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South Bay's Neighbor

The Babylon Town Board has voted to ceremoniously rename the intersection of 13th Avenue and 3rd Street as Captain Philip Canfora Jr. Memorial Way, honoring a lifelong public servant whose decades of dedication left a lasting impact on the West Babylon community.

Captain Canfora dedicated nearly 50 years to the West Babylon Fire Department and served 33 years with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of Captain. Following in his father’s footsteps, he carried on a proud family tradition of service—one that spans generations, as his father, Chief Philip Canfora Sr., was also honored with a street renaming in West Babylon.

Town Of Babylon Renames West Babylon Street In Honor

Of Captain Philip Canfora Jr.

“Captain Philip Canfora Jr. represented the very best of Babylon—selfless, dedicated, and always ready to serve,” said Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “It is our honor to ensure his name and legacy will forever be a part of this community he gave so much to.”

Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Councilman Terence McSweeney were honored to attend the ceremony, which brought together family members, fellow first responders, and community leaders to celebrate Captain Canfora’s extraordinary life of service.

The event featured remarks from elected officials, fire department leadership, and loved ones, culminating in the unveiling of the new street sign beneath a ceremonial flag arch.

The Town of Babylon extends its gratitude to the Canfora family, the West Babylon Fire Department, and all who joined in honoring a life of extraordinary service.

MOTHER'S DAY

Kids Coloring Contest!

Get creative and color the drawing to the best of your ability! Three winners will be chosen - one in each age category: 4-5, 6-7, 8-10.

Winners will receive a 4-pack of tickets to the Long Island Aquarium All entries must be submitted by May 15. Winners will be notified on May 18. One entry per person.

Please mail your submission to:

Long Island Media Group

Attn: Marketing 565 Broadhollow Road Suite 3

Farmingdale, NY 11735

Name:

Age: __ Phone Number: Email address: Town:

Tom Castellano, Auto Broker

Sharp Tax MAY HAPPENINGS

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

FRIDAY, MAY 1st

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd

9:30AM-3:00PM YARD SALE FUNDRAISER (Rain or Shine)

Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. Free admission (no vendors) For more information, please call 631-242-0221, churchon231@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd

9:00AM

I LOVE MY PARK DAY

Join us to celebrate and enhance New York’s parks, historic sites, greenway trails and other public lands. As the largest single-day volunteer event in New York State, it brings our community together. The work you do that day not only enhances the natural beauty and accessibility of our iconic state park but also ensures that this cherished space is ready to be

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

enjoyed by all throughout the season. By volunteering, you contribute to preserving the environment, fostering community pride, and supporting the long-term sustainability of New York’s treasured public lands. Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 4090 Sunrise Hwy in Oakdale. Register at ILMPD Event Map | LONYL Registration

9:30AM-3:00PM

SPRING PERENNIAL PLANT SALE

United Methodist Church in Sayville. Corner of Greene Ave and Main Street. Visit the Sayville Garden Club's annual Perennial Plant Sale. A wonderful selection of potted plants and house plants fairly priced. For more information, please call 631 567 2561, sayvillegardenclub@gmail.com

7:00PM

AMERICA’S 250th, CHOIR’S 50th (Rain or Shine)

100+ singers from parishes all over Long Island celebrate our parish choir’s 50th anniversary with Vivaldi’s Gloria and a hymn festival. It's also the 20th spring choir concert for the month of Our Blessed Mother Mary as they close the 10th year of the monthly concert series in memory of the 100th birthday of original parishioner Nelson Pontillo. Free Will Offering, All Welcome, Just Walk In, Hospitality to Follow. A special acknowledgement goes to Padre Pio Prayer Group anticipating their Mass for the Saint later in May. Our Lady of Grace RC Church - 666 Albin Ave. in West Babylon. For more information, please call the parish ofﬁce 516-587-5185

MONDAY, MAY 4th

1:00PM-7:00PM

NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER BLOOD DRIVE

Charles S. Barr, Blood Drive Coordinator, Memorare Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus, 2183 Jackson Ave. in Seaford, is hosting the New York Blood Center for a Blood Drive. Please feel free to call 1-800-933-BLOOD to make a reservation or just walk in. Call Charlie Barr, 516-510-4703, with any questions.

