December 10, 2025 Deer Park by Long Island Media Group

FUND

Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club recently led the districtwide “Red, White & Jeans” and “Hats for Heroes” fundraising initiatives, with students and staff across all buildings wearing hats, jeans and patriotic colors to raise awareness and support for veterans facing challenges upon returning home.

This year’s effort was the district’s most successful to date, generating an impressive $1,100, the highest amount Deer Park has ever raised for the cause.

All donations are contributed to the GI Go Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans in all aspects of their lives.

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) proudly took to the streets of his hometown of Deer Park for the annual Deer Park High School Homecoming Parade.

A lifelong resident who graduated from Deer Park High School in 1984, Legislator Donnelly is a Falcon through and through: he has raised his family in, and still serves, the Deer Park community not only as a legislator but also as a four-decade Deer Park Fire Department volunteer. For the 2025 Homecoming Parade, he joined enthusiastic students, community members, school district officials and parade Grand Marshal Anthony “Tony” Santoro for the joyous march up Deer Park Avenue to the football field at the High School. This year’s homecoming was October 18 with a theme of “Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon.”

“As someone who has

Did You Know?

When making a holiday shopping list and checking it twice, shoppers may want to put more emphasis on experiential gifts over material items. A recent survey from GetYourGuide found 51 percent of people prefer some type of travel, 40 percent want to attend a show, 30 percent prefer outdoor activities, and 27 percent want to visit museums. The data is showing more and more people are choosing to share experiences and create meaningful memories with the people they love rather than offering material gifts. The desire for experiential gifts is strong among millennials and Gen Z.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, pictured far right, joins students, community members, school district officials and parade Grand Marshal Anthony “Tony” Santoro, pictured center right, for the 2025 Deer Park High School Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 18.

called Deer Park home my entire life, I personally know just how special this community is,” said Legislator Donnelly.

“The small-town feel,

the pride people take in our neighborhood and the strong sense of togetherness make it a truly great place to live and raise a family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I thank everyone for coming out and showing their support for Deer Park.”

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS

THROUGH DEC. 31st

(Daily)

ANIMIATED CHILDREN'S WALKTHROUGH STORY

Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. Open during normal store hours. Located in the Christmas Gallery. The Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! Please bring a donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and it drop off at the end of the walkthrough. Free Event. For more information, please call 516- 334-0066

THROUGH JAN. 1st (Daily)

PORT JEFFERSON FESTIVAL OF TREES at Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 East Broadway in Port Jefferson. Free Event. See beautifully decorated Trees by local businesses, groups, and nonproﬁts! This event is presented by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Title Sponsor - Hanover Bank. Co-Sponsor: The Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson. For more information, please call 631-473-1414

THROUGH JAN. 4th (Daily)

12:00NOON-3:00PM

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY

The Town of Babylon History Museum and Babylon Town Historical Society, feature an interactive model train display (240 sq. ft.) that highlights historic points of interest from around the Town of Babylon. Admission is FREE. The Town History Museum is located at the historic Old Town Hall, built in 1918 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in

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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

2005. For more information, please call 631-587-3750

SUNDAY, DEC. 13th

3:00PM-5:00PM

FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT

Get into the Holiday Cheer at the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore. The West Islip Symphony Orchestra is back with bringing Holiday "Sounds of the Seasons." Join them for a sing along and Holiday Classics in this free performance. For more information, please call 631-888-3525, info@ isliparts.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 14th

3:00PM

HOLIDAY AND HITS CONCERT TO HELP THE FOOD PANTRY

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 East John St. in Lindenhurst. Free will offering and bring a non perishable food item, includes light refreshments. For more information, please call Kerrianne at 631-867-8943

7:00PM

THE MESSIAH FEEDS THE HUNGRY

Through the generosity of the Church of St. Joseph, the renowned St. Joseph’s Choir and friends will present the traditional FREE concert at St. Joseph’s Church in Babylon Village. The renowned St. Joseph Choir has presented a yearly December concert for over 25 years raising more than $100.000 for the beneﬁt of the Mercy INN Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch. The church will be in darkness at 7:00 so early arrival is recommended. Donations are encouraged to beneﬁt the soup kitchen-cash or check payable to The

Mercy INN and may also be dropped off at the Parish Center-39 N. Carll Ave. in Babylon Village before or after the concert.

