foundation, in partnership with FieldTurf & Vasco, pledged to fund the installment of a new artificial turf at the city’s Kettering Park.
Seaford Manor Elementary School students are taking their writing to the next level while informing their classmates. Recent nonfiction writing projects have immersed students in fact-based reporting.
Third graders recently completed their expert books. Each student selected a topic he or she knows a lot about and wrote a nonfiction book with at least five chapters. Subjects ranged from animals to sports to toys.
The young authors used different writing techniques, such as cause and effect and comparing and contrasting. Their nonfiction books
were topped off with colorfully illustrated cover pages. Teachers noted that the project was a way for students to share their personal passions.
A fifth grade journalism unit required more than just first-hand knowledge. Students had to do interviews and research to gather information for their stories. The budding reporters wrote about happenings in their school or community and also learned what it means to cover a beat by writing different stories on the same topic.
After filing their news stories that reported on the who, what, where,
when and why, they dipped their toes into feature writing. Students explored topics of personal interest, conducting research to find out information that would be useful to their readers. Topics included fashion, holidays, movies, nutrition and sports. Some of the reporters even conducted polls or surveys to get feedback on the topics from classmates.
Fifth graders explored one more aspect of journalism – layout and design – by putting their stories into Canva and adding pictures, illustrations and headlines to resemble a real newspaper page.
This fully rebuilt ranch in 2026 checks every box—open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, stunning quartz kitchen counters, 2 baths, and all-new systems for worry-free living. Just minutes to Bay Park, shopping, and the LIRR for an easy NYC commute. $899,000 Contact Adele Rosenberg and Loretta Peluso
for Over Ask!
Inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Splanchstyle home. Set on .29 acrest. Updated eat-in kitchen and spacious den with sliders to the yard. The upper level offers well-sized bedrooms, including a primary suite with an updated primary bath. Outside, enjoy an in-ground pool. $799,000 Contact Lynn Witz and Traci Gazzo
Sold for Over Ask!
Custom-designed modern home to be built — a dream come true for boating enthusiasts. There’s still time to customize the interior. Included an approved boat lift and a new 60-foot marinegrade vinyl plank bulkhead. Five bedrooms and 3.5 baths. An elevator serves all three levels $1,699,000 Contact Adele Rosenberg and Loretta Peluso
Sold for Over Ask!
Nestled in the famed Candy Section and within the soughtafter Commack School District, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath Hi Ranch sits on a true half-acre with room for a pool. Updated eat-in kitchen opens to a sun-filled great room with vaulted ceilings and sliders overlooking the yard. The lower level offers sliders to the backyard, a cozy den, a fourth bedroom, and a full bath. $979,000 contact Lynn Witz
Beautifully landscaped half-acre in the sought-after Commack’s Candy section. The true chef’s kitchen features ample counter space for meal prep and overlooks the expansive backyard, complete with sliders leading to the deck and paver patio. You can enjoy summer BBQs and swimming in the semi in-ground pool. $949,000 contact Lynn Witz
Completely updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch with the perfect blend of modern design and everyday comfort. The open floor plan creates a seamless flow throughout, making it ideal for entertaining and relaxed living $765,000 Contact Lynn Witz
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/parkpolice/park-policenew-
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.
