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VOL. 74 NO. 42
OCTOBER 24-OCTOBER 30, 2024
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Hochul brings millions to Babylon By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Photo credit/Babylon Town
Gov. Kathy Hochul, center, with Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer, left, NYS Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean Pierre, NYS Sen. Monica Martinez, S.C. Leg. Kevin McCaffrey and S.C. Leg. Jason Richberg, right are joined by local officials at Deer Park Fire Department headquarters
New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul made a splash in Babylon Town last week, announcing millions in funding for various projects aimed at supporting local fire departments and first responders. Among the highlights was $3 million to convert the site of an old motel in Deer Park into a museum dedicated to the town’s volunteer fire departCONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Babylon Village swim team lauded for strokes of excellence By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
The Village of Babylon Swim Team was honored at the Village Hall Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 8, receiving trophies for their second place finish this past summer. The room buzzed with excitement as young athletes were congratulated for this historic achievement for the village. “I’ve been in charge of the pool since 2021, and the swim team has grown significantly from a very small roster,” said Trustee Tony Cardali. “I think it’s great that our team placed second this year.” Mayor Mary Adams, Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert, and
trustees Cardali and Dominic P. Bencivenga presented the trophies and expressed gratitude to the coaches for their efforts in making the season successful. Team members shared their joy over the accomplishment. Abby Cunningham noted how amazing it felt to place second this year with a larger team than last year. “We did better this year and learned a lot from the coaches,” added her younger brother Shane. Griffin Rodriguez called the experience “amazing,” while his sister, Faelynn, said she was happy having many friends on the team and was thrilled about their secondplace finish.
The meeting also welcomed Sean Goodwin as a newly appointed member of the Village of Babylon Planning Board. “I am very excited and honored to be on this committee,” he said. In a somber moment, the meeting began with a moment of silence for Bella Trezza, the latest victim of a car crash in West Babylon last month. Mayor Adams also addressed attendees on October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and said that on Oct. 13 the Village observed Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, supporting the #LightUpMBC national campaign for awareness and research. Local buildings,
including the Babylon Historical House and Village Hall, were illuminated to honor those affected by breast cancer. Cathleen McCrystal, whose niece is currently battling the disease, spoke about the need for more research and was presented with a proclamation for her advocacy efforts. “We’re all trying as hard as we can because there is no cure for Stage 4 MBC,” she said, expressing gratitude to the vil-
lage for raising awareness. In other business, the board: •Approved a request by the Babylon Lions Club to display temporary 8.5” x 11” signs at various merchants and small lawn signs throughout the village through Oct. 24 for their “Cigar Dinner Fundraiser” on that date; • Approved the American Legion holding the annual Veterans Day parade on Mon., CONTINUED ON PAGE 7