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.
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, FEB. 5th
7:00PM
BLACK JAZZ ARTISTS TO BE CELEBRATED
Black History Month will be celebrated this year at The Jazz Loft with a special presentation by the Loft’s 17-piece Big Band. The program will feature compositions by Black composers, arrangers, and performers. The band is conducted by The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. For more information, visit https://www. thejazzloft.org or call 631-7511895
SATURDAY, FEB. 7th, THRU SUNDAY, FEB. 8th
12:00PM-3:00PM ART FROM THE HEART
Eastern Suffolk BOCES presents Art from the Heart: An Artistic Journey, featuring artwork from the students of Sayville Elementary School and Brookhaven Learning Center, at the BAFFA Art Gallery. Reception on Sunday from 12:00 to 3:00. The BAFFA Art Gallery is located in the historic Gillette House at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville. For further information visit www.baffa.org.
MONDAY, FEB. 9th
7:00PM
SCAM PREVENTION SEMINAR
New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Nassau County Legislators Tom McKevitt and Kayla Knight, and the Kiwanis Club of Levittown invite residents
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
to a scam awareness program featuring experts from the Nassau County Office of the Crime Victim Advocate, Family & Children’s Association, and the Nassau County Police Department. Topics include identifying new scams, how to report and recover from fraud, and ways to prevent identity theft. Be Safe, Not Sorry: Protect Yourself from Scams! Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown. RSVP and information: Senator Rhoads’ office at 516-8820630 or rhoads@nysenate.gov
TUESDAY, FEB. 10th
7:00PM
REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
7150 Republic Airport, Room 201, in Farmingdale. For more information, please call 631-7527707 x6109 or email: contactus@ republicairport.net
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, firstserved basis; no appointments are required. For additional information, contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education &
Resource Center at 631-223-4000.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19th
10:00AM-12:00PM
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 are 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.
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 631-921-4670
THRU SAT. FEB. 28th
11:00AM-4:00PM
HIDDEN HEARTS SCAVENGER HUNT 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
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
ASSISTANT TO THE
Diana Lambert
PRODUCTION MANAGER
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
ADMINISTRATION
Teri Tinkler
Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN HERE
INFORMATION:
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Legislators Recognize Junior Fire Academy Graduates
On the morning of Sunday, January 11th, the Suffolk County Fire Academy hosted a graduation ceremony for participants of the 2025 Junior Basic Exterior Fire Operations Program!
The Junior Basic Exterior Fire Operations Program allows Junior Firefighters from across Suffolk County
to get a head start on their Firefighter 1 training, which is a requirement upon joining a Fire Department.
Suffolk County Legislators RJ Renna and Steve Flotteron were on hand for the occasion, which included graduates from their shared West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department.
The Legislators were particularly proud to recognize Junior Firefighters Michael Manzi and Dominick Newell! This was the second Junior Basic Exterior Fire Operations Program hosted by the Academy, and it featured 17 junior firefighters from across the Suffolk County.
Said Legislator Renna: “Entering the ranks with this training largely behind
them enables them to become fully qualified firefighters soonermaking them even more of an asset to our community! It should be noted that Michael and Dominick completed this courseworth seven college credits - in addition to regular schoolwork, sports, and being active members of our Junior Brigade. Great work!”
Babylon And Huntington Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2026 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives
who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for
us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:
• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 20, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
• North Amityville Senior Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, February 18 & March 18, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Senior Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue,
Lindenhurst: Wednesdays, February 4 & March 4, 8:30 am – 11 am
• Tanner Park Senior Center, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesdays, February 11 & March 11, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Spangle Drive Senior
Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays, February 24 & March 24, 12 pm – 3 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, March 26, 10 am – 12 pm
Continued On 19
Babylon Public Library
24 S. Carll Ave.
Babylon, NY
Erin White 631.669.1624
ADULT PROGRAMS
Social Work Intern
Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, & 25, 4:00pm - 7:00pm Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, & 27, 11:00am – 2:00pm Saturdays, February 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10:00am – 4:00pm Sundays, February 8, 15, & 22, 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@babylon library.org.
Adult Games
Mondays, February 9 & 23
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 players are always welcome. Adults only. No registration required.
Valentine Gnome Wine Glass Painting
Wednesday, February 4, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Come enjoy a fun night painting an adorable Valentine gnome or other Valentine’s Day design on a set of wine glasses. Instruction and all supplies included. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at program registration. This is an inperson program and take home kits are not available.
