year, the Town received over 150 submissions, making the
All the winning posters are on display at Town Hall West. Congratulations to all who participated! We are excited to see how the creativity continues next year! Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter attended along with DEC Commissioner Marty Bellew; Islip Town Recycling Educator, Danielle Wynn; ReWorld’s Facility Manager, Bill Murphy; and ReWorld’s Market Area Director, James Regan.
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
Students and staff throughout the West Islip Union Free School District came together on May 1 to celebrate College Awareness Day, highlighting the importance
West Islip Seniors Celebrate Decision Day
of planning for the future and exploring postsecondary opportunities.
Across the district, students, teachers and staff showed
their school spirit by wearing apparel representing colleges and universities, creating a vibrant and unified display of pride and aspiration. The day
served as an opportunity to encourage conversations about life after graduation and the many pathways available to students.
At the elementary and
middle school levels, students participated in age-appropriate discussions and activities focused on future planning. They learned about a variety of postsecondary options, including college, military service and trade schools, while also gaining an understanding of the importance of being lifelong learners.
At the high school, members of the Class of 2026 gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate together, wearing their college shirts and sharing their plans. The event included a group photo capturing the excitement and unity of the senior class.
As part of the celebration, seniors also wrote their names on pawprint cutouts, which were then displayed on the school’s 2026 Decision Day banner, serving as a lasting tribute to their accomplishments and aspirations.
The district remains committed to providing students with the resources and guidance needed to pursue a wide range of postsecondary pathways and to prepare them for success beyond graduation.
Legislator Flotteron Recognizes SC Champion Of Diversity Honoree For The 11th LD
Suffolk County Legislator
Steven J. Flotteron recognized Challenger Athletics as the 2026 Champion of Diversity Award nominee for the 11th Legislative District. Founder of Challenger Athletics Raymond Samson is a devoted husband, father, coach, and communitybuilder whose life has been shaped by family. He is the proud father of three children, Grace, Henry, and Patrick.
Samson spent countless time coaching lacrosse and CYO basketball to his older kids, with Patrick—born with Down syndrome—right by his side at every practice
and game. In 2013, inspired by Patrick’s spirit he founded Challenger Athletics so that his older children, and the wider community, could now rally behind Patrick and athletes like him. What began as a single lacrosse program has grown into a robust, year-round special needs sports organization offering a dozen sports, including basketball, bowling, flag football, surfing, and more. While the programs are sportsoriented, their true purpose runs deeper: Challenger Athletics is dedicated to developing confidence, self-esteem, independence, and lasting relationships
between its athletes and the communities that support them.
His passion for the special needs community is also leading him to explore new ways to support individuals as they age out of statesupported programs. One path he is actively considering is a vocational school that challenges each student to discover their talents and trains them for meaningful work that matches their unique skills. For more information or to get involved, go to https:// www.challengerathletics. org/.
“What
Islip’s Salute To Service Fair Supports Our Heroes
On Saturday, April 25th, the Town of Islip hosted its 2nd Annual Salute to Service Resource Fair at Brookwood Hall Ballroom. The event welcomed veterans, active military members, and their families to connect with
valuable services, resources, and support available throughout the community.
This free open house featured various organizations and offered valuable information on benefits, healthcare, and local programs tailored to
veterans. Complimentary breakfast and lunch were provided, courtesy of Suffolk Credit Union.
In addition to the resource fair, Paws of War hosted a Mobile Veterinary Clinic to assist veterans, active
military members, and their pets, providing exams, grooming, and vaccinations onsite.
“This Salute to Service Resource Fair is a meaningful way for our Town to honor those who have
served our country,” said Councilman John Lorenzo, event organizer. “By bringing essential services and support together in one place, we help ensure that veterans and their families have access to the care and resources they deserve.”
“Opportunities like this allow us to connect directly with our veterans and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
United States Navy Blue Angels To Headline The 2026 FourLeaf Air Show At Jones Beach
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are very pleased to once again welcome the United States Navy Blue Angels as headliners for the 2026 FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach. The announcement was made at the annual International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention in Las Vegas.
