February 12, 2025 Massapequa by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

MAJOR SAND PROJECT UNDERWAY AT TOBAY BEACH

friends & family. They are true professionals!!” ... Arnie & Resa Hauptman

“ 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.

FEATURING

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.

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.

For more information call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.

• Breakdown on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00

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.

Town Announces Public Skating Sessions For School Winter Break Week

“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

Ice Center: 2pm-5pm

Presidents’ Day –

Monday, February 17th

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm

Tuesday, February 18th

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.

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!”

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).

• 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,

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)

• Child’s recent physical (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.

Indoor

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks:

Major Sand Project Underway At TOBAY Beach To Restore Shoreline

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato recently met with representatives from state and federal government to oversee work being done at TOBAY Beach, where the United States Army Corps of Engineers has been replenishing the shoreline through a dredging project off the Fire Island inlet. Contractors have worked around the clock to pump 90,000 tons of sand back to the beach, helping to safeguard the shoreline from storms and tidal surges while also protecting critical infrastructure, including the main pavilion and access roadway.

“Our shoreline has taken a beating over the past few years, as Mother Nature has been relentless

eroding our beaches and putting our infrastructure at risk,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We all know how much TOBAY Beach means to our residents, which is why we’ve worked diligently every summer to rebuild the shoreline by trucking in thousands of yards of clean sand to shore up the coastline. Simultaneously, we knew it was necessary to develop both short-term and long-term solutions, and asked our state and federal representatives for assistance.”

“This betterment project undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers is a fantastic example of cutting the red tape and finding solutions to restore the shoreline, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen defensive dunes,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I

convened the Army Corps of Engineers and the Towns to find a solution for these beaches, and I am happy to see this project— that will revitalize Tobay and Gilgo beaches—get done at limited cost to our towns and taxpayers.”

“This $1.69 million investment in Tobay Beach will strengthen the shoreline, safeguard homes and businesses, and ensure families can enjoy the beach this summer,” Governor Hochul said. “A more resilient, sustainable coast means stronger communities and a protected natural landscape. My administration stands with Long Island in preserving its future.”

For the past several years, Town officials have spent millions of dollars rebuilding the beach and

stabilizing the dunes against erosion. A critical public access point to the shoreline, TOBAY Beach is located in the middle of Jones Beach Island, a barrier island off the south shore of Long Island. The beach suffered a direct

hit from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and serves as a critical asset toward protecting the mainland, its property and population. Town officials will continue to push to develop a long-term solution that hardens the

shoreline with additional sand, shields the primary nesting areas of protected species known as piping plover, defends the mainland and continues to provide the public access Long Islanders expect and deserve.

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Online

Kindergarten Registration Is Open In Massapequa

The Massapequa School District is continuing online registration for incoming kindergarten students. Children turning 5 years old by Dec. 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll in school for the 2025-2026 school year.

Online registration is open through Friday, Feb. 28, and parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible. Visit the Kindergarten Registration section on the district website, www.msd.k12.ny.us, for the online form and list of all required documentation.

Garage Door Sale!

Baked

Spaghetti

Penne

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 baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling

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!

TASTINGS

2/13: Decoy Wines & Bootlegger and Beaverkill Cream. 4-7pm

2/14: Various Wines, Surfside and Stateside RTD Cocktails 4-7pm

2/15: Broken Shed Vodka 4-7pm

2/16: Cazadores Tequila 12:30-3:30pm

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

Unqua History Buffs Explore A Whole New World

Fifth graders set sail on a new learning adventure at Unqua Elementary School in the Massapequa School District as they began a lesson on explorers.

To begin the social studies unit on the exploration of the New World, students in Joshua Rose’s class learned about the contributions of people like Samuel de Champlain, Hernando de Soto, Francisco Pizarro and Amerigo Vespucci. Each group was assigned one explorer and did research to learn various facts such

as each person’s country of origin, background, route travelled and areas discovered.

Students used a variety of digital sources including Cybersleuth Kids, Ducksters, PebbleGo, Scholastic TrueFlix and World Book Online.

Students completed their projects on Google Slides and wrote their pieces as if it were going to be published in a newspaper. They also added photos and maps before presenting to the class.

Fifth graders in Joshua Rose’s class at Unqua Elementary School opened a social studies unit on the New World by learning about famous explorers. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Liam Corrigan and Alexandra Rivera talked about the contributions of Francisco Pizarro. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Classifieds

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HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?

