New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, Councilman Chris Schneider, and Legislator Michael Giangregorio at the Lions Club of Seaford’s annual Blood Drive Poster Contest, celebrating the creativity and community spirit of local students. Students from Seaford Manor School and Seaford Harbor School used their artistic talents to raise awareness about the Blood Drive and the urgent need for blood donors. Since its inception, the Seaford Lions Club Blood Drive has collected over 3,500 pints of blood, enough to save more than 10,000 lives. Senator Rhoads congratulated the talented contest winners and commended these budding artists for their dedication to this vital cause.
Recipe Of The Week: Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Pecans can make any recipe better. Whether they add a nutritious crunch to oatmeal, star as the lead ingredient in pecan pie or give cookies that little something extra, pecans elevate the foods they touch. In this recipe “Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes” from “Simply Scratch” (Avery) by Laurie McNamara, honey-covered pecans are the crowning touch on sweet potatoes, helping to make this side dish one to remember at any special meal.
4 servings
2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2 teaspoons chili powder
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch
2 tablespoons honey
3⁄4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
2. Massage the olive oil onto the sweet potatoes and set them on a small baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until a knife glides through effortlessly. Let cool until safe to handle. Keep the oven on.
3. Halve the sweet potatoes horizontally and carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl. Set the skins aside. Add the butter, maple syrup, chili powder, cinnamon, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt and use a potato masher to mash the filling until smooth.
4. In a small bowl, combine the honey, pecans, and a pinch of salt.
5. Place the skins side by side in a small baking dish. Spoon the filling in, dividing it evenly, and top with the honeyed pecans. Bake for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
The Healthy Home A Healthier, More Sustainable Lifestyle
(NAPSI)—As ecoconscious living continues to grow in popularity, families are embracing greener habits and making sustainable choices in all aspects of life. From minimizing waste and using renewable energy to creating healthy indoor environments, modern families are more committed than ever to ensuring their homes reflect their values of sustainability and wellness. One often-overlooked element in creating an ecofriendly and healthy home, however, is air duct cleaning, which plays a crucial role in both energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ). And, when it comes to seeing air duct cleaning is done right, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is setting the highest standards in the industry.
Eco-conscious and healthconscious families are turning to green practices, from installing smart systems to using energyefficient appliances. Yet, despite these efforts, the air inside your home can still be filled with dust, mold, and allergens if your HVAC system is not properly maintained. Regular air duct cleaning supports
your sustainable goals by improving IAQ, reducing energy consumption, and extending the life of your HVAC system. How Air Duct Cleaning Contributes to a Greener Home
1. Improved Energy Efficiency: Dirty air ducts force HVAC systems to work harder to heat or cool your home, leading to higher energy usage. A well-maintained system, with clean ducts, operates more efficiently, reducing energy waste and lowering your carbon footprint. To keep a home operating at peak efficiency, schedule regular air duct cleanings.
2. Better Indoor Air Quality: Clean air is essential for health-conscious families. By reducing contaminants such as dust, mold spores, and bacteria, regular duct cleaning helps create a healthier indoor environment. This is particularly important for families with members who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
3. Reduced Environmental Toxins: Green families strive to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals. Air ducts can
Town Now Accepting Applicants For Inspector General Position
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board issued a job announcement, seeking applicants for the position of Inspector General. Under local law, the Inspector General oversees all aspects of the Town’s contracting processes.
harbor pollutants that may circulate throughout your home, contributing to poor IAQ. Routine cleaning helps reduce the buildup of these contaminants, promoting a toxin-free home without resorting to harsh chemical solutions. Why Choose a NADCACertified Professional?
While air duct cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy, sustainable home, it must be done properly. That’s where NADCA comes in.
NADCA holds its members to the highest standards, with a strict Code of Ethics and best practices. NADCAcertified professionals undergo rigorous training to ensure they use the most effective, up-to-date techniques and equipment. This means that your home’s air ducts are not only clean but that the process is conducted ethically and with a commitment to quality. Take Control of Your Home’s Air Quality
To schedule an inspection with a professionally trained technician, visit NADCA. com to find a certified air duct cleaning professional so you can breathe easier, knowing your home is in expert hands.
General powers and duties of the Inspector General include: review contracts and provide recommendations as to policy and direction for investigations relating to allegations of waste, abuse, fraud, mismanagement and misconduct in Town government contracts and/ or procurement of said contracts; detect, identify and prevent waste, abuse, fraud, mismanagement and misconduct and vulnerabilities to same, in the Town’s contracting methods and activities of each department; review of procurement policy and implement any amendments; audit, inspect, evaluate and investigate the activities, records and individuals affiliated with contracts and procurements taken by the Town and any other official act or function of the Town, for identifying and presenting for appropriate legal proceedings, if applicable any wrongdoing or misconduct; coordinate with departments for the review of all requests for proposals and bid offerings before issuance; monitor compliance with all procurement guidelines, policies and requirements of federal, state and local laws; implement and oversee disclosure processes to verify the qualifications, background and standing of potential contractors or vendors; investigate background discrepancies of potential contractors or vendors; examine the records of all Town departments as deemed to be in the best financial interest of the Town; receive and review complaint
allegations, as they may relate to the awarding of Town government contracts and/or procurement of said contracts, concerning the possible existence of any activity constituting a violation of laws, rules, regulations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds and/or abuse of authority.
