State Utilities is a major oil dealer on Long Island providing heating fuel to residents and businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County; we offer on-line fuel ordering, delivery, and full service heating oil contracts.
State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.
Celebrating 74 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their interior comfort. Thank you.
Celebrate Irish heritage and local spirit! From parades to eats, drinks, and shopping, support neighborhood businesses while enjoying festive fun.
Parades are happening almost every weekend in March, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate, and keep it local.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Bay Shore & Brightwaters – 2 PM from Saxon Avenue along Main Street/Montauk Highway.
St. James – 41st Annual Parade, 1 PM. From Woodlawn Avenue to Lake Avenue and the train station.
Massapequa – Massapequa Chamber 2nd Annual Parade, 11 AM along Broadway (between North Elm Street and Veterans Boulevard). running along Broadway between Jerusalem Ave. and Veterans Blvd. The event features Brian Kilmeade as
Long Island St. Patrick’s Day Parades
the Grand Marshal.
New Hyde Park – 4th
Annual Parade, 10 AM eastbound on Jericho Turnpike ending at Fire Headquarters.
Westhampton Beach –58th Annual Parade, 12 PM along Montauk Highway near Oneck Lane.
Cutchogue – 20th Annual Parade, 2 PM, from Cox Lane down Route 25 into the village.
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Rocky Point & Miller Place – 74th Annual Parade, 1 PM. Begins at Route 25A & Harrison Avenue, ending at Broadway & North Country Road.
Bayport & Blue Point –36th Annual Parade, 11 AM along Montauk Highway.
Center Moriches – 22nd Annual Parade, 2 PM, centered near Our Lady Queen of Apostles School. Farmingdale – Annual
Parade, 2 PM. Parade steps off from Northside School & proceeds south along Main Street to the Village Green in downtown Farmingdale. Main Street will be temporarily closed for the parade. Parade Grand Marshal Brian Harty, Farmingdale Village Administrator - Clerk/ Treasurer Wantagh – 6th Annual Parade, 2 PM, led by the
Wantagh Fire Department. The 2026 Grand Marshal is the Wantagh Fire Department.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Brentwood – Annual Parade, 1 PM starting at Washington Avenue & Clark Street, ending at Ross Park. Rockville Centre – 30th Annual Parade, 12 PM, beginning near North Sunrise Highway municipal
parking area.
Lindenhurst – 5th Annual Parade, 12 PM. 2026 Parade Grand Marshal Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Hampton Bays – Annual Parade, 11 AM, starting at the American Legion on Ponquogue Avenue.
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Ronkonkoma – 36th Annual Parade, 2 PM,
beginning at AMVETS Post 48 on Hawkins Avenue.
Patchogue Village –Annual Parade, 12 PM, through downtown along Main Street.
Glen Cove – 38th Annual Parade, 1 PM, through downtown streets and Village Square.
Babylon Village – 4th Annual Parade, 2 PM, — led by this year’s Grand Marshal, dance instructor Patti Love. Parade route from Deer Park Avenue south toward Main Street.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Jamesport – 12th Annual Parade, 1 PM, from North Railroad & Washington Avenues to the firehouse.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Montauk – 64th Annual Parade, 12 PM, along Edgemere Street and Main Street.
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 Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesday, March 18, 10 am – 1 pm
• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle
Nine New Members Initiated
The Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 of Deer Park, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), initiated nine New Members at their February General Membership Meeting.
New Members Standing Back Row: Anthony Deliz, Michael D’Ambrosio, Susan
Anne Capone, Lorenzo Abbatiello.
Middle Row: Rosemary Hollander, Randi D’Ambrosio, Barbara Garcia, Carol Rosenthal, Ronald Braco.
Pictured Seated are Membership Chair Lucille Romanello, Lodge
President Cathy Lamberti, District Deputy Tony Izzo and District I Trustee Tony Rotoli.
The Lodge encourages those of Italian American descent to consider membership; contact Lucille at (631) 987-9728 for details.
