MASSAPEQUA STUDENTS SHOW THANKS TO 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
Cheers
Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced today that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will return with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town from January through May.
“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Clerk LaMarca. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”
Scheduled performances for January include: Southbound on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – Playing hit after hit, Southbound captivates and enthralls with their showmanship, talent and positive energy. Open to all. Free Tickets required. Tickets available at the library. For more information, contact the library at (516) 938-0077.
The ChimesTM Honoring Lenny Cocco on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Syosset Public Library – They will take you back to those street corners in Brooklyn with hits like “Once in a While,” “I’m in the Mood for Love,” & “Let’s Fall in Love.” Open to all. Free tickets required. Registration ongoing. Visit: https://syosset.
Tell Us About It!
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.
librarycalendar.com/events/ month and select the date of the concert and register.
The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.
WEDNESDAY
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
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
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
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
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.
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.”
Super Bowl Sunday is a cultural phenomenon. Come the day of the big game, fans from all walks of life gather to enjoy food, friends and, of course, football. Game watch parties are arguably as anticipated as the game itself, and those hosting may look for ways to entertain guests prior to kickoff. Trivia can be a fun way to engage guests, and hosts can ask these questions and more to enjoy some lighthearted fun this Super Bowl Sunday.
1. Which team lost four consecutive Super
The elements pose a unique challenge to motor vehicles, and that’s particularly notable when seasons change. Though the shift from spring to summer or even summer to fall may not be too significant, drivers who want to safeguard their vehicles would be wise to
Bowls in the early 1990s?
A. The Detroit Lions
B. The Denver Broncos
C. The Buffalo Bills
D. The Chicago Bears
2. This Hall of Fame wide receiver, nicknamed “The Playmaker,” caught two touchdowns in an 18-second span in Super Bowl XXVII on January 31, 1993.
A. Jerry Rice
B. Andre Reed
C. Randy Moss
D. Michael Irvin
3. True or False: No rookie quarterback has ever started for his team in the Super Bowl.
4. This Hall of Fame quarterback out of Stanford University lost three Super Bowls before finally winning his first one on January 25, 1998.
A. Joe Montana
B. John Elway
C. Brett Favre
D. Andrew Luck
5. Which New York Giants wide receiver helped his team win
Super Bowl XLII after making a miraculous catch in which he pressed the ball against his helmet to secure possession while falling to the ground?
A. David Tyree
B. Plaxico Burress
C. Mario Manningham
D. Jeremy Shockey
6. This famous coach led his team to victory in Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.
A. Bill Parcells
B. John Madden
C. Vince Lombardi
D. Bill Belichick
7. Which of these Hall of Fame quarterbacks never won a Super Bowl?
A. Terry Bradshaw
B. Dan Marino
C. Troy Aikman
D. Peyton Manning
8. This stylish quarterback famously guaranteed his team would win the Super Bowl, even though the team was a heavy underdog.
A. Tom Brady
B. Jim McMahon
take certain measures to prepare their cars or trucks for winter weather. Winterizing a car can be an important part of vehicle maintenance. That’s particularly true for vehicle owners who live in regions where winter is marked by especially cold temperatures and/or significant snowfall.
As fall gives way to winter, drivers can take these steps to winterize their vehicles.
• Address tires and tire pressure. The experts at Kelley Blue Book note the danger of aging and/ or poorly inflated tires, particularly in winter. Icy, wet and/or snowcovered roads can be
dangerous to traverse, so it benefits drivers to examine their tires prior to winter. Worn down treads reduce traction and make it more difficult for vehicles to stop, which is already challenging on roads where ice is present. It’s equally important to keep tires properly inflated, as KBB reports each 10-degree dip in temperature can lead to a one-pound loss in air pressure. Poorly inflated tires can decrease performance and safety on the road.
• Check the battery and replace it, if necessary. Another step to winterize a car involves the battery that helps to keep the vehicle running. The automotive experts at Firestone note that sinking temperatures force the chemical reaction within vehicle batteries to slow, which reduces the amount
of power the battery can generate. In fact, Firestone estimates a battery can lose as much as 60 percent of its strength in freezing temperatures. Firestone urges drivers to get a battery assessment test prior to winter to ensure the battery is healthy enough to endure the coming months. If the assessment indicates the battery is weak, replace it prior to winter.
• Check fluid levels. Routine vehicle maintenance at an auto body shop or car dealership typically involves checking and topping off fluid levels. Book such an appointment in advance of winter to ensure the vehicle has coolant, which KBB notes is formulated to resist freezing. Without sufficient coolant, a vehicle engine can suffer significant damage.
Joe Namath
Drew Brees
Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders came close in the 2024-25 season, but his team ultimately fell one game short of making the Super Bowl.
Windshield washer fluid also should be filled to ensure the windshield can be sufficiently cleaned of salt during and after snowstorms. A prewinter oil change also can help the vehicle run smoothly throughout the colder months.
• Inspect belts and hoses. KBB notes cold weather weakens belts and hoses, which can become brittle and fail in low temperatures. Belts and hoses should be checked prior to winter. Engines can overheat, electrical system problems can emerge and power steering may be compromised if belts and hoses are allowed to fall into disrepair. Winter can be a challenging time of year for cars and trucks. Various strategies to winterize a car before the mercury drops can make it safer to be on the road when the weather turns cold.
Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that the first half of the 2026 General Tax Levy was due on January 1st, but can be paid without penalty through February 10th.
“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty-free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” explained Receiver Pravato.
“After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty to be added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to January 1st.” Don’t delay, make your payment before February 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”
The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road,
Massapequa, from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM to assist residents and accept payments by check, cash, or credit card*. There are also outdoor walkup windows. On February 7th and 10th, both offices will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Drop boxes have been installed at both Town Hall North and Town Hall South for residents to make payments when the Tax Office is closed.
Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 117711539. Please be certain to sign your check and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s SD Code, Section, Block, Lot, and phone number on the check. All mailed payments
must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before February 10th.
Residents can access 2026 General Tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com.
Residents may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75*, or by credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies. *Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.
When calling the Tax Office at (516) 624-6400, or sending an email to receiveroftaxes@oysterbayny.gov, residents are requested to have the School District, Section, Block, and Lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.
