The kids are out of school, the beaches are busy and it's hot - summer is here! We hope you're enjoying the season. As always, we've gathered local and seasonal editorial for you. Plus, don't miss our current contest, where you can win passes to Splish Splash®, New York's largest water park. Looking to advertise? This
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This stunning 6-bedroom, 4.5-bath, 6,100 SqFt ranch-style home, built in 2001, offers breathtaking water views and a flexible floor plan, perfect for extended family or a home business. Nestled on a picturesque 1.9-acre property, this luxury residence features soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and an abundance of natural light. The grand entry foyer leads to an open-concept eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a center island, and Corian countertops, seamlessly flowing into the spacious living room with a gas fireplace. A formal dining room adds elegance, while a private spare room provides versatility as an ideal office or playroom. The master suite is a true retreat, boasting a walk-in closet and a newly renovated spa-like master bath. A loft area serves as a perfect recreation room, exercise room, or guest quarters. Outside, a solar-heated gunite inground pool and hot tub create the perfect outdoor oasis, complemented by a charming front porch and a circular driveway leading to a 3-car attached garage. With breathtaking views, modern amenities, and an unbeatable location by the water, this exceptional home is a rare find.
UPCOMING EVENTS
you don’t want to miss
Smith Haven Mall Carnival
313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
July 10-20 • Times vary per day
Enjoy summer fun with the whole family at the Smith Haven Mall Carnival, featuring exciting rides, games and tasty treats. Ride tickets are available for purchase on site daily and online.
Montauk Grand Slam Charity
Fishing Tournament
444 West Lake Drive, Montauk
July 18-20 • 5 am - 6 pm
This fishing tournament supports the Kiwanis Club of East Hampton and the Montauk Friends of Erin. Anglers compete to catch the largest fish in four categories: Fluke, Seabass, Bluefish and Porgy. Participants must catch all 4 species to be eligible to win the Grand Slam and the top prize of $8,000. There are also individual species awards.
Spirit of Summer Art Festival
2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station
July 20 • 11 am - 4 pm
Proudly hosted by the Spirit of Huntington, a non-profit community art center that teaches creative expression classes to all ages and all abilities, this festival allows you to shop many
Sea Glass Festival
301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
Juy 20 • 10 am - 5 pm
Held at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, this festival celebrates sea glass with demos, workshops, presentations, music and more!
Sandcastle Contest at
Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses Causeway, Babylon - Field 3
July 23 • Registration begins at 9:30 am
Head to the beach with your family and friends to partake in this fun, memorable event! Sand sculptors may use sand, water and any other natural materials native to the beach to create a sandcastle. Prizes will be awarded for the best sculptors and castles in several categories.
Great South Bay Music Festival
49 Smith Street, Patchogue
July 24-27 • Times vary per day
This festival is Long Island’s longest running and largest four day music, art & cultural event. Situated on the beautiful Great South Bay, it features over 55 performers on 4 stages. Additionally, there will be a diverse food court, multiple beer and wine gardens and local art
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Must - Have Items For Summer Entertaining In The Backyard
Summer entertaining season provides ample opportunities to soak up some sun and have some fun with family and friends. Backyard barbecues and other get-togethers at home are even more fun when hosts ensure they have certain must-have items for summer soirees.
• Fire features: The days when summer hosts only needed a few extra lawn chairs and some burgers and hot dogs on the grill for a backyard barbecue are long gone. Though those items still have a place at backyard barbecues, summer parties have taken a step up. Fire features, whether it’s a standalone fire pit, one built into a patio or a gas-powered fire table,
are now wildly popular. Fire features provide a welcome place to relax and converse with guests after the sun goes down. And much to kids’ delight, a fire feature also paves the way for some postmeal s’mores.
• Insulated wine cooler: Coolers are great places to store water, soda, beer, seltzers, and other popular beverages. But what about wine? An insulated wine cooler ensures wine stays properly cooled but doesn’t get too cold, which can happen when wine is stored in a more traditional cooler filled with ice. Bottles are simply placed in the insulated cooler (much like canned beverages slide easily
to fit all the kids who will be coming to the party.
• Outdoor storage cabinet: Hosts can save themselves the stress and effort of walking in and out for dinnerware and other table accessories by investing in a sturdy outdoor storage cabinet. As meal time draws near, hosts will appreciate that all the plates, napkins, utensils, and placemats are already outside. The top of the storage cabinet can double as a small but convenient buffet station for sides that aren’t being cooked over an open flame.
into can koozies), and the bottle can be kept on the table much like you would for formal dinners indoors. Hosts can go the extra mile by pairing insulated wine tumblers with their wine cooler.
