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MAY HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, MAY 28th, thru SUNDAY, JUNE 7th

MIDWAY HOURS: 5-10 pm

Monday - Thursday, 5-11 pm Friday, noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday. Aqua Live Spectacular showtimes are 7 pm and 9 pm daily, with an additional 3 pm performance on Saturday and Sunday.

SOUTH SHORE MALL CARNIVAL

South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Hwy. in Bay Shore. Thrills galore are in store at this family-friendly annual event, from exciting midway rides and games for all ages to the Aqua Live Spectacular water stunt show starring enchanting aerialist mermaids, "The Hurricane" waverunner jet ski and more -- plus plenty of palate-pleasing carnival eats. Please visit the website, for more information https:// dreamlandamusements.com/

FRIDAY, MAY 29th, thru SATURDAY, MAY 30th

Friday, 10:00AM-4:30PM Saturday, 10:00AM-3:00PM SPRING BOOK SALE

Friends of the Babylon Public Library Spring Book Sale, 24 South Carll Avenue in Babylon. Come shop for books, DVDs, CDs, and more! Thursday evening hours are reserved for Friends members only, but you can become a member at the door! Proceeds from the book sale help pay for the library’s Museum Pass Program. For more information, please call 631-6691624

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

FRIDAY, MAY 29th, thru SUNDAY, MAY 31st

Friday & Saturday 4:00PM -10:00PM Sunday, 2:00PM to 8PM

SEAFORD SPRING JAM at the Seaford Train Station. The Seaford Spring Jam returns to Seaford Station along Sunrise Highway for Three Nights. It's a Carnival, a Music Festival and a Food Truck Rally... all jammed into one! For more information, please call 516-644-5615

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

10:00AM-4:00PM

WESTBURY STREET FAIR

149 Post Avenue in Westbury. Family shopoping fun! A great way to spend the day. Vendors, local artists, Art Exhibit, food trucks, live music. Free admission and parking. For more information, please visit https://nassaucountyfairs.com/

SUNDAY, MAY 31st

1O:00AM-4:00M STREET FAIR

Rain Date: Sunday, June 7th. Deer Park Avenue North in Babylon, Hale Rd to Stone Ave. Live Music, Performances, Food Court, Inﬂatables, Vendors, Rafﬂes Arts and Crafts.

11:00AM-6:00PM

ANNUAL ISLIP STREET FAIR ON MAIN STREET

517 Main Street in Islip. Hosted by the Islip Chamber of Commerce, it is a Quarter-Mile Long fair route stretching from South Bay Ave to Smith Ave. The Street Fair fosters a genuine sense of community pride that is heightened by all the fun features the Chamber has added, which include: a Giant Craft & Vendor Bazaar, Magniﬁcent Kids Funzone, The Tasty Tailgate Food Truck Rally, The New York Islanders Slapshot Booth, Face Painting, Rafﬂes And So Much More! Admission to the fair is free. The event is rain or shine (no rain date) For more information, please call 516-644-5615

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: 516-659-6519 | jdonovan17@aol.com, Diane Esposito: 516445-9128, diane. esposito.mpk@gmail.com

North Babylon High School Celebrates Class Of 2026

The seniors of North Babylon High School gathered on May 1 for a special breakfast celebration in honor of National Decision Day, marking an important milestone as they officially declared their postgraduation plans.

Wearing shirts representing their chosen colleges, universities, trade schools, military branches and career pathways, members of the Class of 2026 proudly showcased their next steps. The event

provided students with the opportunity to celebrate alongside their classmates, pose for photos and reflect on their high school journeys as they prepare to embark on new and exciting chapters.

Decision Day recognizes the dedication, perseverance and achievements of graduating seniors. The celebration highlights the diverse pathways students will pursue, reinforcing the district’s commitment to supporting all learners

as they define success in their own way. The district commends the seniors for their determination and resilience and wishes them continued success as they transition into the next phase of their lives. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to younger students and reflect the strong sense of pride within the North Babylon High School community. Photos courtesy of North Babylon School District

Join In Eat Pizza & Treats

Stella was the winner of our Pizza Box Campaign Sticker Contest

Great Spaces To Host A Graduation Party

Graduation season has arrived, and with it comes plenty of celebrations honoring students who have spent years working toward a diploma or degree. Graduation parties commemorate students’ hard work, and there are many great places to host these special events and make the occasion even more memorable.

