Babylon High School Names First-Ever Poet Laureate
Babylon Junior-Senior High School has named Dominic Davila as the school’s inaugural Poet Laureate. The honor recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional literary talent, scholarly dedication, and a commitment to the arts.
Dominic’s work has been featured in prominent regional anthologies, including The Future Speaks: A Teen Poetry Anthology from Suffolk County New York and Harmonic Verse 2025: Poems for the Holidays. His literary excellence was further recognized in June, when he was honored at
the historic Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum for his award-winning entry in The Suffolk Youth Poetry Competition.
Dominic’s achievements extend beyond poetry and demonstrate a deep interest in academics and literature. He has earned Principal’s List honors every quarter since seventh grade, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and has successfully represented the Babylon Public Library for several years in the county-wide “Battle of the Books” contest. His diverse interests include reading graphic novels, drawing,
playing the clarinet, and writing short stories.
“As BHS’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Dominic has set a high bar, bringing poetry into our school community with generosity and purpose, and modeling what it means to lead through language,” said teacher Sarah Schreiber.
“Dominic, we are proud of the poet, and person, you are becoming,” said teacher Lindsay Jones. “Congratulations on your publications, your role as our first Poet Laureate, and the example you set for your peers.”
Lenten Season
In The Orthodox Church
(English Language Services)
We invite you to worship with us during Great Lent at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. The more ancient form of the liturgy, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, is celebrated at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) every Lenten Sunday (through March 29 this year). Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme, which is reflected in the New Testament readings and hymns of that day, as well as the sermon. All services are conducted in English. A vegan coffee hour follows the Sunday Divine Liturgy during Great Lent. Services
are also streamed on https:// www.facebook.com/htocem. The full liturgical schedule for Great Lent can be found on the parish website’s calendar at www.htocem. org.
For more information, contact us at 516-483-3649 or htocem@gmail.com.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF BABYLON PUBLIC LIBRARY, BABYLON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK BABYLON, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of Babylon Public Library, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York will be held at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, New York in said District on, March 31, 2026, at 6:30 P.M., for the purpose of discussing expenditures contained in the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026–2027. Copies of the budget document will be made available to District residents commencing March 24, 2026, upon request, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. prevailing time, in the office of the District Clerk located in the Superintendent’s Office of the Administration Building.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the vote and election will be held on TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026, between the hours of 12 Noon and 8:00 P.M., at the BABYLON PUBLIC LIBRARY for the following purposes of voting by the qualified voters on the following separate matters:
(a) To approve or disapprove
the proposed library budget (supplemented or amended as the case may be) of estimated expenses for the ensuing year as submitted by the Library Board of Trustees.
(b) Any other questions or propositions as to matters or expenditures or authority to levy taxes that may be presented for a vote under the Education Law.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the said vote and election to be conducted on April 14, 2026, one (1) member is to be elected to the Board of Trustees as follows:
ONE (1) member is to be elected to the Board of Trustees of the Babylon Public Library for a full term of five (5) years commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2031.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that all nominating petitions of candidates for the office of member of the Trustees of the Babylon Public Library must be filed with the Clerk of the Babylon School District, not later than March 16, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. prevailing time, whose office is located in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at the District’s Administration Building at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York. Nominating petitions must contain at least twentyfive (25) signatures of qualified
voters. Said petition must also state the name and residence of each signer and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required. If a voter has heretofore registered and has voted in an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he/ she is eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.
Registration will be conducted up to and including April 9, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. on days when school is in session at the Office of the District Clerk, located at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York.
The register so prepared will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, excluding Sunday, and between the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 and Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, New Continued On 5
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INFORMATION:
Dominic Davila with teachers Sarah Schreiber, left, and Lindsay Jones. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
York, and at the polling place on election day.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that during voting hours on April 14, 2026, the Board of Registration will meet at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, New York for the purpose of preparing a register for elections held subsequent thereto.
