June 18, 2025 West Islip by Long Island Media Group

GREAT RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH HEART.

St.

Francis Heart Center’s

renowned cardiovascular team is now partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian.

For Catholic Health and NewYork-Presbyterian with doctors from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, clinical collaboration means that advanced and comprehensive cardiac care is now the norm for every patient across Long Island. Together, we’re expanding St. Francis Heart Center’s advanced heart failure, congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology programs, while partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading heart transplant program. So, for anything your heart may need, you can find it right here.

To learn more, visit chsli.org/heart

Three Udall Students Honored For Science Project

Three students from Udall Road Middle School in the West Islip Union Free School District have been nominated for the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, a program of Society for Science. Congratulations to Dylan Rivera, Tyler Burnett and Liliana Randazzo for their project “The Effects of Different Organisms on Aquaponics.”

JIC is a STEM competition for middle school students across the country. Only the top 10 percent of middle school projects nationwide are invited to apply online

for the national competition. The students were nominated based on their exceptional performance at the 2025 NYSSEF Regional Thermo Fisher Division Fair. Thirty finalists will be selected and can compete for $100,000 in prizes.

Udall Road Principal Dr. Daniel Marquardt with students Tyler Burnett, Dylan Rivera and Liliana Randazzo and science teacher Kristine Hagens. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Unique Graduation Gifts

Graduation season is on the horizon. This time of year is often a frenetic time for students and their families, with the promise of celebrations to come. Graduation is preceded by prom for high schoolers, and for those bidding farewell to the hallowed halls of higher education, it may mean last-minute interviews and precommencement résumébuilding. This whirlwind of activity culminates in a degree or diploma to wrap up years spent in the classroom.

Graduates have many things to look forward to this time of year, not the least of which are gifts from close friends and family. Those tasked with coming up with graduation gifts can take inspiration from these ideas that break the mold.

• Retirement account funds: Helping a new graduate get started is a popular sentiment among gift givers, but it’s also possible to give grads a leg up on the future. Helping them to fund an individual retirement account can

be a thoughtful gift. Keep in mind that parameters for IRAs differ between a traditional and a Roth IRA, and it is best to speak with a financial advisor to determine the best fit. Starting a retirement account early on can provide solid footing for financial security later in life.

• Quality luggage: A good set of luggage can often last a person a lifetime if properly cared for. Whether the grad is taking a much-needed trip after graduation or will be traveling for his or her career, the luggage will serve well.

• Student loan interest payment: Many students must rely on federal or private loans to offset the costs of attending college or even trade schools. Although a loved one may not be able to pay off the loans in their entirety, a good gift can be to make payments toward the interest on the loans so that the bill is reduced come graduation.

• Roadside assistance service: The road may take graduates near and

Theatre Students Take Home Teeny Awards

far. A membership to a roadside assistance service can be a practical gift that ensures grads get from point A to point B with fewer hiccups. These services offer towing, tire changing, gas delivery, and more. Plus, they often come with additional perks, such as discounts on travel services and lodging.

• Professional course or tickets to a conference: Help support a graduate’s career growth and professional development with a subscription to a course, a book about their industry or tickets to a relevant conference or trade show.

• Travel: Grads can be treated to the gift of travel. An overseas adventure or an epic road trip across the country may be the perfect way to unwind after years of schooling. Graduates are entering an exciting time in their lives when anything is possible. Gift givers can think outside the box when shopping for their favorite cap-and-gown-donning loved ones.

Congratulations to West Islip High School students Nico Mastroddi, Nicholas Friedlander, Sean Koerner, Mason Plouffe, Charlie Roman,

Emilia

and Evey Conroy for representing West Islip Union Free School District at the 17th annual Teenys Gala at Brentwood High School. The recognition awards feature the top high school theatre students from school districts in the Islip cluster. All students received nominations for various categories, and both the West Islip pit orchestra and ensemble from “Guys & Dolls” received awards. Sean Koerner and Mason Plouffe received pit musician awards while Evey Conroy and Emilia Riviezzo received Director's Choice awards. Charlie Roman was awarded best supporting actor in a musical and Giordana LaFemina received the lead actress in a musical award and a scholarship. Photos courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

Giordana LaFemina,

Riviezzo

Hospital Association Offers $2,000 Scholarship

The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) announces a $2,000 scholarship for college juniors/seniors or post graduate students who are studying Journalism, Marketing/ Communications, or Healthcare Administration. (The scholarship is not for clinical-based study.)

The Ann Marie Brown Memorial Scholarship honors the late Ann Marie Brown, who served as vice president for government

Tell Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup. com.

and public relations for the Hospital Council from 1983 to 1993. The scholarship is administered by the Hospital Council’s Communications Committee. Filing deadline is June 20, 2025. For more information and an application go to the NSHC scholarship page or call 631-334-8321.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies

Day is July 4. It is customary for people to enjoy this day of national pride with barbecues, parties, parades, and other types of celebrations. Naturally, food is at the centerpiece of these events. Although appetizers and main courses (typically foods cooked on the grill) get a lot of fanfare, when the sun begins to set, both the ﬁreworks and desserts are allowed to shine. “Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies” with their striking red centers can complement the color scheme of July 4 parties. Alternately, ﬁll cookies with blueberry jam to achieve that red, white, and blue appeal. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Real Simple Easy, Delicious Home Cooking” (Time Home Entertainment) from the Real Simple Kitchens.

