Councilwoman Laura Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Andrew Monteleone and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato celebrated with nearly 140 residents at the Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony held at Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event featured a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay.
chris-schneider@kw.com
Massapequa | 275 N Atlanta Avenue | $1,050,000
Massapequa | 120 Greenwood Drive | $875,000
Manhasset | 14 Bayview Court | $870,000
Smithtown | 33 Fulton Avenue | $860,000
Lynbrook | 12 Lawrence Avenue | $812,000
Old Bethpage | 10 Prescott Place | $795,000
Bethpage | 18 Elizabeth Drive | $775,000
Massapequa Park | 208 Linden Street | $763,000
Massapequa | 269 N Atlanta Avenue | $750,000
Freeport | 317 Saint Marks Avenue | $640,000
Great Neck | 90 Knightsbridge Road, 4B | $619,200
Seaford | 35 Crescent Cove Circle | $1,755,000*
Massapequa | 303 Bayview Avenue | $1,130,000*
Lido Beach | 336 Harbor Drive | $999,000*
Farmingdale | 5 Walland Avenue | $810,000*
Massapequa Park | 23 Jefferson Avenue | $765,000*
Massapequa Park | 286 Atlantic Avenue | $700,000*
Oceanside | 338 W Cortland Avenue | $700,000*
Ames Program Promotes Mental Health Support
In advance of P.S. I Love You Day, an initiative to eradicate the stigma around mental health, social worker Kim Hession educated students about suicide awareness at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus.
During their math classes,
ninth graders attended presentations in the library during the week of Feb. 10. Ms. Hession introduced Signs of Suicide, an evidencebased prevention program by MindWise Innovations designed for middle school and high school students. They watched three
videos featuring different scenarios, then discussed the effectiveness of the strategies that were used to support the person dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Ms. Hession taught students about the ACT technique – acknowledge,
care, tell – to assist anyone who might be showing risk factors. The goal of the presentations, she explained, was to give them the skills and tools to intervene on behalf of a peer who is struggling. She noted that friends often see the warning signs before adults do, and that early intervention can make a big difference.
“We want our students to be in a position to know how to act,” Ms. Hession said. “They’re often the first to notice the signs and symptoms of distress in a peer. They’re very intuitive but they don’t always know what to do.”
Ms. Hession, who has been leading the SOS workshop for a few years, provided students with crisis hotline information and also asked them to fill out short surveys about if they needed a professional to talk to at school.
Ames Campus social worker Kim Hession, joined by ninth graders, from left, Nico Rodriguez, Alex Steiger, Owen Lavey, Nicholas Catania and Austin VanRoten, provided students with suicide prevention and crisis intervention information on Feb. 11. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
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
Record Number Of Residents Renew Wedding Vows At Special Valentine’s Day Ceremony At Town Hall Special Event Featured
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Councilman Andrew Monteleone, Town Clerk Richard LaMarca and Receiver Jeffrey Pravato celebrated with more than 60 couples at a special Vow Renewal Ceremony held on Valentine’s Day at Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event featured a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay. The event also included a distribution of roses courtesy of 1-800-Flowers, which is headquartered in the Town, and cookies from 1-800-Flowers’ Cheryl’s cookie brand.
“Valentine’s Day is such a special day for couples and we are thrilled that so
many residents chose to spend their holiday with us at this heartwarming ceremony at Town Hall,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We welcomed a record number of couples to reaffirm their commitment to being together forever.”
The Valentine’s Day vow renewal ceremony featured residents married four years, to those married over 70 years, from all communities throughout the Town. Supervisor Saladino and Town Clerk LaMarca presided over the vow renewals and ring pledge, and a Raynham Hall representative reenacted the reading of America’s first Valentine.
Reenactment Of America’s First Valentine
Co-sponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event featured a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay.
The story of America’s first Valentine is a proud piece of Oyster Bay history which dates back to the time of the Revolutionary War, as British troops occupied Long Island homes. During the height of the American Revolutionary War, love improbably blossomed
between Lt. Col Simcoe and a young patriot named Sally Townsend as the Townsend property served as a headquarters for a
regiment of 300 British troops. Lt. Col. Simcoe presented Sally with a poem he wrote asking her to be his Valentine, and his famous poem, entitled ‘Will You Be My Valentine,’ became the first documented written Valentine in America.
Laughs And Screams Await At Massapequa’s ‘The Addams Family’
They’re normally not so creepy and kooky, but a group of 50 Massapequa High School students will take on a mysterious and spooky persona for the Drama Club’s performances of “The Addams Family” on March 7 and 8. The dark comedy musical features well-known
characters first introduced to the public in “The New Yorker” comic strips in 1938, and later popularized in a 1960s television series.
Director Katie Pearsall said she chose “The Addams Family” as this year’s show to give her students an experience in playing iconic characters.
This year’s lead actors include sophomore Sophia Rose Alfieri as Morticia Addams, sophomore Nicholas Bernstein as Gomez, senior Emily Ogurick as Wednesday, freshman James Ruiz as Pugsley, freshman Hunter Lewner as Uncle Fester, sophomore Colleen Overzat
as Grandma, sophomore Ryan Schlobohm as Lurch, senior Isabella Corigliano as Alice, junior Andrew McKeever as Lucas and sophomore Alex Green as Mal.
Cast members are excited for this year’s show and said the audience should enjoy the very lively dances. Musical numbers include “Death is Just Around the Corner,” “Full Disclosure,” “Secrets” and “When You’re an Addams.”
“The story itself is so unique,” Colleen said. “It’s such a fun show. All of the music is so great.”
Isabella noted the strong connection among the cast, and Sophia Rose added that they build on each other’s energy.
