July 16, 2025 Babylon by Long Island Media Group

OUTDOOR living living A rundown on decking materials

Decks are centerpieces of many backyard retreats, and these spaces can add value to properties. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, the average return on investment (ROI) of a deck is between 60 and 70 percent, and some homeowners may recoup as much as 80 percent of their investment in a new deck.

Certain factors can affect how much value a deck adds, including the material from which the deck was made. Homeowners have different options in regard to materials when they are considering building a new deck.

Pressure-treated wood

Wood has been a staple building material for as long as trees have been hewn for construction. Pressure-treated wood is a popular decking option. The wood is chemically treated and put into a pressure chamber to reinforce it and delay deterioration. Pressure-treated wood decks are popular because they are cost-effective to build. Many homeowners also ﬁnd the natural wood aesthetic to their liking in a backyard environment. While pressure-treated wood decks are among the ﬁrst considerations, homeowners should realize that they require regular upkeep, such as sanding,

staining and sealing to maintain appearance and durability. Although treated for longevity, pressuretreated wood decks are not indestructible and may crack and warp, with eventual replacement after 15 years, according to Timber Tech.

Composite

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood ﬁbers and plastic. Moisture Shield Composite Decking says the ratio of wood ﬁbers to plastic

varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Since it often is made from recycled materials, composite decking is considered an eco-friendly choice. This decking material is designed to be lowmaintenance and durable. Composite decking lasts longer than natural wood and does not require sanding, staining and sealing to stay in top form. It also resists rot and insect damage. These beneﬁts come with a higher cost than wood, and the material also can get hot underfoot if the deck is a darker color.

PVC

PVC decking is an alternative to other types of deck materials. It is made entirely from plastic, setting it apart from composite, which has natural wood ﬁbers in it.

Similar to composite, PVC comes with a higher initial cost than wood decks. But that can pay for itself over time since PVC is durable and essentially maintenance-free. Decks & Docks says PVC is a good material to use in water-prone areas. Some are designed to be slip-resistant and can mimic the look of real wood.

Homeowners have many choices when choosing deck materials, making it possible to ﬁnd an ideal option that aligns with their lifestyles and budgets.

OUTDOOR living

Features to accommodate outdoor cooking Features to accommodate outdoor cooking

Variousthings come to mind when pondering outdoor entertaining. Outdoor living spaces run the gamut from expansive oases with a pool, hot tub and room to lounge to smaller areas with some seating that allows hosts and guests to enjoy some fresh air. One common theme in most outdoor living spaces, regardless of their size, is an area to cook, typically over an open ﬂame.

Grilling is wildly popular. According to the grilling experts at Traeger, roughly 128 million households across the United States owned a grill in 2020. Grills are similarly popular in Canada, where a 2023 poll from Ipsos-Reid found that 78 percent of Canadians own a grill. Outdoor cooking is a staple of life in the U.S. and Canada, and this popular means to meal preparation can be made even more enjoyable with a few simple upgrades to an outdoor living space.

• Natural gas grill: Natural gas grills are designed to be connected with a home’s natural gas line. That can make it more convenient to grill, particularly for people who grill often and do not want to deal with charcoal and propane tanks that require routine trips to a grocery store or other retailer to resupply. With a natural gas grill, cooks can ﬁre up the grill at any time just like they would when using a gas stove indoors.

• Refrigerator: Incorporating a refrigerator into an outdoor living space can make outdoor cooking more convenient. Depending on the size of the appliance, an outdoor refrigerator can store condiments and sauces, saving cooks the trouble of walking back and forth between indoor and outdoor living spaces to gather supplies for cooking. A slightly larger outdoor refrigerator also can be used to store the food that will be cooked on the grill, affording cooks more time to spend outdoors.

• Outdoor pantry: An outdoor living space that incorporates a pantry to store dishes and tools of the barbecuing trade, like spatulas and tongs, can make grill sessions easier for cooks. When planning a new outdoor living space, a pantry can be incorporated into the design. If augmenting an existing space, standalone pantries can provide similar functionality as built-in alternatives.

