On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the festive Yuletide decorations adorning the 1901 Restored Long Island Railroad Depot and Freight House Museum provided the perfect backdrop for the Lindenhurst Historical Society’s Second Annual Furry Friends Fotos; an opportunity for pet parents and their fur babies to enjoy and take part in what has become a Lindenhurst Historical Society holiday tradition.
On Tuesday, December 9th, the Town of Babylon and the Village of Lindenhurst joined with the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Island Soul Restaurant at 105 W. Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. JoAnn Boettcher, LCOC President, together with Chamber Board members, Legislator-Elect RJ Renna, and TOB officials proudly presented the owners with a ribbon-cutting certificate. Welcome to the community!
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.
Tinkler
Lambert Ethan Keattikul PRODUCTION
Josh Marlowe
Felicia Edwards MARKETING
Noelle Lambert CIRCULATION
Victoria Kokolakis Stephan Schulze
Kerry Mastrobuoni
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN
Village of Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata and Trustee Douglas Madlon were honored to join the community for the recent 6th Annual New York Tow Trucks for Families Toy Drive. The event achieved significant success, highlighted by the remarkable sight of well over 80 tow trucks participating in a spectacular barnstorming run through the Lindenhurst downtown area. Pictured here at Village Square Park (left to right) are: Trustee Douglas Madlon, Santa Claus, Mayor Michael Lavorata and Joseph Gargiulo, Event Chairman and Copiague Chamber of Commerce Trustee.
Newspapers have helped shape the world for decades, serving as invaluable resources that highlight both national and local news, retail information, cultural events, and much more. Although several newspapers now offer online versions of their publications, many readers remain partial to print versions. Those who purchase printed newspapers daily or subscribe to home delivery should consider recycling the papers to protect the planet. According to the environmental resource EarthEcho International, recycling a single run of the Sunday issue of The New York Times - or a comparable paper’s Sunday edition - would save 75,000 trees.
Notice is hereby given taxpayers of the Town of Babylon, that the Undersigned ReceiverofTaxes has received the 2025/2026 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 2025 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, 2025 payable to January 12, 2026 without penalty.
After January 12, 2026 one percent per month will be added on the first half to June 1, 2026 after which date, additional interest wil 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-check 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-TAX (1-800272-9829) 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 2025/2026 tax year is $890,677,136.35.
Taxes become a lien December 1st of each year. at the same time. First and Second half payments may be made
JENNIFER MONTIGLIO RECEIVER OF TAXES
DATED AT BABYLON, N.Y.
December 1, 2025
2025/2026 TAX RATE ON $100 valuation - TOWN OF BABYLON
2025-2026
TOWN OF BABYLON
Jennifer Montiglio, Receiver of Taxes TAXABLE DISTRICTS
2025-2026
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK - BABYLON
CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- CHRISTOPHER CROPSEY; ROSEMARIE
WALSH A/K/A ROSEMARIE CROPSEY; LORRAINE CROPSEY, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated January 17, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY on January 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Northerly side of
Harding Avenue, distant 200.00 feet Easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Easterly side of Shore Road and the Northerly side of Harding Avenue; being a plot 100 feet by 75.00 feet by 100.00 feet by 75.00 feet. District: 0100 Section: 227.00 Block: 01.00 Lot: 109.000
Said premises known as 41 HARDING AVENUE, LINDENHURST, NY 11757
Approximate amount of lien $280,910.44 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the
sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.
Index Number 613864/2017.
FRANK SCALERA, ESQ., Referee
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff
47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030
File# 7777.213
LIND N & S - 1563 - 12/10, 12/17, 12/24 & 12/31/25
When making a holiday shopping list and checking it twice, shoppers may want to put more emphasis on experiential gifts over material items. A 2023 survey from GetYourGuide found 51 percent of people prefer some type of travel, 40 percent want to attend a show, 30 percent prefer outdoor activities, and 27 percent want to visit museums. The data is showing more and more people are choosing to share experiences and create meaningful memories with the people they love rather than offering material gifts. The desire for experiential gifts is particularly strong among millennials and Gen Z.
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one)
MAIN 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
• 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
By JoAnn Cilla
The mad dash towards Christmas is on. In As we put up holiday decorations, turn on Christmas music, and send out cards wishing people a joyous and peaceful season, there is still uncertainty in the air trying to dampen the mood. With all the bad news being pushed in front of us on TV, in the papers, and on social media, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the unpredictability of this year. The economy seems to shift weekly, technology is changing faster than ever, and the world continues to deliver surprises… some welcome, some not. Yet amid all this uncertainty, there remains one constant you can control: your mindset. Too often, we focus on what is outside our control: the economy, family dynamics, business challenges, or the holiday rush. That focus can drain a person! It steals time, peace, and perspective. But when we shift our attention from worry to appreciation, we change everything. The circumstances may stay the same, but how we experience them becomes dramatically better.
