June 28, 2023 Bethpage

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Bethpage Residents,

Is Summer here already? Our chamber members have been seeing so many kids around town in summer mode with their bikes as school testing finishes up and the local pools are opening. So be extra careful when driving and look out for more kids, bicycles and pedestrians around the neighborhood as the summertime season brings everyone outside.

Whether folks are planning a staycation and hitting the local bike trails or travel for the summer we know it’s likely to be a very busy end for the month.

Also please note that all are welcome to attend an upcoming ribbon cutting! On June 30th at 11am we are honoring Our House Montessori School with a ribbon cutting ceremony which will offer tours and light refreshments.

Until our next update, please shop local this summer. We’ll be seeing you soon at the upcoming summer music series Music On Broadway, July 22nd and August 19th!

Stay Bethpage Strong!

Lisa Moffa

High School Sweethearts Rank At The Top Of Their Class

Bethpage seniors Caio DaSilva and Stephanie Pilnacek are not only at the top of their class; they are also a power couple.

Pilnacek was recently named valedictorian and DaSilva was named salutatorian of Bethpage High School. The two have been best friends and have been dating for a little more than nine months.

Pilnacek has an impressive, weighted grade point average of 109.04 and aside from academics, is a talented student-athlete. She is the varsity softball captain, was honored as the 2022 MVP and was named one of the top 100 softball players by Newsday this year. Pilnacek is also the varsity tennis captain and works at Prospect Sports.

DaSilva has a weighted grade point average of 108.91 and has a strong passion for karate. He is a USA Karate team member, was named the PanAmerican Champion in the

World Karate Federation Continental Championship and was the National Karate Champion in 2022. DaSilva is an exceptional student. He took home a silver medal at the Long Island Math Fair this year and was selected to attend the Institute of Creative Problem Solving at SUNY Old Westbury during his freshmen and sophomore year. DaSilva is also a member of Bethpage High School’s math team and marine fitness club.

Both seniors have worked extremely hard, supporting each other along the way, and will be attending Northeastern University in the fall. Pilnacek will be majoring in mechanical engineering, while DaSilva will be studying computer engineering/computer science. The Bethpage Union Free School District congratulates both students on this outstanding achievement and wishes them the best of luck in all their future endeavors.

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS RANK AT THE TOP OF THEIR CLASS - Bethpage High School seniors Stephanie Pilnacek (right) and Caio DaSilva (left) were named the Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage,

How To Enjoy A Healthy Summer

Colds might not be as common in summer as they are in winter, but anyone who has ever had a cold when the weather outside is warm and inviting knows just how unpleasant a runny nose, sore throat, and lack of energy can be when everyone else seems to be outside soaking up the sun. Indeed, there’s no substitute for feeling fit and healthy in summer.

A healthy summer is one when individuals avoid illness and make the most of a time of year when no one wants to battle colds or other issues that affect their well-being. The following are a handful of strategies that can help people enjoy a healthy summer.

• Protect your skin from the sun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends individuals apply a broadspectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher

before going outside. Sunscreen should then be reapplied as necessary and especially after swimming or excessive sweating. The American Cancer Society notes that sunburn blisters can increase the risk of skin cancer, but sunburns affect short-term health as well. Studies have shown that sunburn adversely affects immune system response, which could make people more vulnerable to viruses like COVID-19 or the common cold.

• Limit alcohol consumption. Social schedules tend to fill up in summer, as seemingly everyone wants to host a backyard barbecue. The party vibe synonymous with summer leads to increased opportunities to drink alcohol, but excessive amounts of alcohol and summer sun are a bad combination. According to the

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, hot summer days increase fluid loss through perspiration, while alcohol contributes to fluid loss through an increased need to urinate. Significant fluid loss can lead to dehydration and heat stroke.

• Eat the right foods. Summer is not typically as hectic a time of year as other seasons, particularly for parents accustomed to driving kids from one activity to another during the school year. But come summer, weekends filled with social engagements and a greater desire to be active outdoors can prove exhausting. The CDC notes that a diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables supports muscles, strengthens bones, and boosts immunity. That can make it easier to handle a physically active summer

regimen and ensure that the immune system is in a better position to fight off anything that may want to get in the way of summer fun.

• Get adequate sleep. What’s better than a midday summertime nap? The answer to that is better sleep overnight.

