January 28, 2026 Amityville Copiague

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

T3 Accounting Services

JANUARY HAPPENINGS

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, 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

10:30AM–12:00PM

MAPLE SUGARING

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

Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. For more information, please visit parks. ny.gov, or call 631-669-1000

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 631-6691624

THROUGH JAN. 31st

9:00AM-6:00PM

at Nissequogue River State Park in Kings Park. (Family Program ages 8+) Maple syrup production has been a tradition in the Americas for centuries. This demonstration will walk your family through the process of identifying and tapping maple trees. Meet us at the Charles & Helen Reichert Park Office on the North side of the park! Reservations are required:

SHOWCASE ABSTRACT PAINTINGS Richard Margolies to Showcase Abstract Paintings at East Islip Library, 381 E. Main Street in East Islip. The exhibit will highlight a collection of his latest abstract paintings, offering visitors a chance to experience his bold use of color, form, and texture. For more information, please call 631-5819200

UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS

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

1:00PM

SUNDAY FUNDAY: SHADOWS & SURPRISES at Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. A fun groundhog adventure. Meet some animal friends and do some fun activities while learning all about groundhogs and their friends. For more information, please call Call Sweetbriar 631979-6344 or visit https://www. sweetbriarnc.org/

THURSDAY, FEB. 5th 7:00PM

BLACK JAZZ ARTISTS TO BE CELEBRATED

Black History Month will be celebrated this year at The Jazz Loft with a special presentation by the Loft’s 17-piece Big Band. The program will feature compositions by Black composers, arrangers, and performers. The band is conducted by The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. For more information, visit https://www.thejazzloft.org or call 631-751-1895

New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency

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 two-day 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

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Copiague Memorial Public Library

50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726, Tel 631-691-1111 Fax 631-691-5098

Soup-er Bowl Drive

Donations accepted until January 31

We will be collecting canned soups (any size) for those in need. All donations will be delivered to a local food pantry and will benefit individuals for the upcoming winter season.

VITA Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provided by Bethpage Federal Credit Union will be conducted virtually for the 2026

tax season. Services will be available to taxpayers who meet the necessary criteria by visiting lovebethpage. com/vita and completing the Bethpage Virtual VITA Application. The application will be available February 1 and space is limited. Appointments run from the beginning of February to the first week in April.

Exploring Care and Support Services

Wednesday, January 28

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Join the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as they help navigate caring for someone living with dementia. This program examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and changes, including respite care, residential care and endof life care. Registration is required.

Home Cooking for Your Dogs and Cats

Thursday, January 29

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Happier, healthier, and better-behaved pets start with a species appropriate diet. Fresh and homemade is optimal as diet effects cognition and behavior. Learn how easy and affordable it is to make homemade meals with Behavioral Nutritionist and author of Home Cooking for Your Dog Christine M.Filardi. Registration is required.

Defensive Driving

Saturday, January 31 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Save money on your car insurance! A $33.00 fee payable to Diana APW (Accident Prevention Workshop) by check, money order or cash is due the day of class. Please arrive early to sign in. Late comers will not be admitted. Please bring a pen and your driver’s license. Registration is required.

AARP Tax Assistance Tuesdays, February 3 - April 7 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

IRS-certified AARP TaxAide volunteers will be at the library to assist individuals with low to moderate income in preparing and filing their tax returns. You must pick up a tax information packet at the Information Desk after making your appointment to see what documents you must bring. For joint returns, both spouses must be present with their own

New York

Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency

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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.

Did You Know?

Only certain veterans can get the complete comprehensive caregiver benefit package through the VA. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is working to change these laws and correct this inequity. Many Americans are asking their legislators where they stand on the issue.

photo ID and Social Security card. Please call for an appointment starting January 15. Registration is required.

Early-Stage Dementia Support Groups Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 3, 10 1:00 - 2:00 PM

This support group is for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease/ dementia and offers activities and discussions that will encourage social engagement, disease education, and a supportive environment. A group for the caregivers will be held at the same time. For more information and to register, please call 1-800-

272-3900. Registration is required.

The Magic of Motown Tuesday, February 3 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Join film historian Keith Crocker for an engaging look at the legacy of Berry Gordy’s iconic Motown Records. Founded in Detroit in January 1959, Motown grew into one of the most successful Black-owned businesses and a powerhouse in American music history. You’ll explore the stories behind the hits—and find yourself toe-tapping along to the unforgettable Motown sound! Registration is required.

Northeast Principal Honored With Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award

On Jan. 18, Northeast Elementary School Principal Dr. Pauline Collins was honored by Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Amityville as a recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

Dr. Collins received the award for her tireless service and dedication to the Amityville school community, and her unwavering commitment to educational excellence, community engagement, and leadership. Through her work at Northeast, she has fostered a supportive and inclusive environment

for students, staff, and families.

The Amityville School District commends Dr. Collins’ achievement and her continued efforts to inspire students and strengthen the Amityville school community.

On Jan. 18, Northeast Elementary School Principal Dr. Pauline Collins, center, was honored by Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Amityville as a recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Also pictured are school administrators in the Amityville School District. Photo courtesy of Amityville Union Free School District

Free Memory Screenings, Balance Screenings, and Blood Pressure Screenings

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting Long Islanders to get free health screenings at “AFA Health Screening Day” on Thursday, February 12. The event takes place at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center (149 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville) from 10 am to 2 pm. The event will provide the community with access to free health screenings, educational resources, and opportunities to learn about maintaining brain and overall health. Offerings include:

• Memory screenings to help identify early signs of cognitive changes

• Balance screenings to assess fall risk and mobility

• Blood pressure screenings to support cardiovascular health

• Information on other health screenings and resources for older adults

The event is open to the public and free of charge. Screenings will be provided on a firstcome, first-served basis; no appointments are required. For additional information, contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000.

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES, ONE HOME AT

A TIME

JOANN CILLA

Licensed Real Estate Broker

203 E. Montauk Hwy.

Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Office: 631-539-6000 Cell: 516-429-1911

joann@joanncillarealestate.com www.joanncillarealestate.com

Sometimes, my work is more than helping people buy and sell their homes. Sometimes, I help families reimagine what’s possible. And, in the process, help neighborhoods rise one home at a time.

The before-and-after transformations of these two homes shown are proof that the right partnership can turn an older house into someone’s dream home and bring new pride, energy, and value to an entire block. For these projects, I needed a trusted builder who shares my standards and commitment to doing things the right way. I needed Colin Moran with Moran Residential Remodeling.

Colin brings years of hands-on remodeling expertise and a sharp eye for turning tired spaces into fresh, functional, beautiful homes. He and his team did an incredible job and made two families very happy in the process.

If you are thinking about selling your home and want to get top dollar, or if you are looking to buy a home that needs work and want to know what’s possible and how much it will cost, call me, email me, or stop by our office on Montauk Highway.

Colin and I will help you make the impossible possible.

Colin Moran Moran Residential Remodeling 516-286-4155 moranresremodel@aol.com

2026 Picnic Pavilion Reservations For Long Island State Parks

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 1-800-456-2267. 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.