Wantagh’s Word-Savvy Students Give The Gift Of Reading
Wantagh High School’s National English Honor Society wrapped up a successful collection drive for The Book Fairies. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District
The main lobby of Wantagh High School was close to resembling a library, the result of a successful book drive by the National English Honor Society. The monthlong collection led to the donation of hundreds of books, which will be given to the Book Fairies.
The Long Island-based organization collects and redistributes books to underresourced communities throughout Long Island, New York City and across the world. The honor society’s third annual collection drive
for Book Fairies ran from Dec. 8 to Jan. 8.
On the last day, officers gathered up all of the donations from the lobby and brought them to adviser Alisa Lopera’s room to be organized and boxed. The charitable initiative was spearheaded by seniors Lea Vagnone, the honor society’s vice president, and Sophia Zanelotti, social media manager.
To promote the drive, the honor society made posters to hang around the school, had a message placed on the
morning announcements and got the word out on social media. Wantagh High School students or staff could donate new or gently used books for all ages, with a majority of donations being children’s books.
“It was a huge success,” Lea said. “I’m very proud of how many books we’ve collected for the drive. It’s going to help a lot of people, especially young kids, who are going to now have more access to books.”
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.”
Levittown Students Dress For The Job They Want
Elementary students from throughout the Levittown School District dressed to impress as they presented their work in the Career Exploration program at the Jan. 7 board of education meeting.
In front of backdrops representing places of work like a library, police department and a hospital, students from all five Levittown elementary schools dressed for the matching job. They discussed the many things they have learned in the Career
Exploration program, which introduces Levittown’s youngest learners to a variety of professions, helping spark curiosity and inspire future aspirations. Through direct interaction with professionals from a broad range of careers, as well as engaging lessons that have students take on the role, students gain a clearer understanding of how classroom learning connects to real-world careers. Through a video presentation, trustees and guests saw these lessons in
action as students checked a teddy bear with a stethoscope to learn about being a doctor, studied various rocks and minerals as geologists, counted money as bank tellers and assembled structures as carpenters.
“Career Exploration at the elementary level is not about choosing a job,” Director of Elementary Education Michelle Kelly said. “It’s about building awareness, helping students understand that learning has purpose and that their interests can grow into future opportunities.”
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.
Levittown elementary school students presented the Career Exploration program at the Jan. 7 board of education meeting and were joined by their Career Exploration teachers. Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Superintendent Todd Winch shared a high-five with a student.
Nachos Make The Ideal Game Day Snack
Game watches with fellow fans, family and friends are a great way to make football even more enjoyable. Football fans would be wise to ready their culinary arsenal. Whether you’re hosting at home or going to a game watch at a fellow fan’s house, keep in mind that food and football are a great match. Certain dishes have long since staked their claim on the game watch dinner and snacking tables, and nachos certainly need no introduction to football fans. Football fans can try this recipe for “Loaded Beef Nachos” courtesy of AllRecipes.com.
Directions:
For taco seasoning: Stir paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, and salt together in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in onion and green pepper; cook and stir with oil and juices from browned meat until much of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes more.
Stir 1⁄2 can diced tomatoes with chilies and Mexican-style corn into skillet. Season beef mixture to taste with prepared taco seasoning mix.
Stir together the remaining 1⁄2 can diced tomatoes with chilies and refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until heated through, stirring every 30 seconds, 1 to 3 minutes.
To assemble nachos: Lay half of tortilla chips in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, then drop teaspoons of refried beans onto chips, followed by meat mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, beans, meat, and cheese to make a second layer.
Microwave on high until cheese is melted and nachos are warm, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with sour cream, salsa, olives, jalapeños, and green onion as desired.
