January 18, 2023 North Babylon

- West Babylon’s

teams competed in the annual Long Island Science Olympiad Invitational on Jan.

Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District

Eagle Scouts David Brown And Andrew Jimson Recognized

EAGLE SCOUTS

itself. It is important to learn from our history and not let historic landmarks like this just disappear and become forgotten about.” Pictured L. to R.: Eagle Scout David Brown (West Islip) Councilman Terence McSweeney and Eagle Scout Andrew Jimson (Babylon Village) both of Troop 1.

5 year old female. Labrador mix. Smart and affectionate.

RECOGNIZED - David Brown and Andrew Jimsons’ Eagle Scout project was to landscape and fix the graves at Babylon Rural Cemetery. Both boys spent time respecting every headstone, cleaning them, and bringing new life to the legacy of every fallen soldier and civilian. Eagle Scout Andrew Jimson said some of the tombstones dated back to the revolutionary war. Councilman McSweeney was on hand to congratulate and present a proclamation to both boys, adding,”History will repeat

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for January is Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

www.pal-o-mine.org

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today!

“2023 will be a year of physical growth with our new educational center and treatment clinic, as well as spiritual growth by continuing to serve the many who need our 13 acre farm and herd to help them heal from trauma, grow in personal strength and learn new things to brighten their future,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. The organization will be o ering various events throughout 2023, some of which are noted below.

February 15th they will kick-o a 3 month virtual Hay Drive Fundraiser. “We’ve been holding this Fundraiser once a year for 3 years now because in the last few years the cost of hay has tripled,” said Lisa. “Every penny donated through this fundraiser goes directly to helping us buy hay for our herd. I’d like to warmly thank everyone in advance for their support and donations, it truly helps us more than you know.” This year they are proud to o er a new text to donate feature. More information is available on their website (www.pal-o-mine.org).

Additionally, May 3rd through May 7th from 9:30AM-2:30PM they are holding their annual J-STEP Spring Craft Fair at their farm, located at 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia.

J-STEP, which stands for Job Security Through Equine Partnership, is their Vocational Program. The program o ers a paid internship that runs 5 days per week for people with disabilities who are 18 years or older. Every item showcased at this fair is handcrafted by the J-STEP interns.

Lastly, May 4th from 6PM-9PM they will hold a Stable Spirits Art Show and Auction in their barn. This will be a night you won’t want to miss, filled with local wine and cheese, creativity and philanthropy! Pal-O-Mine will proudly feature up and coming artists in individual “stalls” in the barn and proceeds from each sale will go towards building their new educational center and clinic.

If you are interested in finding out more about their J-STEP Program or learning about the opportunity to have your art displayed at the Stable Spirits Art Show, contact Tessa at TessaVF@pal-o-mine. org. For more general information about Pal-O-Mine, call 631-348-1389, visit their website (www.pal-o-mine.org), Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram. If your nonprofit would like to be featured in this column,

Call To Artists: The Art of Carnaval

BACCA (Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts), Harper Bella, and Jose Tutiven - the Artists Create Change project and partnership through CRNY - invite artists to participate in “The Art of Carnaval,” the opening

event of an ongoing project celebrating art forms that are part of global carnival festivals. Five artists will be chosen to have their work displayed at the BACCA Arts Center, 149 N. Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY, at the opening event and

celebration on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 and in the Arts Center display window from February 21st through March 31, 2023.

The jurors will also present a virtual exhibition of works curated from the entries received (in addition to

Which of These Costly Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make When you Sell Your Long Island Home?

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the five selected for the opening event), which will be available to view from February 22nd through May 1, 2023.

The deadline to submit work is Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 11:59PM EST. There is no entry fee; submissions are free to all. The jurors are Harper Bella and Jose Tutiven. For entry information visit https:// www.babylonarts.org/artof-carnaval .

Artists are encouraged to submit original art in any medium that focuses on the global themes of Carnival:

• Culture, ritual, tradition

• Freedom, liberation

• Disguise, masquerade, identity, authenticity

• Excess, abundance

• Celebration, festivity, play

• Unity, connection, collective revelry, community

• Renewal

Carnival is celebrated in

over fifty countries across the world, each with its own cultural traditions, rituals, symbolic imagery, and art forms. Carnival (Carnaval in Spanish, Portugese, and French-speaking countries; Carnevale in Italy; Fasnacht in Switzerland); Karnawal in Poland; and Karneval in Croatia and Germany), is the festivity that takes place in many countries around the world during the last days and hours before the Lenten season. Carnival originated as a nonreligious festival in ancient Egypt to mark the end of winter and welcome spring.

