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PopularSidin Sidin g Materials

Few home renovation projects can change the look of a home as significantly as new siding. New siding can make a home look brand new, and a new color can dramatically change the perception of a home. As homeowners begin to consider siding replacement projects, they might be surprised to learn their options in relation to materials are so numerous. Though it’s great to have options, it also can be difficult to pick a material when there are so many products to choose from. Vinyl, fiber cement and wood are three popular siding materials, and understanding the characteristics of each can help homeowners make more informed decisions.

• Vinyl. Vinyl siding has long been among the most popular siding materials. The National Association of Home Builders notes that popularity has declined in recent years, with the market share of vinyl siding dropping 5 percent over the last decade and nearly 13 percent over the last 20 years. Despite that declining popularity, vinyl remains a strong option for many homeowners due to its affordability and minimal maintenance requirements. Consumer Reports also notes that vinyl siding is impervious to insects and water, an attribute that’s highly appealing to many homeowners.

• Fiber cement. Consumer Reports notes that ﬁber cement siding blends cement, sand and cellulose. Many homeowners

like ﬁber cement siding because of its aesthetic appeal, as it looks like real wood without the vulnerabilities associated with wood. The home renovation experts at This Old House report that ﬁber cement siding has exceptional durability and offers great resistance to environmental factors like harsh weather, UV rays and moisture. Fiber cement siding also is a low-maintenance, insectresistant option that won’t warp or rot. Fiber cement siding is not easily installed, which contributes to a higher overall cost.

• Wood. Siding materials don’t get much more traditional than wood. It shouldn’t surprise homeowners to learn that wood siding can warp or rot, and anything made from wood can be vulnerable to insects. However, well-maintained wood siding can be very durable and certain types are less vulnerable to rot than others. Local climate will affect which wood siding options are best for a given area. Many see wood siding as characteristic of a high-end home, making the somewhat higher price tag compared to vinyl siding easier to justify.

There’s no right or wrong decision when choosing siding materials for a home. Homeowners are urged to do their homework, including studying cost and the local climate, before choosing a material for their home.

Mangano Family Funeral Homes Inc. Welcomes Dominic Carella

Mangano Family Funeral Homes Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Dominic Carella as General Manager for the funeral home’s Deer Park, Middle Island, and Riverhead locations.

Dominic Carella has extensive experience in the funeral home industry, serving communities as a licensed funeral home director for more than 30 years. Since his start with Mangano Family Funeral Homes Dominic has flourished in his role as General Manager, overseeing all daily operations, including managing scheduling across all three funeral home locations, ensuring services run smoothly, and adhering to requests from families.

“I am grateful to be a part of the Mangano Family Funeral Home team,” said Dominic. “The Mangano Family has been providing compassionate funeral home services for over 115 years. They truly are a legacy in the business, and more importantly, an integral part of the local communities they serve.”

Sal Mangano, President of Mangano Family Funeral Homes, added “Dominic’s leadership and history in family run funeral

DOMINIC CARELLA

home administration and guiding families through end-of-life services with professionalism and compassion has made an immediate impact on our three locations. We are so fortunate to have someone of his caliber and experience working with us.”

Dominic’s career began at his uncle’s funeral home at the age of 16 where he greeted guests and assisted with funeral operations. There he learned how a family business is run and the positive impact being a funeral director has on people’s lives.

Dominic added, “every day is a new day, a new challenge, a new family. I have a great passion for this business and a great passion for helping people.”

Dominic’s desire to serve

families followed him to The American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, where he earned his Associates Degree in Mortuary Science and Embalming in 1987 and attained his license the following year.

Over his 30 year career, Dominic worked at Guttermans in Woodbury, NY, D’Esopo Funeral Chapel and Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel. Dominic was the first funeral director called to Ground Zero after the September 11th terrorist attacks and his team provided care for and serviced 75 families that lost loved ones to the tragic events of that fateful day. He handled the arrangements for Father Mychal Judge, Chaplain of the FDNY, who is widely recognized as the first certified fatality of the 9/11 attacks, and was killed in the North Tower lobby while praying for and aiding rescuers.

About Mangano Family Funeral Homes With more than 115 years in operation as a familyowned business, Mangano Family Funeral Homes provide families and their loved ones with caring and compassionate service in their time of need. To learn more please visit www. manganofh.com

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.

Catholic Health, Good Samaritan University Hospital Named Premier Sponsor Of Lindenhurst Chamber Of Commerce 2026 Event Series

The Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Catholic Health, through Good Samaritan University Hospital, will serve as the Premier Sponsor and Exclusive Health Care Partner for the Chamber’s 2026 event series.

