OUTDOOR living living Must-have features when outfitting an outdoor living space
Outdoorliving spaces are wildly popular.
A 2024 poll of more than 1,000 homeowners conducted by Thumbtack found that 29 percent of respondents intended to spend as much as $5,000 improving their outdoor spaces in the coming months.
There’s much to gain from upgrading outdoor living spaces. In addition to the improved functionality and additional usage residents get to enjoy when upgrading these spaces, such projects can help to improve resale value. In fact, a 2021 survey of real estate agents conducted by HomeLight found that a new patio provided an average return on investment of 109 percent.
There’s much to gain in both the short- and longterm when upgrading an outdoor living space. The following are a handful of must-have features to make such spaces an even better addition to a home’s existing layout and landscape.
• Multi-functionality: The home renovation experts at This Old House note versatility in an outdoor living space can set a stage for relaxation, entertaining and family activities. Outdoor living spaces tend to be most useful when they’re multifunctional, providing a space where residents can relax on weekend mornings and evenings throughout the week while also offering the potential to entertain crowds during
backyard barbecue season. Homeowners can keep this in mind and prioritize multifunctionality when designing outdoor living spaces.
• Seamless connectivity with interior designs: Though outdoor living areas were long viewed as areas wholly separate from home interiors, that traditional outlook has changed in recent years. In a 2024 survey conducted by Fixr, 78 percent of industry experts noted a coherent indoor-outdoor design was the most popular outdoor living space trend that year. This design
choice suggests an outdoor living space is an extension of the home as opposed to a wholly separate area.
• Comfortable seating: The days of stackable plastic lawn chairs are largely a thing of the past. Modern outdoor living spaces offer comfortable, all-weather seating where residents and guests can gather to relax and engage in conversation. Accent tables to place drinks and other items is another nice touch that can add to the comfortfirst feel of an outdoor space. Modular furniture merits homeowners’ consideration, as such furnishings can be customized and rearranged for each gathering and might prove easier to store for homeowners who will be taking the seating in over the winter.
• Lighting: Of course, summer gatherings in outdoor living spaces have a tendency to continue past sundown. Proper lighting can ensure spaces are safely navigated when the sun goes down. Sufficient lighting also enhances the visual appeal of the space while facilitating conversation when natural light is no longer enough to illuminate a space.
There’s no shortage of ways to create an aweinspiring outdoor living space. Homeowners can start with some must-have features and then build on the spaces as they see fit.
Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Invites
The New Barbara Rabinowitz Education &
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will hold a grand opening ceremony for its new Long Island-based AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center (149 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville, NY 11701), on Thursday, July 24 at 11 am. Residents are invited to attend the ceremonial ribbon cutting and take tours of the center, which provides daily programming for Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias, free memory screenings for Long Islanders, and more. RSVP by contacting the center at 631-223-4000.
“Whether it’s free community programs, free memory screenings, and more, the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center is a new, valuable community-
based resource for Long Islanders,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “We invite Long Islanders to help us cut the ribbon on July 24 and see what the new center has to offer.”
Centrally located in Amityville, the 11,500 square foot, state-ofthe-art AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center — the first of its kind on Long Island — is accessible to the nearly 3 million residents of Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The center offers free daily programming to Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Community programs include music; creative arts; movement and motion; and brain games. The center also offers free, confidential memory screenings to
Long Islanders of all ages, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.
Additional information about upcoming programs is available at afalongisland.org.
Residents interested
in attending the July 24 ribbon cutting can RSVP by contacting the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz
Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000.
Installation Dinner
Copiague Chamber Of Commerce
At a recent meeting of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Board of Directors was installed for 2025-2026 by Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, and State Assemblyman Kwame O’Pharrow. The Board consists of President Donna Farina, 1st Vice President Peter Buccino, 2nd Vice President Guy Schaefer, Secretary Melissa FIrmes, Treasurer Beatrice Lewanduski, Directors Bob Liquorie, Christine Jansson, Emily Monem, Joseph Garguilo, Joseph Maguire, Patty Ruh, Al Littmann, Angelo Licata, and Sal Ferrara, Jr. The Chamber continues supporting our businesses and improving our Community!
