Elevate Your Living Experience With A New Home EXPLORE
When Passion Blooms, So Do the Reviews
““Victor Stabile has to be the best realtor in the Stony Brook area to work with. He is always available and quick to respond. He is so friendly he instantly puts you at ease, you would think you have known him for years. He really listens to you and is open and honest with all of his recommendations and feedback. He makes a stressful process seem much less so, I just know my dream of buying a home would not be possible without him. If you are looking to buy/sell a home anywhere on Long Island you have to call Victor, you could not be in better hands with anyone else.” - Lisa L.
Welcome to this stunning 4 bdrm, 5 bath renovated bayfront home offering breathtaking views of the Great South Bay and an effortless
Welcome to this beautifully maintained, spacious and thoughtfully upgraded 5 bdrm, 3 bath Colonial in the highly soughtafter Oak Neck Estates.
“What can I say about Victor but he’s absolutely the best. He is always willing to work with you day or night (and I mean send him a listing at 8pm and he replies then). Very knowledgeable and always open to tell you his experiences and what things to look and look out for, and honestly the best part he’s real with you, he wont sugar coat things about houses to make you like it, never rushes you out of a house and always makes time for you. We must have looked at probably like 25 houses if not more during our time searching, some weeks we looked at just 1 house, some weeks 4 or 5 Victor was always there helping us along the way.” - Alex D.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your forever home, or searching for the perfect place to begin your next chapter — you deserve a partner who listens, understands, and delivers. With deep local market insight, expert pricing and negotiation skills, and a track record of results you can trust, I can get you the best outcome for your home sale. Let’s create a customized marketing plan for your home and get you moving!
“Victor is the best realtor in Stony Brook and the Three Village area! He’s friendly, never pushy, and truly goes the extra mile to help you find the right home. Victor’s communication is excellent, and his deep knowledge of the local market makes the process smooth and stressfree. Honestly, he’s an amazing realtor to work with--I’ll definitely be using Victor for all my real estate needs. Highly recommend him to any buyer or seller!” - Dawn F.
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.
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
Kids “Drop In” Activities
These programs have no registration. For questions, email kids@emmaclark.org
Bluey Family Fun
Tuesday, August 19, 10:30 a.m. – 12noon Drop by for Bluey-themed crafts, games, and activities. Most suitable for PreK – Grade 2 with caregiver.
Color Splash
Endless Summer Bash
Wednesday, August 27, 10:00 a.m. – 12noon
Bring the family down for a vibrant celebration filled with crafts and games that keep summer vibes strong! For families with children up to Grade 5.
For Everyone
Culper Spy Day
Saturday, September 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This Three Village-wide event is the result of a wonderful collaboration of entities who came together to highlight the amazing history behind George Washington's Culper Spy Ring. Start at the location of your choice and go at your own pace. All are welcome to stop by. The event is rain or shine. Specifically at Emma Clark Library we'll have:
• Information Tent adjacent to the front entrance , including library materials (handouts, books, DVDs) related to the Culper Spy Ring. Learn about the Library’s
Culper Spy Ring website (spyring.emmaclark.org).
• Display of Revolutionary War paraphernalia in the lobby.
• “Tunes of the Revolution” live music on the lawn , 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Linda Russell and Margery Cohen will present ballads, broadsides, marches, and dance tunes of the 18th Century.
• Children's Games & A "Spy-Themed" Craft on the lawn , 12 noon4:00 p.m.
• The History of Emma S. Clark Memorial Library Walking Tour, 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. OR 3:30 –4:00 p.m. Discover the fascinating backstory of Suffolk County’s oldest continuously operating library and the gem of our community. You’ll learn about Emma S. Clark herself, milestones from the building’s 130-year history, as well as some interesting
and amusing findings from our archivist and librarian Jeff Walden. Tours start at the Information Tent outside the Library’s main entrance.
Culper Spy Day events are free and open to the public; no tickets required. If you'd like to view a schedule of all the events in the area, contact the Three Village Historical Society.