For more information about BACCA’s involvement with the Creatives Rebuild New York Artist Employment Program, and about Harper Bella and Jose Tutiven, visit https://www. babylonarts.org/creativesrebuild.

About BACCA

The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts is a notfor-profit arts organization

bringing theater, music, fine arts and cultural events to the residents of the Town of Babylon, NY. Please visit our website at www.babylonarts.org for a complete listing of our programs and events, or to find information about becoming a member. Email: info@babylonarts.org.

BACCA’s programs are made possible in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the County of Suffolk, County Executive Steven Bellone and the Suffolk County Legislature, the Town of Babylon, Supervisor Rich Schaffer, the Town of Babylon Local Development Corporation (LDC), the Lindenhurst Business Improvement District, and from membership and private contributions.

Moose Corner

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Lindenhurst Moose Lodge 1421 883 South Broadway Lindenhurst, NY 11757 ***

All of the Following events are for Members and Qualified Guests.

Our Social Quarters Open ~ 6:00pm to 10:00pm - Sun, Mon, Tues, & Thurs. 6:00pm to 12:00am - Friday & Saturday

** Kitchen Open Monday, Thursdays and Sunday 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm

** Event Tickets are available in the Social Quarters. Please ask your server. ***

~Saturday Nights~ Queen of Hearts Drawing is at 9:00pm every Saturday.. Tickets are ONLY available in the Social Quarters to Members who are in good standing. Please have your I.D. card

Buffet Buffet Includes:

Continued On

With Winter Heating Season Nearing, PSEG Long Island Customers May Be Eligible For Assistance

As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island recognizes that many households are facing challenging times and wants to remind its customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.

“Everything is more expensive today, and PSEG Long Island continues to work hard to provide our customers with safe, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services.

“To help manage energy use and costs, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. We also know many of our customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs.

Colder weather is coming, which will mean higher heating costs. We urge our customers to act now, and we’re here to help.”

The costs associated with purchasing fuel for electric power supply are directly passed through to the customers. With energy costs rising due to global conflict, inflation, and high demand as the winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island understands the impact this increased financial burden can have on its customers.

In accordance with a policy established by the LIPA Board of Trustees, a hedging program is in place to reduce the volatility of power supply costs for customers. Hedging provides price stability in case of unforeseen commodity market and weather events that drive up prices. In addition,

PSEG Long Island and LIPA work to further mitigate the monthly volatility to customers as costs materialize.

How Customers Can Lower Their Bills

The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:

• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs.

ENERGY STAR estimates that properly used programmable thermostats can save the average American household about $180 a year. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.

• Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.

• Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.

• Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.

• Seal windows and doorframes with

weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.

• Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.

• Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Robust rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units, ducted geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort PLUS program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.

• More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at https:// www.psegliny.com/ saveenergyandmoney/ energystarrebates.

Assistance Available To Those Struggling With Bills

PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.

Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance

programs offered by New York State:

· The New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program: Customers enrolled in PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program will automatically receive a credit toward their arrears as of May 1, 2022, via this new, state-run program. Customers who meet the eligibility requirements and have not yet enrolled in the Household Assistance Program have until Dec. 31, 2022 to enroll in the Household Assistance Program to qualify for this bill credit.

· Customers who have received a payment on their PSEG Long Island account through the New York State-administered Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) also qualify for the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program. As ERAP payments continue to be received, the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program will remain open through Dec. 31, 2022.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to

eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485 and still qualify for benefits. This benefit is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/ programs/heap/.

Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating fuel source. This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 3, 2023. If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/

· For low-income house-holds facing noheat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting applications

for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/

Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance rate and the residential energy affordability program providing energy efficiency measures and suggestions to help lower consumption.

BMGS Art Students Take Part In PTA Reflections Contest

Theme For The 2022-2023 Contest Is ‘Show Your Voice’

Three Babylon Memorial Grade School student artists are taking part in the national PTA Reflections Contest. The artists are 4th grader Alicia G, 5th grader Michael P. and 6th grader Mia P. They will join student artists from across the country participating in this longrunning national program.

The theme for this year’s Reflections contest is “Show Your Voice.” Students in age groups ranging from Pre-K through high school can submit their completed work in the categories of dance choreography, music composition, film production, photography literature or visual arts. Alicia, Michael and Mia submitted their works in the visual arts category.

The Reflections contest draws more than 300,000 submissions and helps students explore their feelings through different forms of expression all while

building confidence in their artistic skills. The winners of the contest are announced in May.

