FARMINGDALE HONORS HEROES - The community came together to remember, honor, and salute the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. On May 25, 2026, the annual Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade kicked off at 10 a.m., proceeded south on Main Street, and ended at Village Hall. The parade was followed by a ceremony at the Village Green with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 516, VFW Auxiliary Post 516, the American Legion, troops, community groups, and others. Photo courtesy of Marketing Masters NY
Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas in cooperation with the Town of Oyster Bay
Annual Street Fair
Sunday June 7, 2026 • 11am - 6pm
(Raindate: Sunday, June 14, 2026)
Starting at Lower Broadway in Massapequa (Between Veterans Blvd & Clark Ave.)
Grand Marshal Karen Gawrych
SHOWMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT
11am-12:30pm Line Up DJ Lynn Johnson
12:30pm - 1:15pm Opening Ceremonies Padre Pio Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus
1:30pm-2:15pm The “CQ Experiment” Featuring Chantal
2:30pm-3:30pm The Acchords-The Top Doo-Wop Group in NY
4pm-5:30pm L.I. Rewind Band Music of the 70’s and 80’s
Decades Of Dedication: Alison Celaya’s
Alison Celaya has dedicated more than two decades to serving the Farmingdale community as a volunteer firefighter while building a successful career in higher education, earning a doctorate, and inspiring others through her commitment to service.
Alison’s commitment to helping others began at just 16 years old when she and her twin brother joined their local rescue squad in New Jersey. Within the first few months of becoming EMTs, the pair experienced one of the most unforgettable moments of their early careers — delivering a baby girl in the back of an ambulance outside a hospital.
That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for emergency service and community involvement. After moving to Long Island for graduate school in 2003, Alison joined the armingdale Village Fire Department, where she has volunteered for over two decades.
Over the years, Alison has balanced her role as a volunteer firefighter with an accomplished professional and academic career at St. John’s University, where she has worked for 20 years. As an associate director in the Center for Student Success, she advises firstyear students, supports student athletes, and teaches public speaking courses.
Photo courtesy of Marketing Masters NY
JUNE HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, JUNE 5th
10:00AM–1:00PM
FIRST FRIDAY AUTHOR SERIES
Jack Jack’s Coffee House, 223 Deer Park Avenue in Babylon Village. Free and open to the public. Signed books, coffee, and light fare will be available for purchase. The First Friday Author Series is a monthly literary gathering. Each month features a local Long Island author who will be available throughout the event to chat with visitors, sign books, and enjoy relaxed conversation over coffee. Featured Author for This Month: AwardWinning Travel Writer, Irvina Lew, and her book Forays in France. For more information, Misslaffsalot48@ gmail.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 6th
10:00AM-4:00PM
YARD SALE
Farmingdale United Methodist Church Main & Grant Streets in Farmingdale. Huge variety of new, used & Vintage Items! Don't miss out! For more informaion, please contact the church office 516-694-3424
SATURDAY, JUNE 6th
7:00PM
SUNDAY, JUNE 7th
4:00PM
DEMOCRACY 250
The Babylon Chorale, eVoco Mixed Ensemble and Manhasset Choirs present “Democracy 250” – a concert featuring two commissioned works by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm and Barndon A. Boyd with chorus and orchestra, at Manhasset Secondary School Auditorium, 200 Memorial Place, Manhasset. Tickets can be purchased
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
online at www.evoco.vc. For more information, see www.evoco.vc or www.babylonchorale.org
thru SUNDAY, JUNE 7th
MIDWAY HOURS: 5-10 pm Monday - Thursday, 5-11 pm Friday, noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday. Aqua Live Spectacular showtimes are 7 pm and 9 pm daily, with an additional 3 pm performance on Saturday and Sunday.
SOUTH SHORE MALL CARNIVAL
South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Hwy. in Bay Shore. Thrills galore are in store at this family-friendly annual event, from exciting midway rides and games for all ages to the Aqua Live Spectacular water stunt show starring enchanting aerialist mermaids, "The Hurricane" waverunner jet ski and more -- plus plenty of palate-pleasing carnival eats. Please visit the website, for more information https:// dreamlandamusements.com/
SUNDAY, JUNE 7th
9:00AM-3:00PM
TRUCKFEST 2026
ATHS Long Island Chapter presents: 3rd Annual TRUCKFEST 2026. The Maples-10 Ryerson Ave. in Manorville. All Makes, Models and Year Trucks. People's Choice for Antique and Modern Truck Raffles & 50/50. Portion of Proceeds to benefit Lighthouse Mission. Please call Laurie for information 631-3393065
TUESDAY, JUNE 9th
7:00PM
REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
7150 Republic Airport, Room 201, in Farmingdale. For information call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email: contactus@republicairport.net
FRIDAY, JUNE 12th
10:00AM-1:00PM
THRIFT SHOP BAG SALE
Simpson United Methodist Church, 30 Locust Ave. in Amityville. $5 bag sale for clothing. For more information, please call Mary at 516991-8098
SATURDAY, JUNE 13th
10:00AM-4:00PM
AMITYVILLE KIWANIS CRAFT & ANTIQUE FAIR
Rain date: June 20th. 10am - 4pm Amityville Beach Pavilion, 398 So. Bayview Ave in the James Caples Memorial Park. Huge annual event. Come shop for beautiful creations, handmade treasures and scrumptious treats plus eclectic antiques. Plus, there will be raffle baskets & refreshments. You'll find lots of things to buy for Dad's and Grad's while supporting the Amityville community. FREE gift for the 1st 50 shoppers. For more information please contact: AmityvilleKiwanisCraftFair@gmail. com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24th
3:30PM-8:00PM
NY BLOOD DRIVE
Christ Lutheran Church, 117 Carleton Ave. in Islip Terrace. For moreinformation, please call 631581-1710
Rental Car Counter Pressure: Do You Really Need Their Insurance?”
Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber
You finally get to the rental counter after a long flight. You’re tired, there’s a line behind you, and suddenly the employee starts rapid-firing questions about collision coverage, liability, roadside assistance, and more. At that moment, many people just say, “Fine… whatever.” And honestly, that’s what the rental companies are hoping for.
The truth is, whether you need the rental company’s insurance depends heavily on the auto insurance policy you already carry here in New York. Under many New York auto policies, if you carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle, that protection may extend to a rental car used for personal use within the United States, its territories, Canada, and sometimes Mexico depending on the carrier. But many policies do not extend coverage to
rentals in Europe, Asia, or other foreign countries.
Even when your policy transfers domestically, your deductible usually follows you too. So if you damage the rental vehicle, you could still be paying the first $500 or $1,000 out of pocket. There’s another issue many drivers never hear about: rental companies may charge “loss of use” fees while the vehicle is being repaired and unavailable to rent, and
some personal auto policies may limit or exclude those charges.
Now let’s talk liability. New York State minimum liability limits are still relatively low compared to today’s claim costs. If you carry low liability limits on your personal auto policy, those same limits may apply while driving the rental vehicle.
That’s why this conversation should happen before the trip — not at the rental counter after a delayed flight. The goal isn’t automatically buying every coverage offered, and it’s not blindly declining everything either. It’s understanding what protection you already have — and where the gaps may be.
Most people assume they’re covered. Very few actually know.
Insurance Questions… Call Us at 516-753-2600!
WORDS
KEN MARCUS
Senator Steve Rhoads and We Care Blankets Collect Record-Breaking 458,000 Yards of Yarn and More
New York State Senator Steve Rhoads proudly announced the recordbreaking success of his second annual Yarn & Blanket Drive held in partnership with We Care Blankets, collecting an extraordinary 458,000 yards of yarn and more than 168 handmade blankets for children undergoing cancer treatment — surpassing the inaugural drive’s impressive total of more than 400,000 yards of yarn and setting a new benchmark for community generosity and support.
Held from April 1 through May 1, the community-wide initiative once again united residents, volunteers, libraries, and local organizations across Senator Rhoads’ district in support of children and families facing the unimaginable challenges of pediatric cancer. Building on the momentum of the highly successful inaugural campaign, this year’s drive shattered previous collection totals, demonstrating the extraordinary compassion and unwavering commitment of the community to bringing warmth, comfort, and hope
to children battling cancer.
Founded in 1999, We Care Blankets remains dedicated to providing handcrafted blankets to children receiving chemotherapy treatments. Each blanket represents far more than warmth — it is a symbol of compassion, hope, and community support during one of the most difficult moments in a child’s life.
Residents throughout Senator Rhoads’ district generously donated yarn and handcrafted blankets at collection sites hosted by Bellmore Memorial Library, Bethpage Public Library, East Meadow Public Library, Farmingdale Public Library, Hicksville Public Library, Island Trees Public Library, Levittown Public Library, Merrick Library, North Bellmore Public Library, North Merrick Public Library, PlainviewOld Bethpage Library, Seaford Public Library, and Wantagh Public Library. Their participation and commitment were instrumental in making this year’s drive such an overwhelming success.
Senator Rhoads expressed heartfelt
gratitude to everyone who contributed to the initiative.
Senator Steve Rhoads said, “The incredible response from our community once again demonstrates the compassion and generosity of the people throughout our district. Collecting 458,000 yards of yarn and more than 168 handmade blankets is an extraordinary accomplishment that will bring comfort, warmth, and hope to children battling cancer and their families. I want to sincerely thank We Care Blankets, Verity Van Lines, all of the participating libraries, every volunteer who knitted or crocheted blankets, and every
Greenlawn Water District
Wins
resident who donated yarn or spread the word about this important cause. These acts of kindness truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of children facing unimaginable challenges. Together, we have shown these brave children that they are not alone.”
