










The American Heartworm Society advises dog owners to have their furry companions tested for heartworm annually. Such tests can typically be conducted during routine preventive care visits to the veterinarian.
The AHS notes that such tests are necessary even for dogs that are taking year-round heartworm prevention medications. Tests can confirm that such programs are working or indicate if they are not effective. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that antigen tests are the most commonly performed tests. These tests detect the presence of adult female heartworms and they are typically highly accurate. If a test is positive, veterinarians may recommend further testing, including radiographs, a blood profile and an echocardiogram. Such tests can determine a number of things about the infection, including its severity. The AVMA also notes that the additional testing can help determine the best course of treatment. Cat owners should know that it’s more difficult to detect heartworm in cats than in dogs. The AHS indicates that cats are much less likely than dogs to have adult heartworms, making the disease harder to detect in felines. Veterinarians may recommend cats receive both the antigen test and an antibody test, which detects exposure to heartworm larvae. The AVMA notes that more testing may increase the likelihood of detecting the disease in cats.
THURSDAY, JULY 24th
7:00PM-12:00AM
30TH ANNUAL STONY BROOK
FILM FESTIVAL
Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Rd. in Stony Brook. The Stony Brook Film Festival showcases the best in independent film premieres. All films screen through July 26 in Staller Center’s Main Stage Theatre at Stony Brook University. For more information, please call 631-632-2787
SATURDAY, JULY 26th
9:00AM-2:00PM
LONG BEACH FARMERS MARKET
Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester Street in Long Beach. Each week, we're proud to host a group of passionate farmers, artisans, bakers, and makers who bring their best to share with our community. From fresh, locally grown produce to handmade goods and unique treats, every vendor has a story worth discovering. For more information, please visit https:// www.longbeachfarmersmarket.com/
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
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
7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue, Lindenhurst, Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Admission $10. 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. Participants will meet some of the resident non-releasable 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
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30th
6:30PM-8:30PM TAP ROOM GOES PURPLE TO END ALZHEIMER'S
The Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter is excited to partner with Tap Room for an awareness event. Tap Room, 206 Main Street in Farmingdale. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while you learn about: Free programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the latest updates on Alzheimer’s research and treatments, ways you can get involved in any of our five Long Island Walks and volunteer Opportunities and valuable resources available.
For more information, please call 646-793-4851
6:30PM-10:00PM
2025 WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUMMER SERIES
Eisenhower Park - Field 2, Parking Lot 2, in East Meadow. 7PM StartRain or Shine, 6:30PM Kids Fun Run Start. Long Island Road Running Club's ongoing commitment to quality racing, healthy choices and bringing friends & family together! For more information, please call 516-531-3323
6:30PM
STRAWBERRY FIELDS BEATLES TRIBUTE
The Kiwanis Club of Copiague is hosting a fundraiser on July 30th, a Night of Music, Food and Friends. Amity Harbor Civic, 100 Western Concourse, Amity Harbor. $30 pp, pizza, wings, snacks, beer, wine & soda. Bring a lawn chair. RSVP Gene Murray 917-498-1781, or Mike Greb 631-835-7087
THURSDAY, JULY 31st
11:00AM-1:00PM FANTASTICAL SEA BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. No Registration Required Fire-breathing beasts! Galloping unicorns! Did you know that many mythic creatures featured in the Harry Potter world started their stories in the sea? For more information, please call 631-3673418
•
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 5 pm - 8 pm
Protect our loved ones youth, seniors, & pets against addiction and overdose by simply and safely disposing of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription medications The Lindenhurst Moose Lodge, Lindenhurst Community Cares, Community Action for Social Justice and Suffolk County Police C O P E have joined forces to create a united front in preventing addiction and overdose deaths in our community
Hope For Youth will be there to show you how to use Narcan an easy-to-use nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes You’ll learn how to spot the signs, how to use it the right way, and you’ll leave with your own Narcan kit. It’s quick, it’s free, and it could mean everything in the moment it’s needed Anyone who drops off medicine will receive a raffle ticket for a prize!
Together, We Can Make A Difference!
Please bring your prescription medications for safe disposal to:
LINDENHURST MOOSE LODGE #1421
883 SOUTH BROADWAY, LINDENHURST 11757
Long Islanders can get free, confidential memory screenings this summer at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center, located at 149 Schleigel Blvd, in Amityville. Screenings will take place each Wednesday afternoon and are open to everyone, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 631223-4000.
Memory screenings are quick (approximately 1015 minutes), noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. They are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol, and skin checks. Screenings
are administered one on one by a qualified professional, and results are confidential and provided immediately at the end of the screening.
Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.
