On Oct. 1, the West Babylon Fire Department visited students at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in the West Babylon School District as a kickoff to Fire Prevention Month. During the interactive outdoor assembly, students engaged with firefighters and practiced stop, drop and roll drills. Kindergarten teacher Ann Flynn even went 100 feet high in the bucket truck. Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District
Sen. Martinez Announces State Funds To Help Libraries Enhance Facilities
Several libraries serving the New York State Senate’s Fourth Senatorial District will soon be turning a new page as they improve their facilities to better serve patrons. State Sen. Monica R. Martinez announced today that the Babylon, Deer Park, West Babylon, and West Islip public libraries have been awarded more than $410,000 through the State Aid for Library
The grants awarded are as follows:
Construction program to make critical infrastructure improvements. These upgrades will allow the libraries to remain welcoming and functional spaces for the community.
“Much like a well-read book whose binding and pages wear down over time, so too does the physical library building,” said Sen. Martinez. “These renovations will ensure these community centers stack up to the demands
placed on them and provide safer, more accessible spaces where everyone can learn, connect, and grow. I’m proud to support these efforts to keep our libraries running smoothly for all who visit them.”
More than half of New
York’s public library buildings are over 60 years old, with many others facing challenges such as outdated infrastructure and limited accessibility. The State Aid for Library Construction program addresses these issues by providing critical support to modernize facilities so they can continue serving their communities effectively. The 2023-2024 state budget allocated $34 million in capital funds for public library construction, with some projects receiving up to 75% of eligible costs. These funds help libraries upgrade their spaces and adapt to evolving community needs, including projects that enhance heating and cooling systems, improve broadband access, create spaces for community activities, and make other essential renovations to ensure they remain welcoming, energyefficient, and fully accessible.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Tall, upright post on a boat
5. Basics
9. Used to refer to cited works
11. Folds
13. Former UK PM May
15. Cold region of Russia
16. Standard operating procedure
17. Separating
19. Particles
21. A way to map out
22. Referee declares
CLUES DOWN
1. One who rides an elephant
2. Absence of bacteria
3. Soviet Socialist Republic
4. Men’s fashion accessories
5. “Honey” actress Jessica
6. Round red root vegetable
7. Latin term for “charity”
8. Doesn’t smell good
9. Mental health issue
10. Millisecond
11. Hairstyle
23. Beginner
25. Water (Spanish)
26. Gov’t lawyers
27. Non-reproductive parts of an organism
29. Spanish friends
31. A type of tree
33. Walk heavily
34. About a wood
36. Free-swimming marine invertebrate
38. Political action committee
39. SB19 hit song
41. Scorch the surface of
12. Edible starch
14. Middle Eastern military title
15. Protein-rich liquids
18. Indian musical pattern 20. Cancer and Capricorn 24. Country along the Arabian peninsula 26. A bend
28. Fishes of the herring family
30. Antelopes 32. Chaos
34. Popular music app 35. Cooking material
43. Moved quickly on foot
44. Sacred state for a Muslim
46. Growl
48. Pearl Jam frontman
52. Irritating person
53. Something requiring a solution
54. Firing
56. Hazards
57. Taiwan capital
58. Impudence
59. Rock frontman Durst
37. Musical instrument
38. San Diego ballplayers
40. Small amounts
42. Poured
43. Fabric
45. Food option
47. Finger millet
49. The U. of Miami mascot is one
50. Alberta, Canada river
51. Canadian flyers
Dry white wine drink
“I’m saving about $1,800 a year in energy costs with LED lighting.”*
—Guy Brogna, All Music Inc, Plainview
Meet Guy. He’s a local small business owner, rock bassist, and fan of LEDs. It didn’t hurt that he got $5,900 in rebates to replace his store’s old lighting with energy-efficient fixtures.* He says his store and his guitars look great in the new LED glow. And, with the monthly energy cost savings, he couldn’t be happier.