• Level Up Kitchen Library Café located inside the Library - Take a break for lunch or a snack. Offers sandwiches, wraps, salad, desserts, coffee and tea (hot or iced), cold drinks, and more
Cookie with a Cop in the Library Lobby Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon Get to know the person behind the badge. Chat with a Suffolk County Sixth Precinct Police Officer and enjoy a free cookie! Held in the Library Lobby. No registration required. Questions? Email askus@ emmaclark.org
Adults
Evening Book Discussion Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s Lobby. No registration required. Wednesday, September 10 - Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (Book pickup starts 8/13) Questions? Email askus@ emmaclark.org
Salad
ven 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
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.
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.
Tips For A Memorable Labor Day Weekend
LaborDay weekend is widely considered the unofficial swan song of summer. Though millions of children return to school prior to Labor Day weekend, the final holiday of summer still marks an ending to the season of relaxation and a return to the hustle and bustle of life when the temperatures dip and schedules fill up.
Perhaps because Labor Day has become synonymous with the end of summer, many people look to make the weekend preceding the holiday as fun as possible. People with such intentions can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor Day weekend this year.
• Wake up early if you intend to travel. Labor Day weekend should be memorable for all the right reasons and traffic is not one of them. A recent survey from the vacation planning experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 148 million people plan to travel over Labor Day weekend in 2025, which makes the three-day period a particularly busy time to be on the road or in the air. If you intend to fly this Labor Day weekend, try to book an early morning flight to reduce the risk of delays. If you’re driving, hitting the road before sunrise, particularly if you’re traveling a long
Labor Day weekend.
• Create a backup plan. Ideally the weather will cooperate and Labor Day celebrants will be able to spend the entire weekend outdoors if they so desire. But weather is unpredictable, so it pays to create a backup plan in advance. If you’re traveling for the weekend, look around for indoor entertainment spaces to spend the weekend if the weather is uncooperative. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue at home, arrange for some indoor activities or pick a rain date and let guests know. If the party is scheduled for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, a Sunday rain date might work.
distance, can help you avoid traffic jams.
• Plan the weekend. It can be tempting to fly by the seat of your pants come Labor Day weekend, but it’s still best to book excursions and even dinner reservations in advance. The popularity of Labor Day weekend and its status as the unofficial end of summer compels many people to get up and go over the three-day period, so theme parks, water parks, restaurants, and other attractions may be all booked in advance. Purchase tickets and make reservations months in advance to ensure you aren’t left with little to do and/or nothing to eat come
• Go with a summer theme. Even if the kids are already back in school and your summer family vacation is a distant memory, that’s all the more reason to revive the spirit of summer one last time. If hosting at home, a Hawaiian luau theme complete with a pig roast or a final summer pool party is a great way to send summer off before welcoming fall into the fold. Encourage guests to don summer attire and revive your summer playlist to get guests in the mood. If you’re traveling for the weekend, pick a sunny, sandy destination so you can squeeze every last drop out of summer.
Labor Day weekend marks the perfect time to send summer off with a bang. Some pre-weekend planning can ensure everyone has a memorable final few days of summer.
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.
Did You Know?
readers may feel there’s nothing better than diving into a good book, but that book might be even more beneficial than they realize, particularly for older book lovers. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine noted that reading books can promote empathy, social perception and emotional intelligence, notable benefits that researchers found contributed to a survival advantage. Researchers behind the study noted book readers experienced a 20 percent reduction in risk of mortality over a 12-year followup period than non-book readers. Equally notable among the researchers’ findings was older individuals who read books enjoyed this survival advantage regardless of their gender, overall health, socioeconomic status, or education levels.
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.
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.
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.
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/.
The Adoption Of Labor Day Took Hard Work
Comethe first Monday of September, many children and their parents start to face the reality that school, if it hasn’t yet started, is about to begin again. That’s because Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. But there is much more to this holiday than barbecues and the notion that fall is right around the corner.
Labor Day was forged by the labor movement of the late nineteenth century. Many workers during this time felt they were underpaid and overworked. Conditions at their places of employment also lacked adequate safety. These workers banded together to fight for higher wages, shorter workdays and improved working conditions.
Before it was adopted as an American federal holiday, Labor Day was first recognized by labor activists and individual states. Although New York was the first state to introduce a bill, Oregon actually was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, which the state first celebrated on February 21, 1887.
