Many Long Islanders will stay warm this winter thanks to the efforts of community-minded students at Seaford Middle School. The Service Club hosted a clothing drive that netted a plethora of donations. Boxes in the main lobby from Dec. 15 to Jan. 16 allowed students and staff to give new and gently used items such as coats, gloves, hats, pants, shoes and socks. All of the donations were given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
SUNDAY,
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
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
Future Tech Talent Goes Behind The Scenes At Google
Two dozen of Seaford High School’s most computer-savvy students got to explore careers in computer science during a recent trip to Google headquarters in New York City. They were given tours by four Seaford alumni who work for the tech giant.
Students from the Introduction to Programming and Advanced Placement Computer Science courses participated in the engaging experience. In addition to networking with professional computer programmers and software engineers, students got to see a unique work environment.
“Google is very recognizable to current high school students,” computer science teacher Lauren Thompsen said. “I think it was beneficial to them because there is a very wide field of career possibilities.”
This was the second
year Seaford students have been invited to Google. Ms. Thompsen said last year’s visit was very motivational as it gave participants real-world insight into the world of computer science.
Seaford’s computer science program was developed in 2001 and has evolved as new technology emerges.
“What you learn from computer science is interdisciplinary,” Ms. Thompsen said. “It applies to everything. It’s math, science, logic, planning, organization, thinking things through and trying to figure out where a problem is and fixing it.”
Junior Carrie Cassarello said that a presentation from the four Seaford alumni focused on their day-to-day as Google employees, how they use coding in their jobs and the importance of collaboration. Senior Chedesh Shamnarine noted that they talked
Seaford High School computer science students recently took a trip to Google headquarters in Manhattan and got a tour from four Seaford alumni. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
a lot about artificial intelligence, including how it is developed and its risks.
“They really made us think about what computer science is,” Chedesh said.
“It was very helpful,” senior Ali Faruqui added, “and it highlighted how computer science can solve
issues and make the world a better place.”
Senior Denys Zagrebin was most impressed by Google’s office. He noted that there is a lot of artwork around the building and a different theme for each floor. As an employee, he said it would be very
inviting to work there.
There were even scooters to help people get around the block-long building faster.
Andrew Nguyen was struck by how much the software engineers work together on a project, reviewing each other’s code
and giving feedback.
“I didn’t realize how indepth computer science is terms of how you have to work with each other and cooperate with each other,” Andrew, a senior, said. “I thought that was very interesting. If they can do it, we can do it.”
STATE UTILITIES
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION
PRODUCTION
MANAGER
Josh Marlowe
MANAGING
EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Teri Tinkler
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN
Students Turn Compassion Into Coats And More
Many Long Islanders will stay warm this winter thanks to the efforts of community-minded students at Seaford Middle School. The Service Club hosted a clothing drive that netted a plethora of donations.
Boxes in the main lobby from Dec. 15 to Jan. 16 allowed students and staff to give new and
gently used items such as coats, gloves, hats, pants, shoes and socks. All of the donations were given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The Service Club, under the direction of advisers Katheryn Hickey and Taryn Ohlmiller, spearheads various community service projects throughout the year. The winter clothing
drive supports the Seaford Scholar trait of networker, as student leaders encourage their peers to donate to the drive while also partnering with an external organization.
“There’s so many people in need,” said Service Club President Ryan Kind, an eighth grader, “so it’s important for us to give back to the communit
for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
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 Mueller (Cello)
March 15 – Cross Island
Ensemble Suzanne Mueller (Cello), Eleanor Zayas (Piano), Joseph Rutkowski (Clarinet)
Seating will be limited with pre-registration
Expert Brings The Science Of Weather To Seaford Harbor
A special guest brought science to life for Seaford Harbor Elementary School third graders as a Long Island meteorologist visited the school to talk to students about weather and forecasting on Jan. 16. The visit connected classroom learning to the realworld through engaging experiments.
Samantha Augeri, of Sam’s Weather School, spent more than an hour with students talking about her career as an Emmywinning meteorologist, working for networks such as Fox 5 and News 12.
