February 5, 2025 Lindenhurst North by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

TOWN OF BABYLON GREEN HOMES CELEBRATES 2,000TH ENERGY RETROFIT PROJECT

The Town of Babylon Green Homes program is awarded a $235,330 check from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Bridge the Gap grant. The grant will enable the Green Homes program to assist more residents this year in affording air-source heat pumps and weatherization projects. The grant provides retrofit funding in disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged communities, aligning with state and federal goals to ensure equitable access to renewable energy solutions.

LONG LIVE

health care that works with your life.

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty, and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.

Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™ At Catholic Health, everything is designed around you. And made for Long Island. Learn more at longliveyou.org

EXOTIC WAREHOUSE

Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group

Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd., Amityville, NY 11701 (off of New Hwy.) on Thursday, February 6, 2025 . Open to all, 18 years old & up. Meetings start at 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more info.”

Passwords on Multiple Accounts

(NAPSI)—According to a recent Aware poll, most people use the same password across multiple accounts, which means that if a hacker has a password to one account, they can likely access several of that person’s accounts. For further facts, visit www.aware.com.

Unified Window Systems Inc. Honors Founder

Steven Joseph DiMare, Welcomes His Son As New CEO To Continue His Legacy

It is with great sadness that Unified Window Systems Inc. announces the passing of its founder and CEO, Steven Joseph DiMare, on January 6, 2025.

Steve established the family-owned and operated business in 1989 with a vision of providing highquality home improvement services while treating every customer like family. Family meant everything to Steve, and he made sure to treat his employees and customers as such. After all, home is where the heart is.

Steve’s journey in the construction industry began humbly, working as a young laborer carrying windows up multiple flights of stairs in New York City. Over the years, he advanced from laborer to installer to foreman, before eventually founding Unified Window Systems Inc. in 1989, starting as one showroom in Hempstead

Village. His grit, dedication, and ambition turned Unified into a trusted name in the home remodeling industry, completing over 350,000 projects across the New York Metro area. In 2019, with the help of his son, Steven Michael DiMare, the company obtained a DBA as Unified Home Remodeling in order to showcase its evolution into a full-service remodeling provider. What began as a window installation company now offers a wide array of home improvement services, including doors, siding, roofing, masonry, fencing, decking, and more.

Steve’s commitment to quality and customer care extended beyond his business. He was heavily involved with New Ground, a local charity dedicated to helping veterans and families break the cycle of homelessness. His contributions to the

community and generosity of spirit will remain central to Unified’s mission.

As Unified moves into the next chapter, the company is proud to announce that Steven M. DiMare will assume the role of CEO.

Steven began working for the family business in high school, learning the company from the ground up—as his father did before him— beginning as a warehouse worker, then a laborer, a quality control inspector, and a home remodeling expert. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Steven began working as Unified’s marketing director in 2019, before being promoted to Vice President, where he worked diligently alongside his father in anticipation of Steve’s intended retirement in the next few years. Though that timeline has now been moved up, Steven is confident that Unified’s

legacy as a dependable and beloved provider of home improvements will continue.

“Unified Home Remodeling is more than just a company; it’s a family,” remarked Steven M. DiMare.

“My father’s dedication to quality, honesty, and treating every customer like family has set the standard for everything we do. With the incredible team my father built and the support of my family, we will continue to uphold those principles and grow Unified for generations to come.”

Unified’s success has been driven by its team, many of whom have been with the company for decades. This loyalty, coupled with a 99.6% customer satisfaction rating, underscores Unified’s dedication to excellence and the legacy Steven Joseph DiMare leaves behind.

