Why Car Washes Are Important
Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.
• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.
• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a wellmaintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for above-average condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.
• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with high salt corrosion rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.
• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.
• Maintain the interior: Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components.
Mangano Family Funeral Homes Donates Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets To Seniors At Spangle Drive Senior Center Joy And A Little Luck
Mangano Family Funeral Homes generously donated scratch-off lottery tickets to seniors at the Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon during their Valentine’s Day celebration.
“At Mangano Family Funeral Homes, we believe in bringing joy, fun and a little luck to our seniors,” says Sal Mangano, President. “Donating scratch-off lottery tickets is our way of spreading smiles
Brought To Valentine’s Day Celebration
About Mangano Family Funeral Homes
and creating moments of excitement, especially on Valentine’s Day. I want to also thank Carolyn Epifane, the Director of the Spangle Drive Senior Center, and her committee for their support and the work they do on behalf of our seniors.”
With over 100 years
in operation as a familyowned business, Mangano Family Funeral Homes provide families and their loved ones with caring and
compassionate service in their time of need. To learn more please visit www. manganofh.com.
Sal Mangano, President of Mangano Family Funeral Homes, donates scratch-off lottery tickets to seniors at the Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon during their Valentine’s Day celebration.
Sal Mangano, President of Mangano Family Funeral Homes, pictured here with Carolyn Epifane, Director of the Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon, proudly donates scratch-off lottery tickets at the center’s Valentine’s Day celebration.
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Recipe Of The Week: Spicy Oven-Fried Cod Fillets
Cod is a popular saltwater fish that is mild in flavor with firm meat. This means it may hold up better than some other white fish in different meals, like a fish fry. This recipe for “Spicy Oven-Fried Cod Fillets” (The Pampered Chef®) from The Pampered Chef® Test Kitchens is a flavorful, yet light dish.
4 servings
Sauce:
2 teaspoons thinly sliced green onion with top
1 small garlic clove, pressed
1/2 cup reduced-fat Thousand Island salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Dash cayenne pepper
Directions:
Cod fillets:
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dry Italian-style bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds cod fish fillets
1. Preheat oven to 450 F. For sauce, thinly slice green onion. Press garlic. Add onion, salad dressing, chili powder, and cayenne pepper; mix well. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
2. For cod fillets, lightly beat egg in a small bowl. Combine bread crumbs, chili powder and salt in a shallow dish. Dip fillets into egg, then into bread crumb mixture, coating evenly. Arrange fillets on a pan; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until cod flakes easily with a fork. Remove from oven; serve cod with sauce.
Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $82 million this year to 509 artists and 1,497 organizations across the state.
“As the unparalleled leader of arts and culture, New York’s creativity and innovation inspires the world,” Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investment in our dynamic creative sector will further boost tourism, strengthen our local economies and continue New York’s success as a rich and vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
Executive Director of NYSCA Erika Mallin said, “On behalf of the Council and staff, I am so proud that we are supporting the critical work of so many
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Deer Park’s Youngest Students Embrace Spirit Of Valentine’s Day
Some of Deer Park’s youngest students are making a heartfelt impact this Valentine’s Day. Kindergarten through second grade students at May Moore
Primary School recently created beautiful handmade Valentine’s Day cards to spread cheer and gratitude to our nation’s veterans. These thoughtful cards were
shared with New York State Sen. Monica Martinez’s office, which distributed them to veterans and seniors in local nursing homes.
“Through this initiative,
our students are learning the importance of kindness, appreciation and giving back to the community,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “We are proud of our
students for embracing the spirit of Valentine’s Day by brightening the days of those who have served our country and those in need of a little extra joy.”