Adults should aspire to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night, which can fortify their immune system and ensure they don’t miss out on any summertime fun. According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep deprivation can lead to decreased production

of proteins known as cytokines, which are vital to fighting infection and inflammation.

A healthy summer makes for a more enjoyable summer. By embracing various immune-boosting strategies, individuals can make this summer even more fun.

Bethpage Seniors Presented With Science Scholarships

Erin O’Boyle and Christina Palmeri, two seniors from Bethpage High School, were recently recognized as winners in the New York State Science Honor Society Scholarship Program. Palmeri was named a third prize winner, resulting in a $250 award and O’Boyle earned honorable mention, resulting in a $100 award.

The purpose of the state’s science scholarship program is to encourage an interest and understanding of science and science-related careers, in addition to recognizing the academic achievement in science of high school students. Members of the science honor society are commended for their enthusiasm about research, participate in science-related activities, have demonstrated achievement in science learning, are service-minded and present excellent personal character.

The Bethpage Union Free School District congratulates both students on this great achievement and thanks National Science Honor Society adviser Michelle Maio and Director of Science Chris Pollatos for their contributions to the program.

BETHPAGE SENIORS PRESENTED WITH SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS - Bethpage High School seniors Erin O’Boyle (left) and Christina Palmeri (right) were awarded in the New York State Science Honor Society Scholarship Program. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

A warm breeze on a summer day embodies the spirit of this beloved season for millions of people. Seen by many as a season to relax and recharge, summer, not coincidentally, goes hand

Great Summertime Leisure Activities

in hand with leisure. With more time on their hands due to vacations from school and work and less hectic activity schedules, particularly for families that include school-aged children,

individuals often find summer affords more time for leisure. With that in mind, people from all walks of life can consider these summertime leisure activities.

• Relax by the water:

Whether it’s a pool, lake, or even the ocean, the water beckons each summer. Simply sitting on a beach or beside a lake or pool is a great way to pass the time without much stress. Nothing needs to be scheduled when relaxing poolside, lakeside, or on a beach; simply enjoy some time to relax by the water.

• Paddleboarding: Paddleboarding is another leisurely way to spend a summer day. Paddleboarding requires physical exertion, so this might not be the ideal activity for those looking to relax without lifting a finger. However, paddleboarders typically take to the water when it’s at its most calm, making this a great activity for those who want to capitalize on peaceful, serene summer vibes.

• Fishing: Few activities may be more relaxing

than fishing. Though there are many different ways to fish, some of which require considerable physical effort, casting a line and waiting for a fish to bite is a relaxing way to spend a day in nature. That might not seem like much to novices, but spending time in nature has been found to reduce stress and lower heart rates, which the U.S. Forest Service notes are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

• Read: Books make for great companions on warm summer afternoons. Reading is such a popular summer pastime that many bookstores set up displays featuring books that make for great beach reads, providing inspiration for individuals who aren’t sure which book or books to dive into this summer. And much

like other summertime leisure activities, reading has been linked to reducing stress. A 2009 study from researchers at the University of Sussex in England found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68 percent.

• Visit a museum: On summer afternoons when it’s raining or too hot outside or individuals simply want to spend some time indoors, a museum makes for the perfect place to visit. Museums do not typically draw crowds in summer, making this an ideal season to visit. Many offer discounted prices to individuals like seniors and students, so this is a great way to relax without breaking the bank.

Summer is a season of leisure, and there are many activities that align with that spirit of relaxation.

Bethpage students at Charles Campagne Elementary School celebrated their annual Field Day on June 2. The morning consisted of fun outdoor relay races and games as the study body was split into a gold team and blue team. That afternoon, the friendly competition

Bethpage Students Face Off At Field Day

continued between the two teams through a game show in the school’s multipurpose room.

The “Brain Challenge” show was hosted by Allen Strauss, President of Hollyrock Entertainment. He was supported by his assistant, Ben Mottahedeh. During the event, students

from the gold team and blue team faced off in trivia, a Simon Says game, a hula hoop competition, tug-ofwar and more. Teachers also had their own round of trivia and a tug-of-war round in which students cheered them on. It was a great day filled with team spirit and high energy.

