EAGLE SCOUT TRIPLETS
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
HOLIDAYS
4th - INDEPENDENCE DAY
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
Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
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
are incredibly proud of triplets Helaina, Henri, and Henniyah Rivers, the first set of triplets in New York to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout!
Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilman DuWayne Gregory, Suffolk County Legislator Jason
A. Richberg and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron - 11th LD recently attended the siblings’ Eagle Scout Court of Honor in West Babylon.
For their projects, Helaina replaced the old flagpole at Brightwaters Village Justice Court, Henri installed permanent
benches for the community to enjoy, and Henniyah designed paving stones and added planter boxes to beautify the court grounds. These siblings embody service, leadership, and community pride. Let’s show them all our support!
EXOTIC WAREHOUSE
The Original Salpino of Wantagh, N. Babylon & Dix Hills
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.
United Way Of Long Island Awarded $1.3M HUD Grant To Help Low-Income Elderly Homeowners Age In Place
United Way of Long Island has been awarded a $1.3 million Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program (OAHMP). Funds will be utilized to make safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners that allow them to age in place. This is part of the existing network of programs the organization provides to older residents including veterans’ assistance, 2-1-1 information and referral, Project Warmth, case management, financial and legal help and health and prevention services.
Long Island’s population is continuing to age; the number of residents aged 70 and older is expected to increase by more than 220,000 over the next 25 years, according to Northwell Health. Stay
at home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on housing conditions that put health and safety at risk. This program is designed to help prevent Long Island seniors from being unnecessarily hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older Americans, making the program even more essential.
Recipients of this program like Peter, a Navy veteran, and retired tradesman whose home was updated with safety features like a front railing and shower grab bars have noted the marked difference in their quality of life and the profound impact this program has had. The home modification program expects to serve 150 clients over three years. To qualify,
residents must live in and own private residences and be at least 62 years old (renters are also allowed).
“Seniors across Long Island have made their desire to live in their own homes resoundingly clear, which is why the work that United Way of Long Island does is so vital,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer. “I was proud to support United
Way’s federal funding application for their Safe At Home For Seniors program. $1.3 million is now on its way to assist hundreds of seniors across Long Island with home repairs and modifications, allowing them to age in place with dignity, and I will continue to advocate for our seniors’ best interests, and bringing federal investment into home and
community-based services is the way to do so.”
United Way’s community partners, along with the occupational therapists will help identify the repairs most critically needed for seniors to facilitate aging in place. The types of repairs to these homes will include bathroom renovations (i.e. installing no-slip strips, grab bars, transfer benches) and accessibility features (i.e. lever handles on all doors and faucets, handheld shower heads, wheelchair ramps).
“Helping Long Island’s seniors live safely and independently in their own homes is something I’ve fought for, and I’m proud to have helped secure this $1.3 million HUD grant for United Way of Long Island,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY02). “This funding will go toward critical home modifications that help
prevent falls—one of the leading causes of injury for adults over 65—and reduce the need for costly hospital stays or long-term care. United Way has long been a trusted partner in serving our communities, and I’ll keep pushing for the federal resources our seniors need to age with dignity and peace of mind.”
“There has never been a more important time than now to ensure the safety of our senior citizens when living independently at home,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “Small changes in seniors’ homes can make a huge difference in their lives. This HUD modification program will enhance United Way’s already existing Safe at Home for Seniors program allowing our elderly neighbors to safely age in place.”
Quirky, Fun-Filled Things To Do This Summer
By JoAnn Cilla
Long Island is one of the best places in the world to be in the summer. From the beaches to the restaurants, and the landmarks to the parks, Long Island has something for every resident and visitor. Here are five things you should consider adding to your bucket list for June – August.
1. Unusual Attractions & Roadside Wonders
Long Island has great, quirky landmarks. Have you been to the iconic Big Duck in Flanders? It’s a giant duck-shaped building that’s both a historic site and a gift shop and opened in 1931. In Montauk, the Montauk Point Lighthouse offers breathtaking ocean views. You should also make time to visit the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, where you can dive with sharks (I’m happy to be a spectator for this activity).
2. Festivals & Fairs
Summer is festival season on Long Island. The Empire State Fair returns to Nassau Coliseum from June 27 to July 13, featuring rides, live entertainment, and delicious fair food. For a cultural experience, check out the Long Island Celtic Festival & Highland Games at Old Westbury Gardens on August 23. It’s a celebration of Scottish heritage with music, dance, and traditional games.
