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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
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.
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• Shows excellent communication skills
• Is a team player and self-starter
Babylon Junior-Senior High School is proud to announce that school psychologist Allison Lepore has been named a 2024 Long Island School Hero by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (LICAB). This prestigious recognition is awarded to school staff members who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.
Nominated by members of the Babylon school community, Ms. Lepore was selected for her exceptional dedication to embodying the values of kindness, empathy, and leadership. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on the lives of her students, earning her admiration and gratitude from colleagues, families, and students alike.
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying is a nonprofit organization dedicated to emphasizing
BHS School Psychologist Allison Lepore and Assistant Principal Melissa Callahan.
the importance of bullyfree communities and providing support services for children, families and schools affected by bullying.
LICAB recognizes School Heroes annually as part of their mission to celebrate individuals who go above and beyond in promoting respect and inclusivity within educational settings.
“Allison Lepore’s
recognition as a Long Island School Hero reflects her tireless efforts to create a positive school culture where every student feels valued and supported,” said Babylon High School Assistant Principal Melissa Callahan. “We are incredibly proud of her work and the profound difference she makes in the lives of our students.”
Recipe Of The Week: Spicy Soy Chicken Wings
Which Of These Costly 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
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.
Babylon Public Library
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.
Adult Games Mondays, February 10, & 24
1:00pm – 4:00pm The Community Room is open for library patrons to play games of their own choosing. Patrons must bring their own games. New players are always welcome. Adults only. No registration required.
Social Work Intern Tuesdays, February 11, 18, & 25
1:00pm – 7:45pm (last appointment 7:30pm)
SIZES
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
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Diana Lambert
PRODUCTION MANAGER
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
ADMINISTRATION
Teri Tinkler
Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Bob Liquorie
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Seniors Enjoy Winter White Party
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) recently attended the Town of Babylon Tanner Park Senior Center’s 2025 Winter White Party. Held in Copiague on Friday, January 24, the joyous event is just one of many celebrations put on by the center and was a festive and exciting day for Babylon seniors.
This year’s Winter White event was attended by senior citizens from throughout
the town who enjoyed the good food, games and music – all while dressed in white! Currently under the direction of Kerry Riordan, Tanner Park Senior Center is one of the six senior centers in the Town of Babylon. As with all the centers, it serves as a recreation, socialization and information resource center for Babylon residents.
“It was wonderful to attend the Tanner Park Senior Center’s 2025 Winter
White Party to spend time with our Babylon Seniors,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Director Riordan and her incredible staff go above and beyond to create programs that bring energy and foster engagement for and with our local seniors. This event was yet another example of their outstanding efforts, and we are truly grateful for all they do every day!”
Ann Krauthamer, Dee
Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, pictured center left, joins from left, seniors Carol Lyden,
Ladato, Marie Doherty and Darla Raymond at the Tanner Park Senior Center 2024 Winter White Party on Friday, January 24 in Copiague.
The Town of Babylon Green Homes program celebrated the completion of its 2,000th energy retrofit project at a press conference on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Town’s sustainability fair. This milestone has been a remarkable achievement
Town Of Babylon Green Homes Celebrates 2,000th Energy Retrofit Project
in the program’s ongoing efforts since 2008 to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer also announced the award of the new “Bridge the Gap” grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, totaling $235,330.
The grant will enable the Green Homes program to assist more residents this year in affording airsource heat pumps and weatherization projects. The grant provides retrofit funding in disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged communities, aligning with
state and federal goals to ensure equitable access to renewable energy solutions. The announcement also highlighted the program’s future plans, including leveraging increased townallocated funding in 2025 to expand outreach and educational efforts to
accelerate the transition to clean energy for more homeowners, particularly those with low to moderate income.
The Town’s sustainability fair provided innovative and informational presentations, booths, and activities to help residents live greener,
healthier and moare costefficient lifestyles. Residents had the opportunity to learn about electric vehicles, cold climate air-source heat pumps, nutritious mealprep, exercise routines, and local, state, and federal incentives, rebates, and lowinterest financing.
Town Officials Honor NYPD Hero
At a recent town board meeting, officials recognized Babylon resident and distinguished NYPD officer Robert Garvey from the 17th precinct. On November 18, 2024, Officer Garvey exhibited exceptional courage by apprehending Ramon Rivera, who had perpetrated violent attacks resulting in three fatalities. Confronted with an armed suspect known for his criminal history, Officer Garvey prioritized the safety
of others, demonstrating remarkable bravery in a perilous situation.