Four more states followed suit that year. By the end of the decade, three more states passed Labor Day holiday laws.
In recognition of the momentum of Labor Day at the state level, and with the adoption of the holiday by another 23 states by 1894, Congress passed an act on June 28, 1894, officially making the first Monday in September a legal holiday each year.
The United States is not alone in devoting a holiday to celebrate its labor history and honor the contributions of workers. Canada celebrates Labour Day to remember the rights of workers, which include paid holidays, medical care, fair hours, union wages, and safe workplaces. Labour Day was declared a legal holiday by the Parliament of Canada on July 23, 1894. The earliest Labour Day celebrations were held in the spring, but eventually were moved to September.
Labor Day remains a time to honor and affirm the dignity of working people across the nation. It also affords individuals an opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved day off.
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.
Stay Cool As Summer Winds Down
Thoughfew people consider the end of summer a cause for celebration, the weather outside need not preclude men and women from enjoying a cool and refreshing beverage. Those who simply can’t say “so long” to summer may want to find a nearby patio, pull up a chair and pour themselves a glass of “Liquid Iron” courtesy of Brian Preston-Campbell’s “Cool Waters” (Harvard Common Press). Not only is the following drink refreshing and cool for those waning hot days before summer officially goes away, but it’s also a great source of iron and calcium.
Liquid Iron
Makes 6 servings
2 stalks red Swiss chard, chopped
1⁄4 cup chopped spinach leaves
1⁄4 cup chopped purple kale
1 teaspoons loose green tea leaves
6 cups still water
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place the chard, spinach, kale, and tea leaves in a blender with 1 cup of the water. Purée until fairly smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, using a ladle or rubber spatula to extract as much juice as possible. Add the remaining water, stir gently, and serve.
A Race Where Everyone Belongs: Long Island’s Most Inclusive Community Event Returns This Fall
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Heckscher State Park will become a place where everyone, regardless of ability, is invited to move forward together. The Run to Breakthrough, a Long Island-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit, proudly presents Inclusion in Motion, a unique 6-hour endurance event designed to bring individuals and families of all abilities into a meaningful experience rooted in unity, encouragement, and resilience.
21, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Heckscher State Park, East Islip, NY
Registration: https:// events.elitefeats. com/25inclusioninmotion
What Makes This Race Different?
• All Abilities Welcome: Participants can complete up to eight 5K loops or choose a shorter challenge, such as a 100-meter dash. There are no time limits, no pressure, just empowerment.
• Accessible by Design: A fully paved course ensures smooth travel for wheelchairs and strollers. The event also includes adaptive restrooms, sensoryfriendly zones, and accessible parking.
Unlike traditional races, Inclusion in Motion is not about speed, distance, or competition. It’s about connection, purpose, and redefining personal achievement. Whether participants choose to run, walk, roll, or be pushed across the finish line, this inclusive event allows individuals and teams to define success on their own terms.
Attendees can enjoy savory delights from local food trucks and refreshing ice cream, all while enjoying live music from local musicians and DJs. With a variety of engaging activities for all ages and abilities, the event creates an inviting space for families and participants to relax, connect, and grow community ties.
“Families within this community are thrown a
set of challenges they don’t get to choose. They face adversity every single day; worrying about medical procedures, medication changes, disruptions in services, long hospital stays. And yet, despite the heaviness, they choose hope. Despite facing immense pain and grief, they continue to believe. Inclusion in Motion was created to honor that resilience and to show the world that the ‘impossible’ becomes possible when you don’t give up.” — Dr. Christine Astarita, Founder & President, The Run to Breakthrough
Event Snapshot Event
Name: Inclusion in Motion
Date: Sunday, September
• Purpose Beyond the Race: Every dollar raised from this event goes directly back to families through grants that help cover the cost of essential medical equipment, therapies, home modifications, and services not covered by insurance.
• Built on Community: Last year’s event raised over $38,000 and brought together hundreds of individuals, families, and teams committed to building a more inclusive world. For many families, Inclusion in Motion is the first and only race where their child or loved one is not just an afterthought. For others, it’s a chance to give back, move with purpose, and celebrate what we can do when we come together.