How can we help your small business save? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Rebates and savings will differ with every energy efficiency project. PRINTER: PLEASE ENSURE CLOSE COLOR
Garage Door
Garage Door
Garage Door Sale!
and
Town
Park.” The DiPalma sisters added, “The P.S. I Love You Foundation is committed to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health, aiming to inspire hope for those impacted by mental illness and to create a nurturing community where everyone feels valued and supported. The foundation’s mission is celebrated annually on the second Friday of February, known as P.S. I Love You Day, where participants wear purple to show their support.” Next year P.S. I Love You will be celebrated on February 14th, 2025. For more information on how to get involved visit www.psiloveyouday.net
Town of Babylon Hosts Successful Small Business Networking Night
The Town of Babylon proudly hosted its inaugural Small Business Networking Night on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Babylon Town Hall, organized by Councilman Anthony Manetta and the Town of Babylon Chamber of Commerce
Collaborative. This vibrant event brought together local entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members to foster connections and celebrate the spirit of small business in Babylon.
Attendees enjoyed live
music and entertainment from a DJ while sampling delicious offerings from an array of food trucks featuring BBQ, pasta, doughnuts, and coffee. Representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), PSEG, National Grid,
and various chambers of commerce were also on hand to provide valuable resources and support for local businesses.
Councilman Anthony Manetta expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you to everyone who
joined us, especially our hardworking Chambers of Commerce who contribute so much to our local community.” This successful event showcased the Town of Babylon’s commitment to supporting small businesses, promoting collaboration, and strengthening local economic growth.
The Town of Babylon looks forward to hosting more networking events in the future to continue nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within the community.
Babylon IDA Hosts Expert Panel On Mental Health And Wellness In The Workplace
The Babylon Industrial Development Agency (IDA) recently held the latest installment of its Business Summit Series, focusing on mental health and wellness in the workplace. Held at the East Farmingdale Fire House, this summit featured an expert panel discussion with Dr. Annmarie WachaMontes, Clinical Director for Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience & Recovery at Northwell Health; Diana Lillo, CoFounder of Moss Wellness Workspace, Founder of Inspire Design; and Rob Labiento, Director of the Town of Babylon’s Health and Wellness Program.
This event’s focus reflected the theme of the World Federation for Mental Health’s forthcoming World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10: the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. The two coinciding events highlighted the broader conversations on this critical issue occurring around the world.
“Mental health is an issue that touches every industry, and businesses need to be proactive in supporting their employees’ wellbeing,” said Tom Dolan, CEO of the Babylon IDA. “This panel provided an invaluable platform for dialogue, helping businesses learn strategies to foster resilience, reduce mental health stigma, and implement sustainable wellness initiatives. Thank you to our expert panelists for sharing their knowledge and offering a thoughtprovoking discussion.”
“Mental health is integral to every workplace,” said Dr. Annmarie WachaMontes, Clinical Director for Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience & Recovery at Northwell Health. “By creating a supportive environment, businesses can help employees navigate trauma
and stress, ultimately leading to a more resilient and productive workforce.”
Throughout the discussion, the panelists offered unique perspectives on promoting mental health and wellness in the workplace, especially in today’s rapidly changing environments. Dr. Annmarie Wacha-Montes discussed the importance of trauma-informed practices and how businesses can create a culture of support for employees who have experienced or are experiencing stress or trauma. Diana Lillo shared insights into how workplace design and environment can positively impact mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that promote relaxation and productivity.
Rob Labiento, drawing from his experience with the Town of Babylon’s Health and Wellness Program, offered practical advice on developing longterm wellness initiatives, even for businesses with limited resources.
“A successful wellness program doesn’t require a huge budget or space,” said Rob Labiento, Director of the Town of Babylon’s Health and Wellness Program. “It starts with small, sustainable steps that prioritize both physical and mental health, creating a lasting impact on employees’ well-being.”
This event marks the second installment in the IDA’s Business Summit Series for 2024, reflecting its ongoing commitment to addressing critical issues that impact the business community and workforce in the region. By facilitating conversations around mental health and wellness, the Babylon IDA continues to prioritize the health and productivity of local businesses and their employees.
“Workplace design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces
that naturally foster wellbeing,” said Diana Lillo, CoFounder of Moss Wellness Workspace, Founder of Inspire Design. “When employees feel comfortable and supported in their environment, their mental health and productivity can significantly improve.”
“One of the recurring themes we’ve heard from business leaders is the need for more opportunities to connect and exchange ideas about critical issues like employee well-being,” said Tom Dolan. “Through panels like this, we can collaborate and find innovative solutions that benefit both businesses and the broader community.”
