March 11, 2026 Seaford by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

TEACHER GRANTS BOOST MATH RESOURCES

A pair of elementary math teachers in the Seaford School District are making learning more fun for students thanks to grants received from Jovia Federal Credit Union. Alexa Livingston and Amy McCoyd each received $500 through Jovia’s Funding Your Ideas Teacher Grant program, which were used for math mats. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District

When You’re

Currently recruiting for the following positions:

• Licensed Practical Nurse

• Home Health Aide

• NYS Licensed Security Guard

• Dining Room Manager

Comprehensive benefit and accrual offerings: • 401k • Medical • Dental • Disability • Life Insurance (Supplemental, Spouse, Child)

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program Resources

• Generous Paid Time Off Plans

• And So Much More

complete an application. You may also submit your resume on our website www.dominicanvillage.org or send directly to HR at Csmith@dominicanvillage.org

Seaford’s ‘Little Shop Of Horrors

Thespians from Seaford High School’s Drama Club presented the dark musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors with three performances on March 6 and 7, featuring 32 student performers.

The show followed Seymour, a shy florist assistant whose discovery of a mysterious plant led to growing fame—and serious consequences. Freshman Max DiMola played

Seymour, with senior Cameron Calderaro as Audrey. Sophomores Roran Cassidy and Henry Brock portrayed Mr. Mushnik and Dr. Orin Scrivello, respectively.

Directed and choreographed by Elyse Cruz, the two-act production included major numbers such as “Skid Row” and “The Meek Shall Inherit.” Cruz praised the cast’s strong chemistry and sense of humor, calling it her first musical as Seaford’s director.

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 afternoon 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: 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) 888-3525 or visit isliparts. org. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.

Lead actors, from left, Roran Cassidy as Mr. Mushnik, Cameron Calderaro as Audrey, Max DiMola as Seymour and Henry Brock as Dr. Scrivello.

Cast members, from left, Paige Gregorek, Michael Redash, Brandon Bombardier and Rowan Clancy. Photos

Senator Steve Rhoads Announces $3,000 Scholarships

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads today announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for two $3,000 scholarships available to residents of the 5th Senate District. The scholarships are open to current college students and high school seniors who plan to attend college.

Eligible students may apply online by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/ apply-for-scholarship-form

The application deadline is March 16th.

Senator Rhoads has a strong track record of scholarship recipients from the 5th Senate District. In 2024, one local student earned the scholarship, followed by two students selected in 2025—each beating out applicants from across New York State. Senator Rhoads hopes to see another deserving student from the district

recognized this year.

“Students from the 5th Senate District have repeatedly distinguished themselves in a highly competitive, statewide selection process,” said Senator Rhoads. “These scholarships are an investment in the next generation of leaders right here in our community.

Our students are working hard, giving back, and setting ambitious goals for themselves, and at a time when the cost of higher education continues to climb, this support can make a real difference— easing financial pressure and helping them stay focused on their futures.

I strongly encourage all eligible students to apply.”

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A grade point average of 85 or higher

• Active involvement in community service and extracurricular activities

• Demonstrated financial need

• For athletic scholarships, applicants must also be involved in an organized sport(s)

The winners of the scholarships will be announced in April and will be contacted directly. Winners will be invited to Albany in May to receive their award at the ItalianAmerican Day Celebration.

The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community. Scholarship students can check their residency in the 5th Senate District by using this link: https:// www.nysenate.gov/findmy-senator

Seaford High School Launches Annual Scholarship Drive

The Seaford Scholarship Fund is kicking off its annual fundraising drive. All residents and businesses in the Seaford School District are encouraged to contribute to this scholarship drive. The funds collected will be used to award scholarships to deserving seniors from the Seaford High School Graduation Class of 2026.

Anyone wishing to contribute may make checks payable to Seaford Union Free School District and

forward to Seaford High School at 1575 Seamans Neck Road, Seaford, NY 11783 – Attn.: Ms. Nicole Schnabel, Principal. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Toni Coacci at (516) 592-4385.

