SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, SEPT. 11th
7:00PM
LINDENHURST HOMEMAKERS
EVENING UNIT
Please join Lindenhurst Homemakers Evening Unit at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd. in Amityville, (off of New Hwy.) Open to all, 18 years old & up. Meetings start at 7:00pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. For more information, please call Lisa LeBrie 516-413-7467
FRIDAY, SEPT. 12th
6:00PM–10:00PM
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13th
11:00AM–10:00PM
SUNDAY, SEPT. 14th
11:00AM–8:00PM
LONG ISLAND FAMILY FESTIVAL
Enjoy a weekend of free family fun at the Long Island Family Festival in Tanner Park in Copiague. Rain date: October 24-26. Furry and Feathered Family Members Invited. Free parking for everyone. Town permit not required during the festival. For more details and a complete schedule of events, visit www. lifamilyfestival.com.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13th
9:00AM-4:00PM
AMITYVILLE’S COMMUNITY
GARAGE SALE
Residents looking to clean out can also clean up, and make a few extra dollars. This garage sale will not count toward the annual Village limit of two sales per household a year, and the garage sale permit fee will be waived. Visit Amityville.com for updates and information. Rain Date:
HOLIDAYS
1st - LABOR DAY
11th - PATRIOT DAY
22nd - FALL BEGINS
- ROSH HASHANAH (Begins at sundown)
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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
Sunday, September 14th. To sign up for the sale, Village residents may contact Amityville Village Hall at 631-264-6000, or email Mayor@ amityville.com using the subject: Garage Sale.
TICKET PLACEMENT
11:00AM-2:00PM
Drawing begins 2:15PM 4th ANNUAL BASKET EXTRAVAGANZA Constantino Brumidi Lodge (Sons & Daughters of Italy) 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. Dozens of raffle baskets. Winners need not be present. Reservations/and or questions, please call Karen 631943-3622
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13th
10:00AM-5:00pm, and SUNDAY, SEPT.14th
10:00AM-3:00PM 17th ANNUAL CIVIL WAR WEEKEND
The Town of Islip will host its 17th Annual Civil War Weekend at Islip Grange Park in Sayville, located at 10 Broadway Ave., at the corner of Montauk Highway and Broadway Ave. The event, presented in partnership with Company K, 67th Regiment, New York Infantry 1st Long Island Volunteers, invites residents and visitors to step back in time and experience American history brought to life. Admission and parking are FREE. For more information, please visit www. newyorkcivilwar.com or email historian@islipny.gov.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 14th
11:00AM-3:00PM
FARMINGDALE’S 15th ANNUAL ART IN
THE PARK EXHIBIT, SHOW & SALE
Free to Exhibit & Attend (must register in advance) and attend. Calling all artists! Showcase your talent at Farmingdale's 15th Annual Art in the Park Exhibit, Show & Sale on the Village Green. Visit the Village website community events page, stop by Village Hall for the artist application/details or email francie1112@aol.com. The event is planned by the Farmingdale Cultural Arts Committee. Rain date: September 21st. Farmingdale Village Green, 361 Main Street, 516-2490093, www.farmingdalevillage.com
11:00AM BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS It's back to school time! Let Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, give you a boost at the Blessing of the Backpacks, after the 9:30AM service, and enjoy Ice Cream Sunday! Please join us for our 9:30 service or the 11:00AM Blessingor both! All students, teachers and school workers are welcome.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 21st
10:00AM-4:00PM 2025 WEST ISLIP COUNTRY FAIR West Islip Library Grounds, Higbie Lane & Montauk Hwy. Fun for Everyone! FREE ENTRY, Games, Food, Vendors, Music for listening + dancing and MORE. For more information, please visit www. WestIslipCountry Fair.org. Email: WestIslipCountryFair@gmail.com
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
Carol
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens.
The tree and bare root retailer Bower & Branch advises that soil temperatures in many regions of the country may still be warm enough to encourage root growth well into the start of winter. Furthermore, fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year’s bounty.
Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.
• Think about fall annuals and bulb planting. Near the end of September, start planting cool-weatherloving pansies and violas for pops of color
as summer flowers fade. Also, it’s a good idea to stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the temperatures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.
• Sow salad seeds. Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler temperatures. Try new and interesting lettuce varieties and enjoy salads well into the fall season.
