October 8, 2025 Farmingdale

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South Bay's Neighbor

CELEBRATING ACADEMIC

EXCELLENCE

Farmingdale High School is proud to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2026: Nicholas Zito and Anthony McKee. Both have shown remarkable dedication and leadership throughout their high school careers. Nicholas earned the distinction of Valedictorian by achieving the highest cumulative GPA among 426 students, while Anthony secured the Salutatorian honor with his outstanding academic achievements. Photo courtesy of the Farmingdale School District

How To Mail Packages So They Arrive Safely

(NAPSI)—Sending gifts to friends and family and getting them there intact can be easy, if you heed the tips from the United States Postal Service available online and in “how to” guides on packing, addressing and shipping packages so they arrive safely. Learn more at https://www. youtube.com/c/usps.

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

HOLIDAYS

13th - COLUMBUS DAY

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY 31st - HALLOWEEN

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8th

12:00PM-4:00PM

SENIOR CITIZEN FALL FEST LUNCHEON

Join The New Serenaders at The Irish Coffee Pub for a Fall Fest Luncheon Party. Enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, drink, singing, and dancing fun. Included will be a 3-course meal with choice of entree, unlimited beer, wine, soda, dessert, coffee, tea, music, and more. The Irish Coffee Pub is located at 131 Carleton Ave. in East Islip. For more informaton, please call 631-277-0007

THURSDAY, OCT. 9th

7:00PM

HISTORY OF WANTAGH

Tom Watson of the Wantagh Preservation Society will talk on the History of Wantagh. Seaford Historical Society, at the museum 3890 Waverly Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi 516-783-8629

6:45PM-8:30PM BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 INTEREST NIGHT

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 39 N. Carll Ave, Babylon Village. Are you a young man that is looking for adventure, personal challenge and community service? Come and meet the Scouts of Troop 1 Babylon and find out what we do to cover those goals. For more information, please call 631290-1314

7:00PM

LINDENHURST HOMEMAKERS EVENING 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 7:00pm, new members should arrive 15 min. early. For more information, please call Lisa LeBrie 516-413-7467

SATURDAY, OCT. 11th

1:00PM

2025 LONG ISLAND COLUMBUS DAY PARADE AND ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The Town of Babylon is proud to host the 2025 Long Island Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Festival. Presented by the New York State Grand Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Following the parade, the celebration continues with the Post-Columbus Day Italian Heritage and Culture Family Festival at the Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 in Deer Park, from 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free parking available on Lake Avenue (across from Deer Park Fire Department) with shuttle service to the Lodge, plus street parking nearby.

1:00PM-6:00PM

ANNUAL BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER

Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be hosting its annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser, at the Irish Cultural Center in Babylon Village. This event supports two vital community organizations - the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition - which provide direct

assistance to local individuals and families affected by this devastating disease. This is a 100% volunteerled event, and every dollar raised goes directly to these two frontline organizations. For more information, please call Ron Rice, Event Chairman, 631-335-7191 Email: ronrice107@gmail.com, Lucinda Lauro-Rooney, Event CoChair, Email: Lucindadiv2@gmail. com

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15th

7:00PM-9:00PM

THE DEVIL IN NEW YORKTHE WITCHCRAFT TRIAL OF GOODY GARLICK

The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host Tara Rider and her presentation "The Devil in New York - The Witchcraft Trial of Goody Garlick". Years before the 1692 Salem witch hunts began, accusations ran rampant. The program will be held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. Free and open to the public. For more information on this, our 2026 Holiday House Tour or to become a member, visit www. isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631559-2915

SATURDAY, OCT. 18th

10:00AM-3:00PM

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH THRIFT SHOP / YARD SALE

(Rain or Shine) Thrift Shop Special Event “Pack A Bag” ($5.00) many new items in all categories, Rent A Table - $25.00. 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-7530

Town Seeks Volunteers For Rain Garden Party

Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca are seeking volunteers to help plant and maintain the Town of Oyster Bay’s Rain Gardens, which are a critical element of the Town’s pollution prevention strategy. During the Rain Garden Work Party scheduled for Saturday, October 11th, volunteers are needed to assist with weeding, raking, pruning, mulching, and transplanting existing rain gardens, while learning about the environmental benefits these structures offer. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Western Waterfront in Oyster Bay.

“A rain garden is a collection of native plants placed in a small depression to temporarily hold rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, patios, or lawns. They have numerous environmental benefits, such as filtering

pollutants, reducing flooding, and providing food and habitats to wildlife,” Councilwoman Walsh said. “However, they must be maintained regularly to ensure healthy soil, healthy plants, and a healthy community, which is why we’re seeking volunteers to assist with our existing rain gardens at the Western Waterfront in Oyster Bay.”

