Nassau Coliseum recently hosted the Town of Babylon night, featuring a basketball game between the Long Island Nets and the College Park Skyhawks. Various groups from the Town of Babylon showcased their talents. The evening commenced with firefighters from multiple Babylon fire departments proudly presenting the national colors. The Long Island Nets honored Wyandanch resident and Town of Babylon Deputy Commissioner of Parks, Marlon Marshall, and Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory of Copiague, recognizing their dedicated military service to the nation.
Long Island State Park Hosts 2025 Winter Concert Series
The New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, New York.
The 2025 Winter Concert Series performance schedule is as follows:
February 02 – Serenade
Duo Gerry Saulter (Guitar) Michelle La Porte (Flute)
February 09 – Extra
Chi Terence Purcell (Piano) Michelle Lisi (Flute)
February 16 –
Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano)
March 02 –
Quintessence Laura Mole (Violin), Jody Ratner (Viola), Susan Lehr (Cello)
This event was particularly significant as various groups from the Town of Babylon showcased their talents, including the St. Cyril & Methodius youth basketball league and a performance by the South Bay dance team during halftime, drawing a crowd of local supporters. The evening commenced with firefighters from multiple Babylon fire departments proudly presenting the national colors. Additionally, the Long Island Nets honored Wyandanch resident and Town of Babylon Deputy Commissioner of Parks, Marlon Marshall, and Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory of Copiague, recognizing their dedicated military service to the nation.
2025 Winter Concert Series
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March 09 – Piano Duo
Elinor Zayas & Karen
Baer
March 16 – Cambiata Cello Duo Paul Finkelstein & Suzanne
Mueller
Parking will be limited and on a first come, first served basis throughout the entirety of this concert series. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. Seating is on first come, first serve basis. The concerts, free to he public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 8883525. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
Pets ANIMAL HOSPITAL
PS I Love You Day” Initiative
The “PS I Love You Day” initiative, founded in 2010 by Jamie and Brooke DiPalma, aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Its objective is to provide hope to those affected by mental illness while fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated. Since 2018, Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney has collaborated with the DiPalma family to raise awareness about this critical mental health issue. He echoes their message this year, stating, “A brighter tomorrow begins today.” Councilman McSweeney, who has served as a firefighter with the FDNY for 21 years and as a volunteer firefighter with the North Babylon Fire Company for 24 years, announced that his office will be collecting handprint heart posters to distribute to various first responder agencies
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Recipe Of The Week: Deep-Fried Wontons
elebrate the Chinese New Year with deep-fried wontons. The Chinese New Year is a unique celebration with a global footprint. While many of the more awe-inspiring celebrations may occur within China, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to commemorate this unique event elsewhere. Celebrations can even take place at home, where individuals can whip up homemade Chinese fare to lend their festivities a more authentic feel. This Chinese New Year, those who want to bring this unique event into their homes can try the following recipe for “Deep-Fried Pork Wontons” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Directions:
1. Mix together the ingredients for the filling, stirring in one direction only.
2. Place double layers of wonton wrappers in front of you in a diamond shape. Place a little of the filling on the bottom half of the dough. Fold the bottom corner of dough over the filling and roll it once. Take the outside corners and bring them together, sealing with a little water. Stand the wontons on their flat bases and gently separate the two top flaps. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Heat about 4 inches oil in a deep pan until gently bubbling, then fry the wontons in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels then serve on beds of the mixed leaves with the sweet and sour sauce alongside.
Tip: This recipe may also be steamed or boiled.
Garage Door
Garage Door Sale!
Garage Door Sale!
JANUARY HAPPENINGS
FRI. JAN. 24th
10:00AM-11:00AM
TINY TOTS:
WINTER PUPPET THEATER
Hempstead Lake State Park. Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com. Registration: Required
SAT. JAN. 25th
8:45AM-12:00PM
8:45AM 5K Start
9:00AM Half Marathon & Marathon Start
ICEBREAKER MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K at Eisenhower Park Field 2 Rain or Shine. Certifi ed course and a Boston Qualifi er! The course is a looped course and great for spectating. The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on park paths and fully closed roads. For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323
9:30AM–4:00PM
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Will be held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. in Islip. Fee: $25 check or money order payable directly to New York Safety Training Associates (NYSTA) on the day of the program. For more information, please call 631-581-5933
10:00AM-4:00PM
PET ADOPTION-DONATE EVENT
HOLIDAYS
1st - New Years Day
20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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 info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
New Year?
is the Perfect Time to Discuss Your Next Move
“Michelle was amazing. Very responsive. Great experience from start to finish! Michelle explained the process, answered all our questions, coordinated quickly and efficiently the whole process between all parties involved. We recommend Michelle to all our friends on Long Island”.
