“ 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
• Penne
• Baked Ziti
• Spaghetti
• Rigatoni
• Chicken Marsala
(Choose one)
• Stuffed Shells (16 pc)
• Manicotti (8 pc)
• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 pc)
(Choose
• Sausage & Peppers
Choice of Sauce:
• Vodka Sauce
• Tomato & Basil
• Meatballs
• Marinara
• Garlic & Oil
• Bolognese
• Chicken Francese
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli
• Eggplant Rollatine
• Garden Salad • Caesar Salad
Additional Charge
(Choose one) Includes fresh baked Italian
• USDA Prime Hanger Steak w/Peppers, Onions & Mushrooms
USDA Prime Hanger Steak w/Peppers,
plus tax
of 4 people.
Companion Dog Fetches Hearts Of Seaford Students
Lucie Lou the cockapoo is a celebrity at Seaford High School and Seaford Middle School. Students look forward to the companion dog’s weekly visits through a program that supports social and emotional learning.
The companion dog program launched last year
at the high school through a grant from the Seaford Wellness Council and expanded this year to the middle school. Lucie Lou is joined by her human partner Luwana Hart, from Therapy Dogs of Long Island, during lunch periods. Students can visit with Lucie Lou during 10-minute increments in
the guidance conference room at the high school and wellness center at the middle school.
“The companion dog program at Seaford Middle School has been a tremendous success,” Principal Dr. Raphi Morey said. “It’s incredibly well received here. The students
Seaford Middle School students greeted Lucie Lou the cockapoo during the companion dog’s visit to the school. Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
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).
love Lucie Lou and the opportunity just to hang out with her.”
Dr. Morey said that when students interact with Lucie Lou, it relieves stress and builds empathy. They also create stronger connections with each other as students are invited down in small groups.
“There are a lot of reasons for having a companion dog in a building, just from an emotional standpoint,” he
added.
Eighth graders Aaron Gomez and Lena Parisi look forward to Lucie Lou’s visits and regularly get a pass from the lunch room after eating.
“I love dogs and it’s nice seeing one in school,” Aaron said. “She’s really nice. It releases my stress and makes me feel good.”
“I have a better day when I see Lucie Lou,” added Lena. “If I’m worrying about
anything, it just calms me down.”
Guidance counselor Sarah Squicciarini oversees the companion dog program at the high school, where Lucie Lou can be found most Mondays. She noted that many students take advantage of the visits to alleviate stress or just enjoy the interaction. Whatever the reason they come in, she said, students always leave with a smile.
• 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.
Luwana Hart from Therapy Dogs of Long Island introduced high school students to her canine partner Lucie Lou.
Luwana Hart from Therapy Dogs of Long Island introduced high school students to her canine partner Lucie Lou.
Seaford Launches Scholarship Drive For Class Of 2025
•
Support Blood Collections
(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.
Garage Door Sale!
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
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!
Seaford Teachers Notch Grants For New Resources
Seaford Harbor Elementary School will soon be getting new resources to support learning and mental well-being thanks to a pair of grants. Two teachers, Katharine Black and Amy Viret, were successful in their applications for financial support from Jovia Federal Credit Union.
Through Jovia’s Funding Your Ideas Teacher Grant program, each teacher will receive $500. Ms. Black,
a third grade teacher, will actually be donating her funds to school psychologists Laura Ametrano and Meghan Harrington to purchase sound dampening panels. Their offices are sometimes used for students who need a calm and quiet environment, and the panels will absorb sound and create a more supportive space. Ms. Black noted that the foam panels can be ordered with felt coverings that have fun and
Seaford Harbor Elementary School teachers Amy Viret, left, and Katharine Black each received $500 Funding Your Ideas Teacher Grants from Jovia Federal Credit Union. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
colorful designs.
“It’s my way of giving back to them,” Ms. Black said, noting that the grant was a surprise for the psychologists. “They do so much for our students.”
This is the fifth time Ms. Black has received a Jovia grant. For Ms. Viret, the school’s math support specialist, this is her first teacher grant. She will be using the money to purchase math and movement mats.
The mats will have
different factor sets that will allow students to learn their multiplication tables by skipping from one number to the next. Ms. Viret, who said she learned about the effectiveness of the mats while attending a “Making Math Count” conference last year, plans to use them for grades 3-5.
“When children use movement,” she said, “it’s a tactile method of learning. These mats will help a lot.”
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
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
Benefits Of Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom
received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to those who did
not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.
Thursday, February 20th
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm
Friday, February 21st
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm
The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health.
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.
Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.
Classifieds
Christina Varriale
Robert Russo
William Anthony Dean
Robert Schwendel
Mike & Diane Grannum
Sandra Satzinger
Frankie Musto Nancy Fraser Lauren DiMartino
Michael Holfester
Michael Ventricelli
Patrick Rodriguez
Mary Preisel
Joseph Caputo Anna Beigelman Jay Nociforo Stephen Orlando
