October 26, 2022 North Babylon

TOMORROW ALWAYS

We are Good Samaritan University Hospital

Here, “University” means so much more. For more than 25 years, we’ve been educating the next generation of physicians in the latest, most innovative medicine, all while providing the most advanced capabilities along with the most compassionate care. Now, our name reflects that commitment to Long Islanders today — and for generations to come.

Learn more at goodsamaritanuniversity.org

As Halloween Creeps Closer, NFPA Urges

Public To Keep Fire Safety In Mind

Halloween is a boo-tiful time of year, full of spooky celebrations and activities, but it also presents some real and scary fire safety hazards. As the holiday nears, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is encouraging everyone to take simple precautions that can help ensure the holiday remains festively fun.

“As more people plan to celebrate the holiday this year, whether it be trick-ortreating or costume parties, we want everyone to know where potential fire risks exist so they can take the steps needed to minimize them,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.

According to NFPA, an annual average of 770 home structure fires began with decorations between 2014 and 2019, resulting in one civilian fire death, 26 civilian fire injuries and $13 million in direct property damage. More than two of every five (44 percent) of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment.

NFPA offers these tips and guidelines for enjoying a fire-safe Halloween:

• Decorations: Many common decorations like cornstalks, crepe paper, and dried flowers are very flammable. Keep these and similar decorations far away from any open flames or heat sources, like candles, heaters, and light bulbs.

• Candles: Using candles as decoration can be risky if not done correctly. Keep them in a well- attended area out of the path of potential trick-or-treaters. Remind children of the dangers of open flames, and make sure they are always supervised when candles are lit. Extinguish candles before leaving an area.

• Jack-o-lanterns: Glow sticks or electric candles are the safest choice when it comes to lighting up your jack-o-lantern, but if you choose to use a real candle, do so with extreme caution. Light a candle inside a jacko-lantern using long fireplace matches or a utility lighter and keep it away from other decorations.

• Costumes: Avoid fabric

that billows or trails behind you, as these can easily ignite. If you are making your own costume, avoid loosely woven fabrics like linen and cotton, which can be very flammable.

• Visibility: Give children flashlights or glowsticks for lighting, these can even be incorporated into the costume. If your child has a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough for them to see clearly.

• Smoke Alarms: This is a great time to make sure your smoke alarms are functional and up to date.

• Exits: Exits are NOT an appropriate place for decorations. When decorating, ensure that nothing is blocking any escape routes.

“With a little added awareness and planning, people can enjoy a funfilled Halloween and stay fire-safe in the process,” said Carli.

For more safety resources and tips, visit the NFPA Halloween page. Spooktacular kids activities can be found on the NFPA’s Sparky the Fire Dog® homepage.

Babylon Citizens Council On The Arts Receives National Endowment For The Arts Grant

BACCA (Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts) is pleased to announce that they are receiving a grant of $10,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the planning, design and execution of an organizational marketing and outreach initiative with the goal of increased community engagement, and a focus on increasing equity and accessibility.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations across the country, including BACCA. The arts help communities to thrive,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD., chair of the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Meaningful engagement with the arts can have many benefits, from contributing to collective healing and mutual understanding,

to strengthening local economies.”

With this support, BACCA will design and distribute new digital and print graphics as well as informational and publicity materials in multiple languages, and host arts programs and provide resources with ASL interpretation and language translation services.

“We are grateful to the NEA for its continued support,” said BACCA Executive Director Liz Mirarchi.“ This grant will allow BACCA to continue to ensure the organization’s programs and arts opportunities are visible and accessible to all members of our local community.”

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.

About the National Endowment for the Arts Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.

Breast Cancer Hotline Volunteers Sought 4-Session Training

In November

Breast cancer survivors can help others coping with breast cancer by becoming volunteers with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. The four-day training program will take place on consecutive Tuesdays in November (November 1, 8, 15 and 22) from 10 am to 1 pm on zoom. Attendance at all four sessions is necessary.

This in-depth training includes presentations by nurse navigators and social workers on basic breast cancer education, active listening skills, and tips on engaging the community.

Those who complete the training will

have opportunities to provide support and guidance on the hotline; attend community outreach events to support underserved communities; deliver educational presentations and speaking engagements; assist with local and national press and media; and help with fundraising efforts.

To arrange an interview, contact Nina Foley, Hotline and Volunteer Coordinator, at 516-877-4315; nfoley@adelphi.edu.

To reach the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline, call 800877-8077. You are not alone.

Despite the damp weather conditions, the North Babylon came out in full force to celebrate the school’s homecoming on Oct. 1.

Even though the weather meant the parade

History Made At North Babylon’s Homecoming

and homecoming floats couldn’t serve as the kickoff for the day’s festivities, the weather cleared in time for the community to come show their support as the North Babylon Bulldogs took on Smithtown High

School West Bulls.

