On behalf of school children across the Town of Oyster Bay, Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined Councilman Tom Hand, Councilman Steve Labriola, and Councilman Andrew Monteleone to present thousands of ‘Valentine’s for Veterans’ to representatives from AMVETS Post 88 in Massapequa and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82, to be distributed to various Veterans organizations, as well as to the VA Hospital.
The Massapequa School District is continuing online registration for incoming kindergarten students. Children turning 5 years old by Dec. 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll in school for the 2025-2026 school year. Online registration is open through Friday, Feb. 28, and parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible. Visit the Kindergarten Registration section on the district website, www.msd. k12.ny.us, for the online form and list of all required documentation.
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
On behalf of school children across the Town of Oyster Bay, Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined Councilman Tom Hand, Councilman Steve Labriola, and Councilman Andrew Monteleone to present thousands of ‘Valentine’s for Veterans’
to representatives from AMVETS Post 88 in Massapequa and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82, to be distributed to various Veterans organizations, as well as to the VA Hospital. These special valentines were handmade by students
from numerous school districts throughout the Town as an expression of appreciation and gratitude for our Hometown Heroes, and to recognize that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The books kept coming in as students showed their giving spirit at Birch Lane Elementary School in the Massapequa School District for the annual Book Fairies collection. More than 1,500 new and gently used books were donated during the two-week drive that ended on Feb. 10.
All of the books will be donated to the Long Island-based nonprofit organization that provides reading materials to underresourced communities. The Book Fairies collection
has been an annual winter tradition at Birch Lane for several years. It is organized by student government, under the direction of advisors Meghan Reedy and Allison Rifkin.
Students were asked to look through their book
Birch Lane Elementary School’s student government, led by Allison Rifkin, left, and Meghan Reedy, right, held a two-week book drive to collect donations for the Book Fairies. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
shelves at home and donate any children’s books they no longer read. Additionally, several families purchased new items at the recent Scholastic book fair to donate to the drive.
“It makes me feel really good because I want kids
to read,” fifth grade Emma Leek said about the success of the book drive. She added that when kids have more books, they become better readers and spellers.
Student government members made fliers to hang around the school and
also promote the book drive through word of mouth. As books were donated, the student leaders sorted them by category and then boxed them up. The drive helped fulfill the group’s community service mission.
Baked Ziti
Meat Lasagna
Baked Manicotti
Baked Stuffed Shells
Baked Cheese Ravioli
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
Penne with Butter Sauce
Penne with Garlic & Oil
Chicken
Chicken
Eggplant
Eggplant
Sausage,
HOURS: MONDAY - THURSDAY 11:00AM-9:30PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:00AM-10:00PM SUNDAY 11:00AM-9:00PM
are a treat any time of the day, and many find biscotti particularly appealing. These crunchy cookies are equally at home with a morning cup of coffee as they are with an evening mug of hot cocoa. Biscotti are hard, crunchy, Italian cookies that are baked twice. In fact, their name comes from the Latin “bis,” meaning “twice,” and “coctus,” meaning “cooked.” Although they can be enjoyed on their own, their dry, crunchy nature makes them hold up well when dunked into a beverage. Biscotti were even once commonly dipped into red wine. Though they might seem complicated, biscotti generally are easy to make. Try this recipe for “Semolina and Almond Biscotti” from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Yields 12 to 16 cookies
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup semolina flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Optional: 10 ounces dark chocolate to melt for dipping
Directions: Preheat oven to 325 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, cream the sugar, butter and eggs until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and salt. Mix to incorporate. Add the all-purpose flour, almonds, semolina flour, and baking powder. Mix until well combined, but don’t overmix.
Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Pat gently to form one long loaf of dough roughly 14 to 16 inches long and 5 to 6 inches wide. Bake 30 minutes.
Remove the loaf from the oven and allow to cool 5 to 6 minutes before using a long knife to cut the loaf gently into 12 to 16 cookies.
Lay each cookie on its side and bake another 20 minutes, flipping the cookies midway through. Cool completely to achieve that signature crunch. The centers will be a bit soft if eaten warm. These are perfect for dunking in coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Optional: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts and gently dip half of each biscotti into it lengthwise. Flip the biscotti chocolate-side-up onto a sheet tray and allow the chocolate to set.
