Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization These two moms opened a spa. It had one big,
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
Grief And Loss Peer-Led Support Group
On April 28th, the Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition participated in DEA National Fentanyl Awareness Day at Lindenhurst High School and we couldn’t be more proud of the student who made it happen.
Thank you Vanessa And Maddie!
Our youth coalition leaders organized and designed the entire awareness table in the school rotunda, reaching every student who came through during lunch. Interactive activities included the One Pill Can Kill and Real vs. Fake pill recognition display, a sugar scale demonstration showing the terrifyingly small amount of fentanyl that can be lethal, and a prize wheel that kept the energy going all day.
Our team connected one-on-one with students, provided Narcan kits to those who needed them, and shared information about local resources, including our Pizza Box Campaign, which is bringing prevention messaging from middle schoolers through restaurant partners right here in the Town of Babylon.
Thank you to Lindenhurst High School for welcoming us, and to every student who stopped to learn something new.
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 631-7860368.
Indoor Air Quality
(NAPSI)—Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Unbeknownst to homeowners, common pollutants lurk inside homes, affecting health in subtle yet significant ways. Learn more at www.NADCA. com/Homeowners.
You
Stella was the winner of our Pizza Box Campaign Sticker Contest
At the Levittown Center, 2999 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. Enjoy thrilling midway rides and games and tasty carnival eats for the whole family at this annual Memorial Day weekend event sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. Admission and parking are free. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+. Please check the website for event updates before attending, dreamlandamusements.com. For more information, call 866-666-3247
THURSDAY, MAY 21st, thru MONDAY, MAY 25th, Midway hours: 5:00-10:00PM Thursday, 5:00PM-11:00PM Friday, NOON-11:00PM Saturday-Sunday, 1:00PM10:00PM Monday (Memorial Day).
MERRICK TRAIN STATION CARNIVAL At Merrick LIRR Station, 2099 Sunrise Hwy. in Merrick. Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the electrifying midway over Memorial Day weekend with exciting rides and games for all ages and tantalizing carnival cuisine. Event admission and parking are free. For more information, call 866-666-3247
SATURDAY, MAY 23rd 11:00AM-5:00PM
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
GREAT AMERICAN FOOD AND CRAFT FESTIVAL
At P & A Park, 21 Pearsall Avenue in Deer Park. The Great American Food & Craft Festival brings together delicious eats, handcrafted goods, and creative makers for a fun-filled outdoor celebration of local flavor and artistry. Interested in learning more about the event or want to apply to be a vendor? Check out this site at https://www.staysaltedinc. com/events/the-great-american-foodcraft-festival, or call 631-431-7080
SATURDAY, May 23rd, thru SUNDAY, May 24th
10:00AM-5:00PM
SMITHTOWN SPRING CRAFT FAIR at Smithtown Village Historical Society grounds, 211 East Main Street in Smithtown. Smithtown Spring Craft Fair will be held on the picturesque Smithtown historical society grounds. Featuring 100 local craft and gift vendors, food trucks, and live music. Free parking and admission. For more information, please call 631-885-1267
SATURDAY, May 23rd, thru SUNDAY, May 24th
12:00PM-6:00PM SALUTE 250 Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce Salute 250 . The Memorial Day Weekend celebration will feature a Revolutionary War Re-enactment Village, festival activities, a musical performance and our first-ever Grand Finale Drone Show! Located in Field
3.5, the Re-enactment village will have colonial cooking, historical exhibits, colonial crafting, George Washington on horseback, and much more! On Sunday, the festivities turn up a notch with children’s activities and inflatables over at the West Bathhouse from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. A musical patriotic tribute to our military will commence at the Central Mall Bandshell from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, leading up to the Drone Show on Central Mall’s Beachfront at 9:00pm!A $10 vehicle use feewill be in effect and all event activities will be free. For more information, please call 631-321-3510
SATURDAY, MAY 30th
8:00AM-1:00PM
MULTI-FAMILY INDOOR YARD SALE Food, Thrift Shop, Antiques and so much more! Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
SUNDAY, MAY 31st
Doors open: 1:00 PM Games start: 2:00 PM SUPERMARKET BINGO & CHINESE AUCTION
Our Lady of Lourdes School Auditorium, 855 Carmans Rd. in Massapequa Park. Admission: $25 per adult (18+ only), cash or check (payable to OLI Columbiettes) Limited seating—buy tickets early. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes (Our Lady of the Island Council) For more information, please call Joan Donovan: 516659-6519 | jdonovan17@aol.com, Diane Esposito: 516445-9128, diane. esposito.mpk@gmail.com
How To Make Grilling Healthier
Grilling is a beloved summer tradition, but it’s not always the healthiest way to eat. Classic backyard barbecue fare like hot dogs and hamburgers may be crowd favorites, but there are simple ways to enjoy the flavor of grilling while maintaining a nutritious diet:
• Choose healthier proteins: Replace burgers and hot dogs with options like fish or skinless chicken breasts. If you still crave a burger, opt for lean ground poultry instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat.
