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FOR 1ST

Officials from the Town of Babylon recently awarded a $150,000 grant to the North Lindenhurst Volunteer Fire Department for infrastructure maintenance, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The fire department identified necessary repairs for the gas pumps that service their vehicles and equipment. Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, and the town board presented the grant check to the fire department. Additionally, the Town of Babylon has leveraged the American Rescue Plan Act to enhance public safety by providing grants to various municipalities and fire departments for life-saving equipment. With these funds, the Wyandanch Fire Department acquired a new ladder truck, while the Lindenhurst and West Babylon Fire Departments received LUCAS devices to aid in CPR. The Copiague Fire Department obtained three AEDs, and Babylon Village purchased a second ambulance.

LONG LIVE

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty, and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.

Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™

The Argyle Theatre (Mark and Dylan Perlman, Executive Producers & Managing Partners; Evan Pappas, Artistic Director), Long Island’s largest yearround professional theatrical venue, will present JERSEY BOYS: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, directed and choreographed by Todd L. Underwood with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. It will run through April 6. 2025.

With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, JERSEY BOYS follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, JERSEY BOYS takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year

Long Island’s ARGYLE THEATRE Announces

friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Thrill your audiences with electrifying performances of chart-topping hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.

“Jersey Boys is the perfect show to kick off 2025 at The Argyle Theatre. It’s an audience favorite with phenomenal music, an unforgettable story, and a fantastic cast that will bring the magic of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons to life. We can’t wait to share this electrifying production

with our Long Island community.” Evan Pappas, Argyle Theatre’s Artistic Director

The cast includes Zane Zapata (Regional: Jersey Boys) as Frankie Valli, Weston LeCrone (International: The Sound of Music) as Bob Gaudio, Milo Alosi (Broadway: Disney’s Aladdin, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) as Nick Massi, Bobby Guenther (Regional; Seussical,Noises Off) as Nick Massi as of 3/18, Evan Ross Brody (Regional: Beautiful, Jersey Boys) as Tommy DeVito, Damien DeShaun Smith (Tours: RENT, Mamma Mia!) as Barry Belson, Annie Rubi (Regional: Company) as Francine, Kate Zulauf (Norwegian Cruise: SIX) as Lorraine, Samantha Tullie (Regional: Hair, Beautiful, Argyle’s A Christmas Carol) as Mary Delgado, Richard Costa (Broadway: Cabaret,

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) as Gyp DeCarlo, Francis Kelly (Regional:Jersey Boys) as Bob Crewe, Mikey Evangelista (Regional: Titanic: The Musical, Argyle’s A Bronx Tale) as Norm Waxman, Keenan Patrick Lyons ( Regional: Jersey Boys, Bright Star) as Joey, Andy Spinosi (Regional: The Wild Party, Rocky) as Hank, with David Scott Curtis (Argyle’s A Bronx Tale, An American in Paris), Shannan Lydon (Argyle’s A Chorus Line, West Side Story), Jenna Robinson (Regional: Fame), Josh Tanzer (Recent: Head Over Heels) and Justin Waite (Regional: Beautiful, Rock of Ages).

Jersey Boys will play Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, Saturday afternoons at 2:30 PM, and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM. Check the website at www.ArgyleTheatre.com.

Now Hiring Advertising Account Representatives

Long Island Media Group, publishers of South Bay’s Neighbor Newspapers, South Bay’s Seasons ® Magazine and South Bay’s Digital Marketing, has been serving local communities since 1953. We also print and deliver flyers, menus, postcards, newsletters and more. Our familyowned company proudly services businesses of any size from anywhere with the best customer service possible.

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EXOTIC WAREHOUSE

Recipe Of The Week: Chicken Barley Soup

Everyone knows there’s no cure for the common cold. Though colds can strike at any time, cold season tends to occur when the weather cools down and people spend more time indoors. Inside viruses can circulate and spread more easily, thus leading to elevated rates of infection. Though there might be no cure for the common cold, that does not mean people are helpless against it. Many people have their own remedies to help them manage and potentially shorten the duration of a cold, and chicken soup features prominently in those antidotes. Whether cold season is kicking into high gear or people are confronting the common cold at other times of year, they can incorporate this recipe for “Chicken Barley Soup” with Vegetables courtesy of Lines+Angles into their cold remedy routines.

