April 22, 2026 West Babylon by Long Island Media Group

Spring Artists In Bloom

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

voter approval is obtained, the School District will appropriately notice bidders in accordance with the law.

Dated: April 14, 2026

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION

WB - 642 - 4/22/26

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that tentative plans and specifications for 20252026 Capital Improvement Program are available for review and inspection for informational purposes only. Complete digital sets of the Contract documents may be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) at the following website www. jagplanroom.com beginning on APRIL 21, 2026 thru May 19, 2026.. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from Island Digital Reprographics, 200 Broadhollow Road, Suite One, Farmingdale, New York 11735 (631-753-3000) upon a deposit of one hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to WEST BABYLON UFSD and may be uncertified. Said deposit will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications in good condition with no handwritten notations thereon.

These plans and specifications are subject to voter approval and may change as a result thereof. In the case approval is not given, sealed bids will not be advertised therefore. When

Hope For The Warriors To Host Free Virtual Career Workshops

Geared for the military community, Hope For The Warriors will present a series of free virtual career workshops with Robert Half, a talent solutions and business consulting firm.

The four-part series begins Thursday, April 23, at 11 a.m. EDT. Led by career coaches from Hope For The Warriors and Robert Half, the onehour interactive workshops are designed for veterans, service members, and military spouses navigating the civilian job market.

Participants will receive guidance on job-search skills, including resume development, interview preparation, networking strategies, and exploring civilian career options during the transition from military service.

The following are the topics of the four-part series:

• Thursday, April 23 – How to Ace the Interview (Without Sounding Scripted): Designed for first-time

interviewees and those returning to the job market after an extended gap, this session focuses on confident communication and effective interview techniques.

• Thursday, July 23 –National Hire a Veteran Day – Employer Spotlight Panel: Employers will discuss the skills they seek in veteran candidates, how veterans can stand out in a competitive job market, and common misconceptions — and how to overcome them.

• Thursday, September 17 – Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) – How to Get Seen: This workshop will explore why applications can disappear into the “black hole” and provide strategies for improving resume visibility within ATS platforms

• Thursday, November 19 – Salary Negotiation

& Compensation

Confidence: Participants will learn how to discuss pay, understand market value, navigate civilian compensation structures and performance reviews, and determine when and how to negotiate.

For the first 15 participants who attend any of the events for its entirety, Robert Half will provide 30day access to its Percipio learning platform. Percipio features thousands of career development resources, including courses on resume writing, interview prep, leadership, Microsoft Office skills, and more. The goal of the self-guided program is to help users sharpen their skills and explore new interests to help take the next step in their career journey.

As a part of Hope For The Warriors’ Warrior’s Compass transition program, the free, virtual career workshop series provides training to

help prepare those in the military landscape for a job search in today’s civilian climate. The workshops offer tools and tips, as well as opportunities to network with other service members, military spouses, and companies committed to hiring those with military backgrounds.

“Service members and veterans bring strong skills to the workforce, but the transition from military service to civilian employment can be challenging for some. These workshops are designed to make that process clearer and more accessible,” said Brian Papakie, director of transition services and life roles for Hope For The Warriors and a retired U.S. Marine.

To register for the free, virtual career workshops, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.

About Hope For The Warriors: Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving

transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate

the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.

Josh Marlowe

From The First Color TV’s in the 1960’s To The First Flat Screens In The 1990’s From Cable TV In The 1980’s To The Streaming Services In The 2000’s

From Rotary Phones To Pay Phones To Flip Phones To Smart Phones From FM Radio To Satellite Radio From 8 Track & Cassette To CD’s

APRIL HAPPENINGS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd

7:00PM-9:00PM

"THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND"

Author Bill Bleyer will discuss "The Battle of Long Island", Long Island's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Learn about the single-day engagement, the British occupation and the resilience of Long Islander's. The program is held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. in Islip. Free and open to the public. For more information, please call 631559-2915, www.isliphamlethistory.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd

7:00PM

"STUMP THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY"

All Welcome to the Wantagh Preservation Society's "Stump the Historical Society" night! Bring your questions, this will make for an educational fun, interactive meeting. As the saying goes, "you're never to old to learn something new." Place: Wantagh Preservation Society Museum, 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. Light refreshments will be served. For more information: homebound315@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 24th

9:30AM-10:30AM

FIRST STEPS INTO NATURE

Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, stories, play, and more. Children ages 2-5y. Help Introduce The Wonders Of The Natural World To Your Child. An experienced educator will lead your youngster through hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more! Children will gain a greater appreciation of

