Issuu

Kick Off Your New Year

By Making A Free Memory Screening Appointment Today!

With 2026 officially underway, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging all Long Islanders to take charge of their cognitive health and schedule their annual memory screening appointments today. AFA is offering free memory screenings at its Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center, located at 149 Schleigel Blvd, in Amityville. Screenings will take place each Wednesday afternoon and are open to everyone, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 631223-4000.

“Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, even if you’re not currently experiencing memory problems. Just like other facets of our health, our brains need regular checkups too,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Start the new year off by being proactive about your brain health and scheduling your 2026 memory screening appointment.”

Many people prioritize their physical health when making their New Year’s resolutions. But you shouldn’t neglect your brain health as well. Memory screenings are

quick (approximately 1015 minutes), noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. They are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol, and skin checks. Screenings are administered one on one by a qualified professional, and results are confidential and provided immediately at the end of the screening. Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.

Early detection of memory impairments is vital. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments when they are most effective, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and

therapeutic programming, which can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial, and health care decisions.

Residents wishing to get a free memory screening at AFA’s Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center this summer can call the Center at 631223-4000 to schedule an appointment.

About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866232-8484) staffed by licensed social

Did You Know?

Valentine’s Day celebrants who can’t wait for the arrival of February 14 each year may want to add India to their must-visit list of travel destinations. That’s because Valentine’s Day celebrations in India have now expanded into a week-long festival sometimes referred to as “Valentine’s Week.” Each day of the week between February 7 and February 14 has its own unique designation. Those designations are as follows:

•February 7: Rose Day

• February 8: Propose Day

• February 9: Chocolate Day

• February 10: Teddy Day

• February 11: Promise Day

• February 12: Hug Day

• February 13: Kiss Day

Students in Amityville Memorial High School’s AP Government class recently represented the district at the annual Long Island Smart Growth Summit.

During the summit, students gained valuable insight into local issues and engaged in meaningful civic discussions. Organized by Vision Long Island, this year’s summit focused on affordability, helping small businesses, as well as downtown revitalization and infrastructure investment. The event brought together local and regional leaders from more than 50 Long Island communities featuring over 100 speakers and 20 workshops.

The district would like to thank Mr. Greiss and Ms. Schulken for taking the initiative to provide this opportunity.

Amityville Memorial High School Students Attend Smart Growth Summit

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.

Students in Amityville Memorial High School’s AP Government class recently represented the district at the annual Long Island Smart Growth Summit. Photo courtesy of Amityville Union Free School District

Photo courtesy of the New York State Park Police

BRESLAU CEMETERY Association Inc, Lindenhurst, New York

The annual meeting of the Breslau Cemetery Association of Lindenhurst NY will be held Wednesday Evening January 28, 2026 at 7 PM at their office on Newark St. for the purpose of electing trustees to fill the expiring term of: Ed Kellermann and to act on any other proper matters that may come before the meeting

Jean Kellermann

Secretary

LV N & S, A/C - 1575 - 1/14, 1/21 & 1/28/26

TO PLACE YOUR AD

PLEASE CALL 631-226-2636

Amityville School District Appoints New Director Of Curriculum

The Amityville School District is proud to announce that Dr. Jessica Kemler has been appointed as the district’s new director of curriculum.

prepared her to champion transformative learning experiences that meet the needs of every student.

Dr. Kemler steps into her new role with a profound commitment to educational equity, innovation and excellence, shaped by 26 years of service in public education. During the past decade, she has led as both District Testing Coordinator and Elementary Principal in the Roslyn School District, where her leadership fostered growth, collaboration and student achievement. Her career reflects a breadth of experience –classroom teaching, school administration, district testing and data coordination, staff development, grant writing and instructional technology – all of which have

DR. JESSICA KEMLER

Dr. Kemler holds degrees in Special Education, Instructional Technology, and Educational Leadership and Administration, and earned her doctorate at St. John’s University. She is deeply passionate about empowering educators, cultivating future leaders, and ensuring that all students not only achieve success but also create lasting impact within their communities.

