South Bay's Neighbor
FEATURING
Saladino And Maier
To Commemorate National Wear Red Day In Oyster
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Councilwoman Laura Maier invite Town employees and residents across Long Island to wear red on Friday, February 7th in recognition of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) National Wear Red Day. This initiative helps raise awareness in the fight against our nation’s number one killer of women, cardiovascular disease. As part of National Wear Red Day, Supervisor Saladino and the Town Board will illuminate Town Hall North in red.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “February is American Heart Month, and as such, the Town Board and I are proud to help unify the Town for National Wear Red Day to come together
Residents
and unleash a wave of red from the Atlantic Ocean to the Long Island Sound! Cardiovascular disease continues to be a significant threat to women’s health, as nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented through awareness and early detection, and heart disease is the number one killer of women age 25 and older. As a nation, we must make every effort to reverse these statistics by supporting research and education initiatives.”
Go Red for Women was created in 2004 after statistics showed that nearly 500,000 American women were being killed each year by cardiovascular disease. The AHA’s Go Red for Women campaign urges women to take charge of their health. In 2014, the American Heart
Association launched their new “Life is Why” campaign to create a more personal and emotional connection with consumers to ask themselves why we do what we do, or more specifically why we should choose to live healthier lifestyles. Town employees are encouraged to wear red
on February 7th. Councilwoman Maier stated, “Established by six cardiologists in 1924, the AHA has spent billions on research to increase our knowledge about cardiovascular diseases and stroke and has funded life-saving educational programs and tools for
physicians. Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, and strokes rank second globally, and it is vital that we raise awareness about their potential lethality, especially in women. I am proud to help lead the National Wear Red Day initiative here in the Town
and I encourage all of our employees to wear red on Friday, February 7th.” Additional information about National Wear Red Day and Go Red for Women is available by calling 1-888-MYHEART or visiting www. GoRedForWomen.org.
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY
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
Newspapers Have Helped Shape The World
Newspapers have helped shape the world for decades, serving as invaluable resources that highlight both national and local news, retail information, cultural events, and much more. Although several newspapers now offer online versions of their publications, many readers remain partial to print versions. Those who purchase printed newspapers daily or subscribe to home delivery should consider recycling the papers to protect the planet. According to the environmental resource EarthEcho International, recycling a single run of the Sunday issue of The New York Times - or a comparable paper’s Sunday edition - would save 75,000 trees.
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.
January 2025
Dear Fellow Chambers Members and Residents of the Massapequas,
I hope everyone had a joyous holiday season and a wonderful start to 2025! As we step into the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my Executive Officers and Board of Directors for their continued dedication and invaluable contributions to our Chamber. I am fortunate to work with such a wonderful group of volunteers who are always helping our Chamber members and our Massapequa community. Your passion, hard work, and volunteerism are the force behind the success and growth of our Chamber!
Over the past six months, we’ve achieved incredible milestones together. Here are just a few highlights:
The rst Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat: A fun and festive event for families in our community!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Memorial Walk in Honor of Patricia Orzano: We raised $6,000 for Hewlett House and Mondays Cancer Care, honoring our beloved Past President’s legacy. We were especially proud to present the checks to these two wonderful organizations in person. Thank you to our Past President, Robert Barrett, for all his hard work chairing this special event. And special appreciation to our Main Sponsor, Masone Masonry, for their support and generosity.
Veterans Luncheon: We proudly served dozens of veterans a complimentary lunch to show our appreciation for their service. Thank you to TLC Companions for sponsoring this event. And our appreciation to 2nd Vice President, and proud Veteran, Sal Polito, for spearheading this great luncheon.
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Holiday Fair: Another successful event that brought joy and festive fun to our community! A big thank you to 1st Vice President Linda Rowse and 3rd Vice President Janice Talento for their hard work in chairing this amazing event.
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony: Another successful and heartwarming community event! This year was bigger and better than ever. Special thanks to our Main Sponsor Masone Masonry for their generosity - their team even volunteered their time to decorate our Christmas Tree with their own beautiful lights! Thank you to Board Member Lucrezia Falacara for chairing this special event for the past 15 years. Your dedication is truly amazing!
Holiday Party Dinner: We wrapped up the year with a fantastic celebration at Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails!