• Hotel with a private event space: Hotels are excellent venues for larger parties because they often provide everything needed — including catering, staﬀ, overnight accommodations, and audio-visual equipment — in one package. Check local hotels to see if their banquet or meeting spaces might be a good ﬁt for a graduation celebration.

• Acti vity spaces: Many graduates prefer something less formal than a traditional party. Activitybased venues, such as boutique bowling alleys, arcades, or entertainment complexes, allow guests to mingle, move around, and play games while celebrating the graduate’s achievement.

• Outdoor parks or community spaces: Towns and municipalities often have outdoor venues that can be rented or reserved for little to no cost. Covered pavilions, picnic areas, and park shelters can provide budget-friendly spaces to celebrate outdoors during warm-weather graduation season.

• Community centers or halls: Venues such as firehouse party rooms, VFW halls, or community centers often offer affordable rental options and the convenience of hosting outside the home. Party planners can bring their own food, entertainment, and decorations, allowing greater flexibility and

creative control over the event theme.

• Home or backyard celebrati ons: Graduation parties held at home offer a relaxed atmosphere and flexible schedule for guests to stop by throughout the day. If space allows, homeowners can rent tents, tables, flooring, and lighting to transform a backyard into an elegant venue. Home parties can range from casual cookouts to elaborate catered affairs.

• Family-style restaurants: Restaurants that can comfortably accommodate large groups help ensure guests stay well fed and relaxed while honoring the graduate. Some establishments may require a prix ﬁxe menu for larger parties to streamline kitchen operations and service. Even so, multi-course menus can provide good value and make hosting a stress-free experience.

• Rooftop or waterfront venues: Scenic venues with waterfront views or rooftop settings can add a memorable backdrop to a graduation celebration. These spaces often create a festive atmosphere and provide excellent opportunities for photographs with family and friends.

Graduation parties are a staple of late spring and early summer, and there are plenty of ideal locations where family and friends can gather to celebrate graduates and their accomplishments.

•

8 Games To Try At Your Next Backyard Bash

Games can enhance any outdoor function. Whether at the beach or in one’s backyard, activities can keep guests entertained between the food and other refreshments. The good news is that most games designed for these types of functions are appropriate for players across a wide range of ages.

The following are eight games that can add excitement to any outdoor gathering.

1. Ladder toss: Also known as ladder golf, this game requires players to toss string-attached balls onto a ladder-shaped target. Points are awarded depending on which rung the ball lands on.

2. Kubb: Pronounced “KOOB,” this Swedish lawn game is believed to have originated during the era of the Vikings and is best described as a blend of bowling and horseshoes. Two teams compete to knock over their opponents’ wooden blocks by throwing batons.

3. Cornhole: Many people have played cornhole, which involves tossing bean bags at a cornhole board. The objective is to get the bag into the hole or onto the board to score points. The game can be played as singles or doubles, and the ﬁrst team to reach 21 points wins.

4. Spikeball™: Also called Roundnet, this two-on-two sport is played by hitting a ball oﬀ a net with the goal of preventing the opposing team from returning it within three touches.

5. Ring toss: This game tests hand-eye coordination. Players take turns tossing rings onto target pegs. Each peg is worth a diﬀerent number of points, and the ﬁrst player to reach the agreed-upon score wins.

6. Connect Four in a Row: Giant versions of familiar tabletop games also are available for yard use. In this game, players try to get four chips in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

7. Kan Jam®: Similar to cornhole or horseshoes, Kan Jam® features two teams of two players who alternate throwing a frisbee and trying to deﬂect it. The goal is to get the frisbee into the can.

8. Rollers: Goals are placed 25 feet apart, and players roll wooden discs in an attempt to get closest to the goal. Each side of the disc has a diﬀerent number that determines the point value.

Backyard events can be enhanced with a little gameplay, and there are plenty of fun options for your next gathering.

LHS1976 50th Reunion July

31st

Please send checks to: Marisa Marciano POBox106

Lindenhurst NY

External Diploma Program

The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP, is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs.

Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.

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.

