December 21, 2022 Babylon

Local Artist Finds New Success

Kristen Hadjoglou, a local artist from Eastport, New York, truly offers something different to the marketplace. Her signature personalized hand-made coloring books are what really launched her career as an artist, but she has expanded to offer various other products as well.

“I was born an artist,” said Kristen. “I always knew that growing up. I attended Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting. From there, I worked in multiple industries where I was able to express myself creatively. Life surprisingly led me into obtaining a career as a Financial Advisor, which has been very fulfilling since helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.” However, Hadjoglou never lost her passion for the arts.

As a long-time Eastport resident, she grew attached to many of the local businesses and what made the town so unique. “One day I drew a few pictures on a couple of pages as a gift for our local general store, and it quickly turned into an entire hand-drawn coloring book, which spotlighted the main destinations in the town. What started as a fun project

I worked on in my downtime turned into something that ended up being sold in local businesses and even on Amazon. People love to open up a physical book and see visuals that bring back special memories, and I love being a part of that.”

Since then, Kristen started her own company, Underdog Nation, where she sells her coloring books, stickers, clothing items, journals, puzzles and other fun gifts (such as crayons in the shape of people and stars)! With recent success, she is starting to focus more and more on her career as an artist. The best part is that Kristen can make something for any age group to enjoy.

“I recently finished a project with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, which was a custom coloring book that’s filled with drawings of local businesses. It brought the Chamber Members together in a special way and is being sold around

Patchogue.” Another special project Kristen recently produced is a personalized coloring book that was used by a local fireman’s foundation for fundraising efforts.

“If you dream it, I can probably find a way to make something fun with it,” said Kristen.

“Whether it’s a single page or a full book, everything I draw is by hand in my personal style and reflects how much I care about the project. I’ve been inspired by all things local and historic, and it’s been fun to find a new way to teach kids in our community about local history. Some other projects I’ve worked on came from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I absolutely love what I do, and that means I usually get things done pretty fast! I’m living that dream phrase, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Looks like I’m almost there.”

If you, your business, Chamber of Commerce, town or the like are interested in more information, please contact Kristen today at 631.245.8090 or kkhudn@ gmail.com.

You can also visit her website at www. underdognation.io.

LEGAL NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS

Notice is hereby given taxpayers of the Town of Babylon, that the Undersigned Receiver of Taxes has received the 2022/2023 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 2022 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, 2022 payable to January 10, 2023 without penalty.

After January 10, 2023 one percent per month will be added on the first half to May 31, 2023 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 e 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 1-800-2PAY 9829) 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 collected by the Receiver of Taxes for the 2022/2023 tax year is $809,266,455.48.

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 12, 2022

2022/2023 TAX RATE ON $100 valuation - TOWN OF BABYLON Valuation of Hamlets and Incorporated Villages

Town Outside of Villages ............................ $187,045,547.00

Village of Amityville...................................... 14,294,553.00

Village of Babylon........................................ 19, 136,222.00

Village of Lindenhurst.................................. 29,217,380.00

A/C/LN/LS/WBN/WBS/B/NB/DP/F - 694 12/21, 12/28/22

2022-2023

TOWN OF BABYLON

2022-2023 Jennifer Montigio, Receiver of Taxes TAXABLE DISTRICTS

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. They have five service areas:

It’s the holiday season; a time to be jolly. A time particularly for children to be happy. On Wednesday, December 14th, EAC Network stepped up to support children in need on Long Island who otherwise would not have the possibility to celebrate this Holiday season like every child deserves to by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at Walmart in Farmingdale.

More than a hundred children and young adults, from 4 to 19 years old, were able to get a $100 gift card to spend on gifts of their choice. The event was organized in collaboration with Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) who donated $10,000 and Summit Health-CityMD, who donated $5,000.