OUTDOOR living
Features to accommodate outdoor cooking to accommodate cooking
Variousthings come to mind when pondering outdoor entertaining. Outdoor living spaces run the gamut from expansive oases with a pool, hot tub and room to lounge to smaller areas with some seating that allows hosts and guests to enjoy some fresh air. One common theme in most outdoor living spaces, regardless of their size, is an area to cook, typically over an open flame.
Grilling is wildly popular. According to the grilling experts at Traeger, roughly 128 million households across the United States owned a grill in 2020. Grills are similarly popular in Canada, where a 2023 poll from Ipsos-Reid found that 78 percent of Canadians own a grill. Outdoor cooking is a staple of life in the U.S. and Canada, and this popular means to meal preparation can be made even more enjoyable with a few simple upgrades to an outdoor living space.
• Natural gas grill: Natural gas grills are designed to be connected with a home’s natural gas line. That can make it more convenient to grill, particularly for people who grill often and do not want to deal with charcoal and propane tanks that require routine trips to a grocery store or other retailer to resupply. With a natural gas grill, cooks can fire up the grill at any time just like they would when using a gas stove indoors.
• Refrigerator: Incorporating a refrigerator into an outdoor living space can make outdoor cooking more convenient. Depending on the size of the appliance, an outdoor refrigerator can store condiments and sauces, saving cooks the trouble of walking back and forth between indoor and outdoor living spaces to gather supplies for cooking. A slightly larger outdoor refrigerator also can be used to store the food that will be cooked on the grill, affording cooks more time to spend outdoors.
• Outdoor pantry: An outdoor living space that incorporates a pantry to store dishes and tools of the barbecuing trade, like spatulas and tongs, can make grill sessions easier for cooks. When planning a new outdoor living space, a pantry can be incorporated into the design. If augmenting an existing space, standalone pantries can provide similar functionality as built-in alternatives.
• Outdoor sink: All those utensils and cooking instruments will ultimately need to be washed. An outdoor sink ensures utensils and tools can be washed and dried outside, saving hosts the trouble of carrying items in at the end of the night only to return them to the outdoor pantry the following morning. An outdoor sink also makes it easier to rinse vegetables before cooking them over an open flame.
• Garden bar: Grilling can be a rewarding but lonely undertaking. Grills often are set away from outdoor dining tables so guests can comfortably converse and eat without being drowned out by the sizzle of the grill or overwhelmed by smoke that can come pouring out when opening the grill lid. A garden bar that’s adjacent to the grill can provide a gathering space for guests and ensure cooks aren’t spending the duration of a gettogether going it alone.
Outdoor cooking is wildly popular, and might prove even more so when incorporating various convenient features into an exterior living space.
Moose Corner
Lindenhurst Moose Lodge 1421 883 South Broadway
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
***
The following is a listing of our upcoming events at Lindenhurst Moose Lodge
JULY 2025 EVENTS
Sunday, 07/27/25
“Family BBQ & Car Show”: To celebrate the 112th Birthday of “Mooseheart”, we will be holding a combination BBQ & Car Show, starting at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for Adults, and $12 for Children 12 & under. Include with the ticket is Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn on the Cobb, Salads, and more. Additionally, it includes Soda, Wine or Domestic Tap Beer, while supplies last. Advance Tickets purchase is required, and can be purchased from our Social Quarters, or from Theresa Restivo (631) 2524203
The Lodge Membership Meetings are every 1st & 3rd Monday at 8:00pm. The WOTM Chapter Social Gathering is on the 1st
Tuesday at 7:30pm and the Chapter Membership Meeting is every 3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm.
Our Main Hall is available for your Special events, Shower, Weddings, Birthdays, etc. Please contact Barbara Colasanto (631) 754-7477 or Theresa Restivo (631) 252-4203 for information.
All events are for members and qualified guests. Members must always present their membership card upon entering the building. All qualified guests and members without their membership card must sign the guest book.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact the Lodge at (631) 226-4364, via email at Lodge1421@ gmail.com
For all events and our calendar, please visit our website at www. MooseLodge1421.com
Thank you for supporting our Community, Mooseheart, Moosehaven & our Lodge.