In the last few weeks of 2025, challenge yourself not to react, but to respond. The difference between a reaction and a response is control. A reaction is automatic. A response is intentional. And one of the most intentional responses we can choose is gratitude. When you approach situations, especially difficult ones,
with gratitude, something powerful happens…stress loosens its grip, anxiety diminishes, and your ability to think clearly and move forward actually increases.
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It means acknowledging what’s good, what’s possible, and what’s still in your control. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you prepare for it. You can’t control the economy, but you can control your own financial decisions. You can’t control people, but you can control how you treat them and how you let them affect you. That is strength. It is also gratitude in practice.
The world may be unpredictable, but gratitude is not. It shows up when you invite it. It grows when you practice it. And it just might be the most reliable thing you carry into 2026. And remember, gratitude changes everything!
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
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 non-profits! 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 631-4731414
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
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
Town History Museum is located at the historic Old Town Hall, built in 1918 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. For more information, please call 631-587-3750
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
MONDAY, DEC. 29th
9:00AM-3:00PM
HOLIDAY DISCOVERY DAYS 2025
Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm.. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our resident non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Sweetbriar Nature Center is located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31st
11:00AM-12:00NOON NAUTICAL NEW YEAR
Did you know the New Year's Eve ball is based on an old nautical timekeeping tradition? Join us to countdown to 12 noon, and enjoy festive self-serve crafts all day during gallery hours. Included with Admission. The Whaling Museum & Education Center Of Cold Spring Harbor, 279 Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor. For more information, please call 516.282.6426, 631.367.3418 x12, Email cainslie@cshwhalingmuseum. org
6:30PM-8:00PM EARLY NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL DROP/ CELEBRATION
Farmingdale Village is hosting an Early, Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebration - Ring in 2026 with a New Year’s Eve free celebration. Free admission, free hot cocoa, free noisemakers .& Live Music ... on the Village Green, 361 Main St, weather permitting. Bring family & friendsall ages. Thanks to the Farmingdale Business Improvement District, Farmingdale Village Fire Department, Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, Farmingdale Village Board, all involved. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/32564875029824369
8:00PM-1:00AM
RING IN THE NEW YEAR
Brumidi Lodge-Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please call Linda 516-356-0949, wwsonsofitalyli.com
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the festive Yuletide decorations adorning the 1901 Restored Long Island Railroad Depot and Freight House Museum provided the perfect backdrop for
the Lindenhurst Historical Society’s Second Annual Furry Friends Fotos; an opportunity for pet parents and their fur babies to enjoy and take part in what has become a Lindenhurst
Historical Society holiday tradition. “Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted our visitors; both pet parents and their furry companions,” said Lindenhurst Historical Society President Evie
Sosna. “We were proud to provide a meticulously decorated Historic Depot and Freight House as a backdrop for Santa and Mrs. Claus as they posed with a variety of wonderful pets—
even a rabbit came to have his picture taken!”
Proceeds from the suggested donation of $5.00 will benefit the Lindenhurst Historical Society’s museum restoration efforts.
The 1901 Restored Long Island Railroad Depot and Freight House Museum is located at Irmisch Historical Park, corner of South Broadway and Kent Avenue in Lindenhurst.
The Village of Lindenhurst, together with the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Lindenhurst, proudly sponsored the annual Holiday luncheon for seniors at the Lindenhurst Rainbow Senior Citizens Center. Guests enjoyed
delicious food, lively entertainment, and an abundance of holiday cheer. The afternoon’s highlight was the festive lighting of the Christmas tree.
Trustee Douglas Madlon remarked, “We are grateful to the hardworking
Rainbow Center staff members, and the many community volunteers who made this event possible for our beloved seniors. We wish everyone the happiest of holidays, and all the best for the New Year!”
Pictured here (left
to right) are: Village Administrator Joe Barone, Mayor Michael Lavorata, and Kiwanis & Rotary Club members Paula Vidal, JoAnn Boettcher, Mandy Bopp, Trish LaFlare, Hon. Gaetan Lozido, and Tom Kropp.
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union recently announced that applications for its annual Scholarship Program are now open.
High school seniors are invited to apply for financial assistance as they prepare for college. Designed to support hardworking, communityminded students, the program provides awards that can help offset the rising costs of tuition, books, and other college expenses.
“Our scholarships are one way we can help ease the financial burden on families while encouraging students to
pursue their dreams,” shared Kimberly Ruiz, Manager Community Engagement New Markets. “Each year, we proudly award 10 accomplished students, knowing that investing in young people is an investment in the future of our communities.”
To apply, please visit; https://www.fourleaffcu. com/community/ education-scholarships/. The 2026 Scholarship Program application deadline date is Friday, January 9, 2026 (no late submissions are accepted).
Girl Scouts from across Suffolk County recently gathered to flip the switch on the annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) Holiday Light Show, a walk-through experience featuring tens of thousands of lights and dozens of displays that create a magical forest environment. The GSSC Holiday Lights show is the only one that supports a non-profit organization.
The show is at the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s Camp Edey, 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport.
