South Bay's Neighbor
The Town of Babylon Green Homes program is awarded a $235,330 check from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Bridge the Gap grant. The grant will enable the Green Homes program to assist more residents this year in affording air-source heat pumps and weatherization projects. The grant provides retrofit funding in disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged communities, aligning with state and federal goals to ensure equitable access to renewable energy solutions.
SPAGHETTI
CHICKEN CACCIATORE (MUSHROOMS, ONIONS, SWEET PEPPERS, GARLIC, IN A WINE TOMATO SAUCE WITH SIDE OF SPAGHETTI)
CHICKEN FRANCESE (LEMON BUTTER SAUCE WITH SIDE OF SPAGHETTI)
EXPANDING OUR CANCER TEAM AT A NEW LOCATION
We’re proud to welcome Bhuvanesh Singh, MD, PhD as Surgical Director to Northwell’s Cancer Institute Skin Cancer Program.
Dr. Singh joins Northwell to deliver exceptional care as a renowned head and neck surgeon specializing in skin cancer. He’s now practicing at a new location in Islandia and is seeing new patients.
We’re raising health with more skin cancer experts working together for you.
Now Hiring Advertising Account Representatives
Recipe Of The Week: Spicy Soy Chicken Wings
Whilethe exciting action on the gridiron is a cause for celebration among millions of football fans, the food enjoyed during game day provides much to look forward to as well. Certain foods have become part and parcel of watching a particular sport. For example, who can attend a baseball game and resist the temptation to indulge in a hot dog? For football fans, chicken wings are the go-to game day dish. There’s no shortage of ways to prepare chicken wings, but fans who like their game day grub to have a little kick can try this recipe for “Spicy Soy Chicken Wings” courtesy of Andrew Schloss’s “Cooking Slow: Recipes for Slowing Down and Cooking More” (Chronicle Books).
Makes 4 servings
4 lbs. chicken wings, cut into sections at the joints, tapered wing tips trimmed and discarded
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2⁄3 cup soy sauce
Directions:
2⁄3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1⁄8 teaspoon hot chili powder, preferably habanero
2 garlic cloves, minced
Combine the chicken wing pieces with a generous amount of salt and pepper in a large zippered plastic bag. Close the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 225 F. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish in a single layer without crowding. In a small saucepan, stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cayenne, chili powder, and garlic and heat to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour over the chicken. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook until the chicken is nearly falling off the bone, about 3 hours. Raise the oven temperature to 450 F and continue baking until the chicken browns and the sauce thickens into a glaze, about 10 minutes longer. Watch carefully near the end of the cooking time to avoid burning. Toss the wings in the sauce to coat and serve.
Town Of Babylon Green Homes Celebrates 2,000th Energy Retrofit Project
The Town of Babylon Green Homes program celebrated the completion of its 2,000th energy retrofit project at a press conference on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Town’s sustainability fair. This milestone has been a remarkable achievement
in the program’s ongoing efforts since 2008 to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer also announced the award of the new “Bridge the Gap” grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, totaling $235,330.
The grant will enable the Green Homes program to assist more residents this year in affording airsource heat pumps and weatherization projects. The grant provides retrofit funding in disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged communities, aligning with
state and federal goals to ensure equitable access to renewable energy solutions. The announcement also highlighted the program’s future plans, including leveraging increased townallocated funding in 2025 to expand outreach and educational efforts to
accelerate the transition to clean energy for more homeowners, particularly those with low to moderate income.
The Town’s sustainability fair provided innovative and informational presentations, booths, and activities to help residents live greener,
healthier and moare costefficient lifestyles. Residents had the opportunity to learn about electric vehicles, cold climate air-source heat pumps, nutritious mealprep, exercise routines, and local, state, and federal incentives, rebates, and lowinterest financing.
Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer discusses the positive impact of the Town of Babylon Green Homes program.
Town of Babylon resident Nancy Tyson explains the transformational effects of the work done by the Town of Babylon Green Homes program on her bills.
• Chicken Parm
• Sausage and Peppers
• Spinach and Mozzarella
• Eggplant
Unified Window Systems Inc. Honors Founder
Welcomes His Son As New CEO To Continue
It is with great sadness that Unified Window Systems Inc. announces the passing of its founder and CEO, Steven Joseph DiMare, on January 6, 2025.