• Games: Summer entertaining season might be all about relaxation, but games can up the fun factor at backyard gatherings. Cornhole is a wildly popular game, and customized cornhole boards can help hosts come across as party professionals. Ladder toss, bocce and wiffle ball are some additional games that can make the festivities more fun. Hosts who don’t have a pool also can invest in an inflatable pool big enough
• Projector and screen: A projector and screen can really up the ante on summer entertaining, turning a backyard barbecue into a great place to watch a game or cuddle up after dinner for a movie night under the stars. Projectors and screens won’t bust the budget, but those who have more to spend may want to consider an outdoor television. Outdoor televisions are built to handle the glare of the summer sun, but a retractable awning may be a good safety net for hosts who plan to spend many a weekend afternoon outside watching games or movies with family and friends.
These are just a handful of items that can up the ante on traditional backyard barbecues. Homeowners should know that there’s no limit to the number of items that can make summer entertaining season more special.
Barbecue Seitan Skewers
Makes 4 servings
1 package (8 ounces) seitan, cubed
1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
1 red bell pepper, cut into 12 pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into 12 pieces
12 white or cremini mushrooms
1 succhini, cut into 12 pieces
Grilling Meat-Free At Summer Barbecues
Grilled foods are staples of summertime. There is just something about gathering with friends and family and cooking meals over an open flame to enjoy in the great outdoors, whether at a backyard barbecue or on a camping trip — that makes foods taste even better. Burgers, steaks, and chicken maybe some of the first items that come to mind when pondering grilled fare. But vegetarians and vegans should rest easy knowing that vegetables and other non-meats are equally at home on grills, and taste just as smoky and delicious as more traditional fare. Seitan is a plant-based meat substitute that is utilized in many recipes, including those for grilled dishes. Seitan can mimic the flavor and texture of chicken, and this recipe for “Barbecue Seitan Skewers” from “Vegan Cooking for Beginners” (Publications International, Ltd.) by the PIL editors is sure to please.
Directions:
1. Place seitan in medium bowl. Add 1⁄4 cup barbecue sauce; stir to coat. Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Soak four bamboo skewers in water 20 minutes.
2. Oil grid. Prepare grill for direct cooking. Thread seitan, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini onto skewers.
3. Grill skewers, covered, over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until seitan is hot and glazed with sauce, brushing with some of remaining sauce and turning occasionally.
Grand Colonial Estate
Historic South Shore Luxury On Over 2 Acres
Welcome To This Exquisite 6 Bedroom, 6 Bathroom Colonial, Nestled On Almost 2.5 Gated Acres In The Heart Of The Historic South Shore. Located On A Serene Cul-De-Sac, This Almost 5,000 Sq. Ft. Private Oasis Offers The Perfect Blend Of Elegance, Comfort, And Unmatched Character. Inside This Home Boasts High Ceilings, Classic Oak Floors & Three Fireplaces, Including A Stunning Brick Dual-Sided Fireplace. The Expansive Great Room Is Ideal For Entertaining Or Relaxing With Family. The Primary Bedroom Features Its Own Full Ensuite Bathroom, Offering A Luxurious Retreat. The Outdoor Living Is Elevated With Multiple-Level Patios, A Private Pond, And Luscious, Picture-Perfect Grounds,Inground Sprinklers. 4 Car Detached Garage, Truly A Rare Find, Timeless Colonial Charm, Modern Amenities, And A Setting That Feels Like A World Away.
Asking $1,700,000
Nutritional Benefits Of Watermelon
Watermelon is widely considered a summertime treat that’s particularly refreshing on a hot day. A staple at backyard barbecues, watermelon makes a great appetizer, side dish and even dessert.
Watermelon also can make for a nutritious addition to a backyard barbecue menu. Those who want something nutritious to eat alongside less healthy fare like hamburgers and hot dogs can consider the many nutritional benefits of watermelon.
• Watermelon is low in calories. The Mayo Clinic notes that one cup of watermelon is 46 calories. That makes watermelon an ideal low-calorie dessert, particularly when compared to other treats, including ice cream. The calorie count for a single cup of ice cream varies by flavor, but the
• Watermelon promotes hydration. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that drinking enough water helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate the joints, prevent infections, and promotes proper organ function. Water also delivers nutrients to cells. Come summertime, it’s easy to fall victim to dehydration, but consuming watermelon can help to prevent that. The Mayo Clinic notes watermelon is 92 percent water, which can help people remain hydrated on hot summer days spent outside.
diet. Watermelon also contains 5 percent of the recommended DV of vitamin A, which the NIH notes is important for normal vision, immune system health, reproduction, and growth and development.