Continued On 15
Blueberries are out in full force when the weather warms. Blueberries are delicious freshly picked, and can be topped with some light cream for a refreshing dessert. Blueberries also are equally at home baked in muffins, breads and cobblers. The following recipe for “Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Cobbler” courtesy of “Vegan Cooking for Beginners!” with recipes curated by Publications International, Ltd., pairs the tang of lemon with the sweetness of blueberry for the perfect treat. It’s great for dessert or even served for brunch.
cornstarch
1⁄2 tablespoons finely grated lemon peel,
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine boiling water and flaxseed in small bowl. Let stand until cool.
2. Combine blueberries, 1⁄3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cornstarch, and 1⁄2 tablespoon lemon peel in large bowl; toss to coat. Spoon into prepared pan.
3. Combine soymilk and remaining 2
or almond
1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
tablespoons lemon juice in small bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Combine flour, cornmeal, remaining 1⁄2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon peel, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; mix well. Add soymilk mixture, coconut oil and flaxseed mixture; stir until just combined. Drop topping by 2 tablespoons into mounds over blueberry mixture.
4. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown. Let stand 30 minutes before serving.
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Summer 2025 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County
representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for
us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,”
Continued From 13
Early detection of memory impairments is vital. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments when they are most effective, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and therapeutic
programming, which can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial, and health care decisions.
Residents wishing to get a free memory screening at AFA’s Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center this summer can call the Center at 631-223-4000 to schedule an appointment.
said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This summer, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:
• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, September 19, 9 – 11 am
• North Amityville Senior Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, August 27 & September 17, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Senior Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesdays, August 6 & September 3, 8:30 – 11 am
• Tanner Park Senior
Center, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesdays, August 13 & September 10, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays, August 26 & September 23, 12 – 3 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, July 24, 10 am – 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, August 6 & September 10, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesdays, August 20 & September 17, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, July 31, August 28 & September 18, 8:30 am –12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 8538200.
Cleaned! Repaired! Replaced! 20% off on gutter guards Expert Handyman & Power Washing Services Available. Reasonable, Reliable & Ready! Mention This Ad! FREE ESTIMAT ES ALWAYS!! Licensed & Insured. Owner On Every Jo b TRIPLE R GU TTERS Call To ny 516-799-4306 631-793-8812
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will hold a grand opening ceremony for its new Long Island-based AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center (149 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville, NY 11701), on Thursday, July 24 at 11 am. Residents are invited to attend the ceremonial
ribbon cutting and take tours of the center, which provides daily programming for Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias, free memory screenings for Long Islanders, and more. RSVP by contacting the center at 631-223-4000.
“Whether it’s free community programs,
free memory screenings, and more, the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center is a new, valuable communitybased resource for Long Islanders,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “We invite Long Islanders to help us cut the ribbon on July 24 and see what the new center has to offer.”
Centrally located in Amityville, the 11,500 square foot, state-ofthe-art AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center — the first of its kind on Long Island — is accessible to the nearly 3 million residents of Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The center offers free daily programming to Long
Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Community programs include music; creative arts; movement and motion; and brain games. The center also offers free, confidential memory screenings to Long Islanders of all ages, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.
Additional information about upcoming programs is available at afalongisland.org.
Residents interested in attending the July 24 ribbon cutting can RSVP by contacting the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000.
By JoAnn Cilla
Lately, it’s easy to get caught up in how fast business is changing, especially with all the buzz around AI and automation. As I watch these tools transform how we work, market, and connect, I realize that the more we rely on them, the more important it is to remember the things that make us human.
One of those things is the simple act of saying thank you.
A sincere thank you can acknowledge a purchase or referral—but it also affirms relationships. A proper thank you says, “I see you. I appreciate you. You matter.” That’s not something AI can replicate—not really. In today’s digital world, where everyone spends hours each day on their smartphones, human connection is a true differentiator. It’s what helps a local business stand out in a sea of algorithms and automated chat bots.
JOANN CILLA
This summer, local business owners have a perfect opportunity to deepen relationships with the customers who support them all year long. Here are five meaningful and creative ways to show your appreciation:
1. Host a Customer Appreciation Event –Turn your store or office into a mini summer party. Customers can stop by for food, raffles, and music.
2. Offer Personal Touches – Slip a handwritten note or surprise freebie into a customer’s bag. A thoughtful gesture can be more memorable than a discount.
3. Give Back in Their Honor – Make a small donation to a local nonprofit and let customers know it’s thanks to their continued support. Gratitude backed by action speaks volumes.
4. Create Exclusive Summer Experiences – Invite top clients to a special evening with early access to new items, refreshments, or mini workshops. Make Wthem feel like insiders.
5. Spotlight Loyal Customers – Use social media to celebrate your regulars. A quick photo and a kind word can go a long way in reinforcing relationships.
As AI continues to evolve, let’s remember that relationships are the one thing no machine can replicate. Saying thank you is still smart business— and it’s the kind of human connection that keeps communities like ours strong.
I look forward to seeing you around town.