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BaBylon _______________
HERALD BEaCon
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
An Easter message of faith and hope
Lindenhurst Village St. Patrick’s Parade
WIFD Mohawk Company hosts St. Pat’s event
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VOL. 60 NO. 11
APRIL 2 - 8, 2026
$1.00
Schaffer faces challenge for party leadership
Babylon Connects brings village organizations and residents together
By CAROLYN JAMES
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD
cjames@liherald.com
Suffolk County Democratic Chairman Richard Schaffer is facing a challenge from Kathryn Casey Quigley, chair of the Southold Democratic Party, setting up a contest over the party’s direction following recent election losses. Casey Quigley said she is frustrated with Schaffer’s leadership and the party’s performance in Suffolk County elections. Schaffer, in turn, has described her as a “New York City Democrat.” “Suffolk is not the upper west side of Manhattan,” Schaffer said. “Democrats elected in Suffolk County have to be more moderate, be able to get things done and be representative of working-class people.” Casey Quigley pointed to broader trends, arguing that the challenges facing Democrats in Suffolk reflect a national pattern. She noted her role in helping Democrats win nine of 11 races in Southold in November. “What we’re seeing here in Suffolk is a frustration with the Democratic Party and its leadership,” she told the Suffolk Times recently. “We’re not fighting here as hard as we can be and it’s important that we do better.” Schaffer characterized Casey Quigley as aligned with the party’s progressive wing and highlighted CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
cbabirad@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald
Babylon Town Superviser Richard Schaffer spoke at HIA breakfast Thursday March 26, outlining how the town is working toward economic growth through smart development.
Suffolk Supervisors discuss suburban issues at HIA meeting By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com Suffolk County town supervisors met at the HIA breakfast at the Suffolk Jewish Center to discuss economic development priorities for the region March 26. The supervisors highlighted the need for affordable housing and owner-occupied apartment and condo complexes on March 26 and called for solutions to rising waste management costs, and emphasized public and private investment
in downtowns, while maintaining the suburban character of Suffolk County. “Our mission is to let everyone know how important our towns are in maintaining the economic development of Suffolk County, and to let our town supervisors know how important they are,” said Joe Campolo, HIA-LI board member and moderator of the event. Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter were joined by CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Close to a dozen village organizations gathered at Babylon Connects, an event designed to highlight local groups and connect residents interested in volunteering, at Village Hall on February 21—the day before a record-setting snowstorm. Blue-and-white balloons welcomed attendees into the hall, where residents explored local services and opportunities to get involved in the community. The event was organized by Mayor Mary Adams and Trustee Jeff Szabo as a new villagesponsored forum. Its goal was to bring together service organizations and residents in a shared space to learn, connect, and volunteer. “We’re thrilled with the turnout,” Szabo said, noting the importance of the attendees who represented different organizations. “It’s the people in this room who make Babylon special.” Organizations in attendance included the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society, Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition, Babylon Village Arts Council, Nourish Babylon, Pilot Club of Babylon, Babylon Lions International, Babylon Beautification Society, and the Babylon Fire Department Recruitment Committee.
Resident Jordan Hoffman, who attended with his family praised the event. “We have so many wonderful resources in our community,” he said. “I enjoyed the opportunity to meet more of our constituents and learn about these organizations.” His daughter, Savannah, also enjoyed the event. “I really loved going to the Babylon Connects event,” she said. “It was so cool to find out all the different ways kids and grown-ups can help people in our village— I can’t wait to start volunteering and making a difference in my community like my dad!” Anne Balfour, program coordinator of Nourish Babylon at Christ Episcopal Church, attended with volunteer Lynn Simmons to share information about their weekly meal ministry and to seek volunteers to help cook and serve a sit-down dinner every Monday night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. “This is an opportunity to let people know we are here and we want to welcome those who need a meal,” Balfour said, emphasizing that anyone in need is welcome, no questions asked. JoAnn Lewald, president of the Pilot Club of Babylon, said the event was a chance to showcase local programs. “I think this is a great event to make the public aware of what this beautiful village has to offer,” she said. The Pilot Club helps needy CONTINUED ON PAGE 13