Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School senior Yoervin Espinal Francisco has been named a 2025 QuestBridge Scholar. He has been matched with Boston University where he will study electrical engineering this coming fall. He is pictured with guidance counselor Ms. Baldwin and science research teacher Ms. Locker. Photo courtesy of Copiague School District
Town of Babylon Councilmen Anthony Manetta and Terence McSweeney are excited to announce their 2025 Career Fair, an invaluable opportunity for high school students, young adults, recent graduates, and families to explore potential career paths and connect with industry professionals. The event will take place on April 30th , from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Town Hall Annex Gym, located at 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon.
The Career Fair will focus on providing career guidance and job opportunities for students and young adults who may not be pursuing traditional
college paths. Attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from trade unions, first responder agencies, healthcare organizations, and a variety of local private sector companies
offering promising career options.
Councilman Manetta, who also is Chairman of the Town of Babylon Small Business Committee, cites a 2023 survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York that highlights the need to fill the pending workforce shortages across the region, “Worker shortages are a significant issue on Long Island, with nearly a third of businesses identifying hiring and compensation as top concerns in the 2023 Long Island Economic Survey. Factors driving worker shortages include an aging population, a lack of affordable housing, and a high cost of living.
Business leaders noted difficulties in attracting workers to Long Island and recruiting employees with specialized or technical skills.” 1
“This event is an excellent resource for young people and their families to learn about career paths that do not require a four-year degree,” said Councilman Manetta. “We are bringing together local manufacturing companies, trade unions, and professionals to help connect our students to good-paying, stable jobs right here on Long Island.”
The Long Island Federation of Labor, AFLCIO, and the Building and Construction Trades
Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties, AFLCIO, and the Town of Babylon Chamber of Commerce Collaborative are partnering to present this important event. Their collaboration
ensures a wide range of career options are available, including opportunities in skilled trades, emergency services, and healthcare. Students, families, recent graduates, and guidance counselors and presenting companies are all encouraged to attend. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Councilman Manetta’s Office at AManetta@ TownofBabylonNY.gov or call 631-957-4482. https:// tellerwindow.newyorkfed. org/2024/04/04/ regional-visit-showshousing-affordabilityinfrastructure-as-topissues-for-businessesand-communities-onlong-island/
customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. It is a sacrifice symbolic of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. “Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a tasty dinner.
Makes 4 to 5 pancakes
2 ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded
2 ounces clams, cleaned
3 1⁄4 ounces rice flour
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 1⁄2 ounces self-rising flour
2 tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)
Directions:
In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s threequarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.
In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large pinches of sea salt
3 1⁄2 ounces brown shrimp 5 spring onions, julienned 1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle
Vegetable oil for frying
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the frying pan as needed.
Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce.
Copiague High School student-musicians have been selected to perform in the 17th annual LIU Post Band Festival. Rhianna Coleman (clarinet), Veronica Karwowska (trumpet) and Brian Chacon (tuba) were chosen from nearly 200 student nominations in more than 40 high schools across Long Island. The concert will take place on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tilles Center. Students are pictured with Director of Fine Arts Jennifer Ross-Troise (right) and Band Director Eric Dobmeier (left). Photo courtesy of Copiague School District
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VA Outreach
Wednesday, March 19
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Are you a veteran? Unsure of what benefits you are entitled to? Need information on any benefits? Then come to the Library and see an Outreach Specialist from the Nassau Veterans Center. Registration not required.
New York Safe Boating Course
Wednesdays, March 19, 26 April 2, 9
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Cost: $65.00, cash or check made payable to Jones Beach PS Beginning in 2025, all boaters are required to complete a New York State Safe Boating course. Get your certification with America’s Boating Club Jones Beach at the Library. This course is required for anyone operating a boat or jet ski in state and local waters, and provides invaluable information on safety, seamanship, regulations, maintenance, navigation skills and much more. Registration required.
Spring Awakening
Through Meditation
Wednesday, March 19
7:00 - 8:30 PM
This program will be held via Zoom.
Arlene Samsel will share with you how meditation can help you to tap into the peace within. Begin the spring by learning a simple technique that provides many benefits and fulfillment. Registration required.
Leaping Long Island: Local Frogs & Toads
Thursday, March 20
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Meet your noisy neighbors, the weird and wonderful frogs and toads who call Long Island home! Learn all about these interesting and diverse creatures, their 250-million year evolution, the threats they face, and the wonderful soundtrack you may hear from them on spring and summer nights. Dr. Coby Klein will also share tips on when and where to see tadpoles and adults around Long Island. Registration required.
In the tender clutch of spring’s embrace, Where blossoms bloom and spaces grace, A chapter closes, pages turned, With lessons lived and wisdom earned.
The house that held our dreams and fears, A sentinel through passing years, Now whispers softly, “Time to part,” A new adventure is about to start.
With paintbrush strokes and clutter cleared, Each nook caressed, each corner cheered, The walls that echoed laughter’s light, Now stand prepared for buyers’ sight.
The garden beds, once winter’s gray, Awake in bloom, in spring’s ballet, A welcome mat to those who seek, A haven, warm, a future sleek.
For every ending sets the stage, For new beginnings, turn the page, As sellers dream and buyers roam, In search of their forever home.
Here’s to change, to growth, to life, To ending chapters without strife, To starting fresh, to new abodes, Where new memories will unfold.
JoAnn Cilla Real Estate Agency - Your Dreams, Our Commitment.
JOANN CILLA BROKER/OWNER
203 E. Montauk Hwy. Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Office: 631-539-6000 Cell: 516-429-1911 joann@joanncillarealestate.com www.joanncillarealestate.com
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School senior Yoervin Espinal Francisco has been named a 2025 QuestBridge Scholar. Espinal Francisco has been matched with Boston University where he will study electrical engineering this coming fall.
QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income students with full scholarships to top colleges across the United States. The scholarship will cover all annual expenses including tuition, housing, food and other costs for four years. Through the National College Match application, students who have excelled academically can highlight their unique story and stand out in the college admissions process. In the fall, QuestBridge selects top applicants as finalists, and students can rank up to 15 colleges to be “matched” to the one that
appears highest on their list and is eligible to match with them.
Espinal Francisco is ranked fifth in his class with a GPA of 102.81 and has been recognized for his devotion to learning through his AP Scholar with Distinction Award and AP Capstone Diploma. He is known for his hardworking and determined character, as well as being a diligent and active member of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School. He participates in the science research program, Robotics Club, Quiz Bowl team, Farmingdale State College’s Science and Technology Entry Program and the boys varsity bowling team. In addition to his numerous extracurriculars, Espinal Francisco has pursued college-level courses for college credit outside of school through The Smart Scholars Program at Farmingdale State College.