Makes 6 servings

8 cups chicken stock

4 cups water

1 teaspoon marjoram

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1 medium onion, sliced 1 cup carrots, sliced

2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced

1 russet potato, peeled and cubed

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, water, marjoram, rosemary, and parsley. Simmer for 15 minutes.

2. Add onion, carrots, cooked chicken, potato, broccoli, and barley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over low heat for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve.

PS I Love You Day” Initiative

The “PS I Love You Day” initiative, founded in 2010 by Jamie and Brooke DiPalma, aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Its objective is to provide hope to those affected by mental illness while fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated. Since 2018, Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney has collaborated with the DiPalma family to raise awareness about this critical mental health issue. He echoes their message this year, stating,

“A brighter tomorrow begins today.” Councilman McSweeney, who has served as a firefighter with the FDNY for 21 years and as a volunteer firefighter with the North Babylon Fire Company for 24 years, announced that his office will be collecting handprint heart posters to distribute to various first responder agencies in the Town of Babylon. He will also collect new and used books for “PS I Love You.” McSweeney emphasized that “this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Library Initiative by

encouraging book reuse, promoting literacy, and enhancing community involvement while supporting environmental sustainability. By donating gently used or new books during this campaign, community members can significantly impact access to reading resources.”Contributions of posters and books can be made at Babylon Town Hall until February 11. For further inquiries, please contact Councilman Terence McSweeney’s Office at 631-957-3081.

External Diploma Program

The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations.

NEDP, is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time,

or students who fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs. Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.

Garage Door

The West Babylon Union Free School District will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 10, 2025 pursuant to NYS Education Law 402-a for the purpose of discussing the proposed consolidation of five elementary schools into four elementary schools together with the closing/ repurposing of the Forest Avenue Elementary School as recommended in the Districts Long Range Planning Committee report which is available on the Districts website.

The hearing will be held in the PAC Auditorium at the West Babylon Senior High School, located at 500 Great East Neck Road, West Babylon, at 5:00 p.m. Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly, the Superintendent of Schools, will be conducting the hearing.

This Public Hearing will be streamed live, for viewing purposes only, via the West Babylon School District YouTube channel. Access is available through the district website at www.wbschools. org.

Jailin M. Parada, District Clerk West Babylon School District 631-376-7008

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA

AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA:

El Distrito Escolar Libre de West Babylon tendrá una audiencia pública el lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025 de acuerdo con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York 402-a con el propósito de discutir la propuesta de consolidación de cinco escuelas primarias en cuatro escuelas primarias, junto con el cierre / reutilización de la Escuela Primaria Forest Avenue como se lo

recomendado en el informe del Comité de Planificación a Largo Plazo del Distrito que está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito.

La audiencia se llevará a cabo en el Auditorio PAC en el West Babylon Senior High School, ubicado en 500 Great East Neck Road, West Babylon, a las 5:00 p.m. Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly, el Superintendente de Escuelas, se llevará a cabo la audiencia.

Esta audiencia pública será transmitida en vivo, únicamente para su visualización, a través del canal de YouTube del Distrito Escolar de West Babylon. El acceso está disponible a través de la página web del distrito en www.wbschools. org.

Jailin Parada, Secretaria del Distrito West Babylon School District 631-376-7008

WBAB N&S - 631 - 1/29 & 2/5/25

West Babylon Public Library

211 Route 109

West Babylon (631) 669-5445

www.wbpl.us

Nancy Evans, Director ***

SAND & SEASHELL ART: BE MY VALENTINE

Monday, February 3, 7-8:30 pm WBA117

Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.

ENGLISH: BEGINNERS

Tuesdays: February 4 & 18

WBA200

6:15-7:15 pm

Join us for this monthly class to help enhance your English language skills.