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Hand. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.” Councilman Hand noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but highquality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
In advance of P.S. I Love You Day, an initiative to eradicate the stigma around mental health, social worker Kim Hession educated students about suicide awareness at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus.
During their math classes, ninth graders attended presentations in the library during the week of Feb. 10.
Ms. Hession introduced Signs of Suicide, an evidencebased prevention program by MindWise Innovations designed for middle school and high school students. They watched three
videos featuring different scenarios, then discussed the effectiveness of the strategies that were used to support the person dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Ms. Hession taught students about the ACT technique – acknowledge, care, tell – to assist anyone who might be showing risk factors. The goal of the presentations, she explained, was to give them the skills and tools to intervene on behalf of a peer who is struggling. She noted that friends often see the warning signs before adults do, and
that early intervention can make a big difference.
“We want our students to be in a position to know how to act,” Ms. Hession said. “They’re often the first to notice the signs and symptoms of distress in a peer. They’re very intuitive but they don’t always know what to do.”
Ms. Hession, who has been leading the SOS workshop for a few years, provided students with crisis hotline information and also asked them to fill out short surveys about if they needed a professional to talk to at school.
provided students with suicide prevention and crisis intervention information on Feb. 11. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Town of Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman
Lou Imbroto announce that families looking for recreational fun during most school districts’ winter recess need look no further than one of the Town’s Ice Skating facilities, which will offer extended hours throughout the week. The week also marks the last week public skating is available at the Town’s outdoor rinks.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) and Babylon Village Mayor Mary Adams, in partnership with Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey and Babylon Town Councilman Terence McSweeney, are holding a drive-thru Food Collection Drive on Saturday, March 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Babylon Village Gazebo located on Montauk Highway across from Argyle Lake Park in Babylon.
Assemblyman Durso and
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
Mayor Adams are asking for donations of nonperishable food items and drinks. All items collected will be donated to the First Presbyterian Church Babylon Food Pantry and distributed to individuals and families in need.
“Over 300,000 Long Islanders are food insecure and hungry,” said Assemblyman Durso.
“Record high food prices, inflation, and the high cost of living have drastically increased the need for assistance. We must come together and support community members in need.”
For more information, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.
“Our rinks provide the perfect setting for residents to enjoy the winter weather.”
Extended sessions run through February 23rd: Wednesday, February 19th
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm
Thursday, February 20th
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm Friday, February 21st
Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm
Saturday, February 22nd
Outdoor Rinks: 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; 7pm-9pm
“Families and children looking for a great stay-cation activity can head over to our ice skating rinks, either outdoors at Marjorie Post Park or Syosset-Woodbury Park, or indoors at our Town Ice Skating Center, during special extended hours for the full winter recess week,” said Councilman Imbroto.
Indoor Ice Center:
2:45pm-5:45pm
Sunday, February 23rd
(last public sessions at outdoor rinks) 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm Indoor Ice Center: 2pm-5pm
“We invite residents of all ages to enjoy the last days of the winter season at our beautiful ice skating rinks,” said Supervisor Saladino.
“Bring the family to our fun rinks, lace up your skates and get ready for a great time.”
For more information, including admission, hours of operation, the Youth Ice Hockey Program, figure skating or other skating opportunities, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ ice.
FRI. FEB. 21st
5:30PM A DRAGON-SIZED FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
This special family evening is packed with fun dragon-inspired activities and a screening of the heartwarming movie How to Train Your Dragon. Cradle of Aviation Museum ~ Charles Lindbergh Blvd. ~ Garden City. For more information: General 516-5724111 ~ Reservations 516-5724066
6:30PM 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 @ 631-7453007
SAT. FEB. 22nd
10:00AM-11:00AM
WILDLIFE WONDERS: FUN WITH FEATHERS
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
SUN. FEB. 23rd
1:00-4:00pm AN AFTERNOON WITH ELVIS
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
Long Island Society of Italian Americans, (LISIA) is having an Afternoon With Elvis at The Malverne American Legion, 240 Franklin Ave, Post 44. $30.00 pp, includes admission, show, coffee and cake and a cash bar. Bring your own snacks, max 10 to a table. Call Diane Langella @ 516777-0607 for reservations.
