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NORTH BABYLON • VOL. 49 NO. 3 • JANUARY 14, 2026

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PRESIDING OFFICER MCCAFFREY RECOGNIZED BY ARGYLE THEATRE - Both Village of Babylon Mayor Mary E. Adams and Argyle Theatre Co-Owners Dr. Mark Perlman and Dylan Perlman presented Legislator McCaffrey with tokens of appreciation for his support of the Theatre and his efforts to assist in securing funding for improvements to the Theatre.

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On Sunday morning, Jan. 4th, the North Babylon Fire Company conducted an ice rescue training drill at Belmont Lake State Park, preparing firefighters for one of the most dangerous and unpredictable emergency scenarios they may face during the winter months. The drill was led by ExCaptain John Blake, who guided members through specialized techniques used

when responding to icerelated emergencies. Ice rescues present extreme hazards, requiring precision, coordination, and rapid decision-making under lifethreatening conditions. “Ice rescues are extremely hazardous for both victims and responders,” Blake said. “Training like this ensures our members can act quickly, safely, and as a coordinated team when

every second counts.” The training is especially critical as the North Babylon Fire Company currently protects three lakes within the community, including Belmont Lake State Park. With fluctuating temperatures and changing ice conditions, firefighters must be prepared for emergencies that can arise without warning. Councilman and North

school holiday break, why not visit the museum? Docents are on hand to answer questions and offer insight Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 4 pm. Come in out of the cold and discover a sense of place and a community bonding heritage. Admission is always free. The Old Village Hall Museum is located at Irmisch Historical Park, on the corner of South Broadway and Kent Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information call 631-506-8431 or email the Lindenhurst Historical Society at lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

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difference between tragedy and rescue.” Fire officials also emphasized the importance of public awareness during the winter season. No ice is ever completely safe, and thickness can vary across the same body of water. Residents are advised to refrain from walking, skating, or fishing on frozen ponds and lakes. If someone falls through the ice, the

public is reminded to call 911 immediately and never attempt a rescue on their own. The North Babylon Fire Company’s commitment to year-round training reflects its dedication to protecting the community in all conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay off frozen bodies of water and prioritize safety throughout the winter months.

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Babylon firefighter Terence McSweeney stressed the importance of ongoing training and readiness. “Training is everything,” McSweeney said. “These drills ensure our firefighters are ready to respond at a moment’s notice, using the safest and most effective techniques possible. When conditions are unpredictable, and lives are on the line, preparation makes the

A Did you know that long before Lindenhurst became Lindenhurst, Native Americans called the area Neguntatogue which translates to? In 1930, what famous baseball players visited Lindenhurst to play an exhibition game against the local Lindenhurst team, Addie Klein’s Lindenhurst Nine? Did Lindenhurst ever have their own police department? Can you name an early area settler who fought in the French and Indian War and then served as a Sergeant in the American Revolution? The answer to these and other historical questions that tell the Lindenhurst story from the mid 1600’s through the late 20th century can be found at the Lindenhurst Historical Society’s Old Village Hall Museum. The museum building itself is indeed an historical artifact and is among the four historical museum buildings owned by the Village of Lindenhurst and championed by the Historical Society’s stewardship. Open year round, the museum offers residents and visitors more than glimpse into Lindenhurst’s storied history. So, if you are looking for some local activity to while away a chilly Saturday afternoon or a place to take the children during

North Babylon Fire Company Conducts Ice Rescue Drill

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 1-800456-2267. 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. Photo courtesy of Long Island State Parks

What We Can Do To Honor The Memory Of Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most influential and inspirational figures of the twentieth century. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, King’s life, tragically cut short when he was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968,