The voting will be by paper ballot. The polls will be open at 12:00 noon and remain open until 8:00 P.M. and as long as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of such budget or statement may be obtained beginning, March 24, 2026 by any resident of the District upon request during the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 4 P.M., except Saturdays and Sundays, at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S. Carll Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702, and the Principal’s office in each of the following school buildings during school business hours:
• Babylon Public Schools, Central Office, 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon
• Babylon Elementary School, 171 Ralph Avenue, Babylon
• Babylon Memorial Grade
School, 169 Park Avenue, Babylon
• Babylon Junior-Senior High School, 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon
These documents will also be available on the Babylon Public Library website at: www.babylonlibrary.org
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that absentee ballots and early mail ballots will be available for the election of Members of the Board of Trustees and the Budget vote. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail ballots may be received by the District Clerk no earlier than the thirtieth (30) day, before the election for which it is sought. Applications for absentee ballots will be available at the Babylon Public Library during library hours and on the Babylon Public Library website – www.babylonlibrary. org. Applications for early mail ballots will be available in the Office of the District Clerk, which is located in the Superintendent’s Office at the District’s Administration Building. To have an absentee ballot or early mail ballot mailed to your home, an applicable completed and signed application must be in the District Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Application for an absentee ballot or an early mail ballot
may be made in person from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on any school day and up until 5:00 p.m. on April 13, 2026. Absentee ballots and early mail ballots will be accepted in the Office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 14, 2026. No absentee or early mail ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5 P.M. of the date of the Vote.
Applications can also be downloaded from the Library’s website at:
www.babylonlibrary.org
The right to vote by absentee ballot or early mail ballot will be subject to the approval of the Board of Registration, or the district clerk or designee, as applicable.
A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots and early mail ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. commencing with the issuance of such ballots and for each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, excluding Sunday; and between the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 and Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Babylon Public Library, 24 S.
Carll Avenue, Babylon, New York, and at the polling place on election day.
FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military voters who are not currently registered to vote must apply to register as a qualified voter by contacting the District Clerk at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702 or by email to the District Clerk at lmcgarvey@babylonufsd.com or fax sent to 631-893-7935. The Military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the registration application by mail, facsimile or electronic mail (email). The application to register as a qualified voter must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth (26th) day before the election which is March 19, 2026. The register of voters prepared and filed in the District Clerk’s office shall include the names of all military voters who submit a valid military voter registration. A military voter means a qualified voter of New York State who is in actual military service and will, therefore, be absent from the District in which he or she is qualified to vote on the day of registration or election or is discharged from military service within 30 days of an election, or a spouse, parent, child or dependent of the military voter, accompanying or being with such voter, if a qualified voter of New York State and a resident of the same school district as the military voter, or military personnel residing on a military base within a school district in New York State for a period of 30 days immediately preceding said Vote.
FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may apply for a military ballot. A military ballot application may be requested from the District Clerk and must be returned, in person or by mail, to the Office of the District Clerk at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702, not later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth (26th) day before the election. A military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the military ballot application by mail, facsimile transmission, or e-mail. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk: 1) before the close of the polls on April 14, 2026 and showing a cancellation mark of the U.S. postal service, or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt of another agency of the U.S. government or 2) by 5:00 p.m. on the date set for the election and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereof, with a date which is ascertained not to be later than the day before the election. Irrespective of the preferred mode of transmission, the military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. A list of all persons to whom military ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to
qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk during regular office hours until the day of the vote.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the vote on all propositions and the election of candidates on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 will be conducted by paper ballot. It being expressly understood that the intent of the Library is to comply with any legislation stemming from the current coronavirus pandemic. Thus, all references to the timing, location, and manner of hearings, registration, and voting in the budget vote and election are subject to modification based on applicable legislation or direction by an entity with jurisdiction over the Library.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING AT ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
A person must be:
a) A citizen of the United States
b) Eighteen or more years of age
c) A resident of the District for
a period of thirty days or more next preceding the
he
d) Registered to vote in Suffolk County or the Babylon School District Elections
DATED: January 20, 2026 Babylon, New York
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Babylon Public Library, Babylon Union Free School District, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York
Gabriel’s Giving Tree (GGT), along with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD), Families in Support of Treatment (FIST), Family & Children’s Association, (FCA) and Human Understanding and Growth Services (HUGS) are joining together to offer a free grief and loss peer-led support group. The group will meet at the East End THRIVE location, at 680 Elton Street, Riverhead, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The focus of the support group will be to explore ways to find comfort, share support and begin healing for those who have lost a loved one.
