April 10, 2024 North Babylon

IS IT A STROKE?

WHAT TO KNOW & WHERE TO GO

BE FAST to recognize stroke symptoms and get help immediately—because prompt treatment is crucial.

At Northwell's South Shore University Hospital, our 24/7 team of experts—and prestigious Comprehensive Stroke Center certification—mean we can effectively treat even the most complex stroke events within minutes. So recovery is within reach.

Northwell.edu /BEFAST

BALANCE off?

EYESIGHT changes?

FACE drooping?

ARM weakness?

SPEECH difficulty?

TIME to call 911, if “yes” to any of the above.

Maintaining A Lawn Routinely Roamed By Pets HOME & GARDEN

Vibrant, green lawns can draw attention to any landscape. Many homeowners toil for hours each week to ensure their lawns are pristine or invest in lawn care services to help maintain a yard if they do not have the time to do so themselves. While many treatments can be applied to lawns to help them thrive, animal waste is not among them. Pet owners who aspire to have beautiful lawns have to take a few extra steps to ensure lawns can persevere despite the presence of furry companions.

Reseed with a damage-resistant grass

There are many different types of grass, and some are more resilient than others. Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and Bermuda grass are just

some of the grass varieties that can capably handle pet traffic. If replacing the entire lawn is not possible, consider reseeding or addressing the areas that pets frequent.

Strengthen the root system

It may be tempting to cut the lawn short, particularly if dogs or cats like to nibble on long blades of grass, but that approach could be doing the lawn a disservice. According to The Home Depot, letting the lawn grow to at least three inches will keep moisture in the soil and prevent evaporation. That moisture will strengthen the roots, creating a healthier lawn.

Create pet paths

Various materials can be used in these high-

traffic areas to minimize the sights and signs of pet traffic. Mulch or crushed stone can establish these pet highways and look like intended features.

Set boundaries

Pet urine contains high levels of nitrogen, which can burn grass and turn it brown. It’s not possible to water down urine or pick up solid waste immediately every time a pet goes outdoors, so designate a pet-friendly spot for potty time. Use fencing or a dog run to separate this area and help mitigate “land mines” all over the lawn. Fencing also can keep pets out of vegetable gardens and away from potentially toxic plants.

Avoid chemical lawn treatments

When pets use the yard

North Babylon Honored For Music Program

North Babylon School District has been recognized as a Best Community for Music by the NAMM Foundation. This distinguished honor is awarded to school districts across the nation that demonstrate outstanding efforts and commitment to providing access to music education for all students. North Babylon has received this prestigious award multiple times since 2003, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the community. The NAMM Foundation assesses districts based on various criteria, including funding, curriculum and participation in music programs. This recognition highlights the district’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and high-quality music education to all students, equipping them with essential skills that extend far beyond the classroom. “I’m honored by our NAMM Best Community for Music designation,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, North Babylon School District’s director of music and art. “It celebrates North Babylon’s commitment to excellence in music and the transformative impact of music education. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our students, educators and supporters in fostering musical excellence.” Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District

and rest on the lawn, you’ll need to eliminate products that can be harmful to them. Choose all-natural fertilizers and weed and pest preventatives.

Look for alternatives

If maintaining a lawn with pets seems like an

uphill battle, consider swapping out your landscape with a variety of materials. Scale back on grass, and incorporate groundcover, hardscape materials like pea gravel, or extend the patio.

Artificial turf also is an option, as it won’t brown

and wither. Some turf products can even be quickly and thoroughly cleaned with water. It takes trial and error for pet parents to protect their lawns from the effects of having furry friends playing in the yard.

Tips To Revitalize A Garden This Spring HOME & GARDEN

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that pays a host of significant dividends. Many people love gardening because it allows them to spend time outdoors, and that simple pleasure is a notable benefit of working in a garden. However, the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture

notes that gardening provides many additional benefits, including helping people get sufficient levels of exercise, reduce stress, and improve mood. With so much to gain from gardening, it’s no wonder people look forward to getting their hands dirty in the garden each spring.