Throughout 2026, the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce will host ten community events,

bringing together local leaders, residents, and businesses to celebrate and strengthen the vibrant Lindenhurst community.

Catholic Health’s partnership as the premier sponsor underscores a shared commitment to community engagement, wellness, and local economic vitality.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Catholic Health and Good

Samaritan University Hospital as our exclusive health care sponsor for the 2026 event season,” said the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce. “Their commitment to supporting our business community and promoting the wellbeing of our residents makes them a true partner in fostering the growth and spirit of Lindenhurst.”

As one of the region’s

leading health care providers, Catholic Health and Good Samaritan University Hospital play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of the South Shore community. Their support of the Chamber’s initiatives demonstrates a continued dedication to community outreach and meaningful local partnerships.

The Chamber’s 2026 event lineup will include

networking events, community celebrations, and business programs designed to connect residents and local organizations while showcasing Lindenhurst’s thriving business district.

“We are excited and grateful for this year’s collaboration,” the Chamber added. “Catholic Health’s partnership helps make these events possible and strengthens our

shared mission of building a healthy, connected, and prosperous community.”

For more information about the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce and its upcoming events, please visit the Chamber’s website www. lindenhurstchamber.org and follow the Chamber on social media @ lindenhurstchamber.

Councilman Manetta Announces 5th Annual Easter Candy Collection To Support Local Food Pantries

Councilman Anthony Manetta is inviting residents across the Town of Babylon to help spread some Easter joy by participating in his 5th Annual Easter Candy Collection, a community initiative that will help ensure local children enjoy a sweet holiday.

Now through March 31 , residents are encouraged to donate new, unopened Easter candy, which will be distributed to local food pantries throughout the Town of Babylon to

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support families in need during the Easter season.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at Babylon Town Hall, located at 200 East Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. Residents should look for the designated drop-off bin in the Town Hall lobby.

“All children deserve the chance to experience the joy of the Easter holiday,” Councilman

Manetta said. “This collection is a simple way for our community to come together and make sure families who rely on local food pantries can still celebrate. Every donation helps bring a smile to a child’s face.”

The annual candy drive is co-sponsored by the West Babylon Lions Club, whose members continue to play an important role in supporting charitable efforts throughout the community. Residents with questions or those interested in arranging additional drop-off options can contact Councilman Manetta’s Office at 631-957-4482. Community members are encouraged to participate and help make this Easter a little sweeter for families across the Town of Babylon.

Spring Cleaning Tips And Ticks

Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up. Spring cleaning projects are popular this time of year as residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning.

• Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention.

• Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated cleaner, microﬁber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand.

• Curate your cleaning playlist. Create a playlist with songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean.

• Work from top to bottom. Work efﬁciently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items ﬁrst, as dust and debris will trickle

down and need to be cleaned next.

• Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean That Up, carpets help ﬁlter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality

of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug.

• Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces.

• Deep clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegar-and-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well.

Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture.

Spring cleaning can bring the revitalizing nature of this beloved time of year into your home.

Town Of Babylon Honors Brenda McDonald For 31 Years Of Service

The Town of Babylon recently honored longtime employee Brenda McDonald for an extraordinary 31 years of dedicated public service, including many years working with seniors at the Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center.

Town officials gathered to recognize McDonald’s decades of commitment and the lasting impact she has had on the community, particularly among the senior residents she served daily.

“Brenda McDonald represents the very best of public service,” said Rich Schaffer. “For more than three decades, she showed up every day with compassion and dedication, making sure our seniors felt supported and valued. The Town of Babylon is incredibly grateful for the difference she has made in the lives of so many residents.” McDonald spent much of her career at the Wyandanch

Senior Nutrition Center, where she built strong relationships with local seniors and played an important role in helping provide meals, services, and a welcoming environment for the community.

Councilman Terence

McSweeney joined colleagues in government to present the recognition and thank McDonald for her years of service.

“Brenda’s kindness, professionalism, and commitment to the seniors of Wyandanch have

meant so much to our community,” McSweeney said. “For 31 years she made a real difference in people’s lives, and we were proud to honor her for a career defined by dedication to the residents of the Town of Babylon.”

Officials said McDonald’s work exemplifies the spirit of service that keeps the town’s programs strong and connected to the community.

Town leaders congratulated McDonald on her milestone and thanked

her for the lasting legacy she leaves behind after more than three decades of service.

“Brenda will always be part of the Town of Babylon family,” Schaffer said. “We wish her nothing but the best in the years ahead.”

