Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Steve Labriola, and Councilman Louis Imbroto announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting applications for the 2025 Hometown Heroes Community Recognition Program. This cherished initiative honors the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces – both living and deceased – who are current or former residents of the Town of Oyster Bay. Pictured from right to left: Councilman Steve Labriola, Retired United States Air Force Captain Warren Achenbaum of Massapequa, and Councilman Louis Imbroto.
FEATURING
Massapequa Trumpet Player Among Top Musicians In The East
More than a decade of playing the trumpet has paid off for Massapequa High School senior Austin Benedict, who was selected to participate in the 2025 AllEastern music conference, hosted by the National Association for Music Education.
The accomplished student-musician will attend
the conference in Hartford, Conn. from April 24-27. He will join the Concert Band, which will be conducted by Director of Bands for the University of California L.A.
Dr. Travis J. Cross. More than 700 students from a dozen states were chosen for six ensembles. In addition to performing, Austin will attend workshops led by accomplished musicians.
He began playing the trumpet 12 years ago under the tutelage of his father, and joined his first ensemble in fourth grade as a member of Lockhart Elementary School band. Since then, he has been selected to the AllCounty music festival every year since fifth grade and the All-State conference twice.
Austin, who was nominated by his band teacher, Andrew Dwork, looks forward to playing alongside other top musicians from the region. The theme for this year’s festival is “Advocate! Elevate! Celebrate!”
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Austin said. “I hope to meet new people, play new music and learn from others.”
Massapequa High School senior Austin Benedict will play the trumpet in the Concert Band at the 2025 All-Eastern music conference. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
BUYING OR SELLING IN THE
New Year?
The new year often brings fresh opportunities, and for many, it’s the perfect time to consider making a move. The real estate market typically sees renewed activity as people reevaluate their goals and make plans for the year ahead. Whether buying or selling, staying informed about market trends and working with a knowledgeable real estate professional can make the process smoother and help you achieve your goals. Let’s start the New Year with your goals in mind.
JANUARY
HAPPENINGS
FRI. JAN. 24th
10:00AM-11:00AM TINY TOTS: WINTER PUPPET THEATER Hempstead Lake State Park. Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com. Registration: Required
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. Certifi ed course and a Boston Qualifi er! 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
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
INDOOR EVENT
Come Adopt or Come and Donate
Animal Garage Sale Lots Of Vendors Lots Of Items. 1172 Route 109 in Lindenhurst. Items needed: dry food, canned food, treats, collars/leashes, cat litter, chew toys, cat toys, blankets.
12:00PM SATURDAY SPACE LAB: SPACE TELESCOPES & THE WONDERS OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Learn about the incredible space telescopes like Hubble and James Webb, which orbit our planet and capture stunning solar system images. Then, discover the history, traditions, and signifi cance of the Lunar New Year. Space Labs are held at The Cradle Of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City. Led by talented interns, astronomy docents, and museum educators. Reservations 516-572-4066
6:30PM NIGHT AT THE RACES
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
10:00AM-4:00PM PET ADOPTION-DONATE EVENT
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.
TUES. JAN. 28th
8:30AM
BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA
Hosted by Joseph Barry Columbiettes located in Hicksville.
Cost: $55 pp, includes driver’s tip. Give back: $35 slot play. Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. Return approx. 8:30 p.m. Parking: 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end) Reservations: call Barbara at 516-935-5576
THURS. JAN. 30th
6:30PM-8:00 PM
TRIVIA NIGHT - TRIVIA ON ICE at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. A winterthemed trivia in fi lm, music, nature, history, geography, and more with a whale or two added in, of course! Enjoy hot chocolate - spiked or plain - and appetizers from Grasso's Restaurant. Prizes and bragging rights for winners! Adults 21+ For more information, please call Cristina Ainslie at 631-367-3418
UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS
SAT. FEB. 1st 11:00AM
LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAM Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 4090 Sunrise Highway in Oakdale. After a brisk hike, warm up with traditional New Year soups and sweets while enjoying a Presentation. Our Island’s Story: The Natural History of Long Island: This talk will discuss the features that make Long Island's geology distinctive and have shaped the peoples who have inhabited this island. Registration required. www. friendsofconnetquot.org
Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Applications Now Available
Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman
Steve Labriola, and Councilman Louis Imbroto announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting applications for the 2025 Hometown Heroes Community Recognition Program. This cherished initiative honors the service and sacrifice of the brave men and
women of the United States Armed Forces –both living and deceased – who are current or former residents of the Town of Oyster Bay.
Councilman Labriola stated, “This Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Program allows us to show our deep gratitude to the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our nation. Their courage and dedication deserve our utmost respect, and this initiative provides a lasting tribute to their service. We are proud to bring this important initiative back to our communities.”