Tamara Baker, Founder of We Care Blankets, reflected on the impact of the partnership, saying, “Senator Rhoads and his wonderful staff with his yarn drives have been a true blessing. I am very thankful for this.”
The success of the second annual Yarn & Blanket Drive stands as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes
together with compassion and purpose. Through every donation, every stitch, and every act of generosity, countless children battling cancer will receive not only
warmth and comfort, but also the reassuring message that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply for them and their families.
Suffolk Water Tasting Contest Village of Bayville Water Department Wins Nassau Section of Contest
To celebrate National Drinking Water Week, the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) hosted its 38th annual Drinking Water Tasting Contest at Farmingdale State College from Tuesday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 6. 17 water providers from across Long Island competed for the title of best drinking water in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, respectively. This year’s winners were the Greenlawn Water District for Suffolk County and the Incorporated Village of Bayville Water Department for Nassau County.
“We at the Long Island Water Conference look forward to our Drinking Water Tasting Contest every year,” said LIWC Chairman Brendan Warner. “It serves as a fun, light-hearted way for Long Island’s water providers to connect with students and residents from throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, educating them about everything providers do to deliver high-quality water service every single day. We hope
our participants gained a greater sense of appreciation for their drinking water, and congratulations to the Village of Bayville and the Greenlawn Water District for coming out on top of the competition.”
More than 380 participants voted on their favorite water, each of whom received giveaways like water bottles and tote bags. LIWC representatives, as well as representatives from the participating water providers themselves, More than 380 participants at Farmingdale State College voted on the best tasting water on Long Island, declaring the Village of Bayville Water Department the winner in Nassau County and the Greenlawn Water District the winner for Suffolk County.
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External Diploma Program
The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP, is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates
for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs.
Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.
Oyster Festival Attracts New Title Sponsor For 2026
As planning begins to get underway for the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival, Town officials announce that the 43rd annual Oyster Fest will welcome a new title sponsor, Property Tax Reduction Consultants (www. ptrc.com), headed by Sean Acosta.
“We are thrilled Property Tax Reduction Consultants as our lead sponsor for this year’s iconic seaside festival,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Sean Acosta is no stranger to philanthropic endeavors, as someone who participates in numerous charitable community projects throughout the year.”
This year’s Oyster Fest, run
in partnership with the Town of Oyster Bay and the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, will return to the hamlet of Oyster Bay the weekend of October 17th and 18th. The event, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, showcases the historic hamlet of Oyster Bay while helping to raise charitable funds for local nonprofit organizations.
“I have always enjoyed being part of great community programs, especially those that give back to others. I’m thrilled that Property Tax Reduction Consultants can participate in this year’s Oyster Fest and help make it a great success,” Sean
Acosta said.
The Oyster Festival is the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival and attracts up to 200,000 people from all over the tristate area to Oyster Bay hamlet for this iconic event. This year’s event will be presented by Property Tax Reduction Consultants. For more information on this year’s Oyster Fest, taking place on the streets of Oyster Bay and throughout Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th, residents can visit www.theoysterfest. org. Event information will be updated as it becomes available.
Water Tasting Contest
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educated interested students and passersby on the role that water providers play in treating and distributing the billions of gallons of water brought to residents’ homes every single day. Long Island’s water treatment infrastructure is as advanced as it gets, something which the LIWC believes is important for the public to understand.
“It is an honor to once again be chosen as Suffolk County’s besttasting water,” said Greenlawn
Water District Chairman John H. Clark. “We are tremendously proud of the effort and dedication that our Greenlawn Water District staff delivers each day in providing our customers with the excellent water service they deserve. Providing water that is recognized for its superior quality, and doing so with reliability and consistency, is no easy task. It takes coordination, leadership, and a shared desire for excellence. I want to thank our entire staff, and especially our field personnel, for the work
they do every day. Winning two consecutive contests is quite an accomplishment given the quality of our peers, and winning this award for the fifth time in the past nine years is something we are immensely proud of.”
For emerging as the victors with the best-tasting drinking water, the Incorporated Village of Bayville Water Department and the Greenlawn Water District will take home the ever-updating trophy and hold bragging rights over their peers for the next year.
Farmingdale Honors Heroes At Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
The community came together to remember, honor, and salute the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. On May 25, 2026, the annual Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade kicked off at 10 a.m., proceeded south on Main Street, and ended at Village Hall.
The parade was followed by a ceremony at the Village Green with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 516, VFW Auxiliary Post 516, the American Legion, troops, community groups, and others at 361 Main St. Parade step-off times varied by group or organization, including Northside School and Thomas Powell, with details provided by the Farmingdale Fire Department.
Special thanks were extended to all heroes, veterans, participants, troops, groups, everyone involved, and the Farmingdale Fire Department for planning the parade. Photos courtesy of Marketing Masters NY
