The Suffolk County Legislature recognized inspiring contributions to the healthcare of our County from a diverse and inspiring range of “Healthcare Heroes” with special presentations on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey was proud to name Denise DeFazio as the 2025 Healthcare Hero Honoree for the 14th Legislative District during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting.
North Babylon High School senior Maria
was recently named the Babylon Rotary Club scholarship winner. Her strong intellect and exemplary dedication to studies have been evident
throughout her academic career. Perez has an average of more than 99, ranking her in the top 8% of her graduating class, and she will graduate with the prestigious New York State Regents Diploma
with Advanced Designation with the Seal of Biliteracy. In addition to her achievements in the classroom, Perez has found the time to participate in a wide variety of activities. She has been a member of
the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society, through which she has volunteered as a helper at numerous school functions. She has participated in toy drives, fundraisers and food drives,
sharing her skills and talents with elementary school children and senior citizens.
Perez is a consistent presence in school activities and serves as a role model for her peers. She is a kind and ambitious young woman who will undoubtedly achieve great success as she moves on to SUNY Binghamton this fall.
Many people are eager for Independence Day celebrations in early summer. There is much to be excited about, as festivities often begin in the afternoon with barbecues and pool parties, and commence late at night after fireworks shows that light up the night sky. Still, not everyone enjoys the extra noise and busy nature of July 4th parties, particularly furry members of the family. Animal control services often report an increase in
lost animals between July 4th and July 6th. That’s because the excitement of the holiday puts pets out of their comfort zones. While pet owners need not cancel their July 4th plans, they should take heed of the many ways to keep their pets safe during the festivities.
Update identification
Be sure prior to any July 4th events that pets are wearing collars with current identification information. If an address
or phone number has changed since the last time you updated microchip records, be sure to check the account is current.
Be careful with alcoholic drinks
Party hosts typically serve beer, wine and cocktails. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets, says the ASPCA. Animals can become very intoxicated, severely depressed or go into comas if they drink alcohol. Keep spirited drinks well out of reach.
Many pets are prone to anxiety from loud noises, such as thunderstorms and fireworks, and lots of commotion — something that occurs in spades come July 4th. Some veterinarians recommend a small course of antianxiety medication or a sedative to help pets cope
with the stimuli.
Create a quiet space
Allow pets to ride out the day in their comfortable, quiet and cozy retreats. If necessary, create a space in an interior room. Cover the pet crate with a blanket and offer favorite toys or bedding to create a soothing environment.
Place notes on doors and gates
While it’s best to keep pets in a locked room away from the fray, some pets like to socialize with guests and are not bothered by noises. However, alert guests with notes posted on doors and fence gates to check to make sure pets are not trying to escape behind them. All doors should be closed firmly when entering or exiting.
Pick up debris
Firework debris can rain down on properties even if
you were not shooting off the fireworks. Curious pets may pick it up or eat it, which runs the risk of an upset stomach or even an intestinal blockage. Check your yard before letting pets out to play.
Keep an eye on the grill
Pets can be opportunists,
and those burgers and chicken drumsticks smell delicious to pets. Pets that get too close to the grill can become injured. And if pets eat leftovers, they may end up with digestive distress or even be poisoned by foods that are toxic to cats and dogs.
of
Long Island, who delivered
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County honored 55 Girl Scouts at its annual Gold Award Dinner & Ceremony on May 29, 2025, at the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown, for identifying an issue they care about and leading a team to create lasting impact in their communities— and beyond. The Gold Award is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.
Gold Award Girl Scouts address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond. To earn a Gold Award, each recipient must complete two Senior or Ambassador Journeys or their Girl Scout Silver Award before beginning their Gold Award project. To meet the Girl Scout Gold Award requirements, each candidate must complete at least 80 hours toward their project.
“Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are leaders in their community who are making measurable and sustainable change while still in high school said Tammy Severino, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “As they take action to transform their world,
they gain tangible, real-world skills and a civic-minded awareness that sets them apart from their peers. 96% of Gold Award Girl Scouts say their experience inspired their ongoing commitment to service or volunteering. Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are discovering they have the power to create the future they want for themselves and others, and we are proud and honored by their achievements.”
Among the awardees:
Sophia Aurrecoechea – Islip Terrace
Giuliana Avella – Port Jefferson Station
Sara Bally – Miller Place
Elliot Baravarian – East Northport
Emma Barbo – Greenlawn
Eva Barbo – Greenlawn
Gianna Beck – North Babylon
Madison Calvanese – Setauket
Isabella Caracci – Stony Brook
Molly Caufield – Sound Beach
Marissa Cilibrasi – Ronkonkoma
Megan Condolff – Centerport
Nina Cottone – Setauket
Ellie Crowley – Huntington
Ava D’Angelo – Commack
Olivia Davis – Patchogue
Alessandra De Stefano – Commack
Emma Dean-Stahl – West Sayville
Mya DeClue – Smithtown
Anna DiBiase – Smithtown
Alexis Ebanks – Centerport
Sophie Epstein – Nesconset
Charlotte Farrugia – Selden
Jasmine Farrugia – Selden
Jailyn Fasano – Commack
Lillian Fleischer – Centerport
Julia Furer – Dix Hills
Grace Goetz – Greenlawn
Kristin Krause – Nesconset
Kayden Laucella – Stony Brook
Lauren Limongelli – West Babylon
Olivia LoBue – Huntington
Ruth Joy Mahnken – Ridge
Callie McLean – Mattituck
Jenna Mehlinger – Smithtown
Gabrielle Mitchell – Nesconset
Isabella Muccio – Port Jefferson Station
Brianna Naumann – St. James
Danika Riccio – Bayshore
Paige Rizzo – West Babylon
Elizabeth Ryan – Medford
Regan Sayers – Smithtown
Lily Scarth – East Setauket
Nicole Schrock – Cold Spring Harbor
Adelina Scott – Westhampton
Caroline Severino – Nesconset
Kinley Simmons – Miller Place
Samantha Simson – Commack
Victoria Starkey – Smithtown
Emma Travaglia – West Sayville
Kristin Tveter – Bayport
Adria Vargas – Sayville
Olivia Vigliotti – Ronkonkoma
Amanda Woods – Bayport
Cassidy Yates – West Babylon
About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 5436622 or visit www.gssc.us. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
July 4th is a day when Americans celebrate their independence, but it's also a day to commemorate two men who played vital roles in procuring that independence. Both John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his successor Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed. According to History.com, Adams and Jefferson were confidantes in the 1780s, but as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the United States government should be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the 1800 presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history. Jefferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to Jefferson's inauguration. The two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than 150 letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.
