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VOL. 60 NO. 8
FEBRUARY 19 - 25, 2026
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Patti Love named Grand Marshal of Babylon Village St. Patrick’s Day Parade By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Courtesy Zone 2 photography/Paul Mazza
Firefighters worked quickly to battle a blaze at 23 Howard Street, Babylon Feb. 7.
Vamps battle two house fires in one day in Babylon Village Volunteers contain basement blaze on Howard Street; Shore Road home sustains heavy fire damage By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Battling high winds and freezing temperatures, Babylon firefighters responded to two house fires on Sunday, Feb. 7, keeping damage limited through quick action by volunteers. The first call came at 2 p.m. for a fire at 23 Howard Street. First-arriving units saw flames coming from beneath the home’s siding. Firefighters quickly hooked up hoses to a nearby hydrant and attacked the blaze, which had started in the basement. “Apparently someone in the home was attempting to defrost pipes and accidentally set the fire,” said Babylon Fire Chief James Miga. “We were fortunate that there was a fire hydrant right in front of the house and the volunteers were able to quickly hook up water hoses.” Everyone had already left the house, and
no pets were inside, Miga said. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, with crews remaining on the scene for roughly two hours. “Damage to the home was contained to the west side, though there was a lot of smoke and water damage,” Miga said. “The fire went up the wall; it was old construction with no fire bricks between the floors.” About 40 to 50 volunteers assisted at the scene. Later that day, Babylon firefighters received a second call for a fire on Shore Road near Oak Street. When crews arrived, the back of the home was fully involved. Firefighters knocked down the blaze in 15 minutes. First responders also had to prevent a resident from re-entering the home while the fire was being extinguished. Miga said the department faced challenges reaching the Shore Road house because CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Babylon Village will have what organizers are calling an “extra sparkle” when the 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off on March 22 — led by this year’s Grand Marshal, longtime dance instructor Patti Love. Love, owner and director of Mise Eire Irish Step Dancers of Babylon, was selected in what parade committee member Lauren Salamone described as a “heartfelt decision rooted in her longstanding dedication to the community.” “Along with many return groups, we’re excited to feature new participants and creative floats,” said Salamone. “There a wonderful energy this year, and the community response has been especially enthusiastic, making this celebration feel even more special.” Salamone said Love “exemplifies the spirit, generosity and enthusiasm that this parade represents. “Her years of service and positive impact have touched countless lives, and we felt it was the perfect time to recognize her contributions in a very visible way. We are truly honored and thrilled to have her lead the parade—it feels both meaningful and celebratory.” Love has led Mise Eire —
Gaelic for “I am Ireland” — for more than 40 years. The child of Irish immigrant parents, she has been dancing since she was 4 and has competed nationally and at world championships. Beyond the studio, Love has been active in the community as a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and St. Joseph’s Church, where she belongs to the Catholic Daughters. She also served for many years as a catechist teacher. An educator at heart, Love has taught at Stella Maris Regional School in Sag Harbor, the Long Island Beauty School and in the West Islip School District, in addition to leading workshops throughout the region. Earlier in her career, she was a tenor drummer in the Saffron Kilts Pipe Band and performed at the White House for President Jimmy Carter. At Mise Eire, Love said she aims to teach more than steps. Her goal, she said, is to share not only the technique of Irish dance but also its joy and spirit. Love has three daughters, Shannon, Kelly and Erin, and two grandchildren, Harrison and Kennedy. She called being named Grand Marshal of the Village of Babylon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade an “honor.” As Grand Marshal, Love hopes to bring together current CONTINUED ON PAGE 6