Mondays, January 6, 13, & 27; February 3, 10, & 24
11:00am – 12:00pm
This 6-session all-levels class is focused on moving mindfully and with ease. Each session consists of standing, prone, and seated postures. The focus is on body awareness, strengthening, stretching, and the breath. Please bring a mat and a large towel or blanket. There is a non-refundable fee of $30.00 due at registration.
Mediterranean Cooking with Chef Naela
Monday, January 6, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Join us for a cooking demonstration and tasting with Chef Naela. Learn
Babylon Public Library
how to make grape leaves stuffed with rice and sauteed vegetables, Middle Eastern salad, tzatziki sauce, and date cookies. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.
Writer’s Workshop Tuesdays, January 7 & 21
5:30pm – 7:45pm
New and experienced writers are welcome. Feel free to bring any works in progress. Registration is required.
Plot for Prose
Writing Workshop
Wednesday, January 8, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Every tale–whether a memoir, short story, or other piece of creative prose–needs a plot. In this class, you’ll learn all about the plot diagram and its nuances. After the instructional segment, all participants will be given prompts and time to write. If you have a story
currently in progress, you’re welcome to bring it along to continue working on during this time, but doing so isn’t necessary. The class will end with a workshopping session in which participants can share their writing and get feedback. This program is suitable for brand new writers, seasoned scribblers, and everyone in between. Please register for this program.
Using the Energy of Crystals and Gems
Wednesday, January 22, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join Rev. Maria D’Andrea to learn about gemstones, crystals, and their intrinsic energies. You’ll learn which stones are believed to be best suited for healing, luck, love, improving finances, and more. Please register for this program.
ADULT GAMES
Mondays, January 6, 13, & 27
1:00pm – 4:00pm
The Community Room is open for library patrons to play games of their own choosing. Patrons must bring their own games. New players are always welcome. Adults only. No registration required.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Wednesday, December 18
3:30pm - 5:30pm
January 8 & 22
3:30pm – 5:30pm Join us in the library for Dungeons & Dragons! Build a character, choose your weapons, and lay waste to nasty critters with a roll of the dice. Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Suffolk County Teen Poet Laureate: Sarah Goodman
Tuesday, January 7, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
The Babylon Library is happy to host Sarah Goodman, Suffolk County Teen Poet Laureate! Sarah will share some of her poetry and then we’ll open the floor for an open mic! For those of you who’ve never been to an open mic, this is a safe space to share your work. All in grades 6-12 are welcome to participate and everyone else is welcome to attend. There will be no feedback given after you read, positive or negative. We are here to just listen to each other and appreciate everyone’s writing. With that, read, listen, and enjoy! Earn one hour of community service for attending.
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
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 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.”
Parent and student volunteers worked together to collect donations for a holiday clothing drive. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
CLUES ACROSS
1. Americans’ “uncle”
4. Chair
8. Ancient kingdom
10. Egyptian city
11. Alaskan glacier
12. One from Somalia
13. Ancient alphabets
15. Relating to vocabulary 16. Small mongrels
CLUES DOWN
1. Counterbalancing debt
2. In slow tempo
3. Glamorous city
4. Japanese lute
5. Makes law
6. Informative book
7. Animal’s body part 9. American playwright 10. Blood poisoning
17. Natural settings
18. Weekend entertainments
21. Line from which light seemingly streams
22. Your own private code
23. Swiss river
24. Satisfaction
25. A person’s brother or sister
26. Folk singer DiFranco
27. The Blonde Bombshell
34. Kids’ school project
12. Angels
14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)
15. Written account
17. Unwelcome pest
19. Saddle horses
20. Type of gibbon
23. Delta is one
24. NE Massachusetts cape
25. Soup cracker
26. Yes vote
35. Bluish greens
36. Classifying
37. Cube-shaped
38. Choo-choos
39. Indian religious god of dissolution
40. French department
41. Leak into gradually
42. Foundation
43. Midway between south and southeast
27. Muddy ground
28. Physics apparatus (abbr.)
29. Type of drug
30. German city
31. Animal disease
32. Martini ingredients
33. Get away
34. Spanish municipality
36. Thrust a knife into
The Babylon community was able to collect nearly 10,000 pounds of donations. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
Third Graders Become Detectives
Third graders in Ms. Nemeti’s class at Parliament Place Elementary School in the North Babylon School District recently completed an escape room challenge to determine
where the Gingerbread Man was hiding in their classroom.
