South Bay's Neighbor
The East Islip Youth Lacrosse League donated 100 lacrosse sticks to the East Islip School District for
unit offered in physical education classes at East Islip’s four elementary schools. Photo
Timber Point Raises $22K For St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
TIMBER POINT RAISES $22K FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL - East Islip’s Timber Point Elementary School students worked hard and used their math skills while participating recently in the St. Jude Math-a-Thon, coordinated by Michelle Kilkelly and Carolyn McGee. The event raised $22,314 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this year, bringing the school’s grand total over the past 20 years to $283,079. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District
Marinate Meats Before Grilling
Grilling is a summertime tradition, but healthconscious grillmasters may want to marinate their meats before cooking them over an open flame. Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are compounds that can form when meats are cooked over an open flame. HAAs are suspected carcinogens, but a 2008 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that, with a few exceptions, spice-containing marinades inhibited the formation of heterocyclic amines, thus providing reduced exposure to some of the carcinogens formed during grilling.
East Islip High School Tri-M Hosts Mock NYSSMA Practice For Younger Musicians
TRI-M HOSTS MOCK NYSSMA PRACTICE FOR YOUNGER MUSICIANS - Before the close of the school year, East Islip High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society hosted its first Mock NYSSMA practice session for fourth-to-sixth-grade band, chorus and orchestra students. Tri-M members acted as judges and offered feedback and practice suggestions to the younger students. “Our main mission was to get the students comfortable performing and to provide a positive musical experience,” music teacher Giovanna Sciandra said. “We hope to make Mock NYSSMA an annual event.” Photos courtesy of East Islip School District
AUGUST HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
AUGUST 3 & 4
11:00AM-8:00PM
JONES BEACH
95TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the Jones Beach 95th Anniversary Celebration, a two-day celebration. This event will be held near the East Bathhouse and Central Mall. For more information, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
7:00PM
REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION (RAC) MEETING
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Republic Airport Commission (RAC) meeting that was to be held on Tuesday August 13th, has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, August 6th at 7:00pm. The meeting will take place at: Republic Airport Main Terminal 7150 Republic Airport, Room 201, Farmingdale. For the latest RAC meeting information, please visit www.republicairport.net .
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
7:30PM-9:30PM
OWL PROWL WEDNESDAY
Visit Sweetbriar to meet and learn about some of their resident owls. Embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight. *Must have tickets to attend this event. No walk
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
ins permitted* Open to families with children ages 5y and up.
Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
5:00 PM
FARMINGDALE MUSIC ON MAIN 2024
Sponsored by the Farmingdale Village Merchants Association. Music & Fun Along Main St. , between Prospect St & So Front St. For more information, please call 516-249-0093
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
8:00 PM
IAC CONCERT IN THE PARK
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of NYS Parks At Heckscher State Park in East Islip. For more information, call 631-888-3525, Isliparts.org
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
AUGUST 10 & 11
Saturday 1OAM-9:30PM
Sunday 10AM-5PM
PAUMANAUKE POW WOW
The Paumanauke Native American Festival Inc., the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, and The Town of Babylon present Paumanauke Pow Wow at Tanner Park in Copiague. Audience participation, Traditional Drums, Native Food, Dance Competitions, Quality Traders. For more information, please call BACCA Arts Center 631-587-3696
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
11:00AM- 4:00PM
SPIRIT OF SUMMER ART FESTIVAL
Proudly hosted by the Spirit of Huntington, Long Island's Largest Non-Profit Art Festival. A day of fine art, community networking, food & dessert, raffles, games, activities and music! Rain Date: August 18th • FREE Admission. Located at 2 Melville Rd. N. in Huntington Station. For more information, please call 631-470-9620
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
7:00PM
LIGHTS OF HOPE
REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
To honor loved ones lost to an overdose. YES Community Counseling Center’s Annual Lights of Hope Remembrance Ceremony is being held on Monday, August 12, 2024. The ceremony will be held at YES Community Counseling Center’s Levittown office located at 152 Center Lane. For more information, contact Kathleen Coletta, LCSW (516) 799-3203 x127 or email at kcoletta@ yesccc.org
MONDAY, AUGUST 12 -16
9:30AM- 12:30PM
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Community United Methodist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School for ages 4-11. Children must be potty trained. $10 per child. CUMC is located at 100 Park Blvd. in Massapequa. For more information, or to register, please call 516-541-7008, or email: MASSAPCUMC@aol.com.