• Take inventory of the sun. Positioning a garden carefully means maximizing hours of sunlight, which begin to dwindle in the fall. Experts say gardens grow best in sunny locations that receive six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is where container
gardens can be helpful, as they allow gardeners to move plants into spots that will get ample sunlight.
• Fill in landscaping gaps. Some fall plants can add color around the landscape and brighten up homes to add curb appeal. In addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. So take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be enjoyed next year as well, sprouting in early spring and developing leaves and buds through late summer.
• Clean up unwanted growth. Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent vegetable plants and
A Beginner’s Guide To Fall Planting And Maintenance
get rid of errant weeds. Rather than bagging leaves, mow them with a grass catcher and then add the mix to a vegetable garden as an excellent soil insulator. The nitrogen and carbon will fertilize the soil, enhancing growing possibilities and limiting weed growth.
• Propagate plants in the fall. As temperatures gradually begin to cool, start taking cuttings from perennials, gathering seed pods from azaleas and rhododendrons and dividing hardwood cuttings, says the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horticulturist on the proper ways to propagate stems using rooting hormone and other techniques.
• Continue to water plants. Water is essential in the fall and winter as roots can still be growing. Gradually reduce watering duration as plants go dormant.
Application Open For Spring 2026 Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse And Caregiver Scholarships
Now through September 30, applications are being accepted for the spring 2026 semester for the Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program. Since 2006, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The nationwide program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as they assume critical roles in the financial well-being of their families.
Scholarships vary from $1,800 to $2,500 and are applied toward higher education at an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school. Unique to the program is a scholarship for spouses of the fallen, Restoring Family.
Kitchen Cabinets: Reface Or Replace?
Honorary Scholarship –awarded to those seeking graduate or post-graduate degree.
those pursuing an associate degree, entry level classes or training.
New Beginnings Scholarship – awarded to
Continued On 9
SPECIALISTS***
TheJOB OPPORTUNITY
Just Kids is looking to hire TAs at our 2 Lindenhurst locations!
Benefits & Pay:
Medical Bene ts after 30 days of employment
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. 401(k), Life insurance, Parental Leave, Paid
Time Off
Position Details:
We are seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children and supporting educators in a classroom setting.
Responsibilities:
• Assist the lead teacher in implementing lesson plans and activities
• Provide support to students with various tasks and assignments
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities
• Help maintain a safe and clean learning environment
Requirements:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to communicate positively, effectively, and appropriately with children
• Ability to use clear and understandable written and verbal communication
• Experience working with toddlers, preschoolers, or in a classroom setting is a plus!
• Teaching Assistant - Level Certi cate a plus!
Work Schedule:
Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 2:45pm (Please note certain days will require later dismissal due to necessary professional development training.)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $18.50
kitchen is a busy room in many homes. That popularity likely has something to do with why so many homeowners spend sizable sums renovating their kitchens. According to highlights from a recent U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median spend on major kitchen remodels grew by 14 percent from the previous year, and minor remodels increased by 25 percent. Spurred on by increased time spent at home during the pandemic, the main impetus for kitchen remodels, according to the study, was that homeowners wanted to make these improvements all along and finally had the time and means to do so.
There are many aspects of a kitchen that homeowners can change. Houzz found 94 percent of renovators either fully or partially replaced cabinets in their improvement plans. Cabinets are a major component of kitchen layouts. Cabinets help
to establish the aesthetic of a kitchen and serve a useful function, providing necessary storage space to ensure the room does not appear cluttered.
Homeowners have different options when it comes to cabinet renovations, and they may need to decide if they need to replace or reface their cabinets.
• Replacement. Cabinet replacement involves removing all of the existing cabinets before new cabinets are leveled and installed. According to the home improvement resource The Spruce, homeowners can expect to pay between $13,000 and $30,000 for contractorgrade cabinets. Cabinet replacement is a good idea when homeowners want to add more cabinet space or create a new layout in the room.
• Refacing. Cabinet refacing is less messy and less disruptive than replacement. All cabinets remain the
same size and in the same location. The cabinet boxes must be in good shape to facilitate a refacing. The process involves the installation of new drawer fronts and cabinet doors, as well as the veneering of the cabinet boxes. New hardware is typically installed as well. The insides of the cabinets typically remain the same. The Spruce says cabinet refacing can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper than a replacement. Most people call in professionals to change their cabinets. Cabinet replacement can be a do-it-yourself job, but it involves measuring and ensuring everything fits and is leveled appropriately. Homeowners who choose to reface their cabinets themselves may opt to paint or restain. Wood veneer or a new door and drawer panel installation can be complicated and is best left to qualified contractors.
