Spring is here! This season is one that often brings upon feelings of hope and new beginings. Flip through the pages of this issue for seasonal editorial, along with local news, throughout. Plus, don't miss our reader conest, which gives you a chance to win tickets to the Long Island Aquarium! Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us for more information today.
• High ceilings
an acre in South Sayville.
Close to restaurants, shopping, beaches, and ferries. An absolute must-see! There’s so much to discover. Call me to schedule a private showing!
• Gorgeous hardwood oors
• Crown molding
• Three replaces
• High ceilings
• Gorgeous hardwood oors
• Crown molding
• Three replaces
• Secluded gunite pool
• Central air
• Two-car oversized garage • Picturesque oversized windows
• Pool house with bar, half-bath, and two changing rooms
• Alarm system
• Picturesque oversized windows
• Central air
• Alarm system
• Secluded gunite pool
• Pool house with bar, half-bath, and two changing rooms
• Two-car oversized garage
• Shed and carport
• In-ground Sprinklers (19 zones)
• Gazebo
• Shed and carport
• In-ground Sprinklers (19 zones)
• Gazebo
Old Westbury Gardens
Saturday, April 19, 2025 • 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Join Old Westbury Gardens’ Greenhouse Supervisor and Head Grower for a hands-on 75-minute Spring Floral Design Workshop. In this creative class, you’ll learn how to craft a beautiful seasonal floral arrangement. $75/person. Members will receive a discount.
Saturday, April 12, 2025 • 12 PM - 4 PM
Head to Smithtown for this family-friendly event, where children can meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy a scavenger hunt, petting zoo and pony rides, plus there will be live music, face painting, historic farmhouse tours and much more. Rain date: April 13, 2025. Tickets are $10/person. Children under 3 are free.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • 9:30 AM - 12 PM
Looking to destress? Join others for a scenic walk along the Robert Moses Boardwalk trail, a 1.6 mile trail which leads to the Fire Island Lighthouse. Take in the beauty of nature around you and relax! Plus, don’t miss the Fire Island Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop, which are open daily from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 • 1 PM - 4:30 PM
This event features over 100 styles of whiskey and spirits! Those 21 and older will be able to enjoy various drinks while getting to know more from experts! Tickets are available for purchase online.
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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the 2025 Spring Egg Hunt at Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon.
This event, happening on Saturday, April 12, from 12pm to 2pm, features an egg hunt for children up to nine years old, photos with the Spring Bunny, a princess meet and greet, pony rides, a petting zoo, children’s games, and family entertainment.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. A rain date for the event is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 12pm to 2pm. An $8 parking fee will be in effect for the event date
and rain date.
The 2025 Spring Egg Hunt is made possible by Natural Heritage Trust, a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation supporting the New York State Parks, as well as corporate sponsors such as Cox Media Group Long Island, New York Life, Renewal by Andersen, and Zwanger Pesiri Radiology.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually.
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Coloring Easter eggs is a time-honored tradition dating back more than 2,500 years. There is evidence that people living in the ancient settlement of Trypillia dyed eggs. Ancient Persians also were believed to paint eggs for Nowruz (Persian New Year).
Christians adopted similar traditions to symbolize aspects of the Easter story. Originally Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross, according to Chase Oaks Church. Good Housekeeping reports early Christian missionaries adapted the dying tradition to include more egg colors to represent different aspects of the Easter story. Yellow represented the resurrection, blue represented love and red remained a symbol of Christ’s blood.
Whether families dye eggs to symbolize the Easter miracle or simply for fun, the following are some coloring tips to enhance the process.
1. Prevent cracked eggs. Most colored eggs are hard-boiled. To prevent cracking during the boiling process, add a teaspoon of vinegar
and a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Additional anti-cracking measures include rubbing half a lemon on each shell before boiling.