United States Department of Agriculture notes one cup of vanilla ice cream contains 274 calories, while one cup of chocolate ice cream is 286 calories. Watermelon is a low-calorie dessert alternative to ice cream that can be especially appealing after eating popular backyard barbecue fare.
• Watermelon is a good source of vitamins C and A. The National Institutes of Health notes that human beings are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, which means they must get this crucial vitamin from the foods they eat. Watermelon contains 14 percent of the recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin C per USDA dietary guidelines, making it a worthy addition to anyone’s
• Watermelon does not contain any fat, cholesterol or sodium. It’s not only what’s in watermelon that makes it so healthy, but what’s not in it as well. Unlike other popular desserts, such as ice cream, watermelon contains no fat, cholesterol or sodium. Opting for watermelon over more traditional desserts can help people lower their fat consumption, reduce their cholesterol and avoid overconsumption of sodium.
Watermelon makes for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. But watermelon provides a host of additional nutritional benefits as well, making it an ideal food for your next backyard barbecue.
Shrimp Dish
Tailor
- Made For Warm Evenings
Lighterfare is more popular when the weather warms up, as many people don’t want to feel weighed down by their diet. Fish is a popular summertime meal for many reasons, not the least of which is that fish tends to be light but still flavorful. In addition, many meals featuring fish can be whipped up rather quickly. Such is the case with the following recipe for “Grilled Garlic Shrimp With a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing). Fresh and simple, this meal can be enjoyed as a change of pace at summer barbecues or simply as a light weeknight meal with the family.
Grilled Garlic Shrimp With A Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce
Serves 6
For the marinated shrimp
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 6-inch wooden skewers
For the tomato sauce
3 pounds assorted large heirloom tomatoes
1 small sweet onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon honey, preferably sourwood honey
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips (chiffonade is the formal name for this cut), plus more for garnish
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1. To marinate the shrimp, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
2. Prepare a medium fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
3. To make the tomato sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Place one or two tomatoes at a time into the boiling water. Watch them and, as you see the skin split, remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cool water. At this point, it will be very easy to slip off the skins.
4. Cut the peeled tomatoes into a small dice. Put the cut tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Stir gently to combine.
5. Skewer the shrimp, 3 per skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.
6. Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
7. Ladle the tomato sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the skewers on top of the sauce. Garnish with more basil leaves and enjoy!
Summertime Projects
For Kids
Summer slide is a concept that has been on educators’ minds since 1996 when the first comprehensive study on the topic was published. Students lose significant knowledge in core subjects over the summer break, and those losses increase each year. There’s much parents can do to help their children continue learning over the summer. Educational projects may be a good start. Here’s a brief list of educational projects children can work on this summer.
• Conduct informal science experiments, such as growing the biggest vegetable or studying butterflies or insects that visit the backyard.
• Maintain a journal about adventures during summer vacation through personal narratives or even through creative fictional accounts based on the child’s experiences.
• Search for patterns in nature, such as those in shells or flowers.
• Learn about money by keeping tallies on souvenir purchases or the cost of items in stores.
• Calculate distances from home by using maps and mileage.
• Become amateur meteorologists, keeping track of changing weather patterns and which signs indicate precipitation.
• Stock up on summer reading books that everyone in the family can enjoy while sitting poolside or at the beach.
• Visit a museum or a local point of interest and learn about something historical.
Student Success Shines in Patchogue-Medford School District Partnership With TeachTown
The Patchogue-Medford School District has partnered with the special education curricula company TeachTown to amplify student growth and achievement. By pairing TeachTown’s inclusive curricula and tools with the expertise of PatchogueMedford’s educators, students have experienced tangible success.
“We immediately noticed how responsive the TeachTown team was,” said Patchogue-Medford School District Director of Special Education Dr. Lori Goldstein. “A TeachTownprovided coach came into the classroom to work with our teachers, demonstrating how to use the technology and providing feedback and suggestions.”
The District utilizes TeachTown’s enCORE, a standards-first, adapted core curriculum for students
with moderate to severe disabilities. Built on evidence-based practices, enCORE provides literature, worksheets, lesson plans, and student-led and teacher-led technology activities to enhance student engagement and growth.
The curriculum also provides teachers with more time and resources to provide instruction to students and structure lessons to meet diverse learning and behavioral needs in their classrooms.