STUDENTS ANSWERED TRIVIA QUESTIONS - Charles Campagne students answered trivia questions to try to gain points for their team. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

STUDENTS CHEERED FOR THEIR TEAMMATES - Students on the blue team cheered for their teammates during the game show. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Floating Litter Traps Return To North Shore Marina To Help Keep Waterways Clean

FLOATING LITTER TRAPS RETURN - Students

monitoring the Collec’Thor equipment, which helps

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources has returned the floating litter trap technology, known as the ‘Collec’Thor,’ to Tappen Marina. Provided to the Town by the Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension last summer through a grant from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, the Collec’Thor is a silent, motorized waste collector which attracts and engulfs all solid or liquid waste floating on the water surface.

“This innovative technology helps protect our environment and strengthens the ecosystem by removing debris from the water,” said Supervisor Saladino. “I thank all of the local environmental organizations who assisted the Town in implementing this environmental technology, which collects up to 220 pounds of floating debris in just one cycle.

Through partnership with Cornell Cooperative

Extension, Friends of the Bay, The Waterfront Center and the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee, we are continuing to work together to improve the quality of our waterways and protect our environment.”

As the Collec’Thor returned to the waterways this spring, students from Bethpage High School visited to take part in marine debris removal and data collection. The Town continues to look for additional volunteers to help with future gathering and data collection.

“Our environmental ambassadors are a key component to this project being a success. Once debris is collected, volunteers help analyze and track items retrieved. Students who participate in helping with the process earn volunteer hours and certification for their efforts,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We thank the Bethpage School District for their participation and hope that their field trip inspires them and others to

volunteer this summer.”

Collec’Thors are the latest in marine debris collection technology, and have been identified as the most efficient trash skimmers available for marine and coastal usage. They are specifically designed to target solid and liquid waste, including plastic bottles, cigarette filters and packaging, microplastics and hydrocarbons. The technology uses a small pump to draw in surrounding water and skims any floating trash into its receptacle. The mechanism adjusts with the tide and is easily affixed to a floating dock or waterfront location.

For more information on the Collec’Thor and volunteering to assist with future debris collection and tracking, contact the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources at environmental@oysterbayny.gov, (516) 624-5943 or visit oysterbaytown.com/ environmental.

New job, new retirement account options

P Vafeas Financial Advisor

from Bethpage High School visited Tappen Marina in Glenwood Landing to assist the Town of Oyster Bay in cleaning and

keep waterways clean throughout the season with the assistance of volunteers.

Legislator Drucker Congratulates Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School Principal James Murray On Upcoming Retirement

Nassau County Legislator

Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) and the Plainview-Old Bethpage community bid a fond farewell to Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Principal James Murray during a retirement party on Wednesday, May 31.

As an educator, Murray has served students in the district for 20 years upon his retirement at the end of the school year. Since becoming the high school’s principal in 2005, Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School earned a U.S Department of Education Blue Ribbon award in 2020 for outstanding student achievement and was named as one of America’s 1,000 best public schools by U.S. News and World Report in 2021.

During his tenure, Murray launched the school’s news literacy program and prioritized student engagement, which was evident by how he greeted students daily in the main lobby; starring in the student-directed 2018 snowday video; attending club events; volunteering for the Springfest

Starting this summer, Dr. Heather Dvorak will become the new principal of Plainview-Old Bethpage

John F. Kennedy High School. She replaces James Murray, who is retiring after

dunk tank, and much more. He has also distinguished himself as an active leader in the region’s LGBTQ+ community and was named Grand Marshal of the Long Island Pride Parade in 2022 in recognition of his efforts.

At his retirement celebration, Legislator Drucker presented Murray with a Nassau County Legislature Citation in recognition of his achievements and committed educational leadership.

“As a lifelong resident and graduate of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High school myself, we couldn’t have asked for a more caring and visionary educator to lead our high school,” Legislator Drucker said. “During his nearly two decades as principal, James Murray’s dedication to our students and their well-being was paramount, and it shined through in the many accolades and achievements that were bestowed upon our school during his tenure. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and congratulate him for a job well done!”

A New Principal For POBJFKHS

20 years with the PlainviewOld Bethpage School District.

“I have always been drawn to education, and I have always loved mentoring,” Dr. Dvorak said. “In the

secondary level, so much of what the students are learning will shape their first steps into adulthood. I look forward to helping Plainview’s students take those first steps.”

