1. CHECK YOUR GUTTER SYSTEM. Your gutter system is one of the most important structures to look closely at in the Winter. Ice dams can form when your gutters are not cleaned out or damaged. Ice dams form at the edge of a roof & prevent melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water then backs up & can leak into your home causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas of your house.
2. CHECK WINDOW & DOOR OPENINGS.
On a cold day put your hand up to your window and door openings to see if you feel any cold air. If you can feel the cold air from outside, heat is escaping your house. Use caulking or weather stripping to seal up the gaps and make the openings air-tight. If that does not work, it may be time to replace your windows or doors.
3. INSULATE YOUR ATTIC.
The best way to keep your home cozy & warm in the Winter is to make sure your home is properly insulated. UNIFIED recommends loose-fill insulation for your attic or crawl space to save up to 30% on your energy bills keeping you warmer in the Winter & cooler in the Summer.
Named Students Of The Quarter
By Nassau BOCES Barry Tech
Three students from the Massapequa UFSD were named Students of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech career and technical education high school. They were honored for their grades, attendance, work ethic and preparedness. Students of the Quarter have taken the initiative on class projects and are role models for their fellow students, in both the classroom and the workplace.
Thee Massapequa High School students earned Student of the Quarter status: Brooke Baglione, who is studying Veterinary Science; Ella Baruso, who is studying Fashion Design Technology; and Diana Jardine, who is studying Rehabilitation Medicine to become a Physical Therapy Aide.
About Nassau BOCES
A vital regional resource, Nassau BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective services for school Districts and municipalities. We empower students to achieve their maximum potential in alternative, artistic, outdoor, special education, virtual, and career and technical environments. We offer adult education and a variety of programs that are vital to improving the Long Island regional economy. In addition, our technology services form the backbone of many school Districts’ infrastructure. As the county’s educational leader in implementing the state’s reform efforts, we are helping to shape the future of education. To learn more, visit www. nassauboces.org and like us at www.facebook.com/ nassauboces.
Brooke Baglione (right) from the Massapequa UFSD is congratulated on being named Student of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech career and technical education high school by Principal Dr. William Poll.
Ella Baruso (right) from the Massapequa UFSD is congratulated on being named Student of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech career and technical education high school by Principal Dr. William Poll.
Diana Jardine (right) from the Massapequa UFSD is congratulated on being named Student of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech career and technical education high school by Principal Dr. William Poll.
Photos courtesy of Nassau BOCES
Receiver Pravato: 2025 General Tax Bills Have Been Mailed
Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that the First Half of the 2024 General Tax Levy is due on January 1st but can be paid without penalty through February 10th.
“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” explained Receiver Pravato.
“After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to January 1st.” Don’t delay, make your payment before February 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”
The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road,
Massapequa, from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or credit card*.
There are also outdoor walkup windows. On February 7th and 10th both offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Drop Boxes have been installed at both Town Hall North and Town Hall South for residents to make payments when the Tax Office is closed.
Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 117711539. Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes.
Indicate your property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot and phone number on the check. All mailed
payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before February 10th.
Residents can access 2025 General Tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com.
Residents may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75 cents*, or by credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies.
*Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.
When calling the Tax Office at (516) 624-6400, or sending an email to receiveroftaxes@oysterbayny.gov, residents are requested to have the School District, Section, Block and Lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.
Recipe Of The Week: Outrageous Barbecued Nachos
Serves 4-6
3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled pork
3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled chicken
3 ounces (about 3 slices) sliced and chopped barbecued brisket
1 1⁄2 cups favorite mild barbecue sauce
3⁄4 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
15 pickled jalapeño slices
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. Combine the meats and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Spread half of the tortilla chips on a small cookie sheet. Cover the chips with half of the meat and sauce. Top with half of each cheese.
4. Repeat the process on top of this layer, using the other half of the ingredients.
5. Bake until the cheese is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove and top with the jalapeños.
Did You Know?
Deep breathing exercises can help individuals maintain personal health and well-being. 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.
Garage Door Sale!
Garage Door Sale!
JANUARY HAPPENINGS
THURS. JAN. 9th
6:30PM-8:00PM CRAFTS & COCKTAILS: TRANQUILI-TEA
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Cozy up with us this winter to explore the thrilling history and surprising uses of tea! Discover how this drink changed the world and learn how drinking - or bathing - in tea may offer surprising benefits. Enjoy a Hot Toddy as you create your own tea-infused bath salts and body scrub to take home with you.for more information, please contact Cristina Ainslie, 631-367-3418
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 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more info.
