COUPLES INVITED TO FREE VALENTINE’S DAY VOW RENEWAL
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca invite residents to renew their wedding vows at a special ceremony on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14th, at Oyster Bay Town Hall. The event is offered free of charge to Town residents but reservations are required. Residents interested in renewing their wedding vows should RSVP to (516) 624-6380 by February 10th. Pictured: Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Supervisor Saladino and Tax Receiver Jeff Pravato celebrate with over 100 couples at a Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony at Town Hall.
Edward Termini
Donna Lee Hickey
Ethiel Melecio
Gina McGovern
Jennifer Mabrouk
John Masino
Wing
Teri Catapano Black
Bruno Ungania
Ann Catapano
Caroline M DeLuca
Claire Festa
Barbara Ciminera
Joan M Labarbera
Eileen E Cook
Gus Kalogrias
Harun Yakub
Mary Dunphy
Steven DeLuca
Dennis Brady
Domenick A Stanco
Recipe Of The Week: Chicken Barley Soup
Everyone knows there’s no cure for the common cold. Though colds can strike at any time, cold season tends to occur when the weather cools down and people spend more time indoors. Inside viruses can circulate and spread more easily, thus leading to elevated rates of infection. Though there might be no cure for the common cold, that does not mean people are helpless against it. Many people have their own remedies to help them manage and potentially shorten the duration of a cold, and chicken soup features prominently in those antidotes. Whether cold season is kicking into high gear or people are confronting the common cold at other times of year, they can incorporate this recipe for “Chicken Barley Soup” with Vegetables courtesy of Lines+Angles into their cold remedy routines.
Makes 6 servings
8 cups chicken stock
4 cups water
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup carrots, sliced
2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced
1 russet potato, peeled and cubed
1 cup broccoli, chopped 1⁄2 cup barley Salt, to taste, Pepper, to taste
1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, water, marjoram, rosemary, and parsley. Simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Add onion, carrots, cooked chicken, potato, broccoli, and barley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over low heat for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve.
Imbroto Announces Free Musical Performances
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2025 with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.
“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Councilman Imbroto.
“I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”
Scheduled performances for February and March include:
• Dean Karahalis & The NY Brass Quintet on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the Plainview- Old Bethpage Public Library. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 20th. For more
information call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.
• The Gypsy Felons on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Jericho Public Library – Playing hit songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s and telling interesting stories behind the music. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 15th. For more information call the library at (516) 935-6790.
• Alexander Wu & His Trio on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library – Three Centuries of the African Diaspora highlights the vast contributions to music by both Africans and the descendants of enslaved Africans from around the world.
• The Brooklyn Bards on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public
On January 9, the Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) held its first meeting of the new year in the community room of the Ellsworth Allen Town Park. Delicious desserts, including cakes, breads, cookies, and fruit were offered to members and guests by the Luncheon Committee chaired by Margaret Barrett and members Ingrid Hernandez, Maria Ortolani, and Valerie Thieke, with Fran Rotondo and Lorraine Stanton offering additional assistance.
For the February recess, when schools are closed, the club will continue its “Shut the Door on Hunger”
First Meeting Of The New Year
program whereby specific food items are donated and collected, then sorted and distributed, to qualifying students in the Farmingdale School District, to meet food insecurities whiles schools are closed. Social Workers from the FSD have provided an updated list of the most practicable food items: large boxes of cereal, an assortment of small snacks, boxed milk, peanut butter & jelly, crackers, small jars of mayo, canned tuna and/or chicken, granola bars and gift cards to Stop n Shop and MacDonalds. These collections can be dropped off at the Farmingdale Public Library on Friday’s
from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, Room F, downstairs until February 7. Elevator available if needed. For more information, tdtd108@aol.com.
The program for this meeting was assembled by 1st VP Margaret Barrett and titled “Body & Brain Chair Yoga.” Instructor Laura Proppe taught a variety of mind-body exercises to release tension, increase flexibility, improve circulation and alignment, and shift focus away from busy thoughts. These connections activate your brain’s natural power and enable you to achieve your goals. Members and guests left feeling reinvigorated.
During the school year, when schools are open, students that qualify receive a free breakfast and lunch. However, when schools are closed, food insecurity for these students intensifies.
The Women’s Club of Farmingdale has created a program that will “Shut the Door on Hunger” when schools are closed by
providing non-perishable food items listed below to the Farmingdale School District via the district social workers who will distribute them.
Collections will be made at the Farmingdale Public Library any day that the library is open. Large bins at each entrance have been set aside for this purpose.