For more information, please call 631-669-0068.

THROUGH, DEC. 15th

ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE

The Annual Toys for Tots Drive Returns to Town Hall. Join Councilman Terence McSweeney and the U.S. Marine Corps in giving back this holiday season! Babylon Town Hall is located at 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. Residents are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys, books, or games in the Town Hall Lobby Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your donation will help make the holidays brighter for children in need throughout our community. For more information, please call 631-9573081.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18th

6:00PM-7:45PM

WINTER GREENERY WORKSHOP

At the Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh. A winter greenery workshop to celebrate the season! RSVP to PaumanackeGC@ gmail.com to receive details and to register. Lite refreshments will be served after the workshop.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20th

6:00PM-10:30PM

BRUMIDI’S CHRISTMAS PARTY at Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information and reservations, please call Linda at 516-356-0949, www. sonsoﬁtalyli.com

Town Of Babylon Recognizes Local Students For Leadership Achievement

The Town of Babylon is proud to congratulate Sophia DiCiero (West Babylon High School), Preston Robert Findlay (St. John the Baptist High School), and Lucas DiVanna (Deer Park High School) for their outstanding participation

in the American Legion Boys’ State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls’ State programs. These prestigious, week-long leadership experiences immerse high school juniors in the inner workings of New York State government.

Students become citizens of a “51st state,” where they form political parties, elect officials, debate legislation, and gain firsthand knowledge of civic responsibility. Under the guidance of American Legion counselors, U.S. Marines, and the

American Legion Auxiliary, participants develop not only their leadership and communication skills but also a strong sense of teamwork, discipline, and Americanism.

Councilman Terence McSweeney praised the students for their dedication

and representation of the community, stating:

“Sophia, Preston, and Lucas have represented our community with honor and dedication. Their commitment to learning, leadership, and service shows exactly what the future of our country looks

like—bright, determined, and full of promise. We couldn’t be prouder.”

The Town of Babylon extends its heartfelt congratulations to Sophia, Preston, and Lucas on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to their continued success.

ANTIPASTO (Choose one)

• Traditional Antipasto Platter

• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter

• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter

FIRST COURSE (Choose one)

• Penne Alla Vodka • Linquine Fruitti di Mare

• Baked Ziti

• Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)

• Stuffed Shells • Baked Manicotti

SALAD (Choose one)

• Garden or Caesar

• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Seasonal Berries

MAIN COURSE (Choose one)

• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)

• Boar’s Head Sweet Sliced Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)

• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)

• Stuffed Flounder Filet

VEGETABLE (Choose two)

• String Bean Casserole • String Bean Almondine

• Candied Sweet Potatoes • Eggplant Rollatine or

• Roasted Potato Wedges Parmigiana

• Sautéed Broccoli

DESSERT (Choose one)

• Apple Pie or Grain Pie

• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl

$49999

Mangia

PASTA

Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Penne Alla Vodka

Lasagna - OR -

Vegetable Lasagna

VEAL

$50.00 $90.00

$65.00 $120.00

$60.00 $110.00

Veal Parmigiana ....................... $85.00 .... $160.00

Cocktail

Linguine With Clam Sauce $60.00 $110.00 (Red Or White)

PORK & BEEF

Sausage & Peppers

Pepper Steak .......................

$60.00 $110.00 Red Or White

$70.00 ... $130.00 With Peppers & Onions In A Brown Sauce Meatballs ............................ $60.00 ... $110.00

CHICKEN

Chicken Parmigiana .............

Chicken Francese

Sauce

Hawaiian Chicken

$65.00 ... $120.00

$70.00 $130.00

Lightly Fried, Sautéed In Lemon, Butter, Garlic & White Wine

$70.00 $130.00

SEAFOOD

Sautéed With Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic, Marsala Wine

Sweet & Sour Sauce With Pineapples & Cherries

Chicken Fingers ...................