“Losing a loved one can feel overwhelming,
Celebrate Irish heritage and local spirit! From parades to eats, drinks, and shopping, support neighborhood businesses while enjoying festive fun. Parades are happening almost every weekend in March, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate, and keep it local.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Bay Shore & Brightwaters – 2 PM from Saxon Avenue along Main Street/Montauk Highway.
St. James – 41st Annual Parade, 1 PM. From Woodlawn Avenue to Lake Avenue and the train station.
Massapequa – Massapequa Chamber 2nd Annual Parade, 11 AM along Broadway (between North Elm Street and Veterans Boulevard). running along Broadway between Jerusalem Ave. and Veterans Blvd. The event features Brian Kilmeade as
Long Island St. Patrick’s Day Parades
the Grand Marshal. New Hyde Park – 4th Annual Parade, 10 AM eastbound on Jericho Turnpike ending at Fire Headquarters.
Westhampton Beach –58th Annual Parade, 12 PM along Montauk Highway near Oneck Lane.
Cutchogue – 20th Annual Parade, 2 PM, from Cox Lane down Route 25 into the village.
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Rocky Point & Miller Place – 74th Annual Parade, 1 PM. Begins at Route 25A & Harrison Avenue, ending at Broadway & North Country Road.
Bayport & Blue Point –36th Annual Parade, 11 AM along Montauk Highway.
Center Moriches – 22nd
Annual Parade, 2 PM, centered near Our Lady Queen of Apostles School. Farmingdale – Annual
Parade, 2 PM. Parade steps off from Northside School & proceeds south along Main Street to the Village Green in downtown Farmingdale. Main Street will be temporarily closed for the parade. Parade Grand Marshal Brian Harty, Farmingdale Village Administrator - Clerk/ Treasurer Wantagh – 6th Annual Parade, 2 PM, led by the
WEST ISLIP SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Wantagh Fire Department. The 2026 Grand Marshal is the Wantagh Fire Department.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Brentwood – Annual Parade, 1 PM starting at Washington Avenue & Clark Street, ending at Ross Park. Rockville Centre – 30th Annual Parade, 12 PM, beginning near North Sunrise Highway municipal
parking area.
Lindenhurst – 5th Annual Parade, 12 PM. 2026 Parade Grand Marshal Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Hampton Bays – Annual Parade, 11 AM, starting at the American Legion on Ponquogue Avenue.
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Ronkonkoma – 36th Annual Parade, 2 PM,
beginning at AMVETS Post 48 on Hawkins Avenue.
Patchogue Village –Annual Parade, 12 PM, through downtown along Main Street.
Glen Cove – 38th Annual Parade, 1 PM, through downtown streets and Village Square.
Babylon Village – 4th Annual Parade, 2 PM, — led by this year’s Grand Marshal, dance instructor Patti Love. Parade route from Deer Park Avenue south toward Main Street.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Jamesport – 12th Annual Parade, 1 PM, from North Railroad & Washington Avenues to the firehouse.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Montauk – 64th Annual Parade, 12 PM, along Edgemere Street and Main Street.
Winter Concert
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 3 PM
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 3 PM
Paul Little, conducting
MUSIC OF: Franz List
FEATURING: Eric Siepkes, Piano
LOCATION: Beach Street Middle School
LOCATION: Beach Street Middle School
Adults $10.00, Students Free For more information: www.westislipsymphony.org
Adults $10.00, Students Free For more information: www.westislipsymphony.org
Sharp Tax
MARCH HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, MARCH 12th
6:00PM-9:00PM
BINGO NIGHT
The Friends of the Lindenhurst Library will host a Bingo Night at American Legion, 80 Herbert Avenue in Lindenhurst. See our Facebook page ad for QR code, or pay at the door. For more information, please call 856952-8110, or kagrover1@gmail.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 13th
10:00AM-1:00PM
THRIFT SHOP $5 BAG SALE
Bag sale for clothing only. Lots of housewares and decor available as well. Simpson United Methodist Church, 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. For more information, please call Mary at 516-991-8098
SATURDAY, MARCH 14th
10:00AM-2:00PM
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FOOD DRIVE
Senator Steve Rhoads to Host a St. Patrick’s Day Food Drive in Plainview-Old Bethpage. A community celebration of generosity, reminding residents that the best kind of luck is the kind we share. Attendees are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items and household necessities to support local families in need. WHERE: ShopRite of Country Pointe, 1675 Old Country Road, Old Bethpage.