1:00-6:00pm
TAKEOUT PASTA MEATBALL & SAUSAGE DINNER
Babylon Lions Club, Pick-up at Cafe 11 Villaggio, 35 Deer Park Avenue, Babylon Village. All proceeds go to charity. $35 Per Order - Take Out Only. Pre-orders can be placed beginning at 11:00 am for more information, please call 631-422-7037
TUES. FEB. 25th
1:00PM
CARNEVALE CELEBRATION
The Italian Cultural Society of Farmingdale cordially invites you to join them at their February Carnevale celebration. Entertainment and light refreshments. Costumes and/ or masks are encouraged for all attendees. Come join the fun! Allen Park Meeting Room, Motor Avenue in Farmingdale. For more information, please contact ICSF Co-President Aggie Vitale agvit@ aol.com
4:00PM-5:00PM TEEN LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
The Wildlife Center of Long Island is coming to the Babylon Library!
Meet some of their Ambassador reptiles, mammals, and birds that call Long Island home and explore their role in our local ecosystem. Discover why these animals are at the Wildlife Hospital and how you can help others like them. Earn one hour of community service for attending! Grades 6-12. Registration required.24 S. Carll Ave. in Babylon,. For more information, please call Erin White 63-669-1624
6:30PM
BABY SHOWER
The Kiwanis Club of Copiague is having a Baby Shower and will be collecting new clothing, diapers, blankets and many other items a baby needs. Items will be donated to Madonna Heights. Please drop off donations at Red Lobster 801 Sunrise Hwy in Copiague on Tuesday, Feb. 25th. For more information, please contact Lori Prisco 631-495-8755, or Christine Madrazo 631-559-1079
NOW THROUGH FEB. 26th
10:00AM-5:00PM NY FINE ARTS SOCIETY EXHIBITION
1 Flowerfield, Suite 15, St. James. Paintings and prints 18th century to today, Goya, Kollwitz, Dali, PIcasso, Modigliani, and much more, Childen's art WORKSHOP. Admission goes to support the NEW YORK FINE ARTS SOCIETY. For more information, please call Yuka at 631-880-1719
NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE AMITYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE ELECTION
APRIL 8, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of the qualified voters of the Amityville Union Free School District (the “District”), Town of Babylon, Suffolk County and Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York will be held at the Amityville Public Library, 19 John St., Amityville, New York 11701 (the “Library”) on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, between the hours of 10:00am and 9:00pm, for the purpose of voting on the following items:
1) To adopt the annual budget of the Amityville Public Library for the fiscal year 2025-2026, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District; and
2) The election of one (1) member of the Board of Trustees for a five-year term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2030, as a result of the expiration of the term of office presently held by Sharon Tener.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that copies of a statement of the estimated library expenses for the fiscal year 2025-2026 may be obtained at the Library (address above) and in the Office of the School District Clerk, located at 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, daily except Saturday and Sunday, beginning March 10, 2025, between 9:00am and 4:00pm.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Library will host a public informational meeting for the purposes of discussion of the proposed 2025-2026 Library Budget on March 24, 2025. All residents of the District are invited to attend at the Library.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that candidates for the office of Trustee of the Library Board of Trustees shall be nominated by petition. Petitions must be filed with the School District Clerk (address above), between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm no later than Monday, March 10, 2025. Forms of petition may be obtained from the School District Clerk. Each petition must be directed to
the School District Clerk; must state the name address of the candidate; must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District and list each signer’s address.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not already appear on the register of said school district, or who does not register as hereinafter provided, except as may otherwise be provided by the laws of the State of New York. Registration is available in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, through April 8, 2025. The register so prepared includes all persons who have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance herewith, and all persons who shall have been registered previously hereunder for an annual or special meeting or election, and who shall have voted at any annual meeting or election, held or conducted at any time within four (4) years prior to the preparation of the register.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early mail or absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the School District Clerk (address above). Completed applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail or absentee ballots must be received by the School District Clerk, or in the polling place at the Library, not later than 5:00pm, prevailing time, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. A list of persons to whom early mail or absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Saturdays and Sundays and such list will also be posted at the polling place at the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reasons of permanent illness or physical disability, and
whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law, shall be entitled to receive an absentee ballot without making separate applications therefore.
FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter. Military voters who are qualified voters of the Library District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday March 14, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the Office of the School District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
Dated: Amityville, New York February 19, 2025
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE AMITYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY AND TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
BY DISTRICT CLERK
AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
AVISO DE LA REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE
VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL FIDEICOMISARIO
8 DE ABRIL DE 2025
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que una Reunión Especial de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Amityville (el “Distrito”), Ciudad de Babylon, Condado
de Suffolk y Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville, 19 John St., Amityville, Nueva York 11701 (la “Biblioteca”) el martes 8 de abril, 2025, entre las 10:00 a.m. (mediodía) y las 9:00 p.m., con el propósito de votar sobre los siguientes puntos:
1) Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville para el año fiscal 2025-2026, y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito; y
2) La elección de un (1) miembro de la Junta Directiva por un período de cinco años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025 y expira el 30 de junio de 2030, como resultado de la expiración del mandato que actualmente ocupa Sharon Tener.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que se pueden obtener copias de una declaración de los gastos estimados de la biblioteca para el año fiscal 2025-2026 en la Biblioteca (dirección anterior) y en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar, ubicada en 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, todos los días, excepto sábados y domingos, a partir del 10 de marzo de 2025 entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que la Biblioteca organizará una reunión informativa pública con el fin de discutir el Presupuesto de la Biblioteca propuesto para 2025-2026 el 24 de marzo de 2025. Todos los residentes del Distrito están invitados a asistir a la Biblioteca.
ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que los candidatos para el cargo de Fideicomisario de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca serán nominados por petición. Las peticiones deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior), entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. a más tardar el lunes 10 de marzo de 2025. Los formularios de petición se pueden obtener del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Cada petición debe ser dirigida al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe indicar el nombre y la dirección del candidato; debe estar firmado por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito y enumerar la dirección de cada firmante.
ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que de conformidad con la sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en dicha reunión y elección cuyo nombre no aparezca ya en el registro de dicho distrito escolar, o que no se registre como se dispone a continuación, excepto que las leyes del Estado de Nueva York dispongan lo contrario. La inscripción está disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior) de lunes a viernes, de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m., hasta el 8 de abril de 2025. El registro así preparado incluye a todas las personas que se hayan presentado personalmente para el registro de conformidad con el presente, y todas las personas que hayan sido registradas previamente en virtud del presente para una reunión o elección anual o especial, y que hayan votado en cualquier reunión o elección anual, celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años anteriores a la preparación del registro.
ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boletas anticipadas por correo o en ausencia se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior). Las solicitudes completas deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante. Las boletas anticipadas por correo o en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar, o en el lugar de votación en la Biblioteca, a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, el martes 8 de abril de 2025. Una lista de las personas a las que se les habrá emitido una boleta anticipada por correo o en ausencia estará disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto los sábados y domingos, y dicha lista también se publicará en el lugar de votación en la elección.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que un votante calificado cuya capacidad para
comparecer personalmente en el lugar de votación se vea sustancialmente afectada por razones de enfermedad permanente o discapacidad física, y cuyo registro de registro haya sido marcado como “discapacitado permanentemente” por la Junta Electoral de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación, tendrá derecho a recibir una boleta de voto ausente sin hacer solicitudes separadas por ello.
SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados. Los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito de Bibliotecas pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión de fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y las solicitudes de boletas militares deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior) a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del viernes 14 de marzo de 2025. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta militar a menos que sea recibida por la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de la elección.
Fechado: Amityville, Nueva York 19 de febrero de 2025
POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE, LA CIUDAD DE BABILONIA Y LA CIUDAD DE BAY, SUFFOLK COUNTYOYSTERNASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
POR SECRETARIO DE DISTRITO DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN DE AMITYVILLE, CIUDAD DE BABYLON, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, CIUDAD DE OYSTER BAY, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK
AM, MASS, MP - 274 - 2/19, 3/5, 3/19 & 4/2/25
Weddings are wellknown as costly affairs, even for couples who opt for more laid back ceremonies and receptions as opposed to lavish gatherings. Each year, The Knot Real Weddings Study uncovers
the latest wedding trends, including those related to fashion, food and, of course, finances. The most recent study found that the average cost of a wedding in 2023 was $35,000. That marks a considerable increase
over just a year earlier, when couples spent an average of $30,000 on their weddings. That significant spike in just a 12-month period undoubtedly reflects the effects of inflation, which has led to a
notable increase in the costs of many products and services since 2022. If wedding costs are indeed surprising couples as they start to plan their big day, they can consider an approach that many before them
have increasingly turned to: wedding planners. According to The Knot, 37 percent of couples hired a wedding planner in 2023, an increase of 7 percent over 2019, when the pandemic had yet to be declared and inflation had
not led to such significant price increases. Wedding planners can help couples navigate some costly waters so they can avoid starting their life together with substantial weddingrelated debt.