By bringing together a diverse group of experts through its Business Summit Series, the Babylon IDA reinforces its mission of driving economic growth, enhancing community well-being, cultivating a skilled workforce, and promoting initiatives that address the evolving needs of today’s businesses.
Photo L-R: Marcus Duffin, Babylon IDA Board Member; Tom Dolan, Babylon IDA CEO; Diana Lillo, Co-Founder of Moss Wellness Workspace and Founder of Inspire Design; Dr. Annmarie Wacha-Montes, Clinical Director for Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience & Recovery at Northwell Health; Gerry Compitello, Babylon Town Clerk; Rob Labiento, Town of Babylon Health and Wellness Program Director; and Bill Lindsay III, Panel Moderator.
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, OCT. 18th
10:00am-1:00pm
GRAND REOPENING SALE
Simpson UMC is having a Bag Sale! 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. Thrift Shop Treasures. Stuff a bag full of clothes for $5. New items are not included in the bag sale. For more information, please call Mary at516-991-8098
SATURDAY, OCT. 19th
9:00AM-4:00PM
AMITYVILLE COMMUNITY
GARAGE SALE
Amityville to hold its first Community Garage Sale in the Village of Amityville. (raindate Sunday, Oct. 20th). A huge assortment of items will be available at various homes. Check Amityville.com to see registered locations.
10:00AM-2:00PM
GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED YARD SALE
United Methodist Church, 350 Main Street in Islip, will be hosting a Good, Old-Fashioned Yard Sale. The church Thrift Shop will also be open from 10:00am– 2:00pm. For more information, please call 631-581-7663
10:00AM-4:00PM
HARVEST FESTIVAL & YARD SALE
Join us for a festive day featuring local craft vendors, a congregational yard sale, a pumpkin patch, mums for sale, raffles, delicious food, hot apple cider, a bake table, free pony rides, a bouncy house, live music, and more. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2025 Washington Avenue in Seaford. For more information, please call 516-781-6374. Email: office@ ourredeemerlutheran.church
HOLIDAYS
2nd - Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown 11th - Yom Kippur begins at sundown 14th - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day
31st - Halloween
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
10:00AM-4:00PM
FALL HARVEST FAIR
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 1294 Bellmore Avenue in North Bellmore. Vendors, raffles, raffle Baskets, food & children's activities
For more information, please call Terry at 516 785- 5029 email gelcnb@aol. com. VENDORS WANTED!
7:00PM
NLFD COMPANY #5
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
The North Lindenhurst FD Company #5, 1630 Straight Path, N. Lindenhurst, will be hosting their Annual Halloween Party. Please join them! DJ, Dinner, Beer, Wine and Soda. Prize for best costume, 50/50, door prizes. Doors open at 6:30pm. $50.00 p.p. For more information, and tickets, please call 631-226-5809 or 631-879-1211
SUNDAY, OCT. 20th
1:00PM-4:00PM
ANNUAL COLUMBUS DANCE
LISIA’S Annual Columbus Dance, at the Piermont in Babylon. Dinner and dancing. Sit down menu (antipasto, pasta, salad and choice of entrees, dessert coffee, house wines). $95.00 p.p. For more information, please call Diane Langella 516-398-3484
2:00PM
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main St. (Grant Ave), in Farmingdale will be having a Blessing of the Animals. Bring your creatures great & small on a leach or in a carrier (or stuffed) for the event. For more information, please call 516-694-3424
MONDAY, OCT. 21st
7:00PM
NARCAN TRAINING-FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Learn How to prevent an opioid overdose--participants will be trained in how to administer nasal Narcan. Free Narcan kits will be provided. Save a life--an overdose can be experienced by a stranger or even by a family member not used to a new medication. Christ Lutheran Church, 117 Carleton Ave. in Islip Terrace. For more information, please call 631-581-1710
SATURDAY, OCT. 26th
10:00AM-1:00PM BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Lindenhurst Memorial Library, One Lee Avenue in Lindenhurst, is sponsoring a Book Sale, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the sale. For more information, please call 631-957-7755
10:00AM-2:00PM CARS & COFFEE
The South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road in Huntington Station will be hosting Cars & Coffee. Join the Centurion Cruisers Car Club in the parking lot for a day of classic cars and trucks. Enjoy coffee and meet other car enthusiasts. No entry fee. For more information, please call 631-549-4411
2:00PM-4:00PM TRUNK OR TREAT
Simpson United Methodist Church, 30 Locust Avenue, in Amityville, is hosting a Trunk or Treat event. Vote for your favorite decorated car. Free Trick or Treating! Please come in costume. For more information, please call Mary at 516-991-8098
211 Route 109
West Babylon (631) 669-5445
www.wbpl.us
Nancy Evans, Director
PAINT NIGHT:
AUTUMN DAY
West Babylon Public Library
Thursday, October 17, 6:45-8:30 pm IN PERSON WBA134 Join Kathy Reccardi and paint your very own masterpiece. Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.