A Rundown O On Countertops

Kitchen renovations continue to top the list of improvements that offer a high rate of return on investment. Buyers pay attention to kitchens, which undoubtedly affects the ROI of kitchen renovations. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2025,” a minor kitchen remodel offers an ROI of 113 percent, while a midrange remodel offers an ROI of 51 percent. Replacing a kitchen countertop can help homeowners see improvements to the functionality of their spaces and improve the value of their homes.

According to data from Grand View Research, the U.S. countertops market is projected to reach $35.57 billion in 2026, driven by homeowners who desire high-value renovations over relocating. Those thinking about overhauling their spaces with new countertops can consider the leading materials and how they rank in cost, maintenance and durability.

• Engineered quartz. The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that 78 percent of design professionals expect quartz to be the preferred countertop material over the next several years. Quartz is non-porous, so it will resist stains, scratches and bacteria inﬁltration without having to be sealed. Unlike natural stone, quartz offers pattern uniformity, which makes it easier to map out seamless transitions. Quartz costs between $50 and $150 per square foot installed.

• Granite. Granite still holds a considerable chunk of the countertops market and remains a solid standard for those who value a one-of-a-kind look of natural stone. Granite has exceptional heat resistance and adds signiﬁcant resale value. However, it requires periodic sealing to maintain its good looks. Costs range from $40 to $190 per square foot.

• Porcelain. Porcelain tiles and slabs are projected to become the fastest-growing segment

in the ceramic tiles market, according to reports from Yahoo Finance. High-precision printing technology enables porcelain to mimic rare marble and other stone with superior accuracy. Porcelain is even harder than granite and effectively impervious to UV rays. This makes the material a solid choice for outdoor kitchens. Plus, at a cost of $60 to $120 per square foot, it is competitive with other similar materials.

• Butcher block. Those who appreciate a soft, organic texture and “warmth” in their spaces can look to butcher block. Wood is making a comeback, as many homeowners are moving away from stark, white designs. Butcher block is self-healing, meaning scratches can be sanded out. Butcher block costs between $50 and $150 per square foot.

• Laminate. Laminate is a budgetfriendly option for homeowners at $20 to $80 per square foot, but is not as durable as other materials. Some laminates mimic the look of high-end materials, and they don’t require much maintenance.

Countertops affect the look and feel of kitchens and other interior and exterior spaces. Choosing materials comes down to cost, durability and maintenance.

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

Long Island St. Patrick’s Day Parades

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 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.

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.

A Spring Lawn Revitalization Strategy

New growth is a hallmark of spring, whether it plays out in the birth of birds and bunnies or with the returned buds on trees and plant stalks. While most greenery rebounds naturally, lawns may need a little extra TLC in order to return to their once lush, green glory. Revitalizing a lawn in spring is a multifaceted process but can be well worth the reward when green grass adds to a beautiful landscape and functional yard. Here is how to get started when the weather warms, courtesy of The Farmer’s Almanac and The Home Depot.

• Clean up debris. Spend a few hours raking up leaves from the lawn and removing any other winter debris like twigs so that air can reach the grass below. Also remove any thatch that has developed.

• Test the soil. Take a sample of the soil to determine its pH level and nutrient needs. Then you can make adjustments to set a strong foundation for the lawn to grow.

• Do some weeding. Pull out any weeds that have poked through early on and apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent additional weeds from taking over.

• Start the aeration process. A core

aerator punches holes into the soil. This enables air and water to penetrate through to the roots.

• Overseed the lawn. Apply grass seeds over the lawn, paying special attention to any bare or

thin areas so that the seed will ﬁll in the lawn.

• Water consistently. It is important to water the lawn deeply and consistently, especially when the weather is dry, to help promote strong root development.

• Time fertilizer correctly. Apply a spring fertilizer around three weeks after the lawn starts to turn green or after the ﬁrst two or three mowings. If fertilizer is applied too early it can feed weeds instead of the grass and result in fertilizer runoff.

• Mow to an appropriate height. Begin to mow when the ground is dry enough and the grass is long enough to need cutting. Leave some length to the lawn; otherwise, sunlight will reach the soil and encourage weed seeds to germinate.

With a little elbow grease at the start of spring, homeowners can establish strong and healthy lawns.

By JoAnn Cilla

Spring Has (Almost) Sprung

Today, as I write this article, I am staring at 30 inches of snow in my backyard. But underneath it all is green grass and new flowers just waiting to make an appearance!

