February 5, 2025 West Islip by Long Island Media Group

LONG LIVE

health care that works with your life.

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty, and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.

Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™ At Catholic Health, everything is designed around you. And made for Long Island. Learn more at longliveyou.org

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.

EXPERIENCE WINTER at Woodloch

External Diploma Program

The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP, is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs.

Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.

Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make When You Sell Your Long Island Home?

Long Island - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - ﬁnancially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7

deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

To order a FREE Special Report, visit ninestepsystem. com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-855-928-4453 and enter 1000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to ﬁnd out how you can get the most for your home.

Unified Window Systems Inc. Honors Founder Steven Joseph DiMare, Welcomes His Son As New CEO To Continue His Legacy

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

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 4679498. 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.

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.

Now Hiring Advertising Account Representatives

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

FEATURING

Long Island’s ARGYLE THEATRE Announces The Cast For JERSEY BOYS

The Story Of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

The Argyle Theatre (Mark and Dylan Perlman, Executive Producers & Managing Partners; Evan Pappas, Artistic Director), Long Island’s largest year-round 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 popmusic 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 charttopping 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:

3 West Islip Students Honored As All-Eastern Musicians

Congratulations to West Islip High School junior Gavin Pollock and seniors

Sean Koerner and Teagan McGuire, who were recently selected to the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honors Ensembles. This

prestigious event includes the finest musicians from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The festival will take place

in Hartford, Connecticut, in April and will include concerts, masterclasses with professional musicians, rehearsals and opportunities to learn and network with colleges and universities.

STUDENTS HONORED AS ALL-EASTERN MUSICIANS - West Islip High School students Gavin Pollock, Sean Koerner and Teagan McGuire were recently selected to the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honors Ensembles. They are pictured with (from left) West Islip High School Principal Andrew O’Farrell, Director of Art and Music Education Eric Albinder, Chorus Director Melissa Senatore and West Islip Union Free School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Romanelli. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Winter Senior Advocate Schedules

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.

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip 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 Islip:

• Bay Shore Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, March 21, 10 am – 12 pm

• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip: Mondays, February 24 & March 24, 10 am – 12 pm

• Brentwood Senior Nutrition, 16 Second Avenue, Brentwood: Mondays, February 10 & March 3, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

• Connetquot Library, 760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia: Thursday, March 13, 10 am – 12 pm

• East Islip Library, 381 E. Main Street, East Islip: Mondays, February 10 & March 10, 10 am – 12 pm

• St. Anne’s Gardens, 80100 2nd Avenue, Brentwood: Friday, February 7, 8:30 – 11 am

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) 8538200.

“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.”

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

Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular flower given on this day for lovebirds.

Just because millions of roses are prepared in

Pick The Perfect Valentine’s Day Flowers

advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement. A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.

• Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Many

have a favorite flower type or color, and everyone’s isn’t necessarily a red rose. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.

• Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person, make sure they are fresh by gently feeling the part of the petal that meets the stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.

• Opt for neutral tones. If you’re unsure of which flowers to buy, stick with varietals in white and soft, neutral tones. This will lend a more romantic vibe to the bouquet. Bright, high-contrast florals may come off as tacky unless you can guarantee that the person prefers them.

• Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral

allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How Flowers Do That, a United Kingdom-based flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are

less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

• Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day draws

TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL

closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement. Choosing flowers comes down to a few simple steps to offer a gift of love on Valentine’s Day.

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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

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Watching the big game together with friends and fellow fans makes football even more engaging and fun. With that in mind, fans can consider these tips to improve their game

Long Island State Park Hosts 2025 Winter Concert Series

The New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, New York.

The 2025 Winter Concert Series performance schedule is as follows:

February 02 – Serenade

Duo Gerry Saulter (Guitar)

Michelle La Porte (Flute)

February 09 – Extra Chi Terence Purcell (Piano)

Michelle Lisi (Flute)

February 16 –

Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano)

March 02 – Quintessence Laura Mole (Violin), Jody Ratner (Viola),

Susan Lehr (Cello) Karen Gellert (Double Bass), Elinor Zayas (Piano), Hiroko Nakahara (Guest Violinist)

March 09 – Piano Duo Elinor Zayas & Karen Baer

March 16 – Cambiata Cello Duo Paul Finkelstein & Suzanne Mueller

Parking will be limited and on a first come, first served basis throughout the entirety of this concert series. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. Seating is on first come, first serve basis. The concerts, free to he public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

For more information,

Improve Your Game Watch Experience

watch party as the stakes get higher for their favorite team.

• Upgrade your equipment. There’s no doubt about it, football is best watched on a big screen. Choose

a screen size of at least 65 inches and ensure the television has a high refresh rate, which helps to keep up with fast-moving action on the gridiron. A TV with good motion

handling can help ensure that moving objects are clear.

• Tailgate at home. There’s something about football and the outdoors that works. Although watching

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.

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, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. 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. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

the game indoors is perfectly acceptable, think about taking the action outside. Open the door to the garage and set up a viewing area there. Man a grill nearby in the driveway and prepare all of your favorite tailgate foods and beverages. Once the drinks are flowing you might not even notice chilly temperatures.

• Offer finger foods. Foods that can be grabbed and shared are ideal options for football watch parties. These include sliders, pizza, tacos, and wings. The game day menu does not need to be complicated. Just make the food readily accessible and guests will dig right in.

• Toss around the pigskin. Get some exercise and test your skills by throwing around the ball during commercial breaks or before and after the game. If you really want to go all out, play a game of touch or flag football

(leave the tackling to the professionals).

• Up the ante. Make watching the game a little more competitive by taking bets beforehand. Betting boxes (football squares) provide a simple way to collect and pay out during game play. Participants buy as many squares as they like for a set price and write their initials inside the squares they choose. Teams are assigned to the rows and columns which are numbered zero through nine. Those numbers will represent the final digit of the score for the corresponding team. Winners can be called each quarter as well as for the final score.

• Create a winning playlist. Compile a playlist of songs that can raise fans’ spirits. Include teams’ theme songs in the mix when possible; otherwise, incorporate upbeat options that span the last few generations.