Babylon Beacon

Town adds six Smart Cars to its fleet for a greener Babylon

01/01/2009

The Town of Babylon will be unveiling 6 Smart Carts recently purchased as part of it passenger fleet of vehicles. " In this time of economic crisis, all levels of government need to do what is fiscally responsible and what is in the best interest of the tax payer," said Supervisor Bellone.

Lindy MS hosts college program

01/01/2009

"It is never too early to start thinking about college," advised Gigi Lamens, director of admissions at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue. Lamens was the guest speaker recently at a special program at Lindenhurst Middle School, during which parents received some important advice about planning for college. Lamens' main advice was to "start planning early.

Top Chef Daniel Gagnon of Babylon Carriage House on popular Bravo show

By Janine Logan — 01/01/2009

Bravo channel Top Chef contestant and chef de cuisine of the Babylon Carriage House, Daniel Gagnon, has made a lasting impression with his culinary skills upon the millions of Americans who tune into this popular cable program.

WI music students make All State

01/01/2009

The New York State School Music Association recently named six West Islip High School students to its All-State ensembles out of the thousands who auditioned last spring. The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Conference will be held in Rochester on Dec. 4 to 7.

Police charge man with robbing Lindenhurst bank

01/01/2009

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Fri., Dec. 19, charging him with robbing a bank in Lindenhurst. Police said that Randall, J. Carbone entered the Chase Bank branch at 945 N. Wellwood Ave. at 2:08 p.m. that day and approached a teller with a note demanding cash, stating he would shoot up the bank if the teller did not comply.

Registered sex offender from Lindenhurst faces new charges in Nassau County

by Tiffany Elliott — 01/01/2009

A 74-year-old registered sex offender from Lindenhurst was arrested Dec. 10 by Nassau County Police who charged him with a criminal sexual act, having sex with a minor, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Levy approves affordable housing initiative for Wyandanch

01/01/2009

Continuing to fight the causes of Long Island's "brain drain," S.C. Exec. Steve Levy today announced the legislative approval for his latest affordable housing initiative. Under Levy's legislation, Suffolk County will transfer two properties to the town of Babylon, which will provide them to qualifying individuals at an affordable, lower than market value price.

Babylon Elementary School students get into the spirit

01/01/2009

Babylon Elementary School students got into the holiday spirit a bit early this December when a group of talented actors from the Airport Playhouse visited the school and performed their production of Frosty the Snowman. The students were captivated to watch as Frosty came to life and enjoyed singing along to a few of their favorite holiday tunes.

Babylon School Board congratulates commended student

01/01/2009

The Babylon School District Board of Education and administration congratulated Babylon Senior High School student Victoria Barberich for being named a Commended Student in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program. Victoria is pictured here with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Best-Laimit and Board of Education Vice President Henry Brunjes, displaying the commemorative certificate she received from the district.

Pets, Pets, Pets

by Joanne Anderson — 01/01/2009

"More powerful than a locomotive. Able to eat tall couches in a single bound-"No, not Superman, but Marley, the demolitions expert disguised as a rambunctious yellow Lab, has stepped out of John Grogan's popular novel, Marley & Me,

HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE

by Jane Warren — 01/01/2009

MORE ON MARY SCHAPIRO Remember when Fran Pasch had her Nursery School at the basement of the Episcopal Church? That was way back in the 50's. Well, Mary was a student at the school, and Fran said that she remembers her as a very good little girl who obeyed the rules and was friendly with others.

This week at the Library

01/01/2009

Babylon Library, 24 South Carll Ave. • 669-1624 •Design your own Lamp: Sat. Jan. 10 from 2-3:30 p.m. For young adults. •Organize & Declutter your World: Mon. Jan. 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. •AARP Driver's Safety Class: Wed.

THE BEACON'S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

01/01/2009

The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: SATURDAY, Jan. 3 •Suffolk County Gray Panthers: 1 p.m., West Islip Public Library. For info., call 736-7875. •Amputee Support: 1:30 p.m., Southside Hospital, 301 E. Main Street, Bay Shore. For info., call 968- 3477.

Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers services

01/01/2009

The Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers a comprehensive program of shelter and non-residential supportive services for victims of dating and domestic violence. Emergency shelter is available for adults and their children who are living in dangerous situations due to domestic violence.

"Operation Christmas stockings for our Troops...!!!"

01/01/2009

Shown are Signal 8 Saloon owner Craig Delmarco and Boatsie's Boxes Long Island Chapter President Susan Esposito, along with Christmas stockings packaged for our troops in Iraq, which were donated by local residents and businesses of Copiague, Amity Harbor, and Lindenhurst.

Babylon student-musicians inducted into prestigious society

01/01/2009

Music honors were at an all-time high when Babylon High School celebrated the musical abilities of its students during the school's annual Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Twenty-five students joined the ten current members during the induction while six members were named officers in the organization.

Food drive to benefit St. Joseph's Parish Outreach

01/01/2009

Coach Realtors in Babylon Village, conducted a holiday food drive to benefit the Outreach Food Pantry of St. Joseph's Parish. The response from the community was overwhelming and food packages filled the office's conference room. "The generosity of our friends and neighbors was overwhelming," said Joanne Schloen, branch manager.

Babylon Memorial Grade School students helping to spread holiday cheer

01/01/2009

Members of Babylon Memorial Grade School's Community Helpers Club volunteered their time to help spread holiday cheer during the Association for the Help of Retarded Children's (AHRC) holiday party.

Nine Babylon school students receive AP honors

01/01/2009

The Babylon School District's Board of Education recently congratulated nine Babylon High School students for academic achievement in their Advanced Placement (AP) courses. As a result of the students' hard work, the College Board has recognized seven Babylon Senior High School students as AP Scholars and two students as AP Scholars with Honors.

K of C in Deer Park hosting Comedy Nite February 28

01/01/2009

The Knights of Columbus of Deer Park will be holding a comedy night, Sat. Feb. 28, 2009, 7 p.m. The comedy night will be held in the council hall at 759 Long Island Ave., Deer Park, (just east of Deer Park Avenue). The cost will be $40 per person.

Basketball Free Throw contest

01/01/2009

Our Lady of the Rosary Council #4428 will be sponsoring a Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw contest at St. Cyril's of Methodius Gym, 105 Half Hollow Rd., Deer Park, Sat., Jan. 17, 2009, 9 a.m. . Boys and girls ages 10 to 14 may participate. Copies of birth certificates are required at the time the application is prepared.

Babylon Homemakers to meet

01/01/2009

The Babylon Day Unit of Suffolk County Homemakers will hold its next meeting, Wed., Jan. 7, 10 a.m. at Babylon Town Hall Annex on Phelps Lane, North Babylon. Refreshments and business meeting will follow. For information, call Millie Velotta at 631-242- 3306.

Yoga workshop January 10th

01/01/2009

The Long Island Yoga Association will hold a workshop Sat., Jan 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 407 Main St., Farmingdale. For information, call 631-261-1777, visit www.longislandyogaassociation.org or email longislandyogaassociation@yahoo.

Marines hold Toy Drive

01/01/2009

On December 14, 2008 the United States Marines and Santa Claus were on hand for Argyle Auto Service's 1st Annual Toys for Tots Cruise. Well over 50 custom & classic cars & motorcycles were on display. The toy drive was a big success and a great time was had by all.

Woman's Club hosts champagne brunch

01/01/2009

On Wed.. Nov. 12 a the home of Caroline D'Antonio, a party was held honoring Ellen Ricciuti, the chair of the Wednesday Bridge Group of the Amityville Woman's Club. The party, hosted by Peggy Gates, was a champagne brunch with tea sandwiches, homemade cookies, chocolate candies and more, followed by three tables of bridge.

Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition moving

01/01/2009

The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition, a non-profit community health organization, needs help. The BBCC is moving its headquarters and needs a volunteer computer whiz to help them select and install a whole new computer system. Included would be adding networking and other computer components. If interested, call them at BBCC's office, 631-893-4110.

Student financial aid info available

01/01/2009

Information on paying for college and financial aid is now available through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), according to Assemblyman Bob Sweeney. The brochures, including How You Can Pay for college and the student Guide to Smart Borrowing and Your Financial Future are available by calling Assemblyman Sweeney's office at 631-957-2087.

Free home repairs to eligible seniors

01/01/2009

S.C. Leg. Lou D'Amaro announces a Suffolk-county funded program that offers free home repair services to senior citizens to help them maintain and stay in their homes. The Babylon Home Chore Program has free "handymen" available, by appointment, that provide Babylon seniors with simple home repairs, painting and yard clean-ups.

Bay Shore students named National Merit Scholars

01/01/2009

Bay Shore High School Principal Robert Pashkin announces that Jessica R. Cohen, David Rodriguez, Alanna D. Tuller, and Douglas C. Zangre have been named Commended Students in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Copiague Bethel A.M.E. Church to celebrate King birthday

01/01/2009

Birthday celebration honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Mon., Jan. 19, 10 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 20 Simmons St., Copiague. Lunch will be served after the celebration. For further information, contact the church office at 631-842-8463.

LHS to hold 40th reunion

01/01/2009

A Lindenhurst High School 40th reunion weekend is planned for either the last weekend in July 2009 or the first weekend in Aug. 2009. For further details or to update your mailing address please contact the reunion committee: Barry Levane, barryl@century21aa.com or Thomas Applegate, t.applegate@sbcglobal.net or Renee, rjrrose@optonline.net.

Copiague Kiwanis installs new members

01/01/2009

The Kiwanis Club of Copiague installed two new members at a recent meeting. From the left are Director Paul Westphal who sponsored new member Patricia DiRaffaele, Membership Chairman Sal Puglia who performed the ceremony, new member Linda Lippolt and her sponsor President-Elect Carol Lynch.

Longtime area resident, Bobby Blossom

by Tiffany Elliott — 01/01/2009

Longtime Babylon and Bay Shore resident Robert "Bobby" Blossom died Nov. 1, 2008. He was 86 years old. He was born in New York City to Edna and Sumner Blossom. When he was two years old, his family moved to a home on Woodsome Road in Babylon. He graduated from Babylon High School, Deerfield Academy and Tufts University.

James Drake, formerly of West Islip

by Tiffany Elliott — 01/01/2009

Longtime West Islip resident James Drake died on Oct. 20, 2008 at his home in St. James. He was 81. Born Nov. 7, 1926 in Brooklyn to Clarence and Josephine (nee Reddy), he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Philippines. For 18 years, he lived on Sequams Lane in West Islip, before moving to Southold and later to St. James.

A few thoughts for the New Year.

01/01/2009

First, if you will be out celebrating the New Year, please don't drink and drive. Ensure that you have a reliable designated driver, call a cab or stay put until your alcohol levels are within the legal limits. Many people have a few drinks and think they are just fine to get behind the wheel of a car.

DRAWING CONCLUSIONS

by Kevin Eastwood — 01/01/2009

Veto of park fee increases holds the line for taxpayers, says lawmaker

01/01/2009

Dear Editor: As costs and expenses continue to escalate, local governments must do all they can to avoid onerous tax and fee increases. With this in mind, I was pleased that several of my legislative colleagues joined me in sustaining S.C. Exec. Steve Levy's veto of the bill that would have raised County Park fees.

Reader responds to letter defending President George W. Bush

01/01/2009

To the Editor: In attempting to defend President Bush's record, Ernest A. Howell (Public Commentary, Dec. 10) makes some inaccurate statements that need to be addressed.

Public Notices

01/01/2009

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY Wells Fargo Bank, NA, et al., Plaintiff(s) vs. Yvonne Johnson, et al., Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.