She showed third graders equipment forecasters use such as an anemometer to measure wind speed and a barometer for air pressure. Youngsters also got to touch a popped weather balloon.
The program featured several experiments. Ms. Augeri put water in a jar, placed an index card on top and turned it upside down. Students were awed when the water didn’t spill out because air pressure created a tight seal. She also used dry ice and boiling water to make a cloud that spun like a tornado. Several students got to sit on a wooden
board that hovered off the ground when attached to a leaf blower. At the end of her visit, they got to pretend they were meteorologists themselves, standing in front of a green screen to give the five-day forecast.
Teacher Carol Rindos, who coordinated Ms. Augeri’s visit, noted that the third grade science curriculum focuses on weather and climate. Students were able to learn about clouds, storms and the water cycle from a professional meteorologist, enhancing their knowledge of the world around them.
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) 888-3525 or visit isliparts. org. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.
Seaford Middle School Service Club members, from left, Emmeline Hartmann, Lily Sessler, Diya Hathiramani and Ryan Kind, along with advisers Taryn Ohlmiller and Katheryn Hickey, held a monthlong winter clothing drive
Using dry ice and boiling water, meteorologist Samantha Augeri of Sam’s Weather School made a cloud for third graders at Seaford Harbor Elementary School on Jan. 16. Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
Robbie Meyer blew as hard as he could into an anemometer, which measures wind speed.
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
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 1-800456-2267. 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
Tips To Winterize Your Vehicle
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
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.
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.
Photo courtesy of Long Island State Parks
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.
Help Wanted LOOKING FOR EX TRA INCOME?
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CALL NE IGHBOR NE WS PAPERS to place your classified ad. 631-226-2636, Ex t. 276
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”.
A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
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CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call toda y! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”.
A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
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Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
What Are Clinical Trials?
Breast cancer treatments are highly effective, which is one reason why the National Cancer Institute can report that the fiveyear survival rate for non-metastatic breast cancer is 90 percent. However, in certain situations, doctors may feel that the existing standard for breast cancer treatment may not be enough to help women overcome their disease. In such instances, doctors may discuss clinical trials with women battling breast cancer. The American Cancer Society defines clinical trials as research studies in which people volunteer to help doctors find ways to prevent or treat disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® points out that all current standards of treatment began as clinical trials. However, that does not mean women diagnosed with breast cancer should automatically sign up to participate in clinical trials. There are pros and cons to participating in clinical trials, and breast cancer patients can speak with their medical teams about the advantages and disadvantages of each trial they’re considering. One myth worth dispelling is that clinical trials are only an option for people who have been diagnosed with advanced stage cancer. In fact, the NCI notes that clinical trials are available for all stages of cancer. A database of NCI-supported clinical trials can be found at https://www.cancer. gov/about-cancer/ treatment/clinicaltrials/search.
Sen. Rhoads Honors Seaford Bagels With Empire Award
Senator Rhoads proudly presented the New York State Senate Empire Award to Seaford Bagels, recognizing the business as a cornerstone of the community. Known for its exceptional customer experience, Seaford Bagels has created a welcoming space where neighbors gather, connect, and enjoy a sense of community.
For over three decades, Seaford Bagels has gone
beyond serving delicious food. The business actively supports local veterans, contributes to church and temple events, and participates in school and Little League activities. Their engagement extends to community events such as the Seaford Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat at Seamans Neck Park, the Broncos Father/Son Fishing Trip, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, and
serving as a Gold Sponsor for Seaford’s 100th Anniversary Carnival this past July.
Seaford Bagels exemplifies the very best of a small business: deeply rooted in the community, generous in spirit, and committed to bringing people together. Senator Rhoads emphasized that this recognition is a testament to their unwavering dedication, celebrating a business that not only strengthens Seaford but inspires pride, connection, and lasting impact throughout the entire community.
New York Blood Center Declares
Blood Emergency Amid
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
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.
Sharp Post-Holiday Donation Drop
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 1-800-933-2566 or visiting nybc.org. Those unable to donate can still help by volunteering or supporting NYBC’s mission financially at nybc.org/support-us.
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
in
and
technologies such as
and
charging, along with financial empowerment
and industry-recognized 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.
