South Bay's Neighbor
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.
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
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
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 living living
living 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.
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.
New Massapequa Athletic Director Brings Wealth Of Knowledge
Matt McLees is serving as Massapequa’s interim director of physical education, health, athletics and recreation for the 2025-2026 school year. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
The Massapequa School District welcomes seasoned athletic director Matt McLees as its interim director of physical education, health, athletics and recreation for the 2025-2026 school year. He recently retired from the Sewanhaka Central High School District, where he spent 35 years as a teacher, coach and administrator.
Mr. McLees began his career as a physical education teacher at H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square in 1990. He was the varsity football coach for 16 years and his 76 wins in the regular season and postseason made him the school’s winningest coach. In 2007, he became Carey’s athletic director before assuming the role on a districtwide basis nine years later, overseeing physical education, health and athletic programs at Sewanhaka’s five juniorsenior high schools, as well as driver education.
His involvement in athletics extended beyond the district and throughout Nassau County, serving two years as president of
Section VIII’s high school association and two years as president of its athletic council, the overall governing body. Presently, Mr. McLees is the vice president for boys athletics, and sits on the executive, safety and sportsmanship committees. He also was president of the Nassau County Football Coaches Association for two years.
Mr. McLees became the first athletic director in Nassau County to earn the Certified Master Athletic Administrator designation from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. In 2024, he was inducted into the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Southern Connecticut State University, a master’s degree in physical education from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Dowling College.
In Massapequa, he will oversee the district’s
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.
physical education and health education programs, interscholastic athletics at Massapequa High School and Berner Middle School, and the summer recreation program and sports skills camps. What drew him to Massapequa is not only its reputation for winning athletic teams, but about the district’s commitment to producing well-rounded athletes.
“What’s most impressive about Massapequa is its high academic standards and achievement, and the athletic program is a reflection of that,” he said. “I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for Massapequa, the community, the schools and their athletic program. They win. The rate of success is off the charts, and it’s in almost every sport, boys and girls.”
Mr. McLees added that is goal is to bring his experience as an athletic program leader to be a resource for Massapequa’s coaches, teachers and students, and ensure they have what they need to continue to be successful.
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.
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.
Tech Teacher Is A Teacher’s Federal Credit Union Grant Winner
Massapequa School District technology education teacher Matthew Swanson won first place in the annual Teacher Appreciation Week Contest, sponsored by Teacher’s Federal Credit Union. As the top winner in the grades 6-8 division, he received a $2,500 prize and a bunch of swag for his students.
Mr. Swanson teaches three periods daily of eighth grade technology at Berner Middle School. He also is at Massapequa High School for Architectural Drawing and Video Game Design, and advises the high school Robotics Club. His prize is at the middle school level and plans to use the funds for new tools and equipment for the Berner technology program.
Earlier this year, he was nominated by high school teacher Ernie Kabelka. Mr. Swanson then submitted more information about himself and his classes, and became one of six finalists
from among about 1,000 nominees Following a week of online voting, he emerged as the middle school winner.
In addition to the monetary prize, he received several boxes of goodies for his students including drawstring bags, piggy banks, pens and highlighters.
Mr. Swanson, who has been a technology teacher in the district for 15 years, said the eighth grade course is very hands-on for students. They complete several projects throughout the year using both traditional and modern methods. They make phone speaker amplifiers with a computer numerical control router that cuts the wood after students create 3D models on a computer. The boxes are finished off with custom laser engraving. The bridgebuilding project is a manual cut-and-glue activity, with textbooks stacked on top at the end to test their durability.
“I like building, I like
creating,” Mr. Swanson said. “It’s as simple as that. I like to build stuff. I always come to school eager for the day and ready to get my students engaged in their projects.”
Patricia LiVecchi, supervisor of career and technical education, congratulated Mr. Swanson on this deserved recognition and noted that he is an
exceptional teacher within a department full of top-tier educators.
“I have the best technology teachers,” she said. “They want this program to do well. Every innovation they come up with helps the students. The teachers make the learning relevant to today’s world.”
Mr. Swanson plans to use the grant money for new tools and equipment for his eighth grade technology classes.
Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
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Cell: 631-335-0316
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GREG MASAITIS
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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.
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
Forces.”
Residents Invited to ‘History Hunt’ In Oyster Bay and Throughout LI
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 Island History Museum, Smithtown Historical Society, Meadow Croft Estate in Sayville, and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.