• Outdoor sink: All those utensils and cooking instruments will ultimately need to be washed. An outdoor sink ensures utensils and tools can be washed and dried outside, saving hosts the trouble of carrying items in at the end of the night only to return them to the outdoor pantry the following morning. An outdoor sink also makes it easier to rinse vegetables before cooking them over an open ﬂame.

• Garden bar: Grilling can be a rewarding but lonely undertaking. Grills often are set away from outdoor dining tables so guests can comfortably converse and eat without being drowned out by the sizzle of the grill or overwhelmed by smoke that can come pouring out when opening the grill lid. A garden bar that’s adjacent to the grill can provide a gathering space for guests and ensure cooks aren’t spending the duration of a gettogether going it alone.

Outdoor cooking is wildly popular, and might prove even more so when incorporating various convenient features into an exterior living space.

Babylon Public Library

24 S. Carll Ave. Babylon, NY Erin White 631.669.1624

***

ADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Games

Mondays, July 21, & 28 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.

Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, & 25 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.

Nutrition By Amal: Snack Smart Sorbet

Wednesday, July 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Get creative about healthy eating with Clinical Dietitian Amal Villoth. Tonight’s menu: Homemade Fruit Sorbet with Acai powder followed by a refreshing summer

drink: Hibiscus Iced Tea. Tastings of both will be provided. We will learn how to make these popular treats low sugar, hold the guilt! Registration is required.

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OUTDOOR living living Must-have features when outﬁtting an outdoor living space

Outdoorliving spaces are wildly popular.

A 2024 poll of more than 1,000 homeowners conducted by Thumbtack found that 29 percent of respondents intended to spend as much as $5,000 improving their outdoor spaces in the coming months.

There’s much to gain from upgrading outdoor living spaces. In addition to the improved functionality and additional usage residents get to enjoy when upgrading these spaces, such projects can help to improve resale value. In fact, a 2021 survey of real estate agents conducted by HomeLight found that a new patio provided an average return on investment of 109 percent.

There’s much to gain in both the short- and longterm when upgrading an outdoor living space. The following are a handful of must-have features to make such spaces an even better addition to a home’s existing layout and landscape.

• Multi-functionality: The home renovation experts at This Old House note versatility in an outdoor living space can set a stage for relaxation, entertaining and family activities. Outdoor living spaces tend to be most useful when they’re multifunctional, providing a space where residents can relax on weekend mornings and evenings throughout the week while also offering the potential to entertain crowds during

backyard barbecue season. Homeowners can keep this in mind and prioritize multifunctionality when designing outdoor living spaces.

• Seamless connectivity with interior designs: Though outdoor living areas were long viewed as areas wholly separate from home interiors, that traditional outlook has changed in recent years. In a 2024 survey conducted by Fixr, 78 percent of industry experts noted a coherent indoor-outdoor design was the most popular outdoor living space trend that year. This design

choice suggests an outdoor living space is an extension of the home as opposed to a wholly separate area.

• Comfortable seating: The days of stackable plastic lawn chairs are largely a thing of the past. Modern outdoor living spaces offer comfortable, all-weather seating where residents and guests can gather to relax and engage in conversation. Accent tables to place drinks and other items is another nice touch that can add to the comfortﬁrst feel of an outdoor space. Modular furniture merits homeowners’ consideration, as such furnishings can be customized and rearranged for each gathering and might prove easier to store for homeowners who will be taking the seating in over the winter.

• Lighting: Of course, summer gatherings in outdoor living spaces have a tendency to continue past sundown. Proper lighting can ensure spaces are safely navigated when the sun goes down. Sufﬁcient lighting also enhances the visual appeal of the space while facilitating conversation when natural light is no longer enough to illuminate a space.

There’s no shortage of ways to create an aweinspiring outdoor living space. Homeowners can start with some must-have features and then build on the spaces as they see ﬁt.

Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Invites Long Islanders To The Grand Opening Of The New Barbara Rabinowitz

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will hold a grand opening ceremony for its new Long Island-based AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center (149 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville, NY 11701), on Thursday, July 24 at 11 am. Residents are invited to attend the ceremonial ribbon cutting and take tours of the center, which provides daily programming for Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias, free memory screenings for Long Islanders, and more. RSVP by contacting the center at 631-223-4000.