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS

THURS. FEB. 6th

11:00AM LINDENHURST EVENING HOMEMAKERS GROUP

Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd. in Amityville. (off of New Hwy.) Open to all, 18 years old & up. Meetings start at 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more info

FRI. FEB. 7th

10:00AM-1:00PM

$5 BAG SALE

Simpson UMC will be having a $5 bag sale. Come and ﬁll a bag which will be provided.Lots of other treasures will be available for purchase as well. Something for everyone! Simpson is located at 30 Locust Ave, Amityville, NY 11701. Call Mary for additional information 516-991-8098

SAT. FEB. 8th

10:30AM-12:30PM FOREST THERAPY WALK

Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy. in Great River. Join a certiﬁed forest therapy guide on a walk to slow down, wander, and notice the beauty of nature. This will be a lengthy walk, so please wear comfortable, study shoes and warm clothing. $45/pp. https://www.forestbathingﬁnder. com/

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

Pilot Traffic Changes On Catskill Avenue

The Village of Lindenhurst will be holding the fifth public meeting regarding the pilot traffic program implemented on Catskill Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to present recommended changes to the north and south ends of Catskill Avenue. There will be a brief presentation outlining the proposed changes and next steps.

Fifth Public Meeting Regarding Catskill Avenue Pilot Program February 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM – Doors Open at 6:30 PM Rainbow Room (located at the Rainbow Center) 293 Buffalo Avenue (entrance is on Buffalo Avenue closest to 34th Street)

Questions and comments from the public will be heard following the presentation.

Bird Walk

11:00AM-3:00PM

WINTERFEST 2025

Levittown Community Council WinterFest 2025, Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road in Levittown. Free admission, crafts, entertainment, and eye screening.

OTHER: Featuring Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers, balloon magic by MsMatch the Clown, music by deejay Tim Aldridge. For information visit: levittowncouncil@yahoo.com

3:00PM

VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT

Valentine's Day Concert

Featuring Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690. A free-will offering will be taken.

TUES. FEB. 11th

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING

7150 Republic Airport, Room 201 in Farmingdale. For information call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email: info@republicairport.net

7:00PM

NARCAN TRAINING

Learn to save lives, free Naloxone/ Narcan training, sponsored by St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 29 Brooksite Drive in Smithtown. It’s a medication to reverse effects of an overdose of opioids and is taught by CN

Guidance & Counseling Services. Limited seating, RSVP: TEXT: 631374-9281, Pat Reynolds or EMAIL: stthomassundayschool@gmail.com

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

SUN. FEB. 16th

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 @ 631-745-3007

Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk on Saturday, February 8, starting at 9 AM, at Hempstead Lake State Park. The group will meet in parking lot #3. Hempstead Lake State Park is at Exit 18 from the Southern State Parkway. All are welcome. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their

knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge. Bring binoculars . To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 4679498. No walk if it rains, snows or the temperature is below 25 degrees. Text regarding questionable conditions. For more information, log onto www. ssaudubon.org.

Garage Door

FEATURING

Recipe Of The Week: Spicy Soy Chicken Wings

Whilethe exciting action on the gridiron is a cause for celebration among millions of football fans, the food enjoyed during game day provides much to look forward to as well. Certain foods have become part and parcel of watching a particular sport. For example, who can attend a baseball game and resist the temptation to indulge in a hot dog? For football fans, chicken wings are the go-to game day dish. There’s no shortage of ways to prepare chicken wings, but fans who like their game day grub to have a little kick can try this recipe for “Spicy Soy Chicken Wings” courtesy of Andrew Schloss’s “Cooking Slow: Recipes for Slowing Down and Cooking More” (Chronicle Books).

Makes 4 servings

4 lbs. chicken wings, cut into sections at the joints, tapered wing tips trimmed and discarded

Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2⁄3 cup soy sauce

Directions:

Watching the big game together with friends and fellow fans makes football even more engaging and fun. With that in mind, fans can consider these tips to improve their game

2⁄3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon dark sesame oil

1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1⁄8 teaspoon hot chili powder, preferably habanero

2 garlic cloves, minced

Combine the chicken wing pieces with a generous amount of salt and pepper in a large zippered plastic bag. Close the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 225 F. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish in a single layer without crowding. In a small saucepan, stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cayenne, chili powder, and garlic and heat to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour over the chicken. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook until the chicken is nearly falling off the bone, about 3 hours. Raise the oven temperature to 450 F and continue baking until the chicken browns and the sauce thickens into a glaze, about 10 minutes longer. Watch carefully near the end of the cooking time to avoid burning. Toss the wings in the sauce to coat and serve.