Executive Director of the event’s sponsor, The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Kathryn Curran stated, “The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation’s mission is to support the advancement of Long Island’s important historic role in the American experience. All Long Islanders, as participants
in the daily events of their towns and neighborhoods, are builders in the legacy and heritage of the places we call home.”
Participants can scan the QR code to register, and then visit a designated museum, landmark, monument, historic home, park or colonial tavern. At each location, visitors are invited to take a selfie challenge and upload their photo. Visitors who complete a challenge at any site are automatically eligible to win a prize. Those who complete a challenge at all 12 sites will earn the title of ‘Revolutionary Trailblazer’ and be entered into the grand prize drawing that includes $500, an 18th century-style luncheon at the Ketcham Inn tavern, family museum memberships, and a basket of curated surprises.
For more information and to register, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ LIHistoryHunt, or email longislandhistoryhunt@ gmail.com.
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.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
Summer is a season to soak up some sun and enjoy the generally more laid back atmosphere that’s become synonymous with the months of June through August. Though no one wants to dampen the summer fun, it’s important to note that the season should not be entirely carefree. In fact, emphasizing skin protection is vital to ensuring the season is both fun and safe.
Summertime Skin Protection Strategies
• Wear sunscreen every day. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery urges individuals to wear sunscreen every day in the summer. No two people are the same, and that’s evident in the various skin types. People with fair skin may already know from experience that they need to apply sunscreen in the summer. But ASDS notes even people with naturally darker skin that tends to
tan instead of burn need to wear sunscreen every day as well. The ASDS recommends applying roughly one ounce of sunscreen two to three times each day in summer. Sunscreen should have a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. It’s possible to get sunburn even in cooler climates or on cloudy days when time in direct sunlight is minimal. So the sunscreen rule can apply year-round, but is especially important in summer when people tend to spend more time outdoors than during other times of year.
• Opt for protective clothing. The ASDS notes that unbleached cotton, tightly woven T-shirts or shorts, and wide-brimmed
hats provide excellent protection against the sun. Many manufacturers now offer high-SPF clothing that absorbs UV rays. Pairing such clothing with daily applications of sunscreen can be a great way to protect skin against summer sun.
• Pay attention to your skin. Routine skin examinations in summertime can uncover warning signs of skin cancer. For example, the ASDS notes that discoloration, a changing mile or a rough red patch of skin are early warning signs of skin cancer. Contact a dermatologic surgeon immediately if any of these signs are detected.
• Avoid sunbathing to reduce sunburn risk.
The ASDS notes the only way to prevent exposure to potentially harmful sunburn is to stay in the shade. Though many consider a little color in summertime harmless, the reality is that skin cancer develops over time and sunburn is dangerous. Each sunburn a person gets increases his or her risk of developing skin cancer, so even a mild sunburn that disappears in a day or two can have a long-term and potentially deadly impact.
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NEW Program Alert: Registration Now Open For Pilates
In The Park
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced that registration for the Town’s New Pilates in the Park program is now underway. This program will be held on Saturdays at Theodore Roosevelt Park beginning July 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and run for 10 weeks.
Councilwoman Walsh stated, “Balencing wellness and athleticism, the Pilates in the Park program is perfect for all levels and abilities. Register today for an easygoing way to boost your core, improve posture, and reduce stress, all while enjoying the outdoors at one of the most beautiful parks in the Town of Oyster Bay!”
Registration is online at: www. oysterbaytown.com/sports. The resident fee is $60, and new participants must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid photo ID. The non-resident fee is $70. Participants must provide their own mat. Classes will take place in the grassy area near the seawall.
For more information, please call (516) 797-7945 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com
Life After High School
(NAPSI)—Many teens feel uncertain about life after high school, but College Board’s free BigFuture® platform can empower students to discover college and career possibilities that are authentic and personalized, and ways to pay for them. For further facts and to qualify for scholarships, visit BigFuture.org.
Pain Patches
(NAPSI)—Makers of a patch used in outer space for it’s adhesive properties also make patches on planet Earth for pain relief. Learn more at us.hisamitsu.
Why Regular Car Washes Are Important
Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. There are a number of steps involved in keeping a car or truck in top form, and that includes regular car washes. Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.
• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings
and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.
• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a wellmaintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for above-average condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.
• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with high salt corrosion rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.
• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.
• Maintain the interior: Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components. Car washes should be a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Professional car washes tend to be more eco-friendly than washing a car at home.