TUESDAY, MAY 5th

6:00PM-8:00PM

CINCO DE MAYO TACO NIGHT

Sgt. John Sardiello Post No. 1634, 10 Bruce Street, West Babylon Stop on by for dinner before or after your evening events! Dine in or Take Out!! All proceeds will beneﬁt the kitchen fund of American Legion Post 1634, providing future fellowship gatherings for our veterans and their families. For tickets, visit our Zeffy site at: https:// www.zeffy com/en-US/ticketing/ american-legion-post-1634-eventtickets. For more information, contact: secretary,post1634@ﬂmail.com Space is limited.

THURSDAY, MAY 14th

6:30PM FASHION SHOW

At the Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372, Order, Seaford American Legion, 2301 Penatiquit Avenue. Great rafﬂe prizes, the latest fashions, music, a wonderful dinner, dessert and more. The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money to continue to support the many charities they sponsor, plus award scholarships to several of our local high school students. For further information/ reservations please contact Rosemarie DiChiara at 516-458-0097.

South Bay's Neighbor celebrates local small businesses!

Small business is big business across much of North America. Small businesses boast a notable presence in the United States, where the Small Business Administration reports such establishments account for 99 percent of the nation’s firms.

Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy. Supporting these businesses is important, and here’s just a few reasons why:

• Small businesses are significant employers. The term “small business” can be misleading, particularly in terms of job creation. While small businesses are generally described as firms with fewer than 500 employees, recent data from the U.S. Small Business Administration indicated small companies accounted for two-thirds of employment growth across the U.S. over the last quarter century, ultimately creating around 13 million jobs during that time period.

• Small business spending is more likely to stay in the local community. Data from the American Independent Business Alliance indicates 48 percent of each purchase at a local independent business was recirculated locally. By comparison, just 14 percent of purchases at chain stores was recirculated locally. That means more than three times as much money is staying in communities when consumers buy from locally owned businesses compared to chain retailers.

• Innovative o erings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can and often do o er customers di erent options that larger retailers cannot match.

As Small Business Week approaches, take a moment to think about how you can support local small businesses right here on Long Island. And as always, thank you for your readership - your support means so much to our very own small business.

America’s 250th & Choir’s 50th Celebration Concert

On May 2nd at 7pm, 100+ singers from parishes all over Long Island celebrate our parish choir’s 50th anniversary with Vivaldi’s Gloria and a hymn festival. Join us! Our biggest

concert in decades. This is also the 20th spring choir concert for the month of Our Blessed Mother Mary as we close the 10th year of the monthly concert series in memory of the

100th birthday of original parishioner Nelson Pontillo. Free Will Offering, All Welcome, Just Walk In, Hospitality to Follow. A special acknowledgement goes to our Padre Pio Prayer Group anticipating their Mass for the Saint later in May.

Our Lady of Grace RC Church - 666 Albin Ave. West Babylon, NY 11704

Babylon Public Library

24 S. Carll Ave.

Babylon, NY

Erin White 631.669.1624

ADULT PROGRAMS

players are always welcome. Adults only. No registration required.

Writer’s Workshop

Tuesdays, May 5 & 19

5:30pm-7:45pm

For more information please call the parish office @ 516-587-5185

Free Car Care Guide

(NAPSI)—“Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling is not required for today’s vehicles,” explains the non-profit Car Care Council. For a free copy of its Car Care Guide, visit www.carcare.org.

Social Work Intern Friday, May 1, 11:00am – 2:00pm Saturday, May 2, 10:00am – 4:00pm Sunday, May 3, 1:00pm – 4:00pm Meet with our social work intern for referrals to community organizations and agencies for mental health services, food insecurity, legal assistance, and more. Our intern can also assist with applications for government sponsored programs and services (unemployment benefits, housing, SNAP, etc.), including following up on applications. Drop in during scheduled hours or email for an appointment at: socialworker@ babylonlibrary.org.