Navigating Dementia
Together: A Guide for Families Facing Cognitive
Impairment
Friday, February 6, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Navigating Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia can be overwhelming for both the person living with the condition and their family members. This program provides insight into the causes and symptoms of dementia, unraveling the mystery of this complex condition. Please register for this program.
Saturday, February 7, 10:00am – 4:00pm NYS Defensive Driving, sponsored by the Empire Safety Council. Save 10% on your auto insurance for 3 years as well as up to 4 points reduction off your license. $33 NON-REFUNDABLE fee per person paid to the instructor the day of the class. Accepted forms of payment include cash, money order, or credit card by mobile phone – personal checks are no longer accepted by Empire Safety Council. Registration is required. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with the instructor and pay the required fee. Attendees arriving after 10:10 will not be admitted.
Classic Film Club: The World of Henry Orient Wednesday, February 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Watch and discuss the classic film The World of Henry Orient (1964). Starring Peter Sellers, Paula Prentiss, and Angela Lansbury. Running time: 106 minutes. No registration necessary.
Winter Word Games
Thursday, February 12, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Wake your brain from winter hibernation with fun word games like Scattergories, Finish the Phrase, and more! Adults only, please. Registration is required.
Evening Book Discussion: Fun for the Whole Family
Thursday, February 12, 7:00pm – 7:45pm We will be reading the book
Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith. Copies will be available at the Adult Reference Desk. Please register for this program.
Medicare Savings Program & Medicaid Application Assistance for the 65+, Blind, and Disabled Populations
Friday, February 13, 11:00am - 2:00pm Health & Welfare Council of Long Island’s certified Healthcare Facilitated Enrollers will be at the library to provide enrollment assistance. The Facilitated Enroller will help clients fill out all applications and collect required documents to submit to the Department of Social Services. Please call their Healthcare Access Line at 516-505-4426 to make an appointment.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Teens Dungeons & Dragons Wednesdays, February 4 & 18 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 Chocolate Breakable Hearts
Monday, February 9, 4:00pm – 5:00pm Decorate a pre-made chocolate breakable heart and fill it with chocolate treats that you make! Each heart comes with a wooden hammer to break it open. Grades 6-12. Registration required. *May not be suitable for patrons with food allergies.
Teens Dog Toy Community Service
Wednesday, February 25, 4:00pm – 5:00pm Help make dog toys to donate to the Babylon Animal Shelter! We’ll supply the materials, you’ll do the assembly. Earn one hour of community service. Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Christopher J. Bradley Installed As AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 President
Babylon Village resident Christopher J. Bradley was recently installed as President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Saint Patrick’s Division 2, in Babylon. A member of the AOH since 1997, Bradley was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to West Islip in his early teens. He remains an avid supporter of Pittsburgh sports teams. While attending West Islip High School, he met his wife, Mary, and the couple recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of two sons, CJ and Dylan.
President Bradley is a graduate of Saint Leo University near Tampa, Florida. He is retired from the New York City Police Department and remains actively involved in public service as a member of the Babylon Village Fire Department and American Legion Post 94 in Babylon Village. The Bradley family has been proud residents of Babylon Village since 1997. During his installation ceremony at the AOH Irish Cultural Center on Locust Avenue in Babylon, Bradley outlined his goals for the organization, stating that his focus will be “to keep and celebrate our Irish heritage and culture alive, while continuing to give back to our local community and
leaving a legacy for my children and generations to come.”
About the Ancient Order of Hibernians
AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 was organized by Mike Rice here in Babylon Village on October 6, 1946. The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is America’s oldest and largest Irish Catholic fraternal organization. Founded in 1836, the AOH
is dedicated to preserving Irish heritage and culture, strengthening the faith and values of its members, and promoting friendship, unity, and Christian charity through active community service. AOH divisions across the United States support a wide range of charitable, cultural, and civic initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.
2026 Winter Concert ‘Salon’ Series At Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the River Room at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park in Great River, New York.
The 2026 Winter Concert Salon Series performance schedule is as follows: February 08 – JK Hodge (Piano)
February 15 – Student Showcase Variety Performance
March 01 – Serenade
Duo Jerry Saulter (Guitar), Michele LoPorte (Flute)
March 08 – Cambiata Duo Paul Finkelstein (Cello) & Suzanne Mueller (Cello)
March 15 – Cross Island
Ensemble Suzanne Mueller (Cello), Eleanor Zayas (Piano), Joseph Rutkowski (Clarinet)
Seating will be limited with pre-registration
required through the Islip Arts Council. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. The concerts, free to the public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust. For registration, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 888-3525 or visit isliparts. org. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.
