• Family-Owned Home Improvement Company With Over 30 Years Of Experience
• Wide Selection Of Trusted Brands Offering Options For All Price Points
• Expansive Showroom To See And Select Materials For Your Upcoming Project
• In-House Designer Available To Assist With Material Selection And Provide 3d Renderings
• Dedicated Project Manager Assigned To Oversee Each Renovation From Start To Finish
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is
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 Islip:
• Bay Shore Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, March 21, 10 am – 12 pm
• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip: Monday, March 24, 10 am – 12 pm
• Connetquot Library, 760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia: Thursday, March 13, 10 am – 12 pm
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
Continued On 5
West Islip residents, Michele and John Raimondi, owners of Our Little Italy Restaurant, hosted a Inauguration Watch Party at The Piedmont in Babylon in honor of America’s Heroes. The event raised $15,337.10 for the Long Island Veterans Home in Stony Brook. Excepting the check were Veterans (L-R) Kurt Vinje, Army; Russell Langhorne, Marine; Gregg Schwartz, Army. Supporting the cause was, pictured (L-R): Steven Castleton, Bob McKeown, Legislator Seven J. Flotteron, Michele and John Raimondi and Executive Director of Long Island State Veterans Home Fred S. Sganga.
Continued From 4
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 troublefree 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.”
(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.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17. The day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but it’s also a celebration of Irish culture.
Although St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world by people who can trace their lineage to the Emerald Isle, millions more with no such heritage join in
the festivities each year. That means anyone who is Irish or just Irish in spirit can take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
There are many entertain-
ing ways to commemorate this special day. Here are a few to get the party started.
1. Eat green foods. Green is a prominent color for St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland
in general. Many people eat foods and consume beverages dyed green on March 17.
2. Bake soda bread. Everyone can take part in the kitchen whipping up a batch of delicious Irish Soda Bread. This is a great recipe for kids because there’s no need to wait for dough to rise. Baking soda is the “soda” in the recipe and serves as the leavening agent.
3. Take part in a parade. St. Patrick’s Day parades are held in major cities across the country, making it relatively easy for people to be there in person. However, many communities also host parades that are small in scale but still big on fun.
4. Attend an Irish dancing demonstration. Irish dance is a traditional dance that originated in Ireland. It is known for
Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized Lisa Pace as Suffolk County’s 2025 Woman of Distinction Award nominee for the 11th Legislative District at a celebration at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.
Ms. Pace and her family have been longtime members of the community. She lives, works, and volunteers in Suffolk County, where she continually breaks new ground through her unwavering commitment to the community. She is deeply involved in supporting Prostate and Breast Cancer initiatives, making a significant impact through her work with awareness initiatives. She is a founding member of Women and Men Against
its intricate footwork and minimal upper-body movement.
5. Dine the Irish way. Although corned beef and cabbage is often served on St. Patrick’s Day, it is not the most authentic Irish fare one can eat. Find a restaurant that serves Irish stew, Boxty, Colcannon, or Black and white pudding, or try making such dishes at home.
6. Host a scavenger hunt. See who can find the gold at the base of the rainbow. Pick a person to organize the scavenger hunt. This person can write the clues and hide the prize.
7. Listen to Irish music. Tune in to The Chieftains, The Dubliners, Planxty, The Gloaming, The Wolfe Tones, and others to get into a festive spirit. Enjoy the different ways to celebrate.
Prostate Cancer, Inc., established in 2016, and a dedicated volunteer at Breast Cancer Help, Inc. from 1994 to 2014. This cause became especially personal for her after losing her father to the disease in 2015, inspiring her to create meaningful change and open vital conversations about health in her community.
As a founding member of South Shore Arts in Bay Shore, established in 2023, she then hosted the first Art Crawl in April 2023 with the support of her family, friends, and Islip Town business associates. She believes that developers must contribute to the future of each community they develop in, and bringing art and culture downtown will add to a thriving community for years to
come. She was proud to donate her display windows at 11 Maple Avenue to honor Thriving Women and Men that have battled Breast Cancer. She is an active member of the Restaurant Committee in downtown Bay Shore. Respected for her sustained commitment and contributions, Lisa has been recognized as a beacon of empowerment and inspiration for women in the community. She actively participates as a board member of the Village of Ocean Beach Planning Board since 2014 and became a Board Member of the Islip Arts Council in 2024. In addition, she was recognized as a 2023 Honoree by Long Island Business News for her leadership and contributions.
Patrick’s Day is known for revelry. A festive atmosphere prevails each March 17. Cuisine is a big part of Irish culture, even if it’s not the first thing people think of when pondering the Emerald Isle. This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrants can bring a touch of Irish cuisine to their celebrations by preparing the following recipe for “Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Makes 6 servings
8 cups lamb or beef stock; divided
1 cup pearl barley
3 lb. lamb shoulder, cubed Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons oil
1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
4 stalks of celery, washed, trimmed and chopped
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring 3 cups of stock to a boil; add barley. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Brown the meat on all sides over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the pot. Sprinkle flour over the meat, shaking off any excess; set aside.
