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Summer isn't over yet, but parents and children are certainly getting ready for the upcoming school year. We have you covered with informative back to school themed editorial pieces, along with other stories that will spark your interest as you enjoy the rest of the season. Plus, don't miss your chance to win a 4-pack of tickets to Six Flags®! Until next time, we hope your summer is filled with memorable moments with those you love the most.
Grand Opening Of New Nature Community Center In Sayville
People’s Arc of Suffolk celebrated the grand opening of its new Nature Community Center in Sayville with a community-wide event and ribbon cutting ceremony here today, marking a major step forward in expanding inclusive services in Suffolk County and a welcoming space for outdoor education, creativity, emotional wellbeing, and volunteerism.
“Sayville is proud of its horticultural heritage and community, so we will be building programs for our people around that,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “We'll be growing plants, we'll be selling plants, and we'll be looking to help the people we support with learning new skill.”
The indoor/outdoor learning environment is designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities explore, enrich, and thrive through nature-
based discovery and community connection. Participants will engage in enriching programs focused on gardening, wildlife exploration, conservation, art, and outdoor play.
“This about exploring, enriching and thriving through a program based on nature,” McGuigan continued. “The people we serve will be helping the local community, building relationships with the local community and
dispelling that still existing myth that people with developmental disabilities are a drain on their community.”
The opening event featured tours of the site and program demonstrations. The program is a collaboration with St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and Spirit of Huntington Art Center.
About People's Arc of Suffolk
People's Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can
enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Savor A Summer Fruit Salad
Even as summer winds down, there tends to be plenty of time to reap the rewards of backyard gardens and warm-weather entertaining.
Refreshing salads are favored at such gatherings, and the interesting pairing of peaches and tomatoes makes the most of these fruits when they’re at their peak. Sweet and savory flavors combine in this recipe for “Peachy Tomato Salad” courtesy of “The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook” (Rockridge University Press). This delicious side pairs best with grilled fare.
Peachy Tomato Salad
Serves 2
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced into wedges
2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
Toss the peaches, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl. Season to taste. Add the olive oil and lemon juice, and gently toss. Serve at room temperature.
New York State Department Of Veterans’ Services Unveils Navy SEAL Museum Kiosk
TheNew York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) unveiled its newest Veterans Welcome Center Digital Kiosk located inside the lobby of the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum in West Sayville, Long Island. During the installation, DVS paid tribute to the enduring legacy of courage of Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy, the U.S. Navy SEALs, and all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who serve and sacrifice.
The DVS Veterans Welcome Center Digital Kiosks are interactive digital portals located statewide, providing convenient, 24/7 access to over 60 state programs and services, offering Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families a contemporary, user-friendly way to connect with essential
benefits and support. The digital kiosk installation at the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum is a continuation of the statewide initiative by DVS that has become a model for several other states wishing to replicate New York’s innovative and successful Veterans’ outreach initiative.
Initially launched during Veterans Month 2021, the Digital Kiosk program was highlighted in Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State addresses in 2022 and 2023. The kiosks are the result of a collaborative partnership between DVS, the New York State Office of Information Technology Services, Empire State Development, and multiple state agencies, including the Office for the Aging, Office of Mental Health, Office of General Services, Department of Labor,
and SUNY. Since 2023, the DVS digital kiosks have been installed at high-traffic, easily accessible locations across the state, including airports, welcome centers, malls, train stations, museums, and government facilities.
In February 2024, at the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) conference, former Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, honored DVS with the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award, recognizing the widespread success of DVS’s Veterans Welcome Center Digital Kiosk initiative. Recently, Florida, Maine, Nevada, California, and Missouri have reached out to DVS and formally requested its assistance in their efforts to emulate New York State’s Veterans Welcome
Center Digital Kiosk success. About the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum
The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum tells the story, sacrifices, and legacies of the Special Operators of Naval Special Warfare Command from the frogman and Underwater Demolition teams of WWII and Korea to the birth of the SEALs in Vietnam, the War on Terror, Operation Redwings, and an exhibition hall dedicated solely to the SEAL Training program. There are seven exhibition halls including a movie theater and a SEAL simulation ride to give the public a glimpse into the stories and lives of these very special men and heroes. Learn more about the courage and commitment of these incredible heroes at https:// murphsealmuseum.org/.
Families Can Make The Most Of Summer’s End
It
seems like just yesterday people were heralding the arrival of summer. After many months of fickle weather, summer’s warm temperatures and ample sunshine can be that hug from Mother Nature people need. But soon summer will be coming to an end, making room for apples, corn and pumpkin spice. Even though summer will soon be singing its swan song, there is still plenty of time for families to enjoy the waning days of surf and sunshine. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.