Malik and Adrian, both 14 years old, were so grateful to be part of the shopping spree. With sparkles in their eyes as they explored the isles at Walmart and admired the different items on the shelves, their first stop was at the electronic game area, where they eagerly looked at different options available. The feeling of gratitude for the possibility to acquire a game or two, along with other items, was palpable.

Volunteers from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Summit HealthCityMD spent the afternoon with each child to assist them as they purchased gifts.

After picking up a game, with excitement and humility Malik said, “I now have only one item in my cart, but I have what I was looking for and it feels good. It feels great.”

Sadly, the number of children in foster care is rising throughout the United States. These children are at a much higher risk of incarceration, teenage

pregnancy, substance abuse, lack of self-esteem and of ending up on public assistance. However, EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program works to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children and youth in foster care by providing positive outlooks and enrichment opportunities through oneon-one mentoring as well as life skills workshops and activities, with the goal of assisting, caring and empowering children to take control of their lives.

If you are in need and believe you can benefit from any of EAC Network’s offerings, please contact Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network at Robert.Stricoff@eacnetwork.org or 631.433.1662.

APPETIZERS

ENTREES

Pollo

Ricky’s Chicken

Chicken Bruchetta

Chicken Parmigiana

$65 $115

Mini Rice Balls $60 $90

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail $70 $105

Mozzarella Sticks $55 $80

Fried Ravioli $50 $75

PASTAS

Chicken

1/2

Nonna’s Pasta $65 $100

Baked Lasagna $60 $90

Baked Ziti $55 $85

Baked Stuffed Shells $60 $90

Baked Ravioli $60 $90

Penne Alla Vodka $55 $85

Fettucine Alfredo $55 $85

Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce $50 $80

Pasta Primavera

Penne

Penne

Penne

Pasta

Baked

Rigatoni

Pasta

Rigatoni

Linguini

Pasta

Pasta

SALADS

Seafood

1/2

Tossed Garden Salad $35 $55

Caesar Salad $40 $60

Cold Antipasto Salad $50 $80

Mesclun Salad $45 $60

Nonna’s Salad $45 $60

Gorgonzola Salad $45 $60

Greek Salad $40 $60

Caprese Salad $50 $70

Vitello

Veal Parmigiana

Melanzana

Pesce 1/2

Shrimp Marinara $105 $140

Shrimp Parmigiana $95 $140 Shrimp Francaise $105 $140

Shrimp Oreganata $105 $140

Nonna’s Shrimp $110 $160 Nonna’s Seafood Pescatore $120 $170

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Staying Sober During The Holiday Season

By Christopher Yadron, PhD, CEO at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research

Whether you are newly sober or have maintained your sobriety long-term, you likely know that recovery is a lifelong journey. While challenging, maintaining sobriety is possible – even during the holiday season.

Deemed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can also be quite stressful and triggering for those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The season “to eat, drink and be merry” is often filled with holiday-themed cocktails at work parties, eggnog at friendly get-togethers, and an open bottle of wine at family events. So how does one focus on staying sober during the holidays? The team at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, an addiction treatment facility in Calverton, NY, believes it is by identifying and utilizing appropriate coping skills developed through advanced addiction treatment.

Here are six coping skills that may be helpful for staying sober during the holidays:

• Delay the decision: When feeling triggered or experiencing urges to use alcohol, put off making that decision for just 15 minutes. Many urges will go away if you do not give in immediately.

Use that 15 minutes to remind yourself that the strength of the urge will decrease if you remain strong and wait it out.

• Use grounding techniques: Grounding techniques take an individual through their 5 senses, helping them remain in the current moment rather than focusing on the thoughts that are urging them to use. Grounding techniques are a powerful coping skill that allow an individual to remain in the present

moment and tune into their surroundings.

Examples might include appreciating a holiday light display, savoring the smell of cookies baking in the oven, or listening to your favorite holiday music.

• Change your thoughts: Managing thoughts about using can help an individual cope with the urges. Some ways to change your thoughts about using are:

- Find new thoughts to challenge the current ones that lead to use. For example, “My track record has proven that I cannot have one drink and then stop.” The more you challenge the thoughts that allow for use, the more comfortable you will get in utilizing this technique.