Volunteers are invited to the Rain Garden Work Party on Saturday, October 11th, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Western Waterfront, located at 1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay (Larrabee entrance of TR Park, to the left).

This event will be held in partnership with Friends of the Bay and the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. All volunteers should bring gloves, and community service hours will be offered to participants.

As an added bonus, participants can learn how to apply for the new Long Island Garden Rewards program, which offers up to a $500 reimbursement for installing rain gardens and incorporating native plants on your property.

“From helping to capture runoff so it does not pollute our waterways to preventing the breeding of mosquitoes, rain gardens have a tremendously positive impact on our environment and water quality. We hope to see you on October 11th at the Western Waterfront to help maintain these gardens,” added Town Clerk LaMarca.

For more information on the Rain Garden Pollution Prevention Initiative or Rain Garden Work Party, please call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5730 or email environmental@oysterbayny.gov.

Saladino Invites Residents To Enter Lottery For Free Holiday Concert Tickets

Apply By October 24th To Attend Popular Holiday Concert At Tilles Center At LIU Post

With the holiday season fast approaching, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board invite residents to enter a ticket lottery for this year’s Town Holiday Concerts, being held on November 24th andA 25th at the Tilles Center at LIU Post in Brookville.

“There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than with the Town of Oyster Bay’s Holiday Concert Extravaganza. From music to dancing, this amazing performance brings out the holiday cheer in all who experience it,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Due to its overwhelming popularity, the Town hosts a ticket

lottery to ensure all residents have an equal opportunity to attend one of our wonderful performances. And, as always, this outstanding holiday entertainment is provided free of charge for our residents.”

This year’s Holiday Concerts are scheduled for two evenings: Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th at 7:30pm; as well as a matinee performance on Tuesday, November 25th at 2pm.

Applications are available on the Town’s website, www. oysterbaytown.com, or can be received by calling (516) 797-7925.

Completed lottery

applications can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Oyster Bay Town Hall North, Town Clerk’s Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

• Oyster Bay Town Hall South, South Entrance, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

Residents may receive up to two tickets per household. All entries must be received by Friday, October 24th at 4:45pm. Residents selected will receive their tickets in the mail the week of November 10th. Ticket distribution will be based on availability. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 797-7925.

Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications

Want to see your photos in upcoming Town publications such as the Town calendar? Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in print or online. Photos are needed depicting all seasons.

“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Monteleone. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”

Councilman Monteleone 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.

Assemblyman Durso And Island Harvest Host 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’ During Hunger Action Month

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso recently partnered with Island Harvest Food Bank in Melville for their 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’. Assemblyman Durso was joined by a bipartisan team of Long Island Assembly members to pack boxes with nutritious food that will be delivered to low-

income senior citizens throughout Long Island.

“For the past few years, I have had the privilege of partnering with Island Harvest Food Bank to host Assembly ‘Assemble Day,’ where my colleagues and I get to work filling boxes with food to feed seniors in need,” said Assemblyman Durso. “This year, our event happened to fall

on Hunger Action Day, a national day of action held annually during September as part of Hunger Action Month to raise awareness and provide nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger. This is one of the many reasons why I was proud to present Island Harvest with a $50,000 grant to assist with their amazing work. Thank you to my colleagues, all the volunteers, Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO of Island Harvest, and the entire Island Harvest team for all you do.”

“Island Harvest Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Michael Durso for hosting the 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’ with us,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO. “Assemblyman Durso brought a bipartisan coalition of the Long Island Assembly delegation together on Hunger Action

and

literally rolls up his sleeves to help our neighbors on Long Island facing food insecurity.”

Town Partners With Community Group To Collect Peanut Butter Residents Invited To ‘Spread The

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announce that the Town will once again partner with the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club to host a Peanut Butter Collection Drive to help replenish local food pantries. Beginning October 1st, residents are invited to donate new, unopened and sealed peanut butter to help support local families in need. Drop-off containers are located at Town Halls North and South, as well as at the Town Ice Skating Center. Alternative butters, including sun butters, almond butters and cookie butters, as well as jelly, are also accepted.

“We are proud to once again partner with this great organization to help ‘spread the love’ and stock local food pantry shelves with this very popular product,” said Supervisor Saladino.

“Peanut butter is among the most highly requested food items at local food banks as it has a long shelf life, provides many nutrients and doesn’t require refrigeration. We thank the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club for again putting our local communities first with this wonderful initiative.”

The Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club mission is to provide and

Love’ To Help Stock Local Food PantriesV

encourage involvement in education, charitable and social programs for the men of local communities, and to support the local and wider community with activities and contributions.

