Deer Park High School seniors Jessica Martin and Juan Gonzalez Mayoral were recently honored at the 25th Annual Butch Dellecave Awards held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. Each high school in the county is invited to nominate one male and one female member of its senior class. Finalists must demonstrate a rare combination of athletic prowess, academic achievement, and meaningful civic involvement. Pictured: Deer Park High School nominees Jessica Martin and Juan Gonzalez Mayoral are flanked by Butch Dellecave Foundation President Mark Dellecave (left) and Executive Director Guy Dellecave (right). Photo courtesy of Artist Lake Medi
July 4 Pool Party Safety
Americans gather in backyards across the United States in celebration of the nation’s independence each July. Festivities often include delicious foods cooked on the grill, music, laughter, and, if there is a pool in the yard, hours of splashing around.
Pools are great places to cool off from the hot sun. But pools also can be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, drowning remains the No. 1 threat to children.
Previous July 4 drownings should serve as sober warnings to those planning to celebrate in and around a pool this Independence Day. Simple precautionary measures can save lives.
• Never leave a child unattended in a pool or around any body of water no matter how small, even for a minute.
• Teach children basic water safety.
• Avoid overloading the pool with too many boisterous swimmers, especially if adults, older kids and young kids are in the water. Small children can quickly get lost in the fray.
• Avoid swimming if you have been consuming alcohol.
• Designate a lifeguard, whether it’s a hired, certified professional, or someone who has taken on the task and will keep eyes fixed on the pool at all times while swimmers are present.
• Establish rules and enforce them. Prohibit diving into shallow water and running around the slippery edge of the pool.
• Learn how to administer CPR to both children and adults.
• If a child goes missing, look for him or her in the pool first.
• Minimize the use of pool floats that can obscure
July 4 Pool Party Safety
Continued From 2
the view of the pool floor when there are many swimmers present.
• Keep a phone handy at all time. Promptly call for emergency services if the need arises.
• Ensure everyone immediately exits the pool if thunder is heard or lightning is seen.
• Turn off the filter
pump while guests are swimming, particularly to protect against entrapment on pool drains or pipes.
• The American Association of Pediatrics advises against allowing infants and toddlers in hot tubs. Older children should not be in a hot tub for more than 20 minutes at a time.
• Be sure the water
chemistry is balanced in pools and spas so that swimmers are not irritated by the chemicals and the water is sanitary. Also, keep in mind that swim diapers are not foolproof. Check youngsters often so that waste does not end up in the pool.
Volunteer Fire Service
(NAPSI)—Many fire departments are looking for volunteers to step up and serve their communities, reports the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the national association for the volunteer fire service. For more information about the volunteer fire service and to find an opportunity, visit www.MakeMeAFirefighter. com.
Deer Park Named A Best Community For Music Education Once Again
The Deer Park School District has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation once again. For the past 26 years, the Best Communities designation has recognized outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders in prioritizing music education. Deer Park was one of only 69 Long Island school districts and 935 nationwide to earn NAMM’s distinction this year. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
JULY HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2nd
7:30PM
FARMINGDALE VILLAGE POPS ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
Farmingdale Village Pops On the Village Green, 43rd Season and Crowd Favorite! Wednesdays July 2nd, July 9th, July 16th, July 23rd & July 30th. Held on the Village Green, 361 Main Street, or along Main Street (as noted). Outdoor events are weather permitting. Bring chairs/blankets for seating for Movies, Pops concerts & theatre performance. For more information, please call Farmingdale Village, 516-249-0093
FRIDAY, JULY 4th
8:30AM-12:00PM
INDEPENDENCE DAY 4 MILE RUN/WALK At Bellmore Fire House, 230 Pettit Ave Bellmore. 8:30AM 4 Mile Start, 8:00AM 1 Mile Start. Rain or Shine. Sanctioned by USATF-LONG ISLAND & an individual scoring race in the USATF-LI Grand Prix. All are welcome, you can also become a member today to score! This event is a USATF-Long Island fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly to Long Island Track & Field. For more information, please call 516-531-3323
SATURDAY, JULY 5th
3:00PM
CONCERT OF PATRIOTIC MUSIC
Celebrating God and Country featuring Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist. A free-will offering will be taken. Grace United Methodist, 515 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
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
SATURDAY, JULY 12th &
SUNDAY, JULY 13th
10:00AM-6:00PM LONG BEACH ARTS AND CRAFTS BOARDWALK FESTIVAL
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the 2025 Arts and Crafts Boardwalk Festival has returned. Vendor applications are available. All artisans are encouraged to apply! For more information, please call 516-705-7414
THROUGH JULY 13th
5-11PM WEEKDAYS AND NOON-11 PM SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & JULY 4th
EMPIRE STATE FAIR
This family-fun annual event features a variety of live entertainment, four nights of spectacular Fireworks by Grucci, exciting rides and games for the whole family, and plenty of delicious fair food. For more information, please call 866-666-3247
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). emailWantaghmuseum@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
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,
Summertime Skin Protection Strategies
emphasizing skin protection is vital to ensuring the season is both fun and safe.
