The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) is a not-for-profit cultural resource center for the arts serving the needs of residents, artists, and art organizations since 1974. As an umbrella organization, BACCA is designed to develop, sponsor, and present artistic, cultural, and educational programs; and to promote and encourage artists and art organizations in their endeavors.

Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts programs are made possible in part with public funds from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under the auspices of Assemblyman Philip Boyle, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., Senator Owen H. Johnson and  Assemblyman Andrew P. Raia.;  Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation under the auspices of County Legislators Louis D’Amaro, Gregory DuWayne, Wayne Horsley, and Steve Stern; Suffolk County Dept. of Economic Development/Workforce Housing; the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), a State Agency, and the Town of Babylon, Steven Bellone, Supervisor.

New Executive Director Appointed

The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) is proud to announce the naming of their new Executive Director Walter Wenzel.

Mr. Wenzel, is a lifelong resident of the Town of Babylon.  He graduated Babylon High School in 1972.  His career has spanned both the private and not for profit sectors.  He has worked for such companies as Equitable Life, Deloitte and Touche, Fox and most recently Hands Across Long Island. 

Charles Spencer, who is a senior member of BACCA’s Board of Trustees said “It’s great to have a local boy who knows and understands our community on board.”

Board President Paula Koehler was quoted as saying, “This was a very difficult process.  We interviewed many qualified and talented candidates.  What really made our decision was Walter’s love for our community and his passion for public service.”

Walter brings with him over 35 years of work experience and volunteerism.  The West Babylon resident has been involved with the Suffolk County Half Marathon and 5K Race for the past 13 years as a board member, communications coordinator, Secretary, and is currently serving as the Deputy Race Director.  Over the past 25 years he has also been on various committees and planning boards with the American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, March of Dimes, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  He has been active with the Town of Babylon’s Emergency Management Office in the position of Radio Officer for over 27 years coordinating and directing volunteer radio communications within the Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, and New York State.  He is a past New York City\Long Island Section Manager and certified instructor for the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) which is an organization for Amateur Radio operators that helps lobby for the rights of its members in local communities, state and federal government.   Walter currently lives in West Babylon with his wife Carol and their four children, Michael, Candice, David and Bethany.

BACCA is a not-for-profit cultural resource center for the arts serving the needs of Town of Babylon residents, artists, and art organizations and, is an umbrella organization designed to develop, sponsor, and present artistic, cultural, and educational programs; and promote and encourage artists and art organizations in their endeavors.  BACCA was founded in 1974 and is currently celebrating its’ 35^th anniversary of community service.