Steve established the family-owned and operated business in 1989 with a vision of providing highquality home improvement services while treating every customer like family. Family meant everything to Steve, and he made sure to treat his employees and customers as such. After all, home is where the heart is.
Steve’s journey in the construction industry began humbly, working as
a young laborer carrying windows up multiple flights of stairs in New York City.
Over the years, he advanced from laborer to installer to foreman, before eventually founding Unified Window Systems Inc. in 1989, starting as one showroom in Hempstead Village.
His grit, dedication, and ambition turned Unified into a trusted name in the home remodeling industry, completing over 350,000 projects across the New York Metro area. In 2019, with the help of his son, Steven Michael DiMare, the company obtained a DBA as Unified Home Remodeling
in order to showcase its evolution into a full-service remodeling provider. What began as a window installation company now offers a wide array of home improvement services, including doors, siding, roofing, masonry, fencing, decking, and more.
Steve’s commitment to quality and customer care extended beyond his business. He was heavily involved with New Ground, a local charity dedicated to helping veterans and families break the cycle of homelessness. His contributions to the community and generosity
of spirit will remain central to Unified’s mission.
As Unified moves into the next chapter, the company is proud to announce that Steven M. DiMare will assume the role of CEO. Steven began working for the family business in high school, learning the company from the ground up—as his father did before him—beginning as a warehouse worker, then a laborer, a quality control inspector, and a home remodeling expert. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Steven began working as Unified’s marketing director in 2019,
before being promoted to Vice President, where he worked diligently alongside his father in anticipation of Steve’s intended retirement in the next few years. Though that timeline has now been moved up, Steven is confident that Unified’s legacy as a dependable and beloved provider of home improvements will continue.
“Unified Home Remodeling is more than just a company; it’s a family,” remarked Steven M. DiMare. “My father’s dedication to quality, honesty, and treating every
customer like family has set the standard for everything we do. With the incredible team my father built and the support of my family, we will continue to uphold those principles and grow Unified for generations to come.”
Unified’s success has been driven by its team, many of whom have been with the company for decades. This loyalty, coupled with a 99.6% customer satisfaction rating, underscores Unified’s dedication to excellence and the legacy Steven Joseph DiMare leaves behind.
The Average Individual Is Retiring Earlier Than Many People Might Expect
According to a recent Gallup’s Economy and Personal Finance survey, the average individual in the United States is retiring earlier than many people might expect. Gallup found that the average retirement age was 62, which is two years earlier than the working respondents
indicated they planned to retire. Canadians are retiring a little bit later than their American counterparts, as Statistics Canada reports the average retirement age in Canada is just over 63 and a half. The average retirement age is worth noting, as studies routinely find that many
working professionals greatest concern about retiring is that they won’t have enough money saved to meet their needs. By recognizing that they may end up retiring earlier than they initially planned, professionals can make a concerted effort to save more money in the years ahead.
New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency
Help Needed - @ New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency. The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply, and 1-2 day supply of type O; NYBC warns this could signal more severe shortages in the weeks ahead. Please sign up to donate at a convenient donation location near you: smarturl.it/
NYBC_Urgent Donating blood is safe and it only takes one hour. We are taking extra precautions to help prevent the personto-person spread of COVID-19. Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-800-9332566 or visiting www. nybc.org.
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
THURS. FEB. 6th
11:00AM 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
FRI. FEB. 7th
10:00AM-1:00PM
$5 BAG SALE
Simpson UMC will be having a $5 bag sale. Come and fill a bag which will be provided.Lots of other treasures will be available for purchase as well. Something for everyone! Simpson is located at 30 Locust Ave, Amityville, NY 11701. Call Mary for additional information 516-991-8098
SAT. FEB. 8th
10:30AM-12:30PM FOREST THERAPY WALK
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy. in Great River. Join a certified forest therapy guide on a walk to slow down, wander, and notice the beauty of nature. This will be a lengthy walk, so please wear comfortable, study shoes and warm clothing. $45/pp. https://www.forestbathingfinder. com/
HOLIDAYS
2nd - Groundhog Day 14th - Valentine's Day 17th - Presidents' 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
11:00AM-3:00PM
WINTERFEST 2025
Levittown Community Council WinterFest 2025, Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road in Levittown. Free admission, crafts, entertainment, and eye screening. OTHER: Featuring Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers, balloon magic by MsMatch the Clown, music by deejay Tim Aldridge. For information visit: levittowncouncil@yahoo.com
3:00PM
VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT Valentine's Day Concert
Featuring Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690. A free-will offering will be taken.
