October 4, 2023 West Babylon South

6TH CLASS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY CADETS GRADUATE

The Town of Islip Law Enforcement Academy graduates its 6th class of cadets. The robust 14-week-long Academy is led by NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certified instructors, and has been built from the ground up to better prepare recruits and current officers for service in the Town and beyond. The Town graduated a total of 16 cadets hailing from the Town of Islip, the Towns of Smithtown, Babylon, as well as from Suffolk County.

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Town Of Babylon Hosts Italian Food Festival

Residents Enjoy Music And Cuisine While Learning About Rich Italian-American History Of Town

Saturday, October 14, 2023

In honor of ItalianAmerican Heritage Month, Town of Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta, Town of Babylon Town Clerk Gerry Compitello and

the Constantino Brumidi Lodge will host the Town of Babylon Italian Food Festival on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Attendees will learn about Town of Babylon Italian-

American history in the Town board room, enjoy food vendors from across Long Island and a DJ and live music from recording artist Angelo Venuto and explore a Cadillac car show. In addition, Councilman Manetta is conducting his sixth annual pasta and food sauce drive, and attendees are encouraged to bring pasta and sauce donations to help their fellow Long Islanders in need.

The event will take place at Babylon Town Hall Great Lawn, 200 East Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst, NY 11757

There will be additional parking with a free bus shuttle service at Lindenhurst Train Station.

West Babylon Public Library

211 Route 109

West Babylon

(631) 669-5445

Fax: (631) 669-6539

www.wbpl.us

Nancy Evans, Director ***

YOGA

Wednesdays: October 4-25

WBA405

6-7 pm

IN PERSON

Join Evelyn Regan for this monthly yoga series. Nonrefundable/transferable fee for the 4-week October sessions: $8.

SHED THE MEDS & SENIOR ID CARDS

Thursday, October 5, 10:30 am-2 pm

IN PERSON

The Library will be hosting the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, who will be issuing free medical ID cards to assist seniors or those with medical needs to keep all required medical information with them in case of an emergency. They will also be collecting expired medication for safe disposal, which prevents pollution of our ground water and keeps them out of the hands of young children. No liquids or

needles will be accepted. No registration required. Patrons will be assisted on a first come, first served basis.

Friday Flicks

Fridays: October 6, Begins 1pm, WBA720 IN PERSON

Join us for a relaxing afternoon movie!

October 6 – Whitney

Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (PG-13)

PAINTED

CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Tuesday, October 10, 7-8:30 pm

WBA136 IN PERSON

Join Betty Cole and design and paint your own charcuterie board. Nonrefundable/transferable materials fee: $5.

WBPL WRITER’S CLUB

Wednesday, October 11, 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.

MEDICAID ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE

Wednesday, October 11, 10 am-3 pm

IN PERSON

The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council will be here to assist the aged, blind, and disabled populations with enrollment. Sign up will be first-come, first-served and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council at 631-435-3000.

ZUMBA

Fridays: October 13-27 10:15-11:15 am

WBA415

Join Cindy Merkler for this monthly Zumba series. Non-refundable/ transferable fee for the 3-week October sessions: $6.

WITCHY MASON JAR

October 12-17 WBA137

VIRTUAL WITH KIT

Join Shirley Ruby and make this Halloweeninspired décor. Nonrefundable/transferable materials fee: $5.

Bird Walk At Jones Beach

Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk in the west end of Jones Beach State Park on Sunday, October 8, starting at 9:00 a.m. The group will meet in the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. The entrance,

for the Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin, is on Bay Drive going west. Bring binoculars. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.

To register, text your name and contact information to 516 4679498. No walk if it rains. Text regarding questionable conditions.

For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon. org.

Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition

Upcoming Events

On Saturday, October 14th join us at the Pink and Drink Bar Crawl in Farmingdale from 12 pm to 4 pm, with an afterparty from 4 pm to 8 pm. $15 per person, Details and to purchase wristband @ http://tickets. uniquebarcrawls.com/ affiliate/bbcc

On Friday, October 20th, the North Babylon

Teachers’ Organization is holding its Annual Night Out for a Cause benefiting the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition. Come out for an evening of shopping and raffles and bring your friends! Woods Road Elementary School, 110 Woods Road, North Babylon from 7 pm to 9 pm.

On Saturday, October

28th Top Cuts Salon will be holding their annual Cut-A-Thon fundraiser benefiting local breast cancer charities. Hair services, basket raffles, and music! Top Cuts Salon, 3956 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage. Call 516-5798866 for appointments and information.