“The Massapequa-Farmingdale Men’s

Club has been assisting members of local communities and foodbanks for several years, and we’re thrilled to partner with them on such initiatives,” said Councilman Hand.

The Peanut Butter Collection

Drive will run through November 15th. Drop off bins are located during regular business hours at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay), Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa) and the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center (1001 Stewart Ave, Bethpage).

“Our organization works tirelessly to help the local and greater community, and we wouldn’t have the success we have without great partners in government like the Town of Oyster Bay,” said Tom Sabellico, president and founder of the Men’s Club. “This very popular food drive is appreciated by many food banks, who have expressed they particularly like peanut butter thanks to it being easy to use, it keeps a long time, provides a variety of nutrients, is high in protection and is enjoyed by all age groups.”

For more information about the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club and their mission, visit www. massapequafarmingdalemensclub.com. For more information about the Peanut Butter Collection Drive and other Town programs, visit the Town’s website at www.oyster baytown.com or call (516) 624-6380.

Day to build meal packages for seniors enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Assembly-
man Durso, who created Assembly Assemble Day, is a champion for Island Harvest in Albany
Island Harvest President & CEO Randi Shubin Dresner and Assemblyman Michael Durso
Assemblymembers Ari Brown, Jodi Giglio, Michael Durso, Keith Brown, Ed Ra, Judy Griffin, John Mikulin, Island Harvest President & CEO Randi Shubin Dresner, Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, and staff members.

Check-in starts at 9:00 a.m. behind the Village Gaz ebo (Cost

THIS TIME OF YEAR...

en try in S how)

T he Runway Show (Costume Contest) begins at 10:00 a.m. ends 11:30 a.m

Pet-related Vendors open at 10:00 a.m. end at 2:00 p.m.

D oggie Costu me Contest

1st, 2nd, a nd 3rd pl ace p rizes f or bes t cos tume (W he ther it be the scariest, most p atriotic, o r a ny ot her int erest)

Blessing of the Dogs at the Villag e Green

All p articip an ts w ill receive a Goodie B ag, Participation Trophy, and Free Ice C ream, all valued above $30.00

There w ill also b e R a es Prizes galore

Proceeds go toward high school scholarships, Farmingdale community service projects, the ght against animal abuse, and the Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary Club

To reg ister your dog(s): Scan the QR Code or E-mail Kathy Firetog at cra zykats@o pto nline.n et

2025 Ryder Cup Golf Tournament

The 45th Ryder Cup golf tournament, a competition between Europe and the United States, was held from Friday, September

26th, through Sunday, September 28, on the Black Course of Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale. The Ryder Cup featured

a team of 12 golfers from Europe competing against 12 players from the U.S. Photos courtesy of Marketing Masters NY

Celebrating Academic Excellence Farmingdale High School Names Valedictorian

And Salutatorian For The Class Of 2026

(From L-R) Farmingale High School Principal Jed Herman, Farmingale High School Assistant Principal Dr. Arlene Martinez, Farmingale High School Guidance Counselor Nyquasha Bruzzone, Valedictorian Nicholas Zito, Salutatorian Anthony McKee, Farmingale High School Guidance Counselor Lisa Jensen, Farmingale High School Assistant Principal Carla Stillwell, and Farmingale High School Assistant Principal Christopher Patronaggio. Photo courtesy of the Farmingdale School District

Farmingdale High School is proud to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2026: Nicholas Zito and Anthony McKee. Both have shown remarkable dedication and leadership throughout their high school careers. Nicholas earned the distinction of Valedictorian by achieving the highest cumulative GPA among 426 students, while Anthony secured the Salutatorian honor with his outstanding academic achievements. “Nicholas and Anthony are not only exceptional students, they are genuinely

wonderful young people,” said Farmingdale High School Principal Mr. Jed Herman. “Their hard work, kindness, and leadership have made a positive impact on our entire school community. Their families should be incredibly proud.” As Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Nicholas and Anthony will deliver speeches at Farmingdale’s Graduation Ceremony on June 16, 2026, at Hofstra University. They will also be honored, along with their families, at a celebratory breakfast hosted by the Nassau County Council of School

Superintendents, joined by Principal Jed Herman and Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini. The Farmingdale School District congratulates Nicholas Zito and Anthony McKee on this extraordinary achievement. Their commitment to excellence exemplifies the very best of our students. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and know they will continue to make a positive impact in their future endeavors, bringing pride to their families, peers, and community.

Silver&Fit Healthy Aging Program

(NAPSI)—There are many good reasons to get physically fit. If cost is a factor in joining a gym, the Silver&Fit

Healthy Aging and Exercise Program, available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, offers

no-cost or subsidized low-cost access to thousands of gyms. Learn more at www. silverandfit.com.