• 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.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Greek Couscous
TheFourth of July is a day to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in various ways, many of which involve spending time outdoors with family and friends. Grilling delicious foods often is part of the July 4 game plan. Burgers, hot dogs and chicken drumsticks will never fall out of favor for Fourth of July fare, but savvy grillmasters know to pepper the offerings with foods that will tempt palates in unique ways. This recipe for “Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Greek Couscous” from “Cooking Light Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) by the Cooking Light Editors appeals to vegetarians, vegetable lovers and anyone who wants something a little lighter from the grill.
Serves 4
2 small eggplants (about 1 pound each), each cut into 4 lengthwise slices
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat grill.
2. Drizzle eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill 6 minutes on each side or until tender. Sprinkle eggplant with cheese; grill 2 minutes or until cheese melts.
3. While eggplant grills, prepare Greek Couscous.
4. Place 2 eggplant slices on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 cup couscous. Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.
1 15-ounce can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 10 minutes.
Deer Park High School Seniors Honored At Dellecave Awards
Deer Park High School seniors Jessica Martin and Juan Gonzalez Mayoral were recently honored at the 25th Annual Butch Dellecave Awards held recently at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.
Named in memory of the late Gaetano “Butch” Dellecave — the legendary educator, coach, and official — the award is a collaboration among the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc., the Butch Dellecave
Foundation, and Newsday. The program is built on a 25-year partnership with Suffolk County school districts.
Each high school in the county is invited to nominate one male and one female member of its senior class. Finalists must demonstrate a rare combination of athletic prowess, academic achievement, and meaningful civic involvement. “This award is about more than trophies,”
said Adrian Fassett, President and CEO of the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk. “It’s about investing in the next generation of community leaders — young people who show us that success means being strong on the field, sharp in the classroom, and generous in community spirit. We’re proud to be part of a program that lifts up all of these remarkable nominees.”
Eight Deer Park Student Writers Recognized By NCTE
Eight Deer Park students – Robert Frost Middle School eighth graders Sophia Castro, Abigail Daniel and Jaslyn Navas, and Deer Park High School juniors Abigail Cullen, Lauren Marable, Jaidyn Schabe, Sidra Syed and Jasmine Uppal – were recently honored by judges in the national writing contest held by the National
Council of Teachers of English, which awards the most outstanding student writers from around the country in grades 8 and 11. Additionally, Castro, Marable, Navas, Syed and Uppal ranked at the top levels of the competition. The high school contestants worked with ELA teacher Teresa Greco, who supported
and encouraged students throughout the process. “These students rank among the top one percent of young writers nationwide,” Director of ELA, Reading, and Library Justin Uliano said. “We are incredibly proud of their talent and can’t wait to see what they create next.”
courtesy of Deer Park School District
Did You Know?
Encouraging children to be physically active can be an important step in helping them to be healthier later in life. The Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN) says active kids are more likely to become healthy adults. Studies have shown that being physically active and making smart food choices while young can lead to a reduced risk of developing many serious health conditions later in life, which can include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and even certain cancers. Families can work together to help kids get on paths to better health and to become more active. This may involve putting limits on screen time and encouraging outdoor play and group active activities like sports or dance.
Robert Frost Middle School eighth graders Sophia Castro, Abigail Daniel and Jaslyn Navas were honored in the National Council of Teachers of English’s national writing contest.
Photos
Robert Frost Middle School eighth graders Sophia Castro, Abigail Daniel and Jaslyn Navas were honored in the National Council of Teachers of English’s national writing contest.