The 2026 FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach will take place over the Fourth of July weekend
as part of the nation’s Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration of the United States, as announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. The FourLeaf Air Show will take place on Sunday, July 5th and Monday, July 6th, with a practice day on Friday, July 3rd. The annual Jones Beach Fireworks Spectacular will once again light up the sky on Saturday, July 4th.
aviation excellence right here on Long Island,” said George Gorman, Regional Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The United States Navy Blue Angels headlined the very first air show at Jones Beach in 2004 and will return to Long Island to headline next year’s special
Semiquincentennial show. This will be the Blue Angels’ 11th headliner performance for what has grown into one of the most respected air shows in the country. The last time the Blue Angels performed, in 2024, over 459,000 people attended the show over the three-day period.
“The 2026 FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach will be a spectacular tribute to America’s 250 years of freedom, courage, and innovation,” said Linda Armyn, President and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union. “We’re proud to continue a tradition that unites families, honors those who serve, and reminds us all what it means to be part of this great nation. With the Blue Angels leading an all-star lineup of military and civilian performers, we’re excited to present a thrilling air show showcasing the very best of American excellence.”
Additional performers announced at ICAS include: the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Civilian teams also set to perform in 2026 include: the current reigning Air Masters Cup Series champion and current Sky Grand Prix Champion, Aarron Deliu; the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; and the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams. The full 2026 lineup will continue to be updated and announced.
“The FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the most anticipated events of the summer, and this year’s celebration
will be our biggest and most meaningful yet. It’s a chance for families to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, honor our heroes, and enjoy an unforgettable display of
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
MEMORIAL DAY
May 25th, 2026
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.
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
West Islip Senior Takes First At SkillsUSA Competition
West Islip High School
senior Justin Anderson earned first place in the HVAC competition at the 60th anniversary New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference, securing a spot at the national competition this June in Atlanta.
Anderson, who attends the BOCES Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning program, competed against top students from across New York State during the three-day event from April 22-24. Participants were challenged through both a rigorous industrylevel competency exam and a demanding 10-station practical assessment designed to test technical skill, precision and problemsolving abilities.
Throughout the competition, Anderson demonstrated advanced knowledge and hands-on expertise in a variety of HVACrelated tasks, including welding and bending
metal, testing equipment for environmental pollutants, and adjusting and certifying refrigeration units. The competition required students to apply multiple industry concepts simultaneously in real-world scenarios.
“Justin absolutely crushed it at the competition,” instructor Nick DeBlanco said. “He is confident, capable and caring, and we are incredibly proud of his accomplishments. I expect he’s going to do very well on the national stage.”
By earning first place in the HVAC category, Anderson qualified to represent New York State at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference from June 1-5 in Atlanta, where he will compete against students from across the country.
The district congratulates him on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success at the national competition.
Interesting Facts About Memorial Day
Memorial Day, observed at the end of May, honors the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. With origins dating back to the aftermath of the Civil War, the holiday carries deep historical significance. Here are five interesting facts:
Originally called Decoration Day: Before Memorial Day was formally established, communities held springtime tributes by decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. In 1868, General John A. Logan officially proclaimed May 30 as Decoration Day.
Became a national holiday in 1968: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation recognizing Memorial Day as a federal holiday. He also issued a proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day, noting its early communitywide observance in 1866.
Flowers influenced the date: May 30 was chosen not because of a specific battle, but because it fell during a time when flowers would be in bloom across the country, making it ideal for decorating soldiers’ graves. Expanded after World War I: While early observances focused on Civil War soldiers, the holiday was later expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in any war.
Date changed for a long weekend: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal workers. The change took effect in 1971.
Udall Road Welcomes Hundreds For Math Masters Competition
On May 8, Udall Road Middle School in the West
Islip Union Free School District welcomed students from across Long Island for its annual Math Masters Competition, a full-day event celebrating mathematics, teamwork and academic excellence.
The competition brought together more than 200 students representing 39 different school districts from across the region.
Throughout the day, participants challenged themselves through a series of rigorous mathematical activities, including both team-based rounds and individual problem-solving questions.
Students demonstrated critical thinking, collaboration and perseverance as they worked through a variety of complex math challenges in a competitive yet supportive
environment. The event also provided students with the opportunity to meet and interact with peers who share a passion for mathematics and learning. The annual Math Masters Competition continues to be a valued tradition that promotes academic achievement and encourages students to strengthen their mathematical skills through engaging and enriching experiences.
From left, West Islip Union Free School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Romanelli, Bayview Elementary School Principal John Mullins, Justin Anderson, Udall Road Middle School Principal Dr. Daniel Marquardt and West Islip High School Principal Andrew O’Farrell.
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