3. Offbeat Eats & Sweet Treats
If satisfying your sweet tooth is on your list this summer, head over to BonBon, a Swedish candy shop in Sag Harbor. They have colorful displays of your favorite confections. Longing for some nostalgia? Make dinner reservations at Swifty’s. They are located at The Hedges Inn in East Hampton and serve classic dishes in a charming setting.
4. Nature & Wellness Escapes
If you want to reconnect with nature, make plans to visit the North Fork’s beaches and vineyards. Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack offers wine tastings at their beautiful vineyards. You can also plan a wellness retreat at Naturopathica Spa in Bridgehampton.
5. Family-Friendly Fun
If you and your family are looking to cool off, enjoy a day at Splish Splash Water Park in Calverton. Alternatively, there is the Long Island FunFest which
runs from June 12 to 22 and has carnival rides, games, and live performances.
If you run a business on Long Island and want to thank your loyal customers while introducing new people to your business, here are three suggestions:
1. Host Themed Events: It’s easy to organize summerthemed events or workshops that align with your business (a hardware store hosting DIY projects, a restaurant having cooking classes).
2. Collaborate Locally: Think about partnering with neighboring businesses to create joint promotions or packages. You can introduce your customers to their business and vice-versa. With the right packages or promotions, it can be a great “win-win” for everyone.
3. Use Social Media to Get and Stay Connected: With platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can showcase your summer specials, share behindthe-scenes content, and engage with your customers through interactive posts and stories. Make them fun and memorable too!
With so many fun and interesting things to do on Long Island in June, July, and August, make sure you plan ahead to take advantage of all the things you want to do. Then you can include those spur-of-the-moment day trips to round out a perfect summer!
Did You Know?
Scores of people insist that exercising with a partner is a great way to remain committed to a fitness regimen, and now research is beginning to support that assertion. A 2023 study from researchers in Japan published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that exercising both alone and with a partner two or more times a week helped to lower risk of cognitive impairment, but the risk was decreased by a more significant margin among those who exercised with others.
Long Island’s ARGYLE THEATRE Announces The Cast And Creative Team For THE MUSIC MAN
Starring: ELLIOTT LITHERLAND and NATALIE DUNCAN
Director EVAN PAPPAS
Choreographer
DAVID GRINDROD
Musical Director
JONATHAN BRENNER
Begins Performances On July 10, 2025 Opening Night Is July 12, 2025
The Argyle Theatre (Mark and Dylan Perlman, Executive Producers & Managing Partners; Evan Pappas, Artistic Director), Long Island’s largest year-round professional theatrical venue, will present the six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man, directed by Evan Pappas, choreographed by David Grindrod, with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. Performances begin Thursday, July 10, 2025, and run through August 31, 2025. Opening night will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
The cast is led by Elliott Litherland* (Argyle’s: Beauty and the Beast, Carousel, Opera North) as Harold Hill and Natalie Duncan* (International: The Sound of Music) as Marian Paroo, with Paul J. Hernandez (Disney Cruise: Frozen, Aladdin) as Marcellus Washburn, Steve McCoy* (National Tour: Monty Python’s Spamalot,) as Mayor Shinn, Bevin Bell-Hall (NYC: Swingtime Canteen) as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, Kara Mikula* (OffBroadway: A Man of No Importance) as Mrs. Paroo, Evan K. Latta (Regional: Something Rotten) as Tommy Djilas, Katie Gwen Morris (Regional: A Christmas Carol: AGSOC) as Zaneeta, Chris Donovan (Argyle’s: Fiddler on the Roof) as Charlie Cowell. The ensemble features Ben Adair (Regional: Cabaret), Carlyn Barenholtz (Argyle’s Fiddler on the Roof), Evan Ellis Blackwell (National Tour: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas), Kyra Lynn Burke (National Tour: GIRLS NIGHT: The Musical, Argyle’s A Christmas Carol), Anna Anhui Chin (The New Jack Cole Dancers), Ollie Cirelli (Argyle’s: Bye Bye Birdie), Maya
