October 23, 2024 Deer Park by Long Island Media Group

Fall Senior Advocate Schedules

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Fall 2024 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 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 fall, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:

• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, November 1, 9 – 11 am

• North Amityville Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, November 13 & December 18, 10 am – 1 pm

• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesdays, November 6 & December 4, 8:30 – 11:00 am

• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesdays, November 13 & December 11, 8:30 am – 1 pm

• Spangle Drive Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays, October 29, November 26 & December 17, 12 – 3:30 pm

• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, November 21, 10 am – 12 pm

Continued On 12

Sen. Martinez Announces State Funds To Help Libraries Enhance Facilities

Several libraries serving the New York State Senate’s Fourth Senatorial District will soon be turning a new page as they improve their facilities to better serve patrons. State Sen. Monica R. Martinez announced today that the Babylon, Deer Park, West Babylon, and West Islip public libraries have been awarded more than $410,000 through the State Aid for Library

The grants awarded are as follows:

Construction program to make critical infrastructure improvements. These upgrades will allow the libraries to remain welcoming and functional spaces for the community.

Fall for the Beauty of the Pocono Mountains

“Much like a well-read book whose binding and pages wear down over time, so too does the physical library building,” said Sen. Martinez. “These renovations will ensure these community centers stack up to the demands

placed on them and provide safer, more accessible spaces where everyone can learn, connect, and grow. I’m proud to support these efforts to keep our libraries running smoothly for all who visit them.”

More than half of New

York’s public library buildings are over 60 years old, with many others facing challenges such as outdated infrastructure and limited accessibility. The State Aid for Library Construction program addresses these issues by providing critical support to modernize facilities so they can continue serving their communities effectively. The 2023-2024 state budget allocated $34 million in capital funds for public library construction, with some projects receiving up to 75% of eligible costs. These funds help libraries upgrade their spaces and adapt to evolving community needs, including projects that enhance heating and cooling systems, improve broadband access, create spaces for community activities, and make other essential renovations to ensure they remain welcoming, energyefficient, and fully accessible.

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, OCT. 25th

6:00PM-7:30PM

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Meet nighttime animals, play a game with prizes, and take a nighttime hike in the woods to see where creatures of the night make their homes. Please bring a picnic blanket to watch the animal presentations. You may want to apply bug spray as well. Cost: $20 per person. Ages: 7y and up. Limited tickets may be available at the door. No refunds for missing the event. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344

SATURDAY, OCT. 26th

10:00AM-1:00PM BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Lindenhurst Memorial Library, One Lee Avenue in Lindenhurst, is sponsoring a Book Sale, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am-10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the sale. For more information, please call 631-957-7755

10:00AM-2:00PM CARS & COFFEE

The South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road in Huntington Station will be hosting Cars & Coffee. Join the Centurion Cruisers Car Club in the parking lot for a day of classic cars and trucks. Enjoy coffee and meet other car enthusiasts. No entry fee. For more information, please call 631-549-4411

HOLIDAYS

2nd - Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown 11th - Yom Kippur begins at sundown 14th - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day 31st - Halloween

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

10:00AM-4:30PM APPLE FESTIVAL AND SCARECROW CONTEST

Fall in love with Autumn in Islip Town! The beloved Town of Islip Apple Fall Festival returns to the Islip Grange, 10 Broadway Ave. in Sayville. A day of family fun featuring craft vendors, amusement rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment, a festival food court, fresh apple desserts and so much more! And don't forget about the Scarecrow contest! Contest begins at 10:30. Rain Date: Oct, 27th. For more information, please call 631-224-5430, www.islipny.gov

1:00PM-3:00PM HOWL-O-WEEN PETS & PARTNERS PARADE

All domestic pets and their owners are welcome! Leashes, Carriers or Pens Please! Costumes for Pets and their Partners are encouraged. Prizes awarded for Best Costume. Free Treats, Rafﬂes, Music, compliments of Levittown's favorite DJ, Tim Aldredge! Bluegrass Lane is one block south of Hempstead Turnpike, 2970 Hempstead Tpk. in Levittown. For more information, please contact LevittownCouncil@yaloo.com