Catch a concert
Summer is a time of year when many artists go on tour and sell out everything
from arenas to ampitheaters to more intimate venues. Find a singer the entire family enjoys and grab some tickets.
Pick fruit
Peach season varies depending on where you live, but May through September is a prime time for pick-your-own farms to open their orchards to the peach-picking public. Turn those peaches into pies for Labor Day festivities.
Watch some fireworks
Those who didn’t have an opportunity to catch a fireworks display already this summer, or who enjoyed it so much that they want more, can find out
family what sticks out in their minds as the best summer day so far. It may have been paddleboarding in a lake or taking a scenic drive. Compile the answers and then pick one activity to enjoy all over again.
Head to a state fair State fairs fill calendars this time of year. They’re perfect ways to enjoy carnival rides, fair foods, live entertainment, and even livestock.
Watch balloons rise
Check to see if there is a hot-air balloon festival taking place nearby. Watch these huge items become lighter than air and get lifted off the ground.
Enjoy an outdoor movie
when the next big display will take place. Some beachside towns and even amusement parks regularly host fireworks shows on the weekends.
Climb a lighthouse
National Lighthouse Day occurs on August 7. Locate a lighthouse within driving distance and visit one of the beautiful and historic structures that commemorate maritime history. For example, Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey, which was lit for the first time in 1764, is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.
Pick a day to re-do
Ask all members of the
Purchase or borrow a movie projector and set up a screen outdoors. That screen can be an actual outdoor screen or a white sheet stretched between two poles. Invite the neighborhood to come over, set up picnic blankets and enjoy a family flick.
Camp out
Pitch a tent at a campground or even in your own backyard and spend an evening sleeping under the stars.
Visit a garden or arboretum
Plan a day trip to a botanical garden or arboretum to view the various trees, flowers and shrubs in bloom. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in nature. Families can wind down from summer by engaging in various enjoyable activities before a new school year begins.
Tending A Garden In Late Summer
Assummer winds down, long stretches of sunlight are dwindling and cooler temperatures are on the horizon. Gardening enthusiasts may wonder how they can manage their backyard gardens as the peak growing season comes to a close. People may not be eager to do much in their gardens come August, particularly because the air may be hot and the dew point high. And spending the final days of summer at the beach or in the pool may take priority. However, late summer is a great time to focus on certain tasks.
Deadheading
Many plants look better with the wilted flowers removed. Furthermore, some plants, such as with lilies and roses, will benefit from having spent blooms removed so that no unnecessary energy is drawn away from the
roots or bulbs. Research your plants and learn which can benefit from some latesummer deadheading to keep them thriving.
Weeding
Weeds can become problematic if they’re allowed to grow unabated. Routinely go into the garden and cull the weeds.
Keep an eye open for pests
According to Garden Smart, caterpillars and beetles may be chewing on garden plants by late summer, and aphids still may be problematic. Handpick insects off of vegetables and ornamental flowers, or use safe sprays for treating these issues.
Plant cool weather vegetables
Many plants will grow well when planted in late
You can begin turning your summer garden, or a portion of it, into a fall and winter garden.
Consider succession planting
Growing vegetables like beans or peas may be more successful if you try succession planting. This involves sowing new seeds every seven to 10 days to extend the harvest.
Harvesting what’s ready
Pick vegetables that are ready to eat, and remove any plants that have reached the end of their growing cycle.
Convert planter boxes and containers
summer, according to Homesteading Family. Some such plants include turnips, beets, carrots, kale, chard, mustard greens, and peas.
InflationThis is a good time to start changing over summer annuals in containers and planter boxes to those that do well in fall, such as mums, asters, pansies, and goldenrod.
There’s plenty of work to be done in the garden come the end of summer.
Did You Know?
has garnered countless headlines in recent years, and much of that news has focused on the notably higher cost of food. Though the cost of some items at the grocery store has gone down in 2025, many items remain significantly more expensive than they were as recently as three or four years ago. In an effort to overcome rising food costs, some consumers have thought about gardening. According to Washington State University, the average household with a food garden spends around $70 per year on seeds and garden supplies. The reward for that small investment is roughly $600 worth of food. Though the financial investment associated with a food garden might be minimal, it's important for prospective gardeners to recognize that the commitment of time required to establish and sustain a food garden can be significant.
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Enjoy A Safe Labor Day
Labor
Day provides an opportunity to enjoy one last long weekend with fun in the sun, barbecues, pool parties, and vacations. Although summer officially ends on Sunday, September 22, 2025, Labor Day typically marks the unofficial close of the summer entertaining and recreation season. As individuals and families prepare to fire up the grill or float in the pool one last time, they are reminded to heed key tips to stay safe and healthy.