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.

STATE UTILITIES

Hempstead Town Accepting Applications For Seasonal Bay Constable Position

As the Town of Hempstead begins preparations for another great summer season on South Shore waterways, Supervisor John Ferretti and the Hempstead Town Board are proactively taking steps to increase boater safety and enforce local maritime codes. Accordingly, Supervisor Ferretti has announced that the Town is seeking candidates for a seasonal Bay Constable position and is urging qualified personnel to apply.

“While the Town of Hempstead employs a highly trained and dedicated staff of fulltime Bay Constables, we are seeking to add a seasonal team member to further enhance

boater safety and code enforcement,” said Supervisor Ferretti. “We urge qualified candidates to apply today.”

Bay Constables are tasked with a wide range of responsibilities. This includes enforcement of boater safety laws and regulations; protection of the environment, encompassing waterways, wetlands, marine life, and shellfish management; and responding to emergency situations out on the water.

As New York State law now requires ALL operators of personal watercraft to have a boater safety certificate, Bay Constables will monitor compliance across local waterways

to ensure the safety of all boaters. Officials will also be on the lookout for boaters who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or operating their vessel in an unsafe manner.

The Town of Hempstead is also offering several boater safety classes in the coming months, and the seasonal Bay Constable will assist full-timers in educating the public on important boater-related information.

To apply, please fill out an application at the Town of Hempstead Department of Human Resources (Hempstead Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Hempstead).

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.

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.

For more information, contact us at 516-483-3649 or htocem@gmail.com.

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.

7 Fun Ways To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s patron saint and celebrates Irish culture. While it’s rooted in Irish heritage, anyone can join the fun! Here are some ways to celebrate:

1. Eat green foods –Green is the color of the day; enjoy greenthemed dishes and drinks.

2. Bake soda bread – A

simple, delicious Irish recipe that’s great for kids.

3. Join a parade – Many cities and towns host festive parades.

4. Watch Irish dancing – Admire the intricate footwork of traditional Irish dance.

5. Dine Irish-style – Try Irish stew, Boxty, Colcannon, or other authentic dishes.

6. Host a scavenger hunt – Hide “gold” and create clues for friends or family.

7. Listen to Irish music – Get in the spirit with artists like The Chieftains or The Dubliners. Enjoy celebrating in your own Irish way!

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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.

Weckerle Park is

decorated

ﬁre

captain and police lieutenant. The park was dedicated in his honor in November of 1958 when his brother donated the land for the purpose of a park.

Thank you for your support!

Teacher Grants Boost Math Resources For Seaford’s Young Scholars

The large floor mats help reinforce mathematical concepts through movement. Student can hop, skip and jump their way across the mats while verbally repeating numbers.

“Not only are they seeing it but they’re doing and saying it,” said Ms. Livingston, math AIS specialist at Seaford Manor Elementary School. “They’re hitting all these different senses and it helps them remember.

They’re building a better understanding.”

Ms. Livingston, who is new to Seaford this year, used the grant funds to purchase two mats that reinforce number sense, including a 100 number grid and a blank number line. The number line mat would be paired with number cards and can be used to support understanding of whole numbers, decimals or fractions.

This is Ms. McCoyd’s second year receiving a Jovia teacher grant and is continuing her expansion of multiplication math mats. The Seaford Harbor Elementary School math AIS specialist purchased mats with the three- and four-times tables last year and this year added six and eight.

“The kids actually enjoy it,” she said, noting the positive feedback from students since

getting the first set of mats last year. “They’re excited to learn their facts as they’re jumping up, down and around.”

Ms. McCoyd, in her 30th year in the district and sixth as a math specialist, added that the mats promote differentiated instruction. She typically works with small groups of students for a half-hour and does not want them sitting at a table for that entire time. Learning through movement has shown positive results, she explained.

