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
Sharp Tax
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
N. Wellwood Ave, Suite #207 Lindenhurst, NY 11757
20. Fettuccine Primavera w/Garlic & Oil (Garlic, Oil & Fresh Garden Vegetables) 21. Fusilli Filetto Di Pomadoro (Sauteed Onions, Prosciutto & Filets of Plum Tomatoes w/ a Hint of White Wine)
May
22. *Fusilli Putanesca
(Sauteed Garlic, Onions, Black Olives, Mushrooms, Capers & Anchovies in a Light Marinara Sauce w/ a Hint of White Wine)
23. Festa Italiano - Over Your Choice of Pasta (1 Meatball, 2 Sausages in a Hearty Tomato Sauce Topped with Mozzarella Cheese)
24. Mussels Marinara or Fra Diavolo (Spicy) Over Linguine
25. Pasta Tutto Pazzo
(Rigatoni & Penne Mixed w/ Bacon, Mozzarella Cheese in a Pink Cream Meat Sauce, Topped w/ a Spoon of Cold Ricotta Cheese)
26. *Pasta D’estate
(Sun Dried Tomatoes & Roasted Peppers w/ Mushrooms, Black Olives Sauteed w/ Garlic, Virgin Olive Oil & Artichokes)
27. Penne Escarole
(Escarole w/ Cannellini Beans in Garlic & Virgin Olive Oil)
28. Penne Carciofi
(Sauteed Artichoke Hearts w/ Garlic, Peas & Onions)
29. *Penne Alla Giusseppi
(Chopped Broccoli, Zucchini, Kalamata Olives, Sundried Tomatoes & Mushrooms Sauteed w/ Garlic & Onions in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Then Topped with Mozzarella Cheese)
30. Angel Hair w/ Broccoli & Garlic
(Sauteed Broccoli Florets w/ Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
31. Fettuccine Alla Casalinga
(Peas, Prosciutto & Sundried Tomatoes in a Pink Cream Sauce)
Chicken Bruschetta
(Golden Fried Chicken Cutlets Topped w/Diced Fresh Tomatoes & Red Onions Seasoned w/ Fresh Herbs & Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Chicken Spasso
(Lightly Battered Breast of Chicken, Cooked in a Light Wine Sauce w/ a Hint of Lemon and Butter, Topped wth Artichoke Hearts & Fire Roasted Peppers)
Chicken Alla Bella Malina
(Breast of Chicken Sauteed with Mushrooms & Spinach, in a Marsala Wine Sauce Covered with Mozzarella Cheese)
Chicken Francese
(Lightly Battered Chicken Breast, Cooked Till Golden Brown in a White Wine, Lemon & Butter Sauce)
Chicken Marsala
(With Mushrooms, Sauteed in a Marsala Wine Sauce)
Chicken Parmigiana
(Breaded Chicken Topped with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Melted Mozzarella)
Chicken Rollatini
(Rolled up with Prosciutto & Mozzarella, Sauteeed in Marsala Wine Sauce with Mushrooms)
Chicken Putanesca
(Breast of Chicken Sauteed w/ Plum Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic, Onions, Italian Herbs & Capers with a Hint of White Wine & a Touch of Anchovies)
Chicken Siciliano
(Chicken Cutlet w/Ricotta & Eggplant Topped w/ Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella)
Chicken Sorrentino
(Breast of Chicken w/ Eggplant & Prosciutto in the middle, in a Marsala Sauce Topped w/ Melted Mozzarella)
Chicken Alla Bella Maria
(Golden Fried Chicken Breast Topped w/ Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced Balsamic Tomatoes, Red Onions, Italian Herbs and Spices)
EXOTIC WAREHOUSE
• Sausage and Peppers
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.
VENDORS WANTED
Town Of Babylon Hosts Wedding Marathon
WEDDING MARATHON - Valentine’s Day is a favored occasion for tying the knot, celebrated as the day of love. Whether you view it as the most romantic or the cheesiest day, it remains a highly sought-after date for weddings. On Friday, February 14th, 2025, Town Clerk Gerry Compitello officiated a Valentine’s Day marathon wedding event at the Phelps Mansion in North Babylon, extending heartfelt wishes for love, laughter, and a joyful future to all the couples who exchanged vows that day. Pictured L to R: Doug Geed, Muller Dimanche, Dollet Dimanche & Town of Babylon Clerk Geraldine Compitello.
