January 28, 2026 Deer Park by Long Island Media Group

Deer Park Freshman Christian Myrick Named To NYSSWA All-State Team

Deer Park High School freshman Christian Myrick was recently named to the New York State Sportswriters Association’s All-State football team, selected as an honorable mention recipient. He was the only ninth grader honored by selection to the NYSSWA Class A All-State team.

Myrick’s freshman season was truly remarkable, highlighted by 12 total touchdowns including five rushing, four receiving, one kickoff return, one punt return and an interception. He finished with over 825 yards on offense, including 416 yards rushing, 396 yards receiving and even 15 yards passing. He also contributed three interceptions on defense.

“The breakdown of those dozen touchdowns shows just how complete of a player he is,” coach Cody Ciolino said. “We are very proud of Christian and we look forward to seeing him develop as a player and a leader within the football program.”

Volunteer Fire Service

(NAPSI)—Many fire departments are looking for volunteers to step up and serve their communities, reports the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the national association for the volunteer fire service. For more information about the volunteer fire service and to find an opportunity, visit www.MakeMeAFirefighter. com.

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.

Deer Park High School freshman Christian Myrick was recently named to the New York State Sportswriters Association’s All-State football team as an honorable mention recipient. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District

VetsBuild Program Receives

United Way of Long Island has received a $40,000 grant from the PSEG Foundation to support VetsBuild, a workforce development program serving Long Island veterans and their families. The grant will provide hands-on green construction training for 20 veterans as they help convert United Way’s Deer Park headquarters into a Net Zero building.

VetsBuild, part of United Way of Long Island’s Workforce Development Training Academy, offers free training in renewable energy and energyefficient technologies such as solar, high-efficiency HVAC, heat pumps, and EV charging, along with financial empowerment education and industryrecognized certifications.

“VetsBuild gave me the skills I needed to change careers,” said Matt, a

program graduate and current PSEG employee.

David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island, said the program helps veterans build sustainable careers while supporting a more sustainable Long Island.

United Way of Long Island President and CEO Theresa A. Regnante thanked PSEG for helping veterans gain the skills and confidence needed to transition successfully to civilian employment.

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

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:

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

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

Babylon And Huntington Winter Senior Advocate Schedules

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2026 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.

“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need

in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”

This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:

• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 20, 8:30 am – 11:30 am

• North Amityville Senior

Aptitude Assessment

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Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, February 18 & March 18, 10 am – 1 pm

• Rainbow Senior Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesdays, February 4 & March 4, 8:30 am – 11 am

• Tanner Park Senior Center, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesdays, February 11 & March 11, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays, February 24 & March 24, 12 pm – 3 pm

• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, March 26, 10 am – 12 pm

• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, January 28, February 25 & March 25, 10 am – 1 pm

In Huntington, they will be

visiting the following:

• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesdays, February 18 & March 18, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, January 29, February 26 & March 26, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.

“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and troublefree access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”

# # #

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly represents

the 17th Legislative District, which includes parts of Baywood, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore and South Huntington. He is a member of the Budget & Finance, Fire, Rescue, EMS & Preparedness, Public Safety, Seniors & Human Services and Ways & Means committees of the Suffolk County Legislature.

Virtual Enterprise Team Takes Gold

Deer Park High School’s Virtual Enterprise students proudly represented the school at the recent New York State Regional Business Plan Competition and Trade Show from Jan. 14-15, earning a Gold award for Best Sales Pitch. Dressed professionally in coordinated black and green, reflecting their company TechNova’s brand colors, students confidently drew customers to their booth and showcased their products using studentdesigned prototypes.

“Their professionalism,

creativity and strong presentation skills made our team stand out among regional competitors,” business teacher Annemarie Lenio said.

2026 Winter Concert ‘Salon’ Series At Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the River Room at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park in Great River, New York.

The 2026 Winter Concert Salon Series performance schedule is as follows:

February 08 – JK Hodge (Piano)

February 15 – Student Showcase Variety Performance

March 01 – Serenade Duo Jerry Saulter (Guitar), Michele LoPorte (Flute)

March 08 – Cambiata Duo Paul Finkelstein (Cello) & Suzanne

French Students Cook Up Culinary Classics

Mueller (Cello) March 15 – Cross Island Ensemble Suzanne Mueller (Cello), Eleanor Zayas (Piano), Joseph Rutkowski (Clarinet) Seating will be limited with pre-registration required through the Islip Arts Council. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. The concerts, free to the public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust. For registration, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 8883525 or visit isliparts. org. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 5811002.

Deer Park High School’s TechNova Virtual Enterprise team earned a Gold award for Best Sales Pitch at the recent New York State Regional Business Plan Competition and Trade Show. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

Deer Park High School’s freshmen French class recently visited the What’s Cooking? facility in Oyster Bay to learn how to prepare French culinary classics. “Our students made scrumptious quiches and delicious eclairs,” French teacher Susan Bollag said. “We may have inspired some future chefs!” Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

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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 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 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.