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
Concert
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 3 PM
LOCATION: Beach Street Middle School
Elementary Students Step Into 2026 With Pledge Of Positivity
Students at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District rang in the new year together on Jan. 9 with a joyful celebration full of school spirit and community.
Wearing festive hats and holding noisemakers, they gathered on the outdoor
track with their buddy classes to welcome 2026. Led by Principal Rhonda Pratt, students recited a new year pledge promising to do their personal best, work hard in and out of school, persevere through challenges and show kindness to everyone. The celebration continued
with an enthusiastic countdown to the new year, followed by a lap around the track as students symbolically stepped into 2026 together. The event was a fun and meaningful way to start the year, reinforcing positive goals, unity and excitement for the months
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ASSISTANT
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
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PRODUCTION MANAGER
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MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
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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/park-police/parkpolicenew-applicants.
“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 enforcement-related topics and skills. Visit https://parks. ny.gov/park-police for more information regarding the application process, agility test and written exam.
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
2026 Picnic Pavilion Reservations For Long
Island State Parks
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.
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.
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.
A Slower Start to 2026
By JoAnn Cilla
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.
New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency Amid Sharp Post-Holiday Donation Drop
New York Blood Center (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 twoday supply for more than 200 hospitals across the tri-state area.
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 1-800-9332566 or visiting nybc. org. Those unable to donate can still help by volunteering or supporting NYBC’s mission financially at nybc.org/support-us.
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 weeklong 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
JOANN CILLA
