Summer Seasons 2024 - Edition Four

to your dream home, a meticulously renovated 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom splanch-style haven sprawled across an approximate half-acre of lush landscape. Updated state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen. Primary en-suite. 20 x 40 in-ground pool. $999,000

It's June and summer will be here before we know it! We've gathered local day-trip suggestions, a list of summer concerts you won't want to miss and much more. Whether you're busy planning a graduation party, searching for the perfect Father's Day gift or planning a family getaway, we hope you find time to flip through these pages and enjoy our Summer Issue. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published ten times a year in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

Neighborhood News: Northport - East Northport Public Library

Upcoming Events

Art Gallery Exhibit “A Day at the Beach” by Harry Anesta through June 30, 2024

Northport Public Library Art Gallery

Acrylic paintings on canvas, some with vintage window framing. Meet the Artist: Friday, June 7, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Northport Public Library

Thursday, June 13, 7:00 p.m.

Trio Ardiente—a new collaboration of clarinetist Joseph Rutkowski, cellist Suzanne Mueller, and pianist/tanguera Claudine Robins—presents its debut at the Library! Enjoy tangos and other music of passion spanning centuries by composers Isaac Albeniz, Richard Rodney Bennett, Max Bruch, Cole Porter, and more. Registration is underway. This program is co-sponsored with Northport Arts Coalition.

All About Cloud Storage (Zoom)

Thursday, June 13, 7:00 p.m.

Learn about “cloud” storage options for your digital files and photos. Review popular cloud services including Apple iCloud, Google Drive, Google Photos, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox. Registration is underway.

Where There’s a Will, There’s the Stonewall Way (Zoom)

Friday, June 14, 12:00 p.m.

Join a Stonewall National Monument park ranger for this virtual program. Explore the dramatic history of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and its lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, as well as the complexities of caring for and interpreting a historic site with a story still actively unfolding. Registration is underway. This program is co-sponsored with the public libraries in the Town of Huntington.

Quick Reads (Zoom)

Tuesday, June 18, 7:00 p.m.

This informal reading group is designed for intermediate English language learners and for those who would like to develop their literacy skills. The reading selection will be emailed one week before the meeting. (Print copies are available at the East Northport Reference Desk.) Registration is underway.

AARP Smart DriverTEK Workshop

Thursday, June 20, 2:00 p.m.

East Northport Public Library

This workshop offers an interactive way to stay up-to-date with the latest safety technology in your current or future car. Learn all about what new technologies are available, how they work, and how they can improve your peace of mind while on the road. Registration is underway.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint (Zoom)

Thursday, June 20, 7:00 p.m.

Learn the basics of designing presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. See how to create a slideshow including editing, formatting, saving, using multimedia, and more. Prerequisite: basic computer knowledge. Registration is underway.

Author Visit: Making Long Island

Monday, June 24, 11:00 a.m.

Northport Public Library

Author Lawrence R. Samuel will discuss his book Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream. The book explores how the Island evolved over the decades and largely detached itself from New York City to become a selfsustaining entity with its own challenges, exclusions, and triumphs. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is underway.

Veggie Quesadillas (Zoom)

Thursday, June 27, 11:00 a.m.

Follow along with The Baking Coach and learn how to make large flour tortillas from scratch and then turn them into delicious veggie filled quesadillas. The recipe will be emailed to registered patrons before the program. Registration is underway.

Enjoy Summer On Long Island

From its pristine white sand beaches to award-winning vineyards, Long Island is truly an unforgettable destination for many. However, for us it’s home! Whether or not you’ve already planned to head on a summer vacation elsewhere, consider taking some time away from the hustle and bustle of work to enjoy all our island has to offer with your loved ones this season. Read on for a variety of local day-trip ideas!

Explore The Gold Coast

Our Gold Coast is home to mansions and castles and has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood productions. Many of these mansions are open for tours and allow guests to stay overnight, and there is plenty more to see and do nearby.

Suggested Stops: Cafe In The Woods at Old Westbury Gardens, Oheka Castle & Planting Fields Arboretum

Forget Your Problems On Fire Island

Fire Island is the famed car-free beach haven. The 32-mile-long barrier island is only about a mile wide and features 17 communities. It's best known for its serene beaches, but it really does boast a large amount of attractions.

