STUDENTS
PROTECTORS - Dozens of police officers visited a trio of Massapequa elementary schools, educating students about their valuable role as community protectors. Pictured: The Unqua student council, including fifth graders, from left, Kaia Young, Jayla Spina, Arianna Maggio, Olivia Moreno, Stella Sollitto and Lucas Giovaniello, made appreciation banners for local police officers. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Dozens of police officers visited a trio of Massapequa elementary schools on Jan. 9, educating students about their valuable role as community protectors.
Children had lots of questions during the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day programs, part of a national campaign to recognize service, sacrifice and dedication.
A helicopter landing was the marquee event at Unqua Elementary School, which has been celebrating Law Enforcement Appreciation Day for nearly a decade. All students gathered on the blacktop behind the school and watched as a Nassau County Police Department chopper did a few circles before slowly touching down on the grass.
Police officers from various departments visited classrooms throughout the day. The student council created goodie bags for all of the visiting
officers. They also made banners featuring student handprints and the slogan, “For all that you are and all that you do, we are safe because of you,” which were hung throughout the school. Following Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the banners would be brought to local police precincts.
East Lake Elementary School held its third annual event. Each grade got to visit stations provided by Nassau County police in the gymnasium and outside. Students got to learn about various NCPD units including community affairs, emergency services, marine bureau and special operations. Every child was eager to sit on one of two motorcycles or flash the lights in a patrol car.
The building was decorated with appreciation notes, posters and signs made by students. There were blue and black
balloon columns, paper chains and thin blue line flags around the halls as well. Family members of students and staff who work in law enforcement visited classrooms to talk about their jobs and answer questions.
“We thank our heroes for what they do for our community each and every day,” Principal Thomas McKillop said. “It’s a day of education for our students and a day of appreciation for those who serve our community.”
After a small program last year, Birch Lane Elementary School went big this year for its second annual event, featuring a presentation for grades 3-5 by MTA police officers and the canine unit, along with classroom visits.
Principal Stephen Aspetti said each classroom had a least one visitor from law enforcement throughout the day. The PTA also provided guests with a breakfast.
“We are fortunate to have so many dedicated police officers in our community, many of whom are parents of our students,” Mr. Aspetti said. “At Birch Lane, we take great pride in showing our appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Our students learn what it means to be caring, responsible citizens, and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day gives them a special opportunity to thank the people who work to keep them safe.”
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.
• Wide Selection Of Trusted Brands Offering Options For All Price Points
• Expansive Showroom To See And Select Materials For Your Upcoming Project
• In-House Designer Available To Assist With Material Selection And Provide 3d Renderings
• Dedicated Project Manager Assigned To Oversee Each Renovation From Start To Finish
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announce that residents interested in enrolling their children in the 2026 Summer Recreation Program may pre-register now through March 27 by uploading proof of residency through the Town’s recreation portal. Pre-registration is mandatory prior to final registration this spring, which will again be conducted fully online.
This year’s Summer Recreation Program will be offered as a full-day program only for children ages 4–12. The program will take place at Ellsworth W. Allen Park in Farmingdale, Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa, Plainview Old Bethpage Community
Park in Plainview, Syosset Woodbury Community Park in Woodbury, and Harry Tappen Beach & Park in Glenwood Landing. Space is limited at each location. The program runs Monday, June 29 through Friday, August 7. Full details are available at www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrec
“The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer fun for children at five of our Town parks, with activities including arts and crafts, games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and much more,” said Supervisor Saladino. “To help streamline the process, parents can begin pre-registration today by submitting proof of residency online.”
All registrations will
be completed online.
Beginning in 2026, pre-registration requires submission of proof of residency only. All other
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To simplify the process, the Parks Department is accepting proof of residency during the pre-registration period. After March 27, families who pre-register will receive instructions on completing final registration this spring. Pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in the program.
(NAPSI)—As ecoconscious living continues to grow in popularity, families are embracing greener habits and making sustainable choices in all aspects of life. From minimizing waste and using renewable energy to creating healthy indoor environments, modern families are more committed than ever to ensuring their homes reflect their values of sustainability and wellness. One oftenoverlooked element in creating an eco-friendly and healthy home, however, is air duct cleaning, which plays a crucial role in both energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ). And, when it comes to seeing air duct cleaning is done right, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is setting the highest standards in the industry.
your sustainable goals by improving IAQ, reducing energy consumption, and extending the life of your HVAC system.
Contributes to a Greener Home
1. Improved Energy Efficiency: Dirty air ducts force HVAC systems to work harder to heat or cool your home, leading to higher energy usage. A well-maintained system, with clean ducts, operates more efficiently, reducing energy waste and lowering your carbon footprint. To keep a home operating at peak efficiency, schedule regular air duct cleanings.
