“ The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”
—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.
How can we help support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Now Hiring Advertising Account Representatives
newsletters and more. Our familyowned company proudly services businesses of any size from anywhere with the best customer service possible.
• Has prior experience in media sales • Has reliable transportation • Shows excellent communication skills
• Is a team player and self-starter
To discuss this position further,
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 16 –Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano)
March 02 – Quintessence
Laura Mole (Violin), Jody Ratner (Viola), Susan Lehr (Cello)
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) 5811002.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Aptitude Assessment
(NAPSI)—An aptitude assessment from YouScience Discovery can show you all of the potential career opportunities that are ideal for your specific talents, including careers potentially never previously considered. Learn more about aptitude assessment and perhaps about yourself at www.youscience.com.
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.
Recipe Of The Week: Cherry Pie Bars
Tart, red cherries and Valentine’s Day seem to be the perfect pair. Not only do cherries align with a Valentine’s Day color scheme, they even resemble little hearts when hanging from their stems. Celebrating Valentine’s Day involves many different traditions, and enjoying decadent desserts is among them. Purchasing ready-made treats from a local bakery is one way to indulge in a sugary confection, but crafting a recipe at home is another way to show that special someone how much you care. “Cherry Pie Bars” are not exactly a pie, but a pound cake with a cherry pie filling swirl. They can be made for many different occasions, but make for something sweet on Valentine’s Day. Whip up this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions:
1 teaspoon
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream sugar and butter on low. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat until just combined.
Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the pie filling over the top, and spoon the rest of the cake batter over the pie filling. It’s fine if the cherries show through.
Bake 35 minutes or until the top has turned slightly golden. Do not overbake. Allow to cool and slice into squares. Enjoy!
Clearing Snow And Ice Safely
(NAPSI)—While clearing snow and ice from driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is no small job, you can rely on outdoor power equipment for the heavy lifting. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminds home and business owners to use snow throwers safely. Learn more at: www.opei. org.
Identity Theft
(NAPSI)—Identity theft can happen to anyone, but you can protect yourself by using strong passwords and multifactor authentication, monitoring your credit and using Truecaller Caller ID and Scam Blocking app. Learn more at www.truecaller.com.
EXOTIC WAREHOUSE
Garage Door Sale!
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
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
11:00AM-2:00PM CLOTHING SALE
St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. In the church hall. Forget the supply chain worries, plenty of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at great prices. Rain or shine. Hot beverages will be served. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
8:00PM
DEVERNE WILLIAMS’ VINTAGESOUL
Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Electrifying Disco and Motown performances. Secure your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or call 631-581-2700.
SUN. FEB. 16th
1:00PM WINTER CONCERT SERIES
Sunday afternoon at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano) For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at 631-8883525. For information on the day
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
of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 631-5811002.
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
FRI. FEB. 21st
6:3-PM TRIVIA NIGHT
N. Babylon Lions Club Trivia Night at North Babylon A. Tatti Youth Center, 213 Phelphs Lane in N. Babylon. $35pp includes Prizes, pizza, salad. Raffles and 50/50. RSVP by 2/10 to Diane @ 6315530217 or Judy @ 631-7453007
SAT. FEB. 22nd
10:00AM-11:00AM
WILDLIFE WONDERS: FUN WITH FEATHERS
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
SUN. FEB. 23rd
1:00-4:00pm
AN AFTERNOON WITH ELVIS Long Island Society of Italian Americans, (LISIA) is having an Afternoon With Elvism at The Malverne American Legion, 240 Franklin Ave, Post 44. $30.00 pp, includes admission, show, coffee and cake and a cash bar. Bring your own snacks, max 10 to a table. Call Diane Langella @ 516-777-0607 for reservations.
TUES. FEB. 25th
1:00PM
CARNEVALE CELEBRATION
The Italian Cultural Society of Farmingdale cordially invites you to join them at their February Carnevale celebration. Entertainment and light refreshments. Costumes and/ or masks are encouraged for all attendees. Come join the fun! Allen Park Meeting Room, Motor Avenue in Farmingdale. For more information, please contact ICSF Co-President Aggie Vitale agvit@aol. com
6:30PM
BABY SHOWER
The Kiwanis Club of Copiague is having a Baby Shower and will be collecting new clothing, diapers, blankets and many other items a baby needs. Items will be donated to Madonna Heights. Please drop off donations at Red Lobster 801 Sunrise Hwy in Copiague on Tuesday, Feb. 25th. For more information, please contact Lori Prisco 631-495-8755, or Christine Madrazo 631-559-1079
Legislator Donnelly And Office For The Aging Announce
Babylon And Huntington Winter 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 2025 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.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:
• Deer Park Library, 44
Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 21, 9 – 11
am
• North Amityville Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 19, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 – 11:00 am
• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday March 12, 8:30 am – 1 pm
• Spangle Drive Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays,
February 25 & March 25, 12 – 3:30 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday March 27, 10 am – 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 12, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 19, 8:30 am –1:30 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, February 27 & March 27, 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.”
The Average Individual Is Retiring Earlier Than Many People Might Expect
According to a recent Gallup’s Economy and Personal Finance survey, the average individual in the United States is retiring earlier than many people might expect. Gallup found that the average retirement age was 62, which is two years earlier than the working respondents
indicated they planned to retire. Canadians are retiring a little bit later than their American counterparts, as Statistics Canada reports the average retirement age in Canada is just over 63 and a half. The average retirement age is worth noting, as studies routinely find that many
working professionals greatest concern about retiring is that they won’t have enough money saved to meet their needs. By recognizing that they may end up retiring earlier than they initially planned, professionals can make a concerted effort to save more money in the years ahead.
