FOR SMALLER GATHERINGS! Feeds 12 people and includes the following:
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage Ring
• USDA Prime Marinated London Broil
• 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders
• 12 USDA GRADE A Chicken Skewers
An impressive 5 protein package with plenty of sides to choose from!
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
•
•
•
•
• Marinated Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• Sugar Sweet Local Corn On The Cob
“WELL-DONE”
An impressive 6 protein package featuring filet mignon, shrimp kebabs & more!
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage
• Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• USDA Black Angus Filet Mignon Steaks
• Boar’s Head Hot Dogs, All Natural
CHOICE OF:
USDA Prime Sirloin Burgers or USDA Grade A Chicken Burgers
USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers or All Natural Jumbo Shrimp Kebabs
CHOOSE THREE SIDES:
PINO’S FAMOUS HOMEMADE
Students from the West Islip Union Free School District recently participated in PSEG Long Island’s “I Am EmPowered” contest. Students from Mr. DeMaio’s class at Bayview Elementary School and Mrs. Gagliardi and Mr. Loudon’s classes at Udall Road Middle School participated in the
West Islip Students Place In PSEG Contest
program. Groups explored energy conservation and environmental responsibility before creating public service announcements to showcase what they learned. Out of 3,300 participants and 244 PSA submissions, four groups from West Islip advanced to the semifinals
at Farmingdale State College. Two groups – including Gwen Dieckmann, Samantha Perone, Laila Southard, Dylan Cardenas Lucero and Jack Pike – were named Top 10 finalists in the PSEG Awards Contest on June 3. Photos courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
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 they see fit.
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.
Lic. R. E.
M 516-238-6756
patty.vorilas@elliman.com ellimanrealtor.com
We have serious interest from quali ed buyers looking speci cally in West Islip. We are looking to connect these buyers with o -market sellers, creating a smooth and discreet process that can save you time, money and hassle.
If you’ve ever considered selling-now or in the near future, we would love to meet with you to discuss what your options might look like.
You’re under no obligation. Even if you’re just curious about the current value or market conditions, we are happy to share insights.
Feel free to reach out to us directly.
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.
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
•
•
•Pools, all types • Bathhouses • Sheds
•Dormers • Garages • Kitchens/Baths
•Complete House Demolition • Buildings
•All Phases of Interior and Exterior Demolition for Contractor Projects • Concrete Patios, Sidewalks, Driveways, Stoops
•Fire and Flood Damage • Garage Cleanouts
•Attic Cleanouts • Shed Cleanouts • Lot Clearing
•Estate Cleanouts • Complete House and Apartment Cleanouts • Entire Building Cleanouts
•Warehouse Cleanouts • Construction Cleanouts
•Eviction Cleanouts • Yard Debris Cleanouts
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.
Insurance Tips And Information
Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber
Insurance Leap-Frog: The Game of the Decade
While talking to your friends, neighbors and family has the topic of conversation changed to the high cost of insurance. Everyone’s Home and Auto insurance premiums have gone through the roof, regardless of whether they have filed a claim. A result of the pandemic is that folks are running to switch to a lower priced carrier…..only to have the new carrier then raise that premium. And, so the game continues. We leap to the next carrier.
Insurance is a pool of money. Customers pay money into the pool and the pool pays out to cover claims. Unfortunately, over the last few years, the pool has gone dry. Unfathomable weather events have surprised insurers. No one could expect wild-fires to erupt in more than 20% of
the country. Nor could we expect an unprecedented number of tornados or Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes. And, no, these occurrences aren’t just elsewhere. New York saw over 20 tornados this past year or so, as well as wild fires and torrential rains that drowned people in their basements and swept parts of the West
RENEW WITH SPRING at Woodloch
Point highway down into the Hudson.
Auto insurers have paid out Comprehensive claims due to these weather events. Additionally, regular collisions cost insurers more than they’ve ever paid out before. Not only are the nuts on the road causing more accidents, but cars also cost more to repair due to advanced technology and parts shortages.
So, what is the consumer to do when they learn that their neighbor pays half of what they do? First, realize that no two people are the same, nor are any two policies. Seldom are two ‘identical’ policies, issued by different companies the same. Intrinsic coverages are often hugely different. So, too, are each of our individual needs. What is suitable coverage for one person is grossly inadequate
Continued On 21
KEN MARCUS
Insurance Tips And
for another person and too much insurance for another. What should you do? Talk to insurance agents until you find the one you’re comfortable with. This should be no
different than choosing your doctor. A good agent will learn about you, what you stand to lose, and what risks you present. Then, a proper line of coverage will be prescribed. Next, don’t compare the prices of different quotes but, rather, compare the different
Carpenter/Contract or PROFESSIONAL HANDYMA N SERVICES ALL PHASES OF HOME REPAIRS IMPROVEMENT & RENOVATIONS FROM MINOR REPA IRS TO FULL RENOVATION Baths, Kitchens, Floo ring, Inte rior Doors Sh eetrock, Trim, Plumbing Crown Molding, Plumbing, etc.
OWNER OP ERATED Licensed/Insured Free Estimates ACE CONTR ACTING CALL OR TE XT 631 432 3892
Clean-Ups / Demolition
Multi Family Block Yard Sale ! Saturday, July 19th 10:00 am Sunday , July 20th 10:00 am No Early Birds Stroller, Exerci se Bike, Avon Products, Avon Collectibles, FITT EAM Samples, Housewar es, Beauty Item s, Halloween Costumes, Holiday Décor, Dog Items, Costume Jewe lry, Blow Up Po ol, Toys, Puzzles, Book s, Throw Pillows, Wall Art, Tools, One Large Pa nd a Bear, Clothes, Shoes and more. Somethin g fo r Everyone! 37 Manor Lane (off South Great Neck Ro ad , South of Montauk Highway) Advertise
JUNK REMOVAL
WHOLE HOUSE CLEAN OUTS & MOVE OUTS
BASEMENTS, ATTICS, GARAGES CLEANED OUT
SHEDS,DECKS POOLS, ETC DEMOLISHED AND REMOVED NO DUMPSTER ON YOUR PROPERTY
WASHEDMOST HOUSES $199 WI TH THIS AD 0NLY OF FER EXP. 7/ 31 /25 CALL OR TEXT 516 88 9 79 26 OR 631 -624- 797 9 BROWE R& SO NS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1979 nassau-H1200190