Dr. Heather Dvorak comes to POBJFKHS from Mineola High School, where she served as assistant principal for the past eight years. Her focus at Mineola was overseeing curriculum instruction, and she shepherded a number of programs and initiatives at the school. Her efforts include the implementation of asynchronous learning, a 1:1 iPad initiative and a redesign of curriculum to be more integrated across disciplines. “I’ve touched every aspect of high school life,” Dr. Dvorak said. Her career in in education began as a teacher in the New York City public school system, where she took part in the city’s small schools initiative. The plan involved the breaking up of larger schools into new, smaller, ones allowing Dr. Dvorak to manage the development of new programs and new school infrastructure in various, quasi-administrative roles.

“Opening a new school allows you to have a bird’s eye view of how a school is run,” she said. “I enjoy being part of planning the entire experience a student might have in a school. I enjoy observing the impact of various initiatives, seeing what works and what doesn’t, and going in and modifying them when necessary.”

As a school administrator, Dr. Heather Dvorak said her goal is to maintain authentic learning experiences for students and ensure what they learn in the classroom is applicable to life outside the building.

Mr. Murray came to POBJFKHS in 2003 as an assistant principal, becoming principal of the school in the 20052006 school year. His highlights include the school’s numerous student research awards, the move to a nine-period day, and various building and grounds improvements. The

culmination of those efforts, he said, was POBJFKHS’ designation as a national Blue Ribbon School in the 2020-2021 school year. In particular, Murray said he prided himself on building relationships with the students, learning their names and making sure they are not afraid to come to him when they need help.

Mr. Murray’s advice to Dr. Dvorak is to spend her initial time at the school making connections with the staff and various stakeholders while learning the ins-andouts of the school.

“I have no doubt she’s going to be successful,” he said. “She understands the community, and she understands the importance of being a good listener, being reflective and getting the input of all of your stakeholders. Once she spends the time building those relationships she will be able to make changes and put her stamp on the school.”

LEGISLATOR DRUCKER CONGRATULATES PRINCIPAL JAMES MURRAY ON UPCOMING RETIREMENT - Legislator Drucker with Plainview-Old Bethpage High School Principal James Murray on Tuesday, June 6. Photo courtesy of the Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker

A NEW PRINCIPAL FOR POBJFKHS - Dr. Heather Dvorak, third from left, with members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School student council. Dr. Dvorak will be taking over as principal of the school this summer. Photo courtesy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

On May 30, the Bethpage Union Free School District hosted its annual tenure reception in the Bethpage High School courtyard, which was followed by a board of education meeting in the high school auditorium.

Central and building administrators, board of education members, colleagues, family and friends attended the tenure reception to honor 13 outstanding individuals.

Student-musicians in the Bethpage High School jazz ensemble performed throughout the evening, and Assistant Superintendent for Human

Tenure Recipients And Student-Athletes Honored

Resources Caroline Lavelle and Superintendent of Schools

Dave Schneider opened the special event by congratulating those receiving tenure.

special recognition. The district congratulates the following tenure recipients:

Central Administration

Lisa Lucchesi, executive director for pupil personnel services and special education.

music teacher; Laura DiBlasi, teaching assistant; Cristin Ronzo, teaching assistant; Georgeanna Sansobrino, teaching assistant.

Central Boulevard Elementary School

point average or above to earn the award.

John F. Kennedy

One by one, Mr. Schneider introduced the building principals to speak about their school’s tenure recipients.

Middle School Principal

Kevin Fullerton, Bethpage High School Principal

Nicholas Jantz, Charles Campagne Principal

Erin Lindsay-DiFiglia and Central Boulevard

Principal Dominique Siebert praised their tenure honorees and shared why they were deserving of this

Bethpage High School

Michael Barden, Languages Other Than English teacher; Nicole Dulaney, science teacher; Allison Gallagher, mathematics teacher; Danielle Villanueva, Languages Other Than English teacher.

John F. Kennedy Middle School

Kristen Warnokowski,

Maria Bacalocostantis, teaching assistant; Teresa Douglas, teaching assistant; Lauren Sullivan, teaching assistant.

Charles Campagne Elementary School

Srividya Sridharan, teaching assistant.