New at the show this year are the five “Cozy Bungalows,” complete with mini fireplaces, couches, and blankets, with room for up to five guests. Each bungalow comes decorated in a winter theme: Nordic Nest (Scandinavian, rustic, snowy lodge), Holly Jolly Hut (traditional red and green Christmas décor), Gumdrop Cottage (candycolored fun straight from a
storybook and gingerbreadinspired décor) and Starlight Shack (twinkle lights and a starry winter’s night with touches of snowflakes) and is Instagram and social media ready.
“I love the bungalows because they’re decorated so cute, and it gives you a place to be warm,” said Ciara Weisbecker, a Girl Scout from Babylon. “They’re pretty and beautiful and great for photos on Instagram and TikToks.”
The highlight of the show is “Girl Scout Way,” an area where the five winning creations from the 2025 Girl Scouts Holiday Light Design Contest will be on display. Each design was drawn by a Girl Scout and then custom-built by the groundkeepers at Camp Edey in creations spanning six to twelve feet tall.
“This event is a beautiful example of how Girl Scouts combine imagination, leadership, and community spirit to shine light—
literally and figuratively— on the holiday season,” said Tammy Severino, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “We are proud to showcase these designs and give visitors a chance to see the girls’ ideas brought to life in lights.”
Also returning this year is an expanded “Chill Zone,” with lawn games, fire-pit warmth, and hot-cocoa treats courtesy of FirstClass Food Trucks.
The event is open to the public, and ticket prices start at $12.50. Tickets and Cozy Bungalow reservations must be purchased in advance on the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County website: http://www.gssclightshow. org.
Launched more than 20 years ago, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show has grown into a Long Island tradition — transforming the scenic grounds of Camp Edey into an “Enchanted Forest” of lights.
Every ticket purchased supports leadership programs, summer camp experiences, and financial assistance for girls throughout Suffolk County.
Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make
the world a better place.
With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making;
and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.
For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Tennis Coaches (Syosset,
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Wreaths are popular decorative items that can be customized for any season or occasion. Wreaths are particularly popular during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially when adorned with evergreen boughs and berries. Learning how to make a wreath can be a handy skill.
Those new to wreath-making need not worry, as it’s relatively easy to learn the technique. Here are the basics to crafting a wreath, which can then be adorned as desired.
Materials needed
The first step to making a wreath is having the right tools and materials on hand.
• Wreath form: This is the frame upon which the materials will be attached. Choose a form diameter that matches the desired size for the center ring of the wreath, as longer flowers or branches can be attached to create a larger finished wreath. A 10-inch wreath form is good for getting started. The form can be made from metal or grapevine. For a foam form, you’ll be poking wire into the form instead of wrapping it around it to secure your greenery and decorations.
• Paddle wire: Choose 22- to 24-gauge paddle wire to attach greenery and additional items onto the form.
• Clippers and wire cutters
• Craft scissors
• Foliage, flowers and boughs
• Decorative items and accessories
• Floral tape
• Door hanger
Prepare your work station
Once you have collected your supplies, it’s time to begin. Place all materials on a protected surface. Trim foliage into workable sizes that will fit neatly on the frame, and set aside.
Build bundles
The first step to making a wreath is to make small bouquets or bundles of greenery that look good in small bunches, suggests Homesteading Family. Hold the bundle tightly and use floral tape around the stems to keep each bundle together. Repeat this process until you have several bundles to attach to the wreath form.
Start attaching the greenery
Begin by laying a bundle onto the form and using a piece of paddle wire to first wrap around the form, and then wrap around the bundle stems to hold in place. Experts suggest pointing the stems inward and arranging the leaves and greenery to point outwards to create a fan shape. Always place the next bundle slightly overlapping and on top of the previous bundle to cover the stems. Repeat this process all around the wreath form until you reach the starting point.
Add your embellishments
Fill in any sparse areas with some decorations, such as small ornaments, bows, pinecones, ribbons, or plastic gems. Simply wrap a piece of wire around the decoration and attach it to the form as you did the bundles. When adding embellishments, work in odd-numbered groupings, as they look more aesthetically appealing on a circle, say the floral experts at Team Flower. Twist all wire ends tightly to avoid scratching your door or wall when the wreath is ready to hang.
Hang the wreath
Place the wreath holder on your door or in another spot. Determine what is the top of the wreath and twist two pieces of your paddle wire together to thicken it. Fashion the wire into a loop shape so you will have a “hook” for hanging the wreath onto the holder, which makes it more secure.
Making a homemade wreath is inexpensive and a perfect craft project for the holiday season.
To our friends, neighbors, clients, and fellow business owners, Thank you for making Lindenhurst such a special place to live, work, and grow. This season may your homes be filled with warmth, your families with laughter, and your new year with endless possibilities and peace. It has been our honor to help so many of you open new doors in 2025. We look forward to continuing our journeys together in the coming year.
With our deepest appreciation and gratitude, JoAnn, Meryl, Kendra, and Kamryn
