Powerlifter and motivational speaker Rohan Murphy visited the students of Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School on Feb. 27 to deliver an uplifting and dynamic program meant to inspire students to never give up and follow their dreams.
Murphy, who had both of his legs amputated due to complications stemming from birth, became a U.S. Paralympian and wrestled for the prestigious Division 1 team at Penn State University.
Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
Reducing Your Risk Of RSV: What You Need To Know
As cold and flu season sets in, a seemingly simple cold could signal a more serious concern for some people—but there’s good news, too.
The Risk of RSV Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that mimics coldlike symptoms. While many people recover quickly, RSV can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death in certain groups, particularly older adults. The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.
However, there’s a way to protect yourself: vaccination. Last year, RSV vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalization or emergency visits by 75%, making them a powerful tool in preventing severe outcomes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV vaccination for:
• Everyone 75 years and older
• Adults aged 60–74 at higher risk due to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, severe obesity, or diabetes, as well as those living in nursing homes. Unfortunately, chronic conditions are widespread in older populations.
Public health experts encourage you to discuss your RSV risk with your healthcare provider. Nearly 95% of adults aged 60 and older have at least one chronic health issue, and almost 80% have two or more, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether you have eligible risk conditions.
Taking Action
Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP), a trusted source of information that advocates for access to recommended vaccines, emphasizes the importance of vaccination for those most vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, especially in underserved communities.
RSV vaccines can be given alongside other vaccinations, and they’re free for most people. Both private and public insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover RSV vaccines. Adults who are eligible can get vaccinated against RSV at any time of year.
Find a Vaccine
To locate an RSV vaccine near you and learn more about RSV protection options, visit www.vaccines.gov or www. CVEEP.org/RSVReady.
Recipe Of The Week: Seafood Pancakes
customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. It is a sacrifice symbolic of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. “Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a tasty dinner.
Makes 4 to 5 pancakes
2 ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded
2 ounces clams, cleaned
3 1⁄4 ounces rice flour
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 1⁄2 ounces self-rising flour
2 tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)
Directions:
In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s threequarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.
In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large pinches of sea salt
3 1⁄2 ounces brown shrimp
5 spring onions, julienned
1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle
Vegetable oil for frying
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the frying pan as needed.
Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce.
Food Drive To Help Stock The Pantry Of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church
FOOD DRIVE - The Members of the Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 of Deer Park, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) recently held a Food Drive to help stock the pantry of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church. Countless pounds of food were collected by Lodge members and friends and was delivered to the pantry. Pictured are Chairpersons Karen Lorito and Rose Dispinseri with Lodge President Sabrina Savino (center). The Lodge encourages those of Italian American descent to consider membership; contact Lucille at (631) 987-9728 for details.
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one half tray)
• Traditional Meat or Cheese Lasagna
• Traditional Baked Ziti
• Penne alla Vodka
• Manicotti
• Stuffed Shells
VEGETABLE (Choose two quarter trays)
• Sautéed Broccoli Garlic & Oil
• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• String Bean Casserole
• String Bean Almondine
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
SALAD (Choose one)
• Crispy Green Garden Salad
• Traditional Caesar Salad
• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Berries
DESSERT (Choose one)
• Assorted Fresh Fruit Bowl • Homemade Apple Pie (10 inch) • Imported Italian Colomba
DESSERT (Choose one)
• Assorted Fresh Fruit Bowl
• Fresh Baked Italian Cookie Tray (2 lbs.)
• Imported Italian Colomba
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
• American Spring Leg of Lamb
• Black Angus Filet Mignon Roast
• All Natural Hormone Free Stuffed Pork Roast
• Boar’s Head Brown Sugar, Sweet Sliced Holiday Ham
*8-10lb. avg. All meat comes raw, must be cooked.
• Candied Sweet Potatoes VEGETABLE (Choose two half trays)
• Sautéed Broccoli Garlic & Oil
• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• String Bean Casserole
• String Bean Almondine
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
The Spring Equinox
There’s much to celebrate on the Spring Equinox, which is also referred to as the “Vernal Equinox” or the “March Equinox” and marks the official beginning of spring, a season many people associate with rejuvenation and longer hours of daylight. One unusual aspect of the equinoxes (the Autumnal Equinox in September ushers in the beginning of fall) is these days feature the fastest sunsets and sunrises of the year. According to Earthsky.org, this phenomenon occurs because the sun rises due east and sets due west on the equinoxes, which means the setting sun hits the horizon at its steepest possible angle. That steep angle leads to a very short sunrise and sunset on the equinoxes. Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America.
Garage Door Sale!
MARCH HAPPENINGS
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 collects new/slightly used shoes and distributes them to people in need. Donations can be brought to their Grant Avenue entrance.
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.
TUES., MARCH 25th
7:00PM
N. BABYLON LIONS CLUB
GENERAL MEETING
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
151 Phelps Lane - In the Blue Room, in N. Babylon. We're not just Pancakes and Pasta. Join us in helping others while having fun. Contact: Joefatuzzo@gmail.com
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/musicbingo. Seating is limited. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-783-8629
FRI., MARCH 28th
10:00AM-1:00PM FIND YOUR TREASURE SALE
Simpson UMC Presents A Find your treasure sale. Clothing $5 a bag. New Clothing $3 a garment, Household Items, Children’s clothing, toys and furniture, Small animal needs. Something for everyone! Simpson UMC, 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. Call Mary for more information 516-991-8098
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
Home Sweet Home Starts Here...
Now Is The Perfect Time To Get You Moving. I Look Forward To Hearing From You!!
