New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso recently partnered with Island Harvest Food Bank for their 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’. Assemblyman Durso was joined by a bipartisan team of Long Island Assembly members to pack boxes with nutritious food that will be delivered to low-income senior citizens throughout Long Island. Pictured: Island Harvest President & CEO Randi Shubin Dresner and Assemblyman Michael Durso. Assemblyman Michael Durso presents Island Harvest with a $50,000 grant to assist with their amazing work.
Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’ During Hunger Action Month
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso recently partnered with Island Harvest Food Bank in Melville for their 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’. Assemblyman Durso was joined by a bipartisan team of Long Island Assembly members to pack boxes with nutritious food that will be delivered to low-
income senior citizens throughout Long Island.
“For the past few years, I have had the privilege of partnering with Island Harvest Food Bank to host Assembly ‘Assemble Day,’ where my colleagues and I get to work filling boxes with food to feed seniors in need,” said Assemblyman Durso. “This year, our event happened to fall
on Hunger Action Day, a national day of action held annually during September as part of Hunger Action Month to raise awareness and provide nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger. This is one of the many reasons why I was proud to present Island Harvest with a $50,000 grant to assist with their amazing work. Thank you to my colleagues, all the volunteers, Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO of Island Harvest, and the entire Island Harvest team for all you do.”
“Island Harvest Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Michael Durso for hosting the 4th Annual Assembly ‘Assemble Day’ with us,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO. “Assemblyman Durso brought a bipartisan coalition of the Long Island Assembly delegation together on Hunger Action
Day to build meal packages for seniors enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Assembly-
man Durso, who created Assembly Assemble Day, is a champion for Island Harvest in Albany and
literally rolls up his sleeves to help our neighbors on Long Island facing food insecurity.”
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION
Teri Tinkler
PRODUCTION
MANAGER
Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
MANAGING
EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING
MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
Carol Link
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN
Island Harvest President & CEO Randi Shubin Dresner and Assemblyman Michael Durso.
Assemblymembers Ari Brown, Jodi Giglio, Michael Durso, Keith Brown, Ed Ra, Judy Griffin, John Mikulin, Island Harvest President & CEO Randi Shubin Dresner, Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, and staff members.
Babylon Junior-Senior High School Ranked Among the Nation’s Top Schools
The Babylon Union Free School District is proud to announce that Babylon Junior-Senior High School has been recognized among the nation’s best public high schools, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual list for 2025. The ranking placed the school at 139th in New York State and 1,452 in the nation among nearly 18,000 public high schools evaluated.
“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire school community,” said Superintendent of Schools Carisa Manza. “Congratulations to Principal Al Cirone, Assistant Principal Melissa Callahan, and the high school staff. This honor truly belongs to every educator and support professional in the Babylon district who contributes to our students’ success from their very first day.”
The rankings methodology
math and reading.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Adult Games
Monday, September 29
1:00pm – 4:00pm
The Community Room is open for library patrons to play games of their own choosing. Patrons must bring their own games. New players are always welcome.
Adults only. No registration required.
Medicare 101 Workshop
Wednesday, September 24, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Join us for an educational seminar to help you understand how the Medicare system works. We will discuss: Medicare Parts A, B, C & D; Medicare Supplements & Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans. This workshop is beneficial if
Babylon Public Library
you are either turning 65 or if you are currently enrolled in Medicare and interested in learning more. Presented by Mary Parker and Steve Maisto of Senior Health Care Solutions. Please register for this program.
Friday Films: The Friend
Friday, September 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
We will be watching the film The Friend (2024). When a solitary writer adopts and bonds with a Great Dane that belonged to a late friend, she begins to come to terms with her past and her own creative inner life. Starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray. Rated R. Running time: 119 minutes. No registration required.
Maria’s Mexican Cooking: Pozole
Saturday, September 27, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Join Maria for a culinary journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine with Pozole, a beloved traditional stew.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Just Kids is looking to hire TAs at our 2 Lindenhurst locations!
Benefits & Pay:
Medical Bene ts after 30 days of employment Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. 401(k), Life insurance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off
Position Details:
We are seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children and supporting educators in a classroom setting.