Improve Your Game Watch Experience

watch party as the stakes get higher for their favorite team.

• Upgrade your equipment. There’s no doubt about it, football is best watched on a big screen. Choose

a screen size of at least 65 inches and ensure the television has a high refresh rate, which helps to keep up with fast-moving action on the gridiron. A TV with good motion

handling can help ensure that moving objects are clear.

• Tailgate at home. There’s something about football and the outdoors that works. Although watching

the game indoors is perfectly acceptable, think about taking the action outside. Open the door to the garage and set up a viewing area there. Man a grill nearby in the driveway and prepare all of your favorite tailgate foods and beverages. Once the drinks are flowing you might not even notice chilly temperatures.

• Offer finger foods. Foods that can be grabbed and shared are ideal options for football watch parties. These include sliders, pizza, tacos, and wings. The game day menu does not need to be complicated. Just make the food readily accessible and guests will dig right in.

• Toss around the pigskin. Get some exercise and test your skills by throwing around the ball during commercial breaks or before and after the game. If you really want to go all out, play a game of touch or flag football

(leave the tackling to the professionals).

• Up the ante. Make watching the game a little more competitive by taking bets beforehand. Betting boxes (football squares) provide a simple way to collect and pay out during game play. Participants buy as many squares as they like for a set price and write their initials inside the squares they choose. Teams are assigned to the rows and columns which are numbered zero through nine. Those numbers will represent the final digit of the score for the corresponding team. Winners can be called each quarter as well as for the final score.

• Create a winning playlist. Compile a playlist of songs that can raise fans’ spirits. Include teams’ theme songs in the mix when possible; otherwise, incorporate upbeat options that span the last few generations.

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.

Suffolk County Legislature Organizational Meeting

Lindenhurst Village Officials recently attended the 2025 Organizational Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature. All eighteen legislators were administered the Oath of Office en masse, and then individually signed the County Clerk’s Oath of

Office Book, overseen by County Clerk Vincent Puleo. Votes were also taken to elect the Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer of the Legislature. Incumbents Kevin McCaffrey, Presiding Officer, and Steve Flotteron, Deputy Presiding Officer, were unanimously reelected.

Eighteen Districts of roughly equal population and communities of interest makeup the entirety of the Suffolk County Legislature. The Legislature is charged to write, change, and oversee county laws, with the County Executive, to chart the future of Suffolk County.

FRIENDS OF THE KNIGHTS - THE PIZZERIA - The OLPH Knights of Columbus would like to welcome The Pizzeria of Lindenhurst to the Friends of the Knights program.

season, The Pizzeria came on

a sponsor of their annual golf outing!

Picture here (left to right) are: Lindenhurst Deputy Mayor RJ Renna, Village Trustee Douglas Madlon, Suffolk County Legislature Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron, and Village Administrator Joe Barone.

The Town of Babylon Green Homes program celebrated the completion of its 2,000th energy retrofit project at a press conference on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Town’s sustainability fair. This milestone has been a remarkable achievement

Town Of Babylon Green Homes Celebrates 2,000th Energy Retrofit Project

in the program’s ongoing efforts since 2008 to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer also announced the award of the new “Bridge the Gap” grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, totaling $235,330.

The grant will enable the Green Homes program to assist more residents this year in affording airsource heat pumps and weatherization projects. The grant provides retrofit funding in disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged communities, aligning with

state and federal goals to ensure equitable access to renewable energy solutions. The announcement also highlighted the program’s future plans, including leveraging increased townallocated funding in 2025 to expand outreach and educational efforts to

accelerate the transition to clean energy for more homeowners, particularly those with low to moderate income.

The Town’s sustainability fair provided innovative and informational presentations, booths, and activities to help residents live greener,

healthier and moare costefficient lifestyles. Residents had the opportunity to learn about electric vehicles, cold climate air-source heat pumps, nutritious mealprep, exercise routines, and local, state, and federal incentives, rebates, and lowinterest financing.

Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer discusses the positive impact of the Town of Babylon Green Homes program.

Town of Babylon resident Nancy Tyson explains the transformational effects of the work done by the Town of Babylon Green Homes program on her bills.