TeachTown’s curriculum and learning interventions provide the District with data collection capabilities as well, which teachers use to observe trends, adjust lessons, support IEP goals, and showcase student growth.
“I think the most rewarding part of teaching my students is seeing their progress as they grow,” said River
Elementary School special education teacher Lauren Varricchio. “One of my students was not very attentive or social until a couple of months into using enCORE in the classroom. He started to perk up, became more attentive, and was communicating and vocalizing during wholegroup lessons. That was the moment when I realized this was truly working. These students are learning the state standards like their general education peers, just in a different way.”
The Patchogue-Medford School District first piloted TeachTown during the 2023-2024 school year in three classrooms. Results from the pilot program demonstrated that students in classrooms using TeachTown scored higher on the New York State Alternate Assessment than their peers not using the program. The
District decided to adopt TeachTown and implement it in 10 classrooms for the 2024-2025 school year. With a track record of continued success and positive teacher feedback, the District is continuing to expand its use of the enCORE curriculum to enhance the educational experiences of its students.
“A student in my class did not previously have much language,” said River Elementary School special education teacher Erin Rotanz. “The fact that she is reading now, identifying vocabulary words, and putting together four- and five-word utterances is huge.”
For more information about the PatchogueMedford Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pmschools.org.
A River Elementary School student excitedly engages in a lesson. Photo Credit: Nathan Cadis Media
Northwell Health’s Annual Walk
Raises Record $1.27M+
Morethan 6,100 people came together across five locations for the Northwell Walk to Raise Health, raising more than $1.27 million for local hospital programs and services. Supporters including patients and their families, community members and Northwell employees joined walks at Jones Beach and in Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Westchester and Staten Island on May 18 to raise funds for initiatives such as women’s health, cancer care and pediatric mental health programs at Northwell hospitals in their respective communities. The combined walks set a third consecutive record for fundraising and attendance at the annual event.
“The continued growth of the Northwell Walk to Raise Health, year after year, serves as a powerful reminder of the steadfast commitment of
people in our communities who believe in Northwell’s mission to provide the very best in compassionate care,” said Brian T. Lally, president of the Northwell Foundation and chief development officer for Northwell Health. “Their support strengthens our resolve and elevates our efforts to meet today’s most pressing health needs.”
Plans are also underway for a new, sixth location in Connecticut for next year’s walk to include employees, patients and communities who have joined Northwell as part of its recent merger with Nuvance Health.
At Jones Beach, supporters enjoyed appearances by former New York Rangers players Tom Laidlaw and Stéphane Matteau, Mr. & Mrs. Met and the New York Islanders’ Sparky the Dragon before joining the walk, which raised funds for women
amazing support we received, from those who advocated for us at South Shore University Hospital, to Dr. Lipskar, the nurses and Child-Life team at Cohen Children’s who took such incredible care of Cole,” said Murray, who attended the walk with her family including Cole, now an active, happy 1-year-old, and helped kick off the event. “I work at Northwell, so I know we offer high-quality care, but to experience this care firsthand as a patient has really deepened my appreciation for the vital role Northwell plays in our communities.” (Read more about Cole’s story.)
and children’s health at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
Katelyn Murray, director of operations at Northwell’s South Shore University Hospital, joined the Jones Beach Walk in gratitude for the expert care that saved her newborn’s life. Her son, Cole, was born in March 2024 at South Shore University Hospital, but soon faced unexpected complications and was transferred to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where he spent two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. Cole was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare illness affecting the intestines. When Cole was six weeks old, pediatric surgeon Aaron Lipskar, MD, performed a complex surgery to remove the affected areas of his intestines.
“I am so grateful for the
Across New York, funds raised at four other walks will enhance services at hospitals in their local communities. The Port Jefferson Walk supports the Fortunato Breast Cancer Center at Mather Hospital, and the East End/Riverhead Walk will expand Peconic Bay Medical Center’s breast health services for cancer patients and support the Emily Roy Corey Center for Women and Infants. Funds raised at the Westchester Walk support Northern Westchester Hospital’s child and adolescent behavioral health programs as well as Phelps Hospital’s Community Paramedicine Program. The Staten Island Walk supports advanced care at Staten Island University Hospital’s Florina Cancer Center and Brian Halpin Pediatric Cancer Center.
The Walk began 15 years ago as the “Every Woman Matters Walk,” inspired by the vision of philanthropists Iris and Saul Katz, whose commitment to high-quality health care continues to be felt throughout Northwell. Since its inception, the Northwell Walk to Raise Health has raised more than $10 million.
