January 1, 2025 North Babylon by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

Ringing In 40 Years Of Service: Town Of Babylon Honors Salvation Army Bell Ringer Larry Gardner Recognized For Four Decades As Holiday Hero

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Town of Babylon celebrated resident Larry Gardner’s remarkable 40 years of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. During his decades of unwavering commitment to serving

those in need, Mr. Gardner has become a beloved figure in the Town. He has raised over $200,000 to support the Salvation Army’s mission of providing assistance to individuals and families facing life challenges, such

as food scarcity, house fires, and the loss of loved ones.

Mr. Gardner was honored with a proclamation recognizing his 40 years of meaningful service to the community, and the Town of Babylon ceremoniously

Our Lady Of The Rosary

Columbiettes

Adopt A Family

declared December 14 as Larry Gardner Day. Town officials and community members gathered at his bell-ringing station at the Stop & Shop in West Babylon on Route 109 to celebrate Mr. Gardner’s legacy of

generosity and compassion.

Mr. Gardner began fundraising with the Salvation Army as a newly sober 22-year-old seeking to make amends for his actions during his years of alcoholism. His sponsor suggested that he ring the bell for the Salvation Army and sponsor a child in Ethiopia with a monthly donation of $20. Mr. Gardner took this advice to heart and has continued to ring the bell for 40 years.

Legislator McCaffrey Recognizes Joanne Marquardt Of The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition

During the November 19th General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, legislators paused to recognize nonprofit organizations’ volunteers for their dedication to the betterment of our communities. Serving as Legislator McCaffrey’s honoree from the 14th Legislative District was Joanne Marquardt, a Board Member and a Research Advocate for the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition. Joanne, a 20-year survivor of breast cancer and a 13-year survivor of colon cancer, is a retired science teacher and determined advocate for breast cancer research and access to care for those in treatment.

Her advocacy began in 2009 with the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition and transitioned to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition in

2020. As a Board Member she participated in fund raising to support the services provided to those in treatment. Since 2017 she has served informally as an advocate consultant with several breast cancer laboratories at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. In that capacity she provides the patient/

advocate perspective in research and grant proposals. She also serves as the Long Island Field Coordinator for the National Breast Cancer Coalition and has also served multiple times as a Consumer Reviewer in the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program.

Our Lady of the Rosary Columbiettes of Deer Park, adopted a family from the Parliament Elementary School in North Babylon. Annemarie Dattoma and Kariann Guido (Columbiettes) delivered the gifts to Marissa Seslowsky, a social worker. Pictured are Marissa Seslowsky, Social Worker, Annemarie Dattoma& Karianne Guido, Columbiettes. Merry Christmas to all!

Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, right, with the help of Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, second from left, and the Clauses, presents Salvation Army bell ringer Larry Gardner, left, with a proclamation honoring his 40 years of service.

The Town of Babylon celebrates Salvation Army bell ringer Larry Gardner’s 40 years of service to the community.

North Babylon Honors Teachers, Middle School Students

At the Dec. 12 North Babylon School District Board of Education meeting, two teachers received tenure recommendations and multiple students from Robert Moses Middle School were acknowledged for their participation in

a recent trip. Marion G. Vedder Elementary School Principal Kerry Larke highlighted some of the many accomplishments of teacher Patricia Fain, and both Belmont Elementary School Principal Valerie Jackson and William E.

DeLuca Elementary School Principal Vincent Fantauzzi spoke about teacher Alicia Astea.

North Babylon’s Director of Social Studies Eliot Lewin and Robert Moses Middle School Principal Stephanie Hasandras

recognized students for their participation in the New York State Middle School Youth and Legislative Conference in Albany in November. During the three-day conference, students learned about a variety of civic issues on the state level.

They acted as State Senators and Assembly members by working in committees to write, debate and vote on legislation. Students were selected based on grades and an essay that explained why they wanted to participate and what they wished to learn.

Congratulations to the following participants: Abigail Dahill, Reagan Eggers, Sophia, Hassoune, Femi Joseph, Jack Maio, Daniel Oliphant, Lilyann Samhoury and Christopher Scala.