INDOOR EVENT
Come Adopt or Come and Donate
Animal Garage Sale Lots Of Vendors Lots Of Items. 1172 Route 109 in Lindenhurst. Items needed: dry food, canned food, treats, collars/leashes, cat litter, chew toys, cat toys, blankets.
12:00PM
SATURDAY SPACE LAB: SPACE TELESCOPES & THE WONDERS OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Learn about the incredible space telescopes like Hubble and James Webb, which orbit our planet and capture stunning solar system images. Then, discover the history, traditions, and signifi cance of the Lunar New Year. Space Labs are held at The Cradle Of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City. Led by talented interns, astronomy docents, and museum educators. Reservations 516-572-4066
6:30PM
NIGHT AT THE RACES
Will be held on Saturday, January 25,2025, at Wade-Burns VFW 7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue in Lindenhurst, Doors open 6:30 p.m. Admission $10.00. For more information, please call 631-888-9854.
TUES. JAN. 28th
8:30AM
BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA Hosted by Joseph Barry Columbiettes located in Hicksville.
Cost: $55 pp, includes driver’s tip. Give back: $35 slot play. Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. Return approx. 8:30 p.m. Parking: 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end) Reservations: call Barbara at 516-935-5576
THURS. JAN. 30th
6:30PM-8:00 PM
TRIVIA NIGHT - TRIVIA ON ICE at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. A winterthemed trivia in fi lm, music, nature, history, geography, and more with a whale or two added in, of course! Enjoy hot chocolate - spiked or plain - and appetizers from Grasso's Restaurant. Prizes and bragging rights for winners! Adults 21+ For more information, please call Cristina Ainslie at 631-367-3418
UPCOMING
FEBRUARY EVENTS
SAT. FEB. 1st
11:00AM
LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAM Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 4090 Sunrise Highway in Oakdale. After a brisk hike, warm up with traditional New Year soups and sweets while enjoying a Presentation. Our Island’s Story: The Natural History of Long Island: This talk will discuss the features that make Long Island's geology distinctive and have shaped the peoples who have inhabited this island. Registration required. www. friendsofconnetquot.org
-Zillow Review From Previous Seller
By JoAnn Cilla
Happy 2025!
Welcoming The New Year: A Roadmap For Success And Gratitude
I love January 1st. It’s a great day to celebrate the victories from last year, while getting a second chance to finish incomplete work or start new projects. Each New Year brings with it a clean slate, a chance to realign with our goals and dreams. If you think the same way, here’s how you can set the tone for a successful and fulfilling year.
1. Seize New Opportunities Every New Year is like an open door—full of promise but you must walk through it. For business owners, this might mean “Out with the old and in with the new!” Decide today where you want your business to be on December 31, 2025 (usually it’s a revenue
number but you can choose any goal that is specific and measurable).
Once you have your goals in place, break them down into manageable quarterly milestones. If you’re aiming for a 20% increase in revenue, for instance, focus on steps like launching new products or services, expanding
your customer base, or enhancing your marketing strategy. Sometimes, what worked for you last year might not work for you this year. Be ready and open to making necessary changes. For individuals, opportunities often come disguised as challenges. Whether it’s learning a new skill, networking, or saying “yes” to projects outside your comfort zone, welcome the new opportunities/challenges with open arms.
2. Avoid Common Obstacles
A lack of focus can derail even the best intentions. Business owners today should prioritize clarity: Do your employees know and understand your goals for 2025? Are you giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed? Do
you plan to meet with them on a regular basis to make sure they stay on track?
For individuals, avoid the trap of burnout by setting realistic goals. Not every task needs to be urgent. Focus on what’s truly important, and delegate or defer the rest. Most importantly, move at your own pace! The only person you are competing with is yourself.