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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

nature and wildlife while having fun. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631979-6344

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th

Doors open at 5:00PM Tournament starts at 7:00PM

TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER TOURNAMENT

The Copiague Fire Department –Vigilant Engine Company is hosting its First Annual Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, and they're inviting the community to come out and support a great cause. Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged. All proceeds support the efforts of the Copiague Fire Department and help them to continue serving the community. For more information and registration visit: www. vigilantenginecompany.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th

10:00AM-5:00PM

MERRICK SPRING FEST - CRAFT FAIR Free Event. Family Shopping Fun. Merrick Avenue in Merrick. Vendors, Food Trucks, Carnival, Lice Music. For more information, please visit https://nassaucountyfairs.com/

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th

1:00PM-4:00PM

EARTH DAY COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

The Levittown Community Council presents Earth Day Community Clean-Up (Rain Date: April 27th) Location Meet-Up: Veterans Memorial Park, Hempstead Turnpike & Shelter Lane. Bring your own rakes, brooms, etc. ALL

participants under 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult For more information contact: email: levittowncouncil@yahoo.com facebook: @ levittowncommunity councilinc

Dinner at 2:00pm Play begins at 3:30pm "TWO CENTS"

A STAGED READING AND DINNER

Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1634, 10 Bruce Street in West Babylon. Written by Long Island playwright Amy Nicole. All proceeds to beneﬁt the Trustee Fund of Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1634. For additional information, contact: secretary.posf1634@gmail.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30th

8:00 PM

Doors open at 6:30PM COMEDY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh Comedy Night Fundraiser at Governor's Comedy Club 90 Division Avenue in Levittown. Tickets not sold at the door. Come support a great cause, comedy and wonderful rafﬂe baskets. All proceeds support the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh's community service projects, scholarships and Kamp Kiwanis. For Tickets: contact Debbie Tota: 516.729.0521. Mail checks payable to Wantagh Kiwanis 2868 Lindale Street, Wantagh, NY 11793, www.facebook.com/ photo?fbid =1252757503617537&set =a.444021294491166

Please

West Babylon High School Students Received AP Recognitions

Forty-two West Babylon Senior High School students have been recognized by the College Board as AP Scholars. Every year, the AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple

AP exams. AP Scholar recognition is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP

Scholar with Distinction is presented to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Congratulations to this year’s Advanced Placement Scholars: Rohaan Bajaj, Gianfranco Cardenas, Kayleigh Carlson, Sophia

Clausz, Dylan Cousins, Kieran Flynn, Sofia Fuentes, Jillian Goldberg, Gabrielle Gorczynski, Nezar Hajar, Kylah Hicklin, Michael Higgins, Isabella Hoolan, Melanie Jastrzebski, Angeline Joseph, Jenna Kozodoy, Leah Kutchens, Giovanna Miranda, Keith Murray, Nandini Ramesh, Jaysen

Reyes, Evangelyn Rivera Bonilla, Natalie Tiedemann and Kyle Westcott.

Congratulations to these Advanced Placement Scholars with Honor: Christian Bustamante, Anna Horowitz, Katherine Kane, Kaden LaVecchia, Brian Nguyen, Mia Rojas, Grace Simaren, Matthew Von Buttgereit and Dylan Znachowksi.

Congratulations to the following Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction: Joel Colas, Julian Cruz, Addison Eglin, Erin Fider, Anthony Mastrangelo, Dheera Misra, Maria Moreno Lopez, Saad Syed and Ryan Znachowski.

Santapogue Fifth Grade Scientists Investigate Water Cycle

Fifth grade students at Santapogue Elementary School in the West Babylon School District are learning about the water cycle as part of their science curriculum through an engaging, hands-on experiment.

To better understand the process, students filled plastic bags with water and placed them in a sunny location where they could observe the water cycle in action over the course of several weeks. As the days passed, they watched as the water evaporated, condensed and collected inside the bags, demonstrating the different stages of the cycle.

In addition to their observations, fifth graders created models of the water cycle and used science vocabulary to explain each step of the process, including evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

The activity provided students with a visual and interactive way to explore an important scientific concept while strengthening their understanding of the processes that occur in Earth’s natural systems.

