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
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.
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
24. Short-billed rails
25. Newborn child 26. Sword
27. Groups of people 31. Prickly, scrambling shrubs
32. Become less intense
34. Polishes 35. Indicates position
Songs sung to one’s beloved
The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet
Insects
Israeli politician
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
47. Pre-digital 48. Roaming
Ambience
Brew 54. Late 56. Make ecstatically happy 57.
President Of The United States Signs The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act Into Law
America’s VetDogs is honored to announce that the President of the United States has signed The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act into law. This landmark legislation, which garnered strong bipartisan support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, celebrates the essential role of working dogs nationwide while offering vital assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. Surcharges from the sale of the commemorative coins will directly benefit America’s VetDogs, enabling the national nonprofit to expand its mission and provide more accredited, specially trained service dogs—at no cost—to our nation’s heroes, helping them Live Without Boundaries®.
“This milestone highlights the strength of unity and our collective dedication to honoring the brave men and women who serve our country and communities,” said John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs.
“The commemorative coin series will serve as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of working dogs, raising awareness of their impact on society while helping us expand
our life-changing services to those who have served and continue to serve our nation.
We are profoundly grateful to the President, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, as well as the bipartisan Congressional leaders and co-sponsors, whose unwavering support made this achievement possible.”
The Act, originally introduced to the 118th Congress in February 2023 by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), was later introduced in the Senate in March 2023 by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (RNC), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of working dogs to society—spanning detection, military service, therapy, and assistance roles—the legislation gained strong support from Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as the entire Long Island delegation, where America’s VetDogs is headquartered.
The commemorative coins, to be issued by the U.S. Mint in 2027, are set to generate crucial funding for America’s VetDogs’ mission.
To learn more about America’s VetDogs
or the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, visit VetDogs.org/Coin. About America’s VetDogs For more than 20 years, America’s VetDogs (www. VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. America’s VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States. America’s VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America’s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individuals it is honored to serve. America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
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 4679498. 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.
Garage Door
Garage Door Sale!
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY, DEC. 21st
8:30AM-12:00PM
KIWANIS ROCKS!
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
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
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.
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
of Lindenhurst
Spasso Holiday Catering
Pasta w/Tomato Sauce
Pasta w/Garlic & Oil 50.00
Pasta Alla Vodka 60.00 90.00 (Creamy Pink Sauce w/Grated Parmigiana Cheese)
Pasta Bolognese 60.00 90.00 (Pink Cream Meat Sauce)
Pasta Alfredo 60.00 90.00
Pasta Primavera 65.00 95.00 (Pink Cream Sauce w/Fresh Garden Vegetables)
Pasta Casalinga 80.00 110.00 (Peas, Prosciutto & Sundried Tomatoes In A Pink Cream Sauce)
Pasta w/Shrimp & Broccoli 85.00 115.00 (Baby Shrimp & Broccoli Sauteed In Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Served Over Pasta)
(Chopped Broccoli, Zucchini, Sundried Tomatoes, Olives & Mushrooms Sauteed w/Garlic & Onions Then Topped With Mozzarella Cheese)
Choice Of Pasta: Rigatoni, Fettuccini, Penne, Linguine or Angel Hair
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
West Babylon Public Library
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 non-refundable 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. 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
Classifieds
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
631-226-2636 Press “2”
Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
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
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you THE power of CLASSIFIED! WANT your phone to rrrrring? Place an ad in Classified!
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
LEGAL 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
Sod, Top Soil , Seed Mulch, Aeration Fall Flower Bed, Tree / Shrub Plan ting, Pruning & Trimming Complete Tree Service Any Style Fence Installation /Repair Driveways, Pati os, Pavers, Cobblestone Retaining Wa lls Power Washing (Cedar Houses, Siding, Decks, PVC Fences) LG Guevara Landscaping & Tree Service
POWER WASHING
The Meaning Of The Menorah
Menorahs are a prominent symbol of Chanukah. Menorahs are seven-branched candelabras that have been used in Jewish worship since ancient times. The seven branches refer to the seven days of creation. The menorah is the traditional symbol of Judaism and the emblem of the state of Israel. For Chanukah, a nine-branched
candelabra called a hanukkiah is used, but the word "menorah" has become interchangeable. The Chanukah menorah consists of nine candles. The center and ninth candle are referred to as the Shamash. It is used to light all the other candles. The Shamash is raised above the other candles to make it kosher. The lighting of the
menorah over the eight days of Chanukah symbolizes the miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt. The sacred oil, of which there was only enough for one day's lighting, miraculously lasted for eight days.
Dwight Gooden & Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Team Up With Long Islanders To Strike Out Alzheimer’s Disease
• Total New Roofs, •Gutters Cleane d, Renewed & Repaire d
•Complete Baseme nt Waterproofing No Job Too Smal l Discounts for Senior s, Military & First Responders Free Estimates
New York baseball legend Dwight Gooden teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) to help strike out Alzheimer’s disease at AFA’s annual Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park. The walk raised approximately $50,000 to support AFA’s programs, services, and research projects.
Services supported by the walk proceeds include the AFA Helpline, caregiver support groups, and educational programs, as well as research toward better treatment and a cure.
AFA funds research across the country and around the world, including on Long Island at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and Stony Brook University.
“AFA is grateful to Dwight Gooden, our supporters, and sponsors for helping to make a difference in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “The funds and awareness raised through this event will provide help today and hope for the future for families
affected by Alzheimer’s disease.”
Dwight Gooden, AFA’s honorary Alzheimer’s ambassador for the Walk, cut the ribbon to start the walk, threw out a ceremonial first pitch, and talked about the impact that help and support have for someone going through challenges, encouraging those caring for loved ones with dementia not to go through this journey alone.
The walk took place at AFA’s Respite Care Relief Park, located within Eisenhower Park in East
Meadow. AFA’s Respite Care Relief Park is an educational and recreational dementia-friendly place where caregivers can feel comfortable bringing their loved one with dementia to relax and enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting, while also gaining helpful educational information.
Individuals who could not attend the walk but would like to support the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America can do so by visiting www.alzfdn.org/donate.
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.