As the weather warms up, consider these tips to help bring a garden back to life.

• Discard the dead weight. Winter can take its toll on a garden, even in regions where the weather between December and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune any perennials that need it. Branches that fell during winter storms also should be removed at this point if they have not previously been discarded.

• Test the soil. Soil testing kits can be purchased at local garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such tests are inexpensive and can reveal if the soil needs to be amended to help plants thrive.

• Mulch garden beds. Mulching benefits a garden by helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating throughout spring and summer. That means plants won’t fight weeds for water when the temperature gets warmer. It also means gardeners won’t have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.

• Inspect your irrigation system. Homeowners with in-ground irrigation systems or above-ground systems that utilize a drip or soaker function can inspect the systems before plants bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads or torn lines can deprive

plants of the water they need to bloom and ultimately thrive once the weather warms up.

• Tune up your tools. Gardening tools have likely been sitting around gathering dust since fall. Serious gardeners know that tools can be expensive, so it pays to protect that investment by maintaining tools. Sharpened pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation

and infection. Wellmaintained tools like shovels and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a little bit easier, so don’t forget to tune up your tools before the weather warms up.

It’s almost gardening season, so gardeners can start on the necessary prep work to ensure their gardens grow strong and beautiful this spring.

A Rundown On DIY Demos HOME & GARDEN

Homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes likely want to make such projects as budget-friendly as possible. After soliciting estimates from contractors, homeowners may seek to do some work themselves to cut costs. That is why many individuals handle demolition and other preparatory tasks before contractors start. There are important things to keep in mind when doing a demo.

• Prybars are your friend. These tools, sometimes called crowbars, can be used to remove nails or pull materials apart.

• Cover vents in the

space where you’re working. Construction dust can be sucked into the HVAC system and cause furnaces to clog. This also may cause the distribution of dust throughout the home.

• Use safety gear. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, boots, and other equipment as needed to remain safe.

• Get a power saw. Circular and reciprocating saws can cut through various materials, making faster work of demolition.

• Exercise caution when removing drywall. You don’t know what is behind the drywall,

including electric wires, so be careful when choosing a spot to make the first hole in the drywall.

• Get a trash container with a gate. You’ll save yourself some aches and pains by being able to fill a wheelbarrow and dump it into the container, rather than tossing debris over the top.

• Bust up heavy or bulky items. Cast iron tubs and shower surrounds can be heavy and difficult to move. Unless it’s a family heirloom, cut or break large items into pieces to remove them more easily.

MILO

7 year old male Terrier mix, modest and mild mannerd. Loves to go on walks.

REDFORD

Adult male. Beautiful, sweet

Pizza

18” NEAPOLITAN PIE ..................................... $18.62 ... $17.99 +TAX

“Mozzarella & tomato sauce cooked to perfection”

SICILIAN PIE ............................................... $19.65 ... $18.99 +TAX

“Mozzarella & tomato sauce on a fluffy crust”

Dinner Specials

Includes Bread, Side Of Salad Or Pasta

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA................................... $17.58 ... $16.99 +TAX

CHICKEN FRANCESE ..................................... $17.58 ... $16.99 +TAX

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA................................. $17.58 ... $16.99 +TAX

EGGPLANT ROLLATINI .................................... $17.58 ... $16.99 +TAX

SHRIMP SCAMPI (8 PCS JUMBO) ...................... $17.58 ... $16.99 +TAX

SHRIMP PARMIGIANA (8 PCS JUMBO) ................. $17.58 ... $16.99 +TAX

CHICKEN FAJITA WRAP .................................. $13.40 ... $12.95 +TAX

SHRIMP FAJITA WRAP ...................................

WRAP

Renovations That Help Sell Homes HOME & GARDEN

The adage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home. Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell fast.

• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some doit-yourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.

• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider reglazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup

an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy investment.

• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52 percent of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawer-style microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.

• Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85 percent of the cost of new HVAC systems when they

sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.

• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eyecatching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscaping.

Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.

•

•

• Meatballs in Sauce

• Mussels Marinara

• Mussels Garlic & Oil

• Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe

• Penne alla Vodka

• Pork Filet Salpino

• Rigatoni Bolognese

• Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

• Sausage & Peppers

• Sausage & Potatoes

• Stuffed Chicken

• Stuffed Rigatoni

• Stuffed Shells

• Tortellini Alfredo

Antipasto (Choose One)

• Antipasto Platter

• Mozzarella Caprese Platter

• Cheese Platter

• Grilled Vegetable Platter

Salad (Choose One)

• Garden Salad

• Caesar Salad

• Giardinastro

• Spinach & Goat Cheese

• Arugula Salad

Main Course (Choose one per ten people. Must choose one pasta dish.)

Pasta (must choose one)

• Cavatelli Calabrese

• Farfalle Primavera

• Gemelli alla Gabriella

• Linguine w/ Clam Sauce

• Linguine ai Frutti di Mare

• Orzo Mediterranean

• Penne alla Vodka

• Penne Fantasia

• Shrimp Mia Poultry

• Chicken Adriana

• Chicken w/ Sauteed Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes

• Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Francese

• Chicken Grigio

• Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Chicken Sorrentino

• Grilled Turkey London Broil

• Roasted Turkey Breast

• Stuffed Chicken

• Brussels Sprouts

• Butternut Squash

• Eggplant Parmigiana

• Eggplant Rollatine

• Grilled Asparagus

• Grilled Potatoes

• Rice Primavera

• Roasted Potatoes

• Spaghetti Squash

From the Land

• Boneless Spare Ribs

Starch & Vegetables

• Grilled Pork Tenderloin • Grilled USDA Prime Flat Iron Steak

Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Support Group On Zoom

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program is forming a new online support group for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 18-months. The group, which is free, will provide the opportunity for people to meet with others, and receive support. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom for 6 weeks from May 2nd through June 6, 2024. For more information and to register, call Nina Foley, LMSW at (516) 877-4315.

The Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers emotional support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800877-8077 or online at breast-cancer.adelphi.edu. You are not alone.

Babylon Village Chamber Of Commerce And The Village Of Babylon’s Easter Bunny Parade And Easter Egg Hunt

Dispite the blustery cool morning many attended and anxiously awaited as the festivities commenced at 10:00 a.m. when “Patty Cottontail” was accompanied by Mayor Mary Adams as they commenced the Easter Bunny Parade around Argyle Lake as some donned Easter Bonnets.

Patty Cottontail stopped to high-five a young bunny eared bystander.

All participated in the festivities, family and friends.

Girlfriends gathering to meet Patty Cottontail, the cool thing to do!

Afterward, Patty Cottontail took photos with the picturesque background of Argyle Lake with all that joined the parade. By this time, Patty Cottontail was hungry and needed a nap.

On Saturday, March 30, 2024, the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce joined forces with the Village of Babylon’s Easter Bunny Parade around Argyle Park, Bunny Photos, and an Easter Egg Hunt that took place in the Downtown Babylon Village Business District.

April Happenings

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 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

7:00PM

HISTORY OF THE FIRE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

The Seaford Historical Society will host Angela Reich from the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. Her presentation will be about the history of the Lighthouse and it's historic rescues. Her book, "Shipwreck of Hopes", will be for sale that evening (cash only). Held at 3890 Waverly Ave in Seaford. Refreshments, raffles. $5 for nonmembers, free to members. For more info email mapfannon@verizon.net.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

10:00AM-1:00PM

WHITE ELEPHANT AND BAG SALE

The Simpson United Methodist Church in Amityville is having a thrift shop sale. Pack a bag of clothes for $5 or buy some thrift shop treasures. New and used items are available for sale. Located at 30 Locust Avenue, Amityville. Call Mary for more information at 516-991-8098. Donations are accepted.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

6:30PM

RADIO BINGO

The St. Rose of Lima Outreach in Massapequa is having a fun fundraiser. The event will take place in the school's all-purpose room. Admisson is $35 per person (over 21 please) and includes bingo, and refreshments. Tickets for raffle baskets and other prizes will be available for purchase. For more information call 516-798-6237.