2:00PM-4:00PM

TRUNK OR TREAT

Simpson United Methodist Church, 30 Locust Avenue, in Amityville, is hosting a Trunk or Treat event. Vote for your favorite decorated car. Free Trick or Treating! Please come in costume. For more information, please call Mary at 516-991-8098

SATURDAY, OCT. 26th & SUNDAY, OCT 27th

11:00AM-4:00PM

OPEN HOUSE EVENT

Central Operating Lines Model Railroad Club, 50 A Carlough Rd. in Bohemia, is having an Open House. Come see their 1,600 square foot model train. Please bring an unwrapped toy to participate in their holiday toy drive. For more information, please call 631-563-0173

SUNDAY, OCT 27th

3:00PM

BRAHMS' GERMAN REQUIEM

The First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn will host a performance of Brahms' German Requiem in the church Sanctuary. The performance will beneﬁt the New Organ Fund at The First Presbyterian Church, located at 497 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn. For more information, please call the church ofﬁce at 631-261-2150, www. greenlawnpresbyterianchurch.org Facebook.com/First-PresbyterianChurch-of-Greenlawn

THROUGH OCT. 31st SEE BELOW FOR HOURS PUMPKIN PATCH

A Giant Pumpkin Patch at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 29 Brooksite Drive, in Smithtown. Many unique and regular pumpkins, all sizes. for more informtion, please see website: https://www.sthomasofcanterbury. net, or call 631-265-4520. Mon-Fri: 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Sat: 9 am – 5 pm; Sun: 12:00 pm - 5 pm

Town Board Honors Joseph Verdicchio

Jeff

ASSISTANT

Dorrine Lambert

Victoria

American Heritage month honored Joseph Verdicchio Past Grand

Pictured (l-r): Vito Langella, Ron Zito, Grand Knight Brian Breckles, Helga Verdicchio, Francesca Verdicchio, Mike

Verdicchio, Councilman Anthony Manetta, Carol DiPasquale, Vincent DiPasquale, Dan Calise, Gloria Maniaci

Members of Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club and Spanish Honor Society gathered on Sept. 20 at the Town of Babylon’s annual POW/MIA Vigil to honor the sacriﬁces of our veterans and remember those who remain unaccounted for. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

Members of Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club and Spanish Honor Society gathered on Sept. 20 at the Town of Babylon’s

Vigil

the sacrifices of our veterans and remember those who remain unaccounted

veterans and town residents stood united, holding

and remembrance, and student Sophia Sheeler sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Deer Park students volunteered their time with the veterans and shared a commitment to honoring their legacy, fostering a sense of community and respect.

“Through this meaningful participation, our students not only demonstrated their patriotism, but also reinforced the importance of remembering those who have served,” social studies teacher and Patriot Club co-adviser Joe Alo said. “Deer Park will continue to play a big role in this event for years to come.”

Joseph Kemp Honored For Achieving Rank Of Eagle Scout

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) recently joined the family, friends and fellow members of Deer Park Boy Scout Troop 86 in honoring Joseph Kemp of Deer Park on earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest-recognized achievement bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America. For his Eagle Scout Project, the Deer Park High School graduate organized a food drive to benefit those facing food insecurity

across Long Island. He collected approximately 3,000 pounds of nonperishable food for Long Island Cares, Inc., The Harry Chapin Food Bank based in Hauppauge. At the Court of Honor for Mr. Kemp, held at the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department headquarters on August 3, he received a County Proclamation from Legislator Donnelly along with many other accolades for his accomplishments.

“Mr. Kemp has

demonstrated leadership, character and a true commitment to the community by both raising awareness about the crisis of food insecurity and hosting a very successful drive that benefits so many of our neighbors,” said Legislator Donnelly.

“I know his family is rightfully very proud of him and it is an honor to join in recognizing him for all that he has done.”

HONORED FOR ACHIEVING RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT - Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly presents a County Proclamation to Eagle Scout Joseph Kemp of Deer Park at his Court of Honor on August 3 at the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department headquarters on Lake Avenue.