Responsibilities:
• Assist the lead teacher in implementing lesson plans and activities
• Provide support to students with various tasks and assignments
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities
• Help maintain a safe and clean learning environment
Requirements:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to communicate positively, effectively, and appropriately with children
• Ability to use clear and understandable written and verbal communication
• Experience working with toddlers, preschoolers, or in a classroom setting is a plus!
• Teaching Assistant - Level Certi cate a plus!
Work Schedule:
Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 2:45pm (Please note certain days will require later dismissal due to necessary professional development training.)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $18.50 - $21.50 per hour
Work Location: In person For Bower Location - Call - 631-590-3144 and ask for Miriam For Kellum Location - Call - 631-884-3000 and ask for Jessica McMahon
This hearty dish features tender hominy simmered in a rich broth—traditionally made with pork or chicken— and seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s served with fresh toppings such as shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, diced onions, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits in Retirement
Monday, September 29, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join Christian LaPeter for this interactive and educational seminar to find out what your best possible choices are for deciding when to take Social Security benefits. Registration is required.
Free Flu Shots & Health Screenings
Tuesday, September 30, 10:00am – 2:00pm The Catholic Health Services Community Outreach Bus
will be at Babylon Library from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm to offer free flu shots and health screenings. They provide blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and glucose screenings, along with patient education and referrals to care. Catholic Health Services
does not ask individuals about immigration status, insurance is not required and there are no fees. No appointments are necessary.
Chairobics & Strength
Continued On 18
2025 MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE
2nd Annual Trail Of Truth March To The Sea Brings Powerful Visual Memorial To Long Island Families Braved Rain To Place ‘Tombstones’
In The Sand To Expose The Ongoing Toll Of Fentanyl And The Opioid Epidemic
The rainy and dreary weather on Sunday, September 7 did not deter the more than 50 people who came out for the Second Annual Long Island Trail of Truth – March to the Sea. The shoreline at Robert Moses Beach, Field 5, was transformed into a striking memorial as grieving families from across Long Island carried handcrafted tombstones to the water’s edge. The Second Annual March to the Sea honored lives lost to substance-use related causes and confronts the deadly rise of fentanyl in the local drug supply.
The National Trail of Truth movement was established 10 years ago by Truth Pharm and Trail of Truth founder Alexis Pleus. Alexis also serves on a statewide coalition to End Overdose in NY and she’s the Co-chair for the New York State Harm Reduction Association. She serves on the National Coalition for Harm Reduction Funding and the Opioid Network.
Part public art installation, part healing ceremony, the Trail of
Truth pairs emotion with striking visuals. Participants walked together toward the surf, placing memorial tombstones in the sand against the backdrop of the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse. Each marker had the name and face of a loved one, revealing the staggering scope of loss hidden behind the statistics.
“This is a memorial arts project that memorializes loved ones lost to substance use issues,” said Mia Huese, of Truth Pharm, said. “For many people the making of the tombstones can be an outlet for their grief.”
The National Trail of Truth will take place in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 27. For more information visit: https://www.trailoftruth. org
Lori Carbonaro, who lost her son Nicholas in 2014, and organized the event, said “The March to the Sea is a safe, non-judgmental place to remember our loved ones, to say their names, to share who they were, who we knew...not
only what happened to them, they were more ...so much more. Hopefully by us being here it will be impactful enough to help those who are still suffering.”
Steve Chassman, Executive Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug
Dependence (LICADD), said:
“As we remember those lost amid the devastating opioid epidemic, we walk along the shores of Long Island contemplating much needed improvements to public health, empathetic prevention strategies and
more universal access to quality treatment on demand. We remember those loved and lost but continue to voice our support of individuals and families who remain in the struggle of substance use disorder (SUD) in informing them that help is available, Narcan
is accessible and quality resources for treatment exist. These are the universal missions of The Trail of Truth, LICADD, GGT, FIST and all those lending a helping hand in service to others in need.”
For more information about LICADD, visit https://licadd.org
The shoreline at Robert Moses Beach, Field 5, was transformed into a striking memorial as grieving families from across Long Island carried handcrafted tombstones to the water’s edge for the Trail of Truth Second Annual March to the Sea. Photo by Carole Trottere
Photo by Carole Trottere
Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Invites Long Islanders To “FAMILY FUN DAY”
At New Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host a “Family Fun Day” on Saturday, September 27, from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm at its newly opened Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center (149 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville, NY 11701).