Students were divided into small groups and positioned at one of five different stations. Rotating through the stations, they were challenged to figure out where the Gingerbread Man was located. Each provided a clue for the possible location as the groups solved puzzles by decoding a message, grouping different compound words and unlocking word sounds. After successfully discovering the codes, the students were able to find the Gingerbread Man.
GRADERS BECOME DETECTIVES - Third graders in Ms. Nemeti’s class at Parliament Place Elementary School became detectives to find the Gingerbread Man as part of an escape room challenge. Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District
Pasta:
• Penne
• Baked Ziti
Second
Entree:
• Chicken Marsala
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage Ring
• Spaghetti
• Chicken Francese
• USDA Prime Marinated London Broil
• Rigatoni
• Stuffed Shells (16 Pc)
• Manicotti (8 Pc)
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Chicken Parmigiana
Hamburger & Hot Dog Buns
• Sausage & Peppers
• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli
• Vodka Sauce
• Tomato & Basil
Marinara
Garlic & Oil
Bolognese
• 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders • 12 USDA GRADE-A Chicken Skewers • 2 Packages of Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs
• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 Pc)
First Course (Choose One) Salad (Choose One)
• USDA Prime Sirloin Hamburgers with Buns!
• Garden Salad • Caesar Salad
• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns!
• USDA GRADE-A White Meat Chicken Skewers
• 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:
$1395 + tax Per Person (Min. 30 people) Buon Appetito!
Stuffed Flounder Filet
Stuffed Shrimp
Shrimp Scampi
Pork Chop Caprese
Pork Filet Salpino
Sausage & Peppers
Veal Marsala
Veal Parmigiana
Veal Scallopine
Did You Know?
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.
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.
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
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.
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
• 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
ST. CHARLES CEMETERY FARMINGDALE, NY 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.
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced 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
GUTTERS
Expert Handym an & Power Washing Services Avail abl e. Reasonable, Reliable & Ready! Mention This Ad! FREE ESTIMAT ES ALWAYS!!
Licensed & Insured. Owner On Ever y Job TRIPLE R GU TTERS Call Tony 516-799-4306
631-793-8812
THE power of CLASSIFIED! THINKING
Ext. 27 6
Landscaping COMPLETE LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVIC ES
Fall Clean-ups, New Lawn In stallation
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
licensed/insured Call Leno 631 365 5853
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? SELLING? RENTING?
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
Plumbi ng BROTHERS DRA IN CLEA NING
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
Roofi ng / Si ding
& CH IM NEYS REPAIRED
• 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 EMERALD ROOFING (631) 290 9285
LINDENHURST APT FOR RENT
King Size Bedroom , Living Room , Eat in Kitchen 2 nd Fl. New Flooring, Fresh Paint Bright & Clean! No
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT? Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26-
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? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
How To Care For Winter Birds That Visit Your Yard
The pristine, white backdrop of a snowy winter day can be a wonder to behold. While fresh snow on the ground can make for awe-inspiring landscapes, the absence of greenery amid the starkness of winter poses challenges for animals that do not ride out winter in a state of hibernation. Several bird species stay in colder climates over the winter. Red-winged crossbills, snow buntings, bohemian waxwings, evening grosbeaks, and cardinals are just some of the birds one may find while gazing outside on a chilly winter’s day. Birding in the winter can be a rewarding hobby because, despite the chilly
conditions, birds tend to be easy to find in bare trees. Furthermore, the colder temperatures may keep many people inside, meaning neighborhoods, trails and parks can be very quiet, making it easier for those who brave the cold to see birds.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds indicates that winter is a difficult time of year for birds due to the weather and the scarcity of food. Furthermore, birds must consume a lot of food in a short amount of time to have the energy and body warmth to survive each day. Even birds that store food in caches or have developed special
scavenging strategies to find as much food as possible can benefit from a little wintertime help.
Penn State Extension suggests providing a variety of foods to attract the greatest number of species. Small, blackoil sunflower seeds are preferred by many smaller species of bird and have a high oil content that is nutritionally important for birds. Other sunflower seeds will be appropriate for blue jays and cardinals. Some other popular foods include white proso millet, thistle seed, niger seed, and peanuts.
Consult a wild bird store, which likely sells a birdseed mix that
enables you to place a variety of seed into one feeder. In addition to seed, suet, which is made from high-quality animal fat, is crucial for birds in the winter. Families can get crafty by spreading peanut butter onto pine cones and sprinkling seed on top. Hang the pine cones tied to pieces of string from tree branches for homemade feeders.
Birds likely need a little help surviving the winter, when conditions can be bleak. Offering food and observing backyard visitors can be a great way to unwind on winter afternoons.