Silver&Fit Healthy Aging and Exercise Program
(NAPSI)—There are many good reasons to get physically fit. If cost is a factor in joining a gym, the Silver&Fit Healthy Aging and Exercise Program, available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, offers no-cost or subsidized low-cost access to thousands of gyms. Learn more at www. silverandfit.com.
Drive, North Babylon: Tuesday, 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: Wednesday, March 25, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, March 18, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursday, March 26, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare
Free Online Writing Workshop
(NAPSI)—Famed science fiction authors and judges of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest and professional instructors offer aspiring writers a free online writing workshop. Learn more at www.writersofthefuture. com/register/onlineworkshop and bit.ly/ WOTFWorkshop.
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 trouble-free 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.
Deer Park High School Tri-M Recital Showcases Student Musicians
ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
MARCH HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, MARCH 12th
6:00PM-9:00PM
BINGO NIGHT
The Friends of the Lindenhurst Library will host a Bingo Night at American Legion, 80 Herbert Avenue in Lindenhurst. See our Facebook page ad for QR code, or pay at the door. For more information, please call 856952-8110, or kagrover1@gmail.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 13th
10:00AM-1:00PM
THRIFT SHOP $5 BAG SALE
Bag sale for clothing only. Lots of housewares and decor available as well. Simpson United Methodist Church, 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. For more information, please call Mary at 516-991-8098
SATURDAY, MARCH 14th
10:00AM-2:00PM
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FOOD DRIVE
Senator Steve Rhoads to Host a St. Patrick’s Day Food Drive in Plainview-Old Bethpage. A community celebration of generosity, reminding residents that the best kind of luck is the kind we share. Attendees are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items and household necessities to support local families in need. WHERE: ShopRite of Country Pointe, 1675 Old Country Road, Old Bethpage.
2:00PM
BAY SHORE-BRIGHTWATERS
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE 2026
AMVETS Post 76 in Bay Shore is heavily involved in the Bay ShoreBrightwaters St. Patrick's Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026. The post serves as the central
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
hub for the event. They will open at 12 PM and all are welcome! The parade, begins at 2:00 PM at Saxon Avenue and marches west down Main Street. The post is located at 44 W Main St. in Bay Shore. For the most up-to-date information, please call 631-665-3526
SUNDAY, MARCH 15th
2:00PM
FARMINGDALE'S ANNUAL
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
This annual event, organized by the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, is a popular local tradition celebrating Irish heritage, featuring pipe bands, community groups, and local businesses. The parade steps off from Northside School & proceeds south along Main Street to the Village Green in downtown Farmingdale. For more information, visit https://www. facebook.com/share/1AeSqPP4Vn/ or contact Joe Fortuna, joef@ thenuttyirishman.com, or call 516293-9700
THURSDAY, MARCH 19th 7:00PM
BAY SHORE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MARCH MEETING
The Bay Shore Historical Society will meet at the Bay ShoreBrightwaters Public Library, 1 South Country Rd., in Brightwaters. The meeting is open to the public at no charge. Refreshments will be served. Learn more at: https:// www.bayshorehistoricalsociety.org/ programs-news
TUESDAY, MARCH 24th
2:30PM-5:00PM
THE HELPING HANDS EASTER DRIVE 944 West Bay 9th in the BBEA
clubhouse. Collecting Easter baskets, novelty items, candy, and candy filled eggs. Jennifer Gallozzi President Founder Volunteer, Helping Hands in West Islip, Inc. For more information, contact jennifergallozzi@gmail.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 28th
7:30PM
Gene DiNapoli Presents THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND
At the Bayway Arts Center, 265 East Main Street in East Islip, The Liverpool Shuffle, originally formed in 2003 by Joe Refano, (formerly of Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and Micky Dolenz’ Monkees Band), THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE brings together veterans of the New York Music Scene with a combined 200 years of musical experience between them. THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE provides a fun, entertaining LIVE BEATLE SHOW with a real emphasis on THE MUSIC. They play it the way The Beatles did! For more information, please call 631581-2700
SUNDAY, MARCH 29th
1:00PM-5:00PM
KiDS NEED MoRE SPRING VENDOR FAIR
American Legion Hall, 80 Herbert Avenue in Lindenhurst. Setup begins 11:00 AM. Local vendors, shopping, raffles. Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Kids games and Spring Activities. Free Admission. Vendors wanted. Questions? info®kidsneedmore. org,kidsneedmore.org, Website: www.kidsneedmore.org/vendors or call 631-608-3135
The Spring Equinox
There’s much to celebrate on the Spring Equinox, which is also referred to as the “Vernal Equinox” or the “March Equinox” and marks the official beginning of spring, a season many people associate with rejuvenation and longer hours of daylight. One unusual aspect of the equinoxes (the Autumnal Equinox in September ushers in the beginning of fall) is these days feature the fastest sunsets and sunrises of the year. According to Earthsky. org, this phenomenon occurs because the sun rises due east and sets due west on the equinoxes, which means the setting sun hits the horizon at its steepest possible angle. That steep angle leads to a very short sunrise and sunset on the equinoxes. Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America.