Road To Safety 5 Tips That Could Save
(NAPSI)—The next time you’re commuting to work, taking the family on a road trip, or even just learning to drive, chances are you’ll be sharing the road with large trucks; fortunately, there are safe ways to do so.
Sharing the road means also sharing the responsibility to drive in a way that keeps everyone safe. Poor driving habits or driving while distracted puts everyday drivers, truckers and others such as highway maintenance workers at risk.
So how to coexist safely? Try These Tips
Tip 1: If you can’t see the truck driver, they can’t see you. Can’t spot the truck driver in their side mirror? This means you’re following too closely in the truck’s blindspot and need much more space. Keep a safe distance (the length of half a football field) between your car and a truck.
Tip 2: Be patient. Many trucks have a speed limiter that prevents them from traveling more than 65 miles per hour. Tailgating won’t make a truck driver go any faster and instead puts you both in dangerous positions.
This tip also applies to trucks making turns or backing up. Many cars try to squeeze past or around a truck when the truck driver needs only a few seconds to complete a maneuver. The truck isn’t leaving a lane or space open for other drivers—it’s leaving room for the back trailer to follow. Why risk injury or damage to your vehicle when it only takes a few seconds for a truck to clear the intersection or enter a loading dock?
“I’ve had incidents where I was backing into a loading dock and a car drove down into the dock and out again just to get around me,” says Tom Blad, hardware technician at Trimble and former truck driver. “Simply because I was
Your Life On The Road
going to block their path for three or four seconds.”
Tip 3: Spend as little time driving beside a truck as possible. Traveling alongside or pacing a truck can be very dangerous due to the risk of a tire blowout—either the truck’s tire or your own. In fact, the NHTSA tracked more than 550 fatalities in 2022 from tire-related accidents. A single semitruck tire weighs 500 pounds—certainly not an object you’d want hitting your car. If your own tire blows out, your vehicle may end up under the truck next to you.
“Lingering next to a truck creates a dangerous situation where you may be sideswiped by the truck if it swerves or attempts to change lanes,” explains Gary Falldin, senior director of industry solutions at Trimble and the Minnesota Trucking Association’s 2016 Safety Professional of the Year.
“Move at a safe and steady speed until you’re far enough past the truck to change lanes.”
Tip 4: Stay out of the “no zones.” Due to their large size and height, trucks have four significant blind spots around the truck: in front, behind, and along both sides.
When passing a truck, don’t immediately return into the lane in front of a truck. Make sure you can see the full truck—from its
5 Ways To Make Sure Your Business Stands Out Among Competitors
tires on the road to the tip of its roof—in your rearview mirror first.
Many drivers don’t know that the right side of a truck is more dangerous than the left. With the steering wheel positioned on the left, the truck driver has less visibility over the hood and into the right lane. Remember to always pass trucks on the left (as long as it’s safe to do so).
Tip 5: Avoid the back of trucks. One of a truck’s most perilous “no zones” is located behind the trailer. While it’s not smart to tailgate or zip into gaps behind trucks on the go, this rule also applies when a truck is reversing on or off the road. Keep this in mind when driving and walking through parking lots or other roads.
“I can’t tell you how many times cars have tried to zip around behind me— it’s extremely dangerous,” says Matt Carter, Certified Transportation Professional, a Trimble sales engineering manager who also works as a hazardous material driver on weekends. “Just try to avoid the rear of a semitruck altogether.”
Learn More
For additional tips, check out the Sharing the Road Program from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. For information on Trimble, visit https:// transportation.trimble. com.
(StatePoint) Staying competitive in today’s market can be a challenge. As the business landscape continues to evolve, paying attention to the competition is more important than ever. Business isn’t run in a vacuum and understanding what’s working — and equally important, what’s not working — for other successful companies is an integral step in staying ahead of the game.