Spring Bingo

Thursday, April 30, 2:00pm–3:00pm Celebrate Spring with a few rounds of Bingo! Registration is required. Adults only, please.

Taiko Drums of Japan

Babylon Library’s Writer’s Workshop is an ongoing program that usually meets two Tuesday evenings a month. New and experienced writers are welcome to join at any time. Feel free to bring any works in progress to share and discuss. Adults only, please. Registration is required.

TEEN PROGRAMS

Teens Dungeons & Dragons

Wednesdays, May 6 & 20

5:30pm–7:30pm

Join us in the library for Dungeons & Dragons!

Build a character, choose your weapons, and lay waste to nasty critters with a roll of the dice. New and experienced players welcome! Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Teens Mother’s Day Crafts Friday, May 8, 3:30pm–4:30pm Decorate a zippered pouch, a mini canvas, or a heart ornament for mom! We’ll have the supplies ready - just bring your creativity. Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Teens Plant Markers Community Service Tuesday, May 12, 4:00pm–5:00pm Design and paint wooden plant markers for the

Continued On 18

Sunday, May 3, 2:00pm–3:00pm With performances drawn from the rich folk heritage of Japan, Ryu Shu Kan presents a diverse program of Taiko Drums, Folk Song, and Dance to immerse the participants in a traditional Japanese festival experience. Please register for this event. This concert is part of Babylon Library’s Spring 2026 Concert Series, sponsored by the Friends of the Babylon Public Library, the Babylon Village Arts Council, and partially funded through Suffolk County.

Adult Games

Mondays, May 4, 11, & 18

1:00pm – 4:00pm

The Community Room is open for library patrons to play games of their own choosing. Patrons must bring their own games. New

Kayak Open House Set For May 2–3 At The Dinghy Shop

Outdoor enthusiasts and curious beginners alike are invited to attend a Kayak Open House at The Dinghy Shop, located at 334 S Bayview Ave., Amityville, NY 11701. The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide selection of kayaks, paddles, and accessories, as well as participate in guided, on-water kayak demonstrations. The event will also feature paddling workshops designed to help attendees build skills and confidence on the water.

Whether new to kayaking or a seasoned paddler, attendees can connect with local clubs and learn more about paddling opportunities across Long Island.

For more information or to RSVP, visit www. dinghyshop.com, or call (631) 264-0005.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Contrary to one popular misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican independence. According to History.com, Mexico’s Día de la Independencia is commemorated on September 16. So what does Cinco de Mayo commemorate? Cinco de Mayo commemorates an improbable Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Though Cinco de Mayo is now celebrated across the United States, it remains a minor holiday in Mexico that is primarily observed in the state of Puebla. Knowledge of the holiday’s origins may or may not be widespread among American celebrants, many of whom view Cinco de Mayo as a celebration of Mexican culture.

PROUDLY HONORING

Benjamin Markan Partner, REMCO Agency

Benjamin has been a steadfast supporter of individuals and nonprofits, including New Ground, consistently giving back through donations and service to help break the cycle of homelessness for Long Island's Veterans and families

New Ground helps Veterans and families break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Our dedicated Social Workers target long-term solutions including higher education, career development, and financial literacy, to empower clients to achieve self-sufficiency. Supporting the children’s academics and well-being means future independence for all!

GOLF COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Steven M. DiMare

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.

“What

•BELGIA N BLOCKS

•BRICK STOO PS & STEPS

•BAS EMENT ENTRANCES

•EGRE SS WINDO WS K & T MA SONRY

COMPLETE MASONR Y SERVICES

CA MBRIDG E PATIO

20' X 20' $5900

• CAMBRIDGE PAVERS.

• BLACKTOP DRIVEWAYS,

• CHIMNEY REPAIRS,

• PATIOS,

• NEW STOOPS & REPAIRS, PVC FENCES, FREE ESTIMATES

LICENSED/INSURED HI-65214 JAC BELL MASONRY CALL 631 205 4710

JAG MASONRY & LANDS CAPING

Pavers, Patios, Drivew ays, Stoops, Cultured Stone Pool Areas, Etc! Free Estimates. Reasonabl e Prices & Reliable! Lic ensed & Insure d Lic. #59023-H References Avail abl e!