After a long winter, you can feel it happening. The days are getting a little longer, the sun is bringing more warmth, and people are starting to come out of hibernation mode. Spring

isn’t officially here yet, but we should throw it a tickertape parade when it arrives. For residents, spring is the perfect season for a reset. Open the windows. Take a walk through your neighborhood and see if you notice any changes. When people are outside, communities feel safer, friendlier, and more connected.

Spring is also the perfect time for what I call “life

maintenance.” Schedule the annual physical you put off in January (email me and I will tell you firsthand why this is so important). Clean out closets. Tackle small home repairs before they become expensive ones. And if you’ve been thinking about selling your home this year, now is the time to start preparing. Don’t wait until the first “For Sale” sign goes up down the block.

Spring buyers begin browsing early. They’re online now, driving through neighborhoods and forming opinions. Homes that look cared for with fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, clean walkways, and good lighting will immediately stand out. You don’t need a full-blown renovation, just a nice presentation that makes buyers want to learn more about your home.

For local business owners, spring is your opportunity window.

JOANN CILLA

Customers come out when the weather gets nicer. People are more optimistic, more social, and more willing to spend. But they won’t automatically spend money with you; you must invite them.

Like homeowners trying to attract buyers, start with visibility. Update your storefront. Clean your windows. Refresh signage. Post consistently on social media…even simple photos of your team preparing for spring. Customers support businesses they recognize and like.

Next, reconnect with your customer list. Send a “Welcome to Spring” email or postcard. Offer a seasonal promotion, host a small in-store event, or partner with another nearby business. Collaboration works. When local businesses work together, everyone benefits.

Finally, business owners should treat this season as planning time. Revenue for summer and fall is often determined by the steps you take in the previous winter. Review your pricing, inventory, staffing, and marketing before potential spikes in the demand for your products or services.

Every year, spring gives our community a natural momentum boost. The residents who prepare early enjoy their homes more. The businesses that act early grow more. It’s that simple. I can’t wait to see everyone around town this month.

MARCH HAPPENINGS

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, or https://www.facebook.com/ share/1JViuobMTE/

SATURDAY, MARCH 28th

11:00AM

EASTER EGG HUNT & MEET THE EASTER BUNNY

The 2026 Annual Farmingdale Village Easter Egg Hunt & Meet the Easter Bunny on the Village Green (361 Main St). Attendees should arrive by 10:45 AM with their own baskets. The event is free, family-friendly, and features photos with the Easter Bunny at the gazebo. For more information, contact Farmingdale Village, www.farmingdalevillage. gov; Facebook events page: www. facebook.com/farmingdale11735 www.farmingdalebid.com, or call 516-249-0093

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

12:00PM

EASTER EGG HUNT

Join the Fun!! Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt followed by a contest and more!! St. John’s Lutheran Church 36 E. John Street in Lindenhurst. Bring A Friend!! Please bring your own basket. In case of rain, the show will go on indoors. Meet The Easter Bunny!

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 631-5812700

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 31st ARRIVE BEFORE 8:30AM BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA

Hosted by Joseph Barry Columbiettes.

$60 pp, includes driver’s tip. Give Back: $35 slot play. Return approx. 8:30 p.m. Parking: 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end) For more information, and reservations. please call Barbara at 516-935-5576

3:00PM-7:00PM BLOOD DRIVE

Deputy Minority Leader Drucker, Jericho Library Host Blood Drive, at the Jericho Public Library, located at 1 Merry Lane in Jericho. Eligible donors must have an ID with a signature or a photo, weigh at least 110 pounds, have had no tattoos in the last 12 months and be ages 16-75 years of age (16-year-old donors must have parental consent. Donors over age 76 must bring a doctor’s note). O-negative and B-negative donors are especially needed in addition to all other blood types. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins will be taken as capacity permits. Limited appointments to make double red cell donations are available. Call 1-800-93-BLOOD (25663) or visit https://donate. nybc.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/331396 to make an appointment. For more information, contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s ofﬁce 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov

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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.”

Senior Advocates will be visiting these 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 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,

Did You Know?

Wyandanch: Wednesday, March 25, 10 am – 1 pm In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:

• 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 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 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 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.

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Matzah features prominently in Passover celebrations. When the Israelites were fleeing Egypt after Pharoah released them from slavery, the bread they took along had no time to rise. The result was a flattened cracker called matzah. In addition to eating matzah as their bread source throughout Passover, Jewish families hide a piece of matzah called the afikomen to find at the end of the Seder. A piece of matzah cracker is broken in half. One portion is enjoyed through the Seder rituals and the other is the “dessert” that will be eaten at the end and conclude the ceremony. Hiding the afikomen helps ensure that children stay engaged until the end. Once found, the piece of matzah may be redeemed for a small gift.