The program features banners bearing the honorees’ names, ranks, photographs, and areas of service. These banners will be displayed at selected park facilities throughout the Town of Oyster Bay in the months leading up to Veterans Day in November. To participate, individuals or organizations may sponsor a banner for $75,
ST. WILLIAM THE ABBOT SCHOOL
covering the production cost. No profit is made from this program.
After Veterans Day, the banners will be taken down to prevent damage from winter weather and returned to the service member’s family or loved ones. Those who sponsored banners in the previous year must submit a new application to be included in the 2025 season. Applications are due by March 14, 2025.
“I’m proud to commend retired U.S. Air Force Captain Warren Achenbaum for his distinguished service as a navigator bombardier and for joining us in promoting the Hometown Hero Banner Program. His dedication to our nation and his support of this important initiative to honor local heroes inspire us all. This program is
a meaningful way to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of our veterans, and I thank Captain Achenbaum and his family for their commitment to preserving and celebrating their legacy in our community parks,” added Councilman Louis Imbroto.
Supervisor Saladino concluded, “This program is a meaningful way for our community to pay tribute to those who have bravely and selflessly served our nation. It is an honor to recognize their sacrifices and their continued contributions to our local communities through advocacy and leadership.”
For more information or to download an application, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ herobanners or call (516) 797-4121.
Pictured from right to left: Councilman Steve Labriola, Retired United States Air Force Captain Warren Achenbaum of Massapequa, and Councilman Louis Imbroto.
Always Affordable
Recipe Of The Week: Deep-Fried Wontons
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with deep-fried wontons. The Chinese New Year is a unique celebration with a global footprint. While many of the more awe-inspiring celebrations may occur within China, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to commemorate this unique event elsewhere. Celebrations can even take place at home, where individuals can whip up homemade Chinese fare to lend their festivities a more authentic feel. This Chinese New Year, those who want to bring this unique event into their homes can try the following recipe for “Deep-Fried Pork Wontons” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Directions:
1. Mix together the ingredients for the filling, stirring in one direction only.
2. Place double layers of wonton wrappers in front of you in a diamond shape. Place a little of the filling on the bottom half of the dough. Fold the bottom corner of dough over the filling and roll it once. Take the outside corners and bring them together, sealing with a little water. Stand the wontons on their flat bases and gently separate the two top flaps. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Heat about 4 inches oil in a deep pan until gently bubbling, then fry the wontons in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels then serve on beds of the mixed leaves with the sweet and sour sauce alongside.
Tip: This recipe may also be steamed or boiled.
East Lake Students Honor Their Law Enforcement Heroes
Blue was the color of the day at East Lake Elementary School in the Massapequa School District on Jan. 9 for the second annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Dozens of police officers visited throughout the day to talk about their vital role in protecting the community.
The uniformed guests were family members of students and staff. They
showed off their equipment, talked about a typical day in law enforcement and answered questions from curious students. Police officers visited classrooms and hosted grade-level presentations in the AllPurpose Room.
Each guest engaged students in a unique way.
One officer flew a drone for a class while another read
a children’s book. Outside, children got to see a pair of police motorcycles.
The officers came from variety of agencies including Nassau County Police, the New York City Police Department, Port Authority Police and village departments. They also represented different police units.
A LEAD committee
East Lake Elementary School welcomed police officers from numerous departments for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9.
of more than a dozen administrators, teachers and staff members planned the event. Co-chairs Toni Farrell and Kelly Laura said that the police officers were asked to emphasize their roles as community helpers.
“We want students to know how special and important police officers are, and understand how they protect us,” Ms. Farrell said.
“We are coming together as a school community to honor them for their service.”
Students made a variety of crafts that were hung throughout the building to show their appreciation for the officers. First graders penned thank-you notes that the guest could take home or bring to their colleagues.
Tim Kornbluth, a retired NYPD sergeant who has
a child in fifth grade, enjoyed interacting with the students. He said they asked a lot of questions about his experiences and wanted to hear his most memorable stories.
“Massapequa is a very big law enforcement community,” he said. “For the school to recognize the sacrifices that we make is so important.”
Matt Presta from the NYPD drone team gave an interactive presentation to second graders.
Husband and wife Port Authority police officers Will Farfalla and Dana Ahrens Farfalla spoke about their job to a fourth grade class.
Fourth graders were excited to check out a pair of Nassau County Police Department motorcycles.
Officers from the NYPD hosted grade-level presentations to talk about the role of law enforcement. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Second graders, from left, Grace Gladitz, Louie Marrero, James Zuniga and Emmy Maddock made drawings to show their appreciation for the police.