The event is a celebration of community and Grandparents Appreciation Month. There will be a special guest appearance for former NY Giants’ great, two-time Super Bowl champion, Leonard Marshall. For a $25 donation, attendees can get an autograph and photo with the Giants’ legend. All proceeds will go to support the Center’s programs and services for Long Islanders impacted by dementia.
“We are thrilled to
open our doors to the community and invite families to come together for a day of fun, connection, and discovery. Family Fun Day is more than just a celebration—it is our way of saying: this center belongs to you,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “This intergenerational event is a celebration of family and community. We encourage everyone to attend, have fun, learn about the importance of brain health, and take a tour of the facility.”
Attendees can learn about the programs and services offered at the Center and enjoy an array of activities. Family Fun Day will feature intergenerational activities including creative arts, brain games and additional games for children, face
painting, food, music, balloon artists, raffles, and more. It is a chance to bring multiple generations and local business together for a day of fun and learning. Take part in friendly activities designed to spark memories and create new ones. Whether you are painting alongside your grandchild, teaming up for a memory challenge, or
just enjoying the laughter echoing from the dunk tank, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This special event will also mark the introduction of our brand-new Community Education & Resource Center to the community—a welcoming space dedicated to learning, connection, and lifelong support for all
generations.
Among the raffles given away that day will be an autographed NY Giants football helmet signed by Leonard Marshall. Leonard Marshal is a former Pro Bowler and Defensive Lineman of the Year. In 2022, he was inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor, celebrating his accomplishments alongside other franchise legends. Leonard Marshall was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 2013, a progressive degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma, making him among the first former NFL players to receive a clinical diagnosis while still living.
After his diagnosis, Leonard became a vocal advocate. He pledged his
brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation and founded Brain Unity Trust and the Game Plan Foundation to raise awareness, support research, and help athletes impacted by neurological trauma.
Centrally located in Amityville, the 11,500 square foot, state-of-theart AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center — the first of its kind on Long Island — is accessible to the nearly 3 million residents of Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The center offers free daily programming to Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses.
To learn more or register for the free Family Fun Day event, please visit www.afalongisland.org.
Application Open For Spring 2026 Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse And Caregiver Scholarships
Now through September 30, applications are being accepted for the spring 2026 semester for the Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program. Since 2006, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The nationwide program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their
strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as they assume critical roles in the financial wellbeing of their families.
Scholarships vary from $1,800 to $2,500 and are applied toward higher education at an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school. Unique to the program is a scholarship for spouses of the fallen, Restoring Family.
Honorary Scholarship –awarded to those seeking
graduate or post-graduate degree.
New Beginnings Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing an associate degree, entry level classes or training.
Restoring Family Scholarship – awarded to spouses of the fallen.
Restoring Hope Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a master’s or doctorate of social work, psychology counseling, or mental health counseling-
related field.
Restoring Self Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Since the program’s inception, Hope For The Warriors has granted 290 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships totaling $737,107.
To receive an application to apply for the spring 2026 semester, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and connect to services.
About Hope For The Warriors: Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals
and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
REPAIRS ALL PHASES OF LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES & MAINTENANCE MULCH, TOP SOIL, SEED, & TREE TRIMMING O-ROD LANDS CA PING
Just Pool Covers
We can customize to any shape or size pool.
Installs into all surfacespavers, stone, dirt, etc. Waterfalls? No problem!
5 Colors to choose from.
SEPTEMBER
HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, SEPT. 25th
6:00PM-7:00PM
PLANT BINGO
Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh. Win a plant while enjoying an evening of BINGO fun! Refreshments served after the program. Questions? contact paumanackegc@gmail.com
6:30PM
MUSIC BINGO
at the museum 3890 Waverly Ave. $25 for 2 bingo cards. Bring your own beverage; no outside food allowed. Seaford Historical Society. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi, 516-783-8629
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26th
2:00PM-5:00PM
ART CRAWL
at Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery, Stony Brook University Campus. Free Event. Stop by any campus-wide art venue on your own schedule! Guided tours offered at specific times at select venues. Participating galleries: Charles B. Wang Center, Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery, Melville Library: Special Collections and Central Reading Room, Simons Center Gallery, Algonquian Library, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Visit SBU Art Crawl for details.