SAT. JAN. 11th
8:45AM-10:30AM POLAR PLUNGEFreezin for a Reason
Get ready to take the plunge for an amazing cause! Join us for the Town of Huntington 2025 Polar Plunge and show your support for the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics! Location: Crab Meadow Beach in Northport. This event is about more than just a chilly
HOLIDAYS
1st - New Years Day
20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
dip, it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate and empower these remarkable athletes. Let’s make a difference together. For more details and to register, visit: www.polarplungeny.org/ Huntington
SUN. JAN. 12th
11:00AM-2:00PM
2025 NYS PARKS WINTER RUN SERIES at Heckscher State Park, East Islip - Field #2. Absolutely No: Baby Joggers, Rollerbladers, Skaters, Bikers or Pets Are Permitted! For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323
TUES. JAN. 14th
10:00AM-12:00PM PC COMPUTER CLEAN-UP Learn how to clean & speed up your PC computer with Emma Clark's Technology Education Librarian, Jennifer Mullen. If you have a PC laptop, bring it with you! If you don't have one, don't worry, you can use ours to learn. Free Event. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Emma Clark Library, 120 Main Street in Setauket. For more information, please call 631-941-4080
SAT. JAN. 18th
4:00PM-7:00PM
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street in Farmingdale, invites the community to their Family Game Night. Come have fun with Duck Races, Cornhole
Games, Board Games, Life-Size Jenga, Connect Four, food and much more! Please RSVP to office@farmingdaleumc.org.
SAT. JAN. 25th
8:45AM-12:00PM
8:45AM 5K Start
9:00AM Half Marathon & Marathon Start
ICEBREAKER MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K at Eisenhower Park Field 2 Rain or Shine. Certified course and a Boston Qualifier! The course is a looped course and great for spectating. The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on park paths and fully closed roads. For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323
9:30AM–4:00PM
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Will be held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. in Islip. Fee: $25 check or money order payable directly to New York Safety Training Associates (NYSTA) on the day of the program. For more information, please call 631-581-5933
6:30PM
NIGHT AT THE RACES
Will be held on Saturday, January 25,2025, at Wade-Burns VFW 7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue in Lindenhurst, Doors open 6:30 p.m. Admission $10.00. For more information, please call 631-888-9854.
ONE-STOP BBQ SHOP
First Course (Choose One)
Pasta:
• Penne
Entree:
• Chicken Marsala
• Baked Ziti
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage Ring
• Spaghetti
• USDA Prime Marinated London Broil
• Rigatoni
• 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders
• Stuffed Shells (16 Pc)
• Manicotti (8 Pc)
• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 Pc)
Salad (Choose One)
• Garden Salad • Caesar Salad
• USDA Prime Sirloin Hamburgers with Buns!
• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns!
• USDA GRADE-A White Meat Chicken Skewers
• Chicken Francese
• 12 USDA GRADE-A Chicken Skewers
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Hamburger & Hot Dog Buns
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Sausage & Peppers
• Eggplant Rollatine
• Meatballs
• USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers
• Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• Sugar Sweet, Local Corn on the Cob
Choose 3 Homemade Sides:
• Macaroni Salad
• Potato Salad
Large Trays (Choose One per 10 People)
• Cole Slaw
• Baked Ziti
• Farfalle Pasta Salad
• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli
• USDA Prime Hanger Steak (Additional Charge)
Second Course (Choose One) Includes fresh baked Italian Bread
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage
Give us 90 minutes to prepare your dinner. Valid Monday through Friday 3pm-6:30pm. Must call before 3pm
• Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• USDA Black Angus Filet Mignon Steaks
• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns!
Choose 3 Homemade Sides:
• Macaroni
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Crisp String Bean Salad
• Cavatelli Calabrese
• Chicken Marsala
• Chicken Cacciatore
• Chicken with Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes
• Chicken Francese
• Chicken Grigio
• Chicken Marsala
• Eggplant Rollatini
• Farfalle Primavera
• Gnocchi Bolognese
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin
• Manicotti
• Meatballs in Sauce
Gourmet Catering Special #1
Large Trays (Choose One per 10 People)
• Chicken Piccata
• Baked Ziti
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Cavatelli Calabrese
• Chicken Marsala
• Chicken Cacciatore
• Chicken with Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes
*Rates subject to change during holidays.
• Chicken Francese
• Vodka Sauce
• Tomato & Basil
• Marinara
• Garlic & Oil
• Bolognese
• 2 Packages of Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs
• Choice of: USDA Prime Sirloin Burgers or USDA Grade A Chicken Burgers with Buns!
• Choice of: USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers or All Natural Jumbo Shrimp Kebabs
• Shrimp Mia *Must choose one pasta • Chicken Adriana
Stuffed Chicken Poultry
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Sorrentino
Grilled Turkey London Broil
Roasted Turkey Breast
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Eggplant Rollatine
From the Sea
• Grilled Salmon
• Maryland Crab Cakes
• Mussels Margherita
• Mussels w/ Garlic & Oil
• Shrimp Oreganata
• Shrimp Parmigiana
• Rice Primavera
• Roasted Potatoes
• Spaghetti Squash
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
$1395 + tax Per Person (Min. 30 people) Buon Appetito!
