July 9, 2025 West Islip by Long Island Media Group

ISLIP GRADUATES

Did You Know?

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, waterresistant 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).

Twenty-Two West Islip Students Earn Seal Of Biliteracy

Twenty-two students from West Islip High School recently achieved the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. To earn this distinction, each student successfully presented a project in a different language and scored an Intermediate High. Recipients received both a seal on their diploma and a medal to wear at graduation.

Congratulations to the following students: April Allegretto (ASL); Alexa Alvarado (Spanish); Joshua Aponte (Spanish); Annabel Bondy (ASL); Ryan Deegan (Italian); Amelia DiBenedetto (Spanish); Moises Espinal (Spanish); Ruth Higgins (Spanish); Julia Kapsa (Spanish); Christine Lombardi (Spanish); Olivia Luvera (ASL); Teagan McGuire (ASL); Emilia Miranda (Spanish); Addison O’Hara (Spanish); Aidan Okurowski (Spanish); Cadence Olsen (Spanish); Sienna Pollock (Spanish); Julia Prokopiak (Spanish); Lucas Scourtos (Italian); Justin Torres Espinal (Spanish); Keara Triolo (ASL) and Katelyn Zapata (Spanish).

Twenty-two students from West Islip High School were recently presented with the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. Each student received a seal on their diploma and a medal to wear at graduation. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Summertime Skin Protection Strategies

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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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.

Leg. Flotteron Recognizes Suffolk County Woman Veteran of Distinction For 11th LD

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized the 2025 Suffolk County Woman Veteran of Distinction for the 11th Legislative District, Ms. Clara Scavelli, United States Marine.

Ms. Scavelli joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school, determined to change the trajectory of her life and serve something greater. As a female, she overcame many obstacles to earn the title of Marine. She quickly ascended the ranks to Sergeant, working in Supply Administration and the warehouse field, ensuring operational readiness for the unit. Additionally, she served as a Range Instructor, training Marines on their service

weapons.

Deployed to Okinawa, Japan, she assisted community outreach programs, serving with MWCS-18, teaching schoolaged children English. Later, she returned home to the 6th Communications Battalion at Floyd Bennett Field, NY, on InspectorInstructor duty. There, she trained reservists, planned weekend drills, and ensured operational readiness of reserve Marines for possible mobilization. She was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. In 2011, she completed active service and become a Registered Nurse in the ICU. It was her military experience that allowed her to succeed in civilian

life as a nurse, receiving several recognitions for exemplary care and was honored as a DAISY Award recipient. During COVID she fought for every patient, offering strength when families could not be there. She is furthering her education to become an Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner.

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Just Listed

JUST LISTED

56 Yacht Club Road, Babylon

OPEN HOUSE

$925,000 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 2 | MLS: #865300

56 Yacht Club Road, Babylon

7/12/25 12pm-2pm

Welcome to this exceptional home in Babylon Village, offering the unique and versatile layout of a mother-daughter set-up with two independent living quarters. This charming property boasts a primary suite on the first floor, featuring 3 bedrooms, a formal dining room, a cozy living room with a fireplace and a kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances, granite counter tops and tile floors, with washer, dryer area. The upstairs unit has a private entrance and large kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances, Granite Tops and separate W/D area with a large L/R, D/R, 2 large bedrooms and a bath. Discover the perfect blend of functionality and style in this attractive motherdaughter home in the heart of Babylon Village.

$925,000 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 2 | MLS: #865300

Welcome to this exceptional home in Babylon Village, o ering the unique and versatile layout of a mother-daughter set-up with two independent living quarters. is charming property boasts a primary suite on the rst oor, featuring 3 bedrooms, a formal dining room, a cozy living room with a replace and a kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances, granite counter tops and tile oors, with washer, dryer area. e upstairs unit has a private entrance and large kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances, Granite Tops and separate W/D area with a large L/R, D/R, 2 large bedrooms and a bath. Discover the perfect blend of functionality and style in this attractive mother -daughter home in the heart of Babylon Village.