3. Practice Daily Gratitude
There is a mural on the side of my building that I asked a local artist to paint for me when I first moved into my office. It’s a simple three-word mantra, “Gratitude Changes Everything.” I did this to remind myself every day when I come to work how grateful I am for today. It can be easy to forget gratitude when things are
tough, but it’s gratitude that will help us get through the tough times. Gratitude makes hard times bearable, good times wonderful, and great times memorable. Practice it daily in 2025 and see the difference it makes in your life.
4. Celebrate Progress
Don’t wait until December to celebrate your success. Acknowledge small wins throughout the year, both professionally and personally. These moments will remind you why you started in the first place, and they will help you in getting to the next level.
I hope my four suggestions were helpful, and I wish you success, happiness, and good health throughout 2025.
Cooking Your Own Meals
Aging men and women may be tempted to eschew home cooking entirely. After all, there are plenty of convenient frozen or takeout foods available that can be whipped up in a snap. However, there are certain benefits to cooking your own meals. John Moore, DO, an Aetna medical director and senior health specialist, says that cooking can be good for helping to stave off cognitive decline. Dr. Moore notes that, when cooking, the mind is put to use following a recipe and learning new skills and tasks. Furthermore, cooking for oneself can boost seniors’ self-confidence, reassuring them that they can handle an important daily task without having to rely on their family for meals. As long as it is deemed safe (i.e., no sign of cognitive decline), seniors should be encouraged to continue cooking.
JOANN CILLA
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PET GROOMER WANTED Seeking groomer with 2+ years experience. Looking for someon e who takes pride in their
and works well with others. Must be able to groom an y breed start to finish, have own tool s and be re liable. Pl ease reply by email wi th recent/related work history, photos of your work and a good co ntact number as well as e mail address, or call (631) 376-1746 / FAX –(631) 661-3248
ssary.
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PS I Love You Day” Initiative
Continued From 6
in the Town of Babylon. He will also collect new and used books for “PS I Love You.” McSweeney emphasized that “this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Library Initiative by encouraging book reuse, promoting literacy, and enhancing community involvement while supporting environmental sustainability. By donating gently used or new books during this campaign, community members can significantly impact access to reading resources.”Contributions of posters and books can be made at Babylon Town Hall until February 11. For further inquiries, please contact Councilman Terence McSweeney’s Office at 631-957-3081.
New York Blood Center And New York Islanders Ring In The New Year With Annual Blood Drive
On Monday, January 6th, New York Blood Center (NYBC) partnered with the New York Islanders for their annual blood drive at the UBS Arena in the Acrisure Great Hall. All blood donors at this blood drive received a voucher redeemable for two tickets to a select 2025 New York Islanders home game. The Islanders have been long-time supporters of
NYBC, hosting blood drives since 2000 and collecting a total of 2,875 donations over the past two decades.
January is National Blood Donor Month, which is always a difficult time for the blood supply, since school breaks, family vacations, holiday travel and cold weather all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority. NYBC has
seen a nearly 40% drop in donations in the last several weeks, resulting in more than 3,000 fewer donations during a critical time of year.
“This National Blood Donor Month, New York Blood Center is grateful to the New York Islanders for decades of partnership in helping us meet the critical need for blood donations, particularly during the difficult winter months,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “This partnership unites Islander fans and blood donors to make a meaningful impact on the region’s public health, and we are grateful to the Long Islanders who stepped up in 2025 to support both our community’s health and their home team.”
“We are proud to partner with the New York Blood Center for over two decades to encourage blood donation in our
community,” said Ann Rina, Executive Director for Community Relations, New York Islanders. “Blood donations are essential to saving lives, and we thank our loyal and passionate fans for joining us in making a difference during National Blood Donor Month.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-9332566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time.
Now Hiring Advertising Account Representatives
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Benefits Of Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000
participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the
previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings. The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health. Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.
Did You Know?
(NAPS)—Slow down during the last half hour before you go to bed, advises Dr. Richard Shane, the licensed psychotherapist and sleep therapist who developed the Sleep Easily Method that leads you gently into sleep. Learn more at www. drshane.com and www. sleepeasily.com.