Following the tenure reception, the Bethpage Board of Education held its meeting which began with a special presentation

to honor Bethpage High School’s Captains’ Club. Members consist of captains from each athletic team who strive to make the school a better place and complete service projects to support important causes such as cancer research. John Franchi, director of athletics, physical education and health, spoke highly of the student-athletes and shared that it is the third year that Bethpage High School was named a NYSPHSAA School of Distinction for having 100% of its varsity teams receive the ScholarAthlete team award. Each had to achieve a 90 grade

Class of 2023 valedictorian and two-time team captain (softball and tennis) Stephanie Pilnacek spoke on behalf of her fellow peers and thanked the families and district for their support both on and off the field. Following her remarks, each captain was recognized on the auditorium stage with a certificate. They each shared what team they were the captain of and their future plans. The district congratulates each student-athlete on their hard work, dedication and leadership.

AWARDED TENURE - One Bethpage administrator and 12 faculty members were awarded tenure. Pictured with Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider (right). Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

TEAM CAPTAINS - From left, Bethpage team captains Kathleen Krummenacker, Daniela Cross, Joy Kim, Jaideep Babra and Robert Ackerly with their certificates.

- Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider (left) spoke to the tenure recipients and families in the Bethpage High School courtyard.

POB DECA Members Earn Top Honors at International Conference

Plainview-Old Bethpage’s DECA members earned the organization’s highest honors at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida this year. The students were event finalists in the Business Services Operations Research and Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research categories.

These students competed against approximately 200 teams in their respective events and were among the top 15 in each. Students

Blake Becker, Jesse Singer and Emily Sorgie competed in the Business Services Operations research event, while Matthew Bricker, Logan Saltzman and Brandon Witz competed in the Hospitality and Tourism Operations research event. During the school year, roughly 100,000 of DECA’s 224,000 high school student members take part in the organization’s competitive events program allowing

them to compete for local, regional and association titles. The competitions are designed to simulate reallife business scenarios and test a student’s academic understanding as well as their skills development.

The top association winners put their talents to the test during the program’s final round of competition in Orlando, where over 22,000 students from across the world vied for international honors. Over $200,000 in scholarships and awards were presented to students and teachers for their achievements.

“I truly had the time of my life competing at ICDC 2023,” Matthew said. “I was humbled to represent the Plainview-Old Bethpage DECA Chapter at the highest level, and I felt tremendous pride every time I wore the DECA blazer. I will always cherish the memories I made at this year’s conference, and I am beyond grateful I had this once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity. I strongly encourage all students who are interested in business to join DECA, learn important skills to help them in their future and strive for DECA glass!”

“ICDC was an experience of a lifetime,” Jesse said. “Being an international finalist was a major accomplishment and great honor; however, the experience I got from the competition, convention and other career development programs was invaluable. The business leaders and college representatives who were at the conference taught me lessons that will be useful to me throughout by business education and ultimately my career.”

Plainview-Old Bethpage DECA is one of the largest and highest achieving chapters in New York State. Each year, the chapter offers numerous initiatives to allow students to explore different facets of business, leadership and their future.

JUNK CARS BOUGHT

POB DECA EVENT FINALISTS - POB DECA event finalists Matthew Bricker, from left, Brandon Witz, Logan Saltzman, Advisor Linsday DeLucca, Jesse Singer, Emily Sorgie and Blake Becker. Photo courtesy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

POB DECA STUDENTS ALONG WITH ADVISORS - POB DECA students at the International DECA Competition along with advisors Michael Ambury and Lindsay DeLucca. Photo courtesy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

Water Conservation Poster Contest Winners from Bethpage Elementary Schools

Announced by Bethpage Water District

Nearly 200 Posters Submitted for 2023!

During a special ceremony at the Bethpage Public Library on June 14, 2023, the Bethpage Water District (BWD) announced the winners of this year’s water conservation poster contest. As part of an annual event, all of the Bethpage Union Free School District community’s fifth graders were invited to design posters depicting different ways members of the community can conserve water. The contest serves as an engaging activity that teaches students the importance of protecting and preserving Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. The Water District received close to 200 submissions from elementary students this year.

“Water is our most precious natural resource,” stated Bethpage Water District Commissioner Scott A. Greco. “It is critical that young children learn about water conservation, protecting our aquifer and all that goes into providing high-quality drinking water to their homes. This is why this poster contest and our ongoing partnership with the Bethpage School District is so important. Bethpage Water District Commissioner Teri Catapano Black added, “We received so many creative and innovative submissions which made it very challenging to select the finalists this year. We were inspired by of all the students that participated.”