North Babylon’s Director of Social Studies Eliot Lewin and Robert

their participation in the New York

and

Elementary School Principal

and William E. DeLuca Elementary

Moses Middle School Principal Stephanie Hasandras recognized Robert Moses Middle School students for

State Middle School Youth

Legislative Conference in Albany. Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District

Belmont

Valerie Jackson

School Principal Vincent Fantauzzi recognized teacher Alicia Astea for receiving tenure. They are pictured with Board of Education President Matthew Lucchetti and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham. Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District

Marion G. Vedder Elementary School Principal Kerry Larke recognized teacher Patricia Fain for receiving tenure. They are pictured with Board of Education President Matthew Lucchetti and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham. Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District

JANUARY HAPPENINGS

THRU THURS. JAN. 2nd

10:00AM-3:00PM

CHRISTMAS HOUSE

LONG ISLAND

If you are looking for an exciting and fun, indoor family holiday attraction, Christmas House Long Island is now open daily at the Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway in Hicksville. This unique 45+ minute walk-through features interactive and imaginative experiences that will delight people of all ages! For more information, please call 516-878-0273

THRU SAT. JAN. 4th

12:00 PM 1:30 PM

MAGIC OF LIGHTS

Jones Beach State Park. 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience, which features holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience this all from the comfort of your own car! One carload, one price. For dates, times, and ticket availability, visit magicoﬂights.com.

SAT. JAN. 4th

12:00PM-1:30PM

FOREST BATHING WALK

Start the new year with a Forest Bathing Walk with one of Sweetbriar’s nature educators and forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo. Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in a forest or other natural environment. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown.

HOLIDAYS

1st - New Years Day

20th - Martin Luther King Jr. 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

For more information, please call 631-979-6344

MON. JAN. 6th

7:30PM

BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS

The Babylon Chorale will hold auditions at Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood Campus. All voice parts are welcomed. For further information, visit www.babylonchorale.org or email info@babylonchorale.org

THURS. JAN. 9th

7:00PM

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.

SAT. JAN. 11th

8:45AM-10:30AM

POLAR PLUNGEFreezin for a Reason

Get ready to take the plunge for an amazing cause! Join us for the Town of Huntington 2025 Polar Plunge and show your support for the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics! Location: Crab Meadow Beach in Northport. This event is about more than just a chilly dip, it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate and empower these remarkable athletes. Let’s make a difference together. For more details and to register, visit: www.polarplungeny.org/ Huntington

SUN. JAN. 12th

11:00AM-2:00PM

2025 NYS PARKS

WINTER RUN SERIES

at Heckscher State Park, East IslipField #2. Absolutely No: Baby Joggers, Rollerbladers, Skaters, Bikers or Pets Are Permitted! For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323

SAT. JAN. 18th

4:00PM-7:00PM

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street in Farmingdale, invites the community to their Family Game Night. Come have fun with Duck Races, Cornhole Games, Board Games, Life-Size Jenga, Connect Four, food and much more! Please RSVP to ofﬁce@armingdaleumc.org.

SAT. JAN. 25th

8:45AM-12:00PM

8:45AM 5K Start

9:00AM Half Marathon & Marathon Start

ICEBREAKER MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K

at Eisenhower Park Field 2 Rain or Shine. Certiﬁed course and a Boston Qualiﬁer! The course is a looped course and great for spectating. The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on park paths and fully closed roads. For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323

CLUES ACROSS

1. Americans’ “uncle”

4. Chair

8. Ancient kingdom

10. Egyptian city

11. Alaskan glacier

12. One from Somalia

13. Ancient alphabets

15. Relating to vocabulary

Small mongrels 17. Natural settings

Weekend entertainments

Line from which light seemingly streams

Your own private code

Swiss river

Satisfaction 25. A person’s brother or sister

Folk singer DiFranco

The Blonde Bombshell

Kids’ school project

Angels

Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

35. Bluish greens

Classifying

Cube-shaped

Choo-choos 39. Indian religious god of dissolution

French department

Leak into gradually

Foundation

Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Counterbalancing debt 2. In slow tempo

Written account

Muddy ground

Physics apparatus (abbr.)