LIKE us on Facebook –LOOM1421 (The Official Lodge Page)
Discover The Orthodox Christian Church (English Language Services)
The Orthodox Church offers you the authentic Christian Tradition maintained without innovation since Apostolic times, which fulfills life on a daily basis, not just on Sunday. We welcome all people seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values. The Divine Liturgy is
JULY HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, JULY 18th
7:00AM-Community Ride registration
9:00AM-Opening Ceremony + Community Ride Begins COMMUNITY SOLDIER RIDE - BABYLON
celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. Coffee hour follows the Divine Liturgy. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook. com/htocem. All services are conducted in English. Additional information and schedules can be found on the parish website, www. htocem.org, or by email, htocem@gmail.com.
The 18th annual event will be dedicated in memory and in honor of Chief John “Jack” Miller for his tireless contributions to the Babylon Soldier Ride for nearly two decades. In addition to Jack fundraising for the Wounded Warrior Project, he was a vital team member in Babylon. Join us for this unique 25-mile cycling event. Ride alongside the brave men and women who served our country in support of their journey to recovery. Show warriors they are never alone. Register at soldierrise.org/babylon. Start Location: Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy. Lindenhurst. For more information, please visit https://communityfundraising. woundedwarriorproject.org/ pages/1020?eventID=654
SATURDAY, JULY 19th
10:00AM-4:00PM ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
Wantagh Preservation Society's 4th Annual Antique Car Show.(Rain date Sunday July 20th) Wantagh Preservation Society Museum, 1700 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh. Cars from 1960's & older. Entrance fee $1. Refreshments for sale, 50/50 raffle, music! Go inside Wantagh's 1885 Train Station, Wantagh's 1907 Post office & get your free ticket to board the 1912 Jamaica Parlor car, (Parlor car open from 12 - 2pm). email-
HOLIDAYS
4th - INDEPENDENCE DAY
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
Wantaghmuseum@gmail.com (Matt)
6:30PM-10:30PM HAWAIIAN LUAU
Grab your grass skirt & Hawaiian shirt. Brumidi Lodge, Deer Park is hosting a HAWAIIAN LUAU. Hawaiian Style Buffet Dinner, Slushies & soda included, Tiki Bar, Brumidi’s Famous Hawaiian Entertainment DJ Gene & Joanne Spinning in the Music Hut. Raffles & Much More Summer Fun For tickets and more information, please call Anita 631-422-6914. Sons & Daughters of Italy in America 2075 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park.
SUNDAY, JULY 20th
11:00AM-4:00PM
SPIRIT OF SUMMER ART FESTIVAL
Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Rd. N. Huntington Station. A day of celebrating inclusion and diversity in the arts, hand-made goods, community, food trucks, raffles, games, music performances, fun crafts and activities for the whole family! Hosted by the Spirit of Huntington, a non-profit community art center that teaches creative expression classes to all ages and all abilities. Connected with over 500 participants and dozens of local organizations across Long Island. For more information, please call 631-470-9620
MONDAY, JULY 21st
9:00AM-12:00PM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 E. John Street in
Lindenhurst. July 21st through July 25th. Bible lessons, Music, Games, Crafts, Snacks, and more! FREE!! Grades K-6th. Register at https:// saintjohnsvbs.myanswers.com
SATURDAY, JULY 26th
10:00AM-4:00PM
BLOOD DRIVE AT EAST GATE CHURCH
New York Blood Center Blood Drive at East Gate Church, 1150 Hicksville Road in North Massapequa, during the "Christmas in July" Family Fair. For more information, please call 516-731-3553
6:30PM
NIGHT AT THE RACES
Will be held at Wade-Burns VFW 7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue, Lindenhurst, Doors open 6:30 p.m. Admission $1. For more information, please call 631-888-9854
SUNDAY, JULY 27th
11:00AM-12:30PM
CARING FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM AND WALK
At Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown, they offer wildlife rehabilitation at their nature center and take care of injured, sick, and orphaned animals. In this presentation participants will meet some of the resident nonreleasable animals, find out their stories, and learn what you can do to help wildlife in our area. If you’re interested in becoming a rehabber this a good first step. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
EXOTIC WAREHOUSE
OUTDOOR living
What are the three Bs of pool care?
Poolowners know that having a backyard swimming pool requires an investment of time and money, but the rewards can be well worth it. A summer spent floating or diving into crystal blue water is refreshing and energizing when temperatures climb.
