South Bay's Neighbor
DALERS EARNS NATIONAL DISTINCTION
For the thirteenth consecutive year, the Farmingdale School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation. This prestigious national award recognizes the district for its outstanding commitment to providing comprehensive music access and high-quality instruction to all students during the school year. To earn this distinction, the district demonstrated excellence in several categories, including program funding, graduation requirements, and robust student participation in the Band, Chorus, and Orchestra.
Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization These two moms opened a spa. It had one big,
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 10:00 am Main Street, Farmingdale
Join the Community to Remember, Honor & Salute our Heroes, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. On May 25, 2026, the Annual Memorial Day Parade kicks off @ 10am proceeding south on Main Street, ending at
Village Hall; rain or shine. Followed by a Ceremony @ the Village Green with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 516, VFW Auxiliary Post 516, American Legion, troops, groups +, 361 Main St. The parade step-off varies by group or organization (Northside
School, Thomas Powell, etc., details provided by the Fire Department.)
Special Thanks to ALL Heroes, Veterans, participants, troops, groups, all involved and to ALL @ the Farmingdale Fire Department for planning the parade!
Farmingdale School District To Honor Distinguished Alumni At Wall Of Fame Ceremony
The Farmingdale School District is proud to announce the induction of three esteemed graduates into the Farmingdale High School Wall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Farmingdale High School. This year’s honorees include Mrs. Rose Celentano (Class of 1961), Honorable Steven Connolly (Class of 1983), and the late Mr. Glenn Padnick (Class of 1964). The Wall of Fame recognizes alums who have distinguished themselves
through outstanding professional achievements and dedicated service to the community. Mrs. Celentano is celebrated for over 50 years of mentorship in youth athletics, while Honorable Connolly is recognized for his legal career and leadership within the Farmingdale PAL. Mr. Padnick is honored for his historic contributions to the television industry and his global advocacy work. “We are thrilled to congratulate all of the honorees for their impressive achievements,”
said Superintendent of Farmingdale Schools
Paul Defendini. “These individuals embody the spirit of our schools and serve as a profound inspiration to our current students.” Complete biographies of this year’s honorees are available on the district website. This celebration reinforces the significance of DalerPride and the lasting impact our graduates have on the community and the world.
All Pictures courtesy of the Farmingdale School District
One-Stop Passport Weekend
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa. Residents are required to book appointments in advance.
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
One 2×2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization
Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall
South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel. state.gov.
Dalers Earns National Distinction For Music Education For 13th Consecutive Year
For the thirteenth consecutive year, the Farmingdale School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation. This prestigious national award recognizes the district for its outstanding commitment to providing comprehensive music access and high-quality instruction to all students during the school year. To earn this distinction, the district demonstrated excellence in several categories, including
Residents Invited To ‘Art In The Park’ Craft Sale
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca invite residents to the Town’s “Art in the Park” event on Saturday, May 30th from 12pm4pm at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay (rain date Sunday, May 31st). The event will feature unique handcrafted goods from over 90 local artists and artisans, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, books, greeting cards and more. A live musical performance will also take place, featuring The Mystic, along with family-friendly activities and offerings from local food trucks. Admission is free.
“We are excited to host ‘Art in the Park’ and connect residents with local artists and artisans. Featuring hand-crafted goods, ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather,
sculpture, and other beautiful items designed by local vendors, the event will offer something special for everyone and provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a handmade gift while supporting our small businesses,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “I invite you to stop by ‘Art in the Park’ and bring the entire family, as live music, food trucks, and activities for kids will also be available.”
‘Art in the Park’ is coordinated by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts
program funding, graduation requirements, and robust student participation in the Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. Verified by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, the award highlights the district’s success in maintaining facilities and instructional time that
foster cognitive growth and social skills through the arts. “The Farmingdale music program is a source of immense pride for our community,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski. “Winning this award underscores the strong bond between the district and the
community, emphasizing our shared appreciation for music education. We are truly thankful to our parents, school leaders, and Board of Education for their steadfast support.”
All Pictures courtesy of the Farmingdale School District
Document Shredding Event
Saturday, June 20, 10:00am - 1:00 pm
Shred your personal papers such as, old tax records, credit card statements, copies of bills, ATM receipts, checks, or other papers/ forms containing personal information that could provide thieves an easy way to steal your identity.
