February 12, 2025 West Babylon North by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

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. Confronted with an armed suspect known for his criminal history, Officer Garvey prioritized the safety of others, demonstrating remarkable bravery in a perilous situation. In recognition of his valor, Councilman McSweeney, Supervisor Schaffer, and the entire town board awarded Officer Garvey the Town of Babylon’s Heroism Award.

BAKED ZITI

PENNE VODKA

RIGATONI LASAGNA

RIGATONI BOLOGNESE (Meat Sauce)

GARDEN SALAD

CAESAR SALAD

GREEK SALAD

Extra)

PENNE PUTTANESCA

ANGEL HAIR IN MEAT SAUCE

PENNE PRIMAVERA (VEGETABLES)

SPAGHETTI WITH MEATBALLS

PENNE BOLOGNESE

FETTUCCINI ALFREDO

RAVIOLI IN TOMATO SAUCE

SPAGHETTI IN GARLIC & OIL WHOLE WHEAT PASTA IN TOMATO SAUCE

CHICKEN CACCIATORE (MUSHROOMS, ONIONS, SWEET PEPPERS, GARLIC, IN A WINE TOMATO SAUCE WITH SIDE OF SPAGHETTI)

CHICKEN FRANCESE (LEMON BUTTER SAUCE WITH SIDE OF SPAGHETTI)

“ 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.

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

Sharp Tax

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

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. The Ideal Candidiate:

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West Babylon Public Library

211 Route 109

West Babylon (631) 669-5445

www.wbpl.us

Nancy Evans, Director

SKY TOTE KIT

February 13-19 WBA121

A YouTube Link will be provided by the Library. Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.

DAY KIT

February 14-20 WBA122

P.S. I Love You Day is a registered non-profit organization in New York state, dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health. Register for this take-home DIY sign kit and help us spread a little kindness. West Babylon Card holders only.

HUMMUS DIPS

Thursday, February 20, 7-8:30 pm WBA602

We’ll learn how to make oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, and savory hummus flavors.

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST CYBER SCAMS

Monday, February 24, 7-8 pm WBA207

Join us to learn how to avoid cyber scams and the best ways to protect yourself.

FRIDAY FLICKS

Movies begin at 1 pm WBA720

February 21: The American President (PG-13, 129 min)

INTRODUCTION TO CRICUT

Tuesday, February 25, 3-4:30 pm WBA802 IN PERSON

Learn the ins and outs of Cricut Design Space, then use what what you’ve learned to make some simple paper cut-outs.

JFK Library Media Specialist Named ASSET Winner

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

ASSET

EXOTIC WAREHOUSE

• Penne

• Baked Ziti

• Spaghetti

• Rigatoni

• Chicken Marsala

• Stuffed Shells (16 pc)

• Manicotti (8 pc)

• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 pc)

• Chicken Francese

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Sausage & Peppers

• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli

• Eggplant Rollatine

• Garden Salad • Caesar Salad

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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, pictured center left, joins from left, seniors Carol Lyden, Ann Krauthamer, Dee Ladato, Marie Doherty and Darla Raymond at the Tanner Park Senior Center 2024 Winter White Party on Friday, January 24 in Copiague.

Recipe Of The Week: Cherry Pie Bars

Americans celebrate President’s Day each year in mid-February. Though some may see the holiday, which is celebrated on a Monday, as a great opportunity to book a three-day weekend getaway, others may be inspired to learn about the many men who have held the highest office in the United States. For the latter, the following are some interesting facts about U.S. presidents, courtesy of History.com.

• Founding father and first U.S. president George Washington was a man with many hobbies, including dog breeding. Alex Hager of the Presidential Pet Museum told History. com that Washington likely developed his passion for dog breeding as a result of his love of fox hunting. Indeed, the American Kennel Club considers Washington the father of the American foxhound. It’s also worth noting Washington’s

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

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!

Interesting Facts About U.S. Presidents

predilection for giving his dogs humorous names, including Drunkard, Tippler and Sweet Lips.

