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Obituary: Diana Simulcik
Adventures in the snow
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VOL. 60 NO. 1
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2026
ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING MEDICAID GUARDIANSHIPS Rochelle L. Verron, Es q. ESTATE & TRUST Founder & ADMINISTRATION Managing Partner $1.00
BV welcomes new businesses By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald Photos
The Village of Babylon has had a busy year of ribbon cuttings, as more than 10 new businesses opened their doors in the downtown this year — a sign of strong economic momentum that Mayor Mary Adams proudly calls part of the village’s “Hallmark holiday” charm. Among the new arrivals are Bloom Hair Company, Luna and Company Soapery, All in Health and Wellness, Babylon Social, Roast Sandwich House, The Party Fairies, Pilates Social Club, Skin by Mish, and Vervain and
Rue Several more.businesses are scheduled for grand openings in early 2026. “It’s a great opportunity and a fantastic village,” said James Economou, co-owner of Babylon Social. “Local officials have been great, and the retailers do a lot for us. It’s great having people come in from the surrounding areas as well — the community has been tremendous.” Longtime staple Little Lash and Brow Boutique also celebrated growth this year by relocating to a larger storefront. Owner Joann Daly said the expansion reflects the strong support she has felt since first open-
Police, firefighters and military personnel pose for a photo at the event with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Uniformed heroes take kids on holiday shopping spree By CAROLYN JAMES jnegrin@liherald.com
The Suffolk County Police Department brought holiday cheer to children across the county this month through its annual Shop With a Cop events, giving hundreds of youngsters the chance to shop for Christmas gifts alongside their own personal heroes — police officers, firefighters and members of the military. The program pairs children with first responders during the holiday season and takes them shopping for gifts. The events are funded through donations, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and fundraising efforts by police and community groups. One such event was held Monday, Dec. 15, at the Target store in Copiague, led by First Precinct Community Liaison Officers Dara
Caramanico-Broyles and Nick Scheida. Suffolk County police were joined by members of the Amityville Police Department, the Amityville Fire Department and local military personnel. Children were selected with assistance from local school districts. “I think this is amazing,” said Vera Carranza of Amityville, who attended the event with her daughter, Priya, and nephew, Shaneil Orr. “I love that the community does this.” As they waited to be paired with their shopping partners, Shaneil already had his wish list planned — slime and Rototz — while Priya eagerly scanned the line of uniformed volunteers. Shop With a Cop is designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, particularly families facing financial hardship. The program began in the late 1980s and quickly spread nationwide to help build trust through simple acts of kindCONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald Photos
Little Lash and Brow Boutique (moved to a larger space) Austin Ziegler, brow and lash artist; Jackie Bomparola, senior permanent makeup artist; and Duslem Tarak, senior artist. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2