August 27, 2025 Deer Park by Long Island Media Group

Deer Park’s Best Buddies Named NYS Most Outstanding Chapter

This July, seven students – Alexis Borowski, Bailey Corcoran, Aubrey Goetz, Carysn Goetz, Chloe Luby, Sophia Paduano and Eve Valentine – in the Deer Park High School chapter of Best Buddies traveled to Indiana University Bloomington

to attend the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. The event united Best Buddies leaders, volunteers and community advocates from around the globe to imagine, create, lead and empower the future of the disability rights and

inclusion movement. The Deer Park students returned home with triumphant news that they had won the New York State Most Outstanding Chapter Award for 2025, a prestigious honor celebrating the dedication to inclusion and friendship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The award was presented to Deer Park’s student representatives by Best Buddies founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver.

In addition to this statewide recognition, the Deer Park chapter was also honored at the Babylon Town Hall by Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Councilman Terence McSweeney for their outstanding efforts and impact within the community. A small group from Best Buddies attended the Town Hall ceremony to receive recognition for all of the effort the chapter puts into inclusion.

“We are forever grateful for the support that is shown for our chapter in the Deer Park School District and the Deer Park community,” Best Buddies co-advisers Joe Alo and Gabriella Gilmartin said. “It is this support and the number of dedicated students that we have the opportunity to work with each school year that truly makes this chapter incredible. We look forward to all of the great events and buddies we will make along the way to 2026 and beyond.”

Deer Park High School’s chapter of Best Buddies won the New York State Most Outstanding Chapter Award for 2025. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District

HPV

Vaccination

Though there may not be a cancer vaccine, that does not mean that vaccinations cannot play a role in cancer prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some cancers, including cervical cancer and cancers of the vulva and oropharynx, are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The CDC notes that the HPV vaccine protects people against the types of HPV that most often cause cancers. Adults can discuss the benefits of HPV vaccinations with their physicians, as the CDC notes that adults between the ages of 27 and 45 may have already been exposed to HPV, meaning the HPV vaccination will provide less benefit. Parents should know that the CDC recommends the HPV vaccination for preteens aged 11 to 12 years.

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.

Deer Park High School’s Best Buddies Club Named Chapter

The Town of Babylon is proud to announce that the Best Buddies Club at Deer Park High School has been recognized as Chapter of the Year for New York State — a prestigious honor that highlights their outstanding dedication to friendship,

inclusion, and leadership.

Best Buddies is an international organization that fosters one-to-one friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting a more inclusive

and compassionate school culture.

Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney, who has long been an advocate for inclusion and disability rights, expressed deep admiration for the students’ achievement.

“As someone who grew up with a brother with disabilities, this award hits especially close to home,” said Councilman McSweeney. “The compassion, leadership, and heart shown by the students

of the Year for New York State

in Deer Park’s Best Buddies Club are truly inspiring. They are creating the kind of world we should all want to live in — one where everyone is included, valued, and supported.”

The Town Board congratulates all the members and advisors of the Deer Park Best Buddies Club for this incredible accomplishment. This recognition is not only welldeserved, but a reflection of the powerful impact they’re making — in their school and beyond.

Lumiere Ballet Delivers Inspiring Performance

On Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd, the Town of Babylon community gathered at Tanner Park in Copiague for a captivating performance by Lumiere Ballet, featuring dancers of all ages—from young students to seasoned professionals.

Thanks to the efforts of Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, who secured the funding for the event, residents were treated to an unforgettable evening of fine arts on the waterfront.

“Bringing high-quality

arts programming like Lumiere Ballet to our community not only enriches our cultural life but also gives local families access to the beauty and discipline of classical performance,” said Legislator Jason Richberg.

“I’m proud to support

events that inspire the next generation of artists.”

Lumiere Ballet is a premier ballet school and performing company known for its rigorous training, artistic integrity, and dedication to developing young talent. Many of its students go on

to receive scholarships or pursue professional dance careers.

“It was incredible to see dancers of all ages take the stage right here in Copiague,” said Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney.

“Events like this remind

us of the power of the arts to bring people together, inspire youth, and uplift a community.” A heartfelt thank you to Lumiere Ballet for a stunning evening of culture, talent, and inspiration.

Plumbing Contractors Association Of Long Island Sponsors Pizza Lunch For Children At Sunrise Day Camp

For the fourth year in a row, the Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) proudly sponsored a pizza lunch for the campers and staff at Sunrise Day Camp, a no-cost summer camp for children battling cancer and their siblings.