Photo courtesy of Amityville Union Free School District

JANUARY HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY JAN. 22nd

11:00AM-4:30PM

ART TALK: ANDY WARHOL at Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd. in Freeport. Free Event. Presented by Gene Wisniewski, VIRTUAL PROGRAM

One of the few artists to achieve “household name” status, Andy Warhol remains a subject of fascination, yet the reason he’s ranked among the most important artists of the 20th century is a mystery to many. The answer lies in his almost clairvoyant understanding of American culture, which continues to play out in full force. For more information, please call 516-379-3274

FRIDAY, JAN. 23rd

11:00AM-4:00PM

WARM UP ON FROSTY FRIDAYS! at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Come in out of the cold and enjoy a free cup of hot cocoa at the museum. Included with admission. For more information, please call 631-3673418

THROUGH JAN. 23rd

11:00AM-4:30PM

ART EXHIBITION:

SHINING STARS PAST AND PRESENT

New York Fine Arts Society Gallery, 1 Flowerﬁeld, Suite 15 in Saint James. Exhibition and sale of women artist from the East End of Long Island along with international women artist of years past. Graphics, drawings, and

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

paintings. Free Event. For more information, please call 703-3719166

SUNDAY JAN. 25th

12:00PM-2:00PM

CHASING THE LIGHT at BAFFA Art Gallery, 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville. The photography of local artists, Pat DeLuca, Carol Rosenthal, and Rob Verbeck, will be exhibited at the BAFFA Art Gallery. Free Event. For further information visit www. baffa.org.

WEDNESDAY JAN. 28th

Doors open 6:00PM Games start 7:00PM VALENTINE BINGO

The Memorare Columbiette® Auxiliary located at 2183 Jackson Avenue in Seaford, is hosting a Valentine Bingo. $35 p.p., includes 8 games of bingo, wine, soda, snacks, coffee and dessert. (Snacks from home are always welcome). 50/50, lotto board, rafﬂes and additional bingo cards are available for purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Patricia Fernando 516-798-6237

7:30PM

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC BINGO at 317 Main Street in Farmingdale. Join 317 Main Street for Alternative Rock Music Bingo. $20 per person includes 2 bingo cards. 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

SATURDAY, JAN. 31st

5:00PM

TEENS CANNED FOOD DRIVE

The Babylon Library is hosting a canned vegetable drive to help out our neighbors at Nourish Babylon! Teens should bring in four cans of one type of vegetable (carrots, green beans, corn, potatoes, etc.) to earn one hour of community service. There will be a collection box at the Adult Reference Desk. Teens must be present to receive their community service form! Grades 6-12. 24 S. Carll Ave. in Babylon. For more information, please call Erin White 631-669-1624

UPCOMING

FEBRUARY EVENT

SUNDAY, FEB. 1st

12:00PM-6:00PM

TAKEOUT SUNDAY SAUCE DINNER Babylon Lions Club in conjunction with Cafe Il Villaggio presents Gaspare Mannina & Jim Bruscia Memorial Takeout Sunday Sauce Dinner. Pre-orders can be placed beginning at 11:00AM, call 631422-7037. $35 per order - take out only. Includes Pasta, Meatballs and Sausages. Complimentary bottle of wine with orders of $70 or more. Orders can be picked up at Cafe Il Villaggio 35 Deer Park Ave. in Babylon

Classifieds

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. CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call toda y! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646

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.

you.

Copiague Students Show Their Skills At Moot Court Competition

Walter G. O’Connell

Copiague High School students recently participated in the Long Island Mentor Moot Court Competition at the U.S. District Court in Central Islip. Students competed against other schools in Suffolk County in a case

about fourth and fifth amendment rights in the school environment. They worked extensively with lawyers from the Copiague community to prepare for the competition.

Students fielded questions from judges and lawyers while they delivered

10-minute speeches on behalf of their chosen issue. Congratulations to the following participants: Scott Coy, Yeslyn Canales, Moises Casco-Lopez, Johnathan Lopez, Tatiana Pantaleon, Gianna Viglione and Emma Villalobos.

Copiague Memorial Public Library

50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726

Tel 631-691-1111 Fax 631-691-5098

Soup-er Bowl Drive

Donations accepted until January 31

We will be collecting canned soups (any size) for those in need. All donations will be delivered to a local food pantry and will benefit individuals for the upcoming winter season.

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.

Estate Planning and Elder Law

Wednesday, January 21

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Join Attorney Kathleen Rose from the law office of Feldman, Kramer & Monaco for an informative presentation on estate planning and elder law. Learn how to protect your assets, make informed legal decisions, and plan for the future with confidence. Perfect for individuals and families looking to better understand their rights and options. Registration is required.

Plants

for the Winter Garden

Thursday, January 22

3:00 - 4:00 PM

For many, the winter garden is beige, gray and if we’re lucky, brown. Garden coach Jessica Damiano will show you her favorite plants, including bloomers, that will turn your barren landscape into a winter wonderland at a time when the only green in

your neighbors’ yards will be envy! Registration is required.

Fruits and Vegetables

Thursday, January 22

6:30 – 7:30 PM

Start the year fresh with this fun and practical program focused on adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily routine with SNAP-ED Nutrition Educator Anthony Garcia. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, improve digestion, or simply feel better in your body, this program will discuss the impact and importance these food groups have to our overall health.