• Fireworks may have been components of celebrations all summer long, but it is always best to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. Also, sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures (approximately 2,000 F) which is hot enough to melt some metals. They are not recommended for children to handle.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a recipe for injuries or fatalities. Remember, just because it may be legal in some areas to use recreational marijuana, doesn’t mean it is legal to drive under the influence of it. Individuals should leave the driving to a designated driver or a taxi or rideshare service if they plan to imbibe or use marijuana.
• Water-related injuries and deaths are highest among young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says drownings continue to be the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4. Extreme caution should be used in and around pools and other bodies of water whenever children are present. When swimming publicly, swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
• Even though summer is winding down, the risk for skin cancer remains elevated. Continue to apply sunscreen when heading outdoors for Labor Day fun.
• No one wants to leave a Labor Day barbecue with food poisoning. All party hosts should remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold while entertaining and to remember to cook foods to the correct internal temperature. Even if a grilled steak looks charred on the outside, that does not necessarily mean it is well-done in the middle. Verify temperatures with a meat thermometer.
Nutritious School Lunch Ideas For Kids
Notwo children are the same, but many youngsters share a number of similarities. Few young children enjoy going to bed on time, and many can’t resist a good trampoline. Kids also have a reputation for being picky eaters, which can be challenging for parents tasked with picking and preparing school lunches.
When dining at home, parents know which foods their kids eat and which they push around their plates in the hopes they won’t have to consume them. School lunch is a different scenario altogether, as parents are not around to ensure their youngsters eat a full and nutritious meal. Kids who are picky eaters may not eat any lunch at all. Parents who want to ensure their children get the nutrition they need to do well in school can consider the following school lunch ideas.
• Make-your-own sandwich: Kids may be more likely to eat a full lunch if they get to put it together themselves. Parents can put all the elements of a tasty sandwich into youngsters’ lunch boxes, but let kids assemble the meal themselves. Sandwiches are
not necessarily the healthiest midday meal, but they are much more nutritious when parents pack whole grain bread, tomatoes, lettuce, and low-sodium deli meat in students’ lunch boxes. If a do-it-yourself sandwich is a nonstarter, consider a DIY taco lunch complete with whole grain tortillas.
• Burrito bowl: A burrito bowl with kid-friendly yet nutritious ingredients is another great school lunch option. Red beans are a
Did You Know?
good source of fiber and the Harvard Medical School notes all beans are rich in potassium. Fiber is filling, so a burrito bowl that includes fiber-rich ingredients, including red beans but also quinoa or brown rice, can help students avoid late-day hunger pangs that can compromise how they feel and perform in the classroom. Burrito bowls are so tasty that kids may not even realize Mom and Dad have snuck some healthy
foods like vegetables into their midday meal.
• Parfait: Parfait has all the looks of a tasty dessert without the pitfalls of ice cream and other treats. The nutritional value of parfait depends on the ingredients Mom and Dad choose to include. Protein-rich Greek yogurt paired with some fruit and granola makes for a filling and tasty meal that’s also loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. An insulated and airtight lunch box packed with ice packs can ensure the parfait is still cool come lunchtime.
• Pasta salad: Kids tend to be especially fond of pasta, and parents can use that affinity to their advantage when planning school lunches. A wholewheat pasta salad with some cherry tomatoes and diced broccoli makes for a nutrient-rich lunch that kids can enjoy. If broccoli figures to raise youngsters’ ire, consider a nutritious substitute, such as shaved cucumber or zucchini.
School lunches can be nutritious and still make kids excited to eat their midday meal away from home.
There's no one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to calorie consumption, and that can contribute to some confusion as adults try to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Dietary guidelines established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services promote nutrient-dense foods and beverages, but many people prefer to know how many calories they should consume each day. Though that's understandable, the quality of the calories consumed goes a long way toward determining how nutritious a diet is. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the DHHS guidelines have historically recommended adults 21 and over consume between 1,600 and 3,000 calories per day. However, staying within those parameters does not necessarily mean a person's diet is healthy. Though individuals should keep total calorie consumption in mind when planning their diets, it's equally important to recognize what else the DHHS has to say about diet, particularly foods to avoid. The DHHS recommends limiting consumption of foods and beverages that are high in added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.
How To Get Students Excited About A New School Year
Anewschool year presents a wealth of opportunities for students. At the dawn of a new school year, students have a chance to further their academic careers, student-athletes may be given a shot at making a team or moving up to varsity, and extracurriculars provide a chance for personal growth outside the classroom.