Tips To Throw A Memorable Graduation Party

Each year, newly minted graduates proudly don their caps and gowns and walk across countless stages to receive their diplomas or degrees. Graduation is a proud moment for students, and that pride is shared by family members and close friends who have supported them throughout their academic careers.

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. Planning a graduation party takes some eﬀort to ensure the event is worthy of this signiﬁcant moment in a student’s life.

Begin with a theme

Hosts can select a theme that aligns with the graduate’s interests. Consider themes tied to what a new high school graduate plans to study in college, or make the theme reﬂect the career path a recent college graduate hopes to pursue. Additional ideas include the graduate’s favorite movies, musical interests, cherished hobbies, or love of travel.

Set a budget

Establish a clear budget to manage expenses and prioritize key aspects of the celebration. Hosting a party away from home may seem more expensive, but when hosts factor in tent, table, chair, catering, and décor rentals, booking a venue may actually be more aﬀordable. Comparing all potential costs can help party hosts determine the best option and create a realistic budget.

Make the venue interesting

If possible, tailor the venue to the theme. For example,

if the graduate loves the ocean and beach, a beach bonﬁre party can make for a memorable celebration. Graduates who enjoy concerts might appreciate a party that recreates the feeling of a live performance. Hire a musician, set up stadium-style seating, and create a stage where the performer can entertain guests. Afterwards, hire a DJ or stream a playlist created by the guest of honor.

Create a grand entrance

Find a fun way for the graduate to make a memorable entrance. Perhaps the lights can be dimmed before a spotlight shines on the graduate. For a sports-themed celebration, the graduate can run through a breakaway banner similar to a football team taking the ﬁeld before

kickoﬀ. A creative entrance can add excitement and help make the event unforgettable.

Include fun activities

Dancing, photo booth sessions, scavenger hunts, or demonstrations tied to the party theme can keep guests entertained throughout the celebration. Games and interactive activities also can help guests mingle and create lasting memories.

Keep the food simple

Keep the graduate’s favorite foods in mind and oﬀer dishes that are familiar and crowd-pleasing. There is no need to serve elaborate or exotic cuisine; guests are more likely to remember ﬂavorful foods and generous hospitality. A signature cocktail or mocktail also can add a personalized touch to the party.

Capture the memories

Create opportunities for guests to share messages and memories with the graduate. A guest book, memory jar, or instant-photo station can provide keepsakes the graduate will treasure long after the celebration ends.

If the idea of planning a graduation party alone seems daunting, particularly during a busy season when dates and venues book quickly, a professional party planner can be an invaluable resource. With some preparation and creativity, family and friends can celebrate graduates in a way that is both ﬁtting and memorable.

BHS Student Is A National Merit Finalist

Babylon Junior-Senior High School is proud to announce that senior and Class of 2026 valedictorian Cassidy Hayes has been named a National Merit Finalist in the prestigious 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Hayes, who was previously recognized as a Semifinalist in September 2025, has now advanced to Finalist standing following a rigorous application process that included submission of detailed academic records, SAT or ACT scores confirming her earlier performance on the qualifying exam,

a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation from a high school official. The selection process also evaluated her demonstrated leadership abilities, participation in school and community activities, and honors and awards received

throughout her high school career.

Cassidy was among the more than 1.3 million students from roughly 20,000 high schools nationwide who entered the 2026 competition. As a Semifinalist, she was recognized among just 16,000 students nationwide, representing less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors. As a Finalist, Cassidy remains in the running for one of approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered this spring.

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MLB Legend Visits Woods Road

What began as an engaging educational experience turned into an unforgettable moment for students at Woods Road Elementary School in North Babylon School District on April 30, when former Major League Baseball pitcher Dwight Gooden made a special surprise appearance during the school’s annual fifth grade wax museum.

The wax museum is a student-led interactive event in which fifth graders research

and portray historical figures, public figures and cultural icons.

Students create storyboards and present “live” exhibits as guests tour the museum-style displays throughout the building.

This year’s event featured an extraordinary highlight when Gooden, a former New York Mets standout, visited the school to surprise a student who was portraying him. The unexpected appearance brought excitement and energy to the event, creating

a memorable experience for students, staff and families in attendance.

The wax museum provides students with an opportunity to deepen their research, presentation and public speaking skills while engaging in a creative and immersive learning experience. The addition of a real-life figure further enhanced the educational impact and excitement of the day.