President Lynda Leone updated the club on a new program at the Farmingdale Public Library called CASE (Connection & Social Empowerment). It is available to special needs adults after high school graduation. Library Director Christa Lucarelli started this program as a way for these adults to continue to have opportunities for social
interaction and daily meaningful activities. They meet every Tuesday morning and can engage in arts & crafts, including regular painting or digital art, flower arranging, crocheting, making and listening to music, karaoke. watching movies and playing games, including card games and virtual games. After the session, they usually go out to lunch together
which again offers different opportunities and experiences.
The Women’s Club of Farmingdale, a local 501-C-3 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, Publicity Chair
Needed items include: snacks and more snacks, granola bars, large boxes of cereal, boxed milk for cereal, peanut butter & jelly & crackers, small mayo, canned tuna/ chicken, canned soup with pull tab tops, or gift cards to Stop & Shop (location easily accessible) and/or MacDonald’s.
WCF members with Yoga Inst. Laura Proppe
WCF Luncheon Com – L-R: Maria Ortolani, Ingrid Hernandez, 1st VP Margaret Barrett, Val Thieke
Yoga Inst. Laura Proppe addressing WCF members for chair yoga
WCF Pres. L. Leone, Yoga Inst. Laura Proppe, 1st VP M. Barrett
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
STILL TO COME
THIS MONTH!
THURS. JAN. 30th
2:00PM–3:00PM
WINTER BINGO
Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Ave. in Babylon. Shake off your winter blues with a few rounds of Bingo! Adults only, please. Registration is required. Please call Erin White for more information 631-669-1624
6:30PM-8:00 PM
TRIVIA NIGHT - TRIVIA ON ICE at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. A winter-themed trivia in film, music, nature, history, geography, and more with a whale or two added in, of course! Enjoy hot chocolatespiked 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
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
HOLIDAYS
2nd - Groundhog Day
14th - Valentine's Day
17th - Presidents' 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
THURS. FEB. 6th
11:00AM
LINDENHURST EVENING
HOMEMAKERS GROUP
Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd. in Amityville. (off of New Hwy.) Open to all, 18 years old & up. Meetings start at 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more info
SAT. FEB. 8th
10:30AM-12:30PM FOREST THERAPY WALK
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy. in Great River. Join a certified forest therapy guide on a walk to slow down, wander, and notice the beauty of nature. This will be a lengthy walk, so please wear comfortable, study shoes and warm clothing. $45/pp.
11:00AM-3:00PM
WINTERFEST 2025 Levittown Community Council WinterFest 2025, Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road in Levittown. Free admission, crafts, entertainment, and eye screening. OTHER: Featuring Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers, balloon magic by MsMatch the Clown, music by deejay Tim Aldridge. For information visit: levittowncouncil@yahoo.com
3:00PM
VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT Valentine's Day Concert
Featuring Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690. A free-will offering will be taken.
TUES. FEB. 11th
7:00PM REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
7150 Republic Airport, Room 201 in Farmingdale. For information call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email: info@ republicairport.net
SAT. FEB. 15th
11:00AM-1:00PM
MAPLE SUGARING
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. This interactive program geared for adults will teach you how to make your own maple syrup at home! Not recommended for children. Please call for Reservations: 631-423- 1770. Registration: Required
SUN. FEB. 16th
3:00PM-7:00PM
ANNUAL OUTREACH DANCE SPONSORED BY THE LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS Join them for their Annual Fundraiser at Division 2 Hall in Babylon. $40 pp includes beer, wine, soda, buffet dinner, dessert, Irish coffee Bar. Bring a bag of non-perishable food for inclusion in a Special Raffle! Reservations are a MUST call or text Mary Gibbons 631-671-6178
Fresh Long Island Duck in an Orange Cranberry Glaze Served with Wild Rice & Vegetables
Steak (Add $9):
Grilled, Topped with Asparagus and Melted Mozzarella in Barolo Wine Sauce Served with Onion Rings
Cannoli • Flourless Chocolate Cake • Tiramisu
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca invite residents to renew their wedding vows at a special ceremony on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14th, at Oyster Bay Town Hall. Cosponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event will include a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay. The special ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and will include light refreshments for all guests.
“Couples often select Valentine’s Day to celebrate their relationship,” added Town Clerk LaMarca. “It may be a sentimental choice for couples who had their first date, first kiss, or even engagement on Valentine’s Day. Whatever the reason, we are proud to offer this special vow renewal ceremony at Town Hall.”
The ceremony will take place at Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay hamlet. The event is offered free of charge to Town residents but reservations are required. Residents interested in renewing their wedding vows should RSVP to (516) 624-6380 by February 10th.
The story of America’s
“Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, and many couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries on this special day. We look forward to making this special day even better as couples renew their marriage vows and declare their endless love for one another,” said Supervisor Saladino.
