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.
“ 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
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!
Town Clerk LaMarca Announces
Special One-Stop Passport Weekend
Looking To Get Away?
Make An Appointment Today!
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 23rd from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo
and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background.
Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of
Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at
Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962.
For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state. gov.
Major Sand Project Underway At TOBAY Beach To Restore Shoreline
Town Works With State, Federal Officials To Replenish TOBAY Beach With 90,000 Tons Of Sand
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
Town Announces Public Skating Sessions For School Winter Break Week
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.
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.
Did You Know?
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 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.
The Nation’s Blood Supply
(NAPSI)—To ensure the nation’s blood supply is prepared for all emergencies, the Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS and by volunteering to support blood collections at www.redcross.org/ VolunteerToday.
• Penne
• Baked Ziti
• Spaghetti
• Rigatoni
• Chicken Marsala
• Stuffed Shells (16 pc)
• Manicotti (8 pc)
• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 pc) Choice of
• Chicken Francese
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Garden Salad
• Sausage & Peppers
• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli
• Eggplant Rollatine
• Caesar Salad
• Vodka Sauce
• Tomato & Basil • Marinara
• Garlic & Oil
• Bolognese
• Meatballs
Additional Charge
• USDA Prime Hanger Steak w/Peppers, Onions & Mushrooms
Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular flower given on this day for lovebirds.
Just because millions of roses are prepared in
Pick The Perfect Valentine’s Day Flowers
advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement. A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.
• Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Many
have a favorite flower type or color, and everyone’s isn’t necessarily a red rose. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.
• Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person, make sure they are fresh by gently feeling the part of the petal that meets the stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.
• Opt for neutral tones. If you’re unsure of which flowers to buy, stick with varietals in white and soft, neutral tones. This will lend a more romantic vibe to the bouquet. Bright, high-contrast florals may come off as tacky unless you can guarantee that the person prefers them.
• Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral
allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How Flowers Do That, a United Kingdom-based flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are
less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day draws
closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement. Choosing flowers comes down to a few simple steps to offer a gift of love on Valentine’s Day.
Now Hiring Advertising Account Representatives
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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
Berner Students Team Up To Build A Kinder School
Gratitude, growth mindset and teamwork were themes of this year’s Chiefs Challenge Day at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School District. The annual character education program took place on Jan. 28 and included a full day of assemblies, workshops and discussions.
Seventh and eighth graders attended the “Ryan’s Story” presentation by John Halligan. He has spoken at schools across the country to share his powerful story about his son Ryan, who committed suicide at 14 as a result
of bullying. Ms. Halligan’s message encouraged students to think about how they treat others, and he emphasized the role that bystanders can play to stand up for a bullying victim.
The Box Out Bullying assembly for sixth graders focused on appropriate social media conduct and gave students tools to navigate complex social dynamics and build healthy relationships. Students and teachers were called up to the stage during the interactive presentation.
All students participated in group discussion
sessions following their respective assemblies to review the messages and talk about the steps they can take to contribute positively to the school community.
In classrooms, students participated in a pipe-cleaner teamwork challenge. The goal was to work collaboratively to build the tallest tower.
For the growth mindset lesson, students watched a trio of Pixar videos, which was followed by a class discussion.
The famous failures escape room lesson focused on the hurdles
that several celebrities faced and overcame to achieve success. Students worked in small groups to solve a series of clues. In the gratitude lesson, they discussed what it means to be grateful, then wrote thoughtful letters of thanks to important people in their lives.
The prior afternoon, students from the Chiefs Challenge Club prepared the building by hanging inspirational signs around the building. Many of the signs had quotes about inclusion, gratitude and growth mindset from famous figures like Jackie
Robinson, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Seuss. Chiefs Challenge members also placed notes with positive messages on every locker in the school.
Chiefs Challenge coadvisers Caroline Glynn and Juliette Happe said that character education day has been taking place for nearly two decades. It started small with a video and couple of classroom lessons, before growing into the full-day experience it is today. They explained that the goal is for students to understand the power of their words, and recognize the impact of their words
and actions on the school community.
During the last period of the day, all students participated in reflective activity, writing what they learned and how they can use this knowledge to make their school a better place.
“Chiefs Challenge Day is very important to spread awareness about the way people are treated,” eighth grader Karlye Irving said. “Everyone should be treated equally and with kindness.”
Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Chiefs Challenge members, joined by co-adviser Juliette Happe, left, Executive Assistant to the Principal Beth Mullins, third from left, and Superintendent Dr. William Brennan hung inspirational signs throughout the school.
YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?
you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
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