Effective financial strategies vary depending on which stage of life a person is in. For example, a recent college graduate working his or her first professional job will not have the same financial strategy as someone on the cusp of retirement. But one financial strategy that people of all ages can look to for guidance is the 50-30-20 approach. Popularized by United States Senator Elizabeth Warren, the 50-30-20 approach to financial planning can be a valuable resource for anyone trying to develop a budget. The approach is simple yet effective. Under the 5030-20 approach, income is allocated based on this breakdown:
· 50 percent of money is spent on needs, including housing costs, health insurance, car payments, and groceries
· 30 percent of money is spent on wants, including hobbies, dining out and travel
· 20 percent of money is allocated to savings
Proponents of the 5030-20 approach note that calculations should be based on after-tax income, or what’s often referred to as “take-home pay.”
Professionals with steady paychecks can easily determine their 50-3020 breakdowns by saving a month’s worth of pay stubs and establishing their monthly budget based on what’s coming in. The task can be trickier for self-employed or freelance workers, who may benefit from working with financial planners as they seek to create monthly budgets based on the 50-30-20 approach.
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FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
FRI. FEB. 21st
5:30PM A DRAGON-SIZED FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
This special family evening is packed with fun dragon-inspired activities and a screening of the heartwarming movie How to Train Your Dragon. Cradle of Aviation Museum ~ Charles Lindbergh Blvd. ~ Garden City. For more information: General 516-5724111 ~ Reservations 516-5724066
6:30PM 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
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
Long Island Society of Italian Americans, (LISIA) is having an Afternoon With Elvis 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 @ 516777-0607 for reservations.
1:00-6:00pm
TAKEOUT PASTA MEATBALL & SAUSAGE DINNER
Babylon Lions Club, Pick-up at Cafe 11 Villaggio, 35 Deer Park Avenue, Babylon Village. All proceeds go to charity. $35 Per Order - Take Out Only. Pre-orders can be placed beginning at 11:00 am for more information, please call 631-422-7037
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
4:00PM-5:00PM TEEN LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
The Wildlife Center of Long Island is coming to the Babylon Library!
Meet some of their Ambassador reptiles, mammals, and birds that call Long Island home and explore their role in our local ecosystem. Discover why these animals are at the Wildlife Hospital and how you can help others like them. Earn one hour of community service for attending! Grades 6-12. Registration required.24 S. Carll Ave. in Babylon,. For more information, please call Erin White 63-669-1624
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
NOW THROUGH FEB. 26th
10:00AM-5:00PM NY FINE ARTS SOCIETY EXHIBITION
1 Flowerfield, Suite 15, St. James. Paintings and prints 18th century to today, Goya, Kollwitz, Dali, PIcasso, Modigliani, and much more, Childen's art WORKSHOP. Admission goes to support the NEW YORK FINE ARTS SOCIETY. For more information, please call Yuka at 631-880-1719
“Michelle was amazing. Very responsive. Great experience from start to finish! Michelle explained the process, answered all our questions, coordinated quickly and efficiently the whole process between all parties involved. We recommend Michelle to all our friends on Long Island”.
-Zillow Review From Previous Seller
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: Wednesday,
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-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior caused by Alcohol, Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice. For further information e-mail or call:
Donna526@aol.com or (631) 835.8788; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous.org
Did You Know?
Tea has been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of years and has featured prominently in many cultures during that time. The cultural practice of drinking tea is believed to have originated in ancient China. Although there are many different types of tea, the World Tea Council says black tea is the most consumed tea across the globe, comprising around 75 percent of total tea consumption. The most popular type of black tea is Assam tea, which is grown in India. The second-most widely consumed tea is green tea, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of total tea consumption.
Heart Health
(NAPSA)—The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity each week. Learn more at partnering4health.org.
Wednesday, March 12, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, 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 trouble-free 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.”
Garage Door
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Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords. See this puzzle and its answers at longislandmediagroup.com/wordsearch
Recipe Of The Week: Semolina and Almond Biscotti
Cookiesare a treat any time of the day, and many find biscotti particularly appealing. These crunchy cookies are equally at home with a morning cup of coffee as they are with an evening mug of hot cocoa. Biscotti are hard, crunchy, Italian cookies that are baked twice. In fact, their name comes from the Latin “bis,” meaning “twice,” and “coctus,” meaning “cooked.” Although they can be enjoyed on their own, their dry, crunchy nature makes them hold up well when dunked into a beverage. Biscotti were even once commonly dipped into red wine. Though they might seem complicated, biscotti generally are easy to make. Try this recipe for “Semolina and Almond Biscotti” from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Yields 12 to 16 cookies
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup semolina flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Optional: 10 ounces dark chocolate to melt for dipping
Directions: Preheat oven to 325 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, cream the sugar, butter and eggs until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and salt. Mix to incorporate. Add the all-purpose flour, almonds, semolina flour, and baking powder. Mix until well combined, but don’t overmix.
Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Pat gently to form one long loaf of dough roughly 14 to 16 inches long and 5 to 6 inches wide. Bake 30 minutes.
Remove the loaf from the oven and allow to cool 5 to 6 minutes before using a long knife to cut the loaf gently into 12 to 16 cookies.
Lay each cookie on its side and bake another 20 minutes, flipping the cookies midway through. Cool completely to achieve that signature crunch. The centers will be a bit soft if eaten warm. These are perfect for dunking in coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Optional: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts and gently dip half of each biscotti into it lengthwise. Flip the biscotti chocolate-side-up onto a sheet tray and allow the chocolate to set.