- Think about the benefits of recovery. Thinking through the positive consequences of not using will help to weaken the urge to use drugs or alcohol.

- Think about the negative consequences. Reminding yourself about what you can lose and how using will negatively impact your future can be helpful in curbing the impulse to use. Some individuals find it helpful to carry a card that lists both positive and negative consequences to serve as a reminder.

• Do something else:

Finding a healthy activity that one can do immediately interrupts the thought process and distracts the individual from the urge to use. Healthy activities can be enjoyable and provide a sense of accomplishment. These activities should occur in a space safe from triggers.

• Utilize deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. It is a wonderful coping skill to prevent relapse as it is discreet, allowing it to be used in a variety of situations.

• Don’t Try to do it Alone: It is crucial that an individual battling SUD has a support system that they can lean on. Having a supportive sponsor or just a trustworthy person to contact can provide the extra needed support. Also, attending support groups such as AA, NA and Smart Recovery during the holiday season can provide a safe place for an individual to discuss their triggers. When attending a holiday event, having someone there to support your sobriety is monumental. It is important to alleviate the pressure of feeling like you’ll have to get through it alone.

Staying sober during the holidays can be an empowering feat, but it is important to remember that recovery is a journey and that relapses do occur. More importantly, a relapse doesn’t mean that you are a failure or that you should give up on sobriety. If you or a loved one are struggling this holiday season, or fear relapse, reach out to our team at Wellbridge at 631.840.0762 for advanced support; we are here to help you.

Hundreds Of Food Items Donated During 2022 Holiday Drive-Thru Experience

Councilman and Human Services Chairman DuWayne Gregory extends a heartfelt thank you to all of the community members who donated non-perishable food items while visiting Town Hall during the 2022 Holiday Drive-Thru Experience.

Over the course of the three night event, the park’s department

collected hundreds of items that were transported directly to the food pantry.

“The generosity of the people of Babylon is always strong, but especially during the holiday season,” said Councilman Gregory.

“On behalf of myself, my colleagues on the Town Board and our staff, thank you to everyone who helped keep our pantry stocked so

we can assist those in need throughout the holidays,” he added.

The Town of Babylon Food Pantry accepts donations year round and is located at 1 Commerce Boulevard in Amityville. Most needed items include: peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned vegetables, soup, pasta, sauce rice and beans.

HUNDREDS OF FOOD ITEMS DONATED - Councilman and Human Services Chairman DuWayne Gregory extends a heartfelt thank you to all of the community members who donated non-perishable food items while visiting Town Hall during the 2022 Holiday Drive-Thru Experience. Pictured: Councilman DuWayne Gregory with Parks Commissioner Daniel McKeon, Deputy Parks Commissioner Eva Rodriguez-Greguski, Human Services Commissioner Traci Fonville, and staff members from the parks department.

Holiday Model Train Exhibit At Old Town Hall

Open Fridays, Saturdays And Sundays In December

For the first time in two years, the Town of Babylon History Museum is proud to present the annual Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Old Town Hall, 47 W. Main Street in Babylon Village. Each December, the History Museum, and the Babylon

Substance Abuse

(NAPSA)-The more you know about substance abuse, the better you can prevent problems. You don’t have to deal with addiction alone. Learn more at drugabuse.gov.

Town Historical Society feature an interactive model train display (240 sq. ft) that highlights historic points of interest from the Town of Babylon.

As we celebrate our 150th anniversary this year, we invite you to bring your kids to Old Town Hall

to see the model train display, which will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until January 1, 2023, from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. (CLOSED Christmas Day).

For more information, please call the Historian’s Office at (631) 587-3750.

CHRISTOPHER YADRON, PH.D.

