READER OF THE WEEK IS RICHARD CAMA OF WEST BABYLON
Weekly Dessert Tour, Page 2
Vol. 58, No. 30
THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024
Lindenhurst Kiwanis honors some “Terrific CSD celebrates students, Page, 9C Kids”, Page 5
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County lawmakers pass wastewater infrastructure bill Measure to be funded by sales tax hike A proposition to provide perpetual funding for critical wastewater infrastructure and projects in Suffolk County will go to the voters this November. The clean water measure seeks to fund both sewer projects and Innovative and Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A Systems) through a one-eighth of a percent increase in the county’s sales tax, which is currently at 4.25 percent. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced passage of the measure as he signed the historic water protection bill, with S.C. Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin
IN THE NEWS NB introduces some of its math marvels!
S.C. Exec. Ed Romaine signs wastewater infrastructure bill as lawmakers and local leaders applaud. McCaffrey, members of the legislature, and environmental and labor leaders watching. “The success of this bill is the result of years of partnership and a unified mission to protect Suffolk County now, and into the future,” said Romaine. “I thank Presiding Officer McCaffrey and the legislature, Assemblyman [Fred] Thiele, Senator Monica Martinez, the state delegation who
supported this significant measure and all of the people who never gave up hope, worked together, and made this dream a reality.” “It was an arduous journey to get us here today. I am proud of my colleagues who stuck it out and believed we could reach a compromise on the right funding formula (Continued on Page 3)
Town, state and fire officials host informational meeting on dangers associated with use of lithium-ion batteries North Babylon School District’s Director of Mathematics and Business, K-12 Amy Michalopoulos presented certificates to Marion G. Vedder Elementary School’s second grade Math Marvel team for taking first place in the New York State Championship in Albany on June 1. The team received a perfect score in round three and took home a trophy, plaque and $5,000 for their school. Shown in photo are North Babylon School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham, North Babylon School District’s Director of Mathematics and Business, K-12 Amy Michalopoulos, Gabriel Alers, Brandon Sanchez Toledo, Kyle Ngo, Marion G. Vedder Elementary School teacher Ms. Milidantri’s class, Board of Education President Matthew Lucchetti and Marion G. Vedder Elementary School Kerry Larke --
By Christie Leigh Babirad The Deer Park Fire Department recently hosted a seminar focused on the safe use and handling of lithium-ion batteries, which have become common in modern electronics and vehicles. This event, co-organized by New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, and Babylon Town Councilman Terence McSweeny, was organized to educate homeowners on essential safety measures in light of increasing fire risks associated with these batteries. Madeline Sharrock, Executive Director at Keep Islip Clean, emphasized the importance of attending such events following a letter from Senator Martinez. “Understanding how to safely handle and store lithium-ion batteries is crucial as they continue to play a significant role in our daily lives,” she said. Dr. Donald G. Lynch, Chief Fire Marshal for Suffolk County’s Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, led the seminar, highlighting key safety protocols. Senator Martinez underscored the fire risks posed
by lithium-ion batteries, particularly their potential to reignite unpredictably even after apparent extinguishment. “Lithium-ion batteries, while essential for modern technology, pose significant fire risks if not handled properly,” said Senator Martinez. “This seminar is crucial for educating the community on safety measures, ensuring we can enjoy the benefits of these devices while keeping our families and homes safe.” Martinez explained that one of the greatest dangers with these batteries is that they can reignite without any (Continued on Page 3)