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secure the more equitable • Watch a film or films about and just society he longed the civil rights movement. for. Honoring his memory Historians may dispute and legacy is a good place to the timeline, but the civil start, and the following are rights movement in the some ways to commemorate United States is generally the life of Martin Luther considered to have taken King, Jr. place between 1954 • Discuss his legacy with and 1968. Many films, young people. There’s including dramas and much competing for documentaries, examine people’s attention as the important individuals world nears the end of and moments during this the opening quarter of pivotal period in American the twenty-first century. history. “Freedom This can make it easy to Song” (2000), “Ghosts overlook the efforts of of Mississippi” (1996), influential individuals “Malcolm X” (1992), and like King, who helped “Selma” (2014) are just the world become the a handful of the many place it is today. Parents films that shed light on and educators can utilize the African American Martin Luther King, Jr. experience during the civil Day as a catalyst to open rights era. a dialogue with their • Expand your knowledge children and students of the era. While King about King’s life and was front and center legacy. Highlight the during the civil rights injustices King fought era, many other brave against and emphasize men and women risked his commitment to their lives in an effort to peace in the face of those combat segregation and challenges. discrimination. Any effort

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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

SATURDAY, JAN. 17th 8:15AM-11:15AM 16th ANNUAL 10 MILE BREWERY RUN The Sandbar, 31 Baker Place in Patchogue. The 10 Mile Brewery Run in Memory of Ric DiVeglio boasts a scenic, ﬂat USATF certiﬁed course, and the best post race celebration on Long Island. Participants will race ten miles and then enjoy a variety of complimentary Blue Point beer, post-race food, and live music. * THIS EVENT IS 21+ ONLY * For more information, please call 402-249-2487

THURSDAY JAN. 22nd 11:00AM-4:30PM ART TALK: ANDY WARHOL at Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd. in Freeport. Free Event. Presented by Gene Wisniewski, VIRTUAL PROGRAM One of the few artists to achieve “household name” status, Andy Warhol remains a subject of fascination, yet the reason he’s ranked among the most important artists of the 20th century is a mystery to many. The answer lies in his almost clairvoyant understanding of American culture, which continues to play out in full force. For more information, please call 516-3793274

THROUGH JAN. 23rd 11:00AM-4:30PM ART EXHIBITION: SHINING STARS PAST AND PRESENT New York Fine Arts Society Gallery, 1 Flowerﬁeld, Suite 15 in Saint James. Exhibition and sale of women artist from the East End of Long Island along with international women artist of years past. Graphics, drawings, and paintings. Free Event. For more information, please call 703-371-9166 SUNDAY JAN. 25th 12:00PM-2:00PM CHASING THE LIGHT at BAFFA Art Gallery, 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville. The photography of local artists, Pat DeLuca, Carol Rosenthal, and Rob Verbeck, will be exhibited at the BAFFA Art Gallery. An artist’s reception will be held on January 10th from Noon to 2:00 PM. Free Event. For further information visit www.baffa.org. WEDNESDAY JAN. 28th 7:30PM ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC BINGO at 317 Main Street in Farmingdale. Join 317 Main Street for Alternative Rock Music Bingo. $20 per person includes 2 bingo cards. 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

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FRIDAY, JAN. 16th DOORS OPEN 6:30PM, PLAY BEGINS 7:10 BUNCO NIGHT Brumidi Lodge-Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. No walk-ins, snacks provided. No prior experience necessary!! Cash bar. Please bring $3-$4 in quarters. For reservations & Information, please call Linda 516-356-0949, wwwsonsoﬁtalyli. com

TUESDAY, JAN. 20th 9:30AM SATURDAY, JAN. 31st 5:00PM TEENS CANNED FOOD DRIVE The Babylon Library is hosting a canned vegetable drive to help out our neighbors at Nourish Babylon! Teens should bring in four cans of one type of vegetable (carrots, green beans, corn, potatoes, etc.) to earn one hour of community service. There will be a collection box at the Adult Reference Desk. Teens must be present to receive their community service form! Grades 6-12. 24 S. Carll Ave. in Babylon. For more information, please call Erin White 631-669-1624

NORTH BABYLON - SOUTH BAY’S NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • WWW.LONGISLANDMEDIAGROUP.COM

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 & 23rd 11:00AM-4:00PM WARM UP ON FROSTY FRIDAYS! at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Come in out of the cold and enjoy a free cup of hot cocoa at the museum. Included with admission. For more information, please call 631-367-3418

