February 26, 2025 Massapequa Park

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South Bay's Neighbor

RECORD NUMBER OF RESIDENTS RENEW WEDDING

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.

Record Number Of Residents Renew Wedding Vows At Special Valentine’s Day Ceremony At Town Hall Special

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

Event Featured Reenactment Of America’s First Valentine

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.

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,

of

First

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.

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
America’s
Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay.

Assemblyman Durso Announces Annual Pet Food Drive

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in coordination with Long Island Cares, is inviting the community to participate in his annual Pet Food Drive to help families keep their pets out of shelters and remain at home where they belong.

Assemblyman Durso is asking residents, community organizations and pet lovers to kindly donate unopened bags of dog and cat food, canned pet food and pet supplies. All items collected will be donated to Baxter’s Pet Pantry, operated by Long Island Cares, which provides free pet food and pet supplies to pet-owning families in need throughout Long Island.

Donations can be dropped off through April 4, 2025 at Assemblyman Durso’s district office located at 512 Park Boulevard in

Massapequa Park or at various other locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

For more information, call Durso’s district office at 516-541-4598.

Donations are being accepted at the following locations: Assemblyman Durso’s District Office: 512 Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY

Petco 5500 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa, NY

Babylon Public Library 24 S Carll Ave, Babylon, NY

North Babylon Public Library 815 Deer Park Ave, North Babylon, NY

West Babylon Public Library 211 NY-109, West Babylon, NY

West Islip Public Library Continued On 12

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

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 non-perishable 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.

Saladino Announces Free Boating Safety Seminars For Residents

Safety Certificate Required By New York State Law As Of January 1, 2025, For All Watercraft Operators

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 15, 2025 from 8AM – 4PM.

Marjorie Post Park Community Center in Massapequa – Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and Wednesday, March 19,

Pre-Register Today For 2025 Town Summer Recreation Program Parents Can Upload Materials In Advance Of Spring Registration – Space Is Limited

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announce that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2025 Summer Recreation Program can now upload necessary documents and materials for review in advance of the final registration period. This process is mandatory prior to registration this spring and will once again be performed fully online. This year’s Summer Recreation Program runs June 30th through August 8th and will include a full-day option at all locations for children ages 4 through 12. Space is limited at each facility.

not guarantee a spot in this year’s Summer Recreation Program. Parents will need to perform final registration this spring).

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.

“The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer fun for children at five of our Town parks, with activities including arts and crafts, various games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and so much more,” said Supervisor Saladino. “To help streamline the registration process, residents will be able to signup their children online this spring, and can begin preregistration today!”

All registrations for Summer Recreation will performed online. In an effort to simplify the process, the Town’s Parks Department will accept all necessary documentation, including proof of residency, child’s birth certificates, recent physicals etc. to be uploaded to a portal on the Town’s website prior to the final registration period this spring. This process is mandatory and ends on Friday, March 21, 2025. Once all documentation is properly uploaded, parents/ guardians will receive notification of approval to register, as well as directions for online registration.

How to upload materials (note: pre-registration does

• Parents/guardians can visit www.oysterbaytown. com/portal

• Select ‘My Account’ on the top right corner and log-in or create a new account (if your child was registered for the 2024 Summer Program, you already have an account, however documents must be uploaded)

• After logging in, select ‘My Account,’ then Household & Member. Confirm all family members are listed. If needed, select ‘Add Family member’ at bottom of page and add a child or guardian to the household.

Then SAVE

• Select DOCUMENT

UPLOAD from the portal menu. Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (make sure all scanned documents are legible)

o Required documents:

• Proof of residency (tax or utility bill)

• Child’s Birth Certificate

• Child’s Immunization Records (for full-day campers only)

• Child’s recent physical (for full-day campers only)

“We know many of our youngsters can’t wait for the warm weather and all the fun they have

at the Town’s Summer Recreation Program,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “With full-day options now available at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale and Harry Tappen Beach in Glen Head, we look forward to another successful summer of fun!”

The mandatory preregistration period, during which interested parents/ guardians can upload documents and required materials for registration, is open now through March 21st. Submission of materials does not guarantee a spot in the 2025 program –parents must complete their registration this spring when final registration opens. Following final registration, refunds are given on a prorated basis and subject to a 10 percent administrative fee through July 11th. Parents will receive an email from the Recreation Division confirming that all documents have been received, as well as directions on how to complete registration. All registration will take place online. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

Home Heating And Cooling Efficiency

(NAPSI)—Improving your home’s heating and cooling efficiency can go a long way toward saving energy and money, and upgrading your HVAC to super-efficient heat pump technology is one of the most effective ways to achieve this, say the experts at ENERGY STAR. Learn more at energystar. gov/homeupgrade.

Pain Patches

(NAPSI)—Makers of a patch used in outer space for it’s adhesive properties also make patches on planet Earth for pain relief. Learn more at us.hisamitsu.

