REGISTRATION DATES & TIMES
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY AUGUST 20TH, 21ST & 22ND 5PM-8PM SATURDAY AUGUST 24TH 11AM-2PM
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY AUGUST 27TH, 28TH & 29TH 5PM-8PM
CLASSES START MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
Starting this month, Suffolk County transit drivers who served our nation will be honored with a special uniform patch bordered in gold, where the word “veteran” is stitched in silver letters under the United States Flag for display on each driver’s sleeve.
To commemorate this special honor, a ceremony was held at Suffolk Bus Corporation’s (SBC) Ronkonkoma bus depot to thank the drivers, mechanics, and office staff for their service to our country and their dedication to the Suffolk County transit system. Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa, who serves as chair of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee and the Public Works, Transportation & Energy Committee, was on hand to recognize the commitment, sacrifices and extraordinary contributions of America’s veterans.
The concept to honor our veterans in this special way was initiated by Suffolk Bus Corp. driver, Luis Mercado, a veteran of the US Marine Corps and the Navy Reserves, and chair of the Transport Workers Union Local 252 Veterans Committee.
Suffolk Bus Corp. worked with North Fork Transit and EBT, the other transit service providers in Suffolk County, and Transport Workers Union Local 252, to implement this program.
“I am so pleased that we were able to find a way to honor this special group of drivers. Thank you to Luis and his committee for helping to make this happen,” said John Corrado, Suffolk Bus Corporation President.
“Suffolk County is very proud of the job that our transit workers do every day. We’re especially proud to know of the men and women who serve our system and
who also served our country. These are great people doing great work. The distinctive patch is a well-deserved
thank you for their service,” said Legislator Caracappa.
“Suffolk County is the first county in the country
to honor their veterans in this way,” said Debra Hagan, President of TWU Local 252. “We’re honored to have
the opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to those who have served our country.”
By Deb Colton Beekeeping
helps many communities around the world by providing income, supports agriculture and improves food security.
Honey can be used as a natural preservative due to its antibacterial properties and has been used to preserve fruits and other foods for centuries;
Honey never spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible; Bees are essential for growing many of our foods. They pollinate about 1/3 of the food we eat including fruits, vegetables, and nuts;
Honey bees are the only insects that produce food eaten by humans. They are unique and their production of honey has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years;
Honey can improve sleep. A spoonful of honey before bed can promote relaxation and better sleep by raising insulin slightly and allowing tryptophan to enter the brain; Honey has natural healing properties and different medicinal uses in various cultures. It can help soothe sore throats, speed up the healing of wounds and burns due to its antibacterial qualities and is used to treat digestive issues; Honey can help your brain. It contains antioxidants that may support brain health and improve memory; Honey can help with seasonal allergies. Consuming local honey is believed by some to help build immunity to local pollen and reduce allergy symptoms; Bees produce a tiny amount of honey in their lifetime. A single worker bee produces about 1/12
of a teaspoon of honey in their entire life, but together they are a powerful force and need protection; There are over 300 types of honey in the United States. The flavor, color and aroma depend on the flowers that bees visit; Beeswax is used in many everyday products. It is found in things like candles, lip, balm and even some types of food packaging; Beyond all of that, here are some fascinating factoids about bees – they are colorblind to red. Bees can see ultraviolet light which humans cannot, but they cannot see the color red. Bees have a built-in GPS that uses the position of the Sun, the Earth’s magnetic field, and their own memories of landmarks to navigate and find their way back to the hive. Bees are known to communicate through dancing. They perform
a “wiggle dance” to tell other bees where to find the best flowers. Bees can even recognize and remember human faces, much like they remember flowers.
Bees are critically important in food production around the world.
On August 3rd, 2024, the Babylon Town Board gathered to celebrate Anthony LaFerrera, affectionately known as “Laff,” for his election as President of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs council. Remarkably, he’s just the second person from the Town of Babylon to hold this position since the association’s inception in 1904. Laff started his fire service journey with the North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company in March 1979. He previously led the
Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association, the Town of Babylon Fire Officials Association, and the Fire Chiefs’ Council of Suffolk County. He has also been a member of the Suffolk County Fire and Rescue Services Commission since 2003 and is a retired FDNY EMS lieutenant. Councilman and Public Safety Chairman Terence McSweeney congratulated Chief LaFerrera on this accomplishment adding he has known him for most of his adult life and that “Laff”
is a major reason why he pursued joining the North Babylon Fire Co. and also a career as a NYC Firefighter with the FDNY.
Supervisor Rich Schaffer also added he has known Chief LaFerrera for many years and could not think of a better person to represent the New York State volunteer firefighters.
