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 magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us for more information today.
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage Ring
• USDA Prime Marinated London Broil
• 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders
• 12 USDA GRADE A Chicken Skewers
• 2 Pack Boar’s Head Brand All Natural Hot Dogs
• Burger & Hot Dog Buns Feeds 12 people and includes the following:
“MEDIUM-WELL”
An impressive 5 protein package with plenty of sides to choose from!
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• USDA Prime Sirloin Hamburgers with Buns!
• Boar’s Head Brand Hot Dogs with Buns!
• USDA GRADE-A White Meat Chicken Skewers
• USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers
• Marinated Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• Sugar Sweet Local Corn On The Cob
CHOOSE THREE SIDES:
PINO’S FAMOUS HOMEMADE
• Macaroni Salad
• Potato Salad
• Cole Slaw
• Farfalle Pasta Salad,
• Crisp String Bean Salad
PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES:
• Boar’s Head American Cheese
• Burger & Hot Dog Buns
• Ketchup, Mustard
• Paper Goods, Serving Utensils & Food Trays!
“WELL-DONE”
An impressive 6 protein package featuring filet mignon, shrimp kebabs & more!
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage
• Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• USDA Black Angus Filet Mignon Steaks
• Boar’s Head Hot Dogs, All Natural
CHOICE OF:
USDA Prime Sirloin Burgers or USDA Grade A Chicken Burgers
USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers or All Natural Jumbo Shrimp Kebabs
CHOOSE THREE SIDES:
FAMOUS HOMEMADE
• Macaroni Salad
• Potato Salad
• Cole Slaw
• Farfalle Pasta Salad
• Crisp String Bean Salad
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Mac & Cheese
• Maple Bourbon Baked Beans
PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES:
• Fresh Cut Seasonal Fruit & Berries,
• Boar’s Head American Cheese
• Burger & Hot Dog Buns
• Ketchup, Mustard
• Paper Goods, Serving Utensils & Food Trays!
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
Town Of Huntington & Dix Hills Garden Club Dedicate Memorial Marker To Gold Star Families
Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth and the Dix Hills Garden Club unveiled a Gold Star Families Memorial Marker at a dedication Ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Dix Hills Park in Dix Hills.
The marker, HONOR – HOPE – HEALING, was designed to remember fallen heroes from the Town of Huntington who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The memorial was designed and donated by Mike Sipala II and Mike Sipala III of Sipala Landscaping, Inc. of Dix Hills. Huntington elected officials, members of the Dix Hills Garden Club, Veterans and friends unveiled the marker to mothers and family members of fallen service men from Huntington.
In Attendance: were family members of:
• U.S. Coast Guard II Eric Nathan Bruckenthal,
Northern Persian Gulf
• 1st Lt. Nicholas Manganiello, U.S. Marine Corp.
• Army Specialist Anthony L. Mangano, KIA 6/21/08, Iraq
• U.S. Marine Christopher G. Scherer, KIA 7/21/09
“By remembering and honoring Gold Star families, we are acknowledging the courage and resilience of those who have lost loved ones in service to our country”, said Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth.
“Recently I learned recently that Gold Star Mothers and Families Day is nationally recognized on the last Sunday in September. In the Town of Huntington, we want everyone to know that we honor our Gold Star Families and all our Veterans and Military every day and we ask that God bless them and keep them always. For those we lost in service to our Country, we are forever grateful”.
Garden Clubs have a long history supporting our Veterans and their families.
Beginning with World War II, the Garden Clubs of America started the Blue Star Memorial Highway Project - a nationwide effort to honor World War II veterans and later, all service members. They planted trees and installed memorial markers along highways to acknowledge the sacrifices of those in the military. The Blue Star Memorial Highway project also contributed to
civic beautification by creating green spaces and promoting a sense of community.
“The Town of Huntington applauds the Dix Hills Garden Club for their vision and historic observation in putting this Gold Star Families Marker Dedication together”, said Smyth. “This is an incredible slice of history and we applaud the Dix Hills Garden Club for their commitment to this legacy and especially to our Gold Star Families and our Veterans”.
Great Summertime Leisure Activities
Awarmbreeze on a summer day embodies the spirit of this beloved season for millions of people. Seen by many as a season to relax and recharge, summer, not coincidentally, goes hand in hand with leisure.
With more time on their hands due to vacations from school and work and less hectic activity schedules, particularly for families that include school-aged children, individuals often find summer affords more time for leisure. With that in mind, people from all walks of life can consider these summertime leisure activities.
