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Obituary: Gene Nonnon, at 97
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VOL. 75 NO. 49
NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2025
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Babylon’s fall festival of fun By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Courtesy Tricia Duryea
Newly appointed Village Trustee Jeff Szabo, third from right, with Trustee Anthony Cardali, Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert, Mayor Mary Adams, County Executive Ed Romaine, Trustee Dominic Bencivenga, S.C. County Legislator RJ Renna and Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer.
Szabo Appointed Babylon Village Trustee, succeeding the late Sean Goodwin By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Trustee Jeff Szabo has joined the Babylon Village Board, succeeding the late Sean Goodwin and pledging to honor Goodwin’s legacy while helping guide the village’s future. Szabo, CEO of the Suffolk County Water Authority for 16 years and a former deputy county executive and chief of staff under Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, said his extensive experience in state and local government prepared him for the role. “I love local government,” Szabo said. “It can really make an impact on people’s lives.” He said his background has taught him the importance of listening to residents, solving problems and protecting what longtime residents value about the village. Appointed at the Nov. 12 board meeting, Szabo said he was “thrilled” and “honored” to receive Mayor Mary Adams’ confidence. He said he hopes to continue Goodwin’s focus on preserving the village’s character while looking to the future.
“Sean loved and cared about the village and believed in the future, and I feel the same way,” Szabo said. A Long Island native and nearly 20-year village resident, Szabo said it was “touching” to see family, neighbors and local officials in attendance at his swearing-in, including Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, County Legislator RJ Renna and County Executive Ed Romaine. “That group—we all believe in public service and making a difference,” he said. Schaffer praised the appointment, calling Szabo “an outstanding choice” whose deep roots and public service record will benefit the village. Adams said Szabo brings “a tremendous amount of government knowledge” and believes Goodwin “would be happy with Jeff carrying out his vision.” Szabo said he has already knocked on more than 225 doors to introduce himself and hear from residents. “I plan to continue to do that,” he said. “A lot of residents expressed CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Deer Park Avenue was packed with families on Oct. 18 as the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual fall festival, celebrating the season with food, music and community spirit. “It was another great day in Babylon Village,” said Mayor Mary Adams. “Residents and guests were shopping, dining and enjoying our downtown. There was plenty of hometown pride.” Dozens of vendors lined the avenue as live music played, including country and rock covers from local musician Ernie Economou, who praised the crowd and gave a shoutout to his son James—co-owner of Babylon Social—serving festivalgoers nearby. Children lined up for face
painting and bounce houses, while the United Methodist Church hosted a pumpkin patch and a “Blessing of the Best Friends” for furry companions. Guests also wrote “Pumpkin Prayers” on paper pumpkins displayed on an outdoor wall. From food trucks to outdoor tables at local eateries, there was no shortage of sweet and savory treats. Torta Fina Bakeshoppe served hot apple cider and donuts, while dance team members from Positions Dance Studio sold cake pops. Even pets were pampered. Ira Reiter of The Barking Biscuit offered natural dog treats and gave free donuts to vet techs in honor of National Veterinary Technician Week. “We came to get pizza and CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Logan Zimmerly, Skylar Zimmerly and Calvin Adam of Torta Fina Bakeshoppe selling fall treats at the festival.