Introducing the most advanced, state-of-the-art health care experience the South Shore has ever seen. To
Here at Good Samaritan University Hospital, “better” isn’t a finish line. It’s a starting point. A new beginning. A symbol of transformation our community deserves. And while our Patient Care Pavilion will feature an all-new, expanded emergency department, technologically advanced operating rooms, reimagined private patient rooms, and enhanced Trauma and Stroke centers, we know that better care isn’t just about the building. It’s about the people inside, and the hands that heal. Because better is something we live every day. And it never stops.
Town Officials Lead Effort For New Post-9/11 Memorial At Overlook Beach
More than two decades after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the toll of that day continues to grow.
At Overlook Beach, the Town of Babylon and the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association are planning a new post-9/11 memorial to honor town residents who later died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero.
The memorial will recognize that deaths from 9/11-related illnesses have now surpassed those killed on the day of the attacks, with experts warning that thousands more may be diagnosed in the coming decades.
“Unfortunately, we believe these illnesses could continue for the next 25 to 30 years,” said Thomas Richardson, a Deer Park resident, former FDNY chief of department, and member of the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association.
Planning is being led by the Chiefs Association, whose members bring decades of service and firsthand experience with the long-term effects of 9/11.
“This is really a team effort,” said Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney. “The Chiefs Association has led the way, with support from Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Tony Martinez and our DPW staff.”
McSweeney said the memorial is meant to reassure families that their loved ones have not been forgotten and to formally acknowledge the lasting human cost of 9/11.
“This is how the town reflects the nation’s gratitude to those who spent countless hours at the site,” he said. “It will give families a place to mourn, reflect, and find support.”
The post-9/11 memorial will be built alongside Babylon’s existing 9/11 memorial, completed in
2005, which honors the 48 town residents killed in the attacks. Families and Chiefs Association leaders urged a unified design so all sacrifices are recognized in one space.
As a result, the new memorial will mirror the original design, with completion targeted for Sept. 11, 2026. Funding will come through the town’s capital improvements budget.
McSweeney, an FDNY firefighter for more than 22 years, said the memorial also serves an educational purpose.
“If we don’t keep teaching what really happened and its long-term effects, history has a way of repeating itself,” he said.
While some memorials nationwide now include post-9/11 deaths, Babylon’s dedication is believed to be among the first on Long Island created specifically for town residents who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.
The memorial will honor not only first responders, but anyone who worked at the World Trade Center site and later died from exposure-related conditions recognized by the World Trade Center Health Program under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
For town leaders and the Chiefs Association, the memorial ensures that sacrifice is recognized not just on one day in history, but for generations to come.
Babylon Town Post9/11 Memorial Eligibility Requirements:
• Must have been a Babylon Town resident at some point during the rescue and recovery period
• Must have been registered with the WTC Health Program or diagnosed with a
certified 9/11-related illness
• Must have passed away
as a direct result of that certified illness For more information
or to apply, contact Councilman Terence McSweeney’s office at
gmontes@townofbabylon ny.gov or 631-957-3081.
Winter Concert
LOCATION:
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, FEB. 12th
10:00AM-2:00PM
AFA HEALTH SCREENING DAY
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting Long Islanders to get free health screenings. The event takes place at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center, 149 Schleigel Boulevard in Amityville. Open to the public and free of charge. First-come, first-served basis; no appointments required. For more information, contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000
Celebrate St. James, in partnership with the director and cast of Lighthouse Repertory Theater, is presenting a special Valentine’s Cabaret fundraiser. The talented cast is generously donating their time and talent to support the restoration of the historic Calderone Theatre. Performances will be held at Celebrate St. James, located in the historic Calderone Theatre at 176 Second Street in St. James. All proceeds support ongoing theatre restoration efforts. For tickets and more information, please visit www. celebratestjames.org.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19th
10:00AM-12:00PM
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
WINTER BIRD WALK: FAMILY PROGRAM
2026 Robert Moses State Park in Babylon, Winter Environmental Event Winter on the beach is one of the best birding times of the year! Dress for the weather and we will be walking on sand. Bring binoculars. Reservations required: Visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call or cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21st
1:00PM–4:00pm HOLIDAY CHEER BUS AWARDS CEREMONY KiDS NEED MoRE will host its Holiday Cheer Bus Awards Ceremony to celebrate the volunteers, fundraisers, donors, sponsors, and community partners who made the holiday season possible. The event honors the “elves” behind the scenes who helped spread cheer to children and families across Long Island. Carney’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 136 Broadway in Amityville. For more information, visit kidsneedmore.org.
