February 19, 2025 North Massapequa by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

Game On! Town To Host Its First-Ever Pickleball Tournament This Spring Registration Begins March 3rd

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 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.

Town And Nassau SPCA

Issue Coyote Safety And Behavior Tips

After Recent Sightings

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

Saladino Announces Free Boating Safety Seminars For

Residents

Safety Certificate Required By New York State Law As Of January 1, 2025, For All Watercraft Operators

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board are encouraging residents to take advantage of free Boating Safety Seminars being offered at Community Centers across the Town. These essential courses, taught by the Town’s Department of Public Safety Bay Constable Unit, will cover critical topics, including safe vessel operation, state regulations, and the responsibilities of boat ownership and operation.

As of January 1, 2025, all motorized vessel operators in New York State, regardless of age, will be required to possess a valid boating safety certificate.

Supervisor Saladino

stated, “Boating is a cherished activity in our Town, and safety must always come first. These seminars are an excellent way for residents to stay informed, comply with state law, and ensure that everyone can enjoy our waterways safely. I encourage all residents, young and old, to take advantage of this free program and join us in making our waters safer for all.”

Course Details:

Oyster Bay Community Center – Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 8AM – 4PM.

Marjorie Post Park Community Center in Massapequa – Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and Wednesday, March 19,

2025, from 6PM – 10PM (participants must attend both nights). Participants must be at least 10 years old to register. While the seminars are free, advance registration is required. In New York State, individuals aged 18 and older must pay a $10 fee for a permanent boating safety certificate issued by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. There is no fee for participants under 18. Completing an approved boating safety course is mandatory to obtain the certificate. For more information or to register for a course, please call (516) 677-5350.

night. Small dogs (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 soonto-arrive 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.

Local Artists Invited To Showcase Work At ‘Art In The Park’ Applications Now Open For Artists & Artisans To

Display And Sell Creations

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand is inviting local artists and artisans to participate in a special day of creativity and community at Art in the Park. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, May 17, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay, offering a unique platform for talented individuals to display and sell their handcrafted creations. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 9, 2025.

“Art in the Park provides an incredible opportunity for local artists and artisans to showcase their best work, connect

with the community, and gain recognition,” said Councilman Hand. “Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and be part of a vibrant community event, featuring live music, food trucks, and fun activities for kids.”

Artists and artisans must be 18 years or older and can only display and sell original, handcrafted pieces. Commercial or mass-produced items will not be permitted. Participants are responsible for supplying their own 10x10 canopy and any additional equipment needed for their space. Full details,

including associated costs, are outlined in the application available online. Organized by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division, Art in the Park celebrates a diverse range of handcrafted works, including ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculptures, and more.

To apply, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/ capa or contact the Cultural and Performing Arts Division at (516) 797-7932 for more information.

FEATURING

1 DOZEN GARLIC KNOTS

Complete Dinners 40 Choices of Pasta

Includes: House Salad,

Recipe Of The Week: Semolina and Almond Biscotti

Cookies

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.

DINNER SPECIAL

APPETIZERS

CRISPY

SUGAR

ENTREE

PORK CHOPS

GRILLED CHICKEN (BREAST/THIGH GARLIC SHRIMP

SIZZLING BASIL STEAK

GRILLED WHOLE SQUID BEER CLAMS

GRILLED RED SNAPPER PHO TAI • PHO NAM • PHO BO VIEN • PHO SUON • PHO GA-PHO VEGGIE • PHO BO LUI • XE LUA (SPECIAL)

DESSERTS

ICED CREAM (GREEN TEA/RED BEAN/VANILLA COCONUT PUDDING • PISTACHIO CAKE • CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE TIRAMISU CAKE • STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

Garage Door

Garage Door Sale!

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.

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS

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

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

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

the

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.

Food Collection Drive To Benefit First Presbyterian Church Babylon

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 Mayor Adams are asking for donations of non-perishable 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.

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631-226-2636 Ext. 276

BUYING?

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