“Whether it’s free community programs, free memory screenings, and more, the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center is a new, valuable community-

based resource for Long Islanders,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “We invite Long Islanders to help us cut the ribbon on July 24 and see what the new center has to offer.”

Centrally located in Amityville, the 11,500 square foot, state-ofthe-art AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center — the first of its kind on Long Island — is accessible to the nearly 3 million residents of Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The center offers free daily programming to Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Community programs include music; creative arts; movement and motion; and brain games. The center also offers free, confidential memory screenings to

Education & Resource Center In Amityville

Long Islanders of all ages, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Additional information

about upcoming programs is available at afalongisland.org.

Residents interested

in attending the July 24 ribbon cutting can RSVP by contacting the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz

Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000.

EXOTIC WAREHOUSE

Presiding Officer Mccaffrey Recognizes Christine Glynn In Celebration Of Women Veterans!

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Women Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces from across Suffolk County were honored for their service and sacrifice in helping to protect our freedom and liberty.

With these presentations, each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature helped mark Women Veterans Recognition Day by introducing a deserving women veteran from their district at Tuesday’s General Meeting of the Legislature. Women Veterans Recognition Day, celebrated annually on June 12th, marks the 1948 signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allowing women the right to permanently serve in the regular armed forces.

“It is a special privilege to honor Suffolk’s women veterans each year. Beyond the uniform, their service continues in our communities. And throughout America’s history, women have served in wars and conflicts from the Revolutionary War on,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. “Today, women serve in all military specialties, including logistics, munitions, intelligence, and even combat. Their contributions are vital to what many consider the strongest, most professional, educated, and agile military our nation

has known. Despite their longstanding service, many women veterans struggle to be recognized, respected and valued as veterans in civilian life. After all they have done and continue to do, women veterans certainly deserve our support and respect.”

“From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Christine Glynn, who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988, and during her 26-year service career served as a presidential security guard, military police person, administrative chief, and personnel officer, retiring

as a Warrant Officer 4,” said McCaffrey. “She’s currently the senior marine instructor for the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Lindenhurst High School, helping to influence today’s youth and mold them into tomorrow’s leaders through thousands of hours of community service and volunteerism. She has also served as chairperson of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Women Veteran’s Advisory Board, as a member of the Suffolk County Task Force to assist retired veterans, the Northwell Health Women Veterans Health Initiative Board, and the National Women Marines Association.”

Christine proudly maintains a bachelor’s degree in Small Business and Entrepreneurship and a master’s degree in work and labor policy with a dual certification in Veteran Services; but she says her most successful accomplishments are her two children; Kyle and Morgan. And with her first two grandchildren on the way, life is only getting better!

Outdoor living spaces are a good investment

Outdoor

living spaces are a good investment for homeowners seeking to enjoy their home exteriors to the fullest, and that investment continues to pay dividends when homes are put on the market. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, a number of outdoor living upgrades provide a sizable return on investment (ROI) when homeowners put their properties up for sale. According to the report, a wood deck could recoup up to 82 percent of the original cost at resale, meaning a job that comes in around the national average price of $17,000 could net $14,000 at resale. An outdoor kitchen could prove an even better investment in terms of ROI, as Remodeling magazine indicates such a feature nets a return between 55 percent and 200 percent at resale depending on the location of the home and the materials used for the project.

JULY HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, JULY 18th

7:00AM-Community Ride registration

9:00AM-Opening Ceremony + Community Ride Begins COMMUNITY SOLDIER RIDE - BABYLON

The 18th annual event will be dedicated in memory and in honor of Chief John “Jack” Miller for his tireless contributions to the Babylon Soldier Ride for nearly two decades. In addition to Jack fundraising for the Wounded Warrior Project, he was a vital team member in Babylon. Join us for this unique 25-mile cycling event. Ride alongside the brave men and women who served our country in support of their journey to recovery. Show warriors they are never alone. Register at soldierrise.org/babylon. Start Location: Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy. Lindenhurst. For more information, please visit https://communityfundraising. woundedwarriorproject.org/ pages/1020?eventID=654