LET’S TALK ABOUT BOOKS
Thursday, October 24, 1:30-3:30 pm IN PERSON WBA40
Join the West Babylon Literary Club to meet and discuss a novel. This month’s book is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Copies of the novel are available at the Circulation Desk upon registration or for download via Libby.
EASY PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Thursday, October 24, 7-8:30 pm IN PERSON WBA601
Join us and learn this easy pumpkin muffin recipe. We’ll assemble a scrumptious batch to bake at home. Please bring a large bowl, a medium bowl, a 12-cup muffin tin, a large spoon and a whisk.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Saturday, October 26 10:30 am - 4 pm IN PERSON Great book selection at great prices! Books for all ages! All proceeds help the Friends support the Library - which benefits our entire community.
Continued On 18
BUYING?
BUYING?
GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” 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
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
Ki tchen & Baths COMPLETE HANDYMAN SERVI CES & RENO VAT IONS. FROM MINOR REPAIR TO FULL RENOVATIONS. Interior Doors, Sheetrock, Trim, Moulding Plumbing, Electrical
West Babylon Public Library
Continued From 16
PAINT NIGHT
Monday, November 4, 6:45-8:30 pm
IN PERSON WBA139
Join Kathy Reccardi and paint your very own masterpiece. Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.
ENGLISH: BEGINNERS
Tuesdays, November 5 & 19, 6:15-7:15 pm
IN PERSON WBA200
Join us for this monthly class to help enhance your English language skills.
MEDITERRANEAN
FAVORITES
Tuesday, November 5, 7-8:30 pm
IN PERSON WBA606
Join Chef Naela and learn to make some Mediterranean favorites.
YOGA
Wednesdays: November 6-20, 6-7 pm
IN PERSON WBA408
Join us for this monthly yoga series. Non-refundable/ transferable fee for the 3-week November sessions: $6.
SMARTER SOCIAL SECURITY
Thursday, November 7, 7-8 pm
IN PERSON WBA 215
Daniel G. Mazzola, CFA, CPA will give a broad overview of the Social Security program as it relates to retirees and their beneficiaries while emphasizing spousal benefits. In addition, learn how married couples can optimize their collective payouts using two simple strategies.
ZUMBA
Fridays: November 1-29 10:15-11:15 am
IN PERSON WBA417
Join us for this monthly Zumba series. Non-refundable/ transferable fee for the 5-week November sessions: $10.
The Parrot Expo Returns!
Long Island’s only major exotic event is coming to the VFW Post 433, located at 400 Lakeland Avenue in Sayville on Saturday, October 19th from 9-5. It’s an all-day avian extravaganza, featuring presentations by animal scientist, Dr. Amy Zhao, and Long Island Budgie Rescue’s Director, Shana Kersten. Plus, there will be an Education Center, which is a great resource for parrot owners, attendees can interact with live birds, enter raffles, purchase cages on sale and much more.
Children’s Vision
Screening
(NAPSI)—Children do better in school when vision problems are attended to. Fortunately, the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener makes vision testing faster, easier and more accurate. Read about the importance of vision screening at www.hillrom.com/SVSTestimonials/. Learn about the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener at https://www.henryschein. com/us-en/medical/products/ manufacturer-showcase/welchallyn.aspx.
There will be FREE parking on site, handicapped accessible.
Admission: $5.00/adult, $3 (or 2/$5.00) for children under 12, free for ages 2 and under.
For more information, please call 631957-1100 or visit liparrots.org.