Fifth grade students at Santapogue Elementary School in the West Babylon School District recently conducted a hands-on experiment observing the water cycle in action. Photos courtesy of West Babylon School District

Forty-two West Babylon Senior High School students have been recognized by the College Board as AP Scholars. Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District

Branches in Bloom: A Spring Festival Celebrating Arbor Day

Saturday, Apr. 25 and Sunday, Apr. 26

11am – 4pm

Spring is one of the most magical times at Planting Fields, when the landscape comes alive with color and fragrance. Sweeping groves of magnolias, flowering cherries, and other spring-blooming trees transform the grounds into clouds of white, pink, and soft yellow, creating a breathtaking seasonal display.

This year, visitors are invited to experience Branches in Bloom, a new spring festival taking root at Planting Fields. Centered on the spectacular collections of magnolias and flowering cherries near the expansive lawn west of the Main House, the festival showcases hundreds of trees at the height of their bloom: an unforgettable celebration of spring in full flower!

What to Expect:

– Sweeping spring blossoms at peak bloom

– Guided tours of the historic landscape

– Kids Tree Climb with Wonderland Tree Care + Landscapes Weather permitting. Closes at 2:30pm both days.

– Educational displays & demonstrations

– Live music & performances. Including magic acts, jugglers, and more!

– Family-friendly activities throughout the day Including seedling giveaways, face painting, caricaturists, food trucks, and more!

It’s a chance to slow down. To wander. To look up into canopies of color. To celebrate the trees that shape our environment and define this extraordinary place. This is spring as it was meant to be experienced. For nearly four decades, Planting Fields has proudly celebrated Arbor Day and the vital role trees play in our environment. Branches in Bloom honors that long-standing tradition while embracing

PSEG Long Island Prepares For The Osprey’s Return

a new way to experience spring at Planting Fields.

By registering for this event, you consent to receive emails from Planting Fields Foundation and also consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. If you have any concerns, please contact us at lmcgurk@ plantingfields.org.

®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

Photo courtesy of the Planting Fields Foundation

As the osprey breeding season nears, PSEG Long Island has been busy preparing by inspecting known nesting areas and cleaning out debris and garbage in the nest located near the company-installed webcam in Oyster Bay.

Working from bucket trucks, crews recently retrieved manmade garbage, including plastic tape and fishing line, from the osprey nest, helping to ensure the birds and their chicks do not get tangled when the new nesting season begins this spring.

“PSEG Long Island’s reliability is in the top 10% of electric utilities nationwide, and our work with conservation partners to support the osprey population is part of the work we do to maintain that reliability,” said Scott Jennings, president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “It’s good environmental stewardship, and protecting these birds from highvoltage equipment also improves reliability for customers.”

Ospreys build their nests on the tallest structure near a body of water. To proactively monitor its utility poles for osprey nests, PSEG Long Island partners closely with

Group for the East End, a nonprofit organization that has advocated for the protection and preservation of nature on the East End since 1972. Volunteers with the nonprofit conduct their own surveys of the area and share osprey data with the company, which maintains a team dedicated to mitigating risks and relocating nests safely and in accordance with all regulations protecting the wildlife.

According to a 2025 report issued by the Group for the East End, osprey breeding activity has increased over the past 12 years on the East End, with 385 active nests in the summer of 2025 compared with 199 active nests in 2014.

In balancing its commitment to the consistent, safe delivery of power for its customers with its commitment to being a good environmental steward, PSEG Long Island has installed dozens of osprey nesting platforms and protective equipment to deter the returning birds from nesting on electrical equipment, which puts both the raptors and the electrical system in danger. Maintaining the nesting platforms helps PSEG Long Island maintain strong

electric service reliability. PSEG Long Island maintains a 24-hour webcam at one of these nesting platforms in Oyster Bay. For more information about osprey and to view a live webcam feed of the Oyster Bay nest, visit psegliny.com/ wildlife/ospreycam. Human garbage is hazardous to the birds. Many times, the osprey will gather garbage, such as plastic bags and fishing wire, to build their nests. Fishing lines and strings may wrap around the birds’ feet, preventing them from leaving the nest. Plastic litter is very easy to find, and since the birds live close to humans, plastic is often found in nests.

When ospreys build a nest on electrical equipment, it puts the nest in danger of catching fire, which can cause significant damage and outages to customers, as well as harm to the osprey. The birds are at high risk of electrocution, as their large wingspan can complete the circuit between closely spaced energized equipment or between an energized wire and a neutral ground wire.

To learn more about how PSEG Long Island works to protect wildlife, visit psegliny.com/wildlife.

HOME HEALTH AIDE

Experienced,

Can

Ask

GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

631-383-1087

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276 THE power of CLAS SIFIED!