Homeowners know there’s no shortage of ways to tweak a property. Some homeowners may lament that the work associated with home ownership is never done, but owning a house also provide endless opportunities to upgrade the spaces people call home.
Landscape lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years. That popularity is undoubtedly due to a number of variables, and each highlights a benefit of installing landscape lighting around a property.
• Affordability. Some may think of big budget projects like kitchen remodels or room additions when pondering home renovations. Such projects can have a dramatic impact on
the look and feel of a home, but landscape lighting can be equally transformative at a fraction of the cost of larger undertakings. The home renovation experts at Angi.com estimate the average landscape lighting project costs around $4,000, making affordability a notable benefit of the project.
• Appearance. There’s no denying the aesthetic appeal of a well-lit landscape at night. Landscape lighting can be utilized to draw attention to aweinspiring components of a landscape, whether it’s natural features like gardens and foliage or manmade components like architectural features. Improved appearance can increase curb
appeal, which is often associated with how a home looks during daylight hours. But photographs of a welllit nighttime landscape can impress buyers as well.
• Cost savings. Landscape lighting might help homeowners reduce the cost of their homeowners insurance. Researchers at PolicyGenius.com found that insurance companies typically offer a discount of 2 to 5 percent to homeowners who install a home security system. Insurance providers may offer additional savings to homeowners who pair such systems with landscape lighting, which can be a deterrent to burglars who prefer to operate under a cloak of darkness.
• Safety. Insurance firms
The Benefits Of Lighting Up Your Landscape
may discount premiums because of landscape lighting because they view it as a deterrent to potential criminals. But landscape lighting also makes moving around a property at night safer for residents and guests. Lighting can be used to illuminate walkways, outdoor living rooms, patios around pools,
and other areas where residents and guests will be walking at night, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries that may result from such spills.
• ROI. Savvy homeowners consider a renovation’s return on investment before deciding to go forward with a project.
Studies vary, but the National Association of Realtors indicates landscape lighting can recoup as much as 70 percent of homeowners’ investment in the project at resale. When viewed through the lens of ROI, the cost of installing landscape lighting is even less.
Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse Scholarships
Continued From 6
Restoring Family Scholarship – awarded to spouses of the fallen.
Restoring Hope Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a master’s or doctorate of social work, psychology counseling, or mental health counselingrelated field.
Restoring Self Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a bachelor’s
degree.
Since the program’s inception, Hope For The Warriors has granted 290 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships totaling $737,107. To receive an application to apply for the spring 2026 semester, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and connect to services.
About Hope For The Warriors: Hope For The
Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they
navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
How To Prepare For A Lengthy Renovation Project
Home renovations can increase resale value and outfit spaces to make them more accommodating to residents. Homeowners interested in remodeling projects understand that such undertakings are often a lengthy process. But the time spent waiting often is well worth it when the work is done and the finished product looks just as homeowners imagined. Depending on the scope and scale of a project, home renovations can take anywhere from a day or two for minor cosmetic changes to nine months for a major project.
The lender RenoFi says projects like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom have a lot of
moving parts, including plumbing and electrical work, structural changes, flooring, and installation of appliances. Due to that complexity, such projects may take six to 12 weeks. A home addition can take months. Homeowners weary of such lengthy undertakings can implement strategies to make conditions at home more manageable.
• Get a rough estimate from contractors so that you can budget accordingly. A project will go nowhere without proper funding. Get detailed estimates that include labor and building materials. Then start saving and stash money away for the project so you’re not caught off-guard later on.
• Clear out clutter. Remove any extraneous items from the room or rooms that will be remodeled. Although it will be an added expense, it is a good idea to rent a storage unit or have a storage pod placed in the driveway or yard for the duration of the project. Move items that will not be needed into the unit. This will get them out of the way and protect them from damage.
• Stay with relatives. While some people have no issues living in a residence during a renovation, others may find the work simply too inconvenient or distracting to be around. Time away from the property can help manage stress, and prevent kids, pets and others from getting in the way of work.
• Safeguard sensitive items. Take inventory of items in the home and catalog them for insurance purposes. This way, you’re covered in the case of damage or theft. Remove documents, like birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other private papers, and keep them in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe.
