South Bay's Neighbor
Ringing In 40 Years Of Service: Town Of Babylon Honors Salvation Army Bell Ringer
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
Larry Gardner Recognized For Four Decades As Holiday Hero
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
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.
West Babylon Public Library
211 Route 109 West Babylon (631) 669-5445
www.wbpl.us Nancy Evans, Director
LEARN HOW:
WINTER BEANIE WBA806
Monday, January 6, 6-8 pm Wednesday, January 22, 11 am-1 pm WBA200
Learn how to design your own winter beanie using our Makerspace Cricut machine. Nonrefundable/transferable materials fee: $5
ENGLISH: BEGINNERS
Tuesdays: January 7 & 21 6:15-7:15 pm Join us for this monthly class to help enhance your English language skills.
MEDICAID ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
Wednesday, January 8, 10 am-1 pm
Sign up is first-come, first-served and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council at 631-435-3000.
YOGA
Wednesdays:
January 8-29 WBA401 6-7 pm
Non-refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week January sessions: $8
PAINT NIGHT: WINTER’S CALM Thursday, January 9, 6:45-8:30 pm WBA112
Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5
ZUMBA
Fridays: January 10-31 10:15-11:15 am WBA411
Non-refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week January sessions: $8.
UEPI ISLAND: SCUBA DIVING AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD Monday, January 13 7-8:30 pm WBA204 Travel halfway around the world to go diving with the Fish Guy on a
small tropical island that is perched on the edge of the longest lagoon in the world!
BLIZZARD VASE KIT
January 16-22 WBA114
VIRTUAL WITH KIT
A YouTube Link will be provided by the Library. Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.
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.
Sharp Tax
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
EXOTIC WAREHOUSE
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
•
•
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
Gourmet Catering Special #1
• Chicken Grigio
• Chicken Marsala
• Mussels Marinara
• Mussels Garlic & Oil
• 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
• Stuffed Rigatoni
Large Trays (Choose One per 10 People)
• Chicken Piccata
• 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
• Penne alla Vodka
• Eggplant Parmigiana
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
Pork 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
Newspapers Have Helped Shape The World
Newspapers have helped shape the world for decades, serving as invaluable resources that highlight both national and local news, retail information, cultural events, and much more. Although several newspapers now offer online versions of their publications, many readers remain partial to print versions. Those who purchase printed newspapers daily or subscribe to home delivery should consider recycling the papers to protect the planet. According to the environmental resource EarthEcho International, recycling a single run of the Sunday issue of The New York Times - or a comparable paper’s Sunday edition - would save 75,000 trees.
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
Parent and student volunteers worked together to collect donations for a holiday clothing drive. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
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.”
The Babylon community was able to collect nearly 10,000 pounds of donations. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
Music Courses
Music courses can have a profound impact on students, potentially helping them perform better in other subjects. A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that high school students who take music courses score significantly better on exams in subjects like math and science than their nonmusical peers.
The improved academic performance was more pronounced among students who learned to play an instrument rather than vocal music. The researchers behind the study examined the records of more than 112,000 students in British Columbia. Among the students whose records were studied, 13 percent had participated in at least
one music course in grade 10, 11 or 12. Researchers discovered that, on average, children who learned to play a musical instrument for many years and ultimately played in a high school band or orchestra were the equivalent of roughly one academic year ahead of their peers in regard to their English, mathematics and science skills.
Bringing New Life To Patients
According to Donate Life America, 39,700 organ transplants from 19,300 donors brought new life to patients and their families in 2019. Nearly 60 percent of the more than 100,000 men, women and children awaiting lifesaving organ transplants are
from multicultural communities. Potential transplant recipients who identify as African American or Black make up the largest percentage from such communities, accounting for 29 percent of the people from multicultural communities currently waiting for an organ transplant. Hispanics/ Latinos (20 percent), Asian Pacific Islanders (9 percent), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (1 percent) are other groups with significant amounts of people currently awaiting a transplant.
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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GUTTERS
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Fall Clean-ups, New Lawn In stallation
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licensed/insured Call Leno 631 365 5853
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Fast, CHEAP, Reliable Se rvice
*Kitchen & Bathroom Sinks
*Tub/Shower Drain *Toilet Backups
*Main Line Clogs Available 24/ 7
“No Clog Too Big or Small, One Call Clears Th em All!” Licensed/Insured. Call today! 631- 357- 4621 516- 361- 4128
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?
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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 long-time 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 multiphased redevelopment project began earlier this year and is expected to continue until 2028, with park employment projected to increase by 10% upon completion.