• Relax by the water: Whether it’s a pool, lake or even the ocean, the water beckons each summer. Simply sitting on a beach or beside a lake or pool is a great way to pass the
time without much stress. Nothing needs to be scheduled when relaxing poolside, lakeside or on a beach; simply enjoy some time to relax by the water.
• Paddleboarding:
Paddleboarding is another leisurely way to spend a summer day. Paddleboarding requires physical exertion, so this might not be the ideal activity for those looking to relax without lifting a finger. However, paddleboarders typically take to the water when it’s at its most calm, making this a great activity for those who want to capitalize on peaceful, serene summer vibes.
• Fishing: Few activities may be more relaxing than fishing. Though there are many different ways to fish, some of which require
• Read: Books make for great companions on warm summer afternoons. Reading is such a popular summer pastime that many bookstores set up displays featuring books that make for great beach reads, providing inspiration for individuals who aren’t sure which book or books to dive into this summer. And much like other summertime leisure activities, reading has been linked to reducing stress. A 2009 study from researchers at the University of Sussex in England found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68 percent.
considerable physical effort, casting a line and waiting for a fish to bite is a relaxing way to spend a day in nature. That might not seem like much to novices, but spending time in nature has been found to reduce stress and lower heart rates, which the U.S. Forest Service notes are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Visit a museum: On summer afternoons when it’s raining or too hot outside or individuals simply want to spend some time indoors, a museum makes for the perfect place to visit. Museums do not typically draw crowds in summer, making this an ideal season to visit. Many offer discounted prices to individuals like seniors and students, so this is a great way to relax without breaking the bank.
Summer is a season of leisure, and there are many activities that align with that spirit of relaxation.
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
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.
Plan Your Summer Festival And Fair Schedule
Festivaland fair season heats up when the temperatures rise. Come summertime, communities across the country play host to cultural, film, music, craft, hobby, or food festivals. With so many entertaining options on the horizon, families and individuals with hectic schedules need to start scoping out their summer festival options early. Here’s how to navigate the bevy of offerings and get ready for several months of fun.
• Explore your options. Consult local news sources for upcoming weekend activities. Fairs and festivals are often advertised in neighborhoods on signs and billboards, but they also may be mentioned in calendar-of-events pages in local newspapers. Visit the website of your local
chamber of commerce or tourism board to see if they have listings of upcoming local events.
• Choose your preferences. Make fair and festival planning a family affair. Look for events that appeal to all members of the household, or allow each member of the family a weekend afternoon to find events that cater to their interests. Take out the calendar and mark mustsee festivals out as early as possible.
• Sign up for updates. Many fairs and festivals are annual events. Visit their websites and sign up for an email mailing list so you can receive updates on events. Joining mailing lists may even make you eligible for coupons or entrance fee discounts on certain days.
• Secure accommodations. Increase the enjoyment factor of the fair or festival by not being pressed for time. Book a room in a nearby hotel or motel and turn a weekend festival excursion into a minivacation.
• Dress the part. Festivals and fairs typically take place outdoors. Dress according to the morning forecast. Layer clothing so that everyone can take off or add items to feel comfortable. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses may provide relief from overhead sun. Plus, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as festivalgoers tend to walk a lot. Apply and reapply sunblock throughout the day as necessary.
• Plan your transportation. Typically fairs and festivals
can get crowded quickly, with ingress and egress roads being blocked by traffic. Also, parking lots may fill up fast. Plan to leave early for the fair, and consider public transportation, shuttle buses or a rideshare service to make the day more carefree.
• Identify a meeting spot. In the event that a child or adult separates from the group, find a meeting spot where the family can gather. Children can also carry a note listing an adult’s mobile phone number for emergencies.
Fairs and festivals are an annual ritual for many people. Now is the time to plan for these fun-filled excursions.
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.
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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.
Water Recreation Safety Tips
Funin the sun often involves playing in the water. Whether you’re soaking up some rays in a backyard pool, catching some ocean waves on a surfboard or sliding your way across a Slip ’N Slide, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate water into warm weather recreation.
Water-based recreation makes especially warm days more comfortable, but caution must reign supreme when engaging in water play. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance offers the following safety tips to lower the risk of water recreation accidents.
• Brush up on your swimming skills. The NDPA reports that learning how to swim can reduce drowning risk by 88 percent. Adults and children alike are urged to go over the basics of swimming before getting in the water to ensure their skills are up to the task.
after swimmers and offer help if a swimmer is struggling. A buddy also can call for help by alerting a lifeguard when swimming in a public place such as a beach, lake or community swimming pool.
