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.
Whether
Let’s work together to make your next move a re Your next move is just a phone call away!
A DEDICATED HUSBAND, FATHER, AND PUBLIC SERVANT, RJ HAS PROUDLY SERVED AS DEPUTY MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST. NOW, HE’S READY TO BRING HIS LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR US AS OUR NEXT SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATOR.
THE ONLY CHOICE FOR LEGISLATOR IN DISTRICT 14
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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
www.zuvichlaw.com
oil contracts. State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside. Celebrating
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CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
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MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
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Noelle Lambert
Teri Tinkler
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PROOFREADING
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2025 MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 27, 2025, 6 PM: Babylon Public Library
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 9 AM: TBD
Thursday, May 1, 2025 (April & May Meetings), 9 AM: The Piermont - Volunteers who can stay after this quick meeting to help set up for the Annual Basket Raffle Auction would be very much appreciated!
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 6 PM: TBD
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 9 AM: TBD
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6 PM: TBD
Thursday, September 26, 2025, 9 AM: TBD
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 6 PM: TBD
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 9 AM: TBD
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 6 PM:
Recipe Of The Week: Semolina and Almond Biscotti
Cookiesare 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.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF BABYLON PUBLIC LIBRARY, BABYLON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK BABYLON, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of Babylon Public Library, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York will be held at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, New York in said District on, March 25, 2025, at 6:30 P.M., for the purpose of discussing expenditures contained in the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026. Copies of the budget document will be made available to District residents commencing March 18, 2025, upon request, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. prevailing time, in the office of the District Clerk located in the Superintendent’s Office of the Administration Building.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the vote and election will be held on TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025, between the hours of 12 Noon and 8:00 P.M., at the BABYLON PUBLIC LIBRARY for the following purposes of voting by the qualified voters on the following separate matters:
(a) To approve or disapprove the proposed library budget (supplemented or amended as the case may be) of estimated expenses for the ensuing year as submitted by the Library Board of Trustees.
(b) Any other questions or propositions as to matters or expenditures or authority to levy taxes that may be presented for a vote under the Education Law.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the said vote and election to be conducted
on April 8, 2025, one (1) member is to be elected to the Board of Trustees as follows:
ONE (1) member is to be elected to the Board of Trustees of the Babylon Public Library for a full term of five (5) years commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2030.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that all nominating petitions of candidates for the office of member of the Trustees of the Babylon Public Library must be filed with the Clerk of the Babylon School District, not later than March 10, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. prevailing time, whose office is located in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at the District’s Administration Building at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York. Nominating petitions must contain at least twentyfive (25) signatures of qualified voters. Said petition must also state the name and residence of each signer and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required. If a voter has heretofore registered and has voted in an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he/ she is eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.
Registration will be conducted up to and including April 3, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 4 P.M. on days when school is in session at the Office of the District Clerk, located at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York.
The register so prepared will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District
between the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, excluding Sunday, and between the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 and Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, New York, and at the polling place on election day.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that during voting hours on April 8, 2025, the Board of Registration will meet at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, New York for the purpose of preparing a register for elections held subsequent thereto.
The voting will be by paper ballot. The polls will be open at 12:00 noon and remain open until 8:00 P.M. and as long as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of such budget or statement may be obtained beginning, March 18, 2025 by any resident of the District upon request during the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., except Saturdays and Sundays, at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702, and the Principal’s office in each of the following school buildings during school business hours:
• Babylon Public Schools, Central Office, 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon
• Babylon Elementary School, 171 Ralph Avenue, Babylon
• Babylon Memorial Grade School, 169 Park Avenue, Babylon
• Babylon Junior-Senior High School, 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon
These documents will also be available on the Babylon Public Library website at: www. babylonlibrary.org
the District Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Application for an absentee ballot or an early mail ballot may be made in person from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on any school day and up until 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025. Absentee ballots and early mail ballots will be accepted in the Office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025. No absentee or early mail ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5 P.M. of the date of the Vote.
Applications can also be downloaded from the Library’s website at:
www.babylonlibrary.org
The right to vote by absentee ballot or early mail ballot will be subject to the approval of the Board of Registration, or the district clerk or designee, as applicable.
A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots and early mail ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. commencing with the issuance of such ballots and for each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, excluding Sunday; and between the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 and Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, New York, and at the polling place on election day.
military personnel residing on a military base within a school district in New York State for a period of 30 days immediately preceding said Vote.
FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may apply for a military ballot. A military ballot application may be requested from the District Clerk and must be returned, in person or by mail, to the Office of the District Clerk at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702, not later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth (26th) day before the election. A military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the military ballot application by mail, facsimile transmission, or e-mail. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk: 1) before the close of the polls on April 8, 2025 and showing a cancellation mark of the U.S. postal service, or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt of another agency of the U.S. government or 2) by 5:00 p.m. on the date set for the election and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereof, with a date which is ascertained not to be later than the day before the election. Irrespective of the preferred mode of transmission, the military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. A list of all persons to whom military ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk during regular office hours until the day of the vote.
from the current coronavirus pandemic. Thus, all references to the timing, location, and manner of hearings, registration, and voting in the budget vote and election are subject to modification based on applicable legislation or direction by an entity with jurisdiction over the Library.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING AT ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
A person must be:
a) A citizen of the United States b) Eighteen or more years of age
c) A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more next preceding the Election at which he offers to vote
d) Registered to vote in Suffolk County or the Babylon School District Elections
DATED:
January 14, 2025 Babylon, New York
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Babylon Public Library, Babylon Union Free School District, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York
BAB - 273 - 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 & 3/12/25
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that absentee ballots and early mail ballots will be available for the election of Members of the Board of Trustees and the Budget vote. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail ballots may be received by the District Clerk no earlier than the thirtieth (30) day, before the election for which it is sought. Applications for absentee ballots will be available at the Babylon Public Library during library hours and on the Babylon Public Library website – www.babylonlibrary. org. Applications for early mail ballots will be available in the Office of the District Clerk, which is located in the Superintendent’s Office at the District’s Administration Building. To have an absentee ballot or early mail ballot mailed to your home, an applicable completed and signed application must be in
FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military voters who are not currently registered to vote must apply to register as a qualified voter by contacting the District Clerk at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702 or by email to the District Clerk at lmcgarvey@ babylonufsd.com or fax sent to 631-893-7935. The Military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the registration application by mail, facsimile or electronic mail (email). The application to register as a qualified voter must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth (26th) day before the election which is March 13, 2025. The register of voters prepared and filed in the District Clerk’s office shall include the names of all military voters who submit a valid military voter registration. A military voter means a qualified voter of New York State who is in actual military service and will, therefore, be absent from the District in which he or she is qualified to vote on the day of registration or election or is discharged from military service within 30 days of an election, or a spouse, parent, child or dependent of the military voter, accompanying or being with such voter, if a qualified voter of New York State and a resident of the same school district as the military voter, or
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER
NOTICE that the vote on all propositions and the election of candidates on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 will be conducted by paper ballot. It being expressly understood that the intent of the Library is to comply with any legislation stemming
Ave.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Classic Film Club: Pillow Talk
Wednesday, February 19, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Watch and discuss the film Pillow Talk (1959). A party line leads to love. Doris Day, Rock Hudson and Tony Randall travel the rocky road to romance in this frothy and delightful comedy classic. No registration necessary.
Adult Games
Monday, February 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.
Sew Your Own Aromatherapy Packs
Wednesday, February 26, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Brush up on basic sewing skills while making these comforting aromatherapy packs with floral, lavender or eucalyptus essential oil. These cozy packs can be used hot or cold to comfort sore muscles, offer sleep support, warm your hands and feet, and more. A nonrefundable $5.00 fee is due
Babylon Public Library
at registration. Name That Tune! Thursday, February 27, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Are you a music lover? Join us for a fun afternoon of music and prizes as contestants try to name songs after hearing a short clip. This edition of Name That Tune will feature popular hits released between the years 1950 and 2000. Please register for this program.
Friday Films: Here
Friday, February 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
We will be watching the film Here (2024). From the reunited director (Robert Zemeckis), writer (Eric Roth), and stars (Tom Hanks & Robin Wright) of Forrest Gump (1994), Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the human experience in its purest form. Running time 104 minutes. Rated PG-13. No registration required.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesdays, February 19
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Join us in the library for
Dungeons & Dragons! Build a character, choose your weapons, and lay waste to nasty critters with a roll of the dice. Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Teen Minecraft Saturday, February 22, 1:00pm - 4:00pm Bring your own device for Minecrafting fun! Please
come with a Microsoft account and username. Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Teen Living with Wildlife Tuesday, February 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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.
Lindenhurst & Babylon Village Mayors Share Ideas
Lindenhurst Village Mayor Michael Lavorata and Babylon Village Mayor Mary Adams often share ideas, and discuss their visions for the communities they represent.
Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “Village Mayors are more closely connected to one another than their
residents may realize. We, local government officials, have to work together and share ideas for the greater good for our residents.”
LINDENHURST & BABYLON VILLAGE MAYORS SHARE IDEAS - Pictured here (left to right) are: Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata, Babylon Mayor Mary Adams, and Lindenhurst Trustee Maryann Weckerle.
Legislator Donnelly And Office For The Aging Announce Babylon And Huntington Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2025 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I
hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:
• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 21, 9 – 11 am
• North Amityville Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesday, March 19, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 –11:00 am
• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday March 12, 8:30 am – 1 pm
• Spangle Drive Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays,
February 25 & March 25, 12
– 3:30 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday March 27, 10 am
– 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesday, March 12, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, March 19, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, February 27 & March 27, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known
BACCA Awarded $40,000
as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
By The New York State Council On The Arts
The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) announced today a grant award totaling $40,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $82 million this year to 509 artists and 1,497 organizations across the state.