• Practice moderation: The relaxed atmosphere of barbecues can lead to overeating. Swap out chips and heavy sides for healthier choices like fresh vegetables, fruit salad or chickpea salad, and keep portion sizes reasonable. Health experts recommend about three ounces of meat per serving,
with no more than six ounces.
• Skip the salt: While salt enhances flavor, too much can contribute to high blood pressure. Try a salt-free rub made with spices like chili powder, garlic powder and paprika to add bold flavor without extra sodium.
• Add more vegetables:
Grilled vegetables are both tasty and nutritious. Brush them with a healthy oil like olive oil to prevent sticking and bring out their natural flavors over the flame.
With a few simple adjustments, grilling can be just as healthy as it is delicious, making your next backyard barbecue both enjoyable and better for you.
Five Ways To Honor The Real Meaning Of Memorial Day
Memorial Day often is celebrated with the excitement of a long weekend and the prospect of firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue. But Memorial Day also is a time to reflect on the men and women who gave their lives to defend American freedom.
Memorial Day was established to honor individuals who died while serving the United States in the Armed Forces and the
holiday is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of the fallen heroes who dedicated and lost their lives in the pursuit of service. The following are some ways to honor those sacrifices this Memorial Day.
• Observe the National Moment of Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual one-minute moment of silence that takes place at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. Established by Congress in 2000, this unifying moment encourages Americans to pause their activities and reflect on the high cost of freedom. The time is significant, as it is a period when most people are enjoying Memorial Day festivities that were made possible by the sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel.
• Honor the American flag. Memorial Day features a unique flag protocol. To properly honor the fallen, the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon. Afterwards, it should be raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day, according to the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The transition marks the nation’s mourning in
MEMORIAL DAY
May 25th, 2026
the morning hours and then the legacy of fallen veterans later in the afternoon.
• Coordinate flag placement for cemeteries. Organizations like Flags for Fallen Vets and scouting groups make an effort to place small American flags at the grave sites of deceased veterans. Many cemeteries feature sections exclusively for veterans. Similarly, families can visit cemeteries and leave a penny or a stone on the headstone of a veteran, which shows others that someone visited to pay their respects.
• Talk to the next generation. To ensure that the memories of fallen soldiers do not fade into obscurity, living veterans can speak with youth about their service experiences and those of their fallen friends. Schools or local municipalities can organize speaking engagements.
Memorial Day is much more than sales at the furniture store or a day spent manning the grill. It is a day to remember and honor service members who never made it home.
Town Of Babylon Celebrates Student Environmental Leaders At 8th Annual Waterways Poster Contest
The Town of Babylon proudly recognized the winners of the 8th Annual Waterways Poster Contest during the Town’s Earth Day celebration at Geiger Lake Park. Sponsored by Winters Bros., A WM Company, the annual contest encourages fourth and fifth grade students throughout the Town to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic litter entering local waterways.
Held in memory of Burt Koza, the contest serves as both an educational initiative and a community outreach effort designed to inspire environmental stewardship among Babylon’s youngest residents.
This year’s first-place winner, AJ Rosales, was recognized not only for his winning artwork, but also for his dedication to the environment through his volunteer efforts helping to maintain Scott Park
in West Babylon. Contest organizers highlighted the importance of empowering young residents to take an active role in protecting local waterways and public spaces.
“The creativity and passion shown by these students gives us tremendous hope for the future,” said Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “Programs
like the Waterways Poster Contest help teach the next generation the importance of protecting our environment and keeping litter out of our rivers, bays and neighborhoods. We are proud to partner with Winters Bros. in supporting environmental education and recognizing these outstanding students.”