Using Time More Wisely

Committing to using time more wisely is a popular New Year’s resolution each year. Though millions of individuals can undoubtedly find various ways that they waste time each day, the most significant ways time is wasted by the average person may be somewhat beyond the individual’s control.

According to a 2022 survey commissioned by Duolingo and conducted by OnePoll, more than 50 percent of the 2,000 people surveyed indicated waiting on hold while

on the phone is their biggest time waster. Other significant time vampires include standing in lines (45 percent) and sitting in traffic (44 percent). These time wasters are so significant that those behind the poll estimated that the average person loses one month of their life every year doing

nothing. But all hope is not lost. Individuals who want to cut down on all that wasted time can call customer service hotlines during off-peak hours (generally considered to be before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.), shop online or during off-peak hours (grocery stores tend to be less busy in early mornings and on weeknights than weekend mornings and afternoons), and utilize public transportation to get to and from work so their commutes can be spent doing something productive and not sitting idly in traffic.

Mr. Haubrich, from left, 5th grader Michael P. and Ms. Fretto.

Mr. Haubrich, from left, 4th grader Alicia G. and Ms. Fretto.

Principal Jeffrey Haubrich, from left, 6th grader Mia P. and Assistant Principal Lauren Fretto.

Daniel Schleyer Honored For Achieving Rank Of Eagle Scout

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) recently joined the family, friends and fellow members of North Babylon Boy Scout Troop 399 in honoring Daniel Schleyer of North Babylon on earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest-recognized achievement bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America to its members.

The Court of Honor for

Mr. Schleyer was held at North Babylon High School on December 17, where he received many accolades for his distinction, including from Legislator Donnelly who presented him with a county proclamation. For his Eagle Scout project, Mr. Schleyer cleaned out, painted, put up lighting and built shelving for a newly created Food Pantry in the basement of Cross of Christ Lutheran

Church, Babylon. Once the pantry was running, Mr. Schleyer also contributed a monetary donation

“I commend Mr. Schleyer on an innovative and thoughtful project after he identified a community need as a member of the church,” said Legislator Donnelly. “He has demonstrated leadership, character and a true commitment to the community. I know his

family is rightfully very proud of him and it is an

honor to join them in recognizing and thanking him for all that he has done.”

DANIEL SCHLEYER HONORED - Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly presents a proclamation to Eagle Scout Daniel Schleyer of North Babylon at his Court of Honor on December 17 at North Babylon High School.

Toast,

6:00pm - 8:00pm Pasta Bar and Buffet with all the fixings your choice of pasta and sauces $14.00 per person Children under age 12 half price.

Contact Sal Dilluvio 516-359-5857

***

Moose Corner

Complete dinner, Dancing, Prizes & Raffles $35.00 Per Person - Doors Open at 6:30pm For Tickets call John 631767-0788 or Doug 631-8314195

***

Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Dining doors are open 10:00am - 12:00Noon $14.00pp - Children under 12 are 1/2 price for more Information Contact: Sal Dilluvio 516359-5857 ***

~Tuesday January 24th ~ Pasta Night All you can eat Buffet & Pasta Station Dining doors are open

~ Saturday February 4th~ Come out and Rock with The Mutant Kings! Decades of Rock & Roll 50’s, 60’s & 70’s at: The Lindenhurst Moose Lodge 883 South Broadway Lindenhurst.

~Sunday February 5th~ Family Brunch Buffet and Omelet Station

All you can eat Buffet includes: Eggs, Omelet Station, Bacon, Sausage, Home Fries, Pancackes, Sausage Gravy over Biscuits, Fresh Baked Muffins, Toast, Hot Dish, Deli Platters & Trimmings. Orange Juice, Coffee, Tea,

~Sunday February 12th ~ Annual Social Quarters Super Bowl Party!! Super Bowl LVII is On! Doors Open at 5:30 pm ~ Game starts at 6:30pm Enjoy the game on 5 TV’s ~ Hot and Cold Buffet ~ Raffles, 50/50, Door Prizes, Cornhole, L.R.C., Cellophane Balls,

Touchdown Shots!! Tickets are $10.00 per person and available in the Social Quarters. Please RSVP by February 8th 2023 Bridgette 631-988-4589, Linda 631-848-1846, Theresa 631-252-4203

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::SAVE THE DATES:: February 11th - Country Night February 18th - Family Breakfast

All Members must present there Membership Card upon entering the building, If you do not have your

Membership Card you must sign the guest book.

Please Call the Social Quarters after 6:00pm 631226-4364 for more information on all Dates and Events Listed.

