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Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Obituary: JaneAnn Bean-Folkes
S.C. officials honor firefighters
Lindenhurst museum ribbon cutting
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VOL. 75 NO. 5
AUGUST 21 - 27, 2025
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Wyandanch unveils sensory playground By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Christie Leigh Babirad/Heraldp hotos
Village of Babylon trustees Anthony Cardali and Frank Seibert, Mayor Mary Adams, Trustees Sean Goodwin and Dominic Bencivenga .
BBS hosts a ‘Starlit’ extravaganza By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
The Nathaniel Conklin House’s Starlit Soirée lived up to its billing as a must-attend summer event, Aug. 2, drawing Babylon Village residents and guests to the historic site’s lush gardens for an evening of food, music, and community spirit. Hosted by the Babylon Beautification Society, the event, which sold out weeks in advance, featured tables adorned with gold starlit toppers and fresh flowers beneath a large white tent. Guests enjoyed a warm summer night of drinks, dinner, dancing, and live music by the band 1 Step Ahead— all to support preserving the Conklin House, which dates back to the 18th century. “We are thrilled with the massive turnout,” said Frank Petruzzo, president of the Beautification Society. “It’s a wonderful crowd with beautiful weather tonight.” Food and drinks were donated by a wide range of local businesses, including The Lily
Flanagan’s Restaurant Group, Torta Fina Bakeshoppe and Patisserie, Thai Station Café, Mary Carroll’s, The Pizzeria, Fancy Lee Asian Bistro, The Post Office Café, Babylon Cheese Cellar, Babylon Village Meat Market, Babylon Burger Bar, Molto Vino, Bella Pazza Pizzeria, Barrique Kitchen and Wine Bar, The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village and Pandemonium. Many attendees emphasized their support for the village and its history. “We came out to support the Conklin House because this is the village we live in,” said Lee Danner. Thomas Hellem, who attended with his wife, Dawn, echoed that sentiment: “We’re here to support the Conklin House, Babylon Village, and the community.” “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our beautiful village,” added Marsha Collock, a trustee and curator for the Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society. “How lovely it is to live here.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
The Wyandanch School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 30 to unveil a new sensory playground designed to support students with disabilities. The space provides young learners with opportunities to develop sensory, physical, and socialemotional skills in a safe, engaging environment. District administrators, Board of Education trustees, students, and local and state officials gathered at Lafrancis Hardiman Elementary School to celebrate the opening. The playground features textured surfaces, sound elements, and climbing structures to stimulate multiple senses and promote inclusive play. “This playground is a vital tool for our scholars to grow and learn,” said Superintendent of Schools Erik Wright. “In Wyandanch, we want to make sure that we meet the needs of all our scholars. The new playground will allow our exceptional young scholars to let their sense of imagination run wild, so they can explore and develop and thrive.” Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Christine Jordan, assistant superintendent for administrative and instructional accountability, who credited the initiative to former special education di-
rector Carl Baldini. “Thank you all for being here today for this important milestone,” Jordan said. “This is made possible by our recently retired Director of Special Education, Mr. Carl Baldini, who worked tirelessly to bring this playground here for our scholars, to ensure they have the ability to play, explore, and learn.” Baldini also addressed the crowd, saying, “Today is a celebration of something great that is happening for the wonderful scholars of Wyandanch. Seeing how the district worked to achieve something that is going to meet the needs of our scholars—by putting our hearts, our minds, and our hands together—is a sign of what’s to come.” Board of Education President Latesha Walker added, “This playground reflects our commitment to comprehensive development. It’s a testament to our dedication to nurturing every aspect of a scholar’s growth.” State and local leaders, including State Sen. Monica Martinez, Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson, Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, also spoke at the ceremony, applauding the district’s commitment to inclusivity and student development. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11