VALENTINE’S

CHOCOLATE TALK

Tuesday, February 4, 7-8:30 pm WBA601

Forget the pressure of grand romantic gestures and embrace the reality of life’s everyday chaos. We’ll explore how chocolate can be the perfect companion to those busy, messy, and reallife moments that make up our relationships.

YOGA

Wednesdays: February 5-26

WBA402 6-7 pm

Non-refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week session: $8.

ESTATE PLANNING

BASICS

Thursday, February 6, 4-5 pm WBA206

Join us as we discuss the importance of having basic estate planning documents in place including advance directives. We will also touch upon new changes that could affect your estate planning.

ZUMBA

Fridays: February 7-28 WBA412 10:15-11:15 am

Non-refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week session: $8.

FRIDAY FLICKS

Movies begin at 1 pm WBA720

Fridays: February 7: It Ends with Us (PG-13, 131 min)

PAINT NIGHT: LOVE

Monday, February 10, 6:45-8:30 pm WBA119

Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.

CRICUT CRAFTING: PERSONALIZED WINE BAG

Monday, February 10, 6:30-8:30 pm WBA801

Learn how to design your own personalized wine bag using our Makerspace Cricut machine. Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.

BALLROOM DANCING:

TANGO

Tuesday, February 11, 12:30-1:30 pm WBA427

Join dance instructor, Michelle to learn how to dance this timeless classic. Non-refundable/transferable fee: $5.

VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Tuesday, February 11, 7-8 pm WBA120

Join florist Irene to create a beautiful floral arrangement. Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.

MEDICAID ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE

Wednesday, February 12, 10 am-1 pm

Sign up is first-come, firstserved and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council at 631-435-3000.

SKY TOTE KIT

February 13-19 WBA121

A YouTube Link will be provided by the Library. Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.

DIY:

P.S. I LOVE YOU DAY KIT

February 14-20 WBA122

P.S. I Love You Day is a registered non-profit organization in New York state, dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health.

Diving Into Cultural History At JFK

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.

DIVING INTO CULTURAL HISTORY AT JFK - Third graders at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in the West Babylon School District completed their culture projects in January. Students were tasked with researching their family history, interviewing relatives and collecting facts about their families. They learned of the places their family members came from prior to creating a poster depicting their culture and heritage. Students learned about holidays, traditions in different countries and even family recipes passed down through the generations. After completing their posters, each shared their family history with their classmates to know more about other’s cultural traditions.

Photos courtesy of West Babylon School District

Babylon Officials Secure Grant For 1st Responders

Babylon has leveraged the American Rescue Plan Act to enhance public safety by providing grants to various municipalities and fire departments for lifesaving equipment. With these funds, the Wyandanch Fire Department acquired a new ladder truck, while the Lindenhurst and West Babylon Fire Departments received LUCAS devices to aid in CPR. The Copiague Fire Department obtained three AEDs, and Babylon Village purchased a second ambulance.

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. On November 18, 2024, Officer Garvey exhibited exceptional

courage by apprehending Ramon Rivera, who had perpetrated violent attacks resulting in three fatalities. Confronted with an armed suspect known for his criminal history, Officer Garvey prioritized the safety

of others, demonstrating remarkable bravery in a perilous situation.

Councilman Terence McSweeney, who chairs the town’s public safety department, presented the award to Officer

Garvey, emphasizing the dire implications of society without our hero 1st responders like Officer Garvey. He noted that despite radio alerts indicating Rivera’s status as an armed and dangerous

repeat offender, Officer Garvey, like his fellow officers, bravely engaged in a high-risk scenario, relying on his training to secure the suspect. In recognition of his valor, Councilman McSweeney, Supervisor

Schaffer, and the entire town board awarded Officer Garvey the Town of Babylon’s Heroism Award. Supervisor Schaffer expressed gratitude and encouraged him to maintain his vigilance in service.

Sharp Tax

FEBRUARY

HAPPENINGS

STILL TO COME THIS MONTH!