WORDS
Spaghetti
Rigatoni
Stuffed Shells (16 pc)
SECOND COURSE (Choose one)
Entree:
• Chicken Marsala
• Chicken Francese
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Chicken Parmigiana
Manicotti (8 pc)
Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 pc)
• Shrimp Oreganata +$15 • Sausage & Peppers
• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli
• Eggplant Rollatine
• Shrimp Parmigiana +$15 • Meatballs • USDA Prime Hanger Steak w/ Peppers, Onions & Mushrooms Additional Charge
by The Original Salpino of Wantagh, N. Babylon & Dix
As Deputy Mayor, but more importantly as a neighbor and fellow American, I join you in honoring the memories of the fallen, the heroism of rst responders, and the resilience of
who continue to inspire us. May we never forget, and may we continue to stand together in unity, compassion, and hope. With remembrance, Richard “RJ” Renna
Signs It’s Time To Replace Gutters
Home improvement projects run the gamut from complex undertakings like room additions to simpler renovations like a new front door. Some home renovations excite homeowners more than others, but all improvements are a way to make a home safer, more comfortable and/or more functional.
A gutter replacement might not inspire the same level of excitement as a room addition or an overhaul of an outdoor living space, but new gutters can help to prevent roof damage and make properties safer by ensuring rain water is directed away from walkways. Homeowners who suspect it might be time for a gutter replacement can look for these signs of fading gutters.
• Cracks or splits. Cracks or splits at the seams of the gutters where two pieces connect is a telltale sign they need to be replaced. Cracks or splits are can slowly lead to separation of gutter pieces, which will lead to leaks. But not all cracks or splits
are found at the seams. In fact, some homes feature seamless gutters, which also can crack or split. Regardless of where they’re found, cracks or splits are a warning signs of fading gutters.
• Rust. Rust is rarely a good sign whether you’re looking at a vehicle or even garden tools. Rust also is a bad sign in relation to gutters. Gutters are painted, and not only for aesthetic purposes. Paint on gutter also serves to protect them from water. When paint begins to flake, gutters will begin to rust and may even produce noticeable rust flakes on the ground below. Rust on gutters and rust flakes beneath them are indicative of gutters that need to be replaced.
• Gutters pulling away from the home. Gutters that appear to be pulling away from the home is a sign that they need to be replaced. Gutters are fastened to a home during installation, which ensures they can withstand rain and water. Over time,
Legislator Kevin McCaffrey Announces Emergency Preparedness Seminar Series!
Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey is pleased to announce that he has partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services and the Lindenhurst Memorial Library for an Emergency Preparedness Seminar Series this fall!
those fasteners can wear down, ultimately leading to gutters that appear to be pulling away from the home. Though gutters can be refastened, eventually they will need to be replaced.
• Pooling water. Pooling water in a gutter may just be a sign that gutters need to be cleaned. However, pooling water on the ground directly beneath gutters indicates they’re not effectively directing water away from the home.
• Water damage inside. A home’s interior might not be the first place homeowners look when inspecting for damaged gutters, but a flooded basement or crawl space could indicate a gutter problem. Gutters and downspouts are designed to direct water away from a home when functioning properly. When that isn’t happening, water can pool beneath the foundation, leading to pooling water and other water damage in basements and crawl spaces.
The Series kicks off on Thursday, September 25th, with an Emergency Preparedness Seminar presented by the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management, where attendees will learn the importance of topics like creating a “go-bag,” general storm safety preparedness tips, and ways to access local resources available during emergencies.
On Tuesday, October 21st, the Suffolk County Fire Marshal’s Office will host a hands-on Fire Extinguisher Training, where they will explain to attendees the different types of fire extinguishers, how and when to use them, and the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance!
The Series will conclude on Thursday, November 6th, with a Lithium-Ion Battery Workshop, where fire service professionals will teach attendees the basics of lithium-ion batteries, starting with a basic understanding of what a lithium-ion battery is and including tips for safe storage, handling, and use of batteries. It will also include other related fire safety information.
Attendees can find out
more about these great events and register for the individual sessions by visiting the Lindenhurst Memorial Library’s website at https://www. lindenhurstlibrary.org/ events/month.
“The greater Lindenhurst and Babylon communities are no stranger to the dangers of coastal storms, and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to share the message of preparedness to keep ourselves, our families, and our neighbors safe during times of disaster,” said Presiding Officer McCaffrey. “I urge all my constituents to attend these great sessions and thank the Lindenhurst Memorial Library and Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services for their tremendous partnership.”