7:00PM

SUPERMARKET WINGO AND CHINESE AUCTION

The Grace United Methodist Church is hosting a Supermarket WINGO and Chinese Auction. Doors open at 6PM. Admission is $10. For more information call 631-226-8690.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

8:00AM-10:00AM

FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER

Support the West Islip Boy Scout Troop 95 for a Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee's in East Islip. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $6 for children under 10. Tickets available at the door. For more information call 631-379-0577 or email mommymastro5@gmail.com. If you are unable to attend, donations are accepted by Venmo at @troop-95.

10:00AM-4:30PM

ALL KIDS FAIR

This year’s All Kids Fair will be held at Samanea New York Mall, formerly The Source Mall, at 1504 Old Country Road in Westbury. There will be various activities and for children such as face painting, balloon animals, ninja warrior obstacle course and more. Tickets can be purchased online, $5 for children ages 2 and up and adults, at www. AllKidsFair.com/Tickets. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for children ages 2 and up and $5 for adults. Children 1 and younger are admitted at no charge. Visit their website at www.AllKidsFair.com for more information.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

7:00PM

AUCTION/TRIVIA NIGHT

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Blue Door Boutique is sponsoring an auction/trivia night at the school auditorium, 240 South Wellwood

Environmental Scholarships Offered

Avenue, Lindenhurst. There will be a fun-filled night of trivia and exciting auctions. Admission is: $5 and includes an auction paddle and entrance to the trivia quiz. Admission tickets are available at the door. Proceeds benefit the Church. Email gtonness@optonline.net for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

10:30AM

GARDENING CLASS

A series of gardening classes created to address everything that's going on in your garden at the time of the class. Held at Organics Today Farm in East Islip. Visit OT Farm on Facebook for more info or text 631-480-6497.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

7:15PM-10:30PM

JINGO

The Constantino Brumidi Lodge n Deer Park presents JINGO, a fun spin on traditional bingo where bingo balls are replaced with music beats. Doors open at 6:30 PM $30 per person Includes: 1 JINGO packet, crayons or markers on the table,dessert, coffee/ tea, cash bar, and door prize. For tickets or more information call Karen at 631-943-3622.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

8:30PM

DRIVE-IN MOVIE

A charity drive-in movie, screening Back To The Future, at Costello's Ace Hardware in Copiague. Attend for a donation of any amount. Proceeds benefit Kids Need More, helping families coping with life-threatening illnesses. Just show up or reserve your parking spot on their website at www.kidsneedmore.org/movie.

The South Shore Audubon Society is offering two $1,000 scholarships for College juniors, seniors, or graduate students earning a degree in the areas of biological or environmental science. This includes wildlife management, forestry, animal behavior, ecology, marine biology, oceanography, mammalogy, ornithology or the field of sustainable and renewable energy. Previous winners have used their scholarships to help purchase books, to pay for travel expenses to field sites, for specialized equipment or other educational needs.

To be eligible for the Scholarships, applicants must be residents of one of the areas listed at www. ssaudubon.org/areas-weserve.asp and/or attend a

college in Nassau or Suffolk County. One scholarship is funded by Evelyn Bishop and her family, and one is funded by Jay Koolpix

Applications are available at the South Shore Audubon website, www.ssaudubon.org or by contacting Professor Betsy Gulotta at 516546-8841, Betsy.Gulotta@ ncc.edu. Applications are due by April 30, 2024, and should be emailed to either Betsy Gulotta, or Betty Borowsky, bborow@ optonline.net, or sent by regular mail to Betsy Gulotta, 2 Anding Ave, Merrick, NY 11566.