Historic Book Donation Drive: Town Of Babylon Secures Over
5,000 Books In Partnership With Book Fairies
The Town of Babylon, in partnership with Book Fairies, has successfully collected over 5,000 books for local students. This historic effort brought together residents, educators, and community partners to foster a love for reading and support literacy
initiatives throughout the community. The books will provide students with greater access to reading materials that encourage imagination, learning, and personal growth. This book donation effort also ties into the towns celebration of P.S. I Love You Day, founded
by sisters Jaimie and Brooke DiPalma. The day promotes love, kindness, and positive mental health awareness. Much like the themes of this special day, the book drive shows how small acts of generosity can make a lasting impact on the community and the future of its students.
OLPH Knights Raise For LI Cares
BACCA Awarded $40,000 By The New York State Council On The Arts
Continued From 6
nonprofit organizations all across the state, including work of BACCA. New York State’s art and culture nonprofits make us a global leader, strengthening our connections to each other and the larger world. I thank you for your dedication and service and look forward to all your work in the coming year.”
“Thank you to the New York State Council on the Arts for their continuing support of the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA). The 2025 NYSCA grant will enable BACCA to continue its mission to support and promote art and cultural activities throughout the township of Babylon during the coming year,” stated BACCA Board President Shawn Cullinane.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.
Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts. ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @ NYSCArts and Instagram @
NYSCouncilontheArts. About BACCA
The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) is a not-for-profit cultural resource center for the arts serving the needs of residents, artists, and art organizations in the township of Babylon.
Incorporated in 1974, BACCA is designed to sponsor and develop artistic, cultural, and educational programs or services.
The Board of Trustees has set goals to promote and encourage artists in their endeavors through consulting, promotion, technical assistance, and other resources. Our
objective is to present cultural programs and opportunities for local artists to promote their craft.
For more information, please email the BACCA office at info@babylonarts. org.
Tell Us About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup. com.
At the Third Annual Long Island Cares Fundraiser hosted at Cebollines Grill and chaired by Town of Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta, the OLPH Knights of Columbus raised money through generous donations and engagement of the local community.
Spring Is Just Around The Corner And It’s
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MARCH HAPPENINGS
THURS., FEB. 27th
1:00PM-7:00PM BLOOD DRIVE
Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker is once again joining forces with the New York Blood Center to host a blood drive at Syosset Fire Department Headquarters, 50 Cold Spring Road in Syosset. Appointments are preferred but not required; walk-ins will be taken as capacity permits. Call 1-800-93-BLOOD (25663) or visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/321708 to make an appointment. For more information, contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or adrucker@ nassaucountyny.gov
SAT., MARCH 1st
10:00AM-12:00PM FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) and Babylon Village Mayor Mary Adams, in partnership with Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey and Babylon Town Councilman Terence McSweeney, are holding a drive-thru Food Collection Drive at the Babylon Village Gazebo located on Montauk Highway across from Argyle Lake Park in Babylon. All items collected will be donated to the First Presbyterian Church Babylon Food Pantry and distributed to individuals and families in need. For more information, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.
HOLIDAYS
9th - Daylight Savings Begins
17th - St. Patrick's Day
20th - Spring Begins
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
SUN., MARCH 2nd
1:00PM
WINTER CONCERT SERIES
The New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to experience fine classical music at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. The concert is free and is sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at 631-888-3525.
WED., MARCH 5th
11:30AM-12:00PM DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES
Pastor Claire Wu of the Farmingdale United Methodist Church will distribute ashes to anyone in the community regardless of faith or denomination in front of the church at 407 Main Street. All are welcome. Church service will be at 7:00PM, all are welcome there, too! Text Box: ASHES TO STAY. For more information, please call 631-884-0149.
SAT., MARCH 8th
9:00AM- 4:00PM LONG ISLAND DECOY COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION ANTIQUE DECOY & SPORTING COLLECTIBLES SHOW
IBEW UNION HALL #370 Vanderbilt/ Motor Parkway in Hauppauge. Admission - $10.00. Children 12 & Under Get In Free. Parking Is Free! MAIN EXHIBIT: Wildfowler & Herter’s Factory Fowl of the 40s, 50s & 60s.