The game proved to be one for the record books as North Babylon put forth a big win against Smithtown West 75-49. Senior running back Nathaniel Griffith made history as he

set the North Babylon High School, Suffolk County and Long Island single game rushing yards record with 38 carries, 489 yards and seven touchdowns.

The North Babylon Bulldogs football team

also broke the previous school scoring record with their win by putting up 75 points. Varsity football coach Mango recorded this 200th win with the program.

During the halftime

show, the North Babylon cheerleaders kept the energy high for the crowds. The kickline and marching band also took to the field to perform their respective routines.

HOMECOMING CELEBRATION - North Babylon High School held its homecoming celebration on Oct. 1, competing against Smithtown High School West. During the halftime show, the cheerleaders, kickline and marching band performed for the crowd. Photos courtesy of North Babylon School District

Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season.

A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible

person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. With fewer other boats on the water (potential Good samaritans) after Labor Day, a float plan ensures rescuers will be notified if you ever fail to check back in after your outing. Additionally, leaving a note under your vehicle’s windshield wiper at the launch ramp can help

trigger an alarm.

Got a way back into the boat? Falls overboard may be ranked #5 on the 2021 U.S. Coast Guard’s list of the “Top Five Primary Accident Types” with 273 accidents, but they also led the most number of deaths (170 fatal), as well as more fatalities than all the other 4 top accident types combined (#1 collision with vessel-1226

accidents/31 fatal; #2 collision with fixed object508 accidents/43 fatal; #3 flooding/swamping-461 accidents/55 fatal; #4 grounding-308 accidents/23 fatal). Your boarding ladder should be functional and accessible as cold water can quickly sap strength. If your boat doesn’t have a built in-ladder, a compact emergency ladder or even

a looped line attached to a cleat, pre-rigged with foothold loops every few inches and hung over the transom, can substitute.

For life jackets, camo styling hides a danger: Dark green, tan and black camo patterns are remarkable at doing exactly as designed, blending you into your surroundings. However, that’s not a benefit if you

happen to be floating in the water and rescuers are searching. If possible, make their job easier and wear a life jacket with high visibility. For smaller vessels and paddlers, leaf peeping season is also a really good time to secure the life jacket to your body – that includes using buckle snaps.

NOTICE

Your Vote Is Your Voice

By Lisa Scott President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County

As a member of the League of Women Voters (LWV), a 102 year old nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, this is my “busy season.” With my LWV colleagues, all volunteers, I speak to groups, answer countless questions, organize and moderate debates, and write articles; all as outreach during election season. Additionally, we encourage all citizens to vote responsibly in every election in which they are eligible, whether that be fire districts, libraries, school districts, local, state or federal. Your vote is your voice and I urge you to use it this Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th. Below is some significant information to keep in mind:

• Be sure you are registered to vote prior to heading to the polls.

• Because of redistricting, mandated by the US Constitution after the (2020) census, some of your district numbers may have changed! You can find your polling place easily on the NYS Board of Elections (BOE) website at www.voterlookup. elections.ny.gov. If you don’t have access to the internet, go to your local public library, where you can find assistance to get on one of their computers. Your information is private.

• You may have applied for an absentee ballot. If you plan to vote this way, the same website allows you to track your ballot to be sure it’s been received and will be counted by your county’s BOE. With a new tracking system now in place, if you have applied for an absentee ballot, but you decide you’d rather vote in person, you will not be able to cast your vote in a machine during early voting or on Election Day. Instead, you’ll be given an “affidavit ballot” and the BOE will check your records

to confirm whether or not your absentee ballot was received. This is to ensure no one’s vote is counted twice.

• This year you’ll be voting for your local member of the House of Representatives, one US Senator, NYS Governor and Lt. Governor and your local member of the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly. In Suffolk County, you’ll also vote for County Comptroller and County Clerk. There may be some local races on the ballot too.

• There is a NYS Environmental Bond proposition on the back of your ballot. If approved, this would allow the NYS Comptroller to issue and sell $4.2million in bonds to be used to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. This is not a tax, investors buy NYS bonds.

• Suffolk County also has a countywide proposition clarifying the wording of the term limits law and four Suffolk townships have local propositions too. Nassau does not have a county proposition on this year’s ballot.

Please plan ahead; learn about the candidates and know what’s on your ballot. You can visit www.vote411. org, enter your address (no need for your name or personal info) and you will see the offices, candidates, and propositions that will be on the ballot. All candidates were sent questions and given the opportunity to answer them on the site; sometimes candidates refuse to respond, this is indicated. No one ever should be too busy, too disinterested or even too frustrated to vote. Your vote is your hard-earned right, but also your obligation as an American citizen.