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

W ANT your phone to rr rr ring? Place an ad in Classified!

TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.

SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

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TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.

West Babylon Public Library

211 Route 109

West Babylon (631) 669-5445

www.wbpl.us

Nancy Evans, Director ***

SHED THE MEDS

Wednesday, April 22, 6-8 pm

In collaboration with New York State Senator Alexis Weik’s office, the Library will host the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office for a medication take-back event. Bring your expired or unused medications for safe disposal, helping prevent groundwater pollution and keeping them out of the hands of young children

IMAGINE & MAKE: POSTERS (CANVA)

Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-8 pm

Design like a pro! Discover the magic of Canva as you learn how to set up your free account and create custom designs. In this hands-on class, you’ll make and print a poster to take

home — perfect for events, marketing, photo collages, and more! Non-refundable/ transferable program fee: $5.

EMPIRE DEFENSIVE DRIVING

(APRIL)

Saturday, April 25, 10 am-4 pm

Attend this class to potentially earn an auto insurance discount and reduce violation points. A $35 non-refundable check or money order (no cash), payable to Empire Safety Council, is due within 48 hours to secure your spot. Space is limited. One registration per person. Phone or in-person registration only.

IMAGINE & MAKE: SUBLIMATION WIND SPINNER

Monday, April 27, 6-8 pm

Explore the Library’s Makerspace and bring your ideas to life! Learn how to use tools like Cricut cutting

machines, the poster and sublimination printers, button makers, and more to create unique projects from start to finish. Programs may cover everything from choosing and cutting a design to completing your final product. Nonrefundable/transferable program fee: $5.

PSEGLI CONSUMER ADVOCATE TABLE

Tuesday, April 28, 10 am-1 pm

PSEGLI Consumer Advocates will be available to explain programs that are available to assist low-moderate income customers, such as the: Household Assistance Rate Program, Deferred Payment Agreements for accounts in threat of termination, Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program (REAP) to educate customers on how to lower their energy costs, Peace of Mind & Friendly Follow Up

Programs, and Critical Care Program for customers on Life Sustaining Equipment.

MEDICAID ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE

Tuesday, April 28, 10 am-1:30 pm

Sign up is first-come, firstserved and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council at 631-435-3000.

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

Tuesday, April 28, 2 pm-3 pm

Travel from home with a library program featuring Savannah, GA or New Orleans, LA. Enjoy video clips, photos, and highlights of each city’s history, culture, and tourism.

CASUAL CRAFTING KIT

April 30-May 5

West Babylon Card Holders Only.

LET’S TALK ABOUT BOOKS

Thursday, April 30, 1:303:30 pm

This month’s book is the Long Island Reads’ selection The Doorman by Chris Pavone.

ZUMBA

Fridays: May 1-29, 10:1511:15 am

Non-refundable fee for the 4-week February sessions: $10

FRIDAY FLICKS

Movies begin at 1 pm Friday, May 1 La La Land (PG-13, 128 mins)

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE

Saturday, May 2, 10 am-3 pm

Great book selection at great prices! Books for all ages! All proceeds help the Friends support the Library - which benefits our entire community.

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION

& SUPPORT OF SUFFOLK COUNTY

Monday, May 4, 3-6 pm

The Community Mental Health Promotion and Support Program (COMHPS) is a free, anonymous initiative funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health. It enhances mental health by offering emotional support, brief counseling, tailored workshops, support groups, wellness activities, and referrals to resources and professionals. No registration required.

GET READY FOR SUMMER PAINT NIGHT

Monday, May 4, 6:45-8:30 pm

Get creative at our Summer Reading Prep Paint Night and help bring the library’s décor to life! Enjoy a fun, relaxed evening of painting as we prepare colorful displays for the upcoming summer reading season.

PAINTMAN 2.0 RE

HAPPY EARTH DAY 2026

What we do today shapes tomorrow.

JOANN CILLA

Licensed Real Estate Broker

203 E. Montauk Hwy.

Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Ofﬁce: 631-539-6000

Cell: 516-429-1911

joann@joanncillarealestate.com www.joanncillarealestate.com

Seven Things You Should Know About Earth Day

Earth Day began in 1970, inspiring 20 million Americans to take action. It was sparked by environmental disasters that demanded change. It led to landmark laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Today, it’s celebrated in more than 190 countries.

Over one billion people participate each year.

The date April 22 was chosen to engage students nationwide.

Earth Day efforts have planted hundreds of millions of trees globally.

“The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth.”