PRESIDING OFFICER MCCAFFREY RECOGNIZES VETERANS
Presiding Officer McCaffrey Recognizes Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces from across Suffolk County were honored for their service and sacrifice during the November 25, 2025, General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature. The Legislature proudly noted that Suffolk County is home to the largest population of veterans in New York State and has one of the largest veteran populations of any county in the United States.
“Today’s recognition of our veterans is the least we can do for their vital role in protecting our freedom and liberty,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. “My colleagues and I are proud to celebrate the inspiring commitment of these men and women who have significantly contributed to their communities as well as our Nation. By publicly commemorating their achievements, Suffolk County reaffirms its gratitude and respect for those who have served in the Armed Forces, ensuring that their stories and sacrifices remain a lasting part of our County’s and our Nation’s legacy.
“From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Paul Buffa, Sr., who enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned to the USS Independence out of Norfolk, Virginia,
as a Quartermaster. Paul deployed several times during his active duty, including when the USS Independence sailed to the Mediterranean to assist with NATO exercises and in 1962 when the Independence acted as a key participant in the US Naval blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Paul was honorably discharged in 1966 at the rank of E-4. He received the Expeditionary, National Defense Service, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals.”
“After a 38-year-long career, Paul proudly retired from Citigroup’s General Services Department. He remains an active member of the community, serving as 1st Vice Commander of Post 1634 of the
American Legion - where he has been a member for 45 years, and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Sons of Italy,” McCaffrey noted. Paul Buffa, Sr., was born to immigrant parents from Italy. He grew up in Brooklyn, and in 1965, he met and married his wife, Camille. They would move to Babylon Township and raise their four children.
As the Suffolk County Legislature’s Presiding Officer, Legislator Kevin J. McCaffrey represents Suffolk County’s 14th Legislative District, which encompasses the Villages of Lindenhurst and Babylon, West Babylon, portions of Copiague and North Lindenhurst, and Babylon’s barrier beach communities.
(Photo above) Presiding Officer McCaffrey recognizes Veteran of the Year, Paul Buffa Sr.
of Lindenhurst
Spasso Holiday Catering
Pasta w/Garlic & Oil
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)
Pasta w/Chicken & Broccoli 65.00 95.00
Pasta w/Broccoli & Garlic 60.00 90.00
Pasta D’Estate 80.00 110.00
(Sun Dried Tomatoes & Roasted Peppers w/Mushrooms, Sliced Black Olives, Sauteed w/Garlic, Virgin Olive Oil & Artichokes)
Pasta Carciofi 80.00 110.00
(Sauteed Artichoke Hearts w/Garlic, Peas & Onions)
Pasta Guisseppi 65.00 95.00
(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
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
THROUGH DEC. 31st (Daily)
ANIMIATED CHILDREN'S WALKTHROUGH STORY
Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. Open during normal store hours. Located in the Christmas Gallery. The Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! Please bring a donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and it drop off at the end of the walkthrough. Free Event. For more information, please call 516- 334-0066
THROUGH JAN. 1st (Daily)
PORT JEFFERSON FESTIVAL OF TREES at Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 East Broadway in Port Jefferson. Free Event. See beautifully decorated Trees by local businesses, groups, and nonprofits! This event is presented by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Title Sponsor - Hanover Bank. Co-Sponsor: The Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson. For more information, please call 631-473-1414
THROUGH JAN. 4th (Daily)
12:00NOON-3:00PM
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY
The Town of Babylon History Museum and Babylon Town Historical Society, feature an interactive model train display (240 sq. ft.) that highlights historic points of interest from around the Town of Babylon. Admission is FREE. The Town History Museum is located at the historic Old Town Hall, built in 1918 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in
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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
2005. For more information, please call 631-587-3750
SUNDAY, DEC. 13th
3:00PM-5:00PM
FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT
Get into the Holiday Cheer at the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore. The West Islip Symphony Orchestra is back with bringing Holiday "Sounds of the Seasons." Join them for a sing along and Holiday Classics in this free performance. For more information, please call 631-888-3525, info@ isliparts.org
SUNDAY, DEC. 14th
3:00PM
HOLIDAY AND HITS CONCERT TO HELP THE FOOD PANTRY
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 East John St. in Lindenhurst. Free will offering and bring a non perishable food item, includes light refreshments. For more information, please call Kerrianne at 631-867-8943
7:00PM
THE MESSIAH FEEDS THE HUNGRY
Through the generosity of the Church of St. Joseph, the renowned St. Joseph’s Choir and friends will present the traditional FREE concert at St. Joseph’s Church in Babylon Village. The renowned St. Joseph Choir has presented a yearly December concert for over 25 years raising more than $100.000 for the benefit of the Mercy INN Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch. The church will be in darkness at 7:00 so early arrival is recommended. Donations are encouraged to benefit the soup kitchen-cash or check payable to The
The Messiah Feeds The Hungry!