Medicare Lowers Premiums And Deductibles

Written by Barry Klitsberg, Nassau County Medicare Counselor, FCA

For those of us who are enrolled in the Medicare program, there is good news on the horizon. Medicare has made significant changes to its premiums and deductibles, lowering the cost to the beneficiary.

While the cost of just about everything has gone up, the monthly Medicare Part B premium has been reduced for the first time this century, from $170.10 to $164.90, for a yearly saving of $62.40. What’s more, the Medicare Part B deductible has gone down from $233 per year to $226. These two reductions have broken a string of yearly increases.

Medicare Part B generally covers medically necessary services, that is, services or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat your medical condition and that meet accepted standards of medical practice. Part B also covers a wide range of preventive services from shots to screenings to prevent illness (like the flu) or detect it at

an early stage, when treatment is most likely to work best.

In addition, due to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare will finally be able to negotiate prescription drug costs directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers. While this section of the law doesn’t go into effect until 2025, in the interim, beneficiaries who are insulin dependent can have their insulin costs capped at $35.00 per month. This can save hundreds of dollars a month. Also, the Inflation Reduction Act calls for out of pocket prescription expenses

to be capped at $2,000 annually.

In order to determine which type of plan works best for you, you should call the Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program, HIICAP hotline. This is a free service that will guide you to the best plan for you. We have no affiliation with insurance companies, agents or brokers. Our number is 516-485-3754. While we are quite busy during Medicare Open Enrollment Season, we strive to return every call on our voice mail within two working days, and usually call sooner.

FCA can help. Answers to your Medicare questions are just a phone call away.

Barry Klitsberg is an Assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Coordinator at FCA in Garden City and an Aging Services Program Specialist at US Department of Health and Human Services.

Babylon Public Library

Young Adult Programmer: Margaret Kavanagh 24 South Carll Avenue Babylon 631-669-1624

*** Hatha Yoga Thursdays 1/5, 1/19, 1/26, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23 at 6:00 pm This 6-week session is an active class, suitable for beginners as well as more experienced practitioners. Please bring a mat and a large towel or blanket. There is a $30 non-refundable fee due at registration. No walk-ins. Sessions meet 1/5, 1/19, 1/26, 2/9, 2/16, and 2/23.

Plots & Pastries

Monday 1/9 at 10:00 am We will be discussing The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.

Adult Book Discussion

Wednesday 1/11 at 7:00 pm We will be discussing The Lioness by Peter Bohjalian. Pick up a copy at the Reference Desk.

Classic Film Club: Shadow of a Doubt Thursday, 1/12 at 6:00 pm Join us for Alfred Hitchcock’s “Shadow of a Doubt” (1943). Hitchcock’s personal favorite of all his films, “Shadow of a Doubt” is a chilling thriller. Joseph Cotten is unforgettable as Uncle Charlie, the evil that invades an idyllic American small town. 108 minutes.

Mediterranean Cooking Demonstration & Tasting Wednesday, 1/18 at 6:00 pm

Join Chef Naela as she shows how to make these classic and delicious Mediterranean dishes and taste some for yourself! Naela will demonstrate how to make your own basic dough, spinach pies, za’atar flatbread, and hummus. There is a $5.00 non-refundable fee due at registration.

Friday Films: Mrs. Harris goes to Paris Friday, 1/20 at 2:00 pm

In 1950’s London, a widowed cleaning lady falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, deciding she must have one of her own. After working to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris that will change not only her own outlook - but the very future of the House of Dior. Rated PG. 115 minutes.

Gentle Yoga Mondays, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, and 2/27 at 11:00 am

This 5-week 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. Chairs are available to help students get up and down to the floor. This session meets 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, and 2/27. There is a non-refundable fee of $25.00 due at in-person registration.

5 Basic Principles for Getting (and Staying!)

Organized – VIRTUAL Monday, 1/23 at 6:30 pm on Zoom

As professional organizers and co-authors of the selfhelp book Beyond Tidy, Marie Limpert & Annmarie Brogan of Organize Me! of NY, LLC will teach you their Five Basic Organizing Principles, answer questions and provide solutions to common challenges that get people stuck. Drawing upon 15 years of experience, this Virtual Presentation focuses on: - What it really means to be organized.