Long Island State Parks Celebrates Women’s History Month
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to celebrate Women’s History Month at Long Island State Parks.
This month-long celebration highlights several notable women in history and their accomplishments through informative posters and pictures. We invite you to visit us to learn more about these great women and their impact on history and culture.
Displays and programs throughout the month of March are at the following Long Island State Park locations:
Nissequogue River State Park – Charles & Helen
Reichert Administration Building, Kings Park
Display open daily 8:00am – 4:00pm, for more information call 631-2694927
Jones Beach State Park, Administration Building, Wantagh
Display open daily 7:00am – 4:30pm, for information call 516-7851600
Hempstead Lake State Park Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, West Hempstead
Open daily 9:00am –4:00pm, for information call 516-766-1029
• Steeped in Self Care (Adult program, 18+), Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
o Sip, blend, and relax in this hands-on selfcare class celebrating Women’s History Month. Create your own customloose leaf tea blends for stress relief and essential oil roller balls to help ease tension headaches. Learn how tea has long brought women together for comfort, care, and community. Come fill your cup, roll away the stress, and steep yourself in a little history.
• Paths of Presence: Women, Wilderness, and Walking with Intention
(Adult Program, 18+), Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11:00am – 1:00pm
o Join us at Hempstead Lake State Park for a Women’s History Month Walk celebrating women on the trails! Learn about the history of women’s hiking while practicing simple nature meditation to experience the benefits of being outdoors.
Programs are $4.00 per person upon arrival. No parking fee is in effect. Each person in your party needs a ticket. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend the program. Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. We will meet in the Environmental Education and Resiliency Center in Field 1 of Hempstead Lake State Park. To register: https://www.eventbrite. com/o/hempstead-lakestate-park-environmentaleducationand-resiliencycenter-38733458463
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center-West End 2, Wantagh
Display open daily 9:00am - 4:30pm, for information call 516-8098222
• Storytime: Women’s History Month (Children 0-8; FREE program), Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 11:00am – 12:00pm
o To celebrate Women’s History Month, join our educator and read exciting tales of women in science!
• Women Nature Writers (All ages; FREE program), Saturday, March 28, 2026, 11:00am – 12:30pm
o Join one of our educators at this free event to celebrate Women’s History Month by learning about one of history’s most talented nature writers and practice writing your very own piece inspired by our local environment.
Camp Read Away Brings Books, Tents And Twinkling Stars To JFK
To register: www. jonesbeachenc.org/ programs.