Americans across the country will observe National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and in New York, state Sen. Monica R. Martinez announced the signing of legislation she sponsored to support the families of fallen law enforcement officers. The measure authorizes local governments to provide a property tax exemption of up to 50% on the primary residence of a surviving spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty. Municipalities must opt in before the exemption can be applied, and have the option to reduce the percentage of tax relief benefit provided within their localities. The law enforcement tax abatement legislation was the second first responder survivor tax relief bill sponsored by Sen. Martinez during the 2025 legislative session to be signed into law. In December, Gov. Kathy Hochul also signed legislation that allows municipalities to opt in to extending the property tax exemption to surviving spouses of volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who were killed in the line of duty after serving between two and five years. Under prior law, only spouses of

volunteers with at least five years of service were eligible to receive the exemption. “Members of law enforcement face inherent dangers on each tour they serve,” Sen. Martinez said. “When an officer is killed in the line of duty, surviving spouses are left to continue through both loss and financial strain without the support their partner once provided. This legislation recognizes that reality and offers assistance to help them maintain stability during an incredibly painful experience.”

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Law enforcement officers face real and ongoing danger in the course of their work. More than 800,000 officers nationwide put themselves at risk each day to protect their communities, according to data shared by law enforcement advocacy organizations. In 2025 alone, 111 officers died in the line of duty, and hundreds more were injured by gunfire or assaulted while performing their duties. National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was established in 2015 by Concerns of Police Survivors, a national nonprofit that supports the families of fallen officers. The observance calls on the public to recognize the dedication of law enforcement officers and the sacrifices made not only by those who serve, but also by the families who stand behind them. Americans are encouraged to show their support through simple acts, including wearing blue, sending messages of thanks, and acknowledging officers in their communities. Since the country’s founding in 1776, more than 25,000 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Eagle Scout Emery Cosci Honored For Service And Leadership

Congratulations to Eagle Scout Emery Cosci on achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout—an exceptional accomplishment that reflects years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to service. Emery’s Eagle Scout project exemplifies compassion and a strong sense of community. Partnering with the Islip Animal Shelter, she completed two impactful initiatives designed to improve the safety and care of animals while supporting shelter staff. Her first project involved constructing a ramp in the shelter’s outdoor area, providing dogs with a safe space to exercise and practice navigating steps.

Her second project involved designing and creating a rolling cart that enabled staff to safely transport cages to and from the isolation room, where sick cats are treated. Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney praised Emery’s work, stating, “Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is no small feat, and Emery’s project shows a level of compassion and leadership well beyond her years. She identified a real need in our community and took action to make a lasting difference.” Councilman Tony Martinez added, “Emery’s dedication to helping animals who cannot advocate for themselves is truly inspiring. Her project is a perfect example of how

young leaders can positively impact both people and organizations in our community.” Councilman Anthony Manetta echoed those sentiments, saying, “This is what Scouting is all about— service, leadership, and giving back. Emery’s work at the Animal Shelter will benefit animals and staff for years to come, and our community is better because of her efforts.” Emery’s thoughtful, service-driven work embodies the very best of Scouting and the principle of service above self. Her leadership and heart have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.

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.

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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

D. Bill Belichick 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

C. Joe Namath D. Drew Brees Answers: 1. C 2. D 3. 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. 4. B 5. A 6. C 7. B 8. C

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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.

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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

Tips To Stay The Course With A New Diet

• Do not eat too close to bedtime. A recent study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that eating more of a day’s total energy intake in the evening is associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating more of the day’s energy

intake at midday can lower the risk of being overweight or obese. Individuals are more likely to stay the course when they see positive results, so try to eat dinner several hours before bedtime and resist the urge to snack after dinnertime. • Treat yourself, but only periodically. It’s unreasonable and potentially counterproductive to avoid foods seen as treats completely. Cutting out indulgent foods may seem appropriate, but such an approach could make you miserable, and a diet that sparks feelings of misery will prove harder to commit to than one that allows for the occasional indulgence. Moderation is the name of the game, and that should be a rule of thumb for both healthy foods and indulgences. Don’t make indulgences part of your daily routine, even if you eat them in moderation. Rather, save treats for special occasions, and even then only eat them in moderation. • Consider eating less,

but more frequently. Data is conflicting regarding eating smaller but more frequent meals. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that individuals with six or more eating occasions in 24 hours had a lower mean body mass index than those with four or fewer

eating occasions in 24 hours. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating a larger number of small meals throughout the day may be associated with improved diet quality and lower BMI. This approach is commonly referred to as “grazing,” and some research has indicated it has no metabolic advantage

over other approaches to eating. So what to make of the mixed results? Dieters can decide for themselves and eat more frequent but smaller, healthier meals to combat hunger pangs that can arise when switching to a new diet. If hunger no longer poses a threat that can derail your diet, then this approach might

increase the chances you stay committed to eating right.

