York State Senator Steve Rhoads recently joined community members, local business owners, Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, Councilman Tom Hand, Councilman Lou Imbroto, and the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of LI McGrath’s Pub and Grill. Senator Rhoads extended his best wishes for the pub’s success in the years to come.
“ 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.
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
ENTER TO WIN
Town Announces Public Skating Sessions For School Winter Break Week
Town of Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto announce that families looking for recreational fun during most school districts’ winter recess need look no further than one of the Town’s Ice Skating facilities, which will offer extended hours throughout the week. The week also marks the last week public skating is available at the Town’s outdoor rinks.
“Families and children looking for a great staycation activity can head over to our ice skating rinks, either outdoors at Marjorie Post Park or Syosset-Woodbury Park, or indoors at our Town Ice Skating Center, during special extended hours for the full winter recess week,” said Councilman Imbroto. “Our rinks provide the perfect setting
for residents to enjoy the winter weather.”
Extended sessions run February 16th through February 23rd: Sunday, February 16th
Outdoor Rinks: 1pm3pm; 4pm-6pm
Extended sessions run February 16th through February 23rd
Indoor Ice Center: 2pm-5pm Presidents’ Day –Monday, February 17th
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm Tuesday, February 18th
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm Wednesday, February 19th
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm
Thursday, February 20th
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm Friday, February 21st
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm
Saturday, February 22nd
Outdoor Rinks: 1pm3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm9pm
Indoor Ice Center: 2:45pm-5:45pm Sunday, February 23rd (last public sessions at outdoor rinks) 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm
Indoor Ice Center: 2pm-5pm
“We invite residents of all ages to enjoy the last days of the winter season at our beautiful ice skating rinks,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Bring the family to our fun rinks, lace up your skates and get ready for a great time.”
For more information, including admission, hours of operation, the Youth Ice Hockey Program, figure skating or other skating opportunities, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ ice.
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords. See this puzzle and its answers at
Pre-Register Today For 2025 Town Summer Recreation Program Parents Can Upload Materials In Advance Of Spring Registration – Space Is Limited
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announce that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2025 Summer Recreation Program can now upload necessary documents and materials for review in advance of the final registration period. This process is mandatory prior to registration this spring and will once again be performed fully online.
This year’s Summer Recreation Program runs June 30th through August 8th and will include a full-day option at all locations for children ages 4 through 12. Space is limited at each facility.
“The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer
fun for children at five of our Town parks, with activities including arts and crafts, various games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and so much more,” said Supervisor Saladino. “To help streamline the registration process, residents will be able to sign-up their children online this spring, and can begin pre-registration today!”
• Parents/guardians can visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ portal
• Select ‘My Account’ on the top right corner and log-in or create a new account (if your child was registered for the 2024 Summer Program,
All registrations for Summer Recreation will performed online. In an effort to simplify the process, the Town’s Parks Department will accept all necessary documentation, including proof of residency, child’s birth certificates, recent physicals etc. to be uploaded to a portal on the Town’s website prior to the final registration period this spring. This process is mandatory and ends on Friday, March 21, 2025. Once all documentation is properly uploaded, parents/guardians will receive notification of approval to register, as well as directions for online registration. How to upload materials (note: pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in this year’s Summer Recreation Program. Parents will need to perform final registration this spring).
you already have an account, however documents must be uploaded)
• After logging in, select ‘My Account,’ then Household & Member. Confirm all family members are listed. If needed, select ‘Add Family member’ at bottom of page and add a child or guardian to the household. Then SAVE
• Select DOCUMENT
UPLOAD from the portal menu. Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (make sure all scanned documents are legible)
o Required documents:
• Proof of residency (tax or utility bill)
• Child’s Birth Certificate
• Child’s Immunization Records (for full-day campers only)
“We know many of our youngsters can’t wait for the warm weather and all the fun they have at the Town’s Summer Recreation Program,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “With full-day options now available at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale and Harry Tappen Beach in Glen Head, we look forward to another successful summer of fun!”
The mandatory preregistration period, during which interested parents/guardians can upload documents and required materials for registration, is open now through March 21st. Submission of materials does not guarantee a spot in the 2025 program – parents must complete their registration this spring when final registration opens. Following final registration, refunds are given on a prorated basis and subject to a 10 percent administrative fee through July 11th. Parents will receive an email from the Recreation Division confirming that all documents have been received, as well as directions on how to complete registration. All registration will take place online. For more information, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.
It’s hard to imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and that association can be traced to a name that is very familiar to people who enjoy sweets on February 14. According to History.com, Richard Cadbury utilized advancements at his family’s chocolate factory in England to produce new varieties of what was then known as “eating
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chocolate.” Cadbury then began marketing eating chocolates in decorative boxes, and while History. com notes he never patented the heart-shaped box, it’s widely believed Cadbury was the first to create one.
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
Directions:
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!
New York State
Senator Steve Rhoads recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with a visit to the Nassau County Police Department 8th Precinct to present heartwarming art projects made by local students from his Senate District. These vibrant and touching art pieces served as a visual reminder of the
community’s appreciation for the men and women in blue. Senator Rhoads took this opportunity to extend a special thank you to all law enforcement officers across New York State, acknowledging their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to keeping our communities safe. This touching gesture underscores
Senator Rhoads’ support for law enforcement and highlights the importance of fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the citizens they serve, demonstrating that even the smallest acts of kindness can significantly boost morale and strengthen community bonds.