Here are some ways to do that from the experts at PNC Bank:
Set a Google Alert
One of the easiest things you can do, setting up a Google alert, allows you to immediately be alerted of big news that’s being reported about you, your industry or your major competitors.
Follow Websites and Track SEO
Poor user experience on a website can drive 50% of potential customers to competitor businesses. “Track what your major competitors are doing on their websites — taking special note of anything new or innovative — to ensure you stay viable in this area. Start by paying
attention to their SEO.
Compare web traffic and look for similarities and differences in your online strategies,” says Marc McAndrew, head of small business, PNC Bank.
Go Through the Customer Experience
Consumers have indicated in any number of surveys and forums they would leave a brand they’ve been loyal to after three or fewer bad experiences with customer service. It is worth running through your competitor’s customer experience from time to time to see how smoothly it operates and what they’re doing differently.
Invest in Data Technology
There are plenty of automation tools on the market that help track how competitors are doing in various areas. Look for companies that offer things like competitive and social post analysis, social media audits and social listening for the most complete overview.
Track Pricing Technology aside, pricing is one of the most important aspects of a business. Understand where your company falls
by comparing pricing strategies among your competitors. Customers are willing to pay more for certain things, so understand your customer base and price accordingly for best results.
Just having the above data on-hand isn’t enough to make a difference. Besides assessing your competitors, institute the following as benchmarks for your business to keep customers coming your way:
• Provide unparalleled customer service;
• Define and build your brand based on the value you provide;
• Position yourself — and your business — as experts in the field;
• Put a face to your product or service; and
• Have a clear and unique voice in the market. Check out PNC’s Small Business Insights for more topics to explore on managing, running, and growing your business. Running a successful business requires a strong business model, a willingness to keep a keen eye on the competition, and the ability to adjust as needed to stay one step ahead of the game.
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) gorodenkoff / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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
• North Amityville Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesday, March 19, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 –11:00 am
• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday March 12, 8:30 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.”
Crypt Plot, Garden of Birchwood II,
Entombment Rites Including Bronze Memo rial Ma rker, Bl ock #6, Section 40 $7,000 neg. (631) 355-6080 (508) 779-7537
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
35% OFF BASEMENT WATERPROOFIN G WATER & MOISTURE PROBLEMS PERMA NANTLY SOLVED LEAKS, CRACKS, DRY LOCK APPL ICATIONS, MOLD & MILDEW REMOVAL
Lifetime Warranty All Work Guaranteed Lic/ Ins 631 782 93 79
Carpenter/Contract or Carpenter/Contract or 35% Off Any Job HOME IMPR OV EMENT SPE CIALS
Roofing, Siding, Roof Leak s (expert le ak finders) , Windows, Sheetro ck, Pa int & Spackle, Fa scia, Soffit, Rotten Wood Re pair Kitchens , Baths FREE ESTIMATES lic/ins 516 580 2181
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
Gutters EARLY BIRD SPECIAL EXPIRES 3/22/25 GUTTER CLEANI NG ST ARTING AT $7 5.
HOUSES WASHED (ORIGINA LLY $250) NOW STARTING AT $199
Fences, Patios, Decks,etc BROWE R& SO NS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Call or Text (516) 889 7926 (631) 624 7979
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?
Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?
Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
Landscaping
Spring Clean-ups
Sod, Top Soil , Seed, Mulch, Aeration Spring Flower Bed, Tree, Shrub Plantings / Trimming Full Tree Service Fence Installation & Repair Driveways, Pati os, Pavers, C obblestone Retaining Wa lls Power Washing (Cedar Houses, Siding, Decks, PVC
• BLACKTOP DRIVEWAYS, • CHIMNEY REPAIRS, • PATIOS, • NEW STOOPS & REPAIRS, PVC FENCES, FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED/INSURED HI-65214 JAC BELL MASONRY
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
Call The Classifi eds 631-226-2636 Pres s 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
West Babylon Public Library
211 Route 109 West Babylon (631) 669-5445 www.wbpl.us Nancy Evans, Director
FRIDAY FLICKS
Movies begin at 1 pm WBA720 Fridays: March 7: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13, 104 min) March 21: Leap Year (PG, 100 min)
YOGA
Wednesdays: March 5-26 WBA403 6-7 pm
Non-refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week session: $8.
