Officials from the Town of Babylon recently awarded a $150,000 grant to the North Lindenhurst Volunteer Fire Department for infrastructure maintenance, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The fire department identified necessary repairs for the gas pumps that service their vehicles and equipment. Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, and the town board presented the grant check to the fire department. Additionally, the Town of Babylon has leveraged the American Rescue Plan Act to enhance public safety by providing grants to various municipalities and fire departments for life-saving equipment. With these funds, the Wyandanch Fire Department acquired a new ladder truck, while the Lindenhurst and West Babylon Fire Departments received LUCAS devices to aid in CPR. The Copiague Fire Department obtained three AEDs, and Babylon Village purchased a second ambulance.
“ The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”
—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.
How can we help support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
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!”
Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly,
Ann
center
joins from
pictured
left,
left, seniors Carol Lyden,
Krauthamer, Dee Ladato, Marie Doherty and Darla Raymond at the Tanner Park Senior Center 2024 Winter White Party on Friday, January 24 in Copiague.
We’re proud to welcome Bhuvanesh Singh, MD, PhD as Surgical Director of Northwell’s Cancer Institute Skin Cancer Program.
Dr. Singh joins Northwell to deliver exceptional care as a renowned head and neck surgeon specializing in skin cancer. He’s now practicing at a new location in Islandia and is seeing new patients.
We’re raising health with more skin cancer experts working together for you.
•
Recipe Of The Week: Cherry Pie Bars
Tart, red cherries and Valentine’s Day seem to be the perfect pair. Not only do cherries align with a Valentine’s Day color scheme, they even resemble little hearts when hanging from their stems. Celebrating Valentine’s Day involves many different traditions, and enjoying decadent desserts is among them. Purchasing ready-made treats from a local bakery is one way to indulge in a sugary confection, but crafting a recipe at home is another way to show that special someone how much you care. “Cherry Pie Bars” are not exactly a pie, but a pound cake with a cherry pie filling swirl. They can be made for many different occasions, but make for something sweet on Valentine’s Day. Whip up this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan 2 cups sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream sugar and butter on low. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat until just combined.
Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the pie filling over the top, and spoon the rest of the cake batter over the pie filling. It’s fine if the cherries show through.
Bake 35 minutes or until the top has turned slightly golden. Do not overbake. Allow to cool and slice into squares. Enjoy!
There’s something fun for everyone at Urban Air Adventure Park. Enter to win a 4-pack of admission tickets to their Dix Hills location, located at 683a Old Country Road, Dix Hills.
ASSET WINNER - Congratulations to Lauren Florez, library media specialist at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in the West Babylon School District, for being named a Bright Light Award Recipient by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies. She was one of 21 educators recognized across Long Island. Ms. Florez started Databases and Donuts, a before-school opportunity for teachers to become familiar with current technology and the software that is used in the district. She has also helped students in testing grades become familiar with the computer-based testing tools and functions to help them perform their best on the state assessments. In the beginning of each school year, Ms. Florez provides all staff with a postcard with helpful tools, tips and programs to help them to have a successful year. She also engages students in STEM and enrichment activities. Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
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
11:00AM-2:00PM CLOTHING SALE
St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. In the church hall. Forget the supply chain worries, plenty of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at great prices. Rain or shine. Hot beverages will be served. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
8:00PM
DEVERNE WILLIAMS’ VINTAGESOUL
Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Electrifying Disco and Motown performances. Secure your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or call 631-581-2700.
SUN. FEB. 16th
1:00PM WINTER CONCERT SERIES
Sunday afternoon at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano) For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at 631-8883525. For information on the day
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
of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 631-5811002.
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 @ 631-7453007
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
External Diploma Program
The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP, is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful
candidates for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs.
Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.
SUN. FEB. 23rd
1:00-4:00pm
AN AFTERNOON WITH ELVIS Long Island Society of Italian Americans, (LISIA) is having an Afternoon With Elvism 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 @ 516-777-0607 for reservations.
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
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
Babylon Officials Secure Grant For 1st Responders
Officials from the Town of Babylon recently awarded a $150,000 grant to the North Lindenhurst Volunteer Fire Department for
funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The fire department identified necessary repairs for the gas pumps that service their vehicles and equipment. Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, and the town board presented the grant check to the fire department. Additionally, the Town of Babylon has leveraged the American Rescue Plan Act to enhance public safety by providing grants to various municipalities and fire departments for lifesaving equipment. With these funds, the Wyandanch Fire Department acquired a new ladder truck, while the Lindenhurst and West Babylon Fire Departments received LUCAS devices to aid in CPR. The Copiague Fire Department obtained three AEDs, and Babylon Village purchased a second ambulance.
THINKING
will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
Marketing & Business Development Specialist (Lake Grove, NY) Help dvlp sales strategies in-line w/franchise & customer service targets for org in refurbishing smart electronic devices, water damage/screen repairs. Salary: $38.36/ hr. Master’s in Bus Admin, Int’s Bus, or Mktg & 1 yr exp in job or 1 yr of sales & mktg analysis exp. I-FixScreens.com, Inc., Attn: Kamran Faisal, 3207 Middle Country Rd, Lake Grove, NY 11755. 427968N021225
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?
Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
BUYING? SELLI NG?
RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
esday's Publication Date!
631-226-2636 Ext. 276 Ext. 281
Public Notice of Special District Meeting Of the North Babylon Public Library Suffolk County, New York
Budget Vote and Trustee Election Tuesday, April 8, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the qualified voters of the North Babylon Union Free School District that a Special District Meeting will be held in the North Babylon Public Library, 815 Deer Park Avenue, North Babylon, New York 11703 on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 12:00 Noon through 8:00 PM, prevailing time, for the purpose of voting upon the following items:
1. To elect one (1) trustee to the North Babylon Public Library Board. The candidate with the most votes will serve a five-year term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030. The incumbent position is currently held by Laurie Atlas.
2. To adopt the Annual Library District Budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the Library District.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the petitions nominating candidates for the Office of Trustee of the North Babylon Public Library must be filed with the Office of the District Clerk of the North Babylon Public Library, 815 Deer Park Avenue, North Babylon, New York 11703, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, prevailing time, not later than 5:00 PM, prevailing time, on Monday March 10, 2025. Each candidate must be a qualified voter and must reside in the area served by the North Babylon Public Library. The Petitions shall be directed to the District Clerk, shall be signed by at least twenty five (25) qualified voters of the School District or two percent (2%) of the voters who voted in the previous election, whichever is greater, shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate being nominated for the Office of Trustee of the North Babylon Public Library. Candidates must sign an Affirmation of Compliance of the Conflict of Interest policy.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold a Special Budget Hearing on March 18, 2025 at the North Babylon Public Library, 815 Deer Park Avenue, North Babylon, New York at 6:00 PM, prevailing time. Residents of the North Babylon Public Library District are invited to attend.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that in accordance with NY Education Law Section 1716(b), the proposed budget will be available 7 days prior to the Special Budget Hearing on March 18, 2025. Copies of the annual estimated expenditures of the North Babylon Public Library to be voted upon shall be available at the North Babylon Public Library and at each schoolhouse in the district between the hours of 9:00 o’clock AM and 5:00 o’clock PM, prevailing time, commencing on March 1, 2025 and each weekday thereafter through April 8, 2025.
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 the said School District, or who does not register as hereinafter provided or who is not registered to vote at any general election pursuant to Section 5-210 of the Election law of the State of New York. 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 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 in lieu of the Board of Registration meeting prior to such Special District Meeting solely for the purpose of registering voters, the registration of voters, the registration of voters shall be conducted by the School District Clerk (“walk- in registration”) at such District Clerk’s office located at 5 Jardine Place, North Babylon, New York, from 9:00 o’clock AM to 3:00 o’clock PM prevailing time, on any business day up to and including April 7, 2025, and any person shall be entitled to have his or her name placed upon such register provided that he or she is known
Did You Know?
Weddings are well-known 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 wedding-related debt.
and can prove to the satisfaction of such School District Clerk to be entitled to vote at said Special District Meeting. The register so prepared by said School District Clerk will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District at the office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the date set for such Special District Meeting between the hours of 9:00 o’clock AM and 3:00 o’clock PM, prevailing time, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to the provisions of Section 2018-a of the Education Law, early mail or absentee ballots for the election of a Library Trustee and voting on the budget may be applied for at the Office of the North Babylon Public Library during regular business hours. Such applications must be received by the Office of the North Babylon Public Library at least seven (7) days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or by 5:00 PM, prevailing time, or the day prior to the vote if the ballot is to be personally delivered to the voter. No early mail or absentee voter’s ballot shall be canvassed, unless it shall have been received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 PM, prevailing time, on the day of the election. A list to whom early mail or absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five (5) days prior to the date of the vote, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
FURTHER NOTICE IS 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 pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law without making separate applications for such absentee ballot.
FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Library District. 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 District Clerk 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 District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
Dated: January 21, 2025 North Babylon, New York
By Order of the Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library, North Babylon School District, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll call which resulted as follows:
Laurie Atlas
Theresa DeBlasi
Tory T. Hare
Ira Hester
Patricia Ziegler
Voting Yes
Voting Yes
Voting Yes
Voting Yes
Voting Yes
The resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.
NBAB - 272 - 2/12, 2/26, 3/12 & 3/26/25
Celebrating President’s Day 2025!
We know it as President’s Day, but the Federal government observes this national holiday as Washington’s Day to commemorate the birthday of our country’s first President (he was born on February 22nd). President Lincoln, born on February 12th, is also often associated with President’s Day, which is meant to honor all American Presidents, past and present.
Five fun facts about our nation’s Presidents:
A Remarkable Coincidence: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was approved.
Founding Fathers Who Signed: George Washington and James Madison are the only U.S. Presidents who signed the Constitution.
Tallest and Shortest: James Madison stood at just 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 100 pounds. Meanwhile, Abraham Lincoln reached 6 feet 4 inches, making him the tallest President (tied with Lyndon B. Johnson).
A Solemn Resting Place: Woodrow Wilson is the only President buried in Washington, D.C., resting at the Washington National Cathedral.
America’s First Native-Born Citizen President: Martin Van Buren was the first President born as a citizen of the United States. All earlier Presidents were born as British subjects.
This Presidents Day, take a moment to honor the men who have guided our nation and learn something new about the remarkable history they helped shape!