Maintaining a clean pool environment may seem like it is relatively straightforward, but there is some effort and expense that comes with achieving sparkling water. Pool owners can familiarize themselves with the three Bs of pool maintenance (which actually can be considered six Bs, but more on that below).
Pool chemistry at its most simple
Pool water has to meet certain criteria to be safe for swimming. The water should feature the correct pH, which is a scale ranging from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or basic a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower numbers are acidic and higher numbers are alkaline. The Better Health Channel and additional pool maintenance resources recommend maintaining pool water pH between 7.2 and 7.8. This slightly alkaline level ensures chlorine can effectively kill germs, and prevents irritation, cloudy water and scaling.
Next up is the sanitizer used to kill germs in the water and prevent algae and mildew growth. Chlorine and bromine are the most commonly used sanitizers. APEC Water says that chlorine should test at 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm) for pools and hot tubs to effectively disinfect pools. Higher levels may be needed to treat algae blooms.
Finally, pool owners should be concerned with total alkalinity. Total alkalinity is the water’s ability to buffer against pH fluctuations. Maintaining the right TA means you will not have to adjust pH too often.
Products needed
Many chemical products sold at pool stores are designed to maintain the right water balance, and they are highly effective at doing so. However, cost-conscious pool owners may be surprised to find they can use some common household items to adjust their water chemistry. This is where the three Bs come into play.
· Bleach: Sodium hypochlorite, better known as chlorine bleach, is an effective sanitizer. Unlike some other chlorine sources, bleach doesn’t add anything else to the water that can affect the chemistry or conditions, like calcium or stabilizer. Household bleach comes in different strengths. For those using it in pools, select non-scented, non-splashless varieties.
· Baking soda: Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and it can be used to adjust the water to achieve the correct total alkalinity. Trouble Free Pool advises a TA of around 80 ppm.
· Borax: Borax also is known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate or disodium tetraborate. It is commonly used as a laundry booster and cleaning agent, but is very effective at raising the pH of pool water to an acceptable level. It is the same chemical found in commercial “pH Up” products.
Copiague Chamber Of Commerce
OUTDOOR
Did you know?
living
Patios
continue to be more popular than decks. According to a tabulation of data from HUD/Census Bureau Survey of Construction from the National Association of Home Builders, the share of new homes with patios is on the rise while the share with decks remains low. The NAHB tabulation found that the percentage of new homes with decks was 17.6 percent in 2023, while the percentage of new homes with patios reached a record high of 63.7 percent in that same year. Though some homes feature both a deck and patio, the NAHB notes that’s the case in just 6 percent of properties. However, decks have remained a goto choice in certain regions of the United States. For example, the NAHB reports that 76 percent of new homes in New England featured decks while just 17 percent featured patios. Decks (42 percent) also proved more popular than patios (20 percent) in the mid-Atlantic region.
External Diploma Program
The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP,
is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who
fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs. Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.
Save Water
The U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program is encouraging home-owners to find and fix leaks to save more than 10 percent on utility bills now and help save water for future generations. For more information and tips about how to save water, visit www.epa.gov/water sense.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Turn Your Grill Into A Pizza Maker - The Chicagoan
Makes a 12-inch pizza
1 russet potato, peeled and sliced about 1⁄4-inch thick
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces top sirloin or strip steak
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the sliced potato in a large bowl and toss with two tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Line a baking sheet with foil and spread the slices in a single layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the potato is golden and tender. While still hot, loosen the slices with a spatula so they don’t stick.
2. Prepare a grill for direct cooking over high heat. Season the steak liberally on both sides with the salt and pepper. Grill the steak over the hottest part of the fire for 4 minutes. Turn and grill for 4 minutes longer, until the steak is medium-rare and well charred. Remove and let sit for 5 minutes. Slice thinly.
3. Brush the grilled side of the pizza crust with the remaining one tablespoon olive oil and dust with the Parmesan. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar on top. Drop spoonfuls of the chunky tomato sauce onto the pizza. Top with the potato, red onion and the steak.
4. Grill the pizza with indirect heat. If your grill is still hot, move coals to one side or turn off one burner and allow
Freshly ground black pepper
1 grilled pizza crust
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup chunky tomato sauce
1⁄2 cup thinly sliced red onions
1⁄4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
the pizza to cook on the side without a direct flame. Grill the pizza for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and brown. The bottom may have a few black spots from charring. Optional: Broil the cooked pizza in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes more to caramelize the top.