- How organized living saves you time, money, space and energy. - The best ways to organize and declutter your spaces.

- Developing a positive, growth mindset that will keep you motivated and solution-focused. - How to avoid getting off track.

- Getting your family on board. - Creating a home and life you’ll love! This program will be presented on Zoom; please register with an email address.

West Babylon Alumni Foundation Hall Of Fame Nominating Application Deadline Is Approaching…

The deadline for submitting applications to nominate a West Babylon graduate for our Hall of fame is December 31, 2022. Applications can be obtained on our website www.westbabylonalumni. org or on our West Babylon Alumni Foundation Facebook page. The alumni awards recognize exceptional achievements of West Babylon graduates

who have made significant contributions to their profession/society & community. The nominees must be out of high school for a minimum of 5 years. There is also a category for a nongraduate who has made significant contributions to the betterment of the WB School District and community.

Completed forms and

supporting documents must be either hand delivered Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm to the Superintendent’s office or mailed (postmarked by December 31, 2022) to:

West Babylon Alumni Foundation

Att: Hall of Fame Committee

10 Farmingdale Rd. West Babylon, NY 11704

Protect Yourself From Scams This Holiday Season

By Senator Alexis Weik

It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us, and millions of people are looking to buy gifts for their loved ones. According to AARP, about three quarters of U.S. adults said they planned to buy gift cards during the 2022 holiday season, and although they can be the perfect convenient gift, scammers love them too.

Gift cards give scammers numerous and untraceable

ways to steal. They are the most common and preferred way of payment. They will often quickly redeem to buy other gift cards, making the money untraceable. According to AARP Fraud Watch Network report, consumers who filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about gift card payment scams in the first nine months of 2021 lost $148 million –more than in 2022.

Scammers have also come up with ways to take the cash directly off the gift cards people have bought for themselves or others. One trick that these thieves commonly use going to the store and scratching off the filmstrip on the back of the card to get the PIN, then covering it back up with a replacement sticker. Another tactic that is commonly used is the fake “giveaways”. People will

SENATOR ALEXIS WEIK

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

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING? Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6

BUYING?

RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

LOOKING

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?

Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6

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

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

Protect Yourself From Scams This Holiday Season

Continued From 22

receive an email or text stating they won a gift card to a familiar store or organization, prompting you to claim it by providing contact info and clicking a link. Not surprisingly, scams like these tend to drastically increase around the holidays. So how do we protect ourselves from scams during this holiday season?

• When purchasing gift cards, purchase them directly from the business issuing them or online. Gift cards on store racks are more likely to be tampered with.

• Be sure to carefully look at the gift card you plan on buying in the store to make sure there are no signs that it has been tampered with – it’s safer to buy gift cards from places that keep them behind the counter rather than on a rack.

• If you believe you have been scammed, immediately contact the retailer that issued the gift card. If money remains on the card, you may be able to get it back.

• Never give gift card information to callers claiming to be from government agencies, tech companies, utilities or other businesses.

• Delete any unsolicited email or text message offering you a gift card.

• And do not give personal information to anyone in exchange for a gift card.

If you or someone you know has encountered a gift card scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, https://www.ic3.gov/, or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online or at 877-382-4357.

Did You Know?

Canada is positioning itself as a global leader in education, research and innovation. In 2016 there were 1.7 million students studying at Canadian universities, and between March 2008 and March 2017, around 1.6 million new jobs were created for university graduates, according to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey. The National Survey

Student Engagement offers that 11 percent of Canadian undergraduates participate in a study abroad program, which can lead to a greater potential for cross-cultural understanding and job stability. In addition, $13 billion has been earmarked by Canadian universities to be put toward research and development.

ISLIP

JEFFERSON

WEST BABYLON

LAKE GROVE