Water Conservation Poster Contest Winners:

Kramer Lane Elementary School

1st Place Charlotte Ciccotto – Mrs. Caliguri

2nd Place Mia MacDougall – Mrs. Caliguri

3rd Place Samantha Guerra – Mrs. Cano

Charles Campagne Elementary School

1st Place Melina Wilbur – Mrs. Whalen

2nd Place Zainab Chatriwala – Mrs. Yansick

3rd Place Ashley Puliafico – Ms. Ponzini

Central Boulevard Elementary School

1st Place Ruby Chadwick – Ms. Rufrano

2nd Place Mohammad Huzaifa – Ms. Seidita

3rd Place Jade Mignone – Mrs. McGuire

Bethpage Water District Board of Commissioners deliberated, judged and selected the poster contest finalists based on creativity, design and the overall water conservation message. This year, the District selected first, second, and third place winners from the three elementary schools within the District. Each winner received a trophy and a personalized certificate for their winning poster designs.

“The partnership between the Bethpage Water District and the School District has given students a unique opportunity to learn about their environment and water conservation. Every student puts a tremendous amount of time, thought and energy into their original concept. It’s remarkable to see the creativity that comes from this learning experience each year. The tenth annual poster contest with the Bethpage Water District demonstrates that students grasp the need to protect our most precious natural resource,” said David Schneider, Superintendent of Bethpage Schools.

The posters are available for viewing at the Bethpage Water District headquarters (25 Adams Avenue, Bethpage, NY), and they will also be on display at the District’s 100th Anniversary Event later this Fall.

For more information on water conservation, visit: www.bethpagewater.com/conservation

To view the 2023 gallery of posters, visit: www.bethpagewater.com/2023postercontest

Bethpage Water District Commissioners Scott A. Greco (Far Left) and Teri Catapano Black (Far Right) with poster contest winners and their teachers.

Charlotte Ciccotto

Melina Wilbur

Ruby Chadwick

Bethpage

234 Broadway, Bethpage (516) 931-1454

ArthurFWhite.com

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315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale (516) 249-0336

“A Tradition of Caring Since 1923”

Family Owned & Operated

Oldest established business in Farmingdale and Bethpage.

Proud members of both Farmingdale & Bethpage Chambers of Commerce and Historical Societies, Farmingdale Rotary Club, St. Kilian Women’s Guild, Farmingdale Junior League and the Knights of Columbus.

Owner/Operator - Nancy J. White

Manager - William D. Parsons

Funeral Directors - Stephen J. Mahoney, Kevin R. DeFriest & Jayme R. Elia

Impress Guests With Homemade Burgers This Fourth Of July

Backyard barbecues are a staple of summertime. In fact, many Fourth of July celebrations just wouldn’t feel right without hamburgers and hot dogs cooking over an open flame in the backyard.

Mushroom And Swiss Burgers With Bacon And Aioli

Serves 4

8 bacon slices

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 pounds ground beef

4 Swiss cheese slices

4 kaiser rolls, split

1⁄2 cup aioli (see below)

Directions:

1. Prepare the grill for direct grilling at 500 F, then preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet on the grate with the lid closed.

2. Put the bacon in the skillet. Close the lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until browned and crispy around the edges. Transfer to a plate.

Burgers may not qualify as fancy fare, but they’re perfect for Independence Day celebrations. This year, party hosts can add a little something extra to their barbecues by whipping up some homemade hamburgers.

This recipe for “Mushroom and Swiss Burgers with Bacon and Aioli” from “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) by Will Budiaman is sure to make your Fourth of July festivities more flavorful.

3. Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Close the lid and cook, stirring once, for 7 to 9 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, season the beef with pepper and 4 teaspoons of salt. Using your hands, mix until just incorporated; form into four 1-inch-thick patties with a slight dimple in the center.

5. Put the burgers on the grate. Close the lid and cook, flipping halfway through, for 8 to 10 minutes total for medium, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 135 F. (If using store-bought ground beef, always cook it to 160 F, or well done.) In the last minute of cooking, top the patties with the cheese to melt and place the rolls cut-side down on the grate to toast.