• Stick to designated swimming areas. The flag system is often employed at parks, beaches and lakes to indicate when and where it’s safe to swim. A red flag typically symbolizes swimming is unsafe, whereas a green flag means conditions are welcoming for swimmers. Stick to areas designated as safe. The NDPA notes it’s always preferable to swim under the supervision of a lifeguard.
physical condition and/or the conditions in the water change.
If possible, practice the basics in the shallow end of a pool to reacclimate your body to swimming. Parents can keep a watchful eye on their young swimmers to ensure they haven’t forgotten how to swim since last season.
• Never swim alone. Swimming with a partner is a fun way to stay safe. The buddy system ensures someone is there to look
• Err on the side of caution. The NDPA notes it’s best to get out when in doubt. If water conditions don’t feel right, exit the water. Falling rain, rough currents, muscle cramps, and/or physical fatigue can quickly transform a fun swimming session into a dangerous situation. Get out of the water at the first sign of doubt. You can always return later if your
• Be an educated swimmer. Savvy swimmers know to check the local forecast, including water conditions, before getting their toes wet. The NDPA notes it’s unsafe to swim in the rain, particularly if there is thunder and lightning. That’s true whether you’re swimming in an ocean, a lake or a backyard pool. A wetsuit can help keep the body warm when water temperatures are low, but the NDPA notes such swimming sessions should be brief. In addition, the NDPA notes that swimming in a wetsuit when water temperatures are between 75 and 80 degrees could lead to heat exhaustion.
• Don’t swim after consuming alcohol. Swimming and alcohol are a bad mix, as the NDPA notes that alcohol impairs balance and coordination, each of which are vital for swimming. Alcohol also increases the likelihood of risky behavior, which can be hazardous when in the water.
Explore These Relaxing Hobbies
Stress
is a part of many people’s daily lives. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that 44 percent of Americans feel their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Children also are struggling, with almost onethird reporting that they have experienced health symptoms associated with stress, such as stomach aches, trouble sleeping, and headaches.
Calming activities that can tone down the body’s stress responses are great ways to alleviate stress. Summertime is an ideal time of the year to embrace relaxing activities because the hustle and bustle of everyday life tends to slow down during the summer, when kids are out of school and vacations are on the docket. These hobbies and other interests can help tame stress by promoting calm.
• Listen to and/or play music. Music can be energizing or calming, depending on which music you choose. Researchers at Stanford University found that rhythmic music may have therapeutic effects for treating a range of neurological conditions, as it stimulates the brain and can perhaps change
how it functions. Familiar melodies and gentle music can reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol.
• Gardening. Gardening lets a person tend to living things while getting some fresh air. Both the sunlight and the activity itself can be soothing and have a positive effect on mood. A study from the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening, like listening to music, lowers cortisol levels.
• Grab a good book. Taking the time to unwind and read can help ease tension
in the muscles, lower one’s heart rate and induce calm. Research from the consultancy Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found reading reduced stress levels by 68 percent.
• Start painting or crafting. Engaging in a creative hobby sharpens the mind and improves focus. You may also want to try focusing emotions onto the canvas to help release tension. A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that 81.5 percent of respondents with depression reported feeling happy after knitting.
• Take a dance class. A form of art and music, dancing can promote well-being through exercise and expansion of creative ability. It also can be good for the mind. A study from Swedish researchers that was published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that a dancing intervention program, twice weekly for eight months, helped teenage girls struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and other problems.
Celebrate The Start Of Summer With A Picnic
Directions:
Place the potatoes in a pot with 1 teaspoon salt and enough water to cover and simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Cut into quarters. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then crumble. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, 3⁄4 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper. Add the potatoes, bacon and parsley and toss to combine.
Tip: The potatoes can be cooked and tossed with the dressing and parsley up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate, covered. Bring to room temperature and add the bacon just before serving.
When firing up the grill or packing picnic essentials, home chefs should consider which dishes they’ll serve alongside the main course. Of course, no summertime meal would be complete without a tasty potato salad in the mix. This recipe for “Potato Salad with Bacon and Parsley” from Allie Lewis Clapp, Lygeia Grace and Candy Gianetti’s “Real Simple: Easy, Delicious Home Cooking” (Time Home Entertainment) offers a tasty take on this classic dish.
Potato Salad With Bacon And Parsley
Serves 6
1 1⁄2 pounds new potatoes, about 15 Kosher salt and black pepper