Said Suffolk County Chief Fire Marshal, Dr. Donald G. Lynch: “The Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue
and Emergency Services is proud to partner with Legislator Kevin McCaffery to provide essential safety training to the public. In today’s rapidly evolving world, emergency preparedness, proper fire extinguisher use, and lithium-ion battery safety are more important than ever. Together, we are committed to equipping our communities with the knowledge and tools they need to stay prepared, protected, and safe.”
Lisa G. Kropp, Lindenhurst Memorial Library Director said: “As a certified sustainable library, we focus on empowering the local community by providing tools to help them prepare for weather-related and other emergency preparedness events that affect our area. The library enjoys working with local and regional government entities, as it is a great example of collaboration and partnership in support of the shared audience that we all serve. I want to thank Presiding Officer McCaffrey for using his local library as an information gateway.”
As the Suffolk County Legislature’s Presiding Officer, Legislator Kevin J. McCaffrey represents Suffolk County’s 14th Legislative District, which encompasses the Villages of Lindenhurst and Babylon, West Babylon, portions of Copiague and North Lindenhurst, and Babylon’s barrier beach communities.
Silver&Fit Healthy Aging Program
(NAPSI)—There are many good reasons to get physically fit. If cost is a factor in joining a gym, the Silver&Fit
Healthy Aging and Exercise Program, available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, offers no-cost or subsidized low-cost access to thousands of gyms. Learn more at www. silverandfit.com.
PRESIDING OFFICER KEVIN J. MCCAFFREY
FREE HEALTHY HIKES For Long Islanders, Sponsored By AARP Long Island
Join the Long Island Health Collaborative, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, and AARP Long Island at 9 AM on the last Friday of August, and September for HEALTHY HIKES, free community hiking events! Physicians will briefly discuss tips for better health before accompanying attendees and a trail guide on a hike where you can hike and talk with the doc! Please register in advance so we can best accommodate. Take a hike with us on this summer and early fall for better health, no matter what your age or experience level.
SEPTEMBER Healthy
Hike: Hempstead Lake State Park
Address: Eagle Ave, West
Hempstead, NY 11552
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Lead Physician: Olufunmilayo C. Eleanya MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman LI School of Medicine
Walkers meet: in main parking lot
In-Person AARP Registration Link: https://events.aarp.org/ healthyhikeLIseptember
What makes our hikes so healthy? In addition to the many physical and mental health benefits of hiking, our Healthy Hikes are held through the LIHC’s Walk with a Doc chapter. This means our
In The Spotlight
Highlighting Local Businesses
ELITE DANCE STUDIO Celebrating 20 Years Of Teaching Dance
Elite Dance Studio, 123 N. Wellwood Ave., is celebrating a major milestone—20 years of teaching dance to students ranging from age 2 through high school seniors.
The studio was founded by owner Marie Seaquist, who first opened with two small studios inside Elite Gymnastics in Amityville. What began as a small dream has grown into a thriving family-run business, with Marie’s daughters Sara and Tori and her husband Tim now playing active roles in helping the studio grow and flourish.
Today, Elite operates out of a stateof-the-art complex in the heart of downtown Lindenhurst, featuring four professional studios where students learn, train, and create lasting memories.
Elite Dance Studio is proud to be part of the Lindenhurst community, where local restaurants and businesses have always been welcoming to its students and families. The studio has touched
the lives of countless young dancers, offering them not only technical training but also lifelong friendships. Reflecting on this milestone, Seaquist shared:
hikes are led by a physician who will deliver health education about a different topic every month before joining walkers on the hike. Walk with a Doc is a national program that offers free physicianled walking events in communities around the world, and we’re proud to bring these events to our Long Island neighbors. Get in some steps, talk with our docs along the way, and learn about the actions you can take now to live a healthier life for good.
For more information about Walk with a Doc, contact Brooke Oliveri, Manager of the Long Island Health Collaborative at boliveri@nshc.org or call 631-963-4167.
“When I first opened Elite, I never imagined how much it would grow. Starting with just two studios and now seeing our four-studio complex filled with students who are so dedicated and passionate has been a dream come true. Lindenhurst has embraced us from the very beginning, and we are so grateful to be part of such a supportive community.”
