JULY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, JULY 10th
6:15PM-8:00PM EVENING GARDEN VOLUNTEER GROUP
Biweekly Thursday evening garden meet-up. Bring your garden gloves, snacks, and whatever else to our evening garden meetup. Recommended for adults and families with children 12y and up. No cost Meet at the gazabo in the volunteer garden. Bring water or a reusable cup/bottle. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
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
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 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
SATURDAY, JULY 26th
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 631888-9854
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 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
Amityville Memorial High School Honors World Languages Scholars
Amityville Memorial High School celebrated its exceptional bilingual and trilingual scholars during the school’s World Languages Achievements Ceremony.
Held in the high school’s auditorium, the high school honored students who were inducted to the 2024-25 National World Language Honor Society. The high school also recognized
students who will obtain the New York State Seal of Biliteracy for the 2024-2025 school year. The state’s Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The ceremony was conducted in English, Spanish and French as inductees recited their oath during a candle-lighting ceremony.
The high school’s National French Exam participants were also honored for their proficiency in listening, vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension.
Senior members received the medals and honor cords they will wear at their commencement ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District
EXOTIC WAREHOUSE
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Grilled Striper With Cactus And Black Beans
It’sgrilling season, and people are on the lookout for delicious recipes they can easily cook outdoors. Many fall back on tried-and-true favorites because they may be apprehensive about grilling with new ingredients. But grilling is more than just burgers and steaks. In fact, seafood is a great option for the grill, and it cooks up in a snap.The following recipe for “Grilled Striper with Cactus and Black Beans” from “Jon Bonnell’s Texas Favorites” (Gibbs Smith) is a great seafood dish to grill up this summer.
Serves 4
4 fillets wild striped bass, approximately 8 ounces each
1 teaspoon southwestern blend rub
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 cactus paddles (called nopales in Mexican markets)
3 cups Bacon-Laced Black Beans (see below)
1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Clean the fish well, removing any bones and scales, and pat dry. Dust each fillet with the rub, then brush each with canola oil just before grilling. Grill over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the fish is cooked through. The time may vary, depending on your grill. Clean the cactus paddles well with a sharp knife, removing any small needles. Grill the cactus over high heat, just tossing it right onto the grill bars — no oil, no seasonings. Once the cactus begins to bubble slightly, turn over and season with a sprinkle of the rub. As soon as both sides are lightly charred and the cactus is bubbling inside, it’s ready to serve. Pull the cactus from the grill and cut into strips. Line a platter with a layer of the cactus and top with the black beans; then lay the
grilled striper on top. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and serve.
BACON-LACED
Serves 8 to 10
BLACK BEANS
1 pound black turtle beans, rinsed under cold water
1 large yellow onion, diced and divided 4 strips bacon, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
Place the beans and half of the chopped onion in a saucepot with just enough cold water to cover. Soak in the fridge overnight, then simmer for approximately 1 hour (do not drain), just until the beans become soft. Strain the liquid into a separate bowl and keep it for later. In a separate pot, render the bacon, then add the remaining onion and the garlic. Sauté until the onion has softened; then pour the beans and 1 cup of their cooking liquid into the pot. Puree the mix with a stick blender until smooth.
Did You Know?
Grilling is serious business in the hearts and minds of millions of people, which is perhaps the reason why individuals tend to be so devoted to their preferred method of cooking foods over an open flame. That devotion extends to the type of grill cooks use, which typically comes down to a choice between gas grills that utilize propane and charcoal grills that burn charcoal. Though the debate over which type of grill is better will likely never end, charcoal devotees insist that science is on their side. Grilling with charcoal leads to the release of an aroma compound known as guaiacol. Guaiacol is produced during the breakdown of lignin, a resin that BarbecueBros.com notes holds strands of cellulose together to form wood. As lignin breaks down, guaiacol is released, providing foods cooked over charcoal with a uniquely smoky, bacon-like flavor. That unique flavor is absent from foods cooked on a gas grill, which charcoal grill enthusiasts point to as proof that their preferred method to grill meat is superior to other means.
Multicultural Fair Festivities
Amityville Memorial High School celebrated numerous cultures during the school’s Multicultural Fair.
Held in the high school’s cafeteria, the event brought together students from a variety of countries as they celebrated the
heritage of their families.
The celebration featured dance, music, traditional games, and foods from several geographic regions.
Students also crafted display boards which shared the history of their families’ countries. Additionally, the fair featured raffled prizes
such as decorative festival masks.
The district would like to thank all of the students and staff members who contributed to this festive event.
courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District
Photo
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.