Eco-conscious and health-conscious families are turning to green practices, from installing smart systems to using energy-efficient appliances. Yet, despite these efforts, the air inside your home can still be filled with dust, mold, and allergens if your HVAC system is not properly maintained. Regular air duct cleaning supports
2. Better Indoor Air Quality: Clean air is essential for health-conscious families. By reducing contaminants such as dust, mold spores, and bacteria, regular duct cleaning helps create a healthier indoor environment. This is particularly important for families with members who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
3. Reduced Environmental Toxins: Green families strive to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals. Air ducts can
harbor pollutants that may circulate throughout your home, contributing to poor IAQ. Routine cleaning helps reduce the buildup of these contaminants, promoting a toxin-free home without resorting to harsh chemical solutions.
Why Choose a NADCACertified Professional?
While air duct cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy, sustainable home, it must be done properly. That’s where NADCA comes in.
NADCA holds its members to the highest standards, with a strict Code of Ethics and best practices. NADCAcertified professionals undergo rigorous training to ensure they use the most effective, up-to-date techniques and equipment. This means that your home’s air ducts are not only clean but that the process is conducted ethically and with a commitment to quality. Take Control of Your Home’s Air Quality
To schedule an inspection with a professionally trained technician, visit NADCA. com to find a certified air duct cleaning professional so you can breathe easier, knowing your home is in expert hands.
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone announced that the popular Toddler Arts & Crafts Program will be offered again this winter, beginning on February 10th. This 6-week program offers classes at the Town’s Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage and at the Hicksville Athletic Center, and is open to children ages 2 through 4.
“The Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is a wonderful way to help support your toddler’s development through nurturing their artistic expression,” said Councilman Monteleone. “Classes will certainly fill up quickly as this program offers children an opportunity to meet others their age and explore their creativity. Highlights of the program include holiday crafts and ceramics.”
The Toddler Arts & Crafts
Program begins February 10th and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child.
Classes will take place on:
• Tuesdays at 10:00 am for two-year-olds, and 11:00 am for threeand-four-year-olds at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville;
• Wednesdays at 10:00 am for two-year-olds, and 11:00 am for threeand-four-year-olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage;
• Thursdays at 10:00 am for two-year-olds, and 11:00 am for threeand-four-year-olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage.
Registration is available online through the Parks Registration Portal at oysterbaytown.com/sports
Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.
Each class is approximately 45 minutes. The cost of the program is $35 per child who is a Town resident, and $45 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. A smock and supplies will be provided with enrollment. The final day to request a refund for this program will be February 19, 2026.
The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.
Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. There are a number of steps involved in keeping a car or truck in top form, and that includes regular car washes.
Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.
• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings
and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.
• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a wellmaintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for above-average condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.
• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with high salt corrosion rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.
• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.
• Maintain the interior: Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components. Car washes should be a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Professional car washes tend to be more eco-friendly than washing a car at home.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
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
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
green beans, corn, potatoes, etc.) to earn one hour of community
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
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
Are you interested in renting a picnic pavilion this summer at one of your Long Island State Parks? Reservations will open Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST on the New York State Parks Reserve America website or by calling 1-800456-2267. There are no in-person reservations. All picnic pavilion reservations must be made online or by calling Reserve America directly.
Reservable picnic pavilions are located at the following Long Island State Parks for the 2026 season, with the following restrictions:
• Belmont Lake State Park, North Babylon
o No sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
o No buses on holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day
o No generators permitted
• Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
o No electricity
• Heckscher State Park, East Islip
• Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead
o No generators permitted
• Orient Beach State Park, Orient
o No buses on weekends
• Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park (Field # 4)
o No pony rides, inflatables, sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
• Valley Stream State Park, Valley Stream
o No sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
o No buses on weekends and holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day
After you have successfully reserved a pavilion, you can then apply for an add-on permit to enhance your reservation. Applications for add-on permits, which include sound
system / DJ’s / amplified sound, pony rides, buses, inflatables, food trucks, or alcohol, can be found within the 2026 Group Picnic Application. Applications must be received at least 14 days prior to your reservation date.
For additional information, please call the Regional Permit Office at 631-321-3770.
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.
courtesy of Long Island State Parks
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required documents—including a birth certificate, immunization records, and a current physical—must be submitted after enrollment and payment.
To pre-register, parents or guardians must create or log into an account at www.oysterbaytown.com/portal, confirm household and family member information, subscribe to email communications, and upload one acceptable proof of residency dated 2026. Acceptable documents include a Town of Oyster Bay tax bill or utility bill displaying a parent or guardian’s name and Town address. Once uploaded, families must finalize pre-registration through the portal. Documentation will be reviewed, and an email notification will be sent regarding approval status.
“We know many of our youngsters look forward to the warm weather and all the fun the Summer Recreation Program offers,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “With full-day programs available at all five locations, we look forward to another successful summer.”
The mandatory pre-registration period is open now through March 27. Final registration will open this spring, and parents will receive email instructions from the Recreation Division. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown. com/summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.