Assemblyman Durso Announces

Continued From 5

3 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY

Participating Schools

(only accepting student donations): Massapequa

High School, Massapequa Bayview Elementary School, West Islip

Manetuck Elementary School, West Islip

Oquenock Elementary School, West Islip

Beach Street Middle School, West Islip

Udall Road Middle School, West Islip

West Islip High School, West Islip

Paul J Bellow Elementary School, West Islip

Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings

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

Now Hiring Advertising Account Representatives

Long Island Media Group, publishers of South Bay’s Neighbor Newspapers, South Bay’s Seasons ® Magazine and South Bay’s Digital Marketing, has been serving local communities since 1953. We also print and deliver flyers, menus, postcards, newsletters and more. Our familyowned company proudly services businesses of any size from anywhere with the best customer service possible.

The Ideal Candidiate:

• Has prior experience in media sales

• Has reliable transportation

• Shows excellent communication skills

• Is a team player and self-starter

To discuss this position further, please email your resume to Jeff Lambert at jefflambert @ longislandmediagroup.com and call 631.226.2636 x239. 565 Broadhollow Road, Suite 3, Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735 631.226.2636 www.longislandmediagroup.com

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.

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.

LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP

PUBLISHER

ASSISTANT

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Joe Lambert

Ethan Keattikul

Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION

Teri Tinkler

Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Victoria Kokolakis

Stephan Schulze

Felicia Edwards

EXECUTIVES

Carol Link

Bob Liquorie

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

PROOFREADING Kerry Mastrobuoni ACCOUNT

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

SCAN

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.

Mental Health Awareness Is Illuminated At Fairfield

This year’s theme was “A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today.” The Long Islandbased nonprofit organization P.S. I Love You Day sponsors the initiative that is dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health. The goal is to create communities where everyone feels welcomed,

loved and supported.

One of the highlights this year at Fairfield was mindfulness yoga. Each grade participated in a session led by Shana Conza of Yogi Beans. She guided students through several breathing and stretches

exercises, and taught them the power they have over their own bodies.

Every student also made a paper lantern bag with a positive and inspirational message. In the afternoon, battery-operated lights were placed in the bags, which then lined the halls. With the hallway lights dimmed and the bags illuminated, students went on a lantern walk to read all of the messages.

Classroom activities throughout the day promoted mental health and kindness. In Mary Lynn McCauley’s kindergarten class, students made emoji hearts to remind to not only tell others that they are loved, but why they are loved. Down the hall, kindergartners helped their teacher Jeanne Jones make lavender cloud dough with cornstarch, hair conditioner, food coloring, purple glitter and a lavender oil. When completed, the students used it as a sensory calming

tool, and each took a turn holding it while saying a positive affirmation.

P.S. I Love You Day at Fairfield was organized by a committee of administrators, teachers and staff, and supported by the PTA which helped decorate the school. The mission was to instill hope, foster community and help students see the small steps they can take each day to

help make their lives and the lives of those around them better. This year’s theme was a reminder for youngsters to look after their own mental health while checking in on those around them.

“We want our students to help create a future where everyone has the care and connection they need to shine and thrive,” Assistant Principal Megan Pavlick said.

TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY

Fairfield Elementary School students gathered at the P.S. I Love You Day photo station set up by the PTA on Feb. 14, part of an initiative to promote mental health awareness. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Second graders showed their lantern bags with positive messages in front of the bulletin board that highlighted this year’s P.S. I Love You Day theme.

BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

GET YOUR AD NOTICED!

Call Our Classified Dept. 631-226-2636 press “2”

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?

Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6

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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

Call The Classifi eds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

Assemblyman Durso Introduces A Resolution

I Love You Day

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.

chris-schneider@kw.com

“During our first meeting with Michele we knew immediately she was the person we wanted to help sell our home of 36 years. Every detail of the process was clearly explained to us and executed exactly as proposed. Michele helped us carefully review our offers and pointed out the positives and negatives of each one. In the end we got a terrific price for our home and we were very happy. We highly recommend Michele for her professionalism and many years of real estate knowledge.” ... Andrew & Sheryl Engel

“After researching and interviewing a number of realtors to sell our Massapequa home, we decided on using the Michele and Mark Goodman Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Michele and Mark conducted thorough market research, had expert historical knowledge of the house and its community and were very knowledgeable of the various selling features the neighborhood offered. The Team’s confident approach to listing and marketing the property was effective, resulting in strong prospect interest and ultimately a very satisfying sales price within a short time frame. They also did an excellent job keeping us informed along the way and were, without fail, extremely responsive to questions sent to them regardless of the time of day.” ... Jeffrey Tomitz

“I highly recommend the Michele & Mark Goodman Team to both “Sellers“ & “Purchasers” due to their unparalleled negotiation skills, their marketing expertise & their 24/7 availability to answer all my questions & handle all the intricate details of each transaction. I’ve hired them for 4 of my sales & purchases & would definitely hire them again because they exceeded my expectations, are dedicated, extremely knowledgeable, experts in their field, true professionals & definitely a 5 STAR TEAM!” ... Jaimee Guttman

“We give Michele & Mark Goodman our very highest recommendation!! My husband who is a real estate attorney & I knew that we wanted Michele and Mark to find a buyer for our home and quickly! That was a good decision!! They found a buyer within a few weeks & negotiated a price of $82,000 higher than our asking. We have already recommended this team to clients and will highly recommend them to friends & family. They are true professionals!!” ... Arnie & Resa Hauptman

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