• 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
Summertime Skin Protection Strategies
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 widebrimmed 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 longterm and potentially deadly impact.
Fun in the summer sun is part of what makes the
season so special. But it’s imperative that people take steps to protect their skin from sun damage when enjoying warm summer days in the great outdoors.
Powell Funeral Home, Inc.
Reading Is A Beloved Pastime
Reading is a beloved pastime that can positively affect cognitive health and even help to reduce stress. Though those benefits are largely associated with adults, reading can be equally beneficial to children,
even those who have yet to learn how to read. According to the Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, infants pick up on language earlier
than researchers once realized, and hearing language is important as their brains prepare them to speak. Reading also supports word learning and preliteracy skills in older children. The ECLKC notes that when adults read to
children, they typically speak words they would not otherwise use in typical discourse. That helps children expand their vocabularies, even before they learn to read on their own.
Best Solution To Remembering Passwords
(NAPSI)—Perhaps the best solution to difficulty remembering passwords is to not use them, opting for a method with much higher security, such as biometrics—which authenticate individual people through their faceprint, voiceprint, fingerprints or iris scan for superior convenience and security. Learn more at www. aware.com.
SHEDS,DECKS POOLS, ETC DEMOLISHED AND REMOVED
GUTTERS
Cleaned! Repaired! Replaced! 20% off on gutter guards Expert Handyman & Power Washing Services Available. Reasonable, Reliable & Ready! Mention This Ad!
Masonr y Masonr y Masonr y ALL TYPES OF MASONRY WORK SAVE 25-30%OFF
•CAMBRIDGE PAVERS,
• PAV ER DRIVEW AYS ,
• BLACKTOP DR IV EWAY S, • PATIOS, •NEW STOOPS & REPAIRS, •P VC FENCE
FREE ESTIMATES
LI CENSE/INSURED AMERICAN STONE & CONSTRUCTION CORP CALL 631 960 3368
COMPLETE MASONR Y SERVICES
CA MBRIDG E PATIO 20' X 20' $5900
• CAMBRIDGE PAVERS.
• BLACKTOP DRIVEWAYS,
• CHIMNEY REPAIRS,
• PATIOS,
• NEW STOOPS & REPAIRS, PVC FENCES, FREE ESTIMATES
LICENSED/INSURED HI-65214 JAC BELL MASONRY CALL 631 205 4710
JAG MASONRY & LANDS CAPING
Pavers, Patios, Drivew ays, Stoops, Cultured Stone Pool Areas, Etc! Free Estimates. Reasonabl e Prices & Reliable! Lic ensed & Insure d Lic. #59023-H References Avail abl e!
Se Necesitan Albaniles Con O Algo De Experiencia.
VI NY L SI DI NG WOOD & VINYL DE CKS. PV C FENCING, PATIOS , WALKWAYS , DRIVE WAYS PAVE RS, ETC.
CH ECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT US WW W.HY DROPO WER SOLUTI ON.COM DISCOUNTS FOR VETERANS, SENIORS, FIRST RESPONDERS OWNER OPE RATED, LI CENSED/I NSURE D HYDRO POWER SOLUTIONS CALL OR TE XT 631 526
The Differences Between Weather Warnings And Watches
Weather is hard to predict. Meteorologists have many tools at their disposal to help forecast storms and other phenomena, but it is impossible to predict the weather with 100 percent accuracy. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the National Weather Service may issue certain notices to prepare the public. Understanding the
level of threat a notice carries can help people take appropriate action and avoid serious consequences. The NWS uses a fourtier system to alert the public of hazards. Here’s a closer look at what each tier constitutes.
Outlook
This is the least serious weather alert. It usually means that hazardous weather may approach
in the next three to seven days. The public should monitor the situation and stay tuned for further updates.
Advisory
With an advisory, weather conditions are not overly serious but could prove inconvenient. Individuals should be cautious and prudent when preparing supplies or traveling.
Watch
During a weather watch, there is an increased risk of a hazardous weather occurrence, though the timing or location is still uncertain. This is when it is essential to practice an evacuation or preparedness plan and stock up on any lastminute supplies.
Warning
The most serious of the weather impact notifications, a warning constitutes an imminent or likely event. The weather may cause a threat to property or life. Immediate action to stay safe is necessary. While these alerts are based on the severity of impending weather, it is important to note that the NWS will not necessarily follow the same timeline with issuing alerts. That depends on how fast a weather situation develops. If there is time, an advisory, then a watch and then a warning may be issued. However, if a storm moves in rapidly, only a warning may be issued. People always should pay attention to weather notices so they can be prepared should severe weather be in the forecast.