5. Before serving, drop teaspoons of the sour cream onto the pizza, and garnish with the fresh chives.
Grilling the crust
To grill a pizza crust for this recipe, roll out to a 12-inch circle and place on a cookie sheet. Adjust the grill to reach a temperature of 400 F.
Slide the dough onto the grill. The dough should take about 3 minutes to cook. Watch for bubbles. The crust will be soft at first and tear easily. To check doneness, lift the underside. It should be an even light brown with brown grill marks.
Pick up the crust using tongs and place it on your cookie sheet. Flip it over so the grilled side is face up. This browned side becomes the top of your pizza.
Celebrating The Copiague Class Of 2025
The 66th annual commencement exercises for the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Class of 2025 were held on June 26 in the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena at Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood campus. Led by faculty members and advisors, the graduates walked through the arena to “Pomp and Circumstance” as they were met by applause from family and friends in attendance.
Copiague School District Board of Education
President Anthony S. Pepe welcomed guests to the celebration and spoke about the journey leading to graduation day. “You pushed through the pressures of deadlines, decisions, and doubts,” he said. “You showed resilience during uncertain times, and you stood tall
during pivotal moments. And tonight, we honor every step of that journey. We want to discover your strengths, wrestle with challenges, and learn what it means to be part of something bigger than yourselves. You have made us proud, and you have given us a reason to believe that the future is in capable hands.”
Copiague School District’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon played a song for the graduates, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, to reflect on the journey that brought the class together in so many ways. “It’s not just about reaching the top or achieving your goals,” she said. “It’s about the strength you gained, the lessons you’ve learned, and the perseverance you’ve shown along the way. Let this song be a reminder that every step, every
struggle, and every success is part of your story. I hope you carry its message with you. Life will always have its ups and downs, but it’s the climb that shapes who we are.”
Salutatorian Kaydee Bonilla addressed her fellow classmates and offered one final lesson in kindness. “I hope that we can all remember the bucket challenge in elementary school and its catch phrase: treat others the way you want to be treated,” she said. “It was the golden rule. If there’s anything that you may leave this school and go into the world with, it is this saying. I hope that when you leave here today, that you can all change the world by leading with kindness and compassion. That you will live by the golden rule and remember that everyone is a human being.”
Class of 2025 Valedictorian Ethan Zheng spoke to his classmates about living in the moment.
“Be proud, be grateful and please, take a little time to love yourself today,” he said. “You deserve it. Don’t rush through life trying to catch up to someone else’s version of success. Appreciate where you are and who you are, right now. Because at the end of the day, your happiness is what matters most. Class of 2025, we’ve already made it through so much, and I know we’re just getting started. I can’t wait to see how each of you changes the world in your own way.”
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta reflected on the past 13 years and all the support
and dedication the graduates were offered.
“Each step along the way has brought challenges to face, obstacles to overcome, and victories to celebrate,” he said. “And now, here you stand – on the threshold of something greater – a wider road we call life. In those 13 years, one constant has been the support around you. Whether you arrived here in kindergarten or joined us later, you’ve been surrounded by people who believed in you – families who loved you, teachers and staff who guided you, and a Board of Education committed to helping you discover your potential. They gave you the tools to think critically, act with compassion, and step forward as confident, capable citizens of the world. As you move
forward, I encourage you to carry with you the values that have been instilled here: empathy, integrity, perseverance, and pride in who you are and where you come from.”
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Assistant Principals Timothy Gilroy and David Aguado took to the podiums to announce the names of each student. Graduates made their way across the stage and were congratulated by Mr. Agosta and Dr. Bannon. After all names were called, Mr. Agosta instructed the students to turn their tassels, tossing their caps high into the air in celebration as official graduates of the Class of 2025.
Photos courtesy of Copiague School District
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords. See this puzzle and its answers at
OUTDOOR living living A rundown on decking materials
Decks are centerpieces of many backyard retreats, and these spaces can add value to properties. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, the average return on investment (ROI) of a deck is between 60 and 70 percent, and some homeowners may recoup as much as 80 percent of their investment in a new deck.
Certain factors can affect how much value a deck adds, including the material from which the deck was made. Homeowners have different options in regard to materials when they are considering building a new deck.