Imbroto Announces Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries
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 February and March include:
• The Gypsy Felons on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Jericho Public Library
– Playing hit songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s and telling interesting stories behind the music. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 15th. For more information call the library at (516) 935-6790.
• Alexander Wu & His Trio on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library – Three
• Dean Karahalis & The NY Brass Quintet on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the Plainview- Old Bethpage Public Library. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 20th. For more information call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.
Centuries of the African Diaspora highlights the vast contributions to music by both Africans and the descendants of enslaved Africans from around the world.
• The Brooklyn Bards on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library – Experience the deep lyrics and rich melodies of traditional Irish music.
• The Paul Joseph Trio on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Jericho Public Library
– This jazz trio presents classic favorites, as you have never heard them before! Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning February 9th. For more information call the library at (516) 935-6790.
• 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.
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• Is a team player and
Children looking to cozy up with a good book could do just that thanks to ninth graders at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus. The Helping Hands club held its annual holiday book and pajama drive, and the donations were plentiful.
Students in the club gathered afterschool on Dec. 16 to count and sort donations, which will be given to preschoolers at the Wantagh Head Start
Ninth Graders Gift Stories And Jammies
program. The collection drive began in late November and continued through the first two weeks of December. Ames students donated 105 new books and 134 pairs of pajamas to the cause.
The donations ensured that each of the 95 children in the program will receive a book and pajamas when Helping Hands students visit the center on Dec. 19. The surplus items will be given to Head Start to distribute as
needed.
“This has been the most successful drive in years,” said Alyssa Levine, co-adviser of Helping Hands along with Nicole Reiss. “We definitely exceeded our goal.”
Ninth graders will also spend time at Head Start to do holiday crafts with the preschool students. Helping Hands members said it feels nice to help out children during the holiday season, and noted the generosity of
their classmates this year.
“It’s a lot,” Brooke Schneidler said of the amount of donations.
“There’s a lot of people in the club who want to help make these kids smile. We have a good school that can come together and do good for others.”
“It’s good to see that we’re able to help other people that need it more than we do,” added Andrew Carlson.
courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Photos
The Helping Hands members sorted donations for preschoolers at a local Head Start center.
Ames Campus Helping Hands members, from left, Keira Szwejkowski, Brooke Schneidler, Emma Salvo, Andrew Carlson and Zaid Balic were among the students who helped sort items for the annual book and pajama drive.
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The dawn of a new year marks a great time to turn over a new leaf. Many people begin a new year by making resolutions, and aspiring to eat healthier is annually among the most popular pledges health-conscious individuals make.
A recent Statista survey of hundreds of people across the globe found that eating healthier was the second most popular New Year’s resolution. In fact, 50 percent of respondents indicated they set goals to eat healthier in the year ahead. Though each year is different, it’s fair to assume a similarly large percentage of resolution-minded individuals will aspire to eat healthier over the next 12 months. As people begin their journeys to a healthier lifestyle, they can consider these strategies to stay the course with a new diet.
• Do not eat too close to bedtime. A study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition
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Tips To Stay The Course With A New Diet
and Dietetics found that eating more of a day’s total energy intake in the evening is associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating more of the day’s energy intake at midday can lower the risk of being overweight or obese. Individuals are more likely to stay the course when they see positive results, so try to eat dinner several hours before bedtime and resist the urge to snack after dinnertime.
• Treat yourself, but only periodically. It’s unreasonable and potentially counterproductive to completely avoid foods seen as treats. Cutting out indulgent foods may seem appropriate, but such an approach could make you miserable, and a diet that sparks feelings of misery will prove
harder to commit to than one that allows for the occasional indulgence. Moderation is the name of the game, and that should be a rule of thumb for both healthy foods and indulgences. Don’t make indulgences part of your daily routine, even if you eat them in moderation. Rather, save treats for special occasions, and even then only eat them in moderation.
• Consider eating less, but more frequently. Data is conflicting in regard to eating smaller but more frequent meals. A 2015 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that individuals who had six or more eating occasions in 24 hours had a lower mean body mass index than people who had four or fewer eating occasions in 24 hours. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating a
larger number of small meals throughout the day may be associated with improved diet quality and lower BMI. This approach is commonly referred to as “grazing,” and some research has indicated it has no metabolic advantage over other approaches to eating.
So what to make of the mixed results? Dieters can decide for themselves and eat more frequent but smaller, healthier meals to combat hunger pangs that can arise when switching to a new diet. If hunger is no longer posing a threat that can derail your diet, then
this approach might increase the chances you stay committed to eating right.
Millions of people will begin January on a quest to eat healthier in the year ahead. Some simple strategies can help them stay the course as they adjust to a new diet.