Mayor Ralph Ekstrand

Upcoming Fall Farmingdale Village Community Events

Weekly Farmers Market by a Schneider’s Farm - On the Village Green, Sundays, 10am-2pm, thru November 23, weather permitting (361 Main St)

Carnival – Rides, Games, Food Vendors: 10/10, 5-11 pm, 10/11 & 10/12, Noon – 11pm, 10/13, Noon – 7 pm. Plus Beer Garden & Live Music @ 7pm: 10/10

- Electric Dudes, 10/11

- Acoustic Overlook & 10/12 - Superbad. Magic

Beyond Imagination: 10/11 at 2pm & 10/12 at 3pm. (Municipal Lot #4 - behind the Firehouse, 361 Main St)

Street Fair by Craft-A-Fair

– 10/11 & 10/12, 10am – 4 pm (Main Street, downtown Farmingdale)

Parade – 10/12, 6pm - along Main Street, downtown Farmingdale

Farmingdale Halloween Parade & Fall Fun on the Village Green – Saturday October 25th, (1-4pm): Parade @ 1 pm followed by Free Family Fun on the Farmingdale Village Green, Pony Rodes, Petting Zoo, Candy for the kids, Costume Contest – event is 1-4pm & free to attend. All Ages –come in costume! Parade starts at the walkway next to Candy’s Jewelry (225 Main St) and proceeds on Main Street to the Village Green, 361 Main St, Rain Date 10/26. Sponsored by the Farmingdale Business Improvement District

Declaration of Independence 250th Anniversary Presentation by Bill Bleyer, Sunday 10/26, 2 pm @ Farmingdale Village Hall, 361 Main St, free to attend. Sponsored by the Farmingdale Village

Cultural Arts Committee and Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Parade, Photos with Santa & Small Business Season Kickoff: Saturday November 22nd @ Noon. The parade features a Farmingdale Public School Marching Band, Dalererettes Kickline, Hardscrabble Girl Scouts in Holiday Costume & more! The parade kicks-off from Northside School and proceeds along Main Street to the Village Green (361 Main St), free to attend, rain or shine.

More details – call 516249-0093 (Village Hall), www.farmingdalevillage. com www.farmingdalebid. com https://www. farmingdale nychamber. org/

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.

Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries For October And November

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will return this October with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.

“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Councilman Hand. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Scheduled performances for October and November include:

• 4 Ways From Sunday on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Bethpage Public Library

– A lively program of time-tested classic hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and

80’s.

• Tom Pappas & The Gavrieli Trio on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library – Performing American standards and jazz.

• Just Sixties on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – A multimedia retrospective of the 1960’s with singa-longs and trivia questions.

• Gino Di Napoli on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Bethpage Public Library

– Gino sings “O Sole Mio,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” “My Way,” and many, many more!

• The Golden Tone Orchestra on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Farmingdale Public

Library – 18 musicians who have been playing jazz and swing standards for more than six decades.

• Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Syosset Public Library – Local country, rockabilly legend Gene Casey and his musical entourage present a show of favorites and originals. Open to all. Free tickets required. Registration begins Oct. 22nd. Visit: https://syosset. librarycalendar.com/ events/month and select the date of the concert and register.

• Savannah Sky on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Bethpage Public Library – Playing the best of classic country, western swing, folk-rock, and so much more!

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE FROM BETHPAGE WATER DISTRICT

Fire hydrants serve a critical role in saving lives, and the Bethpage Water District is responsible for ensuring that every hydrant within its service area is properly maintained and fully operational.

In celebration of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park from September 23-28, the Bethpage Water District has installed six commemorative re hydrants—four located on the grounds of the historic Bethpage Black golf course and two in the Business District on Broadway. Each hydrant features full-color imagery of the official Ryder Cup 2025 logo on one side, and the Bethpage Water District’s 100th Anniversary logo showcasing the iconic Bethpage Water Tower on the other.

The initiative re ects the District’s 100-plus-year legacy of unwavering commitment to public safety and community pride. We remain fully dedicated to ensuring a continual supply of high-quality drinking water that meets or exceeds all local, state, and federal guidelines.

A special thank you goes to Clow Valve, a division of McWane, Inc., headquartered in Oskaloosa, Iowa, for generously donating the commemorative hydrants displayed during this international golf competition. We encourage residents to visit and view one of these unique hydrants, which honor both a historic sporting event and our enduring commitment to safety and service.

Bethpage Water

Installing the new hydrants from Bethpage Water District were (L-R) Matthew Zuk, Michael Murphy and Michael Mirabella.

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