2. Boil eggs and cool completely. It takes roughly 10 minutes to hard-boil an egg. Fill a pot with enough water to submerge the eggs, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Gently lower the eggs into the water with a slotted spoon. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and cool in a bowl of water or run
under cold tap water.
3. Don’t forget the vinegar. Whether you use colored dye tablets or drops of food coloring from the pantry, use a mix of water and vinegar in the coloring solution. According to Education. com, food coloring is an acid dye and bonds using hydrogen. This chemical process only works in an acidic environment. Vinegar is added to water to make it more acidic and help the dyes adhere more strongly to the eggs and produce brighter colors.
4. Stick to white eggs. Stores sell both brown and white eggs. The species of chicken determines whether the eggs will be white or brown. When coloring eggs, it might be better to purchase white eggs, as the dyes will show up more vividly on the white shells.
5. Create distinctive designs. By covering portions of the bare eggs before dipping into color, people can create unique designs. Things like masking tape, rubber bands, wax (or crayons), and even twine can be used. The dye will only take on the uncovered areas, leaving white behind.
6. Dyes are not the only way to color eggs. Everything from watercolor paint to acrylics to decoupage can be used to cover eggs in vivid colors. Egg decorators also can use colored yarns, fabric or stickers. Search for creative materials to set Easter eggs apart this year.
Coloring eggs is a popular Easter tradition, and there are many ways to ensure this beloved activity produces beautiful results.
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Withflowers blooming and birds chirping, you may be in a spring-cleaning mindset. As you spruce up your home, you can also channel that energy into getting your finances in tiptop shape!
According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING® professionals, here’s how to clear away the cobwebs in your budget:
Sort expenditures: If you’ve ever sorted your clothes and other items into piles during a spring clean, this budgeting principle will be familiar to you: Review your expenses and categorize them into needs, wants and expenditures you’re ready to part with. Whether you do this on paper or electronically, use a colorcoded system to visualize where your money is going.
Review your streaming services: Electronic subscription bloat is common, as is paying for forgotten
subscriptions after free trials end. For example, you may be subscribed to several of the most common entertainment streaming services, such as Netflix, Max and Hulu. Do you really need all of them? Whether it’s an online newsletter or a music streaming service, cancel unused subscriptions.
Avoid bank fees: Review your bank statements. Are you getting dinged with fees? Consider switching to a bank that doesn’t charge an account maintenance fee. You can also set up notifications to avoid having your account get hit with an overdraft. If you do get charged, contact your bank to explain your situation — you may be able to have some fees waived.
Switch insurance carriers: Periodically review your insurance rates, and shop the market to see if better rates are available for home, automotive and other forms of insurance.
Reduce debt: If your debt
is costing you a pretty penny, it’s time to act. A CFP® professional or credit counselor can help you craft a plan for consolidating debt
into lower-rate credit card accounts, refinancing your mortgage and reducing your overall debt burden. You should also automate credit card payments (and other bills) to ensure you aren’t paying late fees.
Pay yourself first: Earmark a portion of your budget to savings and investments each month. This will leave you with more money for your important goals and less for frivolous spending.
To work with a CFP® professional who can help you roll up your sleeves and get to work on cleaning up your finances, visit letsmakeaplan.org.
This spring, go beyond dusting the baseboards and mopping the floors. Refresh your finances for a fresh start to the season. (StatePoint)
Thereturn of warm weather is synonymous with many things. For men and women who love to grill, spring marks a return to grilling their favorite foods and dining outdoors. Burgers and hot dogs may never go out of style, but plenty of additional foods can make for delicious grilled meals. Grilled chicken, for example, makes for a healthy meal the whole family can enjoy. Grilled chicken sandwiches, such as the following recipe for “Grilled Chicken Ciabatta with Romesco and Baby Greens” from Karen Adler and Judith Fertig’s “The Gardener & The Grill: The Bounty of the Garden Meets the Sizzle of the Grill” (Running Press), can make for a nice change of pace from more traditional grilling fare.