Thank you for supporting our Community, Mooseheart, Moosehaven & Our Lodge. LIKE us on FacebookLOOM1421 (The Official Lodge Page) Check out our NEW website: http://www. mooselodge1421.com

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

GET YOUR AD NOTICED!

Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

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

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

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET?

SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET?

SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

Hints For Home Buyers

Debunking The Five Myths That Deter Homeownership

(NAPSI)—Buying a home can seem daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers facing record housing prices, tight supply, and rising interest rates. Quite often, misconceptions about homeownership discourage prospective buyers from starting a search even before it begins.

The good news is homeownership can be much closer than you think. Lisa Frison, Head of Financial Inclusion and Racial Equity at Citi, recalls that growing up her parents rented their home for years before eventually becoming firsttime homebuyers. “Even so, I found myself struggling to understand what I needed to do and what resources were available to me when I was ready to buy my first home nearly a decade later,” she says. Here Frison debunks these Top 5 Myths to help you get on track to building generational wealth through homeownership.

1. I Don’t Have Credit (a FICO Score). Nearly 11% of Americans (50 million people) are “credit invisible,” according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, meaning they have no or limited credit history. This disproportionately affects diverse and underserved communities. To help, Citi’s

HomeRun mortgage program offers non-traditional ways to demonstrate credit readiness, such as providing proof of paying rent, utilities or other monthly payments.

2. I Don’t Have Enough Money Saved. You may have more money than you think. Many banks offer programs for new homebuyers that do not require mortgage insurance for those qualifying. Also, HomeRun has some mortgages for as little as 3% down, with a minimum 1% borrower contribution. This, along with the bank’s Lender Paid Assistance, which provides up to $7,500 closing cost funds that do not need to be paid back, saves qualifying borrowers thousands of dollars in closing costs, helping them afford more house. These programs are offered only in select markets and have income limitations.

3. I Should Start House Hunting with a Realtor. It seems logical to begin with a real estate agent but your best bet may be to start with your lender, who can explore homebuyer assistance programs with you and give you a realistic view of what you can afford through a prequalification or pre-approval. A real estate agent will then narrow the search to help you find the right home for you and your budget.

4. I Earn Too Much to Qualify for Assistance. Lender assistance programs may be more expansive than you think, especially in response to inflation and rising home prices. For example, Citi has increased lending assistance to borrowers with income up to 120% of median income— up from 80% of the median local income. The bank’s loan officers can tell customers where their income is relative to the local median family income and also whether a property is located in an eligible census tract.

5. I Should Keep Renting Because I Missed the Market and Now I’m Priced Out. Firsttime or affordable homebuyer programs can help you get on the path to buying a home you can afford. Remember, a home is more than a place to live and build memories—it is a way to build wealth that you can pass on to future generations. That’s something you can’t achieve by renting.

Learn More

For more information, visit www.citi.com/mortgage/ community-lendinghomerun.

Recycling Is Good For The Economy

The statistics are in… recycling is not only good for the environment, but also for the economy. And a standout economic success story in recycling is HELPSY!

The environmental benefits of recycling are well documented and by themselves warrant a more sustainable lifestyle. With information gathered by the Recycling Economic Information Project (REI), an organization created in 2001 to encourage the development of an economic market for recycling and supported by the EPA, it is proven beyond a doubt that recycling not only conserves natural resources

but recycling also strengthens our economy by creating jobs, wages and creating tax revenue.

A 2020 REI report showed the recycling industry (including glass, paper, plastics, rubber, electronics, organic and construction and demolition materials) across the board created 681,000 jobs, $37.8 billion in wages, and $5.5 billion in tax revenue. Furthermore, on average… 1.17 jobs were created for every 1000 tons of recycled materials.

Rising above the rest by comparison, with 270 employees, HELPSY is the largest clothing collection

company on the East Coast and collects 15,000 tons of textiles every year…amounting to 18 jobs for every 1000 tons.

“HELPSY’s environmental mission is to radically change the way people think about clothing reuse and recycling. In the process of serving this mission, it has created hundreds of living wage jobs, saved municipalities millions of dollars in disposal fees, and has reduced the enormous environmental burden of the second most polluting industry in the world,” says Dan Green, Co-Founder and CEO of HELPSY.

Over the past year, HELPSY has worked with 113 municipal

recycling departments and collected approximately 1.7 million pounds of textiles from those collaborations. Through a combination of clothing drives, home pick-ups, thrift store partners and clothing receptacles located in 10 states, HELPSY diverts nearly 30 million pounds of textiles from landfills every year. Considering those numbers, recycling clothes makes sense both environmentally and financially. For additional information about HELPSY or to join in our environmental preservation efforts, contact info@helpsy.co.