Let’s make healthy eating easier and more delicious this year! Registration is required.

Evening Book Discussion

Monday, January 26

7:00 - 8:30 PM

This program will be held in person and via Zoom The Change by Kirsten Miller

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

Exploring Care and Support Services

Wednesday, January 28

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Join the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s

Association as they help navigate caring for someone living with dementia. This program examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and changes, including respite care, residential care and endof life care. Registration is required.

Home Cooking for Your Dogs and Cats

Thursday, January 29 6:30 - 8:30 PM Happier, healthier, and better-behaved pets start with a species appropriate diet. Fresh and homemade is optimal as diet effects cognition and behavior. Learn how easy and affordable it is to make homemade meals with Behavioral Nutritionist and author of Home Cooking for Your Dog Christine M.Filardi. Registration is required.

Defensive Driving

Saturday, January 31 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Save money on your car insurance! A $33.00 fee payable to Diana APW (Accident Prevention Workshop) by check, money order or cash is due the day of class. Please arrive early to sign in. Late comers will not be admitted. Please bring a pen and your driver’s license. Registration is required.

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students recently participated in the Long Island Mentor Moot Court Competition at the U.S. District Court in Central Islip. Photo courtesy of Copiague School District

Presiding Officer McCaffrey Recognized By Argyle Theatre

Suffolk County Legislator

Kevin J. McCaffrey recently partnered with The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village to showcase improvements to the facility made possible by Suffolk County JumpSMART funding!

Renovations to the historical theatre, which dates back to 1922, included an exterior facelift with new lighting, fresh paint, and a new marquee; as well as a new 19-foot mahogany bar, a new tin-inspired ceiling, upgraded lighting fixtures, an improved sound system, and upgrades to the production capabilities of the theatre.

Further, accessibility and the bones of the building received a refresh, with upgrades to the women’s restroom (which has doubled in size, adding four new stalls and sinks), a new roof, updated

electrical wiring, improved insulation, concrete repairs, and the installation of brand-new HVAC units.

The allocations were made through the County’s capital program and Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, designed to help small businesses and communities effectively recover from the pandemic.

Both Village of Babylon Mayor Mary E. Adams and Argyle Theatre Co-Owners Dr. Mark Perlman and Dylan Perlman presented Legislator McCaffrey with tokens of appreciation for his support of the Theatre and his efforts to assist in securing funding for improvements to the Theatre.

Sen. Martinez Honors Fallen Officers, Supports Families

Americans across the country will observe National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and in New York, state Sen. Monica R. Martinez announced the signing of legislation she sponsored to support the families of fallen law enforcement officers. The measure authorizes local governments to provide a property tax exemption of up to 50% on the primary residence of a surviving spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty.

Municipalities must opt in before the exemption can be applied, and have the option to reduce the percentage of tax relief benefit provided within their localities.

The law enforcement tax abatement legislation was the second first responder survivor tax relief bill sponsored by Sen. Martinez during the 2025 legislative session to be signed into law. In December, Gov. Kathy Hochul also signed legislation that allows municipalities to opt in to extending the property tax exemption to surviving spouses of volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who were killed in the line of duty after serving between two and five years. Under prior law, only spouses of volunteers with at least five years of service were eligible to receive the exemption.

“Members of law enforcement face inherent

dangers on each tour they serve,” Sen. Martinez said.

“When an officer is killed in the line of duty, surviving spouses are left to continue through both loss and financial strain without the support their partner once provided. This legislation recognizes that reality and offers assistance to help them maintain stability during an incredibly painful experience.”

Law enforcement officers face real and ongoing danger in the course of their work.

More than 800,000 officers nationwide put themselves at risk each day to protect their communities, according to data shared by law enforcement advocacy organizations. In 2025 alone, 111 officers died in the line of duty, and hundreds more were injured by gunfire or assaulted while performing their duties.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was established in 2015 by Concerns of Police Survivors, a national nonprofit that supports the families of fallen officers. The observance calls on the public to recognize the dedication of law enforcement officers and the sacrifices made not only by those who serve, but also by the families who stand behind them. Americans are encouraged to show their support through simple acts, including wearing blue, sending messages of thanks, and acknowledging officers in their communities.

Since the country’s founding in 1776, more than 25,000 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Did You Know?

The National Football League (NFL) was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The first-ever 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 Brooklyn-based 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.

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026

MASS at 9AM •

WHY ST. MARTIN OF TOURS?

For over 100 years, SMT has offered academic excellence, which fosters individual growth and development according to time-tested, Catholic faith-based models of teaching and learning.

SMT provides a safe and supportive community that recognizes the dignity of every person and promotes a loving family atmosphere.