“Everyone is bringing 100% consistently,” Nicholas said of the rehearsals. “It’s coming along and going to be a great show.”
“They’re incredibly hard working,” Ms. Pearsall added about her cast. “The strength of the show will be their commitment to the characters, and their singing and dancing.”
Supporting Ms. Pearsall are choreographer Danielle Coutieri, vocal director
Craig Coyle, orchestra director Andrew Dwork, production assistant Nichole Greene and tech and stage crew supervisors Jason Cavanaugh and Travis McCabe.
Show times are Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. in the Massapequa High School Baldwin Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the fine arts office at (516) 308-5085 or emailing Ms. Greene at ngreene@msd.k12.ny.us. There will also be a free afternoon show for local senior citizens on March 6.
Councilwoman Laura Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Andrew Monteleone and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato celebrated with nearly 140 residents at the Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony held at Town Hall.
Massapequa High School’s Drama Club will perform “The Addams Family” on March 7 and 8 in the Baldwin Auditorium. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District The cast rehearses a musical number for the upcoming show.
Open House
Drive,
Islip,
Saladino Announces Free Boating Safety Seminars For Residents
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board are encouraging residents to take advantage of free Boating Safety Seminars being offered at Community Centers across the Town. These essential courses, taught by the Town’s Department of Public Safety Bay Constable Unit, will cover critical topics, including
safe vessel operation, state regulations, and the responsibilities of boat ownership and operation. As of January 1, 2025, all motorized vessel operators in New York State, regardless of age, will be required to possess a valid boating safety certificate.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Boating is a cherished activity in our Town, and safety must always come first. These seminars are an excellent way for residents to stay informed, comply with state law, and ensure that everyone can enjoy our waterways safely. I encourage all residents, young and old, to take advantage of this free program and join us in making our waters safer for all.”
Course Details: Oyster Bay Community Center – Saturday, March
Continued On 18
Saladino Announces Free Boating Safety Seminars For Residents
Continued From 12
15, 2025 from 8AM – 4PM.
Marjorie Post Park Community Center in Massapequa – Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6PM – 10PM (participants must attend both nights).
Participants must be at least 10 years old to register. While the seminars are free, advance registration is required. In New York State, individuals aged 18 and older must pay a $10 fee
for a permanent boating safety certificate issued by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. There is no fee for participants under 18. Completing an approved boating safety course is mandatory to obtain the certificate. For more information or to register for a course, please call (516) 677-5350.
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.
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.
Food Collection Drive To Benefit First Presbyterian Church Babylon
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 on Saturday, March 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Babylon Village Gazebo located on
Montauk Highway across from Argyle Lake Park in Babylon.
Assemblyman Durso and Mayor Adams are asking for donations of nonperishable food items and drinks. All items collected will be donated to the First Presbyterian Church Babylon Food Pantry and distributed to individuals and families in need.
“Over 300,000 Long Islanders are food
insecure and hungry,” said Assemblyman Durso. “Record high food prices, inflation, and the high cost of living have drastically increased the need for assistance. We must come together and support community members in need.”
For more information, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.
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Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) recently introduced a resolution proclaiming February 14, 2025 as P.S. I Love You Day in the State of New York. P.S. I Love You Day, this year celebrating its 15th Anniversary, is held annually on the 2nd Friday of February in over 600 communities across New York State.
P.S. I Love You Day was initiated in 2010 by cofounders Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma, to celebrate the memory of their father and others who have been lost to suicide. The DiPalma
sisters used the last three words their father spoke, “I Love You,” as inspiration for this significant day. For over a decade, P.S. I Love Day has been dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. It is imperative that there be greater awareness of serious mental health conditions, and more must be done to increase the activity at the local, State, and National levels.
P.S. I Love You Day invites all New Yorkers to wear purple on February 14, 2025 to bring awareness to the importance of mental
health, stand up to bullying, and spread kindness.
“We are excited to share that as of today, there are a combined total of more than 600 schools, businesses and community organizations across New York State that are celebrating with us this Friday, in addition to other states,” said Brooke DiPalma.
“I am honored to once again acknowledge P.S I Love You Day and Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma for their continued dedication to shining a light on mental health awareness and suicide prevention throughout
our communities,” said Assemblyman Michael Durso. “Together we can reduce the growing epidemic of suicide and eradicate the stigma surrounding individuals from coming forward to seek help.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or Text 988 or the Long Island Crisis Center: 516-679-1111.
For more information about P.S. I Love You Day visit psiloveyouday.net
Game On! Town To Host Its First-Ever Pickleball Tournament This Spring
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts! Councilman Steve Labriola announces that the Town of Oyster Bay is bringing the heat this spring with its inaugural Pickleball Tournament, a high-energy, two-day event set for Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love a little friendly competition, this tournament is the perfect chance to showcase your skills and compete for glory. The tournament will
feature bracketed doubles matches for players 18 and older, promising plenty of fast-paced action and exciting rallies.
“Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastestgrowing sports in the nation, and our Town is proud to lead the way in creating opportunities for residents to enjoy this exciting game,” said Councilman Labriola.
“So, grab a paddle, find a partner, and get ready for a weekend of fun, fitness, and fierce competition!”
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on March 3, 2025 for Town of Oyster Bay residents at www.oysterbaytown.com/ sports, with nonresident registration starting on March 10, 2025. Stay tuned for more details on game locations and schedules.
For more information, please contact the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com.
Don’t miss your shot—
sign up and get ready to play! About Pickleball in the Town of Oyster Bay: Since 2018, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board have expanded pickleball facilities, from Bethpage to Bayville, and Massapequa to Oyster Bay. In 2024 alone, new courts were opened at Tappen Beach, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Anchor Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, with plans to bring even more courts to Farmingdale and Massapequa.
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