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LSD students, staff raise more than $12,000 for heart disease research
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
Café Il Villagio family are given a proclamation from the board for their 31 years of service and dedication to the Village of Babylon. Pictured are owners Mike Domingo, Lucy Domingo and Josephine Mannina with Mayor Mary Adams, Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert and trustees Jeffrey Szabo, Dominic Bencivenga and Anthony Cardali.
Students and staff at Lindenhurst’s West Gates Elementary School raised more than $12,000 through the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, supporting heart disease research and education. During American Heart Month, students took part in the initiative by committing to “heart-healthy” habits, including regular physical activity, improved nutrition, and acts of kindness. The program also integrated lessons on cardiovascular health into physical
education classes, where students participated in games and activities designed to promote fitness, teamwork, and lifelong healthy routines. The Kids Heart Challenge is a national program that encourages students to stay active while learning about heart health. Funds raised through the initiative support the American Heart Association’s efforts to advance research, education, and community-based programs aimed at fighting heart disease and stroke.
BV honors Café Il Villagio as beloved restaurant prepares to close after 31 years By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
A Village of Babylon mainstay for more than three decades, Café Il Villagio is closing its doors as the owners retire, prompting an outpouring of gratitude from village officials who honored the family-run restaurant at the April 28 board meeting. The board thanked the longtime business not only for serving generations of residents, but also for its deep community involvement—donating food to local organizations such as the Babylon Lions Club and stepping up during major crises including Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic. “On behalf of the Village Board, we thank you for all that you have done for this community,” Mayor Mary Adams said. “It wasn’t just about the pasta—it was that your heart and soul have been here, making new friends, building relationships, and taking care of Babylon Village all these years.”
Adams also recognized the restaurant’s consistent support of village events and charitable efforts. “God bless you as you go forward enjoying life and doing things that are well deserved and that you should be doing, after the sacrifices you made over the years,” she said. “We thank you for everything.” Trustee Dominic Bencivenga reflected on more than 30 years of personal memories tied to the restaurant and its owners. “From the soccer fields to making egg sandwiches in the back of the American Legion Hall after Hurricane Sandy, to solving the world’s problems at three o’clock in the afternoon at table number one—there are too many memories,” Bencivenga said. “They always did the right thing. They never sought recognition; they just helped because it was the right thing to do. That’s what defines this village.” He added that while the restaurant is closCONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Courtesy Lindenhurst school district
West Gates principal Donna Smawley and physical education teacher Joe Calderone are shown with students Olivia Rutowicz, Andrew Kennedy, Carmine Stallone, Dylan Vultaggio, Brayden Flynn, Katelina HardenSchwartz, James Ament, Hunter O’Leary, and Nabeela Henry.