All documents are shredded in a Professional Mobile Shredding Truck, while you watch, and are then recycled. NO spiral binders, plastic folders, clips, or staples.
Limit: 3 bags or boxes per person, at no cost to you, courtesy of the members of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce.
This event is offered as a community service. Farmingdale Public Library, 122 Merritts Road, Farmingdale
Division. This year’s event is sponsored by The Gucciardo Law Firm, Extreme Auto Body, Gold Coast Studios, Steel Equities, Action Auto Wreckers, Starkie Bros. Home & Garden, No Limit Ninja Farmingdale, Renewal by Andersen, Oyster Bay Historical Society, NYS Agriculture and Markets, the Waterfront Center and News12 Long Island.
Artist applications are available now and can be obtained by emailing capa@oysterbay-ny.gov For additional information, visit at www.oysterbaytown.com/ capa or call (516) 797-7925.
MAY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, MAY 21st, thru MONDAY, MAY 25th, Midway hours: 4:00PM10:00PM Thursday, 4:00PM11:00PM Friday, NOON11:00 PM Saturday - Sunday, NOON-10:00PM Monday (Memorial Day)
LEVITTOWN CARNIVAL
At the Levittown Center, 2999 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. Enjoy thrilling midway rides and games and tasty carnival eats for the whole family at this annual Memorial Day weekend event sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. Admission and parking are free. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+. Please check the website for event updates before attending, dreamlandamusements.com. For more information, call 866-666-3247
THURSDAY, MAY 21st, thru MONDAY, MAY 25th, Midway hours: 5:00-10:00PM Thursday, 5:00PM-11:00PM Friday, NOON-11:00PM Saturday-Sunday, 1:00PM10:00PM Monday (Memorial Day).
MERRICK TRAIN STATION CARNIVAL At Merrick LIRR Station, 2099 Sunrise Hwy. in Merrick. Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the electrifying midway over Memorial Day weekend with exciting rides and games for all ages and tantalizing carnival cuisine. Event admission and parking are free. For more information, call 866-666-3247
SATURDAY, MAY 23rd
11:00AM-5:00PM
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
GREAT AMERICAN FOOD AND CRAFT FESTIVAL
At P & A Park, 21 Pearsall Avenue in Deer Park. The Great American Food & Craft Festival brings together delicious eats, handcrafted goods, and creative makers for a fun-filled outdoor celebration of local flavor and artistry. Interested in learning more about the event or want to apply to be a vendor? Check out this site at https://www.staysaltedinc. com/events/the-great-american-foodcraft-festival, or call 631-431-7080
SATURDAY, May 23rd, thru SUNDAY, May 24th
10:00AM-5:00PM
SMITHTOWN SPRING CRAFT FAIR at Smithtown Village Historical Society grounds, 211 East Main Street in Smithtown. Smithtown Spring Craft Fair will be held on the picturesque Smithtown historical society grounds. Featuring 100 local craft and gift vendors, food trucks, and live music. Free parking and admission. For more information, please call 631-885-1267
SATURDAY, May 23rd, thru SUNDAY, May 24th
12:00PM-6:00PM
SALUTE 250 Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce Salute 250 . The Memorial Day Weekend celebration will feature a Revolutionary War Re-enactment Village, festival activities, a musical performance and our first-ever Grand Finale Drone Show! Located in Field
3.5, the Re-enactment village will have colonial cooking, historical exhibits, colonial crafting, George Washington on horseback, and much more! On Sunday, the festivities turn up a notch with children’s activities and inflatables over at the West Bathhouse from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. A musical patriotic tribute to our military will commence at the Central Mall Bandshell from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, leading up to the Drone Show on Central Mall’s Beachfront at 9:00pm!A $10 vehicle use feewill be in effect and all event activities will be free. For more information, please call 631-321-3510
SATURDAY, MAY 30th
8:00AM-1:00PM
MULTI-FAMILY INDOOR YARD SALE
Food, Thrift Shop, Antiques and so much more! Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
SUNDAY, MAY 31st
Doors open: 1:00 PM Games start: 2:00 PM SUPERMARKET BINGO & CHINESE AUCTION
Our Lady of Lourdes School Auditorium, 855 Carmans Rd. in Massapequa Park. Admission: $25 per adult (18+ only), cash or check (payable to OLI Columbiettes) Limited seating—buy tickets early. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes (Our Lady of the Island Council) For more information, please call Joan Donovan: 516659-6519 | jdonovan17@aol.com, Diane Esposito: 516445-9128, diane. esposito.mpk@gmail.com
Five Ways To Honor The Real Meaning Of Memorial Day
Memorial Day often is celebrated with the excitement of a long weekend and the prospect of firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue. But Memorial Day also is a time to reflect on the men and women who gave their lives to defend American freedom.