As part of the program, organizers also highlighted the Town’s ongoing antilitter initiatives, including the use of the “Bandit” litter capture device on Carlls River, which helps prevent debris and plastics from reaching local waterways.
“Winters Bros., A WM Company was proud to recognize students from the
Town of Babylon who take sustainability seriously,” said Dan Schaefer, Manager of Public Affairs for Winters Bros. “This poster contest, now in its eighth year, encourages all town residents to think twice before littering. As always, we thank Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the entire Town of Babylon team for being our partners in protecting our local environment.”
The Burt Koza Memorial Scholarships, funded by Winters Bros., are awarded annually to students whose artwork best illustrates the environmental impact of plastic pollution in local waterways.
Robert Moses Welcomes Newest Members Into NJHS
On May 6, Robert Moses Middle School in the North Babylon School District proudly welcomed 82 new members into the National Junior Honor Society during a special induction ceremony recognizing students for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service, character and citizenship.
During the ceremony, Principal Stephanie Hasandras and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham addressed the students and their families, congratulating the inductees on reaching this important milestone and commending them for their dedication and hard work. They also shared their excitement for the students’ futures and the many accomplishments that lie ahead during their years in the district and beyond.
Current National Junior Honor Society officers took part in the ceremony by speaking about the organization’s five pillars — scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship — while lighting a candle to represent each value.
Each candidate was then called to the stage individually to receive their certificate from National Junior Honor Society advisor Kathryn Ramirez and pin. Following the presentation, the students proudly recited the official pledge, formally becoming members of the National Junior Honor Society.
The ceremony served as a meaningful celebration of student achievement and recognized the commitment of these students to academic excellence and service within their school community.
Photos courtesy of North Babylon School District
Purple Rock Project & Town Of Babylon Dedicate Lakeside Park
Memorial Honoring Opioid Lives Lost
memorial rocks at Babylon Town Hall Park, located at 200 Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst.
Awareness Day, as they placed approximately 50
Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, town officials, and parents who have lost children to the opioid crisis gathered to read the names of the deceased and place the rocks beneath a memorial tree on the east side of the lake. Created through The Purple Rock Project, each rock bears the name and, in many cases, the photo of a loved one lost to opioid or fentanyl poisoning. The rocks represent individuals from Long Island, across New York State, and throughout the country, requested by families seeking a lasting tribute.
“I am grateful to the
Town of Babylon for giving us this space to remember our loved ones,” said Purple Rock Project founder Carole Trottere. “It is our hope that those who pass by will pause to reflect on the magnitude of this loss and that it sparks meaningful conversations between parents and their children.”
“We have worked very hard over the years to raise awareness about the devastating impact of alcohol and drug addiction on families,” said Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “Our goal is to help ensure that other families do not have to endure the heartbreak experienced by those here today.”
A plaque created by Miller Mohr and Kelly Design Group now sits beneath the
tree, reading:
“The Purple Rock Project—These rocks were made by Long Islanders in memory of loved ones lost to the opioid/fentanyl crisis. Stop the stigma.”
For more information about The Purple Rock Project, visit ThePurpleRockProject.org.
For more information about The Purple Rock Project visit ThePurpleRockProject
Also attending the ceremony were representatives from Beacon Family Wellness Center; Steve Chassman, LCSW, CASAC, Vice President at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research; LICADD Director of Programming Adam Birkenstock; Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney; Deputy Supervisor Antonio Martinez; and many parents, relatives, and friends of those being honored.
The tree with the purple rocks is located at the Town of Babylon’s Town Hall Park, located at 200 Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. Photo by Carole Trottere
A plaque created by Miller Mohr and Kelly Design Group now sits beneath the tree, reading: “The Purple Rock Project—These rocks were made by Long Islanders in memory of loved ones lost to the opioid/fentanyl crisis. Stop the stigma.” Photo by Carole Trottere
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Remember. Honor. Celebrate
On Memorial Day, as we gather with friends and family, host backyard BBQs, let’s pause to remember the meaning of the day. Our Veterans.
We remember their sacrifice, honor their service, and celebrate their legacy. We are indebted to everyone in our armed forces, our Veterans, and those who presently serve, for the freedoms we enjoy today. They are our family, friends, and neighbors, and some paid the ultimate sacrifice for defending America.
President Harry S. Truman once said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