Despite all that a new school year represents, students may need a little extra motivation to get excited about going back to campus once summer winds down. A relaxing and largely obligation-free summer vacation can be tough to give up, as can mornings
without alarm clocks. Parents recognize that kids might not be enthusiastic about the return of early mornings and sessions in the classroom. In such instances, parents can try the following strategies to get kids excited about a new school year.
• Make the first day special. First days can be challenging regardless of a person’s age. Professionals with years of experience in their field still feel first-day jitters when they begin a new job, so youngsters can be excused if what seems like a lack of excitement is really just nervousness about a new school year. Parents can calm those nerves by doing something
to get back in the school year swing of things. If a youngster likes playing an instrument, emphasize how the new school year is an opportunity to get better, play alongside other students and take a talent to new heights. If students are old enough to take subjects they’ve long been interested in, such as a foreign language, make a point to emphasize how that opportunity has finally arrived.
to make the first day special. Skip the standard cereal and prepare a homecooked breakfast or let kids buy lunch at the school cafeteria instead of packing a PB&J in their lunchbox. A little something special on the first day can go a long way toward getting kids excited about going back to school.
• Emphasize new subjects. As children advance through school, they’re typically exposed to more engaging subjects or challenged in ways that helps them build on previous years’ work. Emphasizing new subjects or opportunities can increase kids’ excitement
• Create a school calendar. Schools typically make their yearly schedules available prior to the first day of school. Parents can peruse those schedules alongside their children and make a calendar noting special days. Mark down field trips, special events involving parents and students, school performances where kids get to act or sing on stage, and other notable moments during the school year. Kids are bound to grow more excited about a new year when they see a year’s worth of fun events marked down on a calendar.
• Host a late summer gettogether with friends. A late-summer pool party or play date with various friends can remind youngsters that they’re about to see their friends every day. That might be enough to make young students jump out of bed on the first day of school. Students might be less than excited about the end of summer vacation and the dawn of a new school year. But there’s much parents can do to get kids excited about going back to school.
Banana-Filled Breakfast For School Days
Whena new school year is on the horizon, that means families once again must adjust to getting out of the house to the school bus or carpool on time. It is important to begin busy days with a breakfast that will facilitate learning, but parents know convenience is important as well. Parents may want to incorporate some new breakfast options into the mix, particularly ones kids will enjoy. This tasty recipe for “Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas” from “Rainbow Bowls” (Sourcebooks) by Niki Webster relies on bananas in two different ways to impart a sweet taste that is hard to beat. The granola makes about four to six portions, so there will be leftovers to enjoy as a snack later in the day or stored away for another time.
Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas
Serves 2
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 very ripe medium bananas
1 teaspoon almond extract
100 grams (3.5 ounces) oats of your choice
3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons ground almonds
3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds
40 grams (1.4 ounces) pecans
Pinch of sea salt
For the caramelized bananas
2 unpeeled bananas
1 tablespoon coconut oil
To serve
Coconut yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of thyme (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F).
Blend the coconut oil, maple syrup, bananas, and almond extract in a blender until smooth.
Add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix well. Add the wet mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine.
Line a large baking tray with baking paper and then tip the granola mix on to the tray and flatten out. Bake for 25 minutes, until starting to brown. Carefully flip over on the tray, then return to the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes (until you get a nice brown color).
Leave to cool before breaking into smaller chunks, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week (if not eating straight away).
To make the caramelized bananas, chop off the top end of each of the bananas, then carefully slice through the middle lengthways. Now, peel the bananas.
Melt the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the banana slices and fry in the oil on one side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned, then flip over to caramelize the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Serve the granola with yogurt, caramelized bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of thyme if you fancy.
Did You Know?
Scholastic sports can teach student-athletes valuable lessons they take with them for a lifetime, all the while engaging them in the thrill of competition. High school student-athletes may aspire to continue their playing careers in college, but data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association indicates only a small fraction of young people will get that chance. The NCAA reports that roughly eight million students currently participate in high school sports in the United States, while less than half a million athletes compete at the collegiate level. Football is among the most popular sports at both the high school and college levels.
Did You Know?
There is no definitive age when a child may need to get eyeglasses. However, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus notes that children’s visual systems are still developing during the first 12 years of their life, and during this period wearing glasses can be important for normal vision development. Glasses can help straighten crossed or misaligned eyes, bolster weak vision caused by differences in vision between a child’s eyes, and even protect the stronger eye. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children begin vision screening around age 3 and receive annual screenings each year at ages 4, 5 and 6. After that, screening is recommended when children turn 8, 10, 12, and 15. Of course, parents who begin to suspect their children are having trouble with their vision are urged to take the child to an ophthalmologist once such suspicions arise. Some notable signs include inexplicable declines in academic performance, children sitting closer to the television than they once did and children’s own remarks regarding their vision if they say anything at all.