Important Contact Information:

Suffolk County Board of Elections: 631-852-4500

Nassau County Board of Elections: 516-571-2411

North Babylon Girl Scout Troop 3162 Makes A Difference

made a commitment to work on their bronze award because they wanted to make a difference in the community they live in. All of the girls have a love for the beach and when going there it was so upsetting to them seeing all the litter people left behind. They wanted to raise awareness of the negative impact of litter to local beaches. They split up into 3 groups and tackled separate issues that are neglected at our beaches. Their research taught them many things they did not know and they wanted to share with others. Working with the Babylon Beautification Dept and Councilman Terence McSweeney they were able to have sustainable posters put up at Overlook beach. They all put in 20 hours each to help clean our beach and also worked with Councilman McSweeney to have flyers printed so they can distribute to people on the beach.

North Babylon Public Library Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its November meeting

on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Library. The public is invited to attend.

The Library is located at 815 Deer Park Avenue in North Babylon, NY 11703.

Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC) Birthday Gala Honoring Rich Schaffer

On Wednesday November 2nd the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC) is hosting a Birthday Gala honoring Rich Schaffer, Town of Babylon’s Longest

Serving Supervisor and long time supporter of the BBCC. Dinner, Beer, Wine, Music and Raffles! Tickets are $95 per person and are available on Eventbrite or

call the BBCC office @ 631893-4110. All proceeds will benefit the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for October is Helen Keller Services

Helen Keller Services (HKS), a nonprofit organization with locations across Long Island and the nation, works with thousands of individuals who are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Helen Keller Services, located in Port Washington, recently held its 3rd annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) event, celebrating The US Department of Labor’s theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation”, recognizing the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation’s workforce diverse and inclusive.

“Accessibility to job opportunities affects everyone and should be integral to hiring practices, and not just an afterthought,” said Joseph Melillo, National Business & Employment Relations Specialist at Helen Keller Services. “With equal access, people who are blind, have low vision, or are DeafBlind can unlock their inner ability.”

Highlights of the event included a keynote address from Kathy West-Evans, Director of Business Relations, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)/ National Employment Team (NET), and experts who spoke about disability inclusion, use of technology and the talents of the DeafBlind community in the workplace.

“The DeafBlind community is just like the rest of us; they simply communicate differently. And like the rest of us, they have unique gifts and talents to share that can

make our world a more diverse and vibrant place to work and live,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services.

Every year, Helen Keller Services spotlights companies that work with the DeafBlind community at its Access-Ability Awards, held in June.

“We recognize leaders who have made it their business to take action and advance accessibility within their companies or organizations and for the people they serve,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “We continue to make progress towards greater accessibility and inclusivity for and among the communities we work with, but there is still a great deal more of work to be done.”

If you would like to get involved with this organization, there are various opportunities to do so! HKS is actively hiring for multiple positions and they’re also accepting new volunteers. Your HKS experience, whether through a paid or volunteer position, will no doubt be rewarding on a personal level. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with blind or DeafBlind individuals, helping to enhance their quality of life and to expand their social circles. Additionally, you can donate to HKS anytime on their website.

To learn more about Helen Keller Services, including their employment, volunteer and donation opportunities, please visit their website, www.helenkeller.org.

would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.

www.helenkeller.org

NORTH BABYLON GIRL SCOUT TROOP 3162 - Girl Scout Troop 3162

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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

sales representative will be happy to assist you

631-226-2636,

“2”

sales representative will be happy to assist you

PSEG Long Island Cautions That Metallic Balloons Can Be Hazardous

PSEG Long Island is reminding customers that balloons released into the air can become entangled in overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems.

“Safety is PSEG Long Island’s No. 1 priority. That’s why we’re cautioning customers to please hold onto their metallic balloons,” said John O’Connell, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Transmission and Distribution Operations. “Though they’re festive, fun and look nice, we want the public to be aware that metallic balloons also conduct electricity. If they get loose and come into contact

with a power line or other electrical equipment, that could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries.”

To mitigate these risks, PSEG Long Island encourages the public to follow these safety guidelines:

• Metallic balloons and other decorations should be kept clear of overhead power lines and equipment, and never purposely released into the air.

• All balloons with helium should be secured to weights that prevent them from floating away.

• To properly dispose of a Mylar balloon, safely puncture

it in several places to release the helium, and discard it in the trash.

• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, toy or anything caught in an overhead power line. Report it by contacting PSEG Long Island at 800490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.

To see a video of metallic balloons coming into contact with electrical wires, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jxgGYDccsQ4

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

Long Island - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers

make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

To order a FREE Special Report, visit ninestepsystem.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-855-928-4453 and enter 1000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most for your home.