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.
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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.
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!”
2026 Picnic Pavilion Reservations For Long Island State Parks
Are you interested in renting a picnic pavilion this summer at one of your Long Island State Parks? Reservations will open Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST on the New York State Parks Reserve America website or by calling 1-800-456-2267. There are no in-person reservations. All picnic pavilion reservations must be made online or by calling Reserve America directly. Reservable picnic pavilions are located at the following Long Island State Parks for the 2026 season, with the following restrictions:
• Belmont Lake State Park, North Babylon
o No sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
o No buses on holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day
o No generators permitted
• Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
o No electricity
• Heckscher State Park, East Islip
• Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead
o No generators permitted
• Orient Beach State Park, Orient
o No buses on weekends
• Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park (Field # 4)
o No pony rides, inflatables, sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
• Valley Stream State Park, Valley Stream
o No sound systems / DJ’s / amplified sound
o No buses on weekends and holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day
After you have successfully reserved a pavilion, you can then apply for an add-on permit to enhance your reservation. Applications for add-on permits, which include sound system / DJ’s / amplified sound, pony
rides, buses, inflatables, food trucks, or alcohol, can be found within the 2026 Group Picnic Application. Applications must be received at least 14 days prior to your reservation date.
For additional information, please call the Regional Permit Office at 631-321-3770.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
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Football Trivia For Your Big Game Watch Party
Super Bowl Sunday is a cultural phenomenon. Come the day of the big game, fans from all walks of life gather to enjoy food, friends and, of course, football. Game watch parties are arguably as anticipated as the game itself, and those hosting may look for ways to entertain guests prior to kickoff. Trivia can be a fun way to engage guests, and hosts can ask these questions and more to enjoy some lighthearted fun this Super Bowl Sunday.
1. Which team lost four consecutive Super
Bowls in the early 1990s?
A. The Detroit Lions
B. The Denver Broncos
C. The Buffalo Bills
D. The Chicago Bears
2. This Hall of Fame wide receiver, nicknamed “The Playmaker,” caught two touchdowns in an 18-second span in Super Bowl XXVII on January 31, 1993.
A. Jerry Rice
B. Andre Reed
C. Randy Moss
D. Michael Irvin
3. True or False: No rookie quarterback has ever started for his team in the Super Bowl.
4. This Hall of Fame quarterback out of Stanford University lost three Super Bowls before finally winning his first one on January 25, 1998.
A. Joe Montana
B. John Elway
C. Brett Favre
D. Andrew Luck
5. Which New York Giants wide receiver helped his team win
Super Bowl XLII after making a miraculous catch in which he pressed the ball against his helmet to secure possession while falling to the ground?
A. David Tyree
B. Plaxico Burress
C. Mario Manningham
D. Jeremy Shockey
6. This famous coach led his team to victory in Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.
A. Bill Parcells
B. John Madden
C. Vince Lombardi
7. Which of these Hall of Fame quarterbacks never won a Super Bowl?
A. Terry Bradshaw
B. Dan Marino
C. Troy Aikman
D. Peyton Manning
8. This stylish quarterback famously guaranteed his team would win the Super Bowl, even though the team was a heavy underdog.
A. Tom Brady
B. Jim McMahon
True. Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders came close in the 2024-25 season, but his team ultimately fell one game short of making the Super Bowl.
D. Bill Belichick
Joe Namath
Drew Brees
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
VetsBuild Program Receives $40,000 PSEG Foundation Grant
United Way of Long Island has received a $40,000 grant from the PSEG Foundation to support VetsBuild, a workforce development program serving Long Island veterans and their families. The grant will provide hands-on green construction training for 20 veterans as they help convert United Way’s Deer Park headquarters into a Net Zero building.
VetsBuild, part of United Way of Long Island’s Workforce Development Training Academy, offers free training in renewable energy and energyefficient technologies such as solar, high-efficiency HVAC, heat pumps, and EV charging, along with financial empowerment education and industryrecognized certifications.
“VetsBuild gave me the skills I needed to change careers,” said Matt, a
program graduate and current PSEG employee.
David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island, said the program helps veterans build sustainable careers while supporting a more sustainable Long Island.
United Way of Long Island President and CEO Theresa A. Regnante thanked PSEG for helping veterans gain the skills and confidence needed to transition successfully to civilian employment.
Community Rallies At East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center To Support The Berry Family
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!
Classifieds
211 Route 109 West Babylon (631) 669-5445 www.wbpl.us Nancy Evans, Director ***
YOGA
Wednesdays: February 4-25 6-7 pm
Non-refundable/transferable fee for the 4-week February sessions: $8.
SNOWMAN FLOWERPOT KIT February 5-11
West Babylon Public Library
Join Shirley Ruby virtually to make this wintery décor. Non-refundable/ transferable program fee: $5.
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION & SUPPORT PROGRAM INFORMATION TABLE
Monday, February 5, 5:307:30 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.
SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE COMMUNITY MEETING Thursday, February 5, 7-8 pm
We value your input and feedback - Join us each month to discuss what is happening in YOUR community and Police Department.
ZUMBA
Fridays: February 6-27 10:15-11:15 am Non-refundable fee for the 4-week February sessions: $8
FRIDAY FLICKS
Movies begin at 1 pm Friday, February 6: The
Proposal (PG-13, 107 min)
LOVE IS IN THE AIR WITH TONY AND THE BOYS
Saturday, February 7, 1:30-3 pm
Join the Friends of the West Babylon Public Library for a heartwarming celebration where every kind of love takes center stage - from romantic Valentines, to the bond with a beloved pet, the thrill of travel, the joy of food, and the pride in one’s homeland. This musical
journey honors the many ways we express and feel love. Let your heart sing!
Moving Guide
An estimated 40 million Americans move every year. The next time you move, look for the Moving Guide from CableMover. It is a one-stop, customizable way to stay organized. It’s downloadable at www. cablemover.com.
Legislator Renna Recognizes Local Eagle Scouts
Throughout January, Suffolk County Legislator RJ Renna had the honor of recognizing two local scouts as they earned the rank of Eagle Scout!
First, on January 11th, Legislator Renna honored Eagle Scout Emery Cosci of Troop 2014 in West Babylon! Emery partnered with the Islip Animal Shelter to complete two impactful projects that will benefit animals and staff for years to come. The first project involved constructing a ramp in the shelter’s outdoor area, giving dogs a safe way to exercise and practice walking up steps. The second project was
the creation of a rolling cart, allowing shelter staff to safely transport cages in and out of the isolation room where sick cats are cared for.
The second Eagle recognized by Legislator Renna was Steven Straus! Steven is a 10th grade student at the West Babylon Senior High School, and a member of the LEO Club which provides community services to the area. He is a multi-sport student athlete and has earned High Honor Roll every quarter! On September 12th, Steven attained the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14. His project was to
restore the two footbridges in the courtyard of the West Babylon Senior High School.
Legislator Renna expressed his congratulations to both scouts and wished them well in their future endeavors: “Congratulations to both Emery and Steven on a job well done and thank you for making a difference in our community!”
Tell Us
About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup. com.
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.