Mercy INN and may also be dropped off at the Parish Center-39 N. Carll Ave. in Babylon Village before or after the concert.
For more information, please call 631-669-0068.
THROUGH, DEC. 15th
ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
The Annual Toys for Tots Drive Returns to Town Hall. Join Councilman Terence McSweeney and the U.S. Marine Corps in giving back this holiday season! Babylon Town Hall is located at 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. Residents are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys, books, or games in the Town Hall Lobby Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your donation will help make the holidays brighter for children in need throughout our community. For more information, please call 631-9573081.
THURSDAY, DEC. 18th
6:00PM-7:45PM
WINTER GREENERY WORKSHOP
At the Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh. A winter greenery workshop to celebrate the season! RSVP to PaumanackeGC@ gmail.com to receive details and to register. Lite refreshments will be served after the workshop.
SATURDAY, DEC. 20th
6:00PM-10:30PM
BRUMIDI’S CHRISTMAS PARTY at Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information and reservations, please call Linda at 516-356-0949, www. sonsofitalyli.com
Through the generosity of the Church of St. Joseph, on Sunday, December 14th at 7:00 PM the renowned St. Joseph’s Choir and friends will once again present the traditional FREE concert at St. Joseph’s Church in Babylon Village. The renowned St. Joseph Choir has presented a yearly December concert for over 25 years raising more than $100.000 for the benefit of the Mercy INN Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch. They will perform Handel’s MESSIAH and Bach’s Magnificat and more
preceded by a moving candlelight procession. They are directed by Dr. Marie Drohan and accompanied by soloists, the Sophisticated Strings, trumpets, flute and harpsichord. The church will be in darkness at 7:00 so early arrival is recommended. Donations are encouraged to benefit the soup kitchen-cash or check payable to The Mercy INN and may also be dropped off at the Parish Center-39 N. Carll Ave. Babylon Village NY time before or after the concert. the church office at 631-669-0068 for more information.
Hear Better This Holiday Season
It’s the best time of the year, and at Ear Works Audiology, we believe that hearing is not just about soundit’s about connection, joy and living life to the fullest.
To celebrate the holiday season, we are offering a complimentary:
•Personalized hearing consultation
•Live listening demonstration of Oticon's life-changing technology
•Clean and check for current hearing aid wearers
Don’t miss out on the sounds of family, friends and festivities, both this holiday season & the year to come!
Nassau
Bethpage 516-396-1017 Garden City 516-248-0068 Great Neck 516-466-0206 Lake Success 516-622-3387
Massapequa 516-308-7737 Syosset 516-588-9196 Suffolk Babylon 631-332-3274 Commack 631-486-9430 Nesconset 631-238-5785 Port Jefferson Station 631-928-4599 Wading River 631-886-2770
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one)
• Penne Alla Vodka • Linquine Fruitti di Mare
• Baked Ziti • Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)
• Stuffed Shells • Baked Manicotti
SALAD (Choose one)
• Garden or Caesar
• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Seasonal Berries
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)
• Boar’s Head Sweet Sliced Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)
• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)
• Stuffed Flounder Filet
VEGETABLE (Choose two)
• String Bean Casserole • String Bean Almondine
• Candied Sweet Potatoes • Eggplant Rollatine or
• Roasted Potato Wedges Parmigiana
• Sautéed Broccoli
DESSERT (Choose one)
• Apple Pie or Grain Pie
• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl
In August, Shaun and Jenna (Busterna) Berry, of West Babylon learned the devastating news that their one year old, baby boy, Jackson was diagnosed with AML Leukemia. Since Jackson’s recent diagnosis, he has undergone blood transfusions, chemotherapy and is now preparing for a bone marrow transplant.
Stop by East Neck Nursing & Rehab Center to enjoy Christmas Caro , Le ers to Santa, Lite Fare, a Mini De ert & Hot Chocolate Bar, Chinese Auction and So much m e...
Join us for an evening filled with holiday cheer as we come together, as a community to support the Berry Family. As a token of gratitude, East Neck Nursing will be gifting all attendees a complimentary mini pie in appreciation of your support.