7:00PM-11:00PM
DANCE TO THE OLDIES
Will be held at the Wade-Burns VFW 7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue in Lindenhurst. Tickets $40.00 pp includes: Hero sandwich, Macaroni and Potato salad, Tap beer, House Wine, Soda, coffee, Tea, Dessert.
Music by DJ Ralph. Call Dot Kelly at 631-957-6574 for ticket availability. Must be 18 or older to attend.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22nd
1:30PM–3:00pm
BLACK EXPERIENCES IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR LECTURE
The New York State Parks’ Interpreter for African American History will present a special lecture program called “Black Experiences in the Revolutionary War” at Bethpage State Park’s Heritage Club in the Lenox Room. Reservations are required. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For questions, please call 631-581-1072
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25th
7:00PM
BOY BAND & POP DIVA MUSIC BINGO 317 Main Street in Farmingdale. All winners will receive a prize! Reserve your spot now and purchase your ticket! 21+ / Limited menu available during the event. For more information, please call 631-9214670
At The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Find the hidden hearts and snag a prize! Free Event. For more information, please call 631-367-3418
West Babylon Public Library
211 Route 109
West Babylon (631) 669-5445 www.wbpl.us Nancy Evans, Director ***
ANGEL FOOD CAKE
FRENCH TOAST
Thursday, February 12,
7-8:30 pm
Join Chef Jackie for this delicious breakfast dish is served with cream cheese and homemade Strawberry Sauce. Non-refundable/ transferable program fee: $5.
BUSY PERSON’S
BOOK GROUP
Thursday, February 12, 7-8:30 pm
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
DIY: HEART AND ARROW KIT
February 19-24
West Babylon Card Holders Only.
HEALTH SCREENING (CATHOLIC HEALTH COMMUNITY BUS)
Thursday, February 19, 10 am-2 pm
Catholic Health Community Bus will be at the Library offering FREE health screenings. Staffed by Registered Nurses from Catholic Health the screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure and simple finger stick blood test for cholesterol and diabetes. No registration required.
FRIDAY FLICKS
Movies begin at 1 pm
Friday, February 20: White House Down (PG-13, 137 min)
CHOCOLAT & CHIC
Monday, February 23, 7-8:30 pm
Paris is calling — and it’s
delicious. Join Chocolatier Linda for French chocolate tastings and a chic evening straight out of Emily in Paris. Non-refundable/ transferable program fee: $5.
Continued On 14
CHAPERONES WANTED
Call The Classifi eds 631-226-2636 Pres s 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.
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.
BUYING?
LOOKING
TO
press 276
Did You Know?
Valentine’s Day celebrants who can’t wait for the arrival of February 14 each year may want to add India to their must-visit list of travel destinations. That’s because Valentine’s Day celebrations in India have now expanded into a week-long festival sometimes referred to as “Valentine’s Week.” Each day of the week between February 7 and February 14 has its own unique designation. Those designations are as follows:
• February 7: Rose Day
• February 8: Propose Day
• February 9: Chocolate Day
• February 10: Teddy Day
• February 11: Promise Day
• February 12: Hug Day
• February 13: Kiss Day
West Babylon Public Library
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CASUAL CRAFTING KIT
February 24-March 2
Get crafty in your down time with these monthly kits for adults. Each kit comes with a small DIY craft to be completed at your leisure. West Babylon Card holders only.
MEDICAID ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
Tuesday, February 24, 10 am-1:30 pm
Sign up is first-come, first-served and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council at 631-435-3000.
power of CLAS SIFIED!
Some love stories begin with flowers. Others start with chocolate. But the ones that last a lifetime? They begin at home.
In our communities, love lives in the everyday moments...
Saturday mornings around town, summer nights by the water, kids riding bikes down familiar streets, holiday dinners that turn into traditions, and neighbors who become lifelong friends.