SATURDAY, JULY 19th

10:00AM-4:00PM ANTIQUE CAR SHOW

Wantagh Preservation Society's 4th Annual Antique Car Show.(Rain date Sunday July 20th) Wantagh Preservation Society Museum, 1700 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh. Cars from 1960's & older. Entrance fee $1. Refreshments for sale, 50/50 rafﬂe, music! Go inside Wantagh's 1885 Train Station, Wantagh's 1907 Post ofﬁce & get your free ticket to board the 1912 Jamaica Parlor car, (Parlor car open from 12 - 2pm). email-

HOLIDAYS

4th - INDEPENDENCE 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

Wantaghmuseum@gmail.com (Matt)

6:30PM-10:30PM

HAWAIIAN LUAU

Grab your grass skirt & Hawaiian shirt. Brumidi Lodge, Deer Park is hosting a HAWAIIAN LUAU. Hawaiian Style Buffet Dinner, Slushies & soda included, Tiki Bar, Brumidi’s Famous Hawaiian Entertainment DJ Gene & Joanne Spinning in the Music Hut. Rafﬂes & Much More Summer Fun For tickets and more information, please call Anita 631-422-6914. Sons & Daughters of Italy in America 2075 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park.

SUNDAY, JULY 20th

11:00AM-4:00PM

SPIRIT OF SUMMER ART FESTIVAL Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Rd. N. Huntington Station. A day of celebrating inclusion and diversity in the arts, hand-made goods, community, food trucks, rafﬂes, games, music performances, fun crafts and activities for the whole family! Hosted by the Spirit of Huntington, a non-proﬁt community art center that teaches creative expression classes to all ages and all abilities. Connected with over 500 participants and dozens of local organizations across Long Island. For more information, please call 631-470-9620

MONDAY, JULY 21st

9:00AM-12:00PM

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 E. John Street in

Lindenhurst. July 21st through July 25th. Bible lessons, Music, Games, Crafts, Snacks, and more! FREE!! Grades K-6th. Register at https:// saintjohnsvbs.myanswers.com

SATURDAY, JULY 26th

10:00AM-4:00PM

BLOOD DRIVE

AT EAST GATE CHURCH

New York Blood Center Blood Drive at East Gate Church, 1150 Hicksville Road in North Massapequa, during the "Christmas in July" Family Fair. For more information, please call 516-731-3553

6:30PM

NIGHT AT THE RACES

Will be held at Wade-Burns VFW 7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue, Lindenhurst, Doors open 6:30 p.m. Admission $1. For more information, please call 631-888-9854

SUNDAY, JULY 27th

11:00AM-12:30PM

CARING FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM AND WALK

At Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown, they offer wildlife rehabilitation at their nature center and take care of injured, sick, and orphaned animals. In this presentation participants will meet some of the resident nonreleasable animals, ﬁnd out their stories, and learn what you can do to help wildlife in our area. If you’re interested in becoming a rehabber this a good ﬁrst step. For more information, please call 631-979-6344

OUTDOOR living

What are the three Bs of pool care?

Poolowners know that having a backyard swimming pool requires an investment of time and money, but the rewards can be well worth it. A summer spent ﬂoating or diving into crystal blue water is refreshing and energizing when temperatures climb.

Maintaining a clean pool environment may seem like it is relatively straightforward, but there is some effort and expense that comes with achieving sparkling water. Pool owners can familiarize themselves with the three Bs of pool maintenance (which actually can be considered six Bs, but more on that below).

Pool chemistry at its most simple

Pool water has to meet certain criteria to be safe for swimming. The water should feature the correct pH, which is a scale ranging from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or basic a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower numbers are acidic and higher numbers are alkaline. The Better Health Channel and additional pool maintenance resources recommend maintaining pool water pH between 7.2 and 7.8. This slightly alkaline level ensures chlorine can effectively kill germs, and prevents irritation, cloudy water and scaling.

Next up is the sanitizer used to kill germs in the water and prevent algae and mildew growth. Chlorine and bromine are the most commonly used sanitizers. APEC Water says that chlorine should test at 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm) for pools and hot tubs to effectively disinfect pools. Higher levels may be needed to treat algae blooms.