Dot Day Celebrated At Forest Avenue

DOT DAY CELEBRATED AT FOREST AVENUE - Students in Janice Dougherty’s kindergarten art class at Forest Avenue Elementary School in the West Babylon School District celebrated International Dot Day on Sept. 15. This day started in 2009, and encourages students to make their mark, be creative, and be courageous, in honor of the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. In the book, the main character makes a dot by not making a dot. Kindergarten artists created their own not-a-dots using bingo markers. Students were encouraged to decorate around a circle, leaving the space blank and creating a negative shape. Photos courtesy of West Babylon School District

Become A Volunteer With The Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program

Compassionate women and men—both breast cancer survivors and non-breast cancer survivors—are being sought as volunteers. The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, is a nonprofit that has been advocating and supporting the community for 43 years. The virtual training will take place on four consecutive Mondays: October 30, November 6, November 13 and November 20, from 10 am to 1 pm. Attendance at all four sessions is essential. Volunteers will be trained in the following areas: community outreach, educational presentations, speaking engagements, publicity and fundraising. Those who have had breast cancer will also be trained to respond to calls to the Hotline.

Here’s what some of the program’s community of volunteers have to say about their experience:

Jeannie, age 68, from West Babylon; diagnosed in 1986. I wanted to give back to the community and let women know they’re not alone. It was life-altering when I started volunteering 31 years ago. I speak Spanish and do lots of outreach, especially to underserved communities.

Lori, age 66, from Greenlawn; diagnosed in 2012

I am recently retired and wanted to do something to help people coping with breast

October Happenings

cancer. I wish when I was diagnosed I had known about the hotline where there were others who had “been there.” Someone to tell me “take a breath, I’m here for you. I know what you are feeling.” I have done several library outreaches and am involved with our new book club.

Tanya, age 55, from Wyandanch; diagnosed in 2020

I received so much support when I called the hotline that I want to provide that kind of help to others. I do peer support for two women—linking one woman recently diagnosed to resources and speaking with the mother of someone diagnosed with breast cancer who was having a hard time. I’ve also lobbied in Albany for more funds for the program.

Jeanne, age 51, from Elmont

Although I don’t have breast cancer, as a nurse, I know that many women do not know about breast health and are going undiagnosed. I am originally from Haiti and so am able to speak with callers in French and Creole, as well as English.

The process of becoming a volunteer involves having an initial interview, followed by the four training sessions. After the final session, there is an exit interview.

For more information, please contact Nina Foley, LMSW at: 516-877-4315 or email at: nfoley@adelphi.edu.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

5:30PM

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

All pet owners are invited to bring their pets to the annual Blessing of the Animals on the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Rectory lawn in Lindenhurst. Afterwards there will be people refreshments and pet goody bags. All are encouraged to bring a food donation for the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry. For more information email gtonness@optonline.net.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

7:00PM

LINDENHURST EVENING

HOMEMAKERS UNIT

Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Unit at the Amityville Senior Center. Open to all members and newcomers ages 18 years and up. Meet ups start at 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more information.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

7:30PM-11:00PM

OKTOBERFEST 2023

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus is this years Oktoberfest. Join them for a night of music, dance and the taste of Germany's Oktoberfest. For more information contact Dave Lech at 631-357-0188.

9:00AM 5K RUN & WALK

The Jake Koenigsdorf Foundation Inc. presents a 5K Run & Walk at Heckscher Staet Park in support of the Jake K Foundation which reduces the barriers to recovery from a substance use disorder. For more information please visit hjakekfoundation.com.

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 nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com.

10:00AM-12:30PM

BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY FUN DAY

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island invites you to join them for a morning of community and fun for children with epilepsy, siblings, and parents. To register, contact Janet Romeo at 516-739-7733 x145 or email at jromeo@epicli.org.

10:00AM-3:00PM

CRAFT FAIR AND YARD SALE

St. Mark's Church of Islip presents their annual craft fair and yard sale. Browse and purchase a special item, buy a raffle or two. Have lunch and help support the vendors and the ECW of St. Mark's. Some of the items that will be available are antiques, holiday crafts, clothing, baked goods and more. For more information contact Robyn LoCricchio at 516-459-2976.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

6:00PM-9:00PM

BINGO FOR BAGS EVENT

The Women's Council of Realtors and Pure Mammography will be hosting a Bingo for Bags event benefiting the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition at The Bristal Assisted Living in Bethpage. $20 per person admission. Call 631-893-4110 for more information.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

9:00AM

2023 WALK TO END EPILEPSY

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island invites you to join them at our annual Walk to END EPILEPSY to support your loved one and all 35,000 Long Islanders living with epilepsy. For more information or to register visit p2p.onecause.com/2023w2ee.