• The country’s fourth president, James Madison, was a slight man. Madison was five-feet-four and weighed just over 100 pounds. Madison might have put on a few additional pounds had he lived to enjoy the snack cake brand Dolly Madison, which was inspired by the fourth president’s wife, Dolley, and introduced in 1937.

• John Quincy Adams might be most recognized as the first man to follow his father and hold the office of the president. However, the sixth president had a notable career even after his time holding the highest office in the land. John Quincy Adams argued before the Supreme Court in a case that freed African captives who had rebelled aboard the slave ship Amistad. That rebellion and its

subsequent court case was later dramatized in the 1997 Steven Spielberg film “Amistad,” in which Adams was portrayed by Welsh

Anthony Hopkins.

• It took some time before the United States had its first Americanborn president, but that

happened upon the election of Martin Van Buren in 1837. Prior to Van Buren’s victory, all presidents had been born before 1776 and were thus British subjects at their time of birth.

• Many Americans fought long and hard to secure the right to vote, but one president never voted until his own name appeared on the ballot. Zachary Taylor, the nation’s twelfth president, acknowledged he had never voted prior to 1848, the year he was elected president.

• Only two men in U.S. history have been elected to serve non-consecutive terms as president. The first to do so was Grover Cleveland, who served as the nation’s twentysecond and twenty-fourth president. That feat was not replicated until it was pulled off by Donald Trump, who was elected in 2016 as the nation’s fortyfifth president and then again in 2024.

• Some presidents are more soft spoken than others, but perhaps none have been more reserved than the thirtieth president Calvin Coolidge. When a female visitor bet Coolidge that she could get three words out of him, Coolidge simply replied, “You lose.”

• Thirty-third president Harry S. Truman’s name is somewhat misleading. The middle initial “S” is not an abbreviation for any particular name, but rather an homage to his grandfathers Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young.

• Richard Nixon, the nation’s thirty-seventh president, was a highly skilled poker player. In fact, during his time serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Nixon won substantial sums of money playing poker, funds he ultimately used to finance his first political campaign.

actor

Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day

Pick The Perfect Valentine’s Day Flowers

is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular flower given on this day for lovebirds.

Just because millions of roses are prepared in advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement.

A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.

• Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Many have a favorite flower type or color, and everyone’s isn’t necessarily a red rose. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.

• Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person, make sure they are fresh by gently feeling the part of the petal that meets the

stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.

• Opt for neutral tones. If you’re unsure of which flowers to buy, stick with varietals in white and soft, neutral tones. This will lend a more romantic vibe to the bouquet. Bright, highcontrast florals may come off as tacky unless you can guarantee that the person prefers them.

• Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How Flowers Do That, a United Kingdom-based flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are

less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

• Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day

draws closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement. Choosing flowers comes down to a few simple steps to offer a gift of love on Valentine’s Day.

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to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives 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

FEATURING

Long Island State Park Hosts 2025 Winter Concert Series

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce Black History Month 2025 at your Long Island State Parks.

The month-long celebration highlights some of America’s notable African Americans and their accomplishments through informative posters and pictures. We invite you to visit us to learn more about these great Americans and their impact on American history and culture.

Displays throughout the month of February are at these Long Island State Park locations:

Hempstead Lake State Park Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, West Hempstead Open daily 9am - 4pm, for information call 516-766-1029

Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center-West End 2, Wantagh Open daily 9am - 4:30pm, for information call 516-809-8222

Jones Beach State Park, Administration Building, Wantagh Open daily 8:00am – 4:30pm, for information call 516-7851600

LI State Parks Regional Headquarters Lobby, West Babylon Open Monday through Friday 10am – 4pm, for information call 631-321-3510

Planting Fields Arboretum Hoffman Conference Center, Oyster Bay Open daily 10am – 4pm, for information call 516-922-8600

Nissequogue River State Park – Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building, Kings Park Open daily 8am – 4pm, for more information call 631-2694927

Additional to displays, there will be special programs and workshops being offered through Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center and the Long Island State Parks Environmental

Education Department. Please visit www.jonesbeachenc.org/ programs and www.eventbrite.com/o/nys-parks-long-islandenvironmental-education- 33908178297 for information on program dates, times, locations, and how to sign up.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks. ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

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.

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!