January 21, 2026 Deer Park by Long Island Media Group

Mangano Family Funeral Homes Gives Back To Seniors At Spangle Drive Senior Center

Mangano Family Funeral Homes served as a dessert sponsor and delivered a scratch-off lottery ticket as a small gesture of holiday cheer to each guest who attended the Christmas luncheon at Spangle Drive Senior Center in

North Babylon. President Sal Mangano visited the center and brought smiles, part of Mangano Family Funeral Homes’ ongoing commitment to giving back and bringing moments of joy to the communities they serve.

“Giving back is an important part of who we are, and we’re thankful to be able to share moments of warmth and happiness with our community during the holiday season,” said Mangano.

“I’d like to thank Carolyn Epifane, Director of the Spangle Drive Senior Center, and her dedicated staff for their continued support and the wonderful work they do on behalf of our seniors. Whether it’s during Christmas time, Valentine’s Day, or other times throughout the year, I always enjoy spending time with everyone and bringing a little extra luck to the occasion.”

About Mangano Family Funeral Homes

With more than 100 years in operation as a family-owned business, Mangano Family Funeral Homes provide families

New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency

NYBC has declared a blood emergency, urging immediate donations as supplies fall to critically low levels. Holiday disruptions, severe winter storms, canceled blood drives, and widespread seasonal illness have caused donations to drop nearly 40% below hospital demand, leaving less than a two-day supply for more than 200 hospitals across the tri-state area.

and their loved ones with caring and compassionate service in their time of need. To learn more please visit www.manganofh. com.

Recent challenges include major snowstorms that halted travel and blood drives, record flu activity with over 71,000 cases reported in a single week, and holiday timing that eliminated two weeks of peak midweek collections— resulting in about 10,000 fewer donations than needed. “Blood is needed every single day for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions,” said Jeannie Mascolino, NYBC Vice President of Blood Operations.

Although January is National Blood Donor Month, the need is urgent now due to blood’s limited shelf life. NYBC encourages eligible donors to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-933-2566 or visiting nybc.org. Those unable to donate can still help by volunteering or supporting NYBC’s mission financially at nybc.org/support-us.

LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP

Looking For A Place To Come In Out Of

Old Village Hall Museum Is Open To Visitors Year-Round

A Did you know that long before Lindenhurst became Lindenhurst, Native Americans called the area Neguntatogue which translates to? In 1930, what famous baseball players visited Lindenhurst to play an exhibition game against the local Lindenhurst team, Addie Klein’s Lindenhurst Nine? Did Lindenhurst ever have their own police department? Can you name an early area settler who fought in the French and Indian War and then served as a Sergeant in the American Revolution? The answer to these and other historical questions that tell the Lindenhurst story from the mid 1600’s through the late 20th century can be found at the Lindenhurst Historical Society’s Old Village Hall Museum. The museum building itself is indeed an historical artifact and is among the four historical museum buildings owned by the Village of Lindenhurst and championed by the Historical Society’s stewardship. Open year round, the museum offers residents and visitors more than glimpse into Lindenhurst’s storied history. So, if you are looking for some local activity to while away a chilly Saturday afternoon or a place to take the children during

school holiday break, why not visit the museum? Docents are on hand to answer questions and offer insight Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 4 pm. Come in out of the cold and discover a sense of place and a community bonding heritage. Admission is always free.

The Old Village Hall Museum is located at Irmisch Historical Park, on the corner of South Broadway and Kent Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information call 631-506-8431 or email the Lindenhurst Historical Society at lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

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

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.

WORDS

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.

Photo courtesy of the New York State Park Police

Tips To Stay The Course With A New Diet

The dawn of a new year marks a great time to turn over a new leaf. Many people begin a new year by making resolutions, and aspiring to eat healthier is annually among the most popular pledges health-conscious individuals make.

A recent Statista survey of hundreds of people across the globe found that eating healthier was the second most popular New Year’s resolution of 2024. 50 percent of respondents indicated they set goals to eat healthier in the year ahead. Though each year is different, it’s fair to assume a similarly large percentage of resolution-minded individuals will aspire to eat healthier over the next 12 months. As people begin their journeys to a healthier lifestyle, they can consider these strategies to stay the course with a new diet.

• Do not eat too close to bedtime. A recent study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that eating more of a day’s total energy intake in the evening is associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating more of the day’s energy intake at midday can lower the risk of being overweight or obese. Individuals are more likely to stay the course when they see positive results, so try to eat dinner several hours before bedtime and resist the urge to snack after dinnertime.

• Treat yourself, but only periodically. It’s unreasonable and potentially counterproductive to avoid foods seen as treats completely. Cutting out indulgent foods may seem appropriate, but such an approach could make you miserable, and a diet that sparks feelings of misery will prove harder to commit

to than one that allows for the occasional indulgence. Moderation is the name of the game, and that should be a rule of thumb for both healthy foods and indulgences. Don’t make indulgences part of your daily routine, even if you eat them in moderation. Rather, save treats for special occasions, and even then only eat them in moderation.

and eat more frequent but smaller, healthier meals to combat hunger pangs that can arise when switching to a new diet. If hunger no longer

poses a threat that can derail your diet, then this approach might increase the chances you stay committed to eating right.

• Consider eating less, but more frequently. Data is conflicting regarding eating smaller but more frequent meals. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that individuals with six or more eating occasions in 24 hours had a lower mean body mass index than those with four or fewer eating occasions in 24 hours. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating a larger number of small meals throughout the day may be associated with improved diet quality and lower BMI. This approach is commonly referred to as “grazing,” and some research has indicated it has no metabolic advantage over other approaches to eating. So what to make of the mixed results? Dieters can decide for themselves

Zesty Wings Make A Perfect Playoff Party Palate Pleaser

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.

Directions:

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).

Zesty Chicken Wings

Makes 4 servings

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

Did You Know?

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.