Fourteen student-musicians from West Islip Union Free School District have been selected to participate in the Long Island String Festival Association’s All-County orchestras. These accomplished musicians were chosen from the top student musicians in Suffolk County. Congratulations to these orchestral musicians Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
Concerts are made possible by:
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 3 PM
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 3 PM
Good Samaritan University Hospital and West Islip Country Fair Committee and Winston & Joan Dookram
Paul Little, conducting
Paul Little, conducting
MUSIC OF: Franz List
A rock orchestra trip back to the 1990s, featuring your favorite music from the decade!
FEATURING: Eric Siepkes, Piano
LOCATION: Beach Street Middle School
LOCATION: Beach Street Middle School
Adults $10.00, Students Free For more information: www.westislipsymphony.org
Adults $10.00, Students Free For more information: www.westislipsymphony.org
Proudly Serving The Community Since 1953
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
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN HERE FOR MORE
INFORMATION:
The West Islip Symphony Orchestra wishes to thank Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning and Legislator Steve Flotteron for helping to fund this year's performances.
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.
Fourteen studentmusicians from West Islip Union Free School District have been selected to participate in the Long Island String Festival Association’s All-County orchestras. These accomplished musicians were chosen from the top student musicians in Suffolk County.
Congratulations to
the following orchestral musicians:
• Bayview Elementary School: Quinn Lavrovsky
• Paul J. Bellew Elementary School: Avery Salatti and Connor Ziegler
• Manetuck Elementary School: Skyla Kontakis
• Oquenock Elementary School: Patrick Degen and Kaitlyn Shi
• Beach Street Middle School: Emily Enciso, Sahaj Kohli and Julia Munch
• Udall Road Middle School: Oliver Alfano and Bayla Bogolubsky
• West Islip High School: Natalie Aspetti, Annabella Chillianis and Rishabh Patnaik
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!
We applied for a grant of $25,000 in playground equipment to help make Weckerle Park more accessible to all children. Securing that grant depends on your vote.
You can vote for our project using this QR code and can vote once every day until voting closes on March 17:
Our Community includes families with children of varying abilities and many existing playgrounds do not fully meet the needs of children who use mobility devices or require adaptive equipment. An inclusive playground at Weckerle Park will allow children of all abilities to play side by side, fostering understanding, cooperation, confidence, empathy and friendships from early age.
Weckerle Park is named in honor of Lieutenant Edward Weckerle -- a long-time Lindenhurst
decorated World War I hero, fire department captain and police lieutenant. The park was
in his honor in November of 1958 when his brother donated the land for the purpose of a
Thank
for your support!
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
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
(NAPSI)—Age-related physical and mental changes can affect your ability to drive safely. If you’re alert to these changes and manage them carefully, you may be able to continue driving safely for some time, say the experts at the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). Visit www.healthinaging. org/driving-safety for more information.
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 Giving Tree. For more information, call Paulette at 631-7860368.
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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
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
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2026
Senior Advocate Schedule.
Senior advocates are County representatives who come
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,
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 Islip:
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.
Ocean Ave, Bohemia: Thursday, March 12, 10 am – 12 pm
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
• Bay Shore Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, March 20, 10 am – 12 pm
• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip: Monday, March 30, 10 am – 12 pm
• Brentwood Senior Nutrition, 16 Second Avenue, Brentwood: Friday, March 13, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Connetquot Library, 760
Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare 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.
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.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and troublefree 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
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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.
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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.
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 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.
