The spirit of the holiday season came alive on Dec. 7 as the West Babylon Junior High School Caroliers performed at the annual West Babylon Fire Department and Lions Club tree lighting ceremony. Families and friends were treated to a selection of holiday classics including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Silver Bells” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The evening was filled with laughter, joy and a sense of togetherness as the West Babylon community came together to celebrate the season. Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District
Forest Avenue Crowns Spelling Bee Winner
Forest Avenue Elementary School in the West Babylon School District held its first Scripps National Spelling Bee for students in third, fourth and fifth grade. Forest Avenue School is excited to “bee” participating as the Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrates its 100th year. Participants studied
the spelling word lists for more than a month before taking on the challenge. Each grade level from three through five held its own competition. After vying for the title of grade level winner, three students were entered into the final round of competition on Nov. 25.
Fourth grader Bruno
Garcia was crowned the spelling bee winner after more than 40 rounds of competition. He will be attending the regional bee at Hofstra University in February. In second place was fifth grader Liam Johnson and in third place was third grader Valentino Charles.
SPELLING BEE WINNER
- During the last week of November, Forest Avenue Elementary School in the West Babylon School District hosted its first Scripps National Spelling Bee. Bruno Garcia (right) was crowned the winner and Liam Johnson (left) took second place. They are shown with Forest Avenue Principal Gayle Manchisi.
Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District
West Babylon Public Library
211 Route 109 West Babylon (631) 669-5445
www.wbpl.us
Nancy Evans, Director ***
FRIDAY FLICKS
Friday, December 20
Begins 1:00 pm, WBA720 IN PERSON
Join us for a relaxing afternoon movie!
December 20 –The Holdovers (R)
HOT COCOA BAR
Thursday, December 19, 7-8:30 pm
WBA609 IN PERSON
Enjoy a mug of hot cocoa made your way with fixings like flavored whipped creams and syrups, candy canes, and a festive rim. We’ll supply the dippable cookies. Everyone goes home with a giftable portion of hot cocoa mix.
EMPIRE DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Saturday, December 28, 10 am – 4 pm
IN PERSON WBA301
Attend this class and you may be eligible for an auto premium discount and reduction of violation points. A $35 nonrefundable check or money order (NO CASH) payable to Empire Safety Council is due within 48 hours of sign up. One registration per Library Card.
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. Non-refundable/ 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, firstserved and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council at 631435-3000.
YOGA
Wednesdays:
January 8-29 WBA401 6-7 pm
Non-refundable/ transferable fee for the 4-week January sessions: $8
AMVETS Hall Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave. in Easy Islip. Music, food, raffles, 50/50, Pictures with Santa. Live Star Wars characters. For more information, please call Sandy 631-882-4994, sandyflandina@hotmail.com, Adele Sill 631-327-1278, adele127@ optonline.net
2:00PM
HOLIDAY ON ICE SHOW
Free ‘Holiday on Ice’ Show
Saturday, December 21st at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center located in Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue. Admission to the show is free. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to visit with children and take holiday photographs after the show. Please visit www. oysterbaytown.com for more information or call (516) 797-4121
MONDAY, DEC. 23rd
1:00pm-7:00pm
BLOOD COLLECTION DRIVE
With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville. For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an
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
appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www. oysterbaytown.com/blooddrive
THUR. DEC. 26 - 9:00AM FRI. DEC. 27 - 3:00PM
HOLIDAY DISCOVERY DAYS
Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children. Sweetbriar Nature CenterECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. for more informatio, please call 631-979-6344
FRIDAY, DEC. 27TH
5:30PM Activities, 7:00PM Movie
A VERY GRINCHY PAJAMA PARTY
Wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer. This special family evening is packed with activities, a beloved holiday movie, and delicious treats. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City. For general info 516-5724111. Reservations 516-572-4066
TUESDAY, DEC. 31st
8:30PM-1:30AM
THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Hosted by:The Holy Name Society. Music provided by: The Switch LI Food Catered by: Seaqua Catering Maria Regina Auditorium - Pontieri Hall. To Purchase tickets visit https://linktr.ee/hns_mariaregina and select "New Year's Eve Party Tickets", Choose the number of
tickets you wish to purchase and then checkout. **TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR**
Email: HolyNameSociety@ MariaRegina.com
NOW THRU DEC. 31st
8:00AM-6:00PM
CHRISTMAS AT HICKS
Pictures with Santa, every day through December 23. Make sure to bring your own camera for pictures. A walkthrough Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! A festive animated story for the young and young at heart! Please bring your donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and drop off at the end of your walkthrough. 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. For more information, please call 516334-0066
NOW THRU JAN. 02, 2025
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
CLUES ACROSS
1. Miller beer variety
4. Member of people inhabiting Bering Sea islands
9. Stomach
14. Investment vehicle
15. Fictional soccer coach Ted
16. Irregular in botanical parlance
17. Cease standing
18. “American Horror Story” actress
20. Grow milk teeth
22. Plant parts
23. Snow house
24. Most contemptuous
28. Note to repay
Old English
Wings
Financial institutions
33. Parks and Lopez are two 37. Mr. T’s “The A-Team” character
38. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)
39. Give off
41. Semitic alphabet letter
42. Farm state
43. Actress Sarandon
44. Back parts
46. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire
49. Touchdown
19. Word element meaning ear 21. Carried away
Short-billed rails 25. Newborn child
Sword 27. Groups of people 31. Prickly, scrambling shrubs 32. Become less intense 34. Polishes
50. One point north of due east
51. Refurbishes
55. Silver and Dogg are two
58. Former Tigers catcher Alex
59. Type of envelope
60. Seriously considered 64. Unhappy
65. Past (archaic)
66. Asian wild dog
67. Old English letter
68. Young domestic sheep
69. Football players need to gain them 70. Witness
Art Teacher Honored With Statewide Award
Babylon Junior-Senior High School art teacher and Fine Arts Director, Cheryl Schweider, has been honored with the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) Art Educator of the Year Award. This prestigious award, the highest recognition NYSATA can bestow, celebrates the top art educator in the state, and one who has demonstrated an enduring commitment to the field of art education.
