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West Islip High School Seniors Honored At Dellecave Awards

West Islip High School seniors

Courtney Xippolitos and Derek Busking 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.”

Pictured: West Islip High School nominees Courtney Xippolitos and Derek Busking are flanked by Butch Dellecave Foundation President Mark Dellecave (left) and Executive Director Guy Dellecave (right). Photo courtesy of Artist Lake Media

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

Have a Happy & Safe 4th of July

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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.

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.

1⁄4

teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1⁄2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Greek couscous

Oregano sprigs (optional)

Greek Couscous

Makes 4 1-cup servings

2 cups hot cooked whole-wheat couscous

1⁄4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

20 grape tomatoes, quartered

1 15-ounce can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 10 minutes.

Did You Know? Save Water

The U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program is encouraging home-owners to find and fix leaks to save more than 10 percent on utility bills now and help save water for future generations. For more information and tips about how to save water, visit www.epa.gov/water sense.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that parents avoid exposing babies younger than six months to the sun's rays. Infants should be kept in the shade as much as possible and dressed in lightweight and long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The AAD also notes, sunscreen use should be avoided in babies younger than six months. Children six months and older can use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. These sunscreens should be applied to all areas that are not covered by clothing, and reapplied approximately every two hours (or as often as the product label indicates).

Sunday

At the June 5 board of education meeting, West Islip Union Free School District recognized both students and staff for their achievements.

West Islip High School Principal Andrew O’Farrell honored the top 10

West Islip Honors Staff, Top 10 Students

academic leaders in the Class of 2025 and presented each with a certificate.

Congratulations to the following students: Ava Gabrell, Shane Henke, Abigail Lam, Kevin McCabe, Aidan Okurowski, Ella Oliveri, Emily

Podolska, Taylor Riley, Marissa Romeo and Lucas Scourtos.

After recognizing the top students, West Islip Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Paul Romanelli spoke briefly about each of the 22 candidates up for

tenure recommendation and highlighted the many contributions they have made to the district thus far. Congratulations to the following recently tenured administrators, teachers, support staff and teaching assistants: Justin

Arini, David Rubano, Dara DePouli, Alexandra Ragin, Alysha Cannon, Megan Rooney, Carly Aponte, Grace Bolin, Gabrielle Cameron, Kasey Connelly, Jaimee Connors, Nicole Devine, Daniel Gschwind, Beth Havranek, Brendan

O’Connell, Cara Stern, Daniel Varney, Tiffany Kallman, Annmarie Katzer, Jennifer Dolan, Pamela Gaffney and Lisa Minozzi.

Photos courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

The top 10 academic leaders in the West Islip High School Class of 2025 were honored at the June 5 board of education meeting.

Twenty-two staff members were granted tenure and recognized for their contributions to the West Islip Union Free School District at the June 5 board of education meeting.

Did You Know?

July 4th is a day when Americans celebrate their independence, but it's also a day to commemorate two men who played vital roles in procuring that independence. Both John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his successor Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed. According to History.com, Adams and Jefferson were confidantes in the 1780s, but as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the United States government should be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the 1800 presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history. Jefferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to Jefferson's inauguration. The two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than 150 letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.

19-Year-Old College Student Brings 11-Hour Music Festival

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 11hour celebration of punk, indie, emo, and experimental sounds. Organized by 19year- old 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 youth-

run, 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-of-state 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 reentry 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 talkedabout 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.

Thank You Is Still Good Business

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.

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

JOANN CILLA

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 t seeing you around town.

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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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