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BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

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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

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by Mariana Raymond of Truecaller

Councilman Hand Invites Residents To Apply For Picnic Permits Online

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand announced that residents can apply for picnic permits at all Town parks with picnic facilities online by visiting www.oysterbaytown. com/picnic. Reservations are available for picnic space at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, Harry Tappen Beach and Marina in Glenwood Landing, Syosset-

Woodbury Community Park, and Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park.

“Our beautiful Town Parks are the perfect location for a family, school, or community group outing set in the great outdoors. Each location, from Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay to Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, offers something unique for residents to enjoy,” Councilman Hand said.

“We’ve also streamlined the process for residents to apply

for a picnic permit, helping to increase convenience and accessibility.”

Picnic Permits are required for groups of 25 or more at all Town of Oyster Bay picnic pavilion locations and include exclusive use of the permitted area from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the reservation date. Some locations are covered, have access to water, and permit barbequing.

To view picnic availability, residents can visit www.

Protecting Your Assets

Is Your Identity Safe? What To Do If It’s Not

(NAPSI)—Identity theft is becoming more common, affecting people from all walks of life—but you can protect yourself.

The Problem

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal personal information, often leaving their victims with financial losses and a sense of violation.

An Answer

Staying informed can make a big difference in keeping yourself safe. Here’s what you should know:

How Identity Theft Happens

Most identity theft happens online. Often when someone clicks links from text messages, emails, or even is catfished. The link you click could lead you to a fake website to input credentials or have you install an app that can retrieve your passwords to important accounts.

Identity Theft Scams on the Rise

• Synthetic Identity Theft: With synthetic identity theft, scammers mix real and fake information to create a new, false identity. They might use a real Social Security number alongside made-up details. This lets them open bank accounts, get credit cards, or even apply for loans—using a fake identity that feels all too real.

• Medical Identity Theft: Medical identity theft happens when someone uses your personal medical information to

access healthcare services, prescription drugs, or medical devices. This can leave you with unexpected medical bills or inaccurate records, which can complicate future treatments. It’s a frustrating situation, but knowing what to look for can help.

• Account Takeover Fraud: In account takeover fraud, scammers take control of your online accounts, such as banking, email, or social media. This often happens through phishing emails, weak passwords, or data breaches. Once inside, they can drain your funds or steal even more personal details. It’s scary, but there are ways to protect yourself.

• Deepfake and AI-driven Identity Theft: As technology advances, criminals use tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) to

oysterbaytown.com/picnic and filter their preferred date, facility, specific location, and features using the page menu. Those who don’t have a pre-existing account can create one on the same page and apply for the reservation. It is recommended that residents reserve their picnic pavilion early as spaces fill up quickly for the season. For more information on Town of Oyster Bay picnic permits, call (516) 797-4139.

create deepfakes—fake videos or voices that look and sound just like real people. They can use these to trick others into believing they are someone else. It’s a high-tech problem, but you don’t need to be a tech expert to fight back.

Ways to Protect Yourself

No solution is foolproof, but there are 7 steps you can take to protect yourself and lower the chances of becoming a victim:

1. Use a Caller ID & Scam Blocking app: The Truecaller app helps identify unknown calls and messages, and will even identify scam numbers in real time. People around the world actively report numbers as scams and write comments about their experience, and you can see statistics about scammers’ call patterns.

2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Use passwords that are tough to crack—mix letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. A password manager can be a handy tool to create and store them safely.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. After entering your password, you’ll need to verify your identity again, like with a code sent to your phone. It’s like adding a second lock on your door, making it harder for scammers to break in.

4. Monitor Your Credit Regularly: Keep an eye on your credit

reports for anything unusual, such as new accounts you didn’t open. It’s one of the quickest ways to spot identity theft early. Many places offer free credit monitoring services, so take advantage of them.

5. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: Some services can keep an eye on your personal information and alert you if they spot something suspicious. While they can’t prevent identity theft, they can make the recovery process smoother if it happens to you.

6. Secure Your Devices: Keep your phone, computer, and other devices updated with the latest security patches. Use antivirus software and strong passwords to keep hackers out. It’s a simple habit that can go a long way.

7. Shred Important Documents: Even in today’s digital age, physical paperwork can still be a goldmine for thieves. Shred any documents with personal information—bank statements or medical bills—before you toss them out.

Staying informed about the latest scams and being careful with your information can make a big difference. And if you do become a victim, don’t panic. Report it to the authorities or your credit bureau right away. They can help you limit the damage and start the recovery process.

Learn More

For further facts and tips, visit www.truecaller.com.

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