Makes 36

2⁄3 cup almonds

1⁄2 cup packed light brown sugar

2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose ﬂour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface

1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool. In a food processor, ﬁnely grind the almonds with 1⁄4 cup of the brown sugar. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ﬂour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and the remaining 1⁄4 cup of brown sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the almond mixture, then the flour mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix). Shape the dough into two disks, tightly wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours.

1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1 12-ounce jar raspberry jam

Heat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. On a lightly ﬂoured surface, roll each disk of dough to a 1⁄8-inch thickness. Using a 2- to 21⁄2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds and place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Using a 3⁄4- to 1-inch round cookie cutter, cut the centers out of half the cookies. Reroll and cut the scraps as necessary.

Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Sprinkle the confectioners’ sugar on the cookies with the holes. Spread 1 teaspoon of the jam on each of the remaining cookies; top with the sugared cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Islip Spring Senior Advocate Schedule

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Spring 2025 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.

“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance

and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”

This spring, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Islip: • Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip:

Monday, June 23, 10 am – 12 pm Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.

JUNE HAPPENINGS

SATURDAY, JUNE 21st

9:00AM

HOPE IS HERE 5K RUN/WALK/ STROLLER-WALK

WITH KID'S FUN RUN

First Responders Memorial Park and Ball Field, 1121 Old Nichols Road, Islandia, NY 11749. Rain or Shine

For the Awareness of Parental Mental Health. Presented by Postpartum Resource Center of NY & Village of Islandia. Empowering parents and the community to improve the lives of families by addressing maternal mental health and parenting with psychiatric disabilities.For more information, please call 516-5313323

10:00AM BLESSING OF THE FLEET

St. Joseph's Church in Babylon will be hosting its 5th annual Blessing of the Fleet at the Babylon Municipal Dock. Boaters are welcome to attend by water to receive a blessing from Fr. Dave. Those without boats are welcome to attend on land to witness the blessings and to participate in prayer for a safe boating season. Registration is required for all boats. For more information on becoming a sponsor, registering your boat or purchasing a T-shirt please contact Geri Olson at 516-456-1456 or geri124@optonline.net

10:00AM-3:00PM

Sea Cliff's SECRET GARDEN TOUR

Sponsored by Sea Cliff Beautiﬁcation Committee. All proceeds help beautify Sea Cliff's Parks and Public Spaces. Celebrating 67 years. Tickets and Tour Map $45 per person. Buy

HOLIDAYS

14th - FLAG DAY

15th - FATHER'S DAY

19th - JUNETEENTH

20th - SUMMER BEGINS

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

Tickets at Daniel Gale Real Estate on Sea Cliff Avenue and day of tour Pirie Park across from 325 Sea Cliff Ave.

For more information, please call 516-662-2821

11:00AM

MLB'S PITCH, HIT & RUN EVENT

National Little League is proud to be a 2025 host for MLB's Pitch, Hit & Run event, providing a unique experience for youth athletes! This FREE and FUN event is open to all kids ages 7-14, whether they currently play Little League or not. They can come from any town, and all skill levels are welcome! This event is taking place at Kienle Memorial Field at Fireman's Park, Heiling Blvd in Lindenhurst. Register today at bit.ly/lnllmlb25 (long URL is https://pitchhitrun2025.leagueapps. com/events/4528526-lindenhurstnational-little-league). Contact Jen Schmitt with any questions: 516429-5530.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22nd

9:00AM CAR SHOW

SPONSOR/ DONATE/ SUPPORT Police Surgeons Benevolent Assoc. & Centurion Cruisers Car Club -Car Show at St. Anthony's High School, 275 Wolf Hill Rd. South Huntington. Cars, Trucks, Street Rods, Muscle Cars. All proﬁts for families of S.C.P.D.Police Ofﬁcer Brendan Gallagher. For further information, please call Dr. Ray Mascolo 631-9013608 or email cccarclub@aol.com

12:00PM-4:00PM HOLISTIC WELLNESS FESTIVAL

KOC Park, 759 Long Island Avenue in Deer Park. Free Admission! Over 100 wellness vendors,healers, psychics! 7 food trucks, for more information, please call Diane 516-639-6903

MONDAY, JUNE 23rd

10:00AM-6:30PM

4th ANNUAL GOLF & PICKLEBALL + WHALE CLASSIC

The Whaling Museum & Education Center 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. Adults. Registration Required. Your support is signiﬁcant in sustaining the museum's education programs. New This Year 3 Ways to Participate! Golf, Pickleball, Inﬂatable Whale Introduction. The grounds of the Cold Spring Country Club are nestled amidst the opulent grounds of the iconic OHEKA Castle. For more information, please call 631-367-3418

SATURDAY, JUNE 28th

8:00AM

LINDY CARES PRESENTS: THE TRUE COLORS RUN!