For more information and for assistance with application forms, do not hesitate to contact Betsy Gulotta or Betty Borowsky at the email addresses above.

Babylon High Schoolers Take Part

In Compassion Without Borders

Babylon JuniorSenior High School students took part in the Compassion Without Borders leaderships conference late last year.

North Babylon Public Library MEETING

The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its April meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Library. The public is invited to attend.

The library is located at 815 Deer Park Avenue, North Babylon, NY 11703

The conference seeks to nurture leaderships skills, foster innovation, and empower students to become agents of change in their communities. This year’s Compassion Without Borders event took place at Centereach High School in the Middle Country School District.

The goal of Compassion Without Borders is to provide students with the tools, knowledge and inspiration needed to shape the world around them and become the leaders of tomorrow. Students have the potential to make a lasting impact; the conference looks to provide

them with the guidance needed to do so.

Compassion Without Borders is organized by the Suffolk County High School Principals’ Association, and it invites all high school students to take part. This year’s theme was Moving Ahead–Stronger Than Ever; the Babylon Junior-Senior High School students who took part were Riley Altman, Lei’onna Arrington, Kathleen Channing, Patrick Costa, Grace Keane, Shayden Kenedy, Jackson Maurino, Owen Morris, Sonia Romano and Dilan Vergano.

Plants As Long-Term Investments?

Though plants might not seem like the first thing individuals think of when they ponder long-term investments, perennials can be just that. The home and garden experts at HGTV note that some perennials can live for a very long time. For example, according to HGTV, the colorful flowering plant peony, despite a blooming season that usually lasts just seven to 10 days, has been known to survive for 70 to 100 years. Hostas are another popular perennial because they require little maintenance, and that extra free time can add up over the course of the hosta's life, which can exceed 15 years. Long-living perennials are not necessarily unusual, but gardeners should know that many perennials, and påarticularly those characterized as "short-lived," tend to live around three years.

North Babylon Class Of 1974 50th Class Reunion

The North Babylon class of 1974 is hosting its 50th class reunion on July 20, 2024 for more information contact Eileen Conlin Austin Momthree519@aol.com

Suffolk County Legislature Irish American Heritage Award Recipient For The 11th LD

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized James J. Killen as the 11th Legislative District’s honoree at the 2nd Annual Irish American Heritage Celebration held at the H. Lee Dennison Bldg. in Hauppauge. This honor is for his life-long commitment in promoting Irish culture. Killen is a fourth generation Hibernian, as his great grandfather, Patrick J. Killen joined the AOH in New York City shortly after arriving from the Dundrum area of County Down in the late 1800s. His grandfather, also Patrick J. Killen, left County Down for NYC at the age of

thirteen with two of his older siblings around 1915 and joined the AOH in Queens County. His father, Joseph P. Killen, was a Nassau County Hibernian, then transferred to AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 in Babylon so that he could be in the same AOH Division as his son, Jim, and his grandchildren Brian and Allison (LAOH). He is proud of his Irish American roots and has been active in promoting Irish culture and heritage since joining the AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 in Babylon in 2001, serving as past president, is a 19-year member of Saffron Untied Pipe Band’s Color Guard,

Chairman of the Division’s Annual St. Patrick’s Ball for the past 15 years and is a current Trustee and oversees Public Relations. Killen is also on the Board of Directors at Babylon Hibernians. In addition, he is the past Director of Public Relations for AOH Suffolk County Board. He has served on the Inaugural Suffolk County Executive’s Irish American Heritage Month and continues his participation this year. He is also a member of NYC’s Irish Business Organization and a member of Long Island’s Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

James J. Killen as the 11th Legislative District’s honoree at the 2nd Annual Irish American Heritage Celebration held at the H. Lee Dennison Bldg. in Hauppauge. This honor is for his life-long commitment in promoting Irish culture.