Toys for Tots: Special thanks to our member businesses, community members, and local leaders who generously donated toys for this special initiative. We collected over 3,000 toys this year! Thank you to our Treasurer Karen Gawrych for all her hard work chairing this committee, as well as our Food Drive, which donated an abundance of food to families in need during the holiday season. We always remember our Past President, Patty Orzano, who originated our involvement in these programs, which we lovingly continue in her honor.
Now for some exciting news for 2025! The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will host its First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This event is something I’ve felt was long overdue for our community, and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition. I have named Past President Keith Wilson to serve as our Parade Chairman. We are honored to have Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Past Chamber President / current Board Member Gary Slavin as our Inaugural Grand Marshals. The Main Event Sponsor is Embassy Diner, and we are very appreciative for their generosity and support of this inaugural event! Although we’re organizing this event on a tight timeline, we’re inviting all Chamber Member businesses, Massapequa schools, and community organizations to march and participate. Sponsorship packages are also available. Stay tuned for more details, and let’s make this another incredible milestone for our community!
May the New Year 2025 bring you health, happiness, and ful llment in all your endeavors. I look forward to another wonderful year full of collaboration and achievements. Wishing you a prosperous, healthy, and joyful New Year 2025!
Robin Hepworth President, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce
Long Island Media Group, publishers of South Bay’s Neighbor Newspapers, South Bay’s Seasons ® Magazine and South Bay’s Digital Marketing, has been serving local communities since 1953. We also print and deliver flyers, menus, postcards, newsletters and more. Our familyowned company proudly services businesses of any size from anywhere with the best customer service possible.
The Ideal Candidiate:
• Has prior experience in media sales
• Has reliable transportation
• Shows excellent communication skills
• Is a team player and self-starter
To discuss this position further, please email your resume to Jeff Lambert at jefflambert @ longislandmediagroup.com and call 631.226.2636 x239. 565 Broadhollow Road, Suite 3, Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735 631.226.2636 www.longislandmediagroup.com
- Ringing In Your Ears
- Not Able To Hear A Conversation In A Restaurant With Background Noise - Dif culty Understanding Conversation
- Asking People To Repeat
- Dif culty Hearing On The Phone
- Dif culty Understanding The Television
Don’t Let These Signs Interfere With Your Life And Increase Your Risk Of Dementia
Unified Window Systems Inc. Honors Founder Steven Joseph DiMare, Welcomes His Son As New CEO To Continue His Legacy
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
Bird Walk
Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk on Saturday, February 8, starting at 9 AM, at Hempstead Lake State Park.
The group will meet in parking lot #3. Hempstead Lake State Park is at Exit 18 from the Southern State Parkway. All are welcome. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge. Bring binoculars .
To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 467-9498. No walk if it rains, snows or the temperature is below 25 degrees. Text regarding questionable conditions. For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon.org.
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.
Seniors Invited To Join
‘Golden Tones’ Chorus Group
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that the Town of Oyster Bay ‘Golden Tones Entertainment Group’ is returning to the North Massapequa Community Center this February and invite new members. This senior chorus is a social group open to Town residents over the age of 60 who have an interest in singing, dancing or entertaining.
Anyone 60 and over is welcome, a great singing voice is not required to
participate in this social group.
“We hear from choir members all the time how singing together lifts their spirits while providing great enjoyment to others in senior care facilities, schools and at public events,” said Councilwoman Maier.
“The Golden Tones Chorus provides a creative and social outlet for seniors to make new friends and bond over their love of music. Join us today!” Meetings will be held
every Friday, beginning on Friday, January 31, at 10 a.m. at the North Massapequa Community Center, located at 214 North Albany Avenue in North Massapequa. There are two planned shows, a Spring Show as well as a Holiday Show, scheduled to be performed at the North Massapequa Community Center.
Senior citizens interested in joining the Golden Tones should call (516) 797-7916 for more information.
Benefits To Cooking Your Own Meals
Aging men and women may be tempted to eschew home cooking entirely. After all, there are plenty of convenient frozen or takeout foods available that can be whipped up in a snap. However, there are certain benefits to cooking your own meals. John Moore, DO, an Aetna medical
director and senior health specialist, says that cooking can be good for helping to stave off cognitive decline.