As Elite celebrates two decades of dance excellence, it remains committed to fostering creativity, discipline, and community spirit for generations to come. Enrollment for the new season is now open, welcoming students of all ages and levels to become part of the Elite family.
For more information, visit www. elitedanceli.com or call 631-450-4740.
Girl Scouts Of Suffolk County Announce 2025 Holiday Light Show Design Award Winners
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) today announced the five winners of its annual Holiday Light Show Design Contest. Each winning design will be transformed into a giant light display to be featured in the “Girl Scout Way” section of this year’s Holiday Light Show at Camp Edey this December. The Holiday Light Show Design Contest invited Girl Scouts to submit original drawings—individually or with their troop—reflecting the theme: “When I think of Girl Scouts, I think of…”. The contest helps showcase the creativity of local Girl Scouts while raising funds that support GSSC programs, camp experiences, and financial assistance for girls across Suffolk County.
The 2025 winners are:
• Penelope Alambra, Smithtown, Troop 358, Brownie
• Ciara Weisbecker, Babylon, SU 14 (Juliette), Senior
• Olivia Castelli, Patchogue, Troop 1400, Cadette
• Sadie Ciesinski, Melville, Troop 103, Junior
• Amani BradleyColeman, Sienna Lebron, Teresa Cortez, Natalia Ciborowski, Kaylee Jimenez, Kiera Green-Wilson, Maggie Ericson, Bomi Oyewo, Hanmi Oyewo, Lindenhurst, Troop 506, Multi-Level
“Our Holiday Light Show Design Contest is a perfect example of how Girl Scouts use their creativity and imagination to inspire the community,” said Tammy Severino, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “We are proud to showcase these designs and give visitors a chance to see the girls’ ideas brought to life in lights.”
Pictured: Amani Bradley-Coleman, Sienna Lebron, Teresa Cortez, Natalia Ciborowski, Kaylee Jimenez, Kiera Green-Wilson, Maggie Ericson, Bomi Oyewo, Hanmi Oyewo, Lindenhurst, Troop 506, with their winning design. Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Each winner will receive a Holiday Light Show Event Patch, pre-admission to the show for their immediate family to view their design, and a photo opportunity at Camp Edey alongside their illuminated creation.
Launched in 2004, the GSSC Holiday Light Show has become a cherished tradition in Suffolk County. Visitors experience a walkthrough Enchanted Forest at Camp Edey, featuring hundreds of light displays, a giant Christmas tree, photo opportunities, refreshments in the “Chill Zone,” and visits with Santa.
Tickets for the Light Show will go on sale later in the year at https://www. gssc.us/
About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been
committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential, relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect, develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making, and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Remedies For Creaky Floors
Hardwood
floors are coveted features in many homes.
The National Wood Flooring Association says wood floors are the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. In the United States, the hardwood forests that provide flooring products are growing twice as fast as they are being harvested. Furthermore, wood floors can last for many generations and require fewer raw materials to produce than other flooring options. That means less waste may end up in landfills.
Hardwood floors can endure for decades in a home, but over time those same floors may need some tender loving care to keep them looking good and working as they should. Squeaky floors are a common nuisance that homeowners may experience. Squeaking is often caused by movement and friction between floorboards. Treating the problem involves identifying the underlying issue.
• Loose hardware.
Squeaky floors may be due to the loosening of the hardware holding the floor in place, says The Home Depot. When nails or screws no longer are secured tightly, the boards can rub together. The noise heard is the sound produced by rubbing. Tightening or replacing the hardware can help reduce the squeaking.
• Counter-snap kit method. This Old House says this kit method is a great way to fix squeaks without damaging the floor. Once the source of the squeak is located, drill a 3/32-inch pilot hole through the hardwood flooring. Then insert a screw through the kit’s depth-control fixture and into the pilot hole, and drive it until it automatically snaps off below the wood surface. Follow this up by filling the hole with wood putty that matches the floor color. Once the putty is dry, lightly sand the area to blend.
• Use a shim or shims. Sometimes the floor may squeak because of
a gap between the joists and the subfloor. Filling the gap with a small piece of wood called a shim can help alleviate the gap or gaps.
• Drive up screws. If a squeak is just in one spot, The Home Depot says that you may be able to drive short screws from below into the subfloor.
• Small gaps. For small gaps between boards, sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between squeaky boards to reduce friction. Wood filler applied with a putty knife also may work. For larger gaps, use a liquid filler designed for wood floors.