The Long Island Pet Expo Returns March 1-2, 2025
Popular Pet Showcase Features Entertainment, Education & Shopping
The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 1-2, 2025, with fur flying entertainment, dog sporting competitions and educational programs designed for the whole family. The event returns to Suffolk County Community College Grant Campus in the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena
and features many special attractions, pet adoptions and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets.
“The Long Island area is passionate about animals and pets of all kinds,” said show co-producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the northeast.
The 100+ special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand. Popular performers and presenters include Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs, Diana Frohman and her Beautiful Dancing Dogs, Schutzhund Demonstration by Maximum K9 Service, Zenos Dog Run Lure Course, Rainforest Reptiles Shows, TICA Championship Cat Shows, Rabbit Hopping, Parties by Parrots and more
“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and
pets,” said Garetano.
“We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians and other animal lovers educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding and all aspects of pet care.”
Community and rescue organizations will be participating in the show where attendees can learn about pet adoptions as well as responsible ownership and care.
The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend. Adult admission is $20, Kids 4-11 are $6, and those three years old and under are always free. Saturday March 2nd the hours are 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sunday, March 3rd, from 10 am to 5pm. For discount tickets and additional information, visit www. familypetshows.com.
Tips To Lower Your Home’s Heating Bills This Winter
A frosty winter wonderland is fun to experience -- outside. Inside is another story. By keeping your home heating system running at peak performance, you'll lower your winter utility bills and experience increased comfort. According to North American Technician Excellence (NATE), here’s how to stay toasty this winter without breaking the bank.
Get the Right Equipment
It all starts with the right heating equipment. Choosing a furnace with an ENERGY STAR logo is important, however, it’s also a good idea to understand standard efficiency ratings so you can easily compare the performance of different systems.
When you need to measure the thermal efficiency of your furnace or water heater, Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) helps determine the actual, annual, average efficiency of that piece of equipment. It measures the amount of heat delivered to
your house compared to the amount of fuel that you must supply to the furnace. The U.S. Department of Energy determined that all furnaces sold in the U.S. must have a minimum AFUE of 78%.
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is the most commonly used measure of the heating efficiency of heat pumps. Typically, a high-efficiency heat pump pays for itself in savings in a few years.
Take These Steps
A little DIY can work wonders. Follow this checklist for improved efficiency of heating equipment:
• Check heating filters every couple weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer.
• Check and maintain insulation. Improperly insulated walls, floors, attics, basements and crawlspaces drain away heat and can also lead to moisture imbalance.
• Check ductwork for insulation and leaks. No matter how “state of the art” your heating system is, if your ductwork is bad, it will diminish efficiency.
• Turn down the thermostat by a few degrees and dress more warmly.
• Clean the furnace area. Don’t keep chemicals or cleaning products near your heater, and don’t store anything next to it that could impede ventilation.
• Keep vents and returns free of obstructions.
• Install a humidifier to make indoor air feel warmer.
Work With Experts
Be sure all work performed on your heating equipment is carried out by a trustworthy, NATEcertified technician. Even the most efficient system can suffer if it’s not properly maintained. NATEcertified technicians have demonstrated knowledge of today’s heating and cooling systems. Better installation
and service means your equipment will run at peak efficiency. Visit natex.org for additional winter tips and resources, and to find a NATE-certified technician in your area.
If you do call in a technician, prep for their
arrival. You can help your technician diagnose a potential problem with your heating equipment by being prepared to share important information, such as the age, brand and model of your furnace and whether it’s been leaking, making
unusual noises or emitting odors. With a combination high-efficiency equipment, a little DIY and the help of professional expertise, you can stay warm and cozy on-budget, all season long.
(StatePoint)
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) nicoletaionescu / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Deer Park High School Wins $3,500 Tangerkids Grant For Hydroponic Garden
Deer Park High School was recently named one of only nine finalists in the country for the nationwide TangerKids Members Choice grant program. Earlier this school year, the school’s science and family and consumer science departments teamed up and applied for a $2,500 TangerKids grant to establish a hydroponic garden. With the additional funding from Members Choice, voted on by the public, Deer Park’s total grant for the garden was $3,500.
TangerKids representatives, led by Tanger Marketing Director Amaka Muir, visited the school on Jan. 31 to present the students and teachers with a ceremonial check.
“It’s going to benefit the school tremendously,” Muir said. “Everything will be grown locally and the garden will be sustainable.
We are so happy to be able to pick your school, and you all should be very proud.”
“This garden will produce up to 384 pounds of fresh produce each year, providing FACS students direct and consistent access to fresh, nutritionally dense ingredients,” Director of Social Studies and FACS Vanessa Langdon said. “By learning about hydroponic farming, science students can understand how this method contributes to sustainable food systems, reduces our carbon footprint and human impact on the planet.”
“We are grateful for the support Tanger has shown us through this process and are very excited to bring this garden to the students of Deer Park High School,” Director of Science and Technology Alison BrancaPeterson said.
DEER PARK HIGH SCHOOL WINS $3,500 TANGERKIDS GRANT - Deer Park High School was recently named one of only nine finalists in the country for the nationwide TangerKids Members Choice grant program. They won a $3,500 TangerKids Members Choice grant for a hydroponic garden. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