$55.00 ... $100.00

Chicken Florentine $75.00 $140.00

Sautéed Spinach, Slices Of Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella, Garlic White Wine Sauce

Hear Better This Holiday Season

Deer Park High School Inducts 93 New Members Into National Honor Society

Deer Park High School proudly welcomed 93 new members at its 64th annual National Honor Society induction ceremony, held on Nov. 18 in the school’s auditorium.

Society member Jaidyn Schabe led the Pledge of Allegiance to open the evening, followed by introductions from NHS adviser Seth Margolin and athletic trainer Daniel Stevens, and remarks from Suffolk County Legislator

Tom Donnelly, a Deer Park resident.

“As you begin to make your move into adulthood and you move on to college and into the workplace or military service, you are going to look back on being inducted into the National Honor Society as a very special moment, one that is going to be your moral compass,” Donnelly told the students he called the leaders of tomorrow.

“These special moments

really define our lives.”

The five NHS officers – President Nicolas Flores (History), Vice President Lucas Di-Vanna (Scholarship), Secretary Bertrand Mondelus (Service), Treasurer Vincent Vela (Leadership) and Tutoring Chair Ubaid Iqbal (Character) – also addressed the inductees before the new members took their oaths and received their certificates.

Deer Park Board Of Education Honors

Students, Staff And Programs

At its Nov. 25 board of education meeting, the Deer Park School District celebrated student achievement, honored outstanding staff members, welcomed new hires and heard updates on key instructional programs.

The first recognition of the evening went to Robert Frost Middle School student Ibrahim Mughal, who was unable to attend, for winning the Town of Babylon’s Veterans Awareness Day essay contest.

May Moore Primary School Creation Station aide Sue Broccio was the recipient of the month’s staff recognition.

“Sue is the ultimate team player, bringing dedication, enthusiasm and a problemsolving mindset to May Moore every single day,”

Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “Her work ethic and team spirit make her truly deserving of districtwide recognition.”

Several new instructional hires were then welcomed, including Deer Park High School science teacher John Pankey and teaching assistants Caitlin Buchholz, Rachel Rhodes, Megan RooneyMerkle, Christina Vitarella and Angela Walz, and two faculty members – John F. Kennedy Intermediate School special education

teacher Alexandra Morelli and Robert Frost Middle School teaching assistant Erin Schabe – were granted tenure. In the buildings and grounds department, current Supervisor William Fitzgerald was promoted to director of operations, and Deer Park High School Chief Custodian James Perrotta was named districtwide chief custodian.

Finally, Director of Elementary Education Dr. Danielle Sheridan gave a detailed presentation on the district’s elementary programs, supported by the principals, assistant principals and directors.

Deer Park High School proudly welcomed 93 new members at its 64th annual National Honor Society induction ceremony.

Deer Park High School National Honor Society officers President Nicolas Flores, Vice President Lucas Di-Vanna, Secretary Bertrand Mondelus, Treasurer Vincent Vela and Tutoring Chair Ubaid Iqbal. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

May Moore Primary School Creation Station aide Sue Broccio was recognized at the Nov. 25 board of education meeting.

Deer Park School District Buildings and Grounds Supervisor William Fitzgerald (far left) was promoted to director of operations and Deer Park High School Chief Custodian James Perrotta (second from left) was named districtwide chief custodian at the Nov. 25 board of education meeting. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

Deer Park School District Recognized As Top Donor To GI Go Fund

This year’s effort was the district’s most successful to date, generating an impressive $1,100, the highest amount Deer Park has ever raised for the cause. All donations are contributed to the GI Go Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans in all aspects of their lives. The Deer Park School District was recognized as the top donor for the organization

this year, highlighting the school community’s ongoing dedication to honoring and supporting service members.

Representatives from each building – Lynda Emig from the superintendent’s office, Robert Frost Associate Principal Kevin Quirk, JFK teachers Kristen Alo and Michele Alo, JQA teacher Victoria Mott, May Moore secretary Annemarie Dawson and Assistant School Transportation Supervisor Karen Camodeo – served as liaisons to coordinate collections and spread awareness throughout the district, playing a key role in the overall success of this year’s initiative.

Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District

Did You Know?

Only certain veterans can get the complete comprehensive caregiver benefit package through the VA. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is working to change these laws and correct this inequity. Many Americans are asking their legislators where they stand on the issue.