Makes 4 servings
2 loaves ciabatta or 4 ciabattini (ciabatta rolls), sliced in half lengthwise
Olive oil, for brushing
Fine kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to a 1⁄2-inch thickness
1⁄2 recipe Romesco Sauce (see below)
Small wedge (about 4 ounces) of Manchego or Parmesan cheese, for shaving 2 cups baby greens
Prepare a hot fire in your grill
Brush the cut sides of the ciabatta with olive oil. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper.
Grill the chicken, turning once, for 5 minutes total. Grill the ciabatta, cut sides down, until it has good grill marks, 1 to 2 minutes.
Slather all the grilled sides of the ciabatta with the Romesco. Place the chicken breasts on the bottom half of the bread, shave some Manchego cheese over the chicken, then top with baby greens and the top half of the bread. If you’re using a loaf of ciabatta, you’ll have 2 chicken breasts on each loaf, so cut each loaf in half horizontally. If you’re using ciabattini, you’ll use 1 breast for each roll. Serve immediately.
Romesco Sauce
Makes 2 cups
1⁄2 cup toasted slivered almonds
2 jarred roasted red bell peppers, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 slice white bread (crust removed), toasted and crumbled
1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1⁄3 cup red wine vinegar
2⁄3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
In a food processor, grind the almonds. Add roasted peppers, garlic, bread, parsley, and hot pepper flakes. Blend until it becomes a paste. Add the vinegar and pulse to blend. With the motor running, gradually pour the olive oil through the feed tube in a steady stream until the mixture thickens like mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Day is now a global event, but its origins are somewhat humble. Prior to the 1960s, awareness of the link between public health and pollution was minimal. However, according to EarthDay.org, the 1962 publication of Silent Spring by American marine biologist, writer and conservationist Rachel Carson was a watershed moment for the environmental movement. The book did much to raise awareness of the effects of pollution on public health. Indeed, the publication of Carson's book proved a pivotal step toward the eventual establishment of Earth Day in 1970, which EarthDay.org characterizes as the dawn of the modern environmental movement. April 22, 2025 is Earth Day!
ONE SOUTH COUNTRY ROAD, BRIGHTWATERS, NY 11718
631-665-4350, www.bsbwlibrary.org
LIBRARY HOURS: Monday through Thursday - 9:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday - 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
DISPLAYS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: Lobby and Inside Display Case and the Gallery-Bay Shore Schools will be displaying their artwork. Projects from students in grades 3-5 will be displayed in the month of April.
MINI FOOD PANTR: The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library has a Mini Food Pantry for those in the community that might need some extra help. If you are interested in contributing, please bring items to the Children’s Services Desk. Non-perishable food, baby items or paper products are greatly appreciated.
SNEAKER COLLECTION DRIVE: The library is a collection point for the GotSneakers? Campaign coordinated by the Keep Islip Clean organization. Please place your old sneakers in the bin by the front entrance for recycling. Help us in our effort to keep old sneakers out of landfills.
SOCIAL WORK INTERN: The library will have a social work intern available to help with referrals to social services, food and housing assistance, and mental health resources. Email socialworker@bsbwlibray.org or call the library for more information and to set up an appointment.
PUZZLE SWAP: Stop by the Teen room to check out our puzzle swap, Pick out a new puzzle and leave one for the community to enjoy.
April 15th-Tuesday at 6:30 PM: Sourdough Breads: Beyond the Basics. For those ready to expand their sourdough bread-making skills, this class explores different techniques and recipes. A Fee of $10 is due at registration.
April 22nd-Tuesday from 6:30 –7:30 PM: Tame Your Inner Critic: Begin Listening to Your True Self. Are negative thoughts holding you back? In this class learn how to take control and start celebrating YOU!