CLUES ACROSS

1. “60 Minutes” network

4. Train line

10. Go quickly

11. Straightforward

12. Canadian province

14. At any rate (abbr.)

15. Genealogy

16. Make changes

18. Utter repeatedly

22. In a way, turned up

23. Type of ship

24. Agents of one’s downfall

CLUES DOWN

1. A place to lounge

2. Skewed views

3. Peacefully

4. Commercial

5. Auxiliary forces

6. Large mollusk

7. Take out again

8. Sharp and forthright

9. Knight (chess)

12. Source of ﬁber

26. Not out

27. Something to scratch

28. Round water pot

30. Refreshing green fruit (slang)

31. Promotions

34. Primordial matters

36. One-time world power (abbr.)

37. Source of illumination

39. The content of cognition

40. An Arab ruler

41. South Dakota

42. Gnawed at with teeth

48. Hawaiian island

13. Flesh covering some birds’ beaks

17. Energy

19. Night monkeys genus

20. Small, sharp nails

21. Pleasant-smelling liquid

25. Afﬁrms one’s hold

29. CNN’s founder

31. Texans can’t forget it

32. “Oppenheimer” actor Matt

33. Expression

35. Vessel

50. Smaller

51. Of a single person

52. Rigid bracelet

53. Barbary sheep (Fr.)

54. Not even

55. Speciﬁc gravity

56. Engage in petty bargaining

58. Boxing’s “GOAT”

59. Split between parties

60. Notable offensive

38. Lacking poetic beauty

41. Tall, swift and slender dog

43. Sports personality Michelle

44. Robber

45. Liqueﬁed natural gas

46. Snakelike ﬁshes

47. The most worthless part of something

49. City in Crimea

56. Bad grades

57. Reichsmark

Did You Know?

Scholastic sports can teach student-athletes valuable lessons they take with them for a lifetime, all the while engaging them in the thrill of competition. High school student-athletes may aspire to continue their playing careers in college, but data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association indicates only a small fraction of young people will get that chance. The NCAA reports that roughly eight million students currently participate in high school sports in the United States, while less than half a million athletes compete at the collegiate level. Football is among the most popular sports at both the high school and college level. Though more than one million student-athletes compete in high school football, data from a recent NCAA Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report indicates that just a little more than 73,000 played college football during that school year.

Fall Senior Advocate Schedules

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 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 troublefree 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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POWER WASHING

Zaara Hossain Earns National Merit Commended Student Status

Deer Park High School senior Zaara Hossain was recently named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. She is one of only 34,000 Commended Students recognized nationwide for their exceptional academic achievement. Their high scores place them among

the top 50,000 students who took the 2023 PSAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“I’m glad that hard work pays off,” Hossain s

ea. MINT HOME S Alejandro Padron Associate Broker 516-428-5583

Legislator Tom Donnelly

Joins Spangle Drive Seniors For Fall Picnic

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) recently joined senior citizens in the Town of Babylon at the Spangle Drive Senior Center’s Fall Picnic. Held in North Babylon on Thursday, September 26, the event is one of the regular celebrations put on by the center and is always a festive and exciting day for Babylon seniors.

Under the current direction of Carolyn

Epifane, Spangle Drive

Senior Center was founded in 1972 as the first of the now six senior centers in the Town of Babylon. As with all of the centers, it serves as a recreation, socialization and information resource for local residents. This year’s Fall Picnic, moved indoors due to weather, did not stop senior citizens from enjoying good food, games and music.

“It’s always a pleasure

to spend time with our senior community, and the fall picnic at Spangle Drive was a wonderful opportunity to join in celebrating the changing season,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Center Director Carolyn Epifane and her entire staff always do a great job planning and executing programs that keep our seniors active and engaged and this event was no exception. We owe them our thanks everyday!

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, pictured third from right, joins from left to right, Cathy Moraglia of North Babylon, Carole Clancy of North Babylon, Senior Center Director Carolyn Epifane, Andrew Garguilo of Lindenhurst and Marion Sutton of West Babylon at the Spangle Drive Senior Center 2024 Fall Picnic on Thursday, September 26 in North Babylon.

Deer Park High School senior Zaara Hossain recently was named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District