10:00AM-3:00PM

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL

The Sunshine Alternative Education & Prevention Center will be hosting their first annual family fall festival. Volunteers are needed. There are many ways you can volunteer, either during the event or in preparation for the event. Community Service Hours Provided. To volunteer please email drcarter.sunshinecenter@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

11:00AM-4:00PM

OPEN HOUSE

Everyone is invited to an Open House at the Central Operating Lines Model Train Club located at 50 A. Carlough Rd. in Bohemia. For more information, call 631.563.0173 or visit www.coltrains.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

10:00AM-4:00PM

HARVEST FESTIVAL & YARD SALE

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Seaford will be hosting a Harvest Festival featuring local craft vendors and more including a pumpkin patch, pony rides and petting zoo. For more information call 516-781-6374.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

10:00AM-4:00PM

NORTH BABYLON LIONS CLUB

FALL FESTIVAL

The North Babylon Lions Club is hosting a Fall Festival at St. Paul's Church at 158 Phelps Lane in North Babylon. It will feature lots of vendors, food, face painting, music and a pumpkin patch! Admission is free. For more information, contact 631-553-0217.

Town Celebrates 6th Class Of Law Enforcement Academy Cadets

The Town of Islip Law Enforcement Academy graduates its 6th class of cadets. The robust 14-week-long Academy is led by NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certified instructors, and has been built from the ground up to better prepare recruits and current officers for service in the Town and beyond.

As a point of pride, the DCJS has recommended the Town’s academy to other law enforcement agencies. The Town graduated a total of 16 cadets hailing from the Town of Islip, the Towns of Smithtown, Babylon, as well as from Suffolk County.

“We are so fortunate in the Town of Islip that our Public Safety Division is comprised of individuals with the skills and resources necessary to build, grow and conduct its own in-house training

Academy,” said Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

Classroom instruction focuses on law, ethics, communication, daily defensive tactics, as well as de-escalation, Narcan, CPR, First Aid training and more.

“We are proud of our dedicated and knowledgeable instructors, alongside Chief Thomas Lohmann from Smithtown Public Safety, for the invaluable training they provide; we are proud of all our cadets and officers who complete this training,

becoming better equipped to serve our residents and the public; and we look on with pride watching the Academy continue to grow as one of the ‘go to’ training facilities in the area,” said the Supervisor.

Graduates from the Town of Islip are:

Cole Andrade

Joel Andrews

Brian Converso

Jared Nelson

Ryan O’Hora – Top Academic Score

Peter Valcarcel – Top

Pistol Marksman

From the Town of Smithtown:

Alana Buckley

James Easton

Patrick Lagravinese

Cory Lahann

Kevin Murphy

Carlos Robles

Madelyn Torres

From the Town of Babylon:

Anthony Mastromonica

– Top Pistol Marksman

Wyatt Willoughby

From Suffolk County: Nicole Pannhurst

Congratulations to each of these 16 cadets! “On behalf of myself, the Islip Town Board and all of us here at the Town of Islip, please know that as you head into your day-today duties, you have our deepest gratitude for all you do, and will do. We truly appreciate your efforts. Be safe and remember, we will always have your back,” concluded Supervisor Carpenter.

Get Ready For Medicare Open Enrollment Season Free Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance Through FCA

By Barry Klitsberg, Nassau County Medicare Counselor, FCA

Medicare is a federally run health insurance program for people who are 65 years of age or have collected Social Security Disability for 24 months. It is also available for individuals with permanent kidney failure or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

If you are not yet collecting Social Security, you have to apply for Medicare during the three month period before your 65th birthday. You may apply for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or online at: https://www.ssa. gov/medicare/. If you are already collecting Social Security, you will receive your Medicare card

automatically in the mail.

Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to change their current health plan during the yearly Open Enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). Navigating Medicare and choosing a plan that best meets your needs can be tricky. Our health care needs change over time, so you

should carefully consider your foreseeable health care needs each year. A plan that worked for us previously may not be the best choice going forward.

As we head into the Medicare Open Enrollment season, it is important for people to read mail from their current health plans to see if there are any changes that might impact them for 2024. You should have this notice by October 1. Plans frequently change their premiums, copays, deductibles, and formularies. Providers may leave or be added to a plan’s network. It is important to keep informed about your coverage. The Medicare & You 2024 booklet, which arrives in homes of

all eligible for Medicare by late September, contains valuable information about Medicare benefits and a description of changes for next year.

Medicare beneficiaries should review their coverage during the Open Enrollment period to determine if their current coverage is still the right one for them.

Medicare beneficiaries who are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO) and don’t change their plan by December 7th will have an additional opportunity to switch Medicare Advantage plans between January 1 and March 31.

The Medicare website (www.medicare.gov) can help you reevaluate and compare available plans.

