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Town of Babylon Unanimously Renames West Babylon Intersection In Honor Of FDNY Deputy Chief David Burke

The Town of Babylon Board unanimously voted to memorialize the intersection of 10th Street in West Babylon by renaming it FDNY Deputy Chief David Burke Memorial Way, ensuring that the life and legacy of a dedicated EMT, mentor, and community leader will be remembered for generations to come.

The tribute honors FDNY EMS Deputy Chief David Burke, who devoted his life to public service through both the New York City Fire Department and the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department.

Chief Burke joined the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department in October 2001 after previously serving six years with the Jericho Fire Department. During more than two decades of service in West Babylon, he held numerous leadership positions, including Lieutenant and Captain of the Rescue Squad, Trustee, Training Officer, and CPR Instructor. Known for his passion for emergency medical services and dedication to

Watermelon is a summertime staple. Each summer, stores and farm stands have an abundance of watermelons on display, and many people feel no picnic or barbecue is complete without watermelon.

Watermelon is a refreshing option on hot days. It’s ideal sliced and served, or can be included in fruit salads, smoothies, or even “spiked” cocktails. The key to a tasty watermelon is knowing how to pick one that is ripe while serving watermelon comes down to understanding some easycutting strategies.

• Choose a watermelon that has a firm, symmetrical shape. Avoid melons with bumps, dents, or cuts.

• Watermelons should be relatively heavy. They’re

training future firefighters and EMTs, Burke left a lasting impact on countless members of the department.

In addition to his volunteer service, Burke served nearly 37 years with the FDNY, ultimately retiring as Deputy Chief of Division 9. He was among the brave first responders who answered the call on September 11, 2001, and recently succumbed to illnesses related to his service at the World Trade Center site.

Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer said the memorial designation is a fitting tribute to a man who exemplified courage, leadership, and selflessness.

“David Burke dedicated his life to serving others, whether it was in New York City, here in West Babylon, or mentoring the next generation of firefighters and EMTs,” Schaffer said. “Renaming this intersection in his honor ensures that his extraordinary service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by our community.”

Councilman Terence McSweeney, a current FDNY firefighter and Chairman of Public Safety for the Town of Babylon, reflected on Burke’s impact within the fire/rescue departments.

“As a FDNY firefighter, I know firsthand the dedication and sacrifice that this job requires,” McSweeney said. “Chief Burke was the embodiment of what it

means to serve. He answered the call on September 11th, dedicated nearly four decades to protecting the people of New York City, and spent countless hours mentoring firefighters and EMTs in West Babylon. This memorial is a permanent reminder of a life lived in service to others.”

While Burke’s accomplishments in the fire service were remarkable,

family and friends remember him most as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. His legacy lives on through his wife, Rosemarie, his children, Daniel and Megan, and the many lives he touched throughout his distinguished career.

The Town Board extended its condolences to the Burke family and all those who had the privilege of knowing

Tips For Picking And Cutting Watermelon

92 percent water, and that juiciness should be reflected in a substantial weight for the melon’s size.

• Watermelon.org advises looking for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon. This is called the “ground spot.” It indicates where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Once cut from the vine, a watermelon has about three to four weeks to be consumed.

• All parts of the watermelon are edible, including the seeds and rind. The rind can be pickled or cut up to use in stir-fry dishes.

When bringing watermelon to an event, it is a courtesy to bring it

already sliced or cut up. This ensures the host or hostess does not have to tackle what can sometimes be a chore.

Here are three techniques to cut a watermelon easily:

Cubes

1. Cut both ends off of the watermelon.

2. Stand the watermelon on one sliced end. Use the knife to slice down and cut off the rind.

3. After removing the rind from all sides of the melon, cut into discs about 1⁄2-inch in thickness.

4. Then cut those discs into cubes.

Slices

1. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.

2. Take one cut half and

place it cut-side down.

3. Cut the watermelon into slices.

4. Repeat for the other cut half.

Strips

him, while reaffirming its commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by first responders and their families.

With the designation of FDNY Deputy Chief David Burke Memorial Way, the Town of Babylon has created a lasting tribute to a man whose service, courage, and dedication will never be forgotten.

1. Cut the watermelon as you would with the slices. Rather than leaving it in large slices, turn the watermelon and cut the same size slices in the opposite direction. This creates strips that are easy for kids to grab and maneuver.

2. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon in the same manner.

24 S. Carll Ave. Babylon, NY

Erin White 631.669.1624

Babylon Public Library

*** Paint Night: Ready for Summer!

Wednesday, June 17, 6:00pm–7:30pm

Join local artist Kathy Reccardi as she teaches participants step-by-step how to paint a cute beach bag in the sand. No painting experience needed. A nonrefundable $5.00 fee is due at registration. This is an inperson program and takehome kits are not available.

Self-Care Bingo

This class also includes a demonstration on making roasted shrimp with a ginger scallion dip. Patrons will need 3 large crisp apples, 2 medium bowls, a 7-inch pan, and a small cutting board. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.

Thursday, June 18, 1:00pm–2:30pm

Join us for Self-Care Bingo, a fun and interactive activity that highlights simple, realistic ways to support mental, emotional, and overall well-being. This judgment-free activity goes beyond stereotypical self-care and focuses on everyday practices that help reduce stress, build balance, and encourage reflection. Whether you’re new to self-care or already have routines that work for you, come share with others how you take care of yourself! Presented by the Hispanic Counseling Center. Please register for this program.

Chef Rob’s Crustless Apple Pie

Saturday, June 20, 3:00pm–4:00pm

Get ready for the 250th with this all American crustless apple crumb pie, ready to take home and bake!

The American Experience: Exploring 250 Years of Art Monday, June 22, 6:00pm–7:30pm

As we are celebrating 250 years of our nation, let us look at the various art that has expressed the patchwork of voices, ideas, culture, history and perspectives. The American experience is explored through the eyes of American artists from social issues, American ingenuity, and cultural shifts with artist and professor Chris Vivas. Please register for this program.

Sagamore Hill

Historic Site Tour

Wednesday, June 24, 10:15am-11:30am

Join us on a tour of historic Sagamore Hill, home of our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. The Sagamore Hill Historic Site is located at 20 Sagamore Hill Road in Oyster Bay. Patrons must provide their own transportation to and from the site. We will meet at the picnic area by the parking lot at 10:15am, then tour the Roosevelt home and walk to The Old Orchard Museum to view the exhibits. Please be aware that the house tour requires going up and down stairs. After the tour, patrons

are free to walk the grounds, which includes a 0.7 mile nature walk to the beach. A non-refundable $10.00 fee is due at program registration. Patrons can register for themselves and one guest. Adults only, please.

Friday Films: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Friday, June 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the classic adventure film, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). When celebrated archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is hired by the government to locate

the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime. Also starring Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, and Paul Freeman. Rated PG. Running time: 115 minutes. No registration required.

TEEN PROGRAMS

Teens Dungeons & Dragons Wednesday, June 17 5:30pm–7:30pm

Join us in the library for Dungeons & Dragons! Build a character, choose your weapons, and lay

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Babylon Public Library

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waste to nasty critters with a roll of the dice. New and experienced players welcome! Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Teens Adventure Fantasy Map

Wednesday, June 24, 4:00pm–5:30pm Create your own world! With pen and paper, delve into the fantasy of your own

imagination. Join artist Chris Vivas as we explore amazing worlds, document hidden treasures, find an elf forest, and map out your own world of adventure! Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Teens Escape the Box with the Whaling Museum Tuesday, July 7, 3:00pm – 4:00pm Can you solve the mystery before time runs out? Step

into history and uncover clues left by Enoch Conklin, a daring Long Island privateer during the War of 1812. Use artifacts, maps, and hidden codes to unlock the secrets of the sea! Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Teens Dungeons & Dragons Wednesdays, July 8 & 22 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 Dinosaur Eye Tin Monday, July 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm Come create a dino treasure tin with Samantha He! Sculpt the eye with

clay, paint in the color of your choice, and add embellishments. Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Teens Movie Afternoon Friday, July 24, 2:00pm–4:15pm Drop into the library for a showing of the original Jurassic Park! Cool off, eat snacks, and watch dinosaurs on the big screen! No registration required.

Lustgarten Foundation

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Michael Angiporti

Carissa Arena

JoyaMia Bass

Saniya Bathija

Madelyn Beckemeyer

Katherine Bellone

Akasya Bodur

Dylan Borruso

omas Bunger

Babylon Class of 2026!