Finally, pool owners should be concerned with total alkalinity. Total alkalinity is the water’s ability to buffer against pH ﬂuctuations. Maintaining the right TA means you will not have to adjust pH too often. Products needed

Many chemical products sold at pool stores are designed to maintain the right water balance, and they are highly effective at doing so. However, cost-conscious pool owners may be surprised to ﬁnd they can use some common household items to adjust their water chemistry. This is where the three Bs come into play.

· Bleach: Sodium hypochlorite, better known as chlorine bleach, is an effective sanitizer. Unlike some other chlorine sources, bleach doesn’t add anything else to the water that can affect the chemistry or conditions, like calcium or stabilizer. Household bleach comes in different strengths. For those using it in pools, select non-scented, non-splashless varieties.

· Baking soda: Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and it can be used to adjust the water to achieve the correct total alkalinity. Trouble Free Pool advises a TA of around 80 ppm.

· Borax: Borax also is known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate or disodium tetraborate. It is commonly used as a laundry booster and cleaning agent, but is very effective at raising the pH of pool water to an acceptable level. It is the same chemical found in commercial “pH Up” products.

BHS Student Wins Countywide Art Contest

Emma Nopanen, a seventh grade student at Babylon Junior-Senior High School, has been named the winner of the Suffolk County Water Authority’s (SCWA) countywide art competition for grades 6–8. Her winning artwork, a vibrant depiction of the Babylon Pool, creatively captured the role of water in community life.

Selected from over 250 submissions, Emma’s

piece will be displayed at various public locations across Suffolk County, promoting awareness of water conservation and artistic excellence. The competition aims to engage students in reflecting on the importance of water in daily activities while showcasing young artistic talent.

“Congratulations to Emma on this fantastic achievement,” said Principal Al Cirone. “Her

work not only displayed a great deal of talent, but also captured a wonderful local slice of life here in Babylon.”

The SCWA’s annual competition encourages students to explore environmental themes through art. Emma’s success highlights Babylon’s commitment to fostering both artistic creativity and civic awareness among its students.

Did You Know?

Encouraging children to be physically active can be an important step in helping them to be healthier later in life. The Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN) says active kids are more likely to become healthy adults. Studies have shown that being physically active and making smart food choices while young can lead to a reduced risk of developing many serious health conditions later in life, which can include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and even certain cancers. Families can work together to help kids get on paths to better health and to become more active. This may involve putting limits on screen time and encouraging outdoor play and group active activities like sports or dance.

Emma Nopanen with her award-winning artwork. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District

OUTDOOR

Patios

continue to be more popular than decks. According to a tabulation of data from HUD/Census Bureau Survey of Construction from the National Association of Home Builders, the share of new homes with patios is on the rise while the share with decks remains low. The NAHB tabulation found that the percentage of new homes with decks was 17.6 percent in 2023, while the percentage of new homes with patios reached a record high of 63.7 percent in that same year. Though some homes feature both a deck and patio, the NAHB notes that’s the case in just 6 percent of properties. However, decks have remained a goto choice in certain regions of the United States. For example, the NAHB reports that 76 percent of new homes in New England featured decks while just 17 percent featured patios. Decks (42 percent) also proved more popular than patios (20 percent) in the mid-Atlantic region.

The Babylon High School Class of 2025 gathered for their graduation commencement on June 27, a bittersweet milestone marking their final moments together as peers. The ceremony featured reflections from students and administrators, celebrating the graduates’

Celebrating The BHS Class of 2025

journey and the lessons they’ll carry forward.

Valedictorian Riley Altman, also class president, spoke about the power of choices: “Every decision we make shapes who we become.” She shared how a teacher’s challenge to push herself taught her that “success isn’t something

that just shows up—it’s something you build.” Urging her classmates to embrace hard work, she added, “Find what makes you want to try harder, not because you have to, but because you want to.”

Salutatorian Jamisyn Cerny thanked her support system and reflected on

the class’s shared bonds. After overcoming writer’s block while writing her speech, she realized their greatest achievement was “the community we built—family, friendship, and belonging.” Quoting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, she reminded peers that material pursuits

matter less than connection: “What we’ll truly cherish are the relationships we’ve created over 13 years. This community remains, no matter where life takes us.”

Principal Al Cirone praised the class’s resilience, noting students who balanced jobs, family care, and personal challenges.

