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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
Students honored at Adventureland
Lessons from your pets
This year’s Kienle Award winners
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VOL. 75 NO. 41
OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2025
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Babylon Town to host annual St. Pat’s Parade By CAROLYN JAMES
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
Anca Radoi, holding the 2025 Women of Distinction Award, with Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert, Mayor Mary Adams, Historical Society President Judy Skillen, 2024 honoree Melissa Kalhorn, Trustee Dominic Bencivenga and Trustee Anthony Cardali.
Woman of Distinction and Good Citizenship Awards presented in BV By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
It was a night of heartfelt tributes and community pride at the Village of Babylon Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 23, as local leaders honored three residents for their extraordinary service and impact. Anca Radoi was named the 2025 Babylon Village Woman of Distinction, while Kiernan O’Halloran and Jack Monteleone received the village’s Good Citizenship Award. This year the Village formed a special committee to select the Woman of Distinction, and the nominations came from residents, said Mayor Mary Adams. After much thought and discussion, the committee selected someone who truly reflects the spirit of Babylon — Anca Radoi,. The Woman of Distinction honor is awarded to a Babylon resident who demonstrates
strength in the face of adversity and a spirit of kindness that uplifts others. Radoi, who left Romania at age 23, holds an MBA and serves as a program director for the U.S. Department of State, overseeing international exchange programs. She and her husband are raising two daughters, Claire and Chloe, in Babylon, and she remains deeply active in village life. She is president of the Babylon School District PTA and a class mom and recently spoke at the high school about the importance of global understanding through language and cultural awareness. She also serves on the town’s committee addressing speeding near local schools and has helped organize donation drives to support neighbors facing unemployment or hardship. Her charitable outreach extends internationally as well — to Romania and Brazil. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
cjames@liherald.com
Sal Mangano still remembers his mother’s words, spoken softly but with conviction: “You have to think of others and always give back.” Those words, he said, shaped not only his outlook, but the path of his life. This fall, that lifelong commitment to service will be recognized when Mangano is honored as one of the grand marshals of the 2025 Long Island Columbus Day Parade — returning to Babylon for the first time in decades. The parade steps off on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Deer Park. Mangano, whose family owns and operates Mangano Family Funeral Homes, will be recognized alongside several local leaders, including Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, former News 12 anchor Danielle Campbell, State Sen. Mario Mattera, Assemblyman Steve Stern, and Enzo Bifulco, a 52-year member of the Cellini Lodge, Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Babylon Town Councilman Anthony Manetta is serving as parade chairman. “It’s going to be a wonderful event, and we are very excited,” Manetta said. “Everyone should make a point of getting out for the parade.” The celebration begins at the
Deer Park Lake Avenue Firehouse, at 94 Lake Ave., with opening remarks at noon. The parade will officially step off at 1 p.m., highlighting the richness of Italian-American heritage and culture. Floats, banners, marching bands, live music and community groups will fill the route, offering festivities for all ages. The parade will conclude at the Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211, at 2075 Deer Park Ave., where an Italian Food Festival will take place. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, live entertainment and an indoor craft fair. Community groups are welcome to march in the parade, and families, friends and neighbors are encouraged to attend. Parking is available at JFK Middle School, across from the firehouse, with free shuttle bus service provided. For more information, call (516) 633-1435. “It’s a privilege to celebrate Italian heritage, history and culture with such respected individuals and the event hosts,” Mangano said. A graduate of LaSalle Military Academy, Mangano returned to his hometown to take an active role not only in the family business, but also in the community his family has served for generations. He serves on the board of directors for the Sons CONTINUED ON PAGE 12