The math teachers expressed their gratitude to Jovia for these grants as well as for its continued support of Long Island teachers. They added that the math mats are a durable and valuable resource to support math learners in multiple elementary grades.

Grief And Loss Peer-Led Support Group

Gabriel’s Giving Tree (GGT), along with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD), Families in Support of Treatment (FIST), Family & Children’s Association, (FCA) and Human Understanding and Growth Services (HUGS) are joining together to offer a free grief and loss peer-led support group. The group will meet at the East End THRIVE location, at 680 Elton Street, Riverhead, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The focus of the support group will be to explore ways to find comfort, share support and begin healing for those who have lost a loved one.

“Losing a loved one can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone,” said Paulette Phililppe, founder of Gabriel’s

Seaford Public Library Events

2234 Jackson Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783

(516) 221-1334 ext. 3210

Board of Trustees

Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, March 9th at 7pm. The public is welcome.

Virtual Women’s History Lecture: Accidental First Ladies

Presented by: Valerie Gugala

Wednesday, March 11th

Time: 1:30pm (Eliza Johnson, Edith Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, & Betty Ford)

When their husbands were suddenly elevated to the Presidency by tragedy or scandal, how did these first ladies cope? How did they play a role for themselves in uncertain times? Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.

Beginners Canasta (In-Person)

Thursdays: March 12th, 19th, 26th

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Join Jacqui Palatnik for a beginner or refresher course on this stimulating card game. Register now ONLINE at www.seafordlibrary.org.

Film: Sing Song Blue (In-Person)

Wednesday, March 25th

Time: 2:00pm

Based on a true story, two down-on-theirluck musicians form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. Starring: Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. Rated: PG; 132 Minutes. IN ORDER TO RESERVE A SEAT, CALL THE LIBRARY AT 516-221-1334. Register now. SPACE IS LIMITED! Refreshments and snacks will be served.

PREDICT THE OSCAR WINNERS!

This year we are taking the plunge, and we will try to guess who will win an OSCAR. But we need your help! Grab a ballot anytime at the Library and submit your predictions STARTING NOW!. One ballot/entry per person please . All submissions will count towards an Academy Award Raffle. One winner will be awarded. Don’t forget to watch the 98th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15th to see if your predictions came true!

Did You Know?

Supporting small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a big-box store or

a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.

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

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.

A Hearty Stew Tailor-Made For St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day is a festive day in which people from all walks of life embrace Irish culture. Celebrated right in the middle of March, St. Patrick’s Day calls for hearty fare that those who have been to the Emerald Isle know is a staple of the Irish diet. This year, anyone looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and stay warm in the process, can enjoy this recipe for “Irish Stew With Lamb and Potatoes” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot and sear the meat. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the onions and carrots in the pan for 3 minutes. Return the meat to the pot, season with salt and ground black pepper and deglaze with the stock. Cover and simmer on a low heat for 40 minutes.

Irish Stew With Lamb and Potatoes

Serves 6

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 3⁄4 pound lamb neck, on the bone, thickly sliced

4 small onions, diced

2 carrots, sliced

6 cups beef stock

8 to 10 small waxy potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size

1 to 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

3. Add the potatoes to the pot, cover and cook for another 30 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Season to taste and serve garnished with parsley.

Irish Soda Bread Makes The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer

Irish cuisine may not be as widely recognizable or familiar across North America as Chinese, Italian or Mexican fare. But that doesn’t mean Irish food lacks fans and flavor. As the world prepares to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on or around March 17, individuals who want to include some popular Irish fare in their festivities won’t want to exclude this recipe for “Irish Soda Bread” from AllRecipes.com.

Directions:

Irish Soda Bread

Yields 1 1⁄2 loaf (20 servings)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup margarine, softened

4 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1⁄4 cup butter, melted

1⁄4 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Mix flour, softened margarine, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Combine melted butter with 1⁄4 cup buttermilk in a small bowl; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.

Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.