Baked Ziti
Meat Lasagna
Baked Manicotti
Baked Stuffed Shells
Baked Cheese Ravioli
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
Penne with Butter Sauce
Penne with Garlic & Oil
Chicken Milanese diced
Chicken Sorrentino
Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant Rollatini
Sausage, Peppers & Onions
From The Desk Of Mayor Ralph Ekstrand
Upcoming Free Community Events In Farmingdale Village
The Farmingdale Cultural Arts Committee is sponsoring Open Mic - Jam Sessions hosted by Chuck & Vinny on Tuesday, March 4th and Tuesday, April 1st at 7 pm. Be a star - Music, Magic, Poetry, Comedy – acts, individuals, groups. Performers can email in advance to sign-up: openmicfarmingdale@gmail.com. The open mic – jam sessions are for all ages and held inside Farmingdale Village Hall, 361 Main Street.
Get your green on - Farmingdale’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Main Street is set for Sunday March 16th at 2pm. The parade is sponsored by the Village of Farmingdale and the Farmingdale Business Improvement District. Groups interested in marching/participating can email joef@thenuttyirishman.com. Dine, shop & celebrate downtown – Village of Farmingdale, home of Culinary Quarter Mile!
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt / Meet the Easter Bunny is set for Saturday, April 12th, On the Village Green (361 Main Street). The egg hunt starts at 11am sharp for children 11 years old and younger -arrive early and bring Easter baskets, friends, and family. Take photos with the Easter Bunny after the egg hunt! The event is sponsored by the Farmingdale Cultural Arts Committee, rain date Sunday April 13tth, 2pm sharp.
Visit www.farmingdalevillage.com www.farmingdalebid.com 516-249-0093 –save the dates and stay tuned for more updates!
Imbroto Announces Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries
Enjoy The Sounds Traditional Irish Music, Tom Petty, Frank Sinatra And More
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 March include:
• The Brooklyn Bards on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library – Experience the deep lyrics and rich melodies of traditional Irish music.
• The Paul Joseph Trio
on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Jericho Public Library
– This jazz trio presents classic favorites, as you have never heard them before! Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning February 9th. For more 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! 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.
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Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Hand. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Hand noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but high-quality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
FEATURING
Classifieds
• Penne
• Baked Ziti
• Spaghetti
• Rigatoni
• Chicken Marsala
(Choose one)
• Stuffed Shells (16 pc)
• Manicotti (8 pc)
• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 pc)
(Choose one)
• Sausage & Peppers
• Vodka Sauce
• Tomato & Basil
• Meatballs
• Marinara
• Garlic & Oil
• Chicken Francese
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli
• Eggplant Rollatine
• Garden Salad • Caesar Salad
Additional Charge
USDA Prime Hanger Steak w/Peppers, Choice of Sauce:
• USDA Prime Hanger Steak w/Peppers, Onions & Mushrooms
(Choose one) Includes fresh baked Italian Bread.
• Bolognese $4299 plus tax Serves minimum of 4 people.
Appetito!
Verona Salad
Rice Balls
Stracciatella Soup
Mozzarella Caprese
Eggplant Rollatini
Artichoke Oreganata
Caesar Salad Baked Clams Pasta e Fagoli Soup
Choose Any Entrée From Chef Specials, Additional $
$5995 Prix Fixe
Fried Calamari (Traditional or Sweet Chili)
Penne Alla Vodka
Shallots, Prosciutto, Vodka in Tomato Basil Sauce with A Touch Of Cream
Pappardelle di Manzo
Tossed in Authentic Bolognese Sauce, Topped with Ricotta Cheese
Zucchini Linguini
In a Spicy Marinara Sauce with Crispy Shitake Mushrooms
Eggplant Parmesan
Baked in Marinara Sauce, Topped with Melted Mozzarella
Pollo
Francese, Parmigiana, Marsala, Toscano
Veal
Piccata, Marsala, Parmigiana, Sorrentino
Pork Chop
Mushrooms, Onions, Cherry Peppers Served with Roasted Potato & Vegetables
Scampi con Risotto
Garlic, Butter, White Wine & Lemon, Served Over Risotto & Vegetables
Salmone Fiorentina
Wild Salmon pan seared in a lemon beurre blanc, served with sautéed spinach
Sole Portofino
Parmesan Encrusted in a Lemon White Wine Sauce, Served with Risotto
Striped Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli
(Add $6) Squid Ink & Egg Dough Lobster Ravioli
Sautéed in a Lobster Sauce
Branzino Oreganata
(Add $6) Fresh Mediterranean Sea Bass Topped with Seasoned Breadcrumbs in a Lemon White Wine Sauce with Shrimp
Crispy Duck
(Add $6) Fresh Long Island Duck in an Orange Cranberry Glaze Served with Wild Rice & Vegetables
Steak
(Add $6) Grilled, Topped with Asparagus & Melted Mozzarella in Barolo Sauce Served with Onion Rings