“He has dedicated a lifetime to public service, and we are very proud to stand with him today and recognize this great accomplishment.”
NYS ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT - On August 3rd, 2024, the Babylon Town Board gathered to celebrate Anthony LaFerrera, affectionately known as “Laff,” for his election as President of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs council. Remarkably, he’s just the second person from the Town of Babylon to hold this position since the association’s inception in 1904.
We are growing thousands of baby oysters at our community oyster gardens graciously hosted in crates at the docks of Babylon & Bay Shore Yacht Clubs. Volunteers are wanted to help maintain the gardens by cleaning up the crates, then counting & measuring the baby oysters to track their growth. Great hands on experience for allscouts and families welcome. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
We recommend clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty and/or wet. See below to volunteer for one or more days. Babylon - Sundays from 1-3 PM Bay Shore - Tuesdays from 9-11 AM Community service available.
Volunteer here: https:// www.signupgenius.com/ go/10C084EA9AE2BA2FDCE9-50158169community?mc_cid=c3a546c8e1&mc_ eid=51d1e63712#/
•Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage Ring
• USDA Prime Marinated London Broil
•12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders
• USDA Prime Sirloin Hamburgers with Buns!
• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns!
• USDA GRADE-A White Meat Chicken Skewers
• USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers
• Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
•Sugar Sweet, Local Corn on the Cob
Choose 3 Homemade Sides:
•Macaroni Salad
• Potato Salad
•Cole Slaw
•Farfalle Pasta Salad
•Crisp String Bean Salad
& Hot Dog Buns
USDA GRADE-A Chicken Skewers •2 Packages of Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage • Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• USDA Black Angus Filet Mignon Steaks
• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns! • Choice of:
Sirloin Burgers or USDA Grade A Chicken Burgers with Buns! • Choice of: USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers or All Natural Jumbo Shrimp Kebabs
Will be Offered at St. John Nepomucene 1140 Locust Ave. Bohemia, NY 11716
Each group will be eight weeks in duration beginning Thursday, September 12th
The General Support Group is open to anyone who has suffered a loss at least three months prior to the start of the group. The Adult Child Group has no wait requirement. Each group meets weekly for 90 minutes followed by refreshments and hospitality. There is no cost but a commitment to attend each meeting throughout the program is required. Both groups are offered in a closed and confidential setting with highly trained facilitators and limited to 12 people.
Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited. Please call the number below to reserve your seat. Call 631-589-0540, ext. 250
- The Babylon Town Board has declared Ryan Ticas a hero for his prompt response at Cedar Beach in Babylon on July 14, 2024. While enjoying the waves with his father, Roberto Ticas, a US Navy GM2 combat war veteran, Ryan (a resident of North Babylon) observed an elderly man in distress, struggling to maintain his balance and calling for help. Upon closer inspection, Ryan noticed the man was bleeding and urgently needed assistance. He quickly informed his father of the situation and, without hesitation, rushed to the man’s aid, bringing him safely to the shore. In recognition of his courageous actions, Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the town board presented Ryan with the town’s most prestigious Heroism Award.
The Babylon Town Board has declared Ryan Ticas a hero for his prompt response at Cedar Beach in Babylon on July 14, 2024. While enjoying the waves with his father, Roberto Ticas, a US Navy GM2 combat war veteran, Ryan (a resident of North Babylon) observed an elderly man in distress, struggling to maintain his balance and calling for help. Upon closer inspection, Ryan noticed the man was bleeding and urgently needed assistance. He quickly informed his father of the situation and, without hesitation, rushed to the man’s aid, bringing him safely to the shore.
After alerting the nearest lifeguards, Ryan ensured they were aware of the man’s condition, who subsequently required immediate medical attention and was airlifted via helicopter to a trauma center. Following this incident, Ryan and his father returned to the water, where Ryan again demonstrated his bravery by assisting his father after he was knocked down by the waves, unable to get steady on his feet, bringing him to the lifeguards for evaluation.