Type of drug

German city

ONE-STOP BBQ SHOP

First Course (Choose One)

Pasta:

• Penne

Entree:

• Chicken Marsala

• Baked Ziti

• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage Ring

• Chicken Francese

• Spaghetti

• USDA Prime Marinated London Broil

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders

• Rigatoni

• Stuffed Shells (16 Pc)

• Manicotti (8 Pc)

• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 Pc)

Salad (Choose One)

• USDA Prime Sirloin Hamburgers with Buns!

• Garden Salad • Caesar Salad

• Chicken Parmigiana

Hamburger & Hot Dog Buns

• Sausage & Peppers

• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli

• Eggplant Rollatine

• Meatballs

• USDA Prime Hanger Steak (Additional Charge)

• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns!

•

• USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers

• Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs

• Sugar Sweet, Local Corn on the Cob Choose 3 Homemade Sides:

• Macaroni Salad

• Potato

•

Large Trays (Choose One per 10 People)

• Baked Ziti

• Cavatelli Calabrese

• Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken with Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes

• Chicken Francese

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• Eggplant Rollatini

• Farfalle Primavera

• Gnocchi Bolognese

• Grilled Pork Tenderloin

• Manicotti

• Meatballs in Sauce

Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns!

• Vodka Sauce

• Tomato & Basil

Marinara

Garlic & Oil

Bolognese

Package Includes: Dinner rolls, garden salad, plates, forks, spoons, knives, napkins and serving utensils.

• Pork Filet Salpino

• Rigatoni Bolognese

• Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

• Sausage & Peppers

• Sausage & Potatoes

• Stuffed Chicken

Gourmet Catering Special #1

• Chicken Grigio

• Chicken Marsala

• Mussels Marinara

• Mussels Garlic & Oil

• Chicken Piccata

Large Trays (Choose One per 10 People)

• Baked Ziti

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Cavatelli Calabrese

• Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken with Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes

• Chicken Francese

• Chicken Grigio

• Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Piccata

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• Penne alla Vodka

• Eggplant Rollatini

• Farfalle Primavera

• Gnocchi Bolognese

• Grilled Pork Tenderloin

• Manicotti

• Meatballs in Sauce

• Mussels Marinara

Starch & Vegetables

• Mussels Garlic & Oil

• Brussel Sprouts

• Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe

• Butternut Squash

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• Penne alla Vodka

• Stuffed Rigatoni

From the Sea

• Grilled Salmon

• Maryland Crab Cakes • Mussels Margherita • Mussels w/ Garlic & Oil • Shrimp Oreganata • Shrimp Parmigiana

Package Includes: Dinner rolls, garden salad, plates, forks, spoons, knives, napkins and serving utensils.

• Stuffed Shells

• Tortellini Alfredo

• Pork Filet Salpino

• Rigatoni Bolognese

• Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

• Sausage & Peppers

• Sausage & Potatoes

• Stuffed Chicken

• Stuffed Rigatoni

• Stuffed Shells

• Tortellini Alfredo

Rice Primavera

• Eggplant Rollatine • Grilled Asparagus

Roasted Potatoes • Spaghetti Squash

Stuffed Flounder Filet

Stuffed Shrimp

Shrimp Scampi

Tenderloin

Veal Marsala

$1395 + tax Per Person (Min. 30 people) Buon Appetito!

• Grilled USDA Prime Flat Iron Steak • Meatballs • Pork Chop Caprese • Pork Filet Salpino • Sausage & Peppers

Veal Parmigiana

Veal Scallopine From the Land

Babylon Schools Host Successful Holiday Clothing Drive

This December the Babylon K-6 PTA and the Sixth Grade Fundraising Committee joined forces with Go Green, a recycling company, for a holiday clothing drive fundraiser. The initiative was an overwhelming success, demonstrating the power of community collaboration and generosity.

Go Green specializes in recycling gently used clothing and household items to benefit individuals and families in need. Donations are distributed to those in local communities, victims

of home fires, individuals living in shelters, and even entrepreneurs in developing countries who rely on these items to start their own businesses.

The Babylon community contributed an impressive 9,261 pounds of items, which were loaded into two trucks with the help of Babylon Junior-Senior High School student volunteers. This effort raised also $1,852 for the 6th Grade Fundraising Committee, a testament to the dedication of the organizers and donors alike.