Attendance or Vendor Information: Ben Sohm 516-776-4721, George Munkert 516-457-1636, Dick Richardson 631-475-4199. Tickets & Registration Available at www. lidecoycollectors.com
6:00PM CHEF COMPETITION
Cook your favorite entree or dessert or just taste and cast your vote. Admission $10. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information call 631-226-8690, gumc.lindy@gmail.com
SAT., MARCH 22nd
5:00PM-8:00PM
ST PATRICK'S DAY DINNER & SHOW
First Presbyterian Church 497 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn. $30.00 per person. Entertainment~ MulvahillLynch School of Irish Dancers. Full Traditional Irish Meal, Irish Soda Bread beverages & dessert, Raffle Baskets and a Door Prize! Call Priscilla for tickets and reservations 631-379-4889. RSVP by March 15.
SUN., MARCH 23rd
11:00AM-5:00PM
ST JAMES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB
WINTER OPEN HOUSE
Located at the Mills Pond House in St James. Once again opening to the public with many new additions to the Layout There is a requested donation, Adults $2.00, Children .50. PLEASE NOTE: The St. James Model Railroad Club is not handicapped accessible. For further information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732
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: Tuesday, March 25, 12 – 3:30 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday March 27,
10 am – 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesday, March 12, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423
Continued On 22
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Why It’s Harder Than Ever
To Make An Appointment With Your Doctor
(State Point) Americans face unprecedented wait times to see their doctors. This squeeze is particularly acute in primary care, but is also being felt in specialties like neurology, psychiatry and OB/ GYN.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), here are the top reasons why it’s harder than ever to be seen by a health care provider:
1. Not enough doctors. With the U.S. population growing and aging, the need for physicians continues to grow. Yet, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the physician shortage is projected to reach 86,000 by 2036.
2. A broken Medicare system. With an aging population and more Medicare patients on the horizon, the Medicare system needs significant reform. Today, Medicare pays physicians nearly 30% less than it did in 2001, when adjusted for inflation. So while the overhead costs of running a practice—equipment, office space, staff salaries— have all soared, payment for caring for Medicare patients has decreased dramatically, making running a practice extremely challenging.
“Physicians have shouldered the burden of a broken Medicare payment system for far too long. Especially in small, independent practices, and practices in rural and underserved areas, physicians have been forced to cut costs,
eliminate staff, or limit the number of Medicare patients we see,” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D., president of the AMA. “These are steps we take simply to keep the doors open and the lights on. But unfortunately, because of this dysfunction, all patients—not just Medicare patients—are put at risk when our flawed and outdated payment system forces physicians to close their practices.”
3. Administrative burdens. Increasing bureaucracy and administrative barriers, such as prior authorization, consume significant time for physicians. Doctors today, on average, spend two hours on paperwork for every one hour they spend with patients.
4. Backlog and burnout. One of the ultimate
legacies of COVID-19 is a backlog of services and screenings put off during the pandemic, now offered by fewer providers. Two in three doctors admitted to experiencing burnout during the pandemic, according to a survey from the AMA, the Mayo Clinic and Stanford Medicine. That’s the highest level of burnout ever recorded by the AMA. One in five physicians surveyed during the pandemic said they planned to leave medicine within the next two years, while one in three said they’d cut back on their hours.
While there is indeed a crisis in care, the AMA says that there are solutions to address the problem. They include:
• Fixing the broken Medicare
payment system. The Medicare Payment Advisory Committee has called for connecting physician payment to the Medicare Economic Index, which would ensure rising practice costs do not continue to overwhelm what Medicare pays.
• Adding voices to the chorus of patients and physicians calling for reform. Those concerned about this problem and worried about continued access to their physician, can visit FixMedicareNow.org. “It is imperative that we take steps as a country to help all patients get the high-quality care they need and to ensure physicians can continue to deliver it,” says Dr. Scott.
Legislator Donnelly And Office For The Aging Announce Babylon And
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.
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.” Continued From
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County