Join us at Fireman’s Park in Lindenhurst for a vibrant morning of fun, ﬁtness, and community spirit! Whether you run, walk, or dance your way through the course, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Together, we made a difference by supporting youth programs, scholarships, and education initiatives in Lindenhurst. For more information and to register visit https://runsignup. com/race/ny/lindenhurst/ lindycaresannualcolorsrun

Congratulations

West Islip High School has named its top two academic leaders for the Class of 2025 – Abigail Lam and Taylor Riley.

An Advanced Placement Scholar, Lam is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She is also an AllCounty tennis player and is a member of the wind ensemble, PEP band and marching band at West Islip High School. Lam has participated in the SPARK Program at Brookhaven National Laboratory as well as its STEM Coders Program. She will be attending Boston University in the fall to study environmental systems and policy.

Riley is the co-president of Student Senate and is a member of the National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She also serves as captain of the varsity ag football team, captain of the varsity girls bowling team and captain of the varsity girls tennis team. Having completed more than 100 hours of community service, Riley is also a member of the high school’s Century Club. Some of her other involvements include P.S. I Love You Day, SADD, HEARTT Club, Environmental Club and Young Women’s Forum. She will be attending Fair eld University in the fall to study psychology.

From le , West Islip High School Principal Andrew O’Farrell, Abigail Lam, Taylor Riley and West Islip Union Free School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Romanelli.

Joseph Shawn Wallace Karen Desz, Elementary Dave Kaufman

Class of 2025

Teamwork And Togetherness At Udall Road

Udall Road Middle School in the West Islip Union Free School District held its third annual Wellness Day on May 28. Students spent the day engaged in a variety of mindfulness and teambuilding activities. Rotating through the different stations throughout the day, students engaged in mindfulness activities indoors. Outside, they tested their physical fitness and teambuilding skills by playing games together and engaging in a Zumba lesson. Paws of War brought a therapy dog to visit on the tennis court while students enjoyed a treat. Photos courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District

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.

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Second Grader Wins Suffolk County “Be Pool Smart” Poster Contest

Garage Sale

AMIT YVILLE SOUTH

Moving

Human Resources Specialist (Holbrook, NY) Assist mgmt w/ sourcing, screening, & recruiting internal & external candidates. Handle employee bene t package. Implmt & administer HR policies. Keep records of HR docs. Rate of pay: $60,000. 24 mos exp in the job. M-F, 40 hrs/wk. Send resume to Behcet Dogan, General Manager, 751 Coates Ave, Ste 42, Holbrook, NY 11741

COPIAGUE

Multi Family Block Yard Sale ! Satu rday, June 21st 10:00 am Sunday, June 22nd 10:00 am No Early Birds Stro ller, Gracco High Chair, Exer cise Bike, Avon Products, FITT EAM Samples, Housewares, Toys, Puzzles, Throw Pillows, Wa ll Art, To ols, One Large Panda Bear, Clothes and more Somethin g fo r Everyone! Manor Lane (off South Great Neck Ro ad , South of Montauk Highway)

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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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What Is The Summer Solstice And What’s Notable About This Day?

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NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

June is a month to look forward to for a number of reasons. June is home to Father’s Day; the end of the school year in many locales; vacations often take place in June; and the summer solstice occurs for people living in the northern hemisphere. The National Weather Service says the summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at a maximum. When this occurs, the sun appears at its highest elevation, or when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees latitude north. The sun’s noontime position changes very little for several days before and after the solstice. With this positioning of the sun, people enjoy the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours.

In 2025, the summer solstice occurs on June 20 at 1:41 p.m. EDT. Those in the southern hemisphere will have to wait until December 21 at 4:21 a.m. EST for their summer solstice. In celebration of the solstice, explore these facts about this remarkable day.

• The summer solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles is tilted toward the sun at its

most extreme angle.

• Per each hemisphere, solstices occur twice a year: the winter and the summer solstice.

• Various cultures around the world celebrate the summer solstice with traditions, holidays and festivals.

• The summer solstice marks the official start of astronomical summer.

• The world “solstice” is derived from Latin and means “sun standing still.”

• Depending on one’s latitude, the length of daylight a person can enjoy on the solstice varies. At the equator, the time from sunrise to sunset is roughly 12 hours. At temperate or mid-northern latitudes, the length of daylight lasts about 15 hours, says Space.com.

• Solstices do not land on the same calendar day every year because the astronomical year is 365.25 days long. So the solstices shift a day or two each year, but generally fall within the same three days. In the northern hemisphere, those days are June 20, 21 or

22 for the summer solstice.

• No one is quite sure who discovered that the solstices occur. According to Owen Gingerich, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and History of Science at Harvard University, “[There is] no writing to record this great discovery.”

• The summer solstice often is when the golf season heats up. Many clubs take advantage of the longer days during the week the solstice takes place to host sunrise to sunset golf tournaments.

• Although the summer solstice is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours, typically it is not the hottest. It will take some time for the Earth to heat up with a greater tilt toward the sun. Hotter days arrive at the end of July and last into August.

The summer solstice is a time for celebration. The solstice brings more daylight and the official start of summer and offers plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the warm weather.