3. Add the celery, onions, garlic and carrots to the pot and saute until onions are soft and translucent. Add Guinness and deglaze the pot, scraping up all the caramelized bits on the bottom and sides of the pan.
4. Chop the leaves of the parsley, reserving the stems.
2 large yellow onions, peeled and chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
12 fluid ounces Guinness stout
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 teaspoons water
Tie the parsley stems and several sprigs of thyme and rosemary into a bundle; drop the bundle into the pot. Chop the remaining thyme and rosemary; set chopped herbs aside.
5. Return the meat to the pot. Add the potatoes, barley and enough stock to cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until meat is fork tender. Stir occasionally, adding remaining stock as necessary.
6. Check seasoning; adjust to taste. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme and rosemary. Mix cornstarch in water and stir. Add to stew, stirring to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until stew thickens. Ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread and of course more Guinness if desired.
SAT., MARCH 15th
11:00AM-2:00PM
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH
CLOTHING SALE
305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park.In the church hall. Rain or shine. Hot beverages will be served. Come by and take a look. You won’t be disappointed. Plenty of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at great prices. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
SUN., MARCH 16th
1:00PM
WINTER CONCERT SERIES
Cambiata Cello Duo Paul Finkelstein & Suzanne Mueller
The New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoos at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at 631-8883525. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 631- 581-1002
SAT., MARCH 22nd
10:00AM-1:00PM
LENTEN COLLECTION FOR SOLES4SOULS
Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, invites the community to join their Lenten Collection for SOLES4SOULS, a nonprofit organization that
9th - Daylight Savings Begins
17th - St. Patrick's Day
20th - Spring Begins
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
collects new/slightly used shoes and distributes them to people in need. Donations can be brought to their Grant Avenue entrance.
5:00PM-8:00PM
ST PATRICK'S DAY DINNER & SHOW
First Presbyterian Church 497 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn. $30.00 per person. Entertainment~ Mulvahill-Lynch 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
12:00PM-4:00PM
ANNUAL ST JOSEPH CELEBRATION
Long Island Society of Italian Americans (LISIA) are getting ready for their annual St Joseph Celebration at The Inn at New Hyde Park. $100.00 per person includes antipasto, complete dinner, beer, wine & soda and
dancing. Call Diane Langella @ 516-398-3484 for additional information and reservations.
THURS., MARCH 27th
6:30PM-9:30PM
MUSIC BINGO FUNDRAISER
The Seaford Historical Society will host a fundraiser, Music Bingo, at the museum. The event is $25 per person, which includes 2 bingo cards. There will be raffles, door prize and a 50/50. Coffee and water will be available. The museum is located at 3890 Waverly Ave. in Seaford. Tickets can be purchased at their website seafordhistoricalsociety.org/ music-bingo. Seating is limited. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-783-8629
SAT., MARCH 29th
8:30AM-11:30AM
HECKSCHER STATE PARK
MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K
1 Heckscher State Parkway, Field 6 in East Islip. Rain or Shine. Boston Qualifier Marathon and USATF Certified 5K and Half Marathon! The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on fully closed park roads. This is one of the 1st Marathons & Half Marathons of the spring - come run a well supported event at Scenic Heckscher State Park! Each runner will receive a longsleeved shirt & a finisher medal! For more information, please contact Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323
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• Will they take professional photographs?
• How will they advertise/promote your home?
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• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?
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Spring is widely considered a season of rejuvenation. The warmer post-winter air that is a hallmark of spring certainly adds an extra hop to the steps of millions of people each year, but a number of notable events also lend a festive feel to this beloved time of year.
• St. Patrick’s Day: Though the holiday itself occurs on one of the final days of winter, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations tend to take place throughout the month of March. Many communities host St. Patrick’s Day parades after the spring equinox, and celebrations of the patron saint of the Emerald Isle have a reputation for being especially convivial. A St. Patrick’s Day celebration at a local Irish pub featuring live music and food that would be at home on any dinner
table in Ireland can mark the perfect way to close out winter and usher in spring.
• March Madness: Basketball fans get their fix and then some each March, when the 68team, single-elimination NCAA Tournament tips off. Affectionately known as March Madness, the college basketball tournament that unfolds over three weeks from mid-March to early April features its fair share of buzzer beaters, upsets and, of course, busted brackets. Regional contests ensure that just about everyone across the United States is within driving distance of the exciting, if maddening, action.
• Major League Baseball Opening Day: Another hallmark of early spring, Opening Day of the
baseball season embodies the seasonal spirit of rejuvenation. Baseball fans across the globe know that
every team has a chance come Opening Day, when millions of fans return to stadiums to see their
favorite teams kick off the six-month campaign.