Masonr

Local Library Resources That Might Surprise You How Reading Builds Young Children’s Vocabulary

Did You Know?

Avid readers may feel there’s nothing better than diving into a good book, but that book might be even more beneficial than they realize, particularly for older book lovers. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine noted that reading books can promote empathy, social perception and emotional intelligence, notable benefits that researchers found contributed to a survival advantage. Researchers behind the study noted book readers experienced a 20 percent reduction in risk of mortality over a 12-year followup period than non-book readers. Equally notable among the researchers’ findings was older individuals who read books enjoyed this survival advantage regardless of their gender, overall health, socioeconomic status, or education levels.

Local libraries have a lot to offer. While the chance to borrow a great book free of charge is reason enough to visit a local library, libraries also offer a host of additional resources, some of which might surprise you.

• Museum passes: Some libraries allow residents with library cards to borrow passes for complimentary admission to popular museums and other cultural attractions. Museum entrance fees can be costly, so this benefit can provide ample cost savings, particularly for families with children who might otherwise need to purchase multiple passes for a single visit.

• Park passes: Library cardholders also might be eligible to borrow passes to state or national parks. Parks provide a unique way to experience local culture and the beauty of nature, so this is a benefit worth looking into for those who can’t get enough of the great outdoors.

• Help with forms or registration: Many local libraries offer assistance to local residents looking for help with certain government forms or registrations, including passport applications or renewals. These programs can help residents navigate application processes that can be more complex and confusing than residents may realize.

• Book clubs: Books are arguably the most well-known offering available at local libraries, so it

makes perfect sense that some facilities organize book clubs for local readers. Many host clubs for readers of all ages, and some may even host genre-specific clubs, meaning there might be a club for anyone, whether they’re avid fantasy fans, mystery devotees or students of sci-fi.

• Streaming content: Print books might be a specialty at local libraries, but many also offer cardholders access to movies or television shows via a streaming service like Kanopy. Audiobooks and e-books also may be available to borrow free of charge.

• Professional resources: Volunteers at local libraries may offer their professional services free of charge. Volunteers may be local residents with extensive experience in business who can help young professionals identify opportunities and how to make the most of them or assist established professionals brush up on their résuméwriting skills.

• Board games: If game night is a popular pastime in your household, then you might want to see if your local library allows cardholders to borrow games. Many provide such services, which can help ensure no two game nights are the same.

Local libraries offer books and much, much more, typically at no cost to cardholders.

A study from The Ohio State University found large differences in word exposure based on how often young children are read to. Children whose parents read them five books a day heard about 1.48 million words before kindergarten, compared with just over 4,600 words for children who were never read to. Even daily reading resulted in far fewer words than reading multiple books a day. Beyond vocabulary growth, reading supports children’s communication skills, empathy, literacy, and understanding of the world.

One study also noted the effects that reading to young children can have on the relationship between parent and child. That study, authored by researchers at the University of Wollongong in Australia and Boston University and published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, found that reading to young children supports a strong relationship between parent and child.

Grief And Loss Peer-Led Support Group

First Thursday Of Every Month, 6:30 P.M. To 7:30 P.M.

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

Lenten

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.

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.

Did youHomeknow?Renovations

Home renovations are wildly popular, and that popularity can be traced to a number of factors. Some homeowners renovate their homes with their own comfort in mind, while others do so to improve the resale value of the property. For those in the latter group, a recognition of renovations that yield the highest return on investment may help them decide which projects to pursue. According to the housing market research and analytics ﬁrm Zonda Media, a garage door replacement offered the highest return on investment in the American real estate market in 2024, earning a whopping 194 percent return on homeowners’ initial investment. An entry door replacement with steel door offered the second best ROI at 188 percent of homeowners’ initial investment, while replacing siding with stone veneer was third on the list with an average ROI of 153 percent.

Fresh Air, Open Windows, and New Beginnings…

Hello Beautiful Spring!

Spring has a way of making everything feel new again. It’s a season that reminds us that change can be refreshing and full of opportunity.

For buyers and sellers, spring is one of the most exciting times of the year in real estate. Homes show beautifully, buyers are actively looking, and many families begin planning their next move. If you’re curious about your options, this is the perfect time to start the conversation. Give me a call or stop by my o ce on Montauk Highway (it’s the one with the sign above).

I am grateful for Spring, and I look forward to seeing you around town!

JoAnn