Hold On To That Balloon!
The beautiful weather and plentiful celebrations, means that outdoor spaces can be crowded with drones, kites and metallic foil balloons. PSEG Long Island reminds customers that any of these objects can become entangled in overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems.
“While we all want to make our celebrations as festive as possible, if drones, kites or metallic foil balloons come into contact with a power line or other electrical equipment, that could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries,” said Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Electric Operations. “The safety of customers and employees is PSEG Long Island’s No. 1 priority. We want customers to know the risks and take steps to ensure their recreational activities and celebrations are a success.”
To mitigate these risks, PSEG Long Island encourages the public to follow these safety guidelines:
• Fly your drone at or below 400 feet.
• Stay at least 200 feet away from power lines or other electrical equipment.
• Do not fly in dark, stormy or windy conditions.
• Read and follow the drone manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the safety of your drone and people around you.
• Never fly kites or balloons in the rain or during an electrical storm.
• Never cross a road or street while flying a kite or holding a balloon.
• Kites and Mylar balloons should be kept away from overhead power lines and equipment, and never purposely released into the air.
• All balloons with helium should be secured to weights that prevent them from floating away.
• To properly dispose of a Mylar balloon, safely puncture it in several places to release the helium, and discard it in the trash.
• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, drone or anything caught in an overhead power line. Report it by contacting PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.
New York Blood Center Declares
Blood Emergency
Help Needed - @ New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency. The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply, and 1-2 day supply of type O; NYBC warns this could signal more severe shortages in the weeks ahead. Please sign up to donate at a convenient donation location near you: smarturl.it/
NYBC_Urgent
Donating blood is safe and it only takes one hour. We are taking extra precautions to help prevent the personto-person spread of COVID-19. Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-800-9332566 or visiting www. nybc.org.
George Gershwin’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 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
Outdoor Activities Ideal For Summertime
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 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.
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
According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
Helpful Tips To Keep Your Grill Clean
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 heat-proof 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.
Great Meals Start With Waffles
Breakfast foods may be most often enjoyed in the morning, but many are delicious at any time of the day. Pancakes, waffles and even omelets can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner, making them each worthy of addition to your culinary repertoire.
Waffles are a diverse breakfast food. Waffles are tasty as a standalone, but they can be made even more delicious with some toppings or sides.
No matter the meal, having a versatile waffle recipe base can be the springboard to delicious dishes. Enjoy this recipe for “Belgian-Style Waffles,” courtesy of Land O Lakes®.
Directions:
1. Combine flour, sugar baking powder and salt in bowl; mix well.
2. Combine milk, melted butter, eggs and vanilla in another bowl; mix well.
Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
3. Cook batter in Belgian waffle maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup, or desired toppings.
Note: Belgian waffles can be made savory by serving with fried chicken and a spicy jam.
Belgian-Style Waffles
8 waffles
2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 1⁄2 cups milk
1 cup Land O Lakes® butter, melted
3 large Land O Lakes® eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
The Grading System For Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a sugary staple of breakfast foods and desserts made primarily from the sap of the sugar maple species of maple trees. Syrup production involves a process of tapping the trees, collecting the sap, evaporating the water, and filtering the syrup to the final product. Maple syrup production is dependent on nature and the weather during the sugaring season, which is why maple syrups vary in color and taste. Maple syrup made early in the season is generally light in color and more delicate in flavor. Maple syrup made towards the end of the season is dark and rich. These disparities are why syrups are categorized into “grades.”
