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South Bay's Neighbor

MASSAPEQUA DOG RESCUE CLUB MAKES A

Massapequa Dog Rescue Club Makes A Paws-Itive Impact

Massapequa High School’s Dog Rescue Club supported three local animal organizations with significant monetary donations. The group held a check presentation ceremony afterschool on June 11.

The donations totaled more than $4,000, with Last Hope Animal Rescue, Paws of War and Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue Inc. each receiving a check for $1,450. The Dog Rescue Club held several fundraisers throughout the year including monthly bake sales, online T-shirt sales and a walk-athon.

Representatives from each of the organizations were on hand to accept the donations along with students from the Dog Rescue Club and co-adviser Christina Sabbiondo. Paws of War pairs veterans with service dogs, while Last Hope Animal Rescue and Pawsitive Possibilities

facilitate animal adoptions. Many students in the club volunteer with these organizations. Providing financial

support to nonprofit animal organizations is the Dog Rescue Club’s major initiative each year, but it also holds other

events such as puppy yoga and a pet adoption fair. Club President Charlotte Focarazzo said it is rewarding to help these

organizations, which rely on donations to fulfill their missions.

“Everyone in the club definitely contributed a

lot and worked hard,” she said. “The organizations and shelters make the most of any donations that they get.”

Massapequa High School’s Dog Rescue Club presented donations to three nonprofit animal organizations on June 11. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with the Superintendent and Commissioners of the Massapequa Water District to unveil the new ‘John F. Caruso Education Center.’

The new education center, located at Well #9 on Sunrise Highway, is a facility where students, scouting groups and local organizations can gather to learn where their water comes from and how it is

treated.

Town & Massapequa Water District

Dedicate John F. Caruso Education Center

“As Water Commissioner, John Caruso invited the public to see firsthand the operations of the district and how their water is processed. He always wanted residents to feel aware and involved in the operations of the water district,” explained Water Commissioner Ray Averna.

“Thanks to his efforts, the district began to offer programs to high school students interested in

environmental and science studies, as well as scouting and other organizations.”

John Caruso, a professional engineer and longtime Public Works deputy commissioner for local government, served as Commissioner for the Massapequa Water District for 19 years. Throughout his career, John was more than a respected engineer – he was a tireless advocate, a visionary and a dedicated public servant. He was instrumental in the effort to contain and remediate the Grumman-Navy Plume, the largest toxic plume of its kind within a sole-source aquifer in the United States.

“John’s deep knowledge of engineering, environmental remediation, and environmental law was invaluable. His leadership helped clear roadblocks, accelerate progress, and inspire action across agencies and communities,”

said Supervisor Saladino.

Caruso was the first civil service engineer to develop a comprehensive model of the plume during his time as Deputy Commissioner of Public Works for Nassau County. He spent decades identifying its parameters, advocating for its cleanup,

and leading expert teams to ensure progress. In 2017, he brought his expertise and passion to the Town of Oyster Bay as Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, continuing the fight to protect our environment — from the Grumman plume to the cleanup of

Bethpage Community Park.

“Today, thanks to the dedication of the Massapequa Water District, we celebrate now only his work but his legacy, with the naming of this beautiful education center in his honor,” Supervisor Saladino said.

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

NEW Program Alert: Registration Now Open For Pilates In The Park

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced that registration for the Town’s New Pilates in the Park program is now underway. This program will be held on Saturdays at Theodore Roosevelt Park beginning July 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and run for 10 weeks.

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

Councilwoman Walsh stated, “Balencing wellness and athleticism, the Pilates in the Park program is perfect for all levels and abilities. Register today for an easygoing way to boost your core, improve posture, and reduce

stress, all while enjoying the outdoors at one of the most beautiful parks in the Town of Oyster Bay!” Registration is online at: www.oysterbaytown.com/ sports. The resident fee is $60, and new participants must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid photo ID. The non-resident fee is $70. Participants must provide their own mat. Classes will take place in the grassy area near the seawall.

For more information, please call (516) 7977945 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com

Indoor Air Quality

(NAPSI)—Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Unbeknownst to homeowners, common pollutants lurk inside homes, affecting health in subtle yet significant ways. Learn more at www. NADCA.com/Homeowners.

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 BLACK BEANS

Serves 8 to 10

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.

VEAL

The Original Salpino of Wantagh, N. Babylon & Dix Hills

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.

Thank You Is Still Good Business

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 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.

JOANN CILLA

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