• Spring flower festivals: Spring flower festivals dot the landscape every year. Many occur between mid-March and mid-April and serve as beautiful, awe-inspiring reminders of the blooms that make spring such a colorful and enjoyable time of year.
• Kentucky Derby: The annual “Run for the Roses” is held on the first Saturday in May and attracts more than 100,000 visitors to the race track at Churchill Downs. Often referred to as “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby serves as the first leg of the Triple Crown and inspires men to don their best seersucker suits and women to showcase their most elaborate, and typically largest, hats as
they sip a mint julep and watch the thrilling race unfold.
• Memorial Day weekend: Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors and mourns United States military personnel who died while serving in the nation’s Armed Forces. Though there’s a solemnity to Memorial Day events that is not present with other notable celebrations each spring, the weekend itself also has become a time to gather with friends and family for backyard barbecues. Beachside communities also have come to see Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial beginning of summer. There are no shortage of events each spring that serve as reminders of why this time of year is so special and enjoyable.
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 NY109, West Babylon, NY
West Islip Public Library 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
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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
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On Sunday, February 23rd, Babylon’s Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) installed new men’s members at their Shamrock Degree.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, St. Patrick’s Division 2 here in Babylon Village, recently installed new men’s members during a Shamrock Degree. The installation took place at
the Hibernian Hall / Irish Cultural Center here in Babylon Village.
Seven new men joined their fellow Hibernian Brothers at St. Patrick’s Division 2, which has more than 500 members. Of note: new men’s member, Liam Chambers was a past president of the AOH’s Junior Boys Division.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was
founded in 1836 in New York City. It is the oldest Irish Catholic fraternal organization, represented in all 50 states. AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 was organized on October 6, 1946, and is the only AOH Division in the Town of Babylon. For more information, or to become a member, please see the contact Jim Killen, JamesJKillen@Yahoo.com
To promote an inclusive environment for all students, West Islip High School launched a Student Ambassador Program to assist new students as they navigate through the first days of school. Four student volunteers are currently participating in the program to welcome them to the school community. The ambassadors meet with the incoming students in the counseling office and help to explain documents in their native language. They also provide a tour of the building and make introductions to teachers as they walk with them to their classes and spend time together at lunch.
West Islip Union Free School District
Call
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Among the items on a wedding planning checklist, choosing a wedding gown often is a top priority.While certain wedding dress trends withstand the test of time, others have shorter shelf lives. Though no one knows what the future holds for wedding gown trends, these are some that may be notable as brides walk down the aisle in the months ahead. Floral appliqués and 3D accents
Florals are nothing new on wedding dresses, but they're being elevated this year with new interpretations. Floral embellishments give texture and help brides make a statement. Appliqués may be on sheer panels that serve as a top layer of the dress, or grouped together to form rosettes or additional threedimensional floral details.
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Florals were on display at the Fall 2024 New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Coquette is everywhere
Flirty and feminine is the name of the wedding dress game, as many gowns showcase feminine details like corseted tops, bows and soft colors, say the experts with Martha Stewart. Hyperfeminine looks may not be for everyone, but this style merits consideration for the bride who wants to appear romantic and approachable. Mini dress
Although one of the first pictures to come to mind when one envisions a wedding dress may be a floor-length gown, mini dresses continue to make bold statements on bridal runways and in magazines. The abbreviated hemlines can be flirty and fun, and
are featured on various types of dresses, including fitted, strapless, flowing, and even puffed styles. Jacquard and other opulent
materials
Lace long has been a bridal dress staple, but designers are branching out into other fabrics that lend luxury and
opulence to dresses. Texture can make a wedding dress a unique visual during ceremonies and the afterparty, and may help a bride feel like royalty.
Pearls and more pearls
Pearl necklaces and other jewelry has long gone handin-hand with weddings, but brides-to-be can now find pearls turning up just about anywhere. Pearls are embroidered onto dresses, veils, sleeves, and headpieces, and even can be used on wedding cakes to mirror a pearl aesthetic used elsewhere.
Bows
Along with pearls, a growing number of designers are opting for bows in their wedding dress designs. They may be subtle, such as stitched onto the bodice of the dress, or more
over-the-top, like a huge bow at the waist or near the train bustle, according to One Fab Day.
Shimmer and sparkle
A little bling (or a lot) never goes out of style. For 2025, many brides plan to embrace even more shimmer and sparkle as silver takes center stage in dress designs. Silver thread embroidery or even mirror-type embellishments will ensure all eyes are on the bride when she makes her entrance.
Overskirts
Many brides want a dramatically shaped dress for the ceremony, only to pare down a bit for the reception. The style experts at Vogue note an overskirt provides the flexibility to easily remove layers of fabric to unveil a more fitted silhouette.