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 long-sleeved shirt & a finisher medal! For more information, please contact Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323
SUN., MARCH 30th
12:00PM-5:00PM NORTH BABYLON LIONS CLUB DART TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
Sand City Brewery, 150 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. $39pp to play, includes cold foods and cash bar. $15pp to be a guest, includes cold foods and cash bar. Raffles, 50/50. Come join the fun and support one of their causes. For more info https://www.ourgroupline.org/ TheLionsClubofNorthBabylon/ or contact gail315@optonline.net
2:00PM FREE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Echoes of Sinatra at the Hicksville Public Library – Keeping the “Sinatra” memory alive! The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call 516-797-7900 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.
“Michelle was amazing. Very responsive. Great experience from start to finish! Michelle explained the process, answered all our questions, coordinated quickly and efficiently the whole process between all parties involved. We recommend Michelle to all our friends on Long Island”.
-Zillow Review From Previous Seller
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
• NorthAmityvilleNutritionCenter,48-CCedar Road, Amityville: Wednesday, March 19, 10 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 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, March 19, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursday, 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.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County 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.”
WHOLE HOUSE CLEAN OUTS & MOVE OUTS BASEMENTS, ATTICS, GARAGES CLEANED OUT
SHEDS,DECKS POOLS, ETC DEMOLISHED AND REMOVED NO DUMPSTER
BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?
Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext.
THE power of CLASSIFIED!
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
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
THE power of CLASSIFIED!
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
Pavers, Patios, Drivew ays, Stoops, Cultured Stone Pool Areas, Etc! Free Estimates. Reasonabl e Prices & Reliable! Lic ensed & Insure d Lic. #59023-H References Avail abl e! Se Necesitan Albaniles Con O Algo De Experiencia.
CLASSIFIED
LET US HELP YOU Rent It! Sell It! Buy It! Find A Job! Place Your Ad In Our Classified Sect ion. Deadline Is Every Friday For The Following Wedn esday's Publication Date! 631- 226- 2636 Ext. 276 Ext. 281
The Bakersfield Sound Comes To Deer Park
The Bakersfield Sound was one of the dominant elements of country music from the 1960s through the 1980s and beyond, lifting such stars as Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and Jean Shepard to international fame. Now the New Yorkbased country singer Tennessee Walt will be presenting a lecture/concert about Bakersfield artists and their music on March 23 at the Deer Park Public Library.
The show will include classic Bakersfield songs such as Owens’ “Act Naturally,” Haggard’s “Today I Started Loving You Again” and Shepard’s “A Satisfied Mind,” but also songs by lesser-known Bakerfield artists such as Tommy Collins, Rose Maddox, Billy Mize and Red Simpson. And, as usual, Walt will talk about the stories behind the songs and the man who wrote them.
“People think of country music as based in Nashville, and indeed the 1950s through the 1970s was the era of the so-called Nashville Sound, a pop-influenced school of country,” said Gayden Wren, the Queens resident who performs on
voice and piano as Tennessee Walt. “But Bakersfield, California, is a long way from Nashville, and the artists who rose out of Bakersfield’s rich musical culture had a country style all their own, far grittier and more akin to traditional country than what was coming out of Nashville in those years.
“The artists of the Bakersfield Sound were primarily refugees from the 1930s dust bowl, born in Arkansas, Texas and especially Oklahoma, or the sons and daughters of refugees,” Wren continued.
“The experience of migrating west, usually with nothing they couldn’t carry in a single car, left them alienated from the glossy country of the Nashville Sound and hungry for music that related more to real people and the lives they lived.
“In a sense, they’re the real
heirs of Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family, Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams, the people who made country what it is today.” Wren concluded. “When you listen to Haggard or Owens, you’re hearing a purer form of country than you could get from Nashville, then or since.”
From Bakersfield with Love is the eighth show from Tennessee Walt, following on the heels of The Other Great American Songbook, Bristol & Beyond: The Birth of Country Music, Hanks a Lot!, Riding with the Outlaws, An Afternoon in the Country, Three Chords and the Truth: Country’s Greatest Songwriters and The Hank Williams Century. Those shows have been enthusiastically received in dozens of venues in the greater New York area, as well as in Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas.
Tennessee Walt’s From Bakersfield with Love will be presented on Sunday, March 23, at 1 p.m. at the Deer Park Public Library, 44 Lake Avenue in Deer Park. Admission is free. For further information, call (631) 586-3000 or visit http://deerparklibrary.org.
Robert Frost Students Get Inspired By Rohan Murphy Visit
Powerlifter and motivational speaker Rohan Murphy visited the students of Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School on Feb. 27 to deliver an uplifting and dynamic program meant to inspire students to never give up and follow their dreams.
Murphy, who had both of his legs amputated due to complications stemming from birth, became a U.S. Paralympian and wrestled for the prestigious Division 1 team at Penn State University. A Long Island native who graduated from East Islip High School, he is dedicated to visiting students and presenting his message of hope and determination.
At the conclusion of the day, Murphy hosted a special wrestling practice with the Robert Frost team, led by coach Jeff Cifelli. Murphy discussed how he found success in the sport of wrestling, both mentally and physically, and the students were able to watch and then perform wrestling moves
ROBERT FROST STUDENTS GET INSPIRED -
Powerlifter and motivational speaker Rohan Murphy visited the students of Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School on Feb. 27 to deliver an uplifting and dynamic program. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
he demonstrated. As a gift, the team presented Murphy with a Falcons wrestling T-shirt and concluded the event with the team’s “Falcon, Family” chant.