7:00PM
IRISH HERITAGE NIGHT
Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum is bringing back its “Cultural Night” programming starting with its popular “Irish Heritage Night.” Visitors are asked
HOLIDAYS
1st - LABOR DAY
11th - PATRIOT DAY
22nd - FALL BEGINS
- ROSH HASHANAH (Begins at sundown)
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
to please enter the museum by using the entrance through the RJO Building, 99 Old Dock Rd., Kings Park. The performances will be held in the auditorium. There will be light refreshments served in the cafeteria afterwards. Admission to “Irish Heritage Night” is free, but donations are always gladly accepted. The Kings Park Heritage Museum will be open for tours starting at 6:00pm. Come learn about the history of our historic hamlet.
8:00PM-10:00PM MOVIE NIGHT AT HARMONY VINEYARDS
Join us for our Drink in Theatre! Movie starts at sunset, please arrive a bit earlier to get seated and order your wine & food. Visit our website to make your reservation. 21 & over. https://harmonyvineyards. com/. Located at 169 Harbor Road in Saint James. *Weather permitting. *This is an outdoor event. Seating is provided. For more information, please call 631-2919900
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27th
10:00AM-4:00PM
DEER PARK FALL CRAFT FAIR at Deer Park Fire department training grounds, 973 Nicolls Rd. in Deer Park. Deer Park Fall Craft Fair features local craft and gift vendors, food trucks, live entertainment. Find fall, Halloween, and Christmas decor and gifts. For more information, please call JR Nichols 631-885-1267
10:00AM-5:00PM
EISENHOWER PARK CRAFT FAIR Eisenhower Park Field 8, 8 Park Boulevard in East Meadow. Free Event. Famlily shopping fun and a great way to spend the day! For more information, please call 516442-6000
11:30AM-1:00PM
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, OLPH Church in Lindenhurst has a support group to help you through your loss. The group starts on Saturdays, September 27-November 22, 2025. The group is a 9 week commitment and registration is required. A donation of $25 is appreciated. If interested, contact Linda Arpino, 631-592-1062 or email Forubabe77@aol.com OLPH Church is located 210 South Wellwood Ave in Lindenhurst.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28th
8:30AM-1:00PM
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION 2025 HEART WALK at Jones Beach - Field 1, 1800 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. Free Event. The Heart Walk is a fun, family-friendly event that brings our community together to get active, raise life-saving funds, and support the mission of the American Heart Association. For more information, please call 800242-8721. https://www2.heart.org/ site/TR/HeartWalk/TR/HeartWalk/ FDA-FoundersAffiliate?fr_ id=12094&pg=entry
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BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276 THE power of CLASSIFIED!
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October is almost here, and I’m ready to enjoy everything that makes fall on Long Island so special. Here’s my personal checklist for the season.
• Comfortable Sweaters and Knit Hats – To keep me warm on the days I walk to my office on Montauk Highway.
• Fall Decorations – Pumpkins, pinecones, and all my favorite Halloween items.
• Apple Cider & Cinnamon Donuts – because fall tastes as good as it looks.
• Morning Trips to My Gym – Because of the cider and donuts.
• A Weekend Trip to a farm stand – to pick pumpkins and mums for my porch.
• Helping Home Buyers and Sellers - Just as the seasons change, sometimes our homes do too.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about your home options, give me a call or stop by my office. I’m happy to help you anyway I can.
Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?
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Join instructor Debbie Krzyminski for this 5-week chair-based exercise program which covers strength training, balance, aerobics and flexibility. Ropes and balls used for training will be provided; if you feel comfortable using your own free weights, please bring them. Please bring a bottle of water and wear clothing that you can comfortably move in. A non-refundable fee of $20.00 is due at registration.
Paint Night: Halloween Bootie Wednesday, October 1, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Join local artist Kathy Reccardi as she teaches
participants step-bystep how to paint a playful witch’s bootie for Halloween. No painting experience needed. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at registration.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Teens Spooky Silhouette Candle Holder
Friday, October 3, 3:00pm–4:30pm Artist Chris Vivas will be at the library to help you create a Spooky Silhouette Candle Holder! This hands-on workshop will focus on the creation of a Halloween themed candle holder – the creations will vary based upon your own unique design. Grades 6-12. Registration required.