WILLS & TRUSTS 101
Thursday, March 6, 4-5 pm WBA209
Do I need to be concerned about probate if I have a will? How can I best protect my assets? Join us as we gather to discuss the importance of estate planning documents, the process of probate, and common misconceptions in Elder Law.
ZUMBA
Fridays: March 7-28 WBA413 10:15-11:15 am
Non-refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week session: $8.
CRICUT CRAFTING: MUGS
Monday, March 10, 6-8 pm WBA808
Learn how to design your own personalized coffee mug using our Makerspace Cricut machine. Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.
PAINT NIGHT: SPRING GNOME
Tuesday, March 11, 6:45-8:30 pm WBA127 Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.
PSEGLI CONSUMER
ADVOCATE TABLE
Wednesday, March 12, 10 am-1 pm
PSEGLI Consumer Advocates will be available to explain programs that are available to assist low to moderate-income customers.
MEDICAID
ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
Wednesday, March 12, 10 am-1 pm
Sign up is first-come, first-served and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council at 631435-3000.
OUR HAPPY PLACE DÉCOR KIT
March 13-18 WBA128 VIRTUAL WITH KIT
A YouTube Link will be provided by the Library. Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.
CREATING HEALTHY NATURALLY
Tuesday, March 18, 7-8 pm
WBA210
Join Dr. Chris Hansen to discover how to have amazing health, reduce stress & tension, and to clear your mind of clutter. Learn what foods could be destroying your health and how to improve your immunity, prevent disease, and eliminate pain.
VEGGIE & BLACK BEAN QUESADILLAS
Thursday, March 20, 7-8:30 pm
WBA606
A nutritious and delicious option for lunch or dinner. You’ll learn the best techniques and sample them with salsa and sour cream.
HERE COMES SPRING FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Monday, March 24, 7-8 pm
WBA129 IN PERSON
Join florist Irene in person at the Library and create a beautiful floral arrangement. Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.
PAINTED
LIGHTED WINE BOTTLE
Tuesday, March 25, 7-8:30 pm
WBA131 IN PERSON
Join Betty to paint your own lighted wine bottle. Nonrefundable/transferable materials fee: $5.
Assemblyman Durso Announces Annual Pet Food Drive
New York State Assemblyman
Repeat Customers
Small business owners no doubt recognize the value of repeat customers, but few may recognize just how valuable such customers can be to their bottom lines. A study from researchers at Harvard Business School found that a customer’s eighth purchase was an average of 80 percent higher than his or her first purchase. In addition, a survey from the strategic planning, marketing and sales consultants Altfeld, Inc. found
that the probability of selling to an existing customer is between 60 and 70 percent, while that probability shrinks to as low as 5 percent for new customers. Customer retention strategies like offering superior customer service and seeking input from customers can help small businesses generate more repeat customers, which can greatly improve their chances for long-term success.
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 516541-4598.
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 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
Benefits Of Leisure Activities
Leisure activities may be widely viewed as fun ways to fill up free time, but the benefits of leisure activities extend beyond beating boredom. An analysis published in the journal BBA Molecular Basis of Disease found that leisure activities have a positive impact on cognitive function and dementia. The analysis, conducted by researchers with the Aging Research Center in Stockholm who examined various studies regarding the relationship between certain activities and cognitive function, defined leisure activity as the voluntary use of free time for activities outside the home. After retirement, leisure time constitutes a large part of many retirees’ lives, and finding ways to fill that time is more beneficial than merely avoiding boredom. The researchers behind the study concluded that the existing research is insufficient to draw any firm conclusions regarding the effects of certain types of leisure activities on the risk for dementia and cognitive decline, though they did note that multi-domain cognitive training has the potential to improve cognitive function in healthy older adults and slow decline in affected individuals. A multi-domain approach to cognitive training involves memory, reasoning, problemsolving, and map reading, among other activities. Aging adults who embrace activities that require the use of such skills may find that they’re not only finding stimulating ways to fill their free time, but increasing their chances of long-term cognitive health as well.