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts! Councilman Steve Labriola announces that the Town of Oyster Bay is bringing the heat this spring with its inaugural Pickleball Tournament, a high-energy, two-day event set for Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love a little
friendly competition, this tournament is the perfect chance to showcase your skills and compete for glory.
The tournament will feature bracketed doubles matches for players 18 and older, promising plenty of fast-paced action and exciting rallies.
“Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-
growing sports in the nation, and our Town is proud to lead the way in creating opportunities for residents to enjoy this exciting game,” said Councilman Labriola. “So, grab a paddle, find a partner, and get ready for a weekend of fun, fitness, and fierce competition!”
Registration opens at
9:00 a.m. on March 3, 2025 for Town of Oyster Bay residents at www. oysterbaytown.com/ sports, with nonresident registration starting on March 10, 2025. Stay tuned for more details on game locations and schedules.
For more information, please contact the Town of Oyster Bay Parks
Department Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com.
Don’t miss your shot— sign up and get ready to play!
About Pickleball in the Town of Oyster Bay:
Since 2018, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board have expanded
With recent coyote sightings in Lattingtown and other North Shore communities this week, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Board President Gary Rogers today issued the following safety and behavior tips for residents. Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets. If you see a coyote
exhibiting threatening behavior, dial 911.
Safety Tips:
· Unintentional food sources attract coyotes, other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets.
· Do not feed coyotes. Discourage others from doing so.
· Do not feed pets outside. If you are feeding feral cats please stay and observe the cat feedings and remove all food before leaving.
· Eliminate availability of
bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents at feeders can attract wildlife. If you see a coyote(s) near your birdfeeder, clean up waste seed and spillage to remove the attractant.
· Make certain that garbage is inaccessible to wildlife.
· Fence or enclose compost piles so they are not accessible.
· Teach children to appreciate wildlife from a distance as to avoid the risk of being injured.
· If confronted, stand tall, and hold arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, then make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones. Do not run away, running away after seeing a coyote is behaving like prey.
· Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise all outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs
pickleball facilities, from Bethpage to Bayville, and Massapequa to Oyster Bay. In 2024 alone, new courts were opened at Tappen Beach, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Anchor Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, with plans to bring even more courts to Farmingdale and Massapequa.
(even if on leash) and cats are especially vulnerable to coyotes. Keep cats indoors.
· Conflicts between dogs and coyotes can happen any time of the year, but are more likely in the months of March and April. It is during this time that coyotes are setting up their denning areas for the soon-toarrive pups.
· Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the
ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level, and taller than 4 feet.
· Remove brush and tall grass from around your home to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide.
· Be aware people do coexist with coyotes but caution, care, and common sense must be used.
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.
Massapequa | 275 N Atlanta Avenue | $1,050,000
Massapequa | 120 Greenwood Drive | $875,000
Manhasset | 14 Bayview Court | $870,000
Smithtown | 33 Fulton Avenue | $860,000
Lynbrook | 12 Lawrence Avenue | $812,000
Old Bethpage | 10 Prescott Place | $795,000
Bethpage | 18 Elizabeth Drive | $775,000
Massapequa Park | 208 Linden Street | $763,000
Massapequa | 269 N Atlanta Avenue | $750,000
Freeport | 317 Saint Marks Avenue | $640,000
Great Neck | 90 Knightsbridge Road, 4B | $619,200
Seaford | 35 Crescent Cove Circle | $1,755,000*
Massapequa | 303 Bayview Avenue | $1,130,000*
Lido Beach | 336 Harbor Drive | $999,000*
Farmingdale | 5 Walland Avenue | $810,000*
Massapequa Park | 23 Jefferson Avenue | $765,000*
Massapequa Park | 286 Atlantic Avenue | $700,000*
Oceanside | 338 W Cortland Avenue | $700,000*
