January 21, 2026 Babylon

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New York State Park Police Open Applications

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.

“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.”

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.

Babylon Public Library

24 S. Carll Ave. Babylon, NY Erin White 631.669.1624

ADULT PROGRAMS

Social Work Intern

Wednesdays, January 21, & 28, 4:00pm - 7:00pm Fridays, January 23, & 30, 11:00am – 2:00pm Saturdays, January 24, & 31 10:00am – 4:00pm Sunday, January 25, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

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 1, 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.

Thriving Through Perimenopause and Beyond

Wednesday, January 21, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Join Dr. Katie Rowan, a Menopause Society Certified Physician, for a practical talk about recognizing perimenopause symptoms and how to manage them through daily habits, exercise, and nutrition, as well as the ins and outs of hormone therapy. We’ll also talk about protecting your heart, bones, and overall health for the years ahead. Whether you’re starting to notice

changes or are already in menopause, this session will give you clear, useful tools to help you thrive. Please register for this program.

Winter Bingo

Thursday, January 22, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Escape the winter chill with a few rounds of Bingo! Adults only, please. Registration is required.

Adult Games

Monday, January 26 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. Adults only. No registration required.

Intermediate MahJongg Tuesdays, January 27 and February 3, 10, & 17 12:00pm – 2:00pm Already know the National MahJongg League rules but would like to enhance your skills? This course will cover methods for picking a hand and strategies for more competitive play at the table. This level is appropriate for students who attended the Beginner MahJongg class, as well as others who already play regularly. Please bring a 2025 National MahJongg League card. Sets will be provided for class use. A non-refundable $12.00 fee is due at registration.

Friday Films: Downton

Abbey: The Grand Finale Friday, January 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm We will be watching the film Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. The cinematic return of the global phenomenon follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change

as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future. Rated PG. Running time: 123 minutes. No registration required.

The Brontes

Sunday, January 31, 2:00pm – 3:00pm You might have heard of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, but do you know the authors behind these works? Learn about the lives of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte who were prominent English authors during the Victorian Era and see the legacy their works have had on our modern era. Presented by Stephanie Reese. Please register for this program.

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.

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.

By JoAnn Cilla

January has a way of slowing things down, whether we want it to or not. The holidays are over, the decorations are packed away, and the calendar suddenly feels a little lighter. And yet, many of us feel a crazy urge to fill it up as fast as possible. New goals, new routines, new commitments. What if January wasn’t meant for rushing?

After weeks of noise and nonstop activity, this month gives us something rare…room to think. Before the year speeds up on its own, January lets us hit the pause button to decide how we want to spend our valuable time and energy.

One of the smartest things we can do right now is reclaim our time. December takes time from us; January gives us

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A Slower Start to 2026

a chance to take it back. It does not mean doing more or becoming more productive overnight. It means noticing where our time goes and being honest about what feels meaningful and what simply feels automatic. It also means identifying time robbers – the people and activities that steal our time.

Many of us move through the year fueled by momentum. This month, look at the big picture to see what drains you. What gives you energy? What do you say yes to out of habit rather than

intention?

Instead of jumping into a list of resolutions, take time to ask better questions. What really matters to me this year? What can I let go of? What would make my days feel calmer instead of more crowded?

Good questions slow us down in the right way. They help us make thoughtful choices rather than rushed ones. They remind us that a good year isn’t built in a week. It’s built gradually, through small thoughtful decisions.

January doesn’t need to

be loud or ambitious. If we think before we rush, protect our time more carefully, and ask better questions, we give the rest of the year a much stronger foundation.

As this new year unfolds, maybe the best place to start is simply paying attention. Permit yourself to slow down and see what comes up. In the meantime, I’ll see you around town.

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 1-800456-2267. 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

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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