Memorial Day was established to honor individuals who died while serving the United States in the Armed Forces and the
holiday is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of the fallen heroes who dedicated and lost their lives in the pursuit of service. The following are some ways to honor those sacrifices this Memorial Day.
• Observe the National Moment of Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual one-minute moment of silence that takes place at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. Established by Congress in 2000, this unifying moment encourages Americans to pause their activities and reflect on the high cost of freedom. The time is significant, as it is a period when most people are enjoying Memorial Day festivities that were made possible by the sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel.
• Honor the American flag. Memorial Day features a unique flag protocol. To properly honor the fallen, the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon. Afterwards, it should be raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day, according to the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The transition marks the nation’s mourning in
the morning hours and then the legacy of fallen veterans later in the afternoon.
• Coordinate flag placement for cemeteries.
Organizations like Flags for Fallen Vets and scouting groups make an effort to place small American flags at the grave sites of deceased veterans. Many cemeteries feature sections exclusively for veterans. Similarly, families can visit cemeteries and leave a penny or a stone on the headstone of a veteran, which shows others that someone visited to pay their respects.
• Talk to the next generation. To ensure that the memories of fallen soldiers do not fade into obscurity, living veterans can speak with youth about their service experiences and those of their fallen friends. Schools or local municipalities can organize speaking engagements.
Memorial Day is much more than sales at the furniture store or a day spent manning the grill. It is a day to remember and honor service members who never made it home.
Meet The Winners Of The Annual GFWC Cultural Arts Awards
On March 30, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ (GFWC) Island Metro District Cultural Arts Competition was held at Patrizia’s of Hicksville. Students K-12 from the Farmingdale School District participated by submitting their hand-crafted art and crafts and creative writing stories for judging.
Listed below are Farmingdale School District Student Winners sponsored by the Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) and the Junior League of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale:
ARTS & CRAFTS categories: Kaidoo Mann, 1st Pl, Oil; Corey Chandler, 1st Pl, Ink; Erin Finkel, 1st Pl, Pencil; Lily Cutter, 1st Pl, Photography B; Payton Livingston, 1st Pl, Mixed Media; Lillian Brewster, 1st Pl, Misc. Bird Paper Sculpture; Danna Preza, 2nd Pl, Oil; Naifa Tasnia, 2nd Pl, Acrylic; Jillian Sharp, 2nd Pl, Computer Generated; Sarah
Aliendro, 2nd Pl, Ceramics; Muntaha Afag, 2nd Pl, School Project; Jumaima Hossain, 3rd Pl, Paper Mache Butterfly; Sarah Aliendro, 1st Pl, Ceramics Rose; Kimora Morris, 1st Pl, School Project Deer; Christopher Hill, 1st Pl, Small Woodworking Multi Cutting Board; John Andriopoulos, 1st Pl, Large Woodworking Wooden Burnt Flag; Sydney Luckman, 2nd Pl, Misc. Paper Mache Bark; MacKenzie Andersen, 3rd Pl, Ceramics Facing You; Courtney Supino, 1st Pl, Acrylic Blueberries; James Petrillo, 1st Pl, Cut Paper Landscape on Illustrator The Forest; Veronika Zakaliuk, 2nd Pl, Still Life Pastel Malbec; Kayleen Villatoro, 2nd Pl, Digital Photography & Photoshop Paradise; Jillian Sharp, 2nd Pl, Photography Enhanced advertising Chips Ahoy; Alyssa Hartney, 2nd Pl, Print Making & Oil Pastel Seasonal Overflow Fall; Madison Ramos, 3rd Pl, High Fashion Monster;
Audrey Boch, 3rd Pl, Acrylic Audrey.
The Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) also sponsored creative writing entries from Farmingdale School District K-12 students. The WCF Creative Writing Committee, which reviewed each entry, included Debbie Podolski, Chair, Edie Allen, Margaret Barrett, Gayle Garthwaite, Linda Hayes, Anna Ievolo, Joanne Restivo, Cathy Sewell, and Agatha Vitale. This contest is open to amateur students in grades K-12, requiring original, unpublished short stories written within the contest year. The following students were recognized for their imaginative, articulate and creative stories:
SHORT STORY: Mariscal Melendez, Gr. 2, 1st Pl, Journey; Giana Tyas, Gr. 4, 2nd Pl, Labubu; Lila Monaco, 3rd Pl, The Wedding; Cameron Barrett, Gr, 4, 1st Pl, The Discovery Planet; Gabriella Hanna,
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION
Teri Tinkler
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
2nd Pl, No Pets for Me; Robert Humann, Gr. 3, 3rd Pl, Gobble’s Day of Disguise; Kayla Petersen, 1st Pl, The Symphony of Friendship; Abida Faizy, Gr. 6, 2nd Pl, A Strange Day in July.
POETRY: Ariana RossiFeng, Gr.2, 1st Pl, My Husky; Henry Feng, 2nd Pl, Brown & Peach Together; Charlotte Macy, Gr. 5, 1st Pl, The Owl; Valentina Roura, Gr. 8, 1st Pl, The Cenotaph of Stasis. Photos of some of the FSD
student winners may appear in a later issue.
The following clubwomen were Arts and Crafts winners from both clubs: Lynda Leone, 1st Pl, Mesh Wreath; Cheryl Parisi, 1st Pl, Small Quilting; Joanne Restivo, 1st Pl, Large Knitting and 2nd Pl, Jewelry Set; Barbara Hoerner, 3rd Pl, Small Quilt; Mary Ann Gross, 1st Pl, Jewish Star; Susan Edelman, 1st Pl, Multiple Beads w. Seashells; Dianne Gianfelice,
2nd
CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners! The Women’s Club of Farmingdale, a local 501-C3 non-profit organization, is always interested in welcoming new members. For more information, please email: lyndaleone@gmail. com or jude523@aol.com. #IAMGFWC. Submitted by Maria Ortolani, WCF Publicity Chair
Summer Youth Pickleball Lessons
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN HERE FOR
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced today that Youth Pickleball Lessons will return this summer. Lessons will begin June 30th and are open to youngsters ages 8 through 17. These instructional lessons will be taught by a Level 1 PPR Certified Coach and aim to introduce participants to the fundamentals of pickleball. No experience is necessary to register.
Supervisor Saladino
Pl, Chunky Blanket Pumpkin.
Members WCF Cult. Art Winners: L-R: Lynda Leone, President, Cheryl Parisi, Joanne Restivo, Barbara Hoerner
Pa id Off
*Leased Car Buyouts 29 W. Sunrise Hwy. Lind enhu rst (next to IHOP) 631-226-2277 516-535-9700 CASHFOR CARS LONG ISLAND.NET
se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
stated, “Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and is the perfect activity for young athletes, combining fun, fitness, and sportsmanship. These lessons offer an excellent opportunity for children of all skill levels to become involved in this fastpaced and exciting sport; Register today!”
Available Lessons
Include: 8- 10 Year Olds: Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:00 p.m.- 5:50 p.m. at Allen Park, 45 Motor Ave., Farmingdale 11- 13 Year Olds: Tuesdays & Thursdays
6:00 p.m.- 6:50 p.m. at Allen Park, 45 Motor Ave., Farmingdale 14- 17 Year Olds: Tuesdays & Thursdays
7:00 p.m.- 7:50 p.m. at Allen Park, 45 Motor
BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING? Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
Ave., Farmingdale
Registration will take place online at www.oysterbaytown. com/sports Residents must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and birth certificate for child. Children must be at least 8-years-old at the start of the program. Fees are $100 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Refunds will be available until
Thursday, July 9, 2026 at a 5% administrative fee and will be prorated for the number of days attended. Lessons are 50 minutes long and will last for six consecutive weeks. Participants are encouraged to bring their own paddle and must wear sneakers. For more information, please call (516) 7977945 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.