DeLaney Busch

Alexa Campoverde

Isabella Cannetti

John Capizzi

Jasmin Cardoza Oliva

Alexa Casale

Catherine Cassidy

Connor Cavaliere

Kiera Ceballos

Trace Cerrone

Finn Chatterton

Joseph Clark

Ryan Coll

Caitlin Connell

Julian Connelly

Jaylene Coreas

Addison Costa

Ariana Daci

Ronan Dee

Anthony DePietto

Alex DeSa

Erik Desmond

Angelina Durler

Dylan Eccleston

Alexandra Esposito

James Fisher

Anthony Focarile

Russell Fusco

Nicholas Gangone

Charleigh Gengler

Sabina Giambalvo

Olivia Giaramita

Garrett Gieck

Julianne Goldstein

Cassidy Hayes

Ethan Heller

Zoey Hildebrant

Jack Hoagland

Kai Jankow

Kiona Jiang

Christopher Keating

Owen Killeen

Lily Krollage

Reese La Torre

Crystal Leon

Briana Liston

Mia Liston

Zhiye Liu

Peyton Logue-Boyd

Emily Loodus

Ava Lopez

Olivia Lynch

Matthew Makar

Allie Manetta

Melissa McGrane

Cody Mees

Ethan Meinken

Joanna Milewski

Jaiden Millner

Christian Molnar

Logan Montiglio

Gavin Moriates

Noah Norinder

Ellie O’Brien

Erin O’Connell

Katie O’Mara

Isabella Orellana

Katherine Ori ci

Margaret Paisley

Anthony Patiri

Victor Pena

John Percoco

Melani Pericleous

Nicholas Portillo

Layla Reis

Sebastian Roberts

Landon Roche

Ava Roesler

Katerina Sanders

Logan Schmidt

Nathaniel Schubart

Christian Seidenberg

Madison Semeraro

Brady Shaw

Aiden Shek

Joel Skelton

Gri en Smith

Trevor Sturza

Olivia Swiderska

Makayla Turpo-Barbero

Zac Vasquez

William Verdi

Michael Vertullo

Ethan Vilmenay

Dylan Wagner

Aurora Weiner

Gabriella Weiss

Jiaxing Weng

Kyle Wieland

Aidan Winter

Ethan Zenteno

Half-Time: Why June Is The Perfect Month To Revisit Your 2026 Goals

By JoAnn Cilla

In honor of our country’s upcoming BIG birthday, my quote this month comes from Ben Franklin, who once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” I would add that “by failing to check your preparation, you might as well have never prepared at all.”

To millions of Americans, June is the unofficial halftime of the year. The first half is (almost) over, and the second half is about to begin. So, how are you doing with those goals you set back in January?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO of a big corporation, a small business owner juggling everything yourself, a student in college, or a stay-at-home mom managing a household that frankly runs like a corporation. You probably set goals at the start of this year; things in January that meant a lot to you. Well now it’s time to sit down, be honest with yourself, and take a look at where you are on the path to success in 2026.

Let’s start with what’s working. This part should feel good, so enjoy the good news. Which goals are you on track with or ahead of? Acknowledge the progress, no matter how small. Maybe you’ve been consistent with a morning routine, hit a sales target, or finally got the kitchen renovation underway. Recognize it, because that momentum is real and it matters (I write this having firsthand experience on kitchen renovation projects).

Next, look at what’s salvageable. These are the goals that got derailed but aren’t dead. Life threw you a curveball. Maybe it was an unexpected expense, a

health scare, or a shift in priorities and something slipped. That doesn’t mean it’s gone. It means you need to revise your timeline. It could also mean a different approach. Don’t abandon your goal just because the original plan broke down. Adjust the plan, not the dream.

Then comes the hard part: letting go. Some goals that you wrote down in January simply no longer fit. Circumstances changed. You changed. Give yourself permission to either remove a goal entirely or move it to your 2027 list, where it might really belong. Carrying dead weight through the second half of the year will only slow you down.

Take time this month to see where you are today, where you were six months ago, and, more importantly, where you want to be in September then December.

The second half of 2026 is wide open. Make it count.

A Few Tips And Tools

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JOANN CILLA

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