THURS. JAN. 30th

2:00PM–3:00PM

WINTER BINGO

Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Ave. in Babylon. Shake off your winter blues with a few rounds of Bingo! Adults only, please. Registration is required. Please call Erin White for more information 631-669-1624

6:30PM-8:00 PM

TRIVIA NIGHT - TRIVIA ON ICE at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. A winter-themed trivia in ﬁlm, music, nature, history, geography, and more with a whale or two added in, of course! Enjoy hot chocolatespiked or plain - and appetizers from Grasso's Restaurant. Prizes and bragging rights for winners! Adults 21+ For more information, please call Cristina Ainslie at 631-367-3418

SAT. FEB. 1st

11:00AM

LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAM

Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 4090 Sunrise Highway in Oakdale. After a brisk hike, warm up with traditional New Year soups and sweets while enjoying a Presentation. Our Island’s Story: The Natural History of Long Island: This talk will discuss the features that make Long Island's geology distinctive and have shaped the peoples who have inhabited this island. Registration required. www. friendsofconnetquot.org

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

THURS. FEB. 6th

11:00AM

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. FEB. 8th

10:30AM-12:30PM FOREST THERAPY WALK

Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy. in Great River. Join a certiﬁed forest therapy guide on a walk to slow down, wander, and notice the beauty of nature. This will be a lengthy walk, so please wear comfortable, study shoes and warm clothing. $45/pp.

11:00AM-3:00PM WINTERFEST 2025

Levittown Community Council WinterFest 2025, Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road in Levittown. Free admission, crafts, entertainment, and eye screening. OTHER: Featuring Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers, balloon magic by MsMatch the Clown, music by deejay Tim Aldridge. For information visit: levittowncouncil@yahoo.com

3:00PM

VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT Valentine's Day Concert

Featuring Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690. A free-will offering will be taken.

TUES. FEB. 11th

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING

7150 Republic Airport, Room 201 in Farmingdale. For information call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email: info@ republicairport.net

SAT. FEB. 15th

11:00AM-1:00PM

MAPLE SUGARING

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. This interactive program geared for adults will teach you how to make your own maple syrup at home! Not recommended for children. Please call for Reservations: 631-423- 1770.

Registration: Required

SUN. FEB. 16th

3:00PM-7:00PM

ANNUAL OUTREACH DANCE SPONSORED BY THE LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS Join them for their Annual Fundraiser at Division 2 Hall in Babylon. $40 pp includes beer, wine, soda, buffet dinner, dessert, Irish coffee Bar. Bring a bag of non-perishable food for inclusion in a Special Rafﬂe! Reservations are a MUST call or text Mary Gibbons 631-671-6178

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: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 19, 10 am – 1 pm

• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesdays, February 5 & March 5, 8:30 – 11:00 am

• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Tuesday, February 11 & Wednesday March 12, 8:30 am – 1 pm

• Spangle Drive Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays,

January 28, February 25 & March 25, 12 – 3:30 pm

• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursdays, January 30 & March 27, 10 am – 12 pm

• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 12, 10 am – 1 pm

In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:

• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesdays, February

19 & March 19, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, January 30, February 27 & March 27, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known 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) 8538200.

“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.”

TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Long Island State Park Hosts 2025 Winter Concert Series

The New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, New York. The 2025 Winter Concert Series performance schedule is as follows:

February 02 – Serenade Duo Gerry Saulter (Guitar) Michelle La Porte (Flute)

February 09 – Extra Chi

Terence Purcell (Piano) Michelle Lisi (Flute)

February 16 –Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano)

March 02 –

Quintessence Laura Mole (Violin), Jody Ratner (Viola),

Susan Lehr (Cello) Karen Gellert (Double Bass), Elinor Zayas (Piano), Hiroko Nakahara (Guest Violinist)

March 09 – Piano Duo Elinor Zayas & Karen Baer

March 16 – Cambiata Cello Duo Paul Finkelstein & Suzanne Mueller

Parking will be limited and on a first come, first served basis throughout the entirety of this concert series. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. Seating is on first come, first serve basis. The concerts, free to he public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 8883525. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.

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, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. 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. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.