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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.

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The dawn of a new year marks a great time to turn over a new leaf. Many people begin a new year by making resolutions, and aspiring to eat healthier is annually among the most popular pledges healthconscious individuals make. A recent Statista survey of hundreds of people across the globe found that eating healthier was the second most popular New Year’s resolution of 2024. 50 percent of respondents indicated they set goals to eat healthier in the year ahead. Though each year is different, it’s fair to assume a similarly large percentage of resolutionminded individuals will aspire to eat healthier over the next 12 months. As people begin their journeys to a healthier lifestyle, they can consider these strategies to stay the course with a new diet.

14 NORTH BABYLON - SOUTH BAY’S NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • WWW.LONGISLANDMEDIAGROUP.COM

New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency As Donations Plummet Following Holidays, Severe Weather, And Record Illness New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency and is issuing an urgent call for donors. Holiday disruptions, severe winter weather, canceled blood drives, and widespread seasonal illnesses have led to a significant decline in blood donations, resulting in critically low levels across the region. In recent weeks, blood donations have dropped nearly 40% below what is needed to meet hospital demand, resulting in less than a two-day supply of blood for more than 200 hospitals across the tristate area. The emergency declaration follows an exceptionally challenging end to the year, caused by a combination of events that sharply reduced blood donations: Severe winter weather across New York, including a recent storm that dropped more than a foot of snow in some areas and resulted in New York City’s largest snowfall in four years, led to disrupted travel and forced blood drive cancellations Record seasonal illness, with New York State’s Department of Health reporting more than 71,000 positive flu cases in a single week, the highest singleweek total since tracking began in 2004. Major holiday disruptions, with Christmas and New Year’s Day both falling on Thursdays, typically one of the highest collection days each week, resulting in a near-total loss of midweek donations for two consecutive weeks and approximately 10,000 fewer donations than needed to meet hospital demand. “We are entering the new year with a critically low blood supply, and recent winter weather has made an already challenging season even more difficult,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President, Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “Blood is needed every single day for trauma care,

surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions, and there is no substitute when donations fall short.” While January marks National Blood Donor Month, this year’s observance in New York comes during an active blood emergency, when patients cannot wait. Because blood has a limited shelf life, immediate donations are critical to stabilizing the supply and preventing disruptions to patient care. “Inclement weather and high flu rates across New York, coupled with the holiday season have created an urgent need for blood donations,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “By opting to donate blood, you are giving individuals in need a second chance at life. I urge everyone who is eligible to schedule an appointment and donate blood.” To help prevent emergencies like this one, NYBC encourages donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by making blood donation a routine part of their lives and giving once each season in 2026. NYBC also offers additional donor frequency programs based on donation type, recognizing those who give consistently throughout the year. Learn more at h t t p s : / / w w w. n y b c . o r g / d o n a t e - b l o o d / d o n o rloyalty-programs/ To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-9332566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time, h t t p s : / / w w w. n y b c . o r g / support-us/ About New York Blood Center Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000

lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and bloodrelated diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc. org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Did You Know? The National Football League (NFL) was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The firstever NFL game was played at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio, on October 3, 1920. In that contest, the hometown Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14-0. Though the Dayton Triangles were eventually purchased by a Brooklynbased syndicate and relocated to New York as a result of that transaction, the team’s status as the host of the first NFL game continues to pay dividends for residents of the southwestern Ohio city where the franchise ushered in the now wildly popular league. In recognition of the place the city of Dayton holds in NFL history, the NFL Foundation, in partnership with FieldTurf & Vasco, pledged to fund the installment of a new artificial turf at the city’s Kettering Park.

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