Dr. Moore notes that, when cooking, the mind is put to use following a recipe and learning new skills and tasks. Furthermore, cooking for oneself can boost seniors’ self-
confidence, reassuring them that they can handle an important daily task without having to rely on their family for meals. As long as it is deemed safe (i.e., no sign of cognitive decline or forgetfulness), seniors should be encouraged to continue cooking.
Pre-Register Today For 2025 Town Summer Recreation Program
Parents Can Upload Materials In Advance
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announce that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2025 Summer Recreation Program can now upload necessary documents and materials for review in advance of the final registration period. This process is mandatory prior to registration this spring and will once again be performed fully online.
This year’s Summer Recreation Program runs June 30th through August 8th and will include a fullday option at all locations for children ages 4 through 12. Space is limited at each facility.
“The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer fun
for children at five of our Town parks, with activities including arts and crafts, various games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and so much more,” said Supervisor Saladino. “To help streamline the registration process, residents will be able to sign-up their children online this spring, and can begin pre-registration today!”
All registrations for Summer Recreation will performed online. In an effort to simplify the process, the Town’s Parks Department will accept all necessary documentation, including proof of residency, child’s birth certificates, recent physicals etc. to be uploaded to a portal on the Town’s website prior to the final registration period
this spring. This process is mandatory and ends on Friday, March 21, 2025. Once all documentation is properly uploaded, parents/guardians will receive notification of approval to register, as well as directions for online registration.
How to upload materials (note: pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in this year’s Summer Recreation Program. Parents will need to perform final registration this spring).
• Parents/guardians can visit www.oysterbaytown. com/portal
• Select ‘My Account’ on the top right corner and log-in or create a new account (if your child was registered for the 2024 Summer Program, you already have an account, however documents
must be uploaded)
• After logging in, select ‘My Account,’ then Household & Member. Confirm all family members are listed. If needed, select ‘Add Family member’ at bottom of page and add a child or guardian to the household. Then SAVE
• Select DOCUMENT UPLOAD from the portal menu. Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (make sure all scanned documents are legible)
o Required documents:
• Proof of residency (tax or utility bill)
• Child’s Birth Certificate
• Child’s Immunization Records (for full-day campers only)
• Child’s recent physical (for full-day campers only)
“We know many of our youngsters can’t wait for the warm weather and all the fun they have at the Town’s Summer Recreation Program,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “With full-day options now available at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale and Harry Tappen Beach in Glen Head, we look forward to another successful summer of fun!”
The mandatory preregistration period, during which interested parents/ guardians can upload documents and required materials for registration, is open now through March 21st. Submission of materials does not guarantee a spot in the 2025 program – parents must complete their registration this spring when final registration opens. Following final registration, refunds are given on a prorated basis and subject to a 10 percent administrative fee through July 11th. Parents will receive an email from the Recreation Division confirming that all documents have been received, as well as directions on how to complete registration. All registration will take place online. For more information, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.
Town Seniors Invited To Participate In Karaoke Program
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto invites seniors to participate in the Town of Oyster Bay Senior Karaoke Program, held at various community centers throughout the Town. The popular program, launched last year, saw such popularity
it has returned bigger and better for residents who are interested in showing off their vocal talents.
“We’re calling all Town seniors who love to sing! This fun karaoke program will give you the opportunity to perform your favorite songs, from
the tunes of Sinatra and Greatest Hits of the ‘80s to Today’s Top Songs, all in a social, welcoming environment,” Councilman Imbroto said. “Join us to make new friends and perhaps even discover a new favorite song.”
The Senior Karaoke
Program takes place on the following schedule:
Mondays – 1 p.m. at Marjorie Post Center, 451 Unqua Rd, Massapequa Park
Wednesdays – 1 p.m. at the Glen Head Community Center, 200 Glen Head Rd, Glen Head
Thursdays – 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, 28 W Carl St in Hicksville
Great singing skills aren’t necessary to join the fun; residents are welcome to attend without performing. There is no registration required for this program. A
full karaoke machine, song list and light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call the Department of Community and Youth Services, Senior Citizen Services Division, at (516) 797-7916.
GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 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
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
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BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?
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Retiring Early
According to Gallup’s 2021 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.
Did
The Donor Alliance® reports that just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation. Organs that can be donated include the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. Eye and tissue donations also can have a profound impact, potentially saving and healing more than 75 lives.