TUES. FEB. 11th
7:00PM
REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
7150 Republic Airport, Room 201 in Farmingdale. For information call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email: info@republicairport.net
7:00PM NARCAN TRAINING
Learn to save lives, free Naloxone/ Narcan training, sponsored by St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 29 Brooksite Drive in Smithtown. It’s a medication to reverse effects of an overdose of opioids and is taught by CN
Guidance & Counseling Services. Limited seating, RSVP: TEXT: 631374-9281, Pat Reynolds or EMAIL: stthomassundayschool@gmail.com
SAT. FEB. 15th
11:00AM-1:00PM
MAPLE SUGARING
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. This interactive program geared for adults will teach you how to make your own maple syrup at home! Not recommended for children. Please call for Reservations 631-423- 1770. Registration Required
SUN. FEB. 16th
3:00PM-7:00PM ANNUAL OUTREACH DANCE SPONSORED BY THE LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS Join them for their Annual Fundraiser at Division 2 Hall in Babylon. $40 pp includes beer, wine, soda, buffet dinner, dessert, Irish coffee Bar. Bring a bag of non-perishable food for inclusion in a Special Raffle! Reservations are a MUST call or text Mary Gibbons 631-671-6178
FRI. FEB. 21st
6:3-PM
TRIVIA NIGHT
N. Babylon Lions Club Trivia Night at North Babylon A. Tatti Youth Center, 213 Phelphs Lane in N. Babylon. $35pp includes Prizes, pizza, salad. Raffles and 50/50. RSVP by 2/10 to Diane @ 6315530217 or Judy @ 631-745-3007
In
Second Graders Kick Off Black History Month Studying Prominent Figures
history each day.
Students
their
the day. The second graders write facts about the person and their impact on Black history. At the conclusion of Black History Month,
the students will create a booklet featuring all the people of influence. Some notable figures include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
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LEAKS, CRACKS, DRY LOCK APPL
The Argyle Theatre (Mark and Dylan Perlman, Executive Producers & Managing Partners; Evan Pappas, Artistic Director), Long Island’s largest yearround professional theatrical venue, will present JERSEY BOYS: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, directed and choreographed by Todd L. Underwood with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. It will run through April 6. 2025.
With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, JERSEY BOYS follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, JERSEY BOYS takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year
friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Thrill your audiences with electrifying performances of chart-topping hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.
“Jersey Boys is the perfect show to kick off 2025 at The Argyle Theatre. It’s an audience favorite with phenomenal music, an unforgettable story, and a fantastic cast that will bring the magic of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons to life. We can’t wait to share this electrifying production
with our Long Island community.” Evan Pappas, Argyle Theatre’s Artistic Director
The cast includes Zane Zapata (Regional: Jersey Boys) as Frankie Valli, Weston LeCrone (International: The Sound of Music) as Bob Gaudio, Milo Alosi (Broadway: Disney’s Aladdin, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) as Nick Massi, Bobby Guenther (Regional; Seussical,Noises Off) as Nick Massi as of 3/18, Evan Ross Brody (Regional: Beautiful, Jersey Boys) as Tommy DeVito, Damien DeShaun Smith (Tours: RENT, Mamma Mia!) as Barry Belson, Annie Rubi (Regional: Company) as Francine, Kate Zulauf (Norwegian Cruise: SIX) as Lorraine, Samantha Tullie (Regional: Hair, Beautiful, Argyle’s A Christmas Carol) as Mary Delgado, Richard Costa (Broadway: Cabaret,
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) as Gyp DeCarlo, Francis Kelly (Regional:Jersey Boys) as Bob Crewe, Mikey Evangelista (Regional: Titanic: The Musical, Argyle’s A Bronx Tale) as Norm Waxman, Keenan Patrick Lyons ( Regional: Jersey Boys, Bright Star) as Joey, Andy Spinosi (Regional: The Wild Party, Rocky) as Hank, with David Scott Curtis (Argyle’s A Bronx Tale, An American in Paris), Shannan Lydon (Argyle’s A Chorus Line, West Side Story), Jenna Robinson (Regional: Fame), Josh Tanzer (Recent: Head Over Heels) and Justin Waite (Regional: Beautiful, Rock of Ages).
Jersey Boys will play Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, Saturday afternoons at 2:30 PM, and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM. Check the website at www.ArgyleTheatre.com.