Schweider was nominated for this rare honor by her peers, highlighting her dedication to fostering students’ artistic interests and talents. The award also acknowledges her contributions to NYSATA and her support of its mission to promote art education in public schools.
BABYLON ART TEACHER HONORED - Babylon Junior-Senior High School art teacher and Fine Arts Director, Cheryl Schweider, has been honored with the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) Art Educator of the Year Award. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
“Cheryl has nurtured the artistic talents of generations of Babylon High School students,” said Principal Al Cirone. “Every day, she demonstrates her deep passion for art education, and we are thrilled to see her recognized for this commitment.”
Spasso Holiday Catering
100 Seniors Surprised With Free Laptops At Holiday Digital Safety Workshop
At&T And Morrison Mentors Collaborated To Launch Multi-Class Program
A group of local senior citizens from the Town of Babylon and the surrounding communities were surprised with free laptops and backpacks, courtesy of AT&T and Morrison Mentors. AT&T donated 100 devices to Morrison Mentors, who will distribute them to older adults in the region.
The laptop giveaway was held during the launch of a multi-session digital literacy course for senior citizens on Long Island. Morrison Mentors will conduct the program, supported by a $50,000 contribution from AT&T.
“This initiative represents a vital step toward bridging the digital divide for our senior citizens,” said Babylon Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory. “By providing access to technology and equipping our older residents with the skills they need to safely navigate the digital world, we are empowering them to stay connected, informed, and independent.
I commend AT&T and Morrison Mentors for their commitment to fostering digital literacy and improving the quality of life for seniors in our community.”
This kickoff session was held at the Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center
and focused on online safety and online shopping. The classes are tailored specifically for seniors, focusing on practical, easyto-understand strategies to help them navigate the internet with confidence. The program emphasizes techniques for identifying and avoiding online threats, empowering participants to shop and browse safely as cyber risks increase during the holiday season.
“We are deeply grateful to AT&T for their generous support and trust in Morrison Mentors to deliver a program that empowers seniors to
navigate the online space safely. Together, we are working to ensure that participants gain both critical cybersecurity skills and develop the confidence to fully engage with the digital opportunities available to them,” said Executive Director of Morrison Mentors Doron Spleen.
Perhaps one of the most impactful features of these workshops is that they are intergenerational. Local teenagers provide hands on training and assistance to help lead classes.
“This program highlights the importance of working together to equip our
senior citizens with the technology and skills needed to navigate today’s digital landscape,” said Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “Thanks to AT&T and Morrison Mentors, this initiative provides vital resources and creates meaningful connections between generations in our community.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said: “We offer our deepest thanks to AT&T for their generosity. These donations provide new access to technological and healthcare information that is vital in today’s society.”
It’s estimated that nearly
22 million seniors[1] nationwide lack internet connection at home – an issue known as the digital divide. It’s estimated that 11% of households in New York do not have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world.
John Emra, President, AT&T Atlantic Region said: “Everyone deserves to be connected and to use the internet safely. AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Morrison Mentors and the Town of Babylon to do just that and help close the digital equity gap on
Long Island. We hope this collaboration provides local seniors the confidence to harness the power of connected technology and make the most out of the digital world. Thank you to everyone who participated.”
This contribution is a part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS
Notice is hereby given taxpayers of the Town of Babylon, that the Undersigned Receiver of Taxes has received the 2024/2025 Tax and Assessment Roll and Warrant.
She will accept payment for taxes at her office in the Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, N. Lindenhurst, N.Y. 11757 or by mail, beginning December 2024 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Tax Office will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. First half taxes are due December 1, 2024 payable to January 10, 2025 without penalty. After January 10, 2025 one percent per month will be added on the first half to May 31, 2025 after which date, additional interest will be charged by the County Comptroller at his office at County Center, Riverhead, N.Y. 11901.
The Town of Babylon Tax Office will be accepting partial payments with penalty. We offer echeck and credit card payment through a telephone service or by the internet which includes American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. For payments by telephone call 1-800-2PAYTAX (1-800-2729829) or visit the web site at www.acipayonline.com. At the prompt, use Jurisdiction Code 4232. You must have your item number and tax amount available. Transaction fees will be charged to the taxpayer based on the amount of the total charge. Total amount Warrant to be coHected by the Receiver of Taxes for the 2024/2025 tax year is $880,757,568.90.