Before 2014, pure maple syrup was graded using three letters: A (light), B (dark) and C (very dark). Perhaps stemming from the grading system used in schools, people mistakenly thought A syrup was of better quality than C syrup. However, the only differences in maple syrup grades came down to color and taste — the quality and purity was identical across the grades. Therefore, Vermont, the state that produces the most maple syrup in the United States, adopted less confusing guidelines for maple syrup grading. All syrups would be lettered “A,” but more descriptive coloring names and flavors would be added. This system eventually was adopted by the USDA in 2015 and across Canada, and is as follows:
• Grade A Golden Color/Delicate Taste Maple Syrup
• Grade A Amber Color/Rich Taste Maple Syrup
• Grade A Dark Color/Robust Taste Maple Syrup
• Grade A Very Dark Color/Strong Taste Maple Syrup
The lighter the color and flavor the more ideal for pancakes, waffles and ice cream toppings. Grade A Dark Color lends itself to meat glazes, cookies and brewing. The darkest grade is usually reserved for commercial manufacturing purposes, such as in baked goods and sauces.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
Youth Lacrosse League Donates 100 Sticks
At the close of the 20232024 school year, the East Islip Youth Lacrosse League donated 100 lacrosse sticks to the East Islip School District. The organization provided 25 sticks strung in EI colors for each of East Islip’s four elementary schools – John F. Kennedy Elementary School, Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School, Connetquot Elementary
School and Timber Point Elementary School – for use in a new lacrosse unit offered in physical education classes.
“Myself and my fellow board members all have children within the district, and it came to our attention that during PE classes, the children complete a unit on lacrosse,” East Islip Youth Lacrosse League President
Chris Maher said. “Our children mentioned that there was a shortage of lacrosse sticks for those classes, so our organization purchased 100 lacrosse sticks for the students to use. The participation rates for boys and girls’ youth lacrosse have been booming, and we would love to continue to help grow the game.”
YOUTH LACROSSE LEAGUE DONATES 100 STICKS - The East Islip Youth Lacrosse League donated 100 lacrosse sticks to the East Islip School District for use in a new lacrosse unit offered in physical education classes at East Islip’s four elementary schools. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District
Gardening Offers More Than A Day In The Sun
Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. In addition, authors of a 2022 study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirus-related stress through outdoor activity.
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Summer 2024 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
Islip Summer Senior Advocate Schedule
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This summer, Senior
Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Islip:
• Bay Shore Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, September 20, 10 am – 12 pm
• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip: Mondays, August 26 & September 30, 10 am – 12 pm
• Brentwood Senior Nutrition, 16 Second Avenue, Brentwood:
Mondays, August 19 & September 23, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Connetquot Library, 760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia: Thursday, September 12, 10 am – 12 pm
• East Islip Library, 381 E. Main Street, East Islip: Monday, August 12, 10 am – 12 pm
• Islip Library, 71 Monell Avenue, Islip: Monday September 16, 10 am – 12 pm
• St. Anne’s Gardens, 80100 2nd Avenue, Brentwood:
Friday, August 2, 8:30 –11 am
Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available
services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and troublefree access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
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Adventure Awaits, Even Close To Home
It’s not uncommon for individuals to think that the ultimate vacation adventure requires venturing far and wide. But there are plenty of exciting ways to get your thrills even if you don’t stray too far from home. Here is how to plan a summer adventure right in your own neighborhood.
· Visit an amusement or theme park. Spending a day or two at a theme park or amusement park can expose travelers to different rides, sights, attractions, food, and people. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation operates 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Water parks, summer carnivals and local theme parks also can make for fun excursions.
· Scale great heights. Figure out what is the highest peak where you live and then hike to the top of that lookout. Many of the tallest peaks in North America are along the border between the state of Alaska and Canada, but there are plenty of lofty elevations elsewhere on the continent.
· Try a new food. Experience a new culture by visiting a restaurant that serves food from a country that you’ve never visited. You can score even more brownie points if you opt for an ingredient that is new to you as well.
· Go rafting or tubing. The power of moving water is very impressive. Rafting and tubing enables people to get swept away by rapids and see the landscape as it goes rushing by. Choose a pace that suits you and build up rapid size and speed as you gain more experience.
· Try a new water sport. Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking can be entertaining ways to enjoy the water. These are not only great adventurous activities, they’re also solid workouts for many parts of the body.
· Go fishing. Fishing may seem like a slowpaced sport, but your adrenaline soon will be pumping when a fish bites and you’re reeling in a monster catch. Some of the best times to fish are at dawn and dusk when fish are more likely to hit.
