The West Islip Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees and is excited to sponsor its 11th Hall of Fame induction ceremony on May 16. This year’s celebration will honor 17 outstanding former student-athletes whose achievements, dedication and contributions have left a lasting legacy on West Islip athletics. Additional details, including ticket information for the induction ceremony, will be announced soon. Photo courtesy of West Islip
(NAPSI)—Beware: The person on the other end of that digital communication might not be who they claim to be.
Imposters work very hard to convince consumers they are a friend or relative, or that they are from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency. These fraudsters then take personally identifiable information (PII) and use it to steal victims’ money.
“There are many types of imposter scams,” U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge (INC) Eric Shen of the Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group says. “But they all start with messages like, ‘I’m in trouble…,’ ‘I need…,’ ‘You’ve won!...,’ or ‘I have a great offer for you!’ These scammers lull consumers into a false sense of trust, gain access to privileged information, and then drain financial accounts.
United States postal inspectors offer these simple tips to help consumers protect themselves from imposter scams:
your grandchildren in a desperate situation, call them or their parents at a number you recognize to confirm they sent you a message.
• If you meet someone over the internet who professes their love for you right away, but needs financial assistance to meet you, exit the conversation as quickly as you can.
• The Postal Service will NEVER send you an unsolicited text. Any text or email claiming you have a USPS delivery problem is designed to steal your personal information. Delete these messages, but before you do, send the bogus text or email to spam@uspis.gov.
• Put your phone number on the National Do Not Continued On 11
• Take your time to make financial decisions. Whether it’s investments or unsolicited offers, such as the lottery or sweepstakes, don’t rush into sending your money to someone you don’t know.
• Is it really a representative from your bank sending that email or text? To be certain, call your bank at the number you were given when you opened your account. Don’t call a number that you haven’t verified, and never click on any links in an email or text from a person or business you don’t recognize.
• Grandparents: Before sending money to help
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
Protecting Your Finances
Do You Know Who You’re Really Talking To?
Avoiding Imposter Scams
Continued From 3
Call Registry at 1-888382-1222 or at www. donotcall.gov .
• Scammers may ask for payments by gift card, prepaid debit card, crypto currency, gold bars, or by mailing cash. Anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is probably a scammer. Federal agencies will never ask for instant payments or for personal information. Ignore the messages or hang up.
• During tax season, scammers pretending to be IRS agents may call or email. The IRS offers these telltale signs of a scam: spelling errors or incorrect grammar; a
link or attachment with a slightly misspelled URL or an unusual one such as irs.gov; a threatening or urgent request to pay now, to follow a link, or to open an attachment. If you get a suspicious request from the IRS, contact IRS customer service to authenticate it.
• If you are a victim of a scam or suspect fraud, report it: Submit an online report to the Postal Inspection Service or call us at 877876-2455. Remembering these simple tips can help you keep your information and your finances safe.
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
Get Results Call Classifed 631-226-2636 Pres s “2”
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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.
VetsBuild Program Receives $40,000 PSEG Foundation Grant
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 energy-efficient technologies such as solar, high-efficiency HVAC, heat pumps, and EV charging, along with financial empowerment education 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.
West Islip Inducts 17 Into Hall Of Fame
The West Islip Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees and is excited to sponsor its 11th Hall of Fame induction ceremony on May 16.
2026
Picnic Pavilion Reservations For Long Island State Parks
o No electricity
• Heckscher State Park, East Islip
• Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead
o No generators permitted
• Orient Beach State Park, Orient
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.
This year’s celebration will honor 17 outstanding former student-athletes whose achievements, dedication and contributions have left a lasting legacy on West Islip athletics. Congratulations to the following 2026 inductees: Nicholas Aponte (2013); Jessica Ball (2013); Katie Bier-Sorahan (2013); Andie Cuiffo (2013); Thomas C. Fauvell, Sr. (1970); Drew Federico (2011); Alexandra “Ali” Foote (2011); Lorraine “Rainey” Hodgson (2012); Jack Kelly (2012); Eddie Plompen (2008); Patrice “Pat” Salmeri (1977); Michael Sagl (2011); Anthony Santo (2012); Sean Sepe (2012); Kyle Turri (2011); Courtney VonBraunsberg (2013); and Bridget Whalen (2013).
The evening will begin with an unveiling ceremony at West Islip High School at 6 p.m., followed by the official induction ceremony and dinner at Captain Bills
Restaurant in Bay Shore. Additional details, including ticket information for the induction ceremony, will be announced soon. The West Islip Athletic Hall of Fame Committee looks forward to celebrating this distinguished group and their remarkable accomplishments.
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 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
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.