Sixth grade parents who spearheaded this initiative were Vanessa LaFrancesca, Colleen Coll, Catherine Wieland, Celeste Ceballos, and Mersia Daci.

“As I often say, it truly takes a village to raise a child, and in this case, our wonderful community came together to help so many during this holiday season,” said Superintendent of Schools Carisa Manza. “The parent and student volunteers who spearheaded this incredible effort deserve immense praise for their dedication and hard work.”

State Funding Keeps Adventureland Spinning Forward

New York State will help Adventureland remain a Fireball, as “Long Island’s Amusement Park since 1962” is set to receive $205,600 in funding for its five-year improvement project, Sen. Monica R. Martinez announced. The $10 million to $15 million modernization plan will introduce several new attractions to the park while retiring some longtime favorites. But don’t expect too much Turbulence from those closures. In their place will be the new thrill ride, Top Spin; a Miniature Pirate Ship; a refurbished Viking Voyage; and the installation of a water main that will support additional attractions, all made possible in part by this grant.

Funding is being provided through a Market New York grant, a program that supports regionally themed marketing projects that promote tourism destinations, attractions and special events, as well as tourism facility capital improvement projects.

“Adventureland not only holds fond memories for nearly every Long Island child and family, but it also holds an important place in our regional economy,” said Sen. Martinez. “It employs over 650 local workers who keep the Train, and other rides, moving throughout the park’s operating season. Supporting Adventureland’s improvement is good for patrons, impactful for our community, and beneficial for New York State.”

The upgrades are expected to be Musik to the ears of visitors to the adventure park, which has operated rides, games, and attractions for children and adults of all ages on its East Farmingdale campus for more than 60 years. The multi-phased redevelopment project began earlier this year and is expected to continue until 2028, with park employment projected to increase by 10% upon completion.

clothing drive. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District

The Babylon community was able to collect nearly 10,000 pounds of donations. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District

ST. CHARLES CEMETERY FARMINGDALE, NY

• Create and design marketing materials, including ﬂyers, and brochures

• Perform clerical tasks such as scanning, photocopying, ﬁling, and organizing documents

• Answer and direct phone calls in a polite and efficient manner

• Manage and maintain a clean and organized office environment

• Proofread documents for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

• Manage office supplies

• Perform other duties as assigned

Administrative Assistant Requirements

• Computer literacy with proﬁciency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop

• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to handle inquiries and complaints professionally

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively

• Accurate data entry skills with attention to detail

• Clerical experience in an office setting is preferred

• Phone etiquette skills to handle calls with professionalism and courtesy

The position offers an opportunity to work in a professional office environment with a supportive team. The successful candidate will have the chance to develop their administrative skills while providing excellent customer service.

Monday - Friday, 35 hour work week, from 9am-5pm

Half day (over time pay), 9am-1pm, every other Saturday.

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Nutrition

Tips For Middle School Students

During their family and consumer science class on Dec. 6, students at Robert Moses Middle School in the North Babylon School District had a special inclass lesson on nutrition from representatives of Redefine Meals. Redefine Meals is a Long Islandbased company that

provides prepared meals for different dietary needs by pickup or delivery. Representatives spoke to the students about how athletes eat to compete. Eating breakfast and training your body to eat in the morning helps to optimize nutrition for the day. They told students

to eat often and pack snack for the day accordingly. Redefine Meals also advised students to “go all in during lunch” and gave examples of what a typical plate should look like for middle school students (fat/protein/grains/ vegetables) depending on their workout regimen.

NUTRITION TIPS FOR STUDENTS - Nutritionists from Redefine Meals visited with family and consumer science students at Robert Moses Middle School in the North Babylon School District on Dec 6. Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District

Legislator McCaffrey Joins Save The Great South Bay Cleanup In West Babylon

Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey joined Save The Great South Bay, Creek Defender Tom Kain, and the Babylon Rotary for a cleanup surrounding Santapogue Creek in West Babylon. Together volunteers worked to clear the creek of fall debris in the vicinity of the old K-Mart store, allowing it to flow free.