April 10, 2024 West Babylon South

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

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.

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

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.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Lambert

Joe Lambert

Patty Franks

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Carol Link

Bob Liquorie

Nicole Sims

Teri Tinkler

Edward Rodriguez PRODUCTION MANAGER

Josh Marlowe

Felicia Edwards

Noelle Lambert

ADMINISTRATION

Diana Lambert

Dorrine Lambert

ADMIN & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Natalie Raccuglia

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Victoria Kokolakis

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

Kerry Mastrobuoni

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

Kathy Trotta

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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.

HOME & GARDEN

Renovations That Help Sell Homes

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.

Babylon School District Honors Security Personnel

The Babylon School District recognized security guard Tom Parson for his help while police conducted an investigation near the Babylon Memorial Grade and Elementary schools in early March.

Mr. Parson was vital to maintaining a sense of normalcy at the two schools despite a heavy police presence nearby. He was able to rely on his experience as a Suffolk County police officer, now retired, to work with the investigators, inform District administration of any potential disruptions the investigation might cause, and modify daily routines to safeguard students and shield them from potentially disturbing or disruptive activity. He also ensured that media presence, including television cameras and reporters, did not stray too

close to the schools and disrupt instruction. “Mr. Parson was essential in helping us keep our students in the classrooms, learning and going about their days in as close to a normal setting as possible despite the upsetting and disturbing circumstances,” said Superintendent of Schools Carisa Manza. “We wanted to make sure his service and help did not go unnoticed.”

West Babylon Public Library

211 Route 109 West Babylon (631) 669-5445

Fax: (631) 669-6539

www.wbpl.us

Nancy Evans, Director ***

WBPL WRITER’S CLUB

Wednesday, April 10, 11 am-1 pm

WBA25 IN PERSON

Join us and other writers who share similar interests as we conduct an interactive workshop where you can share and discuss creative ideas. No experience necessary.

MIGHTY BIRCH ON WOOD

April 11-16 WBA101

VIRTUAL WITH KIT

Join Shirley Ruby virtually and learn how to make this beautiful decoration! Nonrefundable/transferable materials fee: $5.

BOOKS & BITES BOOK GROUP

Monday, April 15, 7-8 pm

WBA50 VIRTUAL

Join us for a Zoom book discussion. This month’s book is Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper. Copies of the novel are available at the Circulation desk upon registration or for download via Libby.

CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Monday, April 15, 7-8:30 pm

WBA602 IN PERSON

Join us and learn the art of chocolate fondue.

LEARN TO PLAY MAHJONG

Thursdays, April 25 – May 30, 1-2:30 pm

WBA203 IN PERSON

Join us to learn how to play Mahjong. Non-refundable/ transferable fee for the 6-week session: $12.

LET’S TALK ABOUT BOOKS

Thursday, April 25, 1:303:30 pm

WBA40 IN PERSON

Join the West Babylon Literary Club to meet and discuss a novel. This month’s book is Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper. Copies of the novel are available at the Circulation Desk upon registration or for download via Libby.

PAINT NIGHT: TEACUPS

Thursday, April 25, 6:45-8:30 pm

WBA103 IN PERSON

Join Kathy Reccardi and paint this beautiful painting. Non-refundable/ transferable materials fee: $5.

INTRODUCTION

TO ACUPUNCTURE

Monday, April 29, 7-8:30 pm

WBA204 IN PERSON

Learn the art of acupuncture and all of its healing qualities.

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

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Environmental Scholarships Offered

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 516-546-8841, 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.

Tell Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.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.

HOME & GARDEN

Tips To Revitalize A Garden This Spring

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.

Mercy Soup Kitchen Seeking Volunteers

“For I Was Hungry And You Gave Me Food…” Matthew 25:35

It is an exciting time at the Mercy Soup Kitchen of Wyandanch as it is preparing to launch its new and expanded post Covid operation.

Located in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church at 17 South 20th Street, the Kitchen served its first meal to hungry people in 1980 and currently serves an average of 108 people per day.

During the pandemic, however, Kitchen procedures had to be modified in order to provide hot, nourishing meals safely and continuously to those in need. Indoor sit-down dining was discontinued and only take-out dining was available.

But today the Kitchen is posing for a postCovid reopening – a reorganizational rebirth of sorts – where Kitchen procedures can finally return to again offering

guests dignified, indoor sitdown dining.

The Kitchen relies heavily on its generous volunteer support and, as such, numerous on-site and offsite volunteer opportunities are now available.

While there are openings for on-site positions, such as helping to prepare and serve meals and to perform

various maintenance functions, there are also openings for diverse off-site positions in areas such as finance, grant development and preparation, legal compliance assurance, marketing duties, social media facilitation and fund raising/donation coordination.

For further information, contact Vito Colletti at 631358-9917 or vcolletti@ optonline.net

Only with the efforts of its volunteers can the Kitchen succeed in its mission to provide food security to those in need. Please consider sharing some of your time and talents with the Kitchen to make this happen. We invite you to join our team.