This year’s lunch, which fed several hundred campers and 200 staff members, was held during one of the most anticipated events of the summer Color War, a spirited tradition that brings joy, energy, and friendly competition to the camp community.

Sunrise Day Camp provides a much-needed escape for children facing serious health challenges, allowing them and their siblings to enjoy the fun of summer in a supervised, emotionally supportive environment all free of charge. The camp is a sanctuary for healing,

laughter, and connection.

The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island has remained a proud supporter of this mission, with long-time PCALI member Larry Levine of Par Plumbing playing an instrumental role in fostering the relationship between PCALI and Sunrise Day Camp over the years.

Jeff Connelly, President of PCALI, shared his thoughts on the organization’s ongoing commitment: “It’s an incredible privilege to support Sunrise Day Camp and the amazing kids who attend. Seeing their smiles and energy reminds us why we do this year after year. We’re honored to play even a small part in helping these kids just be kids.”

Deborah Lom of Sunrise Day Camp says, “We are grateful for the support that PCALI gives to Sunrise and the Levine Golf Classic. It’s because of supporters

like you that Sunrise can continue providing free-ofcharge summer and yearround programming to as many children with cancer and their siblings as we are this year.”

PCALI is deeply grateful to Sunrise Day Camp for the opportunity to give back and looks forward to continuing

this meaningful tradition for years to come.

About Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) advances the plumbing industry, promotes the overall welfare of plumbing contractors in

Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and works collaboratively with the leadership and members of Plumbers Local 200. PCALI works tirelessly to raise public awareness about utilizing licensed plumbers only.

About Sunrise Day Camp Sunrise Day Camp brings the joys of childhood to

Families Can Make The Most Of Summer’s End

children with cancer and their siblings on Long Island. They offer a welcoming, inclusive summer day camp, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all completely free of charge. To learn more visit https://www. sunrisedaycamp-longisland. org/

It seems like just yesterday people were heralding the arrival of summer. After many months of fickle weather, summer’s warm temperatures and ample sunshine can be that hug from Mother Nature people need. But soon summer will be coming to an end, making room for apples, corn and pumpkin spice. Even though summer will soon be singing its swan song, there is still plenty of time for families to enjoy the waning days of surf and sunshine. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.

Catch a concert Summer is a time of year when many artists go on tour and sell out everything from arenas to ampitheaters to more intimate venues. Find a singer the entire family enjoys and grab some tickets.

Pick fruit

Peach season varies

depending on where you live, but May through September is a prime time for pick-your-own farms to open their orchards to the peach-picking public. Turn those peaches into pies for Labor Day festivities.

Watch some fireworks

Those who didn’t have an opportunity to catch a fireworks display already this summer, or who enjoyed it so much that they want more, can find out when the next big display will take place. Some beachside towns and even amusement parks regularly host fireworks shows on the weekends.

Climb a lighthouse

National Lighthouse Day occurs on August 7.

Locate a lighthouse within driving distance and visit one of the beautiful and historic structures that commemorate maritime history. For example, Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New

Jersey, which was lit for the first time in 1764, is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Pick a day to re-do

Ask all members of the family what sticks out in their minds as the best summer day so far. It may have been paddleboarding in a lake or taking a scenic drive. Compile the answers and then pick one activity to enjoy all over again.

Head to a state fair

State fairs fill calendars this time of year. They’re perfect ways to enjoy carnival rides, fair foods, live entertainment, and even livestock.

Watch balloons rise

Check to see if there is a hot-air balloon festival taking place nearby. Watch these huge items become lighter than air and get lifted off the ground.

Enjoy an outdoor movie

Purchase or borrow a movie projector and set up a screen outdoors. That screen can be an actual outdoor screen or a white sheet stretched between two poles. Invite the neighborhood to come over, set up picnic blankets and enjoy a family flick.

Camp out Pitch a tent at a campground or even in your own backyard and spend an evening sleeping under the stars.

Visit a garden or arboretum

Plan a day trip to a botanical garden or arboretum to

view the various trees, flowers and shrubs in bloom. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in nature. Families can wind down from summer by engaging in various enjoyable activities before a new school year begins.

The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) proudly sponsored a pizza lunch for the campers and staff at Sunrise Day Camp in Wheatley Heights, a no-cost summer camp for children battling cancer and their siblings.