Additionally, there will be specially themed lecture programs and workshops being offered through our Long Island State Parks Environmental Education Department: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
• Recognizing Women’s Right to Vote in NY State, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
o On November 6, 1917, women won the right to vote in NY State. Join us for this special America250 program to hear Town of Islip Historian George Munkenbeck share the history of local Long Island suffragists. Also on display will be a travelling exhibit provided by the Long Island Library Resources Council. Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
• Revolution Remedies, Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:30am – 12:00pm
o Explore the overlooked medical work of women during the American Revolution. We’ll highlight the nurses, caregivers, Indigenous healers, and enslaved African women whose herbal knowledge, improvised remedies, and daily labor sustained the Continental Army. Through a handson activity, visitors will discover how ordinary women used extraordinary ingenuity to keep a nation alive. Programs are $4.00 per person upon arrival. No parking fee is in effect. Each person in your party needs a ticket. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend the program. Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
To register: www.eventbrite. com/o/nys-parks-longisland-environmentaleducation-33908178297
Students at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School hunkered down for an afterhours literacy adventure at Camp Read Away, held in the school gym on the night of Feb. 27. Guided by staff members serving as “camp counselors,” the students visited 14 different rotating
stations that included eight reading stations inside camping tents, campfire songs and games, and the ever-popular Star Lab, where the students crawled into a dome to view constellations.
Camp Read Away began over two decades ago in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’
birthday and Read Across America. It has grown into a beloved nighttime activity for JFK’s teachers, administration, support staff and other volunteers to share their love of reading with the students.
Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
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Lenten Season
In The Orthodox Church (English Language Services)
We invite you to worship with us during Great Lent at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. The more ancient form of the liturgy, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, is celebrated at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) every Lenten Sunday (through
March 29 this year). Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme, which is reflected in the New Testament readings and hymns of that day, as well as the sermon. All services are conducted in English. A vegan coffee hour follows the Sunday Divine Liturgy during Great Lent. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook. com/htocem. The full liturgical schedule for Great Lent can be found on the parish website’s calendar at www.htocem.org. For more information, contact us at 516-483-3649 or htocem@gmail.com.
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Lenten Traditions Explored
The Lenten season marks a period of 40 days when faithful Christians prepare for the glory of Easter Sunday. Easter commemorates the miracle of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is foundational for the Christian faith.
encountered the devil and his temptations. Lent also mirrors the period of time (40 days) that the Israelites spent in their journey from slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Israel.
Black fasts
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Lent is the 40-day period (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter. Lent begins on Feb. 18 and ends on Thursday, April 2.
Lent is a season when Christians reflect and prepare to celebrate Easter. Lent is a period of spiritual purification that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. Fasting, giving alms and prayer are some of the hallmarks of Lent.
Many Lenten traditions are well known, but others are not. Here’s a glimpse at some of those traditions.
The first ‘Lent’
Lent is based on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert in preparation for his public life. Matthew 4:1-11 shares that Christ was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit for a period of fasting and prayer, where He constantly
While certain Lenten restrictions have lightened up a bit in recent years, it once was the norm to consume a single meal per day of bread, water and herbs after sunset on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which was known as a black fast. During the other days of Lent, no food was allowed until 3 p.m., which Christians believe was the hour of Our Lord’s death.
Piñatas for Lent?
The Lenten tradition of hitting a papier-mâché creation filled with candy originated in Italy. Eventually the idea was picked up by the Spanish and brought to Mexico, where the familiar piñatas now known to partygoers across the globe appeared. Professor Michael Foley, author of “Dining with the Saints,” says the original piñata had seven cones to
represent the seven deadly sins. Hitting the cones and defeating the sins revealed the heavenly reward in the form of candy.
Prayerful pretzels
In the early Middle Ages, when other foods were not allowed during Lent, pretzels became popular. The twisted shape of the pretzels was associated with arms entwined in prayer.
Hot cross buns
Hot cross buns are synonymous with Easter. Although they may predate Christianity and might have been a tradition adopted to make Christianity more relatable to the masses, one legend suggests they originated with a twelfth century Anglican monk. This monk reportedly baked the buns and marked them with crosses in honor of Good Friday. These yeasted sweet rolls have since become a popular treat on Easter weekend.
Lent precedes Easter each year and is full of timehonored traditions.