Pressure-treated wood
Wood has been a staple building material for as long as trees have been hewn for construction. Pressure-treated wood is a popular decking option. The wood is chemically treated and put into a pressure chamber to reinforce it and delay deterioration. Pressure-treated wood decks are popular because they are cost-effective to build. Many homeowners also find the natural wood aesthetic to their liking in a backyard environment. While pressure-treated wood decks are among the first considerations, homeowners should realize that they require regular upkeep, such as sanding,
staining and sealing to maintain appearance and durability. Although treated for longevity, pressuretreated wood decks are not indestructible and may crack and warp, with eventual replacement after 15 years, according to Timber Tech.
Composite
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic. Moisture Shield Composite Decking says the ratio of wood fibers to plastic
varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Since it often is made from recycled materials, composite decking is considered an eco-friendly choice.
This decking material is designed to be lowmaintenance and durable. Composite decking lasts longer than natural wood and does not require sanding, staining and sealing to stay in top form. It also resists rot and insect damage. These benefits come with a higher cost than wood, and the material also can get hot underfoot if the deck is a darker color.
PVC
PVC decking is an alternative to other types of deck materials. It is made entirely from plastic, setting it apart from composite, which has natural wood fibers in it.
Similar to composite, PVC comes with a higher initial cost than wood decks. But that can pay for itself over time since PVC is durable and essentially maintenance-free. Decks & Docks says PVC is a good material to use in water-prone areas. Some are designed to be slip-resistant and can mimic the look of real wood.
Homeowners have many choices when choosing deck materials, making it possible to find an ideal option that aligns with their lifestyles and budgets.
631.842.2788
e: js@slingerhasgill.com • www.slingerhasgill.com
Powell Funeral Home, Inc.
GOODE FUNERAL
Phone: 631-842-6464 Fax: 631-842-6465
Goodefuneralhome@Hotmail.com www.goodefuneralhome.com
Copiague Memorial Public Library
50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726
One-on-One Medicare
Counseling and Assistance
Fridays, July 18, August 15
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Register for a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with a Suffolk County RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) volunteer from HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program) to answer questions and provide information regarding Medicare health insurance, benefits, and savings programs. Registration is necessary.
Medicaid Enrollment Assistance for the Aged, Blind and Disabled
Fridays, July 25
August 22
2:00 - 6:00 PM Representatives from the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Josh Marlowe
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Teri Tinkler
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Bob Liquorie
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tel 631-691-1111 Fax 631-691-5098
Council will assist aged, blind and disabled patrons in enrolling in various Medicaid programs that may be available to them. Assistance will be given on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call the Nassau-Suffolk
Hospital Council at 631963-4168. Registration is not necessary.
Free Lunch for Children and Teens
Tuesdays, July 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19 Wednesdays, July 9, 16,
OUTDOOR
Outdoor
23, 30, August 6, 13, 20
Fridays, July 11, 18, 25
August 1, 8, 15, 22
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Calling all kids and teens 18 and under! Stop by the Library to fuel up for summer fun with free lunch. In partnership with the Copiague School District, the Library is offering free lunch as part of the USDA Summer Meals Program. This program is open to all. Registration is not necessary.
Country Line Dancing
Fridays, July 18, 25
August 1, 8, 15 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Dust off your boots for some fun Country Line Dancing lessons with Natalie Boyle. Learn fun dances to popular songs all while having a good
Continued On 21
Outdoor living spaces are a good investment living
living spaces are a good investment for homeowners seeking to enjoy their home exteriors to the fullest, and that investment continues to pay dividends when homes are put on the market. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, a number of outdoor living upgrades provide a sizable return on investment (ROI) when homeowners put their properties up for sale. According to the report, a wood deck could recoup up to 82 percent of the original cost at resale, meaning a job that comes in around the national average price of $17,000 could net $14,000 at resale. An outdoor kitchen could prove an even better investment in terms of ROI, as Remodeling magazine indicates such a feature nets a return between 55 percent and 200 percent at resale depending on the location of the home and the materials used for the project.