April 22nd-Tuesday at 10:00 AM: Islip Town Hall Archival Collections Tour. Enjoy a tour of Islip Town Hall’s Archival Collections with Historian George Munkenbeck. Meet at Islip Town Hall Annex, located at 655 Main Street in Islip at 10:00 am. Registration is required, limited space.
April 24th-Thursday from 6:00-7:30 PM: History of the US Life Saving Stations on Long Island. Join Babylon Town Historian, Mary Cascone, to learn the history of the US Life Saving Stations on Long Island.
April 24th-Thursday from 6:00-7:00 PM: BYOT Bingo. Bring your Own Teen for a fun night of Bingo with chances to win prizes. You must register both yourself and your teen.
April 27th - Sunday at 2:00 PM: Friends Performing Arts Series. The New York Exceptions. Travel back in time with the New York Exceptions as they play popular music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The members of this six-man doo-wop band will have your singing and dancing to your favorite oldies songs.
April 29th - Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 PM: True Crime Club. Samuel Little considered America’s worst serial killer. Join librarian Rhiannon to discuss a true crime case with fellow enthusiasts.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: You must have a valid Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library Card in order to register for any programs. Check out the library website, stop by the children’s room, or pick up a bulletin at the circulation desk to find out about our children’s programs.
TEEN PROGRAMS: Community Service Hours – Middle and High School students can earn community service hours by bringing in travel size hygiene products. Four items will earn students one hour of community service. These products will be used in the library’s clean cabinet for our community members in need. Please bring your items to the teen or children’s desk.
Spring and summer are typically welcomed with open arms. Warm weather, blooming flowers and trees full of leaves are a welcome sight for many, but seasonal allergy sufferers may find the transition from winter to spring a little more challenging.
The Center for Health Statistics found that just under 26 percent of adults and roughly 19 percent of children have a seasonal allergy. Treatments for seasonal allergies can be effective, and many people find over-the-counter medications are enough to alleviate their symptoms. But even people who take OTC medications daily may have days when seasonal allergies cause considerable discomfort. In such situations, allergy sufferers can consider these strategies.
• Identify your triggers.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology notes that pollen is the most common outside allergy trigger. Trees and grasses typically pollinate in spring and summer, which is why these seasons can be especially challenging for people with seasonal allergies. Dustmites and pets might trigger allergies indoors, but these can appear throughout the year. A visit to an allergist can determine what exactly triggers seasonal allergies. For example, certain types of grasses and trees might be triggers for some but not others. Identifying triggers is an effective first step because it can compel people to avoid the things that cause allergic reactions.
• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The Mayo Clinic advises seasonal allergy
sufferers to stay indoors on dry, windy days, when pollen can be nearly impossible to avoid.
• Take advantage of a good rain. The Mayo Clinic advises that the best time for seasonal allergy sufferers to be outside is after a good rain. Rain helps to clear pollen from the air, so postrain conditions can be ideal for people with seasonal allergies.
• Change your clothes and wash up upon coming inside. The ACAAI recommends changing clothes, washing them and taking a shower upon coming inside during allergy season. Washing clothes and taking a shower reduces the likelihood that you’ll spread pollen around the interior of your home, where it can attach to
furniture and trigger allergic reactions.
• Monitor the pollen count. As noted, pollen is a seasonal allergy trigger, so allergy sufferers are urged to monitor the pollen count via a website such as Pollen. com, where visitors can type in their ZIP code and get an up-to-date allergy report. On days when the pollen count is high, stay indoors and keep windows closed so the pollen does not get inside. The Mayo Clinic notes that pollen counts tend to be highest in morning, so it’s best to avoid being outside during this time of day.
Seasonal allergies can make spring and summer more challenging. A few simple strategies can help people control their seasonal allergies even on days when pollen counts are particularly high.
Now, through April 30, applications are being accepted for the fall 2025 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 well-being 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 counselingrelated 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 fall 2025 semester, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and connect to services.
About Hope For The Warriors: Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, high-quality mental health care services. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.
-Gaelen H.