Jane Galipeau (Regional: West Side Story), Ayaan Geer (Regional: The Polar Express), Ben Hahn (Regional: Bye Bye Birdie), Shea Hager (Regional: The Wedding Singer), Jared Houde (Regional: Hairspray), Tim Hotchkin (NYC: Freedom’s Last Stand), Garrison Hunt (Argyle’s: A Christmas Carol the Musical, Beauty and the Beast), Coulby Jenkins (Regional: Rock of Ages, Argyles Fiddler on the Roof), Miranda Noelle Jones (Regional: No, No, Nanette), Madelynn Justice (Regional: Shrek), Jessica Mae Murphy (Regional: The Miracle Worker), Tyler Renaud (Argyle’s: A Christmas Carol), with Saki Masuda* (National Tour: The King and I) as Dance Captain/Swing, Jackson Gifford (Regional: Charlie Brown Christmas) as Swing, and Nikki Rinaudo-Concessi (Regional: Argyle’s Mamma Mia!, A Christmas Carol) as Swing. (*Members of Actors’ Equity Association) The creative team includes Scenic Design by Elizabeth Olson, Lighting Design by David Sexton, Costume, Wig, Hair & Makeup Design by Amanda Scanze (with assistant Holly Romero), Sound Design by Kimberly O’Loughlin (with Peter Papangelopoulos, Assistant), Props Design by Callie Hester, and Music Coordination by Russell Brown. Daniel Vaughn* serves as Production Stage Manager, with Gabrielle P. Guagenti*, Katelyn Chiappone, and Gabby Duarte as Assistant Stage Managers. Technical Director is Pat Downes. Casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA. NOW ON SALE: Tickets for The Music Man range from $70 - $90 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling (631) 230-3500.
JOANN CILLA
Did You Know?
Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
Supporting Small Businesses
Supporting small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at
a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a big-box store or a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.
West Babylon Alumni Foundation Hall Of Fame Nominating Application Has Been Extended To July 31, 2025
Please be advised that the deadline for submitting applications to nominate a West Babylon graduate for our Hall of Fame has been EXTENDED to July 31, 2025. Applications can be obtained on our website www.westbabylonalumni. org or on our West Babylon Alumni Foundation Facebook page. You can also receive an application via an email by simply making a request to our email
wbalumni@wbschools.org
The alumni awards recognize exceptional achievements of West Babylon graduates who have made significant contributions to their profession/society & community. The nominees must be out of high school for a minimum of 5 years. There is also a category for a nongraduate who has made significant contributions to the betterment of the WB School District and community. Completed forms and supporting documents must be either hand delivered Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm to the Superintendent’s office or mailed (postmarked by July 31, 2025) to: West Babylon Alumni Foundation Att: Hall of Fame Committee 10 Farmingdale Rd. West Babylon, NY 11704
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West Babylon Public Library
211 Route 109 West Babylon (631) 669-5445
www.wbpl.us Nancy Evans, Director
MEDICAID ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
Wednesday, July 9
10 am-1:30 pm
Sign up is first-come, firstserved and free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital
Council at 631-435-3000.
LEARN HOW: CANVA POSTER PRINTING
July 9, 6:30-8 pm
Learn how to set-up your own FREE Canva account, which will allow you to create different custom print materials. This class will cover setting up and using Canva then creating a poster to be printed after class to take home. Posters can be made for marketing
purposes, communions, weddings, showers, graduations, photo collages, and more!
DECORATIVE GARDEN
GLOBE DROP IN
Fridays: July 11-25
Drop by the library anytime and check out our garden craft station.
ZUMBA Fridays: July 11-25, 10:15-11:15 am
Non-refundable fee for the 3-week July session: $6.
PAINT NIGHT: FIREWORK
Monday, July 14, 6:45-8:30 pm
Non-refundable/transferable materials fee: $5.
AGING IN PLACE AT HOME
Tuesday, July 15, 4-5 pm
Now more than ever, older adults are looking to age
at home successfully with proper care in a thriving and familiar environment. Join us as we discuss the importance of basic estate planning documents, the application process for Medicaid, and the latest updates to home care Medicaid in New York.
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE ‘QUE
Thursday, July 17, 6:30-8:30 pm
Join Pit Master Brian for a patriotic menu that includes foods that are (usually) cooked on the smoker and culminates with a “Red, White, and Blueberry” trifle.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MEETING
Saturday, July 19, 11 am12 pm