Why It’s Harder Than Ever To Make An Appointment With Your Doctor
(State Point) Americans face unprecedented wait times to see their doctors. This squeeze is particularly acute in primary care, but is also being felt in specialties like neurology, psychiatry and OB/GYN.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), here are the top reasons why it’s harder than ever to be seen by a health care provider:
1. Not enough doctors. With the U.S. population growing and aging, the need for physicians continues to grow. Yet, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the physician shortage is projected to reach 86,000 by 2036.
2. A broken Medicare
system. With an aging population and more Medicare patients on the horizon, the Medicare system needs significant reform. Today, Medicare pays physicians nearly 30% less than it did in 2001, when adjusted for
inflation. So while the overhead costs of running a practice—equipment, office space, staff salaries—have all soared, payment for caring for Medicare patients has decreased dramatically, making running a practice extremely challenging.
“Physicians have shouldered the burden of a broken Medicare payment system for far too long. Especially in small, independent practices, and practices in rural and underserved areas, physicians have been forced to cut costs, eliminate staff, or limit the number of Medicare patients we see,” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D., president of the AMA. “These are steps we take simply to keep the doors open and the
lights on. But unfortunately, because of this dysfunction, all patients—not just Medicare patients—are put at risk when our flawed and outdated payment system forces physicians to close their practices.”
3. Administrative burdens. Increasing bureaucracy and administrative barriers, such as prior authorization, consume significant time for physicians. Doctors today, on average, spend two hours on paperwork for every one hour they spend with patients.
4. Backlog and burnout. One of the ultimate legacies of COVID-19 is a backlog of services and screenings put off during the pandemic, now offered
NEWSPAPERS SERVICE DIRECTORY
by fewer providers. Two in three doctors admitted to experiencing burnout during the pandemic, according to a survey from the AMA, the Mayo Clinic and Stanford Medicine.
That’s the highest level of burnout ever recorded by the AMA. One in five physicians surveyed during the pandemic said they planned to leave medicine within the next two years, while one in three said they’d cut back on their hours.
While there is indeed a crisis in care, the AMA says that there are solutions to address the problem. They include:
• Fixing the broken Medicare payment system.
The Medicare Payment
Advisory Committee has called for connecting physician payment to the Medicare Economic Index, which would ensure rising practice costs do not continue to overwhelm what Medicare pays.
• Adding voices to the chorus of patients and physicians calling for reform. Those concerned about this problem and worried about continued access to their physician, can visit FixMedicareNow. org.
“It is imperative that we take steps as a country to help all patients get the high-quality care they need and to ensure physicians can continue to deliver it,” says Dr. Scott.
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time. Please bring a water bottle. Registration is necessary.
Utilize Colors to Change Your Life
Wednesday, July 16
3:00 - 4:00 PM We all have colors that affect us. The ancients knew how to use the vibration of colors to create harmony, love, friendship, prosperity and more. Discover how you can consciously work
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Copiague Memorial Public Library
with these techniques to empower yourself to create your desires.
Join Budapest Psychic Maria D’Andrea in this informative presentation. Registration is necessary.
Meditation for a More Balanced Life
Thursday, July 17
7:00 - 8:00 PM
People all over the world are tuning into meditation to help them lead a more peaceful and healthy life-style. Learn a simple and natural method of
meditation that will help enhance your life. Join long-time meditator Arlene Samsel for this powerful workshop. Registration is necessary.
Car Wash by Our Teen Volunteers
Saturday, July 19
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bring back that new car feeling at our teen car wash! Stop by the back parking lot for a quick car wash by our local teens. We’re cleaning up our neighborhood, one car at a
time! Show your Copiague Library card for a free car wash. Registration is not necessary.
The Eagle Has Landed: Man on the Moon
Tuesday, July 22
6:30 - 8:00 PM
In 1957, after the Soviets launched the first artificial satellite Sputnik into Earth’s orbit, the United States and the Soviet Union became engaged in the Space Race, which was a key aspect of the Cold War that had both sides
competing to showcase their technological superiority in spaceflight. President John F. Kennedy set the goal to land a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s and to win the Space Race. Join historian Jim Ward to learn about the successes as well as the setbacks that eventually led to astronaut Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to set foot on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969. Registration is necessary.
Women In The Workplace
(NAPSI)—For many women, the biggest obstacle they face in their careers is the first step up the ladder— and the COVID crisis hasn’t helped, according to a recent Women in the Workplace study supported by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA). Learn more at www.genderparity. hbanet.org.
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