Requirements for the position’s consideration include: a Juris Doctorate, MBA, or comparable degree from an accredited college or university; minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in the public sector; minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in formal investigatory work. Experience, as outlined above, more than the ten (10) year requirement, may
be substituted for college education, including advanced and/or postgraduate degree, on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of seven (7) years. Applicants may not hold any office or title in any political party. Salary range is $125,000$165,000 (commensurate with experience) plus full benefits.
No later than March 14, 2025, applicants must send resume and cover letter to the Town of Oyster Bay, Department of Human Resources, Att: John Canning, Commissioner, 54 Audrey Avenue, 3ª Floor, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 or email to personnel@ oysterbay-ny.gov.
Model Train Show To Benefit Hicksville Boys & Girls Club
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino
and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, March 8th and Sunday, March 9th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville. The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Charitable
donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.
“We are pleased to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot, who coordinates or participates in many hobby shows that benefit the fundraising efforts of a sponsoring organization,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Assisting groups that not only bring a fun and educational experience to residents of all ages, but also help preserve our
history in understanding the railroad’s role in our heritage, is a great cause.”
Area train club are invited to display operating model layouts, including N, O, HO, On30, and G scales.
Admission into the exhibit is $7.00, children ages 4-11 years are $4.00 and entry for children under the age of 4 is free. For further information, please visit www.trainville. com or call (516) 433-4444.
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.
Imbroto Announces Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries
Enjoy The Sounds Traditional Irish Music, Tom Petty, Frank Sinatra And More
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2025 with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.
“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Councilman Imbroto. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”
Scheduled performances for March include:
• The Traditions on
Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library – Vocal harmony at its best! Performing “Teardrops,” “In the Still of the Night,” “Daddy’s Home,” and many more!
• Phil Costa & The Something Special Big Band on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the PlainviewOld Bethpage Public Library – One of the finest nostalgia/jazz swing bands in the New York Tri-State area. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning March 10th. For more information call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.
• Breakdown on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – One of the finest tributes to the music of Tom Petty.
• Echoes of Sinatra on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm 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) 7977900 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.
Avoid Accidents
(NAPSI)-A few simple steps, when it comes to ladders, could save 300 lives a year, according to the World Health Organization. In addition, 164,000 emergency room treatments could be avoided.
The Problem
The number of ladder-related injuries in the United Sates increased by more than 50 percent in 15 years, says a study in an issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Helpful Hints
These tips from the
Consumer Product Safety Commission can help prevent you from becoming such a statistic:
• Always level the ladder on firm ground.
• Have someone hold the lower end.
• Keep ladders away from doors that can be opened.
• Only one person on a ladder.
• Don’t stand on the top rung.
An Answer
Many ladder accidents are related to gutter cleaning and maintenance. It’s a hazard homeowners face several times every year. A good way to eliminate it is to get rid of your gutters and install the time-tested Rainhandler (rainhandler.com) Rain Dispersal system. Because of a patented louver design these gutters cannot collect leaves or debris and require no cleaning or maintenance. You may never have to climb a dangerous ladder to clean gutters again.
Learn More Visit www.rainhandler.com or phone (800) 942-3004 for further information.
•
MARCH HAPPENINGS
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.
THURS., MARCH 6th
7:00PM
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 7:00pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more info.
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
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
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
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 631-888-3525. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 631- 581-1002.
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 631-3794889. 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 631543-8732
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
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
4 Interesting Facts About The Month Of March
March marks a turning point for many people each year. Perhaps because winter winds down and officially ends in midMarch, the month is easy to characterize as a turning point toward spring and all that entails, including warmer weather and additional hours of daylight. The vernal equinox is one of many interesting facts about the third month of the year.
1. March might mark the official return of spring, but the inspiration for its name is far less serene. According to Almanac. com, March is named for Mars, the Roman
god of war. That might not jibe with modern impressions of March, but it makes sense from a historical perspective. That’s because military campaigns were once routinely suspended during the cold winter months. Upon the return of spring and the more favorable conditions it produced, military campaigns would start up again, thus making March an aptly named month.
2. Though presidential inaugurations in the United States are now held in January, that wasn’t always the case.
In fact, March 4 was the official Inauguration Day until 1933, when the Twentieth Amendment was ratified and inaugurations were officially moved to January. Even George Washington, the first man to serve as President of the United States of America, was initially slated to be inaugurated on March 4. However, the Library of Congress notes that electoral ballots could not be counted as quickly as Congress anticipated, so the first inauguration was delayed until April 30, 1789. President Franklin
D. Roosevelt holds the distinction of being the first American president to be inaugurated in January after he was sworn in on January 20, 1937.