Suggested Stops: Davis Park, Kismet Beach, Hideaway Restaurant

Unwind On The North Fork

The North Fork is home to vast farmlands, over 60 wineries, charming towns and much more. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and romantic retreat or a spot the whole family will enjoy, look no further!

Suggested Stops: Sound View, Sang Lee Farms, Lenz Winery

Fall In Love With The Hamptons & Montauk

The Hamptons exude luxury and Montauk is a haven of fishing and surfing, but both destinations are unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to stroll down a picturesque Main Street, enjoy the beauty of nature or experience gourmet dining, you should head to the South Fork.

Suggested Stops: Topping Rose House, Coopers Beach, Southampton Village

• Straight, Curved & Narrow Staircases

• Folds Up Against Wall

• Factory Trained Technicians (No Subcontractors)

• New, Reconditioned & Rentals

• Over 20 Years Serving The New York Tristate Area

Tips For Picking And Cutting Watermelon

Watermelon

is a summertime staple. Each summer, stores and farm stands have an abundance of watermelons on display, and many people feel no picnic or barbecue is complete without watermelon.

Watermelon is a refreshing option on hot days. It’s ideal sliced and served, or can be included in fruit salads, smoothies, or even “spiked” cocktails. The key to a tasty watermelon is knowing how to pick one that is ripe while serving watermelon comes down to understanding some easycutting strategies.

• Choose a watermelon that has a firm, symmetrical shape. Avoid melons with bumps, dents, or cuts.

• Watermelons should be relatively heavy. They’re 92 percent water, and that juiciness should be reflected in a substantial weight for the melon’s size.

• Watermelon.org advises looking for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon. This is called the “ground spot.” It indicates where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Once cut from the vine, a watermelon has about three to four weeks to be consumed.

• All parts of the watermelon are edible, including the seeds and rind. The rind can be pickled or cut up to use in stir-fry dishes.

When bringing watermelon to an event, it is a courtesy to bring it already sliced or cut up. This ensures the host or hostess does not have to tackle what can sometimes be a chore. Here are three techniques to cut a watermelon easily:

Cubes

1. Cut both ends off of the watermelon.

2. Stand the watermelon on one sliced end. Use the knife to slice down and cut off the rind.

3. After removing the rind from all sides of the melon, cut into discs about 1⁄2-inch in thickness.

4. Then cut those discs into cubes.

Slices

1. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.

2. Take one cut half and place it cut-side down.

3. Cut the watermelon into slices.

4. Repeat for the other cut half.

Strips

1. Cut the watermelon as you would with the slices. Rather than leaving it in large slices, turn the watermelon and cut the same size slices in the opposite direction. This creates strips that are easy for kids to grab and maneuver.

2. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon in the same manner.

Helpful Tips To Keep Your Grill Clean

Millions of people across the globe have a passion for grilling. Cooking over an open flame imparts a unique flavor to a variety of foods, and that profile can be augmented with marinades, wood chips and a host of other tweaks that help to create a delicious finished product.

Though many people grill throughout the year, this particular method of cooking is most popular in summer, when welcoming temperatures compel cooks to prepare meals outdoors. As grilling season kicks into high gear, grillmasters can embrace these strategies to ensure their grills remain clean.

· Oil the grates before

cooking. A light coating of oil brushed onto the grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood that food sticks to the grill while it's being cooked. Food stuck to a grill can be difficult to remove, but the oil can reduce the likelihood that ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts will stick to the cooking surface.

· Use the right tools. Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. The cooking experts at Epicurious note that steel brush bristles can cause throat and/

or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but grillmasters should know that some, including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.

· Clean after each use.

Once food is cooked, cooks' minds immediately shift to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Though grillmasters can eat before cleaning their grills, keep the fire going until after eating (vents can be slightly closed to reduce the heat somewhat), then scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean, but use heatproof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.

· Clean all components. Grease traps, ash pans and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.

Outdoor Activities

Ideal For Summertime

GeorgeGershwin’s song “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess,” offers: Summertime and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective clothing and sunscreen is

beginners, and then build up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.

• Day at the beach: Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chatter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.

• Walk a boardwalk: Those lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.

recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.

Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.

• Family bike ride: Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Try flat paths for

• Backyard obstacle course: Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.

• Hike: In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.

There’s no limit to the ways people can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather warms up.

RELAX & UNWIND AT THESE SUMMER CONCERTS

Curated by Natalie Raccuglia

As the temperature rises, so does the excitement for this summer’s concert lineup. From iconic venues to scenic outdoor stages, music lovers can look forward to an array of performances this season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening, these are concerts you won’t want to miss!