“That is growth. That is strength. That is Babylon,” he said. His 10 parting tips included gratitude, perseverance, and embracing individuality. His final advice: “Be you, boldly. Don’t fit in—stand out. Your story is unlike anyone else’s.”

Babylon Junior-Senior High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated its commencement on June 27. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District

NYS Comptroller’s Report Shows Babylon IDA Driving Economic Growth And Job Creation

Babylon IDA Projects Deliver $1.8 Billion In Value And Over 6,000 New Jobs

The Babylon Industrial Development Agency (Babylon IDA) remains a significant driver of job creation and economic development, as highlighted in the latest Performance Report on Industrial Development Agencies released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The 2025 report, which reflects data from fiscal year 2023, indicates that the Babylon IDA managed 171 active projects with a total value of approximately $1.88 billion. These initiatives are anticipated to create 6,123 new jobs and contribute to a net gain of 6,093 full-time equivalent positions in the Town of Babylon.

“This year’s report affirms the Babylon IDA’s commitment to generating real results--new jobs, stronger businesses, and a thriving tax base,” said Tom Dolan, CEO of the Babylon IDA. “We’re proud to see our strategic investments creating measurable and lasting economic benefits for the Town of Babylon.”

The report reveals that projects supported by the Babylon IDA have increased the number of full-time equivalent jobs from 7,674 before the agency’s involvement to 13,767 in

2023. This achievement includes the retention of 5,093 jobs and the creation of thousands more. These results showcase the Babylon IDA’s consistent success in fostering sustainable employment growth and enhancing the town’s long-term tax base.

The 171 projects supported by the agency delivered $24.45 million across the community through Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) last year—revenue made in place of traditional taxes that helps fund schools, roads, and other essential public services. These contributions reflect the agency’s approach to economic development: using targeted incentives to attract investment while ensuring that the community sees ongoing benefits in return.

On a statewide level, the report indicates that New York’s 4,260 active Industrial Development Agency (IDA) supported projects had a cumulative value of $135 billion in 2023, marking a $3 billion increase from the previous year. These projects are projected to generate over 212,000 new jobs and retain more than 228,000 existing positions. Total reported tax exemptions

approached $2.1 billion, with $1.7 billion attributable to property tax exemptions. Additionally, $869 million was collected in PILOTs, resulting in approximately $1.2 billion in net tax exemptions. Downstate regions, including Long Island, accounted for a significant portion of this economic activity.

“Our success is the result of local businesses, community leaders, and government partners working together to make the Town of Babylon as resilient and vibrant as possible, and our collaboration is a key part of making that happen,” added Dolan.

The Babylon IDA plays a pivotal role in fostering this growth by supporting projects that create permanent jobs and offer temporary employment opportunities during construction and development. The agency is dedicated to collaborating with local businesses and stakeholders to ensure longterm economic benefits for residents throughout the Town of Babylon.

For more information about the Babylon Industrial Development Agency and its current projects, please visit https://babylonida.org/.

New York Blood Center Issues Urgent Call For Donors As Blood Supply Drops 20% Ahead Of Trauma Season

New York Blood Center (NYBC) has issued an urgent call for blood donations, especially from those with types O+ and O- blood. The current supply of Oblood, the universal blood type used in emergencies, has dropped to a critically low two-day level, and overall collections are nearly 20% below hospital demand. NYBC expects to collect only about 6,500 donations this week, falling approximately 1,600

donations short of what is needed to maintain a safe and stable blood supply in New York.

Spring travel, school breaks, and packed calendars have kept regular donors away—leaving donation levels dangerously low at a time when they should be ramping up. Each year, more than 56,000 traumas are reported in New York State, most occurring between May and September when accidents,

car crashes, and violent injuries rise dramatically. Blood transfusions are often needed to treat traumas, and a spike in traumatic accidents can cause a strain on the blood supply.

Type O+ is the most common blood type, representing nearly 40% of the U.S. population. Type O- is the universal blood type and is commonly used in emergency settings. A shortage of both types,

both locally and nationally, poses serious concerns for our healthcare system, and the need for donors is critical.