“As the unparalleled leader of arts and culture, New York’s creativity and innovation inspires the world,” Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investment in our dynamic creative sector will further boost tourism, strengthen our local economies and continue New York’s success as a rich and vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
Executive Director of NYSCA Erika Mallin said, “On behalf of the Council and staff, I am so proud that we are supporting the
critical work of so many nonprofit organizations all across the state, including work of BACCA. New York State’s art and culture nonprofits make us a global leader, strengthening our connections to each other and the larger world. I thank you for your dedication and service and look forward to all your work in the coming year.”
“Thank you to the New York State Council on the Arts for their continuing support of the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA). The 2025 NYSCA grant will enable BACCA to continue its mission to support and promote art and cultural activities throughout the township of Babylon during the coming year,” stated BACCA Board President Shawn Cullinane.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New
York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.
Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch.
For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts. ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @
NYSCArts and Instagram @ NYSCouncilontheArts. About BACCA
The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) is a not-for-profit cultural resource center for the arts serving the needs of residents, artists, and art organizations in the township of Babylon. Incorporated in 1974, BACCA is designed to sponsor and develop artistic, cultural, and educational programs or services.
The Board of Trustees has set goals to promote and encourage artists in their endeavors through consulting, promotion, technical assistance, and other resources. Our objective is to present cultural programs and opportunities for local artists to promote their craft.
For more information, please email the BACCA office at info@babylonarts.org.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the following dashboard permits are available for purchase now through March 31, 2025, for the upcoming 2025 season: Fishing 4-Wheel Drive Access Permit, Surfing 4-Wheel Drive Access Permit, Stargazing, Night/ Sport Fishing, Camp Hero Fishing, Nighttime Photography, and Regional SCUBA-Diving. Permits can only be purchased online, there will be no in-person sales. All permits will be mailed to the applicant once processed.
Purchase online through New York State Parks Reserve America: visit the New York State Parks Reserve America website. A valid email, and credit card is required for payment. Orders will be processed in the order received and permit(s) will be mailed to the applicant once processed. Please allow 10 – 14 business days for your permit(s) to arrive in the mail.
Details on each permit is as follows:
FISHING 4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS PERMIT
– available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, and valid NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #
Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING at:
• Hither Hills (Year-round)
• Montauk Point (Yearround)
• Napeague (Year-round)
• Robert Moses (Democrat Point, Gilgo and Sore Thumb) - April 1December 31, hours vary This permit also allows the permissions of the NIGHT/SPORT FISHING PERMIT
SURFING/WINDSURFING
4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS
PERMIT - available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license. Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase.
Permit is ONLY valid for
Long Island State Park Dashboard Permits For 2025 Season
DAYTIME SURFING and WINDSURFING at:
• Hither Hills and Napeague (Year-round)
• Montauk Point – January 1 – March 31 only
• Robert Moses (Democrat Point and Gilgo) – January 1 - December 31, hours vary & Fields 3 & 4 from September 15-December 31
STARGAZING PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license Permit allows after sunset parking for STARGAZING ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:
• Hither Hills - Except July & August
• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6
• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot
• Robert Moses - Field 2
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3
• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot
NIGHT/SPORT FISHING
PERMIT – available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration,
driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID # Permit is valid ONLY for FISHING after sunset from April 1-December 31, except where noted:
• Captree - Main field, Overlook, Launch Parking Field (September 15 to December 31 only) and Captree Drawbridge (north side only – 24 hr. access)
• Hallock - Main Field, Main Beach, Sunset to 7am access
• Hither Hills - Except Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Jones Beach - Fields 6, 10, West End 2, West End Boat Basin, West End Dock Area (24 hr. access) & Green Island (24 hr. access)
• Montauk Point - Lower Parking Lot ONLY
• Orient Beach – Main Field
• Robert Moses - Field 2 April 1 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 3 September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 4 April 1 to June 23 (7pm-7am) and September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access)
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 and Field 3 (24 hr. access)
• Wildwood – Main Field
CAMP HERO FISHING PERMIT - available for purchase now through
March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $40.00 in state, $75.00-Out of State. Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #. Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING after sunset at:
• Camp Hero State Park, April 1 - December 31
NIGHTTIME PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fees: $35.00 in state, $60.00-Out of State Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License. Permit allows after sunset parking for the purpose of NIGHTTIME
PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:
• Hither Hills - Except July & August
• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6
• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot
• Robert Moses - Field 2
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3
• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot
REGIONAL SCUBADIVING PERMIT - Sold
year-round. Permit is valid April 1 to December 31, 2025, hours vary. Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00Out of State. Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Divers Certification card. Valid for SCUBA-DIVING only:
• Caumsett – Fisherman’s parking lot only – 24 hr. access
• Jones Beach - East End of Field 10 only, 24 hr. access
• Orient Beach – 8am to sunset
• Robert Moses – *Democrat Point (four-wheel drive needed to access this area; hours vary) For more detailed information on Dashboard Permits, please review our Long Island Permit Guide. 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, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. 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. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.
Photos courtesy of NY State Parks
BABYLON OFFICE AWARDS
