JULY HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, JULY 18th
7:00AM-Community Ride registration
9:00AM-Opening Ceremony + Community Ride Begins COMMUNITY SOLDIER RIDE - BABYLON
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
As cold and flu season sets in, a seemingly simple cold could signal a more serious concern for some people— but there’s good news, too.
The Risk of RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that mimics cold-like symptoms.
While many people recover quickly, RSV can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death in certain groups, particularly older adults. The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.
you to discuss your RSV risk with your healthcare provider. Nearly 95% of adults aged 60 and older have at least one chronic health issue, and almost 80% have two or more, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether you have eligible risk conditions.
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
However, there’s a way to protect yourself: vaccination. Last year, RSV vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalization or emergency visits by 75%, making them a powerful tool in preventing severe outcomes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV vaccination for:
• Everyone 75 years and older
• Adults aged 60–74 at higher risk due to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, severe obesity, or diabetes, as well as those living in nursing homes.
Unfortunately, chronic conditions are widespread in older populations. Public health experts encourage
Taking Action Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP), a trusted source of information that advocates for access to recommended vaccines, emphasizes the importance of vaccination for those most vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, especially in underserved communities. RSV vaccines can be given alongside other vaccinations, and they’re free for most people. Both private and public insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover RSV vaccines. Adults who are eligible can get vaccinated against RSV at any time of year.
Find a Vaccine
To locate an RSV vaccine near you and learn more about RSV protection options, visit www.vaccines. gov or www.CVEEP.org/ RSVReady.
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.
OUTDOOR living living A rundown on decking materials
Decksare 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.
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
WORDS
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 they see fit.
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.
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Town of Babylon Recognizes 8-Year-Old Zamari Harrell
Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Tony Martinez, Assemblyman Khaleel M. O’Pharrow, and Councilman Terence McSweeney proudly recognized 8-year-old Zamari Harrell for his outstanding contributions to the community through his youth-led initiative, Chappo Cashing Cans.
Zamari, the founder of Chappo Cashing Cans, has turned a simple recycling effort into a creative and impactful movement. His work transforms discarded cans into art while promoting environmental awareness and community pride. Through his efforts, he has helped clean up neighborhoods across Wyandanch and the greater Long Island area.
In recognition of his leadership and dedication, Zamari has been named a Town of Babylon Junior Beautification Ambassador, becoming a role model for youth engagement and environmental stewardship.
“Zamari is a shining example of how one young person can make a real difference,” said Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “His passion and creativity are inspiring residents of all ages to take pride in their community.”
Councilman Terence McSweeney, who also serves as Chairman of the Town’s Beautification Program, praised Zamari’s initiative, stating:
“Zamari embodies the spirit of community service. His creativity, energy, and commitment to a cleaner, more beautiful Babylon are truly remarkable. He’s not just cleaning up our neighborhoods— he’s setting an example for all of us.”
For more information on the Town of Babylon’s beautification programs or to get involved, please contact the Office of Councilman McSweeney at (631) 957-3081.
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New York Blood Center Issues Urgent Call For Donors As Blood Supply Drops 20% Ahead Of Trauma Season
New York Blood Center (NYBC) has issued an urgent call for blood donations, especially from those with types O+ and O- blood. The current supply of Oblood, the universal blood type used in emergencies, has dropped to a critically low two-day level, and overall collections are nearly 20% below hospital demand. NYBC expects to collect only about 6,500 donations this week, falling approximately 1,600
donations short of what is needed to maintain a safe and stable blood supply in New York.
Spring travel, school breaks, and packed calendars have kept regular donors away—leaving donation levels dangerously low at a time when they should be ramping up. Each year, more than 56,000 traumas are reported in New York State, most occurring between May and September when accidents,
car crashes, and violent injuries rise dramatically. Blood transfusions are often needed to treat traumas, and a spike in traumatic accidents can cause a strain on the blood supply.
Type O+ is the most common blood type, representing nearly 40% of the U.S. population. Type O- is the universal blood type and is commonly used in emergency settings. A shortage of both types,
both locally and nationally, poses serious concerns for our healthcare system, and the need for donors is critical.
“Spring can be an exciting season with warmer weather on the way and fun holiday celebrations, but it’s also a critical time of year for the blood supply,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center.
“As we start to build our inventory ahead of the
trauma-heavy summer season, the need is more urgent than ever. We’re calling on our community, especially type O donors, to roll up their sleeves and make a donation today. Your blood donation could be the lifeline that ensures our hospitals are ready to face any emergency that comes their way.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-9332566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time.
OUTDOOR
Outdoor living spaces are a good investment
Outdoorliving
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.
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