· Swim in the ocean. Head to the coast and dive through the waves. The summer months are the perfect times to take a dip as the ocean water becomes a more comfortable swimming temperature. Always swim in locations where lifeguards are present, and
be sure to check red flag warnings for rip currents or rough surf. Keep an eye out for marine life as well.
· Catch a baseball game. Purchase tickets to a game at a stadium near you and cheer on the team with thousands of other fans. In addition to watching Major League Baseball, there are many minor league teams with impressive stadiums. Tickets for minor league games may be easier to come by and softer on the wallet. Summer adventures do not have to require traveling far. There are plenty of exciting ideas close to home.
Start Preparing For School Now
After a summer of relaxation, the start of a new school year generates mixed emotions among students. Many children look forward to being back on campus with their friends but may not revel in the idea of waking up early or doing homework each night.
While summer break is a much needed-respite from the rigors of school, it doesn’t mean school should be forgotten entirely. In fact, doing some preparatory steps before a new school year begins can make the year go much more smoothly. Here’s how students and parents can direct their focus during the final countdown.
Keep reading
According to Scholastic, summer slide is a concept that was first acknowledged by researchers in 1996. Many comprehensive studies have come out since then and indicated that kids lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break, which can have a cumulative effect and lead to skill loss each year. Some research says up to 20 percent of school year gains in reading and 27 percent in math are lost during summer break. Children should be encouraged to read as much as possible during summer break, particularly since many schools require summer reading and subsequent essays or book reports upon returning to
the classroom. Let kids read what they want, whether it’s comics, magazines, the newspaper, or even books they’ve read before.
Accumulate supplies
School may not be on the radar early in summer, but it’s wise to purchase supplies early. Right before school starts there is a mad dash to grab notebooks, pens, clothing, and more, which can make for a stressful shopping experience for all involved. Shopping early helps families avoid that outcome.
Brush up on math skills
It can’t hurt for students to do a few math problems over the summer. Practice keeps skills fresh and any mathematical formulas prominent in their minds.
All it takes is one or two problems per day to stay on top of math skills.
Visit educational attractions
Families can include museums, art exhibits, animal sanctuaries, libraries, science centers, and similar attractions in the list of places they visit over the summer. This way students can learn and be entertained simultaneously.
Start enforcing bedtimes
School-aged children (six to 13 years) need nine to 12 hours of sleep every night, according to KidsHealth. org. During the summer, late nights can easily be rectified by sleeping in the next day. But when school
resumes, the alarm clock will be ringing earlier than expected. Parents can gradually implement earlier bedtimes as summer winds down so that kids are getting the rest they will need.
Get in the know
Parents can begin to pay closer attention to emails and social media posts from schools as they’ll likely contain information about upcoming school calendars, bus routes (or transportation registration), changes in personnel, or any additional updates. This will help alleviate any surprises on the first day of school.
Families can take several steps to get ready for school as the first day draws near.
A Summertime Staple
Regular Eye Exams
Peaches are a summertime staple. This sweet fruit is at home in desserts, salads, on top of cereals, and all on its own. Peaches thrive in warm climates with lots of sunlight. Peaches are native to northwest China, and they are believed to have been domesticated and cultivated since 2000 B.C. Later, they were widely grown in the region known as Persia, which is now called Iran. As a result, the scientific name for the peach species is Prunus persica. China continues to be the world’s largest peach producer, followed by Spain, Italy, Greece, and the United States. In the United States, even though Georgia is known as “The Peach State,” it is not the country’s biggest producer of peaches. Georgia is beat out by California and South Carolina. New Jersey also produces its fair share of peaches. Nectarines and peaches are similar fruits. In fact, nectarines are a type of peach. Peaches have a dominant allele for the fuzzy skin, while nectarines have a recessive allele for that fuzz. In regard to flavor, peaches and nectarines are very similar, but some experts say nectarines are slightly sweeter and firmer. According to the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, nectarines also have considerably more potassium and twice as much vitamin A as peaches.
(NAPSI)—Protect yourself from vision loss with regular eye exams. People 65 or older concerned about eye disease and eye exam costs may be eligible for an eye exam with no out-of-pocket cost, through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America program. Learn more at www.aao.org/ eyecare-america.
