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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
The sweet story about Bees
Scott Garafolo named Principal Page 4 VOL. 58 NO. 36
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Kids reel ‘em in at Snapper Derby Page 3
SEPTEMBER 5-11, 2024
W. Islip Library Director retires
Honored by GSB boating club
Photo Credit/Herald
Copiague Chamber of Commerce members recently gathered for an informational meeting to hear the latest news from S.C. Police and Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer
Copiague Chamber members meet Supervisor Richard Schaffer is guest speaker By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com The Copiague Chamber of Commerce held a dinner meeting last week at Angelo’s Little Italy in Amityville. The event, held on Tuesday, August 27, provided members an opportunity to discuss local business matters, hear from town officials, and receive updates from the Suffolk County Police Department. Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer and Town Clerk Geri Compitello addressed the group, providing insights into ongoing town initiatives. Also in attendance were members of the Copiague Fire Department and Suffolk County Police Department representatives Dara Caramanico-Broyles and Nicholas Schieda.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the county’s response to the drug epidemic. Officer Schieda provided a sobering update on recent incidents, including a robbery at Tanner Park and a burglary related to a landscaping business on Ralph Avenue in Babylon. However, the most alarming statistic discussed was the number of overdoses reported this year. “We have approximately 600 overdoses in the county so far this year,” Schieda reported, prompting gasps from attendees. While the figure is high, it represents a significant decrease from last year’s 1,100 cases. Additionally, overdose deaths have decreased from 128 last year to 119 this year. Schieda emphasized that addressing the epidemic remains a priority for CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com America’s Boating Club of Great South Bay has awarded the Community Service Award to Andrew Hamm, the retiring Director of the West Islip Library, at a ceremony at the West Islip Public Library on August 1, 2024. The award is given by the Club to individuals who make significant contributions to the community and its residents. Lieutenant Commander and Executive Officer Jeanne Braun, AP and First Lieutenant Marie A. Wallach, AP, presented the award, on behalf of the club and its members. Commander James Milton, JN and Educational Officer, Michael Boland, AP, made the presentation in front of an audience which included West Islip Public Library Board Trustee Member Idamarie Tully. Also in attendance was America’s Boating Club, District 3 Commander, John P. Pergola, AP, and Past Commander Joseph Milano, Sr., AP. , Hamm has served as director of the West Islip Public Library for 24 years. Prior to that he served as director of the Babylon Public Library for 16 years and is set to retire at the end of August. Past Commander Angelo
Giovanniello, SN and Past Commander Peter Richichi, SN, both spoke of the professionalism and high level of service that Hamm has consistently provided the library and its residents, Lieutenant Commander and Executive Officer Jeanne Braun, AP delivered comments from Educational Officer, Michael Boland, AP. “For the past three years, we have been working with Andrew to provide America’s Boating Club of the Great South Bay a means to execute it’s education mission, safe, and fun boating practices,” he said. “During this time, he has always been accommodating and thoughtful.” “My time with West Islip Library has been the most personally rewarding experience in my career, and one that I will treasure always,” said Hamm. “I have been exceptionally fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated group of people on both the Board of Trustees and the Library staff, as well as to serve a wonderful community in West Islip. I will miss the many friends I have made over the years, and I know that the library will continue to be a place of which we can CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
This week we recognize our subscriber Greg McEnrow of Babylon as our Reader of the Week