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Exploring Possibilities At North Babylon HS Curriculum Fair

For the second year, North Babylon High School hosted its annual Curriculum Fair on Jan. 7 and 8, giving students an interactive opportunity to explore the wide range of elective courses available to them. Held during physical education periods, the gymnasium was transformed into a fair-style setting where students rotated through informational stations to learn more about course offerings and pathways of study.

Guidance counselors, directors, coordinators and student volunteers staffed tables throughout the gym, providing details on electives and answering questions as students prepared to build their schedules for the upcoming school year. The fair encouraged students to take an active role in the scheduling process by entering their course requests directly into eSchool, helping them develop ownership and responsibility for their

academic planning.

Guidance counselors were available throughout the event to support students and address questions. At the end of January, counselors will also meet individually with students to discuss course selections in greater depth and explore future academic and career goals. The Curriculum Fair continues to serve as a valuable resource, empowering students to make informed decisions as they plan for the year ahead.

Jan.

LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP

and

offerings.

North Babylon High School hosted its annual Curriculum Fair on

8 for students to explore course

Photos courtesy of North Babylon School District

New York State Park Police Open Applications For

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.

Photo courtesy of the New York State Park Police

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

•

By JoAnn Cilla

A Slower Start to 2026

January has a way of slowing things down, whether we want it to or not. The holidays are over, the decorations are packed away, and the calendar suddenly feels a little lighter. And yet, many of us feel a crazy urge to fill it up as fast as possible. New goals, new routines, new commitments. What if January wasn’t meant for rushing?

After weeks of noise and nonstop activity, this month gives us something rare…room to think. Before the year speeds up on its own, January lets us hit the pause button to decide how we want to spend our valuable time and energy.

One of the smartest things we can do right now is reclaim our time. December takes time from us; January gives us a chance to take it back. It does not mean doing more or becoming more

productive overnight. It means noticing where our time goes and being honest about what feels meaningful and what simply feels automatic. It also means identifying time robbers – the people and activities that steal our time.

Many of us move through the year fueled by momentum. This month, look at the big picture to see what drains you. What gives you energy? What do you say yes to out of habit

rather than intention?

Instead of jumping into a list of resolutions, take time to ask better questions. What really matters to me this year? What can I let go of? What would make my days feel calmer instead of more crowded?

Good questions slow us down in the right way. They help us make thoughtful choices rather than rushed ones. They remind us that a good year isn’t built in a week. It’s built gradually, through small thoughtful decisions.

January doesn’t need to be loud or ambitious. If we think before we rush, protect our time more carefully, and ask better questions, we give the rest of the year a much stronger foundation.

As this new year unfolds, maybe the best place to start is simply paying attention. Permit yourself to slow down and see what comes up. In the meantime, I’ll see you around town.

JOANN CILLA

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

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

Classifieds

Music Courses

Music courses can have a profound impact on students, potentially helping them perform better in other subjects. A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that high school students who take music courses score significantly better on exams in subjects like math and science than their nonmusical peers. The improved academic performance was more pronounced among students who learned to play an instrument rather than vocal music. The researchers behind the study examined the records of more than 112,000 students in British Columbia. Among the students whose records were studied, 13 percent had participated in at least one music course in grade 10, 11 or 12. Researchers discovered that, on average, children who learned to play a musical instrument for many years and ultimately played in a high school band or orchestra were the equivalent of roughly one academic year ahead of their peers in regard to their English, mathematics and science skills.

All-Time Records From The NFL’s Biggest Game Of The Year

At one point during the second quarter of Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, a game that ended with the Eagles hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second time since 2017, 138 million people were watching. Such viewership is a testament to the popularity of the National Football League and its championship game, which has become a cultural phenomenon that attracts diehard fans, casual enthusiasts and even those who don’t know a first down from a facemask penalty. The chance to win the biggest game of the year in professional football has inspired many teams and athletes to produce recordbreaking performances. As fans gather for this year’s big game, they can consider these records and see if any are broken this February.

• Most Super Bowl wins (player): 7, Tom Brady, New England Patriots (6) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)

• Most Super Bowl wins (head coach): 6, Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

• Most Super Bowl losses (player): 5, Gale Gilbert, Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers; Cornelius Bennett, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons; and Glenn Parker, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants

• Most Super Bowl losses (coach): 4, Don Shula, Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins; Bud Grant, Minnesota Vikings; Dan Reeves, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons; and Marv Levy (Buffalo Bills)

• Most passing touchdowns (single game): 6, Steve Young, Super Bowl XXIX, January 29, 1995

• Most rushing touchdowns (single game): 3, Jalen Hurts, Super Bowl LVII, February 12, 2023, and Terrell Davis, Super Bowl XXXII, January 25, 1998

• Most receiving touchdowns (single game): 3, Jerry Rice (twice), San Francisco

49ers, Super Bowl XXIX, January 29, 1995, and Super Bowl XXIV, January 28, 1990

• Most sacks (in a single game, player): 4, L.C. Greenwood*, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl X, January 18, 1976

* Greenwood is not the official record-holder, as sacks did not become an official statistic until 1982. Various players have recorded three official sacks in a Super Bowl since 1982.

• Field goals made (single game): 4, Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LVIII, February 11, 2024, and Don Chandler, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl II, January 14, 1968

• Longest Super Bowl game (in game time): 74 minutes, 57 seconds, Super Bowl LVIII, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers, February 11, 2024

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.