AUGUST HAPPENINGS

WED., AUGUST 27th

5:00PM-8:00PM

DROP-OFF DRUG EVENT

International Overdose Awareness Day. The Lindenhurst Moose Lodge, Lindenhurst Community Cares, CASJ, and Suffolk County Police

C.O.P.E. have joined forces to create a united front in preventing addiction and overdose deaths in our community. Please bring your prescription medications for safe disposal to: Lindenhurst Moose Lodge #1421, 883 South Broadway, in Lindenhurst. Anyone who drops oft medicine will receive a rafﬂe ticket for a prize! Together we can make a difference!

THURS., AUGUST 28th

6:00PM-7:00PM

PAUMANACKE GARDEN CLUB PROGRAM

Pauley the Plant Man will speak on 'Early Fall Gardening.' No preregistration necessary. Refreshments served after the program. Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh Questions? Contact paumanackegc@gmail.com

11:00AM-5:00 PM NEW ART EXHIBITION

Through Sep 16, 2025 (daily) ECHOES OF ABSTRACTION - a crosscultural exhibion of Long Island artists, past and living, on the theme of Abstract Art from its inception in the 1940s to today. Eighty (80) artists represented. Sponsored by the New York Fine Arts Society, The Rivol Collection, and the Chinese Overseas Artists Association. At the Society's Flowerﬁeld Gallery in St. James. For

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more information, please call 631880-1719

FRI., AUGUST 29th THRU MON., SEPTEMBER 1st

79th ANNUAL SHINNECOCK INDIAN POWWOW AT SHINNECOCK POWWOW GROUNDS

Friday, August 29, 2025, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Saturday, August 30, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 31, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday, August 1, 2025, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Come join us for the 79th Annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow this Labor Day Weekend! As a top-ﬁve powwow of the year by Powwows. com, we are proud to offer cultural and traditional experiences like no other. Native arts, crafts, and food will all be available for attendees to enjoy, and our vibrant community of dancers and drummers from across Indian Country will showcase their passion and skill. Experience the unique celebration of Native American traditions that only the Shinnecock Powwow can offer. Tickets available online at https:// events.cocoatickets.com/shinnecockindian-nations/79th-annualshinnecock-indian-powwow For more information, please call 631-745-7391

SAT., AUGUST 30th

12:00 Noon

AMITYVILLE PORCH MUSIC DAY

Go porch-to-porch in the Village to hear live music! See map of porch/ band locations at Amityville.com.

To sign up a band/porch email us at Mayor@amityvil le. com. For more information, please call Village Hall 631-264-6000 ext. 407

THRU SAT., AUGUST 30th

DURING LIBRARY HOURS PHOTOGRAPHY EXIBITION at the East Islip Library. Perspectives in Photography” is a diverse visual interpretation of the world as seen by Rick Jacobs. East Islip library, 381 East Main St, in East Islip. 2nd ﬂ. The event is free. For more information, please call 631-5819200

SAT., AUGUST 30th

SUN., AUGUST 31st

10:00AM-5:00PM

EISENHOWER PARK FIELD 8 ART CRAFT & GIFT VENDOR FAIR

Famlily shopping fun and a great way to spend the day! For more information, please call 516-4426000, www.NassauCountyFarirs.com

SAT., AUGUST 30th

1:00PM-3:00PM SUN., AUGUST 31st

10:00AM-5:00PM ANNUAL DAHLIA SHOW AND EXHIBITION

The Long Island Dahlia Society will host its Annual Dahlia Show and Exhibition at the lower Carriage House at the Bayard Cutting Arboritum. Dahlias will be available for sale during the show with show ﬂowers for sale at 3:00 pm on Sunday. Free with $8.00 parking. Further information at LongIslandDahlia.org or by calling 631-972-8829.

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Summer 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

Summer Senior Advocate Schedules

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 summer, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:

• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, September 19, 9 – 11 am

• North Amityville Senior Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, August 27 &

September 17, 10 am – 1 pm

• Rainbow Senior Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, September 3, 8:30 – 11 am

• Tanner Park Senior Center,

2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday, September 10, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesday, September 23, 12 – 3 pm

• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesday, September 10, 10 am – 1 pm

In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:

• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, September 17, 8:30 am – 2 pm

• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, August 28 & September 18, 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

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com.

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) 853-8200.

“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.”

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