July 16, 2025 Massapequa by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

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.

Village of Massapequa Park July 4th Fireworks Celebration

The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequa’s was proud to sponsor this year’s incredible Village of Massapequa Park July 4th Fireworks Celebration at Mansfield Park and presented a $5,000 check.

President Robin Hepworth said at the Fireworks, “I am also a proud resident of this amazing community for the past 30 years. My

husband, Andrew, and I raised our two boys right here in Massapequa Park, and coming to the fireworks has always been one of our favorite yearly traditions. Supporting community

traditions like this one is a big part of what we do— and we’re honored to have helped light up the sky.”

Pictured: Assemblyman Michael Durso, Sal Polito - First Vice President, Dana

Durso - Village Trustee, Robin Hepworth - Chamber President, Greg Massimi - 3rd Vice President, Todd Svec - Village Trustee, TOB Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Isabelle Rapacuillo - Board of Directors, Lou Imbrotto - TOB Councilman, Jeff Pravato - TOB Receiver of Taxes, Lucrezia Falacara2nd Vice President, and Tom Hand TOB Councilman

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato, Mt. Chablis, Burgundy, Pinot Grigio, Rhine or White Zinfandel

OUTDOOR living living

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

Must-have features when outﬁtting an outdoor living space

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

see ﬁt.

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.

RENEW WITH SPRING at Woodloch

Free Child ID Card Program

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, in partnership with Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, is holding a FREE Operation Safe Child ID Card Program on Saturday, July 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Marjorie Post Pool in Massapequa. The program is free and open to Nassau County residents only. The ID cards will be produced on site and available in minutes.

When a child goes missing, every moment is precious. Law enforcement needs accurate

information and quickly. The Nassau County DA’s Operation Safe Child program provides parents with an identification card for their children containing pertinent physical information to give law enforcement officials a head start on a missing child. Information on each card includes the child’s name, birthdate, age, gender, hair and eye color, height and weight, fingerprints, and a highresolution digital photo. For more information on this program, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s district office at (516) 541-4598. No appointment necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

Safety Recalls

Millions of drivers across the country are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk by driving vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. A staggering 57.7 million vehicles in the U.S.— roughly 1 in 5—have outstanding safety recalls, according to data from CARFAX. (NAPSI)

JULY HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, JULY 18th

7:00AM-Community Ride registration

9:00AM-Opening Ceremony + Community Ride Begins COMMUNITY SOLDIER RIDE - BABYLON

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

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-

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

OUTDOOR

Outdoor living spaces are a good investment living

Outdoor

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.

JUNK REMOVAL

Yard Debris Cleanouts

Wantagh Family Of 4 1/2 Seek Ranch Or Extended Cape In Lee Road Elem. School. Will Look At Fair Deal In SD#5... Levittown, North Seaford OK, $650,000 - $750,000 MAX. Close Anytime

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Builders & Flippers Are Going NUTS!! Paying Up To $575K For Knockdowns In Levittown & Vicinity *Fash CASH. Available With No Fee To Seller. Call For Details & Information STOP FORECLOSURE = Stay In Your Home Up To 15 Years Or More. Call 7 Days!

FEATURED PROPERTIES

Saladino Honors AMVETS Post 88 Outgoing Commander

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently honored Outgoing Commander

Loretta DiBrino, of AMVETS Post 88 in Massapequa, for her outstanding service to the orgaaqnization and community. Under Loretta’s able leadership, the Post has undertaken many important initiatives that have supported and advocated for Veterans.

Loretta, who served as a Corporal in the United States Army (Spec 4), will be assuming the position of AMVETS Department of New York State 1st Vice Commander, and will begin a tenure as AMVETS Post 88 Junior Commander.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to honor Veterans and leaders like Loretta DiBrino who work tirelessly to fight for

those who fought for our freedom. We are forever grateful for your service and sacrifice. God bless all

the brave men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces.”

OUTDOOR

Did you know?

living

Patioscontinue 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.

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.

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca invite history enthusiasts to participate in The Long Island History Hunt, a special summerlong event that will run from Brooklyn to Montauk featuring a dozen historical locations where selfie challenges can be completed. This epic adventure, sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation in partnership with New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, runs through September 30th.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “From the Revolutionary War and the Culper Spy Ring, to being the home and final resting place of President Theodore Roosevelt, The

Town of Oyster Bay has an incredibly rich history to be proud of. The outstanding museums and historical sites in Oyster Bay that will be participating in the Long Island History Hunt include: Raynham Hall Museum (30 W Main St, Oyster Bay), the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum (1 Railroad Ave, Oyster Bay), and the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center (134 Cove Rd, Oyster Bay).”

Additional sites in the Hunt will include Montauk Historical Society, Ketcham Inn in Center Moriches, East Hampton Historical Society, Oysterponds Historical Society in Orient, Three Village Historical Society in Setauket, Shelter

Continued On 22

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