Se Necesitan Albaniles Con O Algo De Experiencia. 516 -532- 234 7

IN TERIOR/ EXTERIOR

DECK STAINING POWERWASHING PAVER SEALING,ETC

10% DI SCO UNT SENIORS/ VETERANS

NAUTICAL EXPRESS PAINTING & POWERWASHING CALL AL 631 433 2790

PAINTMAN 2.0 RE SIDENT IAL/ COMMERCIAL

Interior/Exterior Painting,Staining, Refinishing. Full Carpentr y Services Epox y Concrete Flooring, Concrete Pa ving Cleaning & Sealing. Doors, Mouldings Chair Rails Cabinet Refinishing Outdoor Furniture Repairs & Refinish ing $100 OFF ANY JOB of $1000 or MORE 631 678-3733

POWER WASHING

WOOD DECKS CLEANED & STAINED

VINYL HOUSES POWERWASHED

PAVER SEALING PATIOS, VINYL FENCES POWERWASHED

10% DI

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.

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. CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call toda y! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646

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631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 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.

27 6

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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

Babylon Public Library

From page 13

community! Help us create a gift to go along with our seed library this spring and summer. Earn one hour of community service for participating. Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Chairobics & Strength

Wednesdays, May 6 & 20; June 3, 10, 17, & 24 2:30pm – 3:30pm Join instructor Debbie Krzyminski for this 6-session chair-based exercise program.. Ropes and balls used for training will be provided; if you feel comfortable using your own free weights, please bring them. Bring a bottle of water and wear clothing you can comfortably move in. A non-refundable fee of $23 is due at registration.

Mediterranean Cooking with Chef Naela Wednesday, May 6,

6:00pm–7:30pm

Learn how to make Chef Naela’s chicken rolls - shredded chicken, sumac, and sauteed onions in filo dough. This demonstration and tasting will also include Middle Eastern salad and kunafa for dessert. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.

One-on-One Tech

Assistance with SeniorNet

Thursday, May 7, 1:00pm–3:00pm Do you need help with your iPhone, Android phone, tablet, laptop or other computer device? Help is on the way! Technology coaches from SeniorNet will be on site at the library to provide personalized, one-onone tech assistance. Bring your device, account and password information. Schedule your 30-minute appointment at the Adult Reference Desk.

Town Of Babylon Fire Police Association Honors Outgoing President Kenny Defreitas

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, the Town of Babylon Fire Police Association recognized the outstanding service and leadership of outgoing President Kenny DeFreitas as he concluded his tenure leading the organization.

DeFreitas has long been regarded as a pillar of dedication and commitment, serving with integrity and an unwavering focus on public safety. Throughout his time as president, he worked tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to ensure roadways remained safe, emergency scenes were properly secured, and first responders were able to perform their duties

efficiently and safely.

His steady leadership, years of experience, and willingness to always answer the call set a standard of excellence that has earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike. His impact on the association and the Town of Babylon will be felt for years to come.

“Ken DeFreitas represents everything that is good about volunteer service— dedication, humility, and a commitment to protecting others,” said Councilman and Public Safety Chairman Terence McSweeney. “Our town is safer because of his leadership, and we are grateful for everything he has done for our residents

and first responders.”

The association also welcomed newly elected President Mark Stone, who now takes the helm and begins the next chapter of leadership.

Stone, the first president to serve from the Deer Park Fire Department, steps into the role with strong support and confidence from members throughout the association. He is expected to build upon the solid foundation established by DeFreitas while continuing the mission of service and safety.

“Mark Stone is a proven leader who understands the importance of teamwork, service, and community,” McSweeney added. “I know

he will do an outstanding job guiding the association forward.”

As one chapter closes

and another begins, the Town of Babylon Fire Police Association remains a shining example of dedication, leadership, and the volunteers who work every day to help keep the community safe.