Councilman Terence McSweeney, who chairs the town’s public safety department, presented the award to Officer
Garvey, emphasizing the dire implications of society without our hero 1st responders like Officer Garvey. He noted that despite radio alerts indicating Rivera’s status as an armed and dangerous
repeat offender, Officer Garvey, like his fellow officers, bravely engaged in a high-risk scenario, relying on his training to secure the suspect. In recognition of his valor, Councilman McSweeney, Supervisor
Schaffer, and the entire town board awarded Officer Garvey the Town of Babylon’s Heroism Award. Supervisor Schaffer expressed gratitude and encouraged him to maintain his vigilance in service.
Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer discusses the positive impact of the Town of Babylon Green Homes program.
Town of Babylon resident Nancy Tyson explains the transformational effects of the work done by the Town of Babylon Green Homes program on her bills.
Unified Window Systems Inc. Honors Founder
Steven Joseph DiMare, Welcomes His Son As New CEO To Continue His Legacy
It is with great sadness that Unified Window Systems 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 high-quality 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 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.
Babylon Public Library
Meet with our Social Work Intern, Lola. Lola can provide referrals to organizations that assist with mental health issues, addiction, food insecurity, legal services, and other resources. She can also assist patrons in applying for government assistance programs and following up on applications and inquiries with government entities. Stop in or make an appointment at: l.harvey@ babylonlibrary.org.
Writer’s Workshop Tuesdays, February 18
5:30pm – 7:45pm
New and experienced writers are welcome. Feel free to bring any works in progress. Registration is required.
Chairobics & Strength
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, & 26 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Join instructor Debbie Krzyminski for this 4-week chair-based exercise program which covers strength training, balance, aerobics and
flexibility. Ropes and balls used for training will be provided; if you feel comfortable using your own free weights, please bring them. Please bring a bottle of water and wear clothing that you can comfortably move in. A non-refundable fee of $15.00 is due at registration.
Faux Stained Glass Workshop
Wednesday, February 5, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Learn how to create a beautiful faux stained glass picture. It’s easier than you think, and Aimee Saccio will show you how to make one that will brighten up any window! A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.
Chef Rob’s Winter Morning Donut Muffins
Saturday, February 8, 3:00pm – 4:00pm Chef Rob will help you prepare delicious donut muffins to take home and bake. Please bring a 12-cup muffin pan, large and medium bowl, rubber spatula, and whisk. A nonrefundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.
Tax Planning and Your Retirement
Monday, February 10, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Join financial advisor Christian LaPeter for this educational seminar and learn multiple tax planning strategies that may help you in retirement. Registration is required.
Stitch & Chat
Needlecraft Circle
Tuesday, February 11, 11:00am – 12:30pm Bring your own needlecraft supplies and projects, and enjoy some conversation while you work! Whether you’re into knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or another form of needlecraft, you’re welcome to join us once a month to stitch and chat. No registration required. Continued From 7
BHS Virtual Enterprise Students Excel At Trade Show
Students from Babylon Junior-Senior High School had strong showings in the prestigious New York Virtual Enterprise Business Plan Competition and Trade Show this January. The students showcased their entrepreneurial skills alongside more than 130 Virtual Enterprise (VE) firms from across Long Island and the New York region.
The competition brought together over 1,500 VE students to present business plans, trade products and services, and submit marketing materials for evaluation by corporate judges. Two teams from Babylon High School, Nurture Nest and My Morning Mix, comprising 45 students, attended.
· My Morning Mix earned
the silver trophy in recognition of the team’s outstanding sales materials and newsletter submissions.
· Nurture Nest achieved remarkable success, generating over $100,000 in virtual sales during the trade show. The two teams’ successes are testament to their dedication, creativity, and teamwork.
Members of My Morning Mix, Christopher Taylor, from left, Gavin McDonnell, Emily Love, Riley Altman, Charles Murphy.
Members of Nurture Nest, Andrew Ortiz, from left, Ben King, Alexander Minicozzi, Kian Donnelly.
Forty-five Babylon High School students took part in the New York Virtual Enterprise Business Plan Competition and Trade Show. Photos courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
Make Your Next Move Exceptional