Councilman Terence McSweeney commended Ryan as a hero for acknowledging and
embracing the inherent risks of his courageous actions, which involved placing himself in danger to assist a stranger in distress. He noted that Ryan likely inherited this admirable quality from his father, a U.S. Navy war veteran, and his two uncles and grandfather, all of whom served in the U.S. Marine Corps. McSweeney expressed immense pride in Ryan and extended best wishes for his promising future. In recognition of his courageous actions, Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the town board presented Ryan with the town’s most prestigious Heroism Award.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
2:00PM-3:30 PM PRE-RETIREES, RETIREES, AND PART-TIME RETIREES WORKSHOP
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 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
information, please Contact Senator Monica R. Martinez's Office at 631-341-7111
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Are you embarking on retirement while others closest to you are still entrenched in their careers, or focused on other things? You are not alone. This workshop is designed to provide valuable insights and suggestions to help you thrive in this next chapter of your life. FREE, IN-PERSON WORKSHOP: Rockville Centre Library, 221 N. Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Use the link below to register: https:// www.rvclibrary.org/ or call 516-766-6257
6:00PM-7:00PM
GARDEN LECTURE
You can have garden interest 12 months a year! Experience a pictorial tour through the garden to see how interest can keep going during any season, even in the winter! Presented by Lee Miller, Landscaper Designer and author of 4 books. Hosted by the Paumanacke Garden Club at the Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue Wantagh. FREE. For more information, please contact paumanackegc@gmail.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
9:00AM-2:00PM
CHILDREN'S SNAPPER DERBY Children's Snapper Derby in partnership with NY Coalition for Recreational Fishing at Captree Fuel Bait & Tackle, 3500 East Ocean Parkway in Babylon. For more
10:00AM-4:00PM BLOOD DRIVE
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce a partnership with New York Blood Center to host a Blood Drive in honor of Bridget McElroy, who lost her battle to cancer at just 35-years old. The drive will be held at Marjorie Post Park Community Center, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa. To make an appointment, visit https://donate. nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/316344
10:00AM-1:30PM
KIWANIS CLUB OF WANTAGH FOOD DRIVE
King Kullen, 1340 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. Non-perishable foods and baby essentials are all needed. A list will be given out before entering the store to residents that are interested in participating. Cash donations are always welcome. The food drive will benefit two Wantagh food pantries: St. Francis Food Pantry and St. Jude Episcopal Food Pantry.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
11:00AM-6:00PM
31st LIMM ANNUAL SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Don't miss Long Island Maritime Museum's Premier Event, 31st Annual Seafood Festival. Featuring
Live Music, Crafts & Seafood! The festival is held on the grounds of the Long Island Maritime Museum located at 88 West Avenue in West Sayville. The Seafood Festival is the Long Island Maritime Museum’s premier annual fundraiser. Find out more at www.limmseafoodfestival. org, or call 631-HISTORY, 631-447-8679
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
10:00AM-3:00PM
HONEY BEE EXPERIENCE
Join Pinelawn for their 6th Annual Honey Bee Experience as they demonstrate the wonders of honey bees! With 6 hives on the property, Pinelawn explains the importance of honey bees in our environment and provides a safe, up-close look at these marvelous insects. Takes place at Pinelawn’s Lowuis Natalie Mall, West Gate 3 Entrance. For more information, please call 631-249-6100
SATURDAY AUGUST 31
2:00PM-5:00PM DAHLIA EXHIBITION AND PHOTO SHOW
The Long Island Dahlia Society will hold its annual Dahlia Exhibition and Photo Show at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Carriage House, 440 Montauk Highway in Great River. Show is free with entry in the park. For further information visit WWW. LongIslandDahlia.org or email LIDSPHOTO22@gmail.com for the Photo Show
211 Route 109
West Babylon (631) 669-5445
Fax: (631) 669-6539
www.wbpl.us
Nancy Evans, Director
FRIDAY FLICKS
Begins 1 pm, WBA720 IN PERSON
Join us for a relaxing
afternoon movie! August 16 – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13
SUMMER FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Thursday, August 22, 7-8 pm
WBA105 IN PERSON
Join us and create a beautiful floral
arrangement. Nonrefundable/transferable fee: $5.
EMPIRE DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Saturday, August 24, 10 am-4 pm
WBA310 IN PERSON
Attend this class and you may be eligible
for an auto premium discount and reduction of violation points. A $35 non-refundable check or money order (NO CASH) payable to Empire Safety Council is due within 48 hours of sign up. One registration per Library Card.
WBPL PUZZLE SWAP
Tuesday, August 27, 10 am-9 pm IN PERSON
PSEGLI CONSUMER ADVOCATE
Tuesday, August 27, 10 am-12pm
Continued On 17
Do you have a puzzle you’ve already done and won’t put together again? Bring it to the library and swap it for another! Any puzzle you bring please make sure it has ALL of its pieces. The library will accept puzzle donations between August 20 and August 27.
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S
NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276 LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
Get Results Call Classifed 631-226-2636 Press “2”
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
CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?