Dr. Bob Corona
Motivational Speaker Jeremy Anderson Visits West Babylon
Motivational speaker and author Jeremy Anderson visited West Babylon Senior High School on Nov. 14 to deliver an inspiring assembly focused on perseverance, purpose and making positive choices. Anderson, who overcame significant academic and personal challenges in his own youth, now travels the world sharing messages that empower students to believe in themselves and strive for success. During the assembly, he spoke about overcoming obstacles, building strong character and embracing educational opportunities. Students were fully engaged and left feeling motivated and encouraged to reach their full potential. Photos courtesy of West Babylon School District
Town Of Babylon Planning & Building Department To Launch New Online Application System Through OpenGov In 2026
The Town of Babylon recently announced that its Planning and Building Department will transition to OpenGov, a modern online permitting and application platform designed to streamline how residents, contractors, and businesses submit and track applications. The new system—launching in February 2026—will provide a more accessible, transparent, and userfriendly experience.
Beginning February 1, 2026, all building zoning, planning, rental, and accessory apartment applications must be submitted electronically through OpenGov. The online portal will
allow users to complete applications anytime, from anywhere, and follow each step of their review process in real time. The system will also accept online credit card payments.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Planning and Building Department, including zoning, rental and accessory apartment divisions, will pause accepting applications from January 28 through February 1, 2026 while the migration to OpenGov is finalized. During the month of February, the zoning, planning, rental and accessory apartment review boards will not meet as staff completes onboarding and
transitioning.
“This modernization is a major step forward for our residents, homeowners, and business community,” Supervisor Rich Schaffer said. “By bringing the Planning and Building Department onto OpenGov, we are making the application process more efficient, more transparent, and far more convenient. This upgrade ensures that Babylon continues providing responsive, 21st-century service to everyone who calls our town home.”
Detailed instructions and tutorials will be available to assist applicants in navigating the new system.
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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 recent 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.
(NAPSI)—Famed science fiction authors and judges of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest and professional instructors offer aspiring writers a free online writing workshop. Learn more at www.writersofthefuture. com/register/onlineworkshop and bit.ly/ WOTFWorkshop.
Clams Casino
Baked Clams Oreganata
Fried Calamari
Mozzarella Sticks
Chicken Tenders
Zuppa di Cozze $68 $115
Calamari Arrabiati $77 $126
Mozzarella Caprese Platter
Antipasto Classico Platter small tray $66 large $112
(Genoa Salami, Prosciutto, Provolone, Artichoke Hearts, Homemade Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Kalamata Olives)
Gino’s Salad
$50 $87
Caesar Salad $55 $92
(Dressing on the Side)
Gorgonzola ............................. $64 ............. $105
Baby Spinach Salad .................. $54 ............. $105
Cold Antipasto Salad ................. $72 ............. $111
(Available Dressings: House Vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Creamy Italian, Raspberry and Caesar)
Chopped extra $10 extra $15
Any Salad Topped with:
Grilled or Fried Shrimp extra $40 extra $60
Grilled or Fried Chicken extra $28 extra $42
Shredded Mozzarella extra $23 extra $28
Homemade Fresh Mozzarella extra $32 extra $37
Gorgonzola Cheese extra $25 extra $30
Baked Penne Sicilian.................
(w/Pan Fried Cubed Eggplant)
Baked Manicotti
PASTA
Rigatoni alla Vodka
Fettuccine Alfredo ....................
with Grilled Shrimp ............
Penne E’ Gamberi ....................
Shrimp Scampi ........................
Shrimp Marinara or Fra Diavolo
Calamari or Mussels Marinara or Fra Diavolo
Linguine Con Vongole (Red or White)
Linguine DiMare (Red or White)
Lobster Filled Ravioli
Penne Fiorite
Pasta Primavera (Red or White)
Rigatoni Fiorentina
Gorgonzola
Rigatoni Montanara
*Broccoli Rabe ....................... $64 ............. $110
*Escarole & Cannelini Beans ....... $54 .............. $90
*Baby Spinach ........................ $54 .............. $90
*Broccoli Spears ...................... $49 .............. $81
*Mixed Vegetables .................. $59 .............. $90
Fried Zucchini Sticks ................. $54
• ½ Tray of Choice: Chicken Parm, Francese or Marsala
• ½ Tray of Choice: Baked Ziti or Penne Vodka
• ½ Tray of Garden Salad
• ½ Tray of Garlic Knots
• Full Tray of Choice: Chicken Parm, Francese or Marsala
• Full Tray of Choice: Baked Ziti or Penne Vodka
• Full Tray of Choice: Sausage & Peppers or Meatballs
• Full Tray of Garden Salad & Garlic Knots
• Full Tray of Choice: Chicken Parm, Francese or Marsala
• Full Tray of Choice: Baked Ziti or Penne Vodka
• Full Tray of Choice: Sausage & Peppers or Meatballs
• Full Tray of Choice: Eggplant Parm or Rollatini
• Full Tray of Garden Salad & Garlic Knots