Loaded Beef Nachos
Serves 4
Taco Seasoning:
5 teaspoons paprika
1 1⁄4 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1⁄4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1⁄4 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano leaves
1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
Nachos:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as RO-TEL®)
1 15-ounce can Mexican-style corn (optional)
1 16-ounce can refried beans
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or as needed
4 ounces tortilla chips, or as needed
Toppings (optional):
1⁄2 cup sour cream (optional)
1⁄2 cup salsa (optional)
1⁄4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1⁄4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
1⁄4 cup green onion
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, 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
Town Recognizes Korean American Day Honoring Bethpage Pastor
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and his colleagues on the Town Board recently recognized Korean American Day by honoring Pastor Sam, who oversees English Ministries at Arumdaun Presbyterian Church in Bethpage, for his spiritual leadership within our community and for his efforts to connect the Town with the proud history and rich culture of Korean Americans.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “We are proud to celebrate Korean American Day in the Town of Oyster Bay by honoring people like Pastor Sam, who personify KoreanAmerican values and culture. Throughout his tenure at Arumdaun Presbyterian Church, Pastor Sam has distinguished himself for his empathy, hard work, and spiritual leadership. Pastor Sam serves as an inspirational role model for all of us, and we appreciate his incredible work in our community.”
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/parkpolice/park-policenewapplicants.
“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 enforcementrelated topics and skills.
Visit https://parks.ny.gov/ park-police for more information regarding the application process, agility test and written exam.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.
Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per sixmonth period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.
Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County
Treasurer at: https://www. nassaucountyny.gov/526/ County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 17th day of February 2026 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer. A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www. nassaucountyny.gov/527/ Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05th, 2026.
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 22, 2026
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
Mineola, New York
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement
Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/ litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.
The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has
been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will
be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 22, 2026
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
Mineola, New York
NAS 1, FM, NMAS, BETH1576 - 1/21 & 1/28/26
2026 Sunken Meadow State Park Winter Environmental Schedule of Events
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
Krakatoa! February 5th
Snow Buddies February 26th
Shamrock Shuffle March 12th
Mr. Golden Sun March 26th
Winter Sunset Stroll: (Family Program) Saturday February 7th 4:30pm –6:00pm Join us to marvel at the sunset over Sunken Meadow this mid-winter night. This easy walk around the park will allow you to take in the view
over multiple habitats and will end with some light stargazing. Hand warmers and hot drinks will be made available. (Meet at the Nature Center in Field 1) Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure
High Ground Hike: (Family Program ages 8+) Sunday February 8th 10:30am –12:00pm Did you know that the Greenbelt Trail makes its northernmost stop in Sunken Meadow State Park? Along its way, the Greenbelt follows the edge of the bluffs, for some amazing views of the Long Island Sound. Join us as we venture up through the woods for a walk along some of these high ground trails. This is a moderate level hike with some hills. Bring water and good walking shoes/ boots. (Meet at the east side
of the Field 4 parking lot) Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure
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
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
631-226-2636, press 276 Call The Classifi eds 631-226-2636 Pres s 276
SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276 BUYING?
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you. Call The Classifi eds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO
A Valentine’s Day Dessert Whipped Up In An Unusual Way
Decadent treats and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Couples typically exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day, and those gifts are often accompanied by something sweet.
A survey from Statista found that 44 percent of respondents intended to purchase candy and sweets for their significant other on Valentine’s Day. That made candy and sweets the most popular Valentine’s Day gift by a considerable margin,
well above the likes of other February 14th favorites like greeting cards (33 percent) and flowers (32 percent).
Romantic dinners still have a place at the Valentine’s Day table, as the Statista survey found that 29 percent of respondents intended to sit down for a romantic meal as part of their celebration. Homemade desserts can be a great
way to show that special someone just how much they’re loved. If cooks want to employ the element of surprise, then this recipe for “Ginger Cake” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) won’t disappoint. Firing up the grill is sure to pique a loved one’s interest, and the slightly spicy finished product marks a departure from more traditional desserts.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for the pan, at room temperature
2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 2⁄3 cups packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1⁄2 cup whole milk
Directions:
1. Bring the grill to 350 F with the cooking grate and heat deflector installed. Butter the bottom and sides of a 10inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes.
4. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add the eggs one at a time. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes or until light tan in color.
5. With the machine running, add the milk.
6. Add the flour mixture, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed, until fully incorporated. Transfer to the skillet.
7. Put the skillet on the grate. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Put on a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Cooking tip:
Cutting butter into small cubes and arranging them in a single layer will help them soften more quickly.
