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Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Brumidi installs new members
Babylon Village Swim Meet
How are you getting ready for school?
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VOL. 75 NO. 36
AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
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Cannella named 2025 Conklin Award winner By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Creative Metro
Internet-fueled devices will no longer be allowed in schools during the day, under a new state law.
Open School: phones out, focus in By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Beginning this school year, all public and charter schools in New York — including 129 on Long Island — will be required to enforce an inschool ban on student use of cell phones. A new state law aimed at reducing distractions in schools, called the “Distraction-Free Schools” law, mandates a “bell-to-bell” restriction on internet-enabled devices throughout the school day, including noninstructional times such as lunch, recess and study halls. School districts were required to submit their compliance plans by Aug. 1, which had to outline enforcement procedures, device storage methods, allowable exemptions and systems for parent communication. To support implementation, the state has allocated $13.5 million — about $10 per student — to help schools purchase secure storage solutions such as locking pouches or lockers, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. “From parents and teachers to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing — not clicking and scroll-
ing,” Hochul said in January when announcing the proposal. “This comprehensive plan ensures that New York’s standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our kids and educators.” More than 60% of New York voters support “bell-to-bell” smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools, according to an April poll by Siena College. A 2024 Pew Research Center report found that nearly three-quarters of high school teachers and one-third of middle school teachers nationwide consider phone use to be a major classroom distraction. The New York State United Teachers union has been a strong advocate for the ban. Natalie McKay, a NYSUT board director, said full-day restrictions are more effective than limiting phones only during class time. “Right now, we are saying it’s a priority for us to protect the mental health of our students for seven hours a day,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said when the legislation passed earlier this year. “During that time, they’re going to be distraction-free — not exposed to gaming, social media, or other things that take them away from the reason they’re at school, which is to learn.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Paul Cannella, a resident of Babylon Village for 50 years, says volunteering to help his community is not easy. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work. But it’s worth it. “It comes from the heart, not the pocket,” said Canella. And he should know, he is a member of numerous organizations. Now the selection committee for t h e N a t h a n i e l Paul Cannella Conklin Award for volunteerism has chosen to recognize his dedication by naming him the 2025 recipient of the award. A dedicated and passionate member of the Babylon Lions Club for over 22 years, Cannella has consistently exemplified leadership, service, and community spirit within the Babylon chapter, said the committee. He has served as Club President and played a vital role in numerous community initiatives and fundraising efforts. A three-time recipient of the prestigious Man of The Year
Award, he is known for his commitment and ability to bring people together in service of a greater cause. He has chaired the Sandy Relief Fund and Wine and Beer Expo fundraisers. He is the driving force behind many of the Babylon Lions Club’s Pool Party fundraisers, Pancake Breakfasts and the annual cookouts. Cannella is also actively involved with the Babylon Rotary Club, Babylon Beautification Society and the Nathaniel Conklin House. He has been a member of the Lindenhurst Moose Lodge for the last 25 years and been named Man of the Year twice. He is also a member of the West Islip VFW for 25 years and the American Legion for 28 years. Cannella and his wife, Theresa, have been married for 55 years and they have two sons: Paul and his wife, Sibyl, and Christopher and his wife, Rosetta. They also have three grandchildren: Giancarlo, Sofia and Chloe. Cannella will be honored by the committee at a private ceremony in September.