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Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Babylon hosts sustainability fair
Obituary: Garry Mowbray, WB firefighter, at 69
Meet West Islip children’s author
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VOL. 60 NO. 10
MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026
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Weckerle, Pichichero and Collins reelected By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Lindenhurst Village board candidates Maryann Weckerle, Patrick Pichichero and David Collins, along with Village Justice candidate John Bopp, gathered at Pino’s restaurant on North Wellwood Avenue March 18 as they awaited the close of polls. With all candidates running unopposed, the mood was relaxed and celebratory. Unofficial tallies showed that Collins garnered 289 votes; Pichichero 277 votes and Weckerle 297 votes, winning reelection.
In addition, Lindenhurst Village Justice John Bopp won reelection with 275 votes. He was unopposed. Mayor Michael Lavorata said the lack of contested races reflects the village’s current direction. “Things are going well in the village, with a lot of updates and improvements,” Lavorata said. “We have a thriving downtown, programs for seniors and children, and we’re always working to improve quality of life.” Weckerle thanked residents for their continued support, saying she and her fellow trustees reCONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos
Newly elected Village of Babylon Trustee, Jeff Szabo with Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert, Mayor Mary Adams, and fellow trustees Anthony Cardali and Dominic Bencivenga.
Jeff Szabo wins seat on the Babylon Village Board of Trustees By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
There was a light voter turnout March 18 for the Village of Babylon trustee election, held to fill the unexpired term of the late Sean Goodwin, who died last year. Incumbent Jeffrey Szabo, a member of the Better Babylon Party, who was appointed to the seat in November 2025, defeated challenger Jordan Hoffman, 511 to 256, capturing 66.6 percent of the vote. Residents cited a desire to have a voice in local issues as a key reason for heading to the polls. “I think village officials impact my life more directly than state and federal,” said resident Margaret Anderson. Another resident, who declined to be named, said she is a fifth-generation Babylonian and felt
compelled to vote because of issues she believes need attention. “We need change,” she said. Kolleen Pietrowski, who voted with her husband, Donald, said participation was important. “We have to participate — we’ve lived here for 40 years,” she said. Joe Lanfranco said he supported a candidate he has seen active in the community. “He’s doing great stuff and really helps people,” Lanfranco said. Poll worker Dina Molinaro said turnout appeared strong throughout the day. “It seems both candidates have a lot of support,” she said. Ahead of the election, Szabo said he felt “optimistic,” citing the work he has put in since his appointment. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done and I’m looking forward to hopefully contributing into the future,” he said. Hoffman described the campaign as “humbling and inspiring,” emphasizing the imporCONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Carolyn James/Herald photos
Newly reelected Lindenhurst Village Trustees Patrick Pichichero, Maryann Weckerle and David Collins give a thumbs up after polls closed election night March 18.