BHS Students Take Part In Virtual Enterprise Trade Show
Fourteen virtual enterprise (VE) students from Babylon Junior-Senior High School recently showcased their business acumen at the East End Networking and Trade Show. The event, held at the Riverhead Aquarium Convention Center, brought together VE firms from schools across Long Island.
Fourteen virtual enterprise (VE) students from Babylon Junior-Senior High School recently showcased their business acumen at the East End Networking and Trade Show. The event, held at the Riverhead Aquarium Convention Center, brought together VE firms from schools across Long Island.
Babylon students
showcased their two virtual firms: Meat the Pickle & Co. and Pro-Fit. At the event, their teams presented professional elevator pitches and successfully marketed their simulated products to peers and evaluators. The trade show provided a handson platform for students to practice sales, networking, and presentation skills in a competitive, real-world
environment.
Virtual Enterprise is a national program in which students create and manage a virtual company, developing all aspects of the business from product conception to finance and marketing. They then engage in commerce with other student-run firms at organized trade events.
New York State Park Police
Open Applications For The New Year
Babylon Village Historical Society Welcomes Legislator Renna
On Friday, January 16th, the Village of Babylon Historical & Preservation Society and the Nathaniel Conklin House opened their doors to newly elected Suffolk County Legislator RJ Renna! The day featured tours of both the Babylon Village Historical Society Museum and the Conklin House and included well over an hour’s worth of conversation on our
local history. It was orchestrated by Historical & Preservation Society President Judy Skillen, Vice President and Village Historian Wayne Horsley, and Corresponding Secretary Karen Petz. Said Legislator Renna: “I thank the Babylon Historical & Preservation Society and Judy, Wayne, and Karen for inviting me o a great afternoon of touring the Village
of Babylon’s historic landmarks and I look forward to continuing to meet with and engage in our local history and culture with other local civic groups. The Historical & Preservation Society is a recipient of Suffolk County of historical preservation funding made possible by the Suffolk County Hotel/ Motel Occupancy tax Program.
“With updated guidelines and requirements, we are proud to welcome a new generation of park police candidates,” State Parks Acting Commissioner, Kathy Moser, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Our park police officers play a vital role in protecting the people, places and experiences that make our state park system so special. As visitation continues to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals who are committed to public service and to ensuring our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”
The New York State Park Police recently opened applications for park police officers for the state park system which will be accepted until Feb. 18, 2026. The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation requires candidates to be at least 20 years of age at the time of hire and must not have passed their 43rd birthday as of Oct. 1, 2026. Candidates are also asked to have education and experience including 60 college semester credit hours completed by June 30, 2026; military service; or municipal police training. Learn more at parks.ny.gov/about/parkpolice/park-policenewapplicants.
New recruits will receive hands-on field work and classroom education in the following: criminal procedure law, penal law, vehicle and traffic law, park and recreation law, and criminal investigations. They’re also offered training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation, along with many other law enforcementrelated topics and skills. Visit https://parks. ny.gov/park-police for more information regarding the application process, agility test and written exam.
New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency Amid Sharp Post-Holiday Donation Drop
New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency, urging immediate donations as supplies fall to critically low levels. Holiday disruptions, severe winter storms, canceled blood drives, and widespread seasonal illness have caused donations to drop nearly 40% below hospital demand, leaving less than a two-day supply for more than 200 hospitals across the tri-state area.
Recent challenges
include major snowstorms that halted travel and blood drives, record flu activity with over 71,000 cases reported in a single week, and holiday timing that eliminated two weeks of peak midweek collections—resulting in about 10,000 fewer donations than needed. “Blood is needed every single day for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions,” said Jeannie Mascolino, NYBC Vice
President of Blood Operations.
Although January is National Blood Donor Month, the need is urgent now due to blood’s limited shelf life. NYBC encourages eligible donors to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-933-2566 or visiting nybc.org. Those unable to donate can still help by volunteering or supporting NYBC’s mission financially at nybc.org/support-us.
Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
Continued From 15
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, January 28, February 25 & March 25, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington:
Wednesdays, February
18 & March 18, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville:
Thursdays, February
26 & March 26, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only
Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP –formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to our community for joining us at East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on December 17th in support of the Berry family and their one-year-old son, Jackson, as he courageously battles AML leukemia. It is through the compassion and generosity of those who attended, along with local businesses—from West Babylon, Babylon Village, Lindenhurst Village and beyond who made such a special event possible. Our community truly came together, and on a night like this, it was nothing short of remarkable!
Community Rallies At East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center To Support The Berry Family Thank you!