6. Spread the aioli on the buns and assemble the burgers, dividing the bacon and mushrooms between them. Serve immediately.

Aioli

Makes 1 1⁄4 cups

1 large egg

1 cup vegetable oil

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Put the egg in the bowl of a small food processor. Blend until beaten.

2. With the machine running, slowly stream in the oil through the feed tube until emulsified (the mixture thickens).

3. Blend in the garlic and salt.

4. Transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate, and use within 5 days.

Troubleshooting: Is your aioli just not coming together, staying thin and runny instead of thickening? You may be streaming in your oil too quickly. But don’t throw out the batch. Instead, pour it into a small cup or bowl, wash and dry the bowl and blade of the food processor, and start again with a fresh egg. Use the previous batch as your “oil.”

A Summer Dessert That Is Just Peachy

Peaches are a nutritious summertime favorite. Peaches are antioxidant-rich, include a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and are fiber-rich. And there is no denying how sweet and tasty peaches can be, whether they’re plucked right from a tree or enjoyed in any number of recipes.

Cobbler is a type of dessert that gained popularity in

Southern Peach Cobbler

Serves 15

1 1⁄2 cups self-rising flour

1 stick butter

1⁄2 cup water

2 cups sugar, divided

4 cups peaches, peeled and sliced

1 cup milk

Ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir.

the United States during the 19th century. It is made by putting fruit in a deep baking dish and then topping it with a drop biscuit batter and sometimes a crumb topping. Any number of fruits work well in cobblers, including apples, pears, and various berries. However, peach cobbler is the quintessential summertime treat.

Cobbler gets its name from the fact that early

American settlers didn’t have strict recipes with exact measurements for ingredients, so they took what they had and “cobbled” them together.

Today’s cobbler bakers enjoy the benefits of having more direction when putting together their desserts. This recipe for “Southern Peach Cobbler” comes courtesy of Paula Deen.

Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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• Our Homemade Crisp String Bean Salad

$2199

*Includes ketchup, mustard, American Cheese and paper goods.

• Our Homemade Cheese & Parsley Sausage Rings

• USDA Prime Sirloin Burgers or USDA GRADE-A White Meat Chicken Burgers w/ buns

• Filet Mignon Steaks

• Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs

• Marinated USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers

• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with buns

• Our Famous Homemade Macaroni or Potato Salad

• • Homemade Farfalle or Caprese Salad

Homemade String Bean Salad or B aked B eans

• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl

$29 99 plus

“Well-Done”

Enjoy A Safe And Happy Independence Day

Independence Day is a celebration of the United States of America. The holiday is marked by fanfare and large parties, complete with barbecues, fireworks and parades. As fun as July 4th festivities typically are, injuries, particularly those involving fireworks, are a concern that celebrants should not take lightly.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 people were treated for fireworks injuries in emergency rooms in 2020. However, fireworks aren’t the only danger this time of year. In order to remain safe, individuals can heed these tips.

• Do not drink and drive. Alcohol consumption may accompany Independence Day festivities. For those planning on using a car to get to and from parties, it is essential to designate a driver who will not imbibe. Otherwise, utilize any number of ridesharing

services or available taxis.

• Swim smartly. Always swim with a buddy, and consider hiring a lifeguard if you’ll be hosting a pool party and cannot keep a watchful eye on guests in

the pool. Adults also should not swim intoxicated, as it can impede the ability to stay afloat and may lead to risky behaviors.

• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Watch a

public fireworks display instead of lighting fireworks on the street or in the backyard.

• Exercise caution with sparklers. Kids running around with sparklers in

hand could be a recipe for disaster, as sparklers burn extremely hot. Make sure children do not wave them around or others can get burned. Keep a bucket of water handy to properly

extinguish the sparklers.

• Review safe boating practices. If July 4th festivities find you out on the water, be sure that life jackets are worn and set boating and water safety rules for the family.

• Check in with a vet. The Fourth of July can be traumatic for pets not accustomed to fireworks and other loud noises or crowds. Behavior therapy, medication and ensuring that pets do not run away from home and get lost may be necessary.

• Watch food temperatures. Do not leave food out in the hot sun for too long; otherwise, harmful bacteria can grow and potentially cause foodborne illnesses. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says to never leave food out of refrigeration for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90 F, food should not be left out for more than one hour.