Deer Park High School nominees Jessica Martin and Juan Gonzalez Mayoral are flanked by Butch Dellecave Foundation President Mark Dellecave (left) and Executive Director Guy Dellecave (right). Photo courtesy of Artist Lake Medi
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Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 Initiates Six New Members
The Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 initiated six new members at their June General Membership Meeting.
Pictured seated are new members Lorraine Lipps, Ladfred Varela,
Debra Talerico, Sandra Rietta, and Grace Rietta. Initiated, not pictured, is Richard J. Renna. Standing from the Membership Committee are Carol Nani and Lucille Romanello, District Deputy Tony Izzo, and Lodge President Cathy Lamberti. The Lodge welcomes individuals of Italian American descent to consider membership; please get in touch with Lucille at (631) 987-9728 for details.
New York Blood Center Encourages Summer Donations Ahead Of July 4th Weekend
Mets-Themed
Swag To Be Offered To Blood Donors June 27 – July 7
As New Yorkers gear up for the 4th of July holiday, New York Blood Center (NYBC) is encouraging blood donations to help maintain a stable supply for area hospitals throughout the busy summer months. Blood donations often dip around holiday weekends due to travel, school breaks, and summer plans, but the need for blood remains constant.
To thank donors who step up to the plate to help keep the supply strong during this time, NYBC is offering Mets-themed incentives from June 27 through July 7:
Donor center donors get their choice of a Mets T-shirt or packable backpack, plus a voucher for 2 Mets tickets. Registration is required for ticket vouchers – learn
more at nybc.org/promo.
Community blood drive donors will receive a Metsbranded T-shirt
“Summer always brings some challenges for the blood supply, but it’s also a great time to give back,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center.
“Whether you’re staying in town or just taking an hour out of your day, donating blood is a meaningful way to support patients in your community, and we’ve got some great summer giveaways as a thank-you.”
Blood donations support patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, emergency care, and more. The need for blood often increases during the summer, known as “trauma season,” due
to a rise in accidents and emergency room visits. Nearly 25% of trauma patients require blood transfusions for treatment.
In addition to the call for blood donations, NYBC is calling on additional businesses, schools, religious groups, and community organizations to step up and host drives this summer. Hosting a drive or volunteering can be just as lifesaving as giving blood.
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.
Tell Us About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
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
KEN MARCUS
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 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 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 prescriptions. Choose the agent and policy based on the best value for reasonable coverage.
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19-Year-Old College Student Brings 11-Hour Music Festival To Patchogue This Summer
On July 12, 2025, Long Island’s new youth-led music festival, Gaze in the Garden, is coming to Stereo Garden (9 Railroad Avenue in Patchogue) for an 11-hour celebration of punk, indie, emo, and experimental sounds. Organized by 19-yearold Jess Bond of Bond Booking, this brand new fest will showcase a vibrant, genre-bending lineup of local favorites and touring acts.
The festival is entirely independent and youthrun, with a strong focus on community, creativity, and giving back. Bond, who studies music business at Berklee College of Music, created Gaze in the Garden as a platform to showcase underground artists and bring together a scene that too often gets overlooked.
The inaugural festival will proudly partner
with Hungry for Music, a nonprofit that provides musical instruments to underprivileged children and school programs. 15% of all proceeds will be donated directly to the organization to support music access for youth across the country. Featuring over a dozen bands, including two massive out-ofstate headliners, local heavy-hitters and rising underground gems, this
festival is not one to miss for any music lover!
Festival goers can expect a rotating schedule of live performances, community vendors and an open re-entry policy, encouraging attendees to explore the local shops and restaurants in downtown Patchogue throughout the day.
With an overwhelming response to the lineup teaser post, Gaze in the Garden is already proving
to be one of Long Island’s most talked-about underground events.
“This isn’t just a show, it’s something way bigger than that,” says Bond.
“It’s proof that young people can build real opportunities when they have the drive and the community behind them. I want to make a space where artists feel valued and fans feel something they’ll never forge.”
Tickets are available
now via https://tinyurl. com/5fuak6ep. Early bird tickets grant access to a secret backyard pre-party and are selling fast.
About Bond Booking: Founded and run by student and entrepreneur Jess Bond, Bond Booking represents over 30 artists across genres and specializes in curating unforgettable events that prioritize community, creativity and independence.