Homeowners also can visit their local home improvement center for other hardware solutions designed for underfloor repairs to remedy squeaks. Many work from underneath the floor and involve mounting plates or brackets to sure up the floor.
Squeaky floors can be problematic, but noises can be banished with some repair work.
West Babylon Public Library
craft to be completed at your leisure. West Babylon Card holders only.
CASUAL CRAFTING KIT
OKTOBERFEST
Thursday, September 11, 6:30-8:30 pm
Join Pit Master Brian and recreating the traditional Munich festival.
BUSY PERSON’S BOOK GROUP
7-8:30 pm
Thursday, September 11
Violeta by Isabel Allende
CASUAL CRAFTING KIT
September 15-20
Get crafty in your down time with these monthly kits for adults. Each kit comes with a small DIY
September 15-20
Get crafty in your down time with these monthly kits for adults. Each kit comes with a small DIY craft to be completed at your leisure. West Babylon Card holders only.
PAINT NIGHT: WHITE PUMPKINS
Tuesday, September 16, 6:45-8:30 pm
Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.
SUNFLOWER PLATE KIT
September 18-23
Shirley Ruby will instruct
you virtually to make your own one-of-a-kind project. A YouTube Link will be provided by the Library. Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.
NO-BAKE ENERGY
BALLS
Thursday, September 18, 7-8:30 pm
We’ll learn how to make oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, and savory flavors. These are welcome additions to lunch boxes as well as portable snacks for your autumn hikes.
FRIDAY FLICKS
Movies begin at 1 pm
September 19: Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy (PG-13, 125 min)
Safety Recalls
Millions of drivers across the country are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk by driving vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. A staggering 57.7 million vehicles in the U.S.—roughly 1 in 5— have outstanding safety recalls, according to data from CARFAX. (NAPSI)
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Fall begins slightly after the midpoint of September. The arrival of fall may be met with joy that cooler temperatures and vividly colored leaves will soon be the norm. For others, the arrival of fall is met with some trepidation that shorter days will soon pave the way for less sunlight
Did You Know?
Some people may notice a day when people who adhere to the Jewish faith gather around bodies of water and seem to throw bread, a sight that may spark curiosity. This is a tradition that takes place during Rosh Hashanah. Tossing bread or crumbs of bread into water is part of the Jewish ritual of “Tashlich,” which is a symbolic act occurring on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Tashlich means “casting off” in Hebrew. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year when the faithful symbolically cleanse themselves of sins and other transgressions. Tossing the bread or crumbs away is symbolic of that cleansing. This helps start the new year on fresh footing.
What Is The Autumnal Equinox?
and the inevitable arrival of winter.
Fall begins on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 2:19 PM, in the Northern Hemisphere on what is known as the autumnal equinox.
Equinoxes are days during the year when the hours of sunlight and darkness
are just about equal, or lasting 12 hours each. At the moment the equinox occurs, the sun will be directly over the Earth’s equator, which contributes to this even distribution of day and nighttime hours. National Geographic describes the equinox as “the event in which a planet’s subsolar
point passes through its Equator. It is when solar declination is 0 degrees.”
Solar declination refers to the latitude of Earth where the sun is directly overhead at noon. The equinoxes are the only times when both the northern and southern hemispheres experience roughly equal amounts of
daytime and nighttime.
After the autumnal equinox, the subsolar point continues to move south as the southern hemisphere tilts toward the sun. Around December 21, the subsolar point hits the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees S), which marks the winter (December) solstice, or the
day with the fewest hours of daylight during the year in the northern hemisphere. It’s important to note that the equinoxes and solstices are opposite in the hemispheres. The northern hemisphere’s fall equinox occurs on the same day as the southern hemisphere’s vernal (spring) equinox.
West Babylon’s Class Of 2029 Tours Their New Building
On Aug. 27, West Babylon Senior High School rolled out a warm welcome to the incoming Class of 2029 during ninth grade orientation. Principal Steve O’Leary introduced students to the school’s policies, procedures and expectations before they set off to explore their new building alongside their guidance counselors.
Freshmen walked through their schedules, practiced opening their lockers, and familiarized themselves with their new surroundings. The day wrapped up on a sweet note as classmates connected, made new friends, and enjoyed ice cream together to celebrate the start of their high school journey.
Together in Remembrance