Taxes become a lien December 1st of each year. First and Second half payments may be made at the same time.
JENNIFER MONTIGLIO RECEIVER OF TAXES
DATED AT BABYLON, N.Y.
December 4, 2024
2024/2025 TAX RATE ON $100 valuation - TOWN OF BABYLON Valuation of Hamlets and Incorporated Villages
2024-2025
TOWN OF BABYLON
Jennifer Montiglio, Receiver of Taxes TAXABLE DISTRICTS
2024-2025
Bird Walk
Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk on Saturday, December 21, starting at 9 AM, at Hempstead Lake State Park.
The group will meet in parking lot #3. Hempstead Lake State Park is at Exit 18 from the Southern State Parkway. All are welcome. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge. Bring binoculars
To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 467-9498. No walk if it rains, snows or the temperature is below 25 degrees. Text regarding questionable conditions. For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon.org.
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT? Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276
WAREHOUSE WORKER/DRIVER
Clean License, Loading & Unloading Of Tires. Occassional Deliveries
To Long Island, 5 boroughs & upstate. Monday-Friday 7am-4:30pm
Benefits: Medical/401K/Vacation/Sick No Experience Needed - Will Train Trotta 631.242.0800
Send Resumes To cnicoletta@trottatire.com
Trabajador de almacén/chófer
• cargar y desmontar llantas
• Ocasionalmente tendrá que manejar y hacer deliveries a long island, los 5 distritos y upstate
• Horario a cumplir de lunes-viernes de 7am-4pm
- Beneficios: Plan medico/401k/vacaciones y tiempo en case de enfermarse
Nota: Para poder manegar los camiones necesita una licencia limpia. No requiere experiencia - se la proveerá entrenamiento. Por favor enviar su resume al email cnicoletta@trottatire.com o llamar al 631-242-0800
Get Results Call Classifed 631-226-2636 Press “2”
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how 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
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
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West Babylon Junior High Students Ring In The Holidays
WEST BABYLON JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS RING IN THE HOLIDAYS - The spirit of the holiday season came alive on Dec. 7 as the West Babylon Junior High School Caroliers performed at the annual West Babylon Fire Department and Lions Club tree lighting ceremony. Families and friends were treated to a selection of holiday classics including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Silver Bells” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The evening was filled with laughter, joy and a sense of togetherness as the West Babylon community came together to celebrate the season. Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District
Benefits Of Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom
received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.
The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health. Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.
Babylon Student-Artists Featured In Statewide Show
The artwork of 15 Babylon student-artists was recently featured in a statewide exhibit. Their pieces were displayed both online and in person at the annual New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) conference, held this year in New York City. This special opportunity, organized by the New York State Art Teachers Association, allowed Babylon’s talented students to showcase their creativity to educators and school officials from across the state.The student-artists selected to take part were:
· Christian Lister, 11th grade, with teacher Cheryl Schweider
· Carissa Arena, 10th grade, with teacher Cheryl Schweider
· Olivia Lynch, 10th grade, with teacher Cheryl Schweider
· Mario Leon, second grade, with teacher Elizabeth
Losito
· Delia Peterson, first grade, with teacher Elizabeth Losito
· Carlvens Lamothe, kindergarten, with teacher
Elizabeth Losito
· Jackson Maurino, 11th grade, with teacher
Patricia Stork
· Gracie Kuntz, seventh grade, with teacher
Patricia Stork
· Lena Chaberek, seventh grade, with teacher
Patricia Stork
· Cesar Lu, fifth grade, with teacher Laura Doherty
· Kelvin Avalo, sixth grade, with teacher Laura Doherty
· Michael Pergamo, sixth grade, with teacher Laura Doherty
· Mael Henderson, ugs, with teacher Cristina Calvano
· Marco Sloss, ugs, with teacher Cristina Calvano
· Hunter Smith, ugs, with teacher Cristina Calvano
“We take great pride in
fostering a love for art and nurturing our students’ talents throughout their time in Babylon schools,” said Director of Fine Arts Cheryl Schweider. “Providing opportunities for our students to showcase their work on a grand stage is just one of the many ways we achieve this.”
The exhibit can be viewed at https://www.nysata.org/ nyssba-exhibit
Did You Know?
(NAPS)—Slow down during the last half hour before you go to bed, advises Dr. Richard Shane, the licensed psychotherapist and sleep therapist who developed the Sleep Easily Method that leads you gently into sleep. Learn more at www. drshane.com and www. sleepeasily.com.
The Wonder of the Holidays
To see the world through a child’s eyes during the holidays is to truly believe in magic. – Unknown
Remember the excitement of being a child during the holidays? Seeing the lights all around town, everyone in a festive mood, and the wonderful smells of baked cookies, bread, and cakes coming from the kitchen?
Take time this week to rediscover the joy of believing, the wonder of giving, and the simple pleasures of time spent with loved ones.