Free Help Available Through FCA

If you don’t have ready access to a computer otherwise need assistance, Family and Children’s Association (FCA) can help guide you through the process with free help available by calling its Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 516-4853754. One of our counselors will be happy to assist you. FCA’s HIICAP is a free service that has trained counselors who can provide you with unbiased expertise on what Medicare plan can best meet your individual needs. HIICAP counselors can help you switch plans, in many cases over the phone. In person appointments are also available.

The HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program) is supported in part by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, and the New York State and Nassau County Offices for the Aging.

FCA can help. Answers to your Medicare questions are just a phone call away.

Barry Klitsberg is an Assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Coordinator at FCA in Garden City and an Aging Services Program Specialist at US Department of Health and Human Services.

BARRY KLITSBERG

Your 90 Day Plan To End The Year On A High Note

By JoAnn Cilla

As we edge toward the final weeks of 2023, the days seem to accelerate. Before you know it, the holiday season arrives, and the year wraps up in a blur of activity. But the last 90 days can be a time for reflection, productivity, and setting the stage for a stronger future, both personally and professionally. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

In Business

1. Audit Your Finances: Use this time to evaluate your financial records, trim down unnecessary expenses, and look for opportunities. Look at your budget and make plans for 2024.

2. Review Your Goals: Did you set business

goals for this year? If so, will you hit them? If yes, set new, higher targets for next year. If not, you might need to adjust your plans for 2024. It’s always helpful to have at least one other person review your goals with you. They might see

or read something that you miss.

3. Network: It’s a great time to renew old business acquaintances and make new connections. Make sure you thank the people who helped you achieve your goals this year and plan to stay on their radar screens in 2024.

In Personal Life

1. Physical Health: As the year ends, renew or start a commitment to your physical wellbeing. Whether it’s joining a gym or taking up a sport, you MUST prioritize physical activity. Find a running partner or gym buddy to keep you moving!

2. Mental Health:

Reconnect with loved ones, pick up a longforgotten hobby, or simply spend some quiet moments to achieve a better mental state.

3. Skill Building: Dedicate time each week to acquire a new skill. Learning doesn’t only have to be professional; it could be cooking, painting, or even knitting.

4. Planning Ahead: Take time to think about what you want for the next year. Setting personal goals now helps you hit the ground running on January 1st.

Home Improvements

To secure your home and possibly even enhance its curb appeal, consider:

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS SERVICE DIRECTORY

1. Safety Upgrades: Install a modern home security system with cameras and smart locks to protect your property.

2. Weatherproofing: Prepare for the winter months by insulating your home, sealing cracks, and installing storm windows.

3. Curb Appeal: Simple landscaping projects can dramatically change the appearance of your home. Plant some flowers, paint the door, or install a new mailbox.

The final 90 days of the year are not just a countdown but an opportunity. Seize it to make meaningful changes in your business, personal life, and home.

Breast Cancer Survivors

Though most breast cancer survivors don’t get cancer again, the American Cancer Society notes that they are at higher risk for getting some types of cancer. According to the ACS, the most common second cancer in breast cancer survivors is another breast cancer. That only underscores the importance of continuing to get screened even after successful treatment. In addition to a second breast cancer, breast cancer survivors have a greater risk of developing salivary gland cancer, cancer of the esophagus, stomach cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. The risk for thyroid cancer, sarcoma, melanoma of the skin, and acute myeloid leukemia also is greater after successful treatment for cancer.

JOANN CILLA

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203 E. Montauk Hwy. Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Office: 631-539-6000

Cell: 516-429-1911

joann@joanncillarealestate.com

www.joanncillarealestate.com

Sometimes life can become overwhelming. There are so many people who need help, but where do we even being?

When I think about ways to show my gratitude and of helping others, I think about the quote from Mother Teresa. I might not be able to feed every adult and child who are hungry today, but with your help, we can help feed some of them.

We can create a ripple effect. Someone in the next town will see what we doing, and they will start their own food or clothing drive... and then someone in the next town, and the town after that. Pretty soon, millions of people who needed support during a tough time in their lives will nd it. Hopefully, they can pay it forward when they have the means to do so.

Gratitude causes ripples, and ripples cause change. Let’s create some ripples this month for people who can use our help. Here are the details:

What: Thanksgiving Food Drive for St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.

Where: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lindenhurst.

When: The month of October. All donations must be in by Saturday, November 4th.

More: We will collect nonperishable items for Thanksgiving dinners at JoAnn Cilla Real Estate, 203 E Montauk Hwy, Lindenhurst NY 11757 on the following days:

• Mondays 3pm-5pm

• Wednesdays 12pm-2pm

• Fridays 11am-1pm

• Saturdays 10am-1pm

If you can’t drop off at these times or need us to pick up your donation, please call me at 631-539-6000. I am grateful for your help, JoAnn

- Mother Teresa

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State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.

Celebrating 67 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their interior comfort. Thank you.