• Grilled USDA Prime Flat Iron Steak
• Meatballs
• Pork Chop Caprese
• Pork Filet Salpino
• Stuffed Shrimp
• Shrimp Scampi
• Stuffed Flounder Filet
• Sausage & Peppers
• Veal Marsala
• Veal Parmigiana
• Veal Scallopine
Package Includes: Professional wait staff for 4 hours. serving utensils, paper goods and fresh baked dinner rolls.
Add Ons (additional charges apply)
Grilled Chicken
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled Skirt Steak
New Pickleball Courts Open
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino officially opened new pickleball courts for play at the SyossetWoodbury Community Park in Woodbury. Due to popular demand, the Town constructed new pickleball courts for local residents.
“Pickleball is a fun
sport for all ages that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s become incredibly popular in our Town, with seniors and families playing daily at our existing courts,” said Supervisor Saladino. “These new courts will be a welcome addition to the community, so grab
your sneakers and paddle, and get ready to play one of the world’s fastest growing sports at the new courts in in Oyster Bay.”
Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastestgrowing sports in the nation, and the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to lead the way in creating opportunities for residents
to enjoy this exciting game. Town courts are now open in Bayville, Bethpage, Massapequa, Oyster Bay, Sea Cliff and Woodbury. Plans are currently being developed to construct additional courts in Farmingdale and Massapequa in 2025.
Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Hand. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Hand noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but high-quality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@oysterbayny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the following dashboard permits are available for purchase now through March 31, 2025, for the upcoming 2025 season: Fishing 4-Wheel Drive Access Permit, Surfing 4-Wheel Drive Access
Permit, Stargazing, Night/ Sport Fishing, Camp Hero Fishing, Nighttime Photography, and Regional SCUBA-Diving. Permits can only be purchased online, there will be no in-person sales. All permits will be mailed to the applicant once processed.
Purchase online through New York State Parks Reserve America: visit the New York State Parks Reserve America website. A valid email, and credit card is required for payment. Orders will be processed in the order received and permit(s) will be mailed to the applicant once processed. Please allow 10 – 14 business days for your permit(s) to arrive in the mail.
Details on each permit is as follows:
FISHING 4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS PERMIT
– available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, and valid NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #
Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING at:
• Hither Hills (Year-round)
• Montauk Point (Yearround)
• Napeague (Year-round)
• Robert Moses (Democrat Point, Gilgo and Sore Thumb) - April 1December 31, hours vary This permit also allows the permissions of the NIGHT/SPORT FISHING PERMIT
SURFING/WINDSURFING
4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS
PERMIT - available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license. Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase.
Permit is ONLY valid for
Long Island State Park Dashboard Permits For 2025 Season
DAYTIME SURFING and WINDSURFING at:
• Hither Hills and Napeague (Year-round)
• Montauk Point – January 1 – March 31 only
• Robert Moses (Democrat Point and Gilgo) – January 1 - December 31, hours vary & Fields 3 & 4 from September 15-December 31
STARGAZING PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license Permit allows after sunset parking for STARGAZING ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:
• Hither Hills - Except July & August
• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6
• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot
• Robert Moses - Field 2
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3
• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot
NIGHT/SPORT FISHING
PERMIT – available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration,
driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID # Permit is valid ONLY for FISHING after sunset from April 1-December 31, except where noted:
• Captree - Main field, Overlook, Launch Parking Field (September 15 to December 31 only) and Captree Drawbridge (north side only – 24 hr. access)
• Hallock - Main Field, Main Beach, Sunset to 7am access
• Hither Hills - Except Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Jones Beach - Fields 6, 10, West End 2, West End Boat Basin, West End Dock Area (24 hr. access) & Green Island (24 hr. access)
• Montauk Point - Lower Parking Lot ONLY
• Orient Beach – Main Field
• Robert Moses - Field 2 April 1 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 3 September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 4 April 1 to June 23 (7pm-7am) and September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access)
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 and Field 3 (24 hr. access)
• Wildwood – Main Field
CAMP HERO FISHING PERMIT - available for purchase now through
March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $40.00 in state, $75.00-Out of State. Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #. Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING after sunset at:
• Camp Hero State Park, April 1 - December 31
NIGHTTIME PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fees: $35.00 in state, $60.00-Out of State Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License. Permit allows after sunset parking for the purpose of NIGHTTIME
PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:
• Hither Hills - Except July & August
• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6
• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot
• Robert Moses - Field 2
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3
• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot
REGIONAL SCUBADIVING PERMIT - Sold
year-round. Permit is valid April 1 to December 31, 2025, hours vary. Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00Out of State. Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Divers Certification card. Valid for SCUBA-DIVING only:
• Caumsett – Fisherman’s parking lot only – 24 hr. access
• Jones Beach - East End of Field 10 only, 24 hr. access
• Orient Beach – 8am to sunset
• Robert Moses – *Democrat Point (four-wheel drive needed to access this area; hours vary) For more detailed information on Dashboard Permits, please review our Long Island Permit Guide. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.
Photos courtesy of NY State Parks
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