Classifieds
Marketing & Business Development Specialist (Lake Grove, NY) Help dvlp sales strategies in-line w/franchise & customer service targets for org in refurbishing smart electronic devices, water damage/screen repairs. Salary: $38.36/ hr. Master’s in Bus Admin, Int’s Bus, or Mktg & 1 yr exp in job or 1 yr of sales & mktg analysis exp. I-FixScreens.com, Inc., Attn: Kamran Faisal, 3207 Middle Country Rd, Lake Grove, NY 11755. 427968N021225
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT? Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
THE power of CLASSIFIED!
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
Science Of Spirituality Meditation Center
79 County Line Rd., Amityville, NY 11701
For information and to register: 631-8227979, 888-666-1990, infotristate@sos.org www.sos.org/location/ amityville
EXPERIENCING THE SOUL, PART 2
The Four Essential Practices: Gratitude,
Contentment, Compassion, and Forgiveness 8-Part Meditation Workshop Series. Each class is a stand-alone workshop. No prior knowledge is needed. Speaker: Andrew Vidich, PhD. In this series, we discuss how gratitude, contentment, compassion, and forgiveness deepen our meditations and
open our hearts to our authentic selves. Tuesdays, February 18, & 25, March 4, 11, 18, & 25 7 – 9 pm
Meditation: Beautify Your Life with Emotional Wellness, Ekta Kohli Portillo, LCSW Yoga for Health & Inner Harmony, Ferlaisa Gomez, ALM, RYT Vegan Bites for One or More, Rosanna Jimenez, CHHC
Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our annual Divine Beauty Women’s Retreat. Learn how to face life’s challenges by finding your center of inner strength, peace, and love through meditation. These
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Science Of Spirituality Meditation Center
Continued From 17
inspirational workshops are designed especially for you. Afterward, join us for a complimentary vegetarian lunch. Come for discussion, sisterhood, meditation, and friendship. We look forward to seeing you.
Saturday, March 15 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
MEDITATION: THE PATH TO RADICAL HAPPINESS
Meditation Saturday Presenter: A ndrew Vidich, PhD
Yoga for Everyone: Angelica Zambrano, LMSW, Certified RYT
Meditation is more than a tool to reduce stress or improve one’s physical, and emotional well-being. Meditation is a spiritual technology that can ignite a powerful personal healing process, leading to true happiness. Participants will enjoy a stress-reducing yoga class and learn a powerful meditation technique that can transform us and foster a revolutionary change in our families, communities, and beyond.
Saturday, March 29 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
MEDITATION: SPRING CLEANING FOR YOUR SOUL 4-Part Workshop Series
Presenter: Jerry Kelly, LMT
Discover how the practice of meditation and inner reflection can help you feel renewed, refreshed, and ready for new beginnings.
Tuesdays, April 8, 15, 22, & 29 7 – 9 pm
BLOOMING GENTLY MEDITATING
Meditation Saturday
Presenters: Rosanna Jimenez, CHHC, Supriya Verma, DMD Treat yourself to some special time to nourish body, mind, and spirit. With stress-reducing, inspirational workshops, these rejuvenating programs are designed to provide a welcome oasis in your busy week.
Saturday, April 26 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Janine O’Connor Appointed As Amityville’s
New Assistant Director
The Amityville School District is proud to announce that Janine O’Connor has been named the new assistant director for pupil personnel services and special education.
Ms. O’Connor attended Long Island University-C.W. Post where she received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in general education and special education. Ms. O’Connor’s educational career began as a teacher aide at Nassau BOCES, where she had the privilege of working with special education students. In addition to her teaching experience, Ms. O’Connor earned her school district leader and school building leader certification from The College of Saint Rose, and she spent the past three years as a special education administrator in the Patchogue-Medford School District.
“I take pride in my ability to collaborate with administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families to create environments where all students can succeed,” Ms. O’Connor said.
During the summer months, Ms. O’Connor served as the Extended School Year coordinator in the Floral Park-Bellerose School District, which enhanced her ability to lead and support diverse learning needs. Throughout her career, Ms. O’Connor has remained dedicated to promoting academic excellence, nurturing student growth, and fostering a sense of community within the schools she has served. She firmly believes that every student can succeed when provided with the necessary resources, encouragement, and opportunities to thrive.
“As I step into my new role here in Amityville, I bring with me a strong commitment to student-centered leadership and a passion for fostering inclusive, supportive learning
environments,” Ms. O’Connor said. “I am excited about the journey ahead, and together, we will continue to build upon the traditions of excellence that define the Amityville Union Free School District.”
The district commends Ms. O’Connor on her new position and looks forward to her service in the Amityville school community.
The Amityville School District is proud to announce that Janine O’Connor has been named the new assistant director for pupil personnel services and special education. Photo courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District
Festive Lunar New Year Celebration At Northeast Elementary School
On Jan. 28, Amityville’s youngest students at Northeast Elementary School learned everything about Lunar New Year during the school’s festive parade.
During this culminating activity, pre-K students learned about the significance of the Lunar
New Year and the amazing traditions. From wearing decorative crowns to carrying lanterns and noisemakers, students proudly marched around the school as they celebrated the Year of the Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition and transformation.
Faculty and staff members throughout the building watched and cheered on the students as traditional Chinese music played over the loudspeaker. Additionally, many of the students and staff members wore red which symbolizes good luck, energy and happiness.
On Jan. 28, Amityville’s youngest students at Northeast Elementary School learned everything about Lunar New Year during the school’s festive parade. Photos courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District
Lunar New Year Decorations On Display At Park Avenue
Students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in Amityville worked together on crafting festive decorations to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The colorful decorations, which are now on display throughout the school, focused on the Year of the Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition and transformation. Park Avenue Principal Edward Plaia commended all of the students who contributed to the decorations.
Students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in Amityville worked together on crafting festive decorations to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Photos courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District