276
Call The Classifi eds 631-226-2636 Pres s 276
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
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Summer 2024 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This summer, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:
• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, September 20, 9 – 11 am
• North Amityville Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesday, September 11, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, September 4, 8:30 – 11:00 am
• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday, September 11, 8:30 am –1 pm
• Spangle Drive Center, 4385 Spangle Drive,
North Babylon: Tuesdays, August 27 & September 24, 12 – 3:30 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday September 26, 10 am – 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesday, September 4, 8:30 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Ctr., 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 8:30 am – 1 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursday, September 26, 8:30 am –12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
IN PERSON
PSEGLI Consumer Advocates will be available to explain programs that are available to assist low-moderate income customers.
ENGLISH: BEGINNERS Tuesdays, September 3 & 10, 6:15-7:15 pm
WBA200 IN PERSON
Join us for this monthly class to help enhance your English language skills.
YOGA
Wednesdays, September 4-25 6-7 pm
WBA406 IN PERSON
Join us for this monthly yoga series. Non-
The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition will be holding their annual Lazy Days of Summer Raffle, now through August 23rd. Prizes include an Apple Watch, Lottery Board, Italian Delights Basket, Yoga Basket, Garden Basket, Summer Fun Basket and Disney Lovers Basket. Also, Silent Auction items! Call the office for details, 631893-4110.
refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week September sessions: $8.
ZUMBA Fridays, September 6-27 10:15-11:15 am
WBA415 IN PERSON
Join us for this monthly Zumba series. Nonrefundable/ transferable fee for the 4-week September sessions: $8.
FRIDAY FLICKS
Fridays: September 6 & 20, Begins 1 pm, WBA720 IN PERSON
Join us for a relaxing afternoon movie! September 6 – The Fall Guy (PG-13) September 20 – The Garfield Movie (PG)
Many adults have fond memories of attending summer camp when they were children. The American Camp Association reports that each year more than 14 million children and adults take advantage of the camp experience. Summer camp is a place for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, experience being away from home for extended periods of time, and explore new locales. Summer camp program lengths vary. Some children attend local camps that may last a week or two, while others attend sleep-away camps that last a little longer. Since summer vacation typically lasts between eight to 10 weeks, parents may discover there still is plenty of downtime after summer camp ends. Here are some ways to fill the gap between the end of camp and the start of a new school year.
Schedule a vacation
What better way to keep the magic of summer going than by rolling summer camp right into a family vacation? Give kids time to enjoy a few days to relax at home, but then buckle up for the next adventure. This can be a trip away from home, or a series of day trips or activities guided by all members of the family.
Parents of school-aged children can coordinate with one another to fill up a week or more with sleepovers. Each family can take a night or two, and the kids can jump from house to house extending the fun with one another. Sleepovers can occur inside the home or under tents in the yard.
Recreate favorite camp activities at home
Why not take what makes camp entertaining and try
it at home? Copy the camp’s itinerary and engage in similar activities, such as canoeing or nature hikes. On nights when the weather cooperates, everyone can gather around a fire pit to roast marshmallows.
Enroll in a recreational program
Some towns offer free or low-fee activities to residents through their parks and recreation departments. If budgeting does not allow for a camp experience, there are likely town-wide activities that can fill the gaps until it’s time for children to go back to school. Some even may offer after-hours childcare options for parents who have scheduling conflicts with work.
When summer camp ends, parents have different options they can explore to keep children engaged and supervised until a new school year begins.
Many variables affect students’ academic performance. These include a willingness to learn, students’ attentiveness, having a great teacher, and kids’ commitment to studying and doing homework. One component of academic performance can be easily overlooked: eyesight.
The M.M. Joshi Eye Institute in India says vision problems in children can affect studies and restrict students’ academic development. Academic performance is directly
linked to the ability to see clearly, as vision affects reading, writing, comprehension, and classroom participation.
Clarendon Vision Development Center of Illinois advises that a substantial part of a child’s education is acquired through visual processing. When that vision is impaired, it can hinder the ability to learn and absorb information effectively.
Impaired eyesight may cause students to struggle and fall behind. This ultimately can lead
Wearing eyeglasses is not strictly reserved for adults. In fact, many children wear eyeglasses,
to a lack of engagement in classwork and ultimately make them consider giving up, particularly when a student is unaware that it is eyesight and not another factor affecting their ability
has a learning disability or is slacking off.
The relationship between eyesight and education underscores the significance of routine eye exams. Intervention
first comprehensive eye exams around zero to six months of age. By age three, children should have a second eye exam, says Medical Optometry America. Around age five or school. Eye exams should then be scheduled at least every two years. These guidelines can be adjusted if any vision problems are detected and more frequent exams are needed.