“Spring can be an exciting season with warmer weather on the way and fun holiday celebrations, but it’s also a critical time of year for the blood supply,” said Andrea Cefarelli,

trauma-heavy summer season, the need is more urgent than ever. We’re calling on our community, especially type O donors, to roll up their sleeves and make a donation today. Your blood donation could be the lifeline that ensures our hospitals are ready to face any emergency that comes their way.”

and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.

Senior Vice President at New

York Blood Center.

“As we start to build our inventory ahead of the

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food

To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-9332566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time.

Construction site of The Wel in Lindenhurst

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the sliced potato in a large bowl and toss with two tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Line a baking sheet with foil and spread the slices in a single layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the potato is golden and tender. While still hot, loosen the slices with a spatula so they don’t stick.

2. Prepare a grill for direct cooking over high heat. Season the steak liberally on both sides with the salt and pepper. Grill the steak over the hottest part of the ﬁre for 4 minutes. Turn and grill for 4 minutes longer, until the steak is medium-rare and well charred. Remove and let sit for 5 minutes. Slice thinly.

3. Brush the grilled side of the pizza crust with the remaining one tablespoon olive oil and dust with the Parmesan. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar on top. Drop spoonfuls of the chunky tomato sauce onto the pizza. Top with the potato, red onion and the steak.

4. Grill the pizza with indirect heat. If your grill is still hot, move coals to one side or turn off one burner and allow

the pizza to cook on the side without a direct ﬂame. Grill the pizza for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and brown. The bottom may have a few black spots from charring. Optional: Broil the cooked pizza in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes more to caramelize the top.

5. Before serving, drop teaspoons of the sour cream onto the pizza, and garnish with the fresh chives.

Grilling the crust

To grill a pizza crust for this recipe, roll out to a 12-inch circle and place on a cookie sheet. Adjust the grill to reach a temperature of 400 F.

Slide the dough onto the grill. The dough should take about 3 minutes to cook. Watch for bubbles. The crust will be soft at ﬁrst and tear easily. To check doneness, lift the underside. It should be an even light brown with brown grill marks.

Pick up the crust using tongs and place it on your cookie sheet. Flip it over so the grilled side is face up. This browned side becomes the top of your pizza.

Continued From 5

Friday Films: Captain America: Brave New World

Friday, July 25, 2:00pm – 4:00pm We will be watching the film Captain America: Brave New World (2025). Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who’s officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), Sam finds himself in the middle of an international

incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. Rated PG-13. Running time: 118 minutes. No registration required

Healthy Spa Day: Aromatherapy Scrubs

Tuesday, July 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Get ready for a healthy spa day at home! Learn how to make all natural aromatherapy salt and sugar scrubs, calming lavender bath salts, a detoxifying oatmeal bath

Babylon Public Library

soak and an energizing coffee scrub. Presenter Janice Imbrogno will discuss how the use of natural products can help soothe, calm and invigorate your mood as well as improve circulation and the appearance of your skin. Each participant will make an orange creamsicle sugar scrub to take home and receive a sample of another demonstrated product. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.

AARP Defensive Driving Saturday, August

2,10:00am - 4:30pm

AARP 6-Hour Smart Driver Safety Course. The entire class must be attended to get credit for your insurance discount, which is good for 3 years. You must bring your driver’s license, your AARP membership card (if applicable), and cash or check payment for the course ($25.00 for AARP members, $30.00 for nonmembers). You should also bring a pen, lunch (you get a 30-minute lunch break and two 10-minute breaks as required by NYS), water, and anything that will

help you sit comfortably for 90-minute sessions. Please arrive a few minutes early to sign in and pay the required non-refundable fee. Registration is required. Participants arriving after 10:10am will not be admitted into the class.

TEEN PROGRAMS

Teens Dungeons & Dragons

Wednesdays, July 16, & 30

5:30pm - 7:30pm

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. New and experienced players welcome! Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Teens Beach Canvas

Paint Night Tuesday, July 22, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Paint a beach scene on a canvas - then add real sand and shells for a textured 3D finale! Artist Donna Krumm will be here to help guide you to a masterpiece. Grades 6-12. Registration required.

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BELGIAN BLOCKS, NEW STOOPS & REPAIRS ALL PHASES OF LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES & MAINTENANCE

MULCH, TOP SOIL, SEED, & TREE TRIMMING O-ROD

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