2:00PM
BAY SHORE-BRIGHTWATERS
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE 2026
AMVETS Post 76 in Bay Shore is heavily involved in the Bay ShoreBrightwaters St. Patrick's Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026. The post serves as the central
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
hub for the event. They will open at 12 PM and all are welcome! The parade, begins at 2:00 PM at Saxon Avenue and marches west down Main Street. The post is located at 44 W Main St. in Bay Shore. For the most up-to-date information, please call 631-665-3526
SUNDAY, MARCH 15th
2:00PM
FARMINGDALE'S ANNUAL
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
This annual event, organized by the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, is a popular local tradition celebrating Irish heritage, featuring pipe bands, community groups, and local businesses. The parade steps off from Northside School & proceeds south along Main Street to the Village Green in downtown Farmingdale. For more information, visit https://www. facebook.com/share/1AeSqPP4Vn/ or contact Joe Fortuna, joef@ thenuttyirishman.com, or call 516293-9700
THURSDAY, MARCH 19th
7:00PM
BAY SHORE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MARCH MEETING
The Bay Shore Historical Society will meet at the Bay ShoreBrightwaters Public Library, 1 South Country Rd., in Brightwaters. The meeting is open to the public at no charge. Refreshments will be served. Learn more at: https:// www.bayshorehistoricalsociety.org/ programs-news
TUESDAY, MARCH 24th
2:30PM-5:00PM
THE HELPING HANDS EASTER DRIVE 944 West Bay 9th in the BBEA
clubhouse. Collecting Easter baskets, novelty items, candy, and candy filled eggs. Jennifer Gallozzi President Founder Volunteer, Helping Hands in West Islip, Inc. For more information, contact jennifergallozzi@gmail.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 28th
7:30PM
Gene DiNapoli Presents THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND
At the Bayway Arts Center, 265 East Main Street in East Islip, The Liverpool Shuffle, originally formed in 2003 by Joe Refano, (formerly of Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and Micky Dolenz’ Monkees Band), THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE brings together veterans of the New York Music Scene with a combined 200 years of musical experience between them. THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE provides a fun, entertaining LIVE BEATLE SHOW with a real emphasis on THE MUSIC. They play it the way The Beatles did! For more information, please call 631581-2700
SUNDAY, MARCH 29th
1:00PM-5:00PM
KiDS NEED MoRE
SPRING VENDOR FAIR
American Legion Hall, 80 Herbert Avenue in Lindenhurst. Setup begins 11:00 AM. Local vendors, shopping, raffles. Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Kids games and Spring Activities. Free Admission. Vendors wanted. Questions? info®kidsneedmore. org,kidsneedmore.org, Website: www.kidsneedmore.org/vendors or call 631-608-3135
ASPHALT, WALKWAYS, POOL PATIOS BELGIAN BLOCKS, NEW STOOPS & REPAIRS ALL PHASES OF LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES & MAINTENANCE. MULCH, TOP SOIL, SEED, & TREE
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Grief And Loss Peer-Led Support Group
First Thursday Of Every Month, 6:30 P.M. To 7:30 P.M.
Gabriel’s Giving Tree (GGT), along with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD), Families in Support of Treatment (FIST), Family & Children’s Association, (FCA) and
Human Understanding and Growth Services (HUGS) are joining together to offer a free grief and loss peer-led support group. The group will meet at the East End THRIVE location, at 680 Elton Street, Riverhead, from
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The focus of the support group will be to explore ways to find comfort, share support and begin healing for those who have lost a loved one.
“Losing a loved one can feel
overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone,” said Paulette Phililppe, founder of Gabriel’s Giving Tree.
For more information, call Paulette at 631-786-0368.