Continued From 4
information call the library at (516) 935-6790.
• The Traditions on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library – Vocal harmony at its best!
first Valentine is a proud piece of Oyster Bay history which dates back to the time of the Revolutionary War, as British troops occupied Long Island homes. During
the height of the American Revolutionary War, love improbably blossomed between Lt. Col Simcoe and a young patriot named Sally Townsend as the
Townsend property served as a headquarters for a regiment of 300 British troops. Lt. Col. Simcoe presented Sally with a poem he wrote asking her to be his Valentine, and his famous poem, entitled ‘Will You Be My Valentine,’ became the first documented written Valentine in America.
Imbroto Announces Free Musical Performances
Performing “Teardrops,” “In the Still of the Night,” “Daddy’s Home,” and many more!
• Phil Costa & The Something Special Big Band on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage
Public Library – One of the finest nostalgia/ jazz swing bands in the New York Tri-State area. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning March 10th. For more information
call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.
• Breakdown on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – One of the finest tributes to the music of Tom Petty.
• Echoes of Sinatra on
Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – Keeping the “Sinatra” memory alive!
The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts
(CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.
Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Supervisor Saladino and Tax Receiver Jeff Pravato celebrate with over 100 couples at a Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony at Town Hall.
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Seniors Invited To Join ‘Golden Tones’ Chorus Group
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that the Town of Oyster Bay ‘Golden Tones Entertainment Group’ is returning to the North Massapequa Community Center this February and invite new members. This senior chorus is a social group open to Town residents over the age of 60 who have an interest in singing, dancing or entertaining. Anyone 60 and over is welcome, a great singing voice is not required to participate in this social group.
“We hear from choir members all the time how singing together lifts their spirits while providing great enjoyment to others in senior care facilities, schools and at public events,” said Councilwoman Maier. “The Golden Tones Chorus provides a creative and social outlet for seniors to make new friends and bond over their love of music. Join us today!”
Meetings will be held every Friday, beginning on Friday, January 31, at 10 a.m. at the North Massapequa Community Center, located at 214 North Albany Avenue in North Massapequa. There are two planned shows, a Spring Show as well as a Holiday Show, scheduled to be performed at the North Massapequa Community Center.
Senior citizens interested in joining the Golden Tones should call (516) 797-7916 for more information.
Did You Know?
Tea has been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of years and has featured prominently in many cultures during that time. The cultural practice of drinking tea is believed to have originated in ancient China. Although there are many different types of tea, the World Tea Council says black tea is the most consumed tea across the globe, comprising around 75 percent of total tea consumption. The most popular type of black tea is Assam tea, which is grown in India. The second-most widely consumed tea is green tea, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of total tea consumption.
Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Applications
To Sponsor Hometown Hero Banners To Recognize Veterans And Active Duty Personnel
Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Steve Labriola, and Councilman Louis Imbroto announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting applications for the 2025 Hometown Heroes Community Recognition Program. This cherished initiative honors the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces – both living and deceased – who are current or former residents of the Town of Oyster Bay.
Councilman Labriola stated, “This Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Program allows us to show our deep gratitude to the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our nation. Their courage and dedication deserve our utmost respect, and this initiative provides a lasting tribute to their service. We are proud to bring this important initiative back to our communities.”
The program features banners bearing the
honorees’ names, ranks, photographs, and areas of service. These banners will be displayed at selected park facilities throughout the Town of Oyster Bay in the months leading up to Veterans Day in November. To participate, individuals or organizations may sponsor a banner for $75, covering the production cost. No profit is made from this program.
After Veterans Day, the banners will be taken down to prevent damage from winter weather and returned to the service member’s family or loved ones. Those who sponsored banners in the previous year must submit a new application to be included in the 2025 season. Applications are due by March 14, 2025.
“I’m proud to commend retired U.S. Air Force Captain Warren Achenbaum for his distinguished service as a navigator bombardier and for joining us in promoting the Hometown
Hero Banner Program. His dedication to our nation and his support of this important initiative to honor local heroes inspire us all. This program is a meaningful way to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of our veterans, and I thank Captain Achenbaum and his family for their commitment to preserving and celebrating their legacy in our community parks,” added Councilman Louis Imbroto.
Supervisor Saladino concluded, “This program is a meaningful way for our community to pay tribute to those who have bravely and selflessly served our nation. It is an honor to recognize their sacrifices and their continued contributions to our local communities through advocacy and leadership.” For more information or to download an application, visit www.oysterbaytown. com/herobanners or call (516) 797-4121.
Pictured from right to left: Councilman Steve Labriola, Retired United States Air Force Captain Warren Achenbaum of Massapequa, and Councilman Louis Imbroto.