3. March hosts one of the most beloved holidays across the globe, even though the day commemorates the patron saint of a small country in western Europe. St. Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland, a small island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean with a population of roughly seven million people. Despite that,
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS SERVICE DIRECTORY
World Population Review reports that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more than 200 countries each year on March 17. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is world-renowned, but the holiday is celebrated in other countries one might not immediately associate with Ireland and St. Patrick, such as Singapore, Russia and Japan.
4. College sports fans anxiously anticipate the arrival of March each year. That’s because the month marks the return of March Madness,
a college basketball tradition that annually draws millions of fans to watch and/or attend games in the weeks long single-elimination NCAA Tournament that culminates with the national championship game. The origins of the phrase “March Madness” are not precisely known, though many historians trace the phrase to high school basketball in Indiana in the 1930s. Legendary broadcaster Brent Musburger is credited with associating the term with the NCAA Tournament in the 1980s.
Pinelawn Memo rial Park, Farmingdale,
Lawn Crypt Plot, Garden of Birchwood II, 2 Entombment Rites Including Bronze Memo rial Ma rker, Bl ock #6, Section 40 $7,000 neg. (631) 355-6080 (508) 779-7537
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
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
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
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
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276 CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646
RENT?
Did You Know?
A massage may be seen as the ideal way to unwind at the end of a long week. According to the Mayo Clinic, massage is a component of integrative medicine that is increasingly being offered along with standard treatments for a host of medical conditions and situations. Massage has long been associated with helping to reduce stress, pain, muscle soreness, and tension. And massage also can help improve circulation and lower heart rate and blood pressure. However, various studies also have suggested massage can be utilized to treat a range of additional conditions, including anxiety, headaches, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. The Mayo Clinic notes that more study is needed to confirm the benefits of massage for treating such conditions, but massage can remain a beneficial component of wellness regimens.
Did You Know?
BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING? Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
Deep breathing exercises can help individuals maintain personal health and wellbeing. According to the American Institute of Stress, 20 to 30 minutes per day of “belly breathing,” also known as abdominal breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can reduce stress and anxiety. The American Sleep Association reports that focusing on breath might be able to help induce sleep for people struggling to fall asleep. In addition to helping reduce stress and promote relaxation, breathing techniques are useful during labor to focus and release tension. Individuals with COPD often find it difficult to breathe, which can compound anxiety and make it even harder to breathe. But the COPD Foundation notes that two different breathing techniques can help an individual take in air without working hard: abdominal breathing and pursed-lips breathing.
Why Regular Car Washes Are Important
Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. There are a number of steps involved in keeping a car or truck in top form, and that includes regular car washes. Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.
• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings
and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.
• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a wellmaintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for above-average condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.
• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with high salt corrosion rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.
• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.
• Maintain the interior: Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components. Car washes should be a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Professional car washes tend to be more eco-friendly than washing a car at home.
9:30am-9:00pm
Seaford’s New STEM Leader
Dr. Nicole Culella, an experienced educator with a background in engineering, has joined the Seaford School District as the new executive director for STEM and instructional technology. The newest member of the central office team brings more than 20 years of service as a teacher and administrator.
Before coming to Seaford, Dr. Culella was in the Mineola School District for nine years as an instructional leader K-12, high school principal and, most recently, district coordinator of career, community and STEAM opportunities. Her educational career began as a math educator in New York City schools on a teaching fellowship and later became the assistant principal of engineering and CTE programs at Brooklyn Technical High School.
Teaching was a second
DR. NICOLE CULELLA
career for Dr. Culella who first worked as a biomedical engineer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Cooper Union, a master’s degree in structural engineering from Cooper Union, a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Columbia University, a master’s degree in math education from Pace University, a master’s
degree in educational leadership from the College of St. Rose and a doctorate in educational leadership from Russell Sage College.
In Seaford, she will oversee several academic programs including computer science, math and science, as well as the elementary LIFT programs. Dr. Culella will also work to support digital learning through her role as the instructional technology leader.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Seaford family,” Dr. Culella said. “This is such a wonderful community that values cultivating a strong foundational education for each and every Seaford Scholar. I look forward to supporting teachers to form the building blocks of knowledge in science, math, computer science and technology skills, to create innovators and lifelong learners.”
Avian Vagrancy: The Sport And Science Of Rare Birds
On Tuesday, March 11, at 7:30 PM at the Freeport Memorial Library, Shai Mitra will discuss rare birds, which are found far beyond their expected geographic limits. They have fascinated people for centuries. Long viewed as mere sport, the finding and documenting of these birds is providing a rapidly growing data base, giving insight into important scientific questions.
Shai has studied birds for more than 40 years. He is currently an assistant professor of biology at the College of Staten Island with research interests in avian ecology, evolution, and conservation. He is also editor of The Kingbird, the quarterly publication of New York State Ornithological Society and is involved in the compiling of bird records in Long Island,
New York City and Rhode Island.
This South Shore Audubon Society Meeting is open to the public.
For more info on the program or to contact South Shore Audubon Society, go to www. ssaudubon.org.
The Freeport Memorial Library, is located at 144 W. Merrick Road (at S. Ocean Avenue).