JUNE 25

Who: Justin Timberlake The Forget Tomorrow Tour

Where: Madison Square Garden When: 8PM www.msg.com

JULY 3

Who: Maroon 5 & Maren Morris

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

When: 7:30PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

JULY 9

Who: Dave Mathews Band

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

When: 7:30PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

JULY 17 & 19

Who: Foo Fighters

Where: Citi Field

When: 5:30PM www.mlb.com/mets

JULY 21

Who: blink-182

Where: Citi Field

When: 7PM www.mlb.com/mets

JULY 31

Who: Elevation Worship

Where: Central Park, Rumsey Playfield When: 7:30PM www.elevationworship.com

JULY 27

Who: Train, REO Speedwagon & Yacht Rock Revue Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 2

Who: Imagine Dragons Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 3

Who: Missy Elliott - Out Of This World Experience Where: UBS Arena When: 7PM www.ubsarena.com

AUGUST 9

Who: Jennifer Lopez: This Is Me... Now The Tour Where: UBS Arena When: 8PM www.ubsarena.com

AUGUST 10

Who: Dan And Shay, Jake Owen & Dylan Marlowe Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 27

Who: Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan & Girlfriends Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

SEPTEMBER 12

Who: Pitbull

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 8PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

Fun Ways To Celebrate The Summer Solstice

Summer is a great time to enjoy recreational activities that take advantage of the great outdoors. This year summer arrives on June 20 with the summer solstice, which features the most hours of daylight of any day for the entire year. Celebrants who want to usher in another summer of fun in the sun can embrace these ideas for commemorating the start of summer.

• Watch the sunrise. Get up

this year, so the solstice provides the perfect excuse to take a four-day weekend and celebrate the official arrival of summer.

• Light a campfire. Traditional Mid-summer’s Eve/summer solstice celebrations featured bonfires. Hold on to the tradition by gathering people around a campfire or backyard firepit. S’mores make the perfect complement to a campfire scene.

• Grab some ice cream. Cool off on the summer solstice by visiting a nearby ice cream shop and indulge in a sundae or triple-decker cone.

• Go on a nature hike. Enjoy the great outdoors with a relaxing hike through a park or nature trail.

• Participate in a beach

clean-up. Make a beach trip even more enjoyable by signing up for a cleanup to clear the sand of litter. Organize an impromptu beach clean-up session either solo or with some like-minded friends.

• Pick fresh fruit. Many berries come into season in the summer. Head to a nearby pick-your-own farm and grab fresh fruit to enjoy right away or utilize your pickings in recipes.

• Plant a flower garden. Clean up garden beds or go to the nursery and grab some colorful annuals to spruce up areas around the yard.

The summer solstice is an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of summer and all the fun that comes with it.

early and watch the sun come up on the longest day of the year. Then be sure to catch the sunset to enjoy every minute of daylight.

• Host a cookout. Memorial Day, Canada Day and Independence Day get most of the barbecue glory this time of year. But there’s nothing that says the first day of summer shouldn’t be a reason to gather friends and family for a cookout. June 20 falls on a Thursday

A Cold Beverage Ideal For The Season

Summer is a season synonymous with relaxation. Sitting poolside or relaxing on a patio with a cold beverage is a great way to escape the daily grind and make the most of a warm evening, and the following recipe for “Summer Cantaloupe” from Andrew Schloss’ “Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits” (Storey Publishing) is tailor-made for summer nights.

Summer Cantaloupe

Makes about 1 quart

1 fifth (31/4 cups) 80-100 proof vodka

4 cups cantaloupe chunks

1 cup Simple Syrup (see below)

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

Directions:

1. Muddle the vodka, cantaloupe and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten everything.

2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of melon, four to seven days.

3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.

4. Stir in the Simple Syrup.

5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.

Simple Syrup

Makes 3 cups

2 1/4 cups water

21/4 cups granulated cane sugar

Directions:

Mix the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is all moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool. Refrigerate for up to three months.

July

4th is a day when Americans celebrate their independence, but it's also a day to commemorate two men who played vital roles in procuring that independence. Both John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his successor Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed. According to History.com, Adams and Jefferson were confidantes in the 1780s, but as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the United States government should be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the 1800 presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history. Jefferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to Jefferson's inauguration. The two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than 150 letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.