Makes 24
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:
1. To make the cookie cups: preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Evenly distribute the cookie dough among all 24 cups in the mini muffin pan, a little more than 1 tablespoon of cookie dough per cup. Press each ball of cookie dough into the cups and smooth it out.
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
7. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are lightly browned and the tops are set.
8. Remove from the oven, and make an indentation in each cookie using the back of a measuring spoon. Allow to cool in the muffin pan, then carefully remove from the pan and set aside.
9. To make the vanilla buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined.
10. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Pipe the frosting into the cooled cookie cups and top with the sprinkles.
12. Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Long Island Media Group, publishers of South Bay’s Neighbor Newspapers, South Bay’s Seasons ® Magazine and South Bay’s Digital Marketing, has been serving local communities since 1953. We also print and deliver flyers, menus, postcards, newsletters and more. Our familyowned company proudly assists businesses of any size from anywhere while prioritizing superior customer service. The Ideal Candidiate:
Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber
Insurance Leap-Frog:
The Game of the Decade
While talking to your friends, neighbors and family has the topic of conversation changed to the high cost of insurance. Everyone’s Home and Auto insurance premiums have gone through the roof, regardless of whether they have filed a claim. A result of the pandemic is that folks are running to switch to a lower priced carrier…..only to have the new carrier then raise that premium. And, so the game continues. We leap to the next carrier.
Insurance is a pool of money. Customers pay money into the pool and the pool pays out to cover claims. Unfortunately, over the last few years, the pool has gone dry. Unfathomable weather events have surprised insurers. No one could expect wild-fires to erupt in more than 20% of the country. Nor could we expect an unprecedented number of tornados or Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes. And, no, these occurrences aren’t just elsewhere. New York saw over 20 tornados this past year or so, as well as wild fires and torrential rains that drowned people in their basements and swept parts of the West Point highway down into the Hudson.
Auto insurers have paid out Comprehensive claims due to these weather events. Additionally, regular collisions cost insurers more than they’ve ever paid out before. Not only are the nuts on the road causing more accidents, but cars also
KEN MARCUS
cost more to repair due to advanced technology and parts shortages.
So, what is the consumer to do when they learn that their neighbor pays half of what they do? First, realize that no two people are the same, nor are any two policies. Seldom are two ‘identical’ policies, issued by different companies the same. Intrinsic coverages are often hugely different. So, too, are each of our individual needs. What is suitable coverage for one person is grossly inadequate for another person and too much insurance for another. What should you do?
Talk to insurance agents until you find the one you’re comfortable with. This should be no different than choosing your doctor. A good agent will learn about you, what you stand to lose, and what risks you present. Then, a proper line of coverage will be prescribed. Next, don’t compare the prices of different quotes but, rather, compare the different prescriptions. Choose the agent and policy based on the best value for reasonable coverage.
(NAPSI)—Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Unbeknownst to homeowners, common pollutants lurk inside homes, affecting health in subtle yet significant ways. Learn more at www. NADCA.com/Homeowners.
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
9:00AM-3:00 PM HOARDERS FLEA MARKET
Long Island's new monthly outdoor flea market! Up to 100 Vendors, Food Trucks. Featuring a variety of sellers including antiques, collectibles, second-hand goods, services, clothing, jewelry, local artists and businesses! Interesting finds, food, and fun! For for information about up-coming events and vendor registration, please visit www. hoardersfleamarket.com
9:30AM-4:00PM
NASSAU REPTILE EXPO 2025
Nassau Reptile Expo 2025 at Cradle of Aviation Museum. Charles Lindbergh Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Featuring over 175 tables of reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate breeders and supply vendors. For more information, please call : 516572-4111
14th - FLAG DAY
15th - FATHER'S DAY
19th - JUNETEENTH
20th - SUMMER BEGINS
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
3:00PM-10:00PM
SALUTE TO VETERANS
The Town of Hempstead proudly presents Salute to Veterans, a familyfriendly celebration honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Held at the scenic Town Park in Point Lookout, this free community event offers a full day of patriotic fun, entertainment, and heartfelt recognition. Town Park, Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd, Point Lookout. Rain Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Admission: FREE for all. For more informtion, please call 516-931-2201
SATURDAY, JUNE 28th
SUNDAY, JUNE 29th
10:00AM-5:00PM
FARMINGDALE CRAFT & GIFT FAIR
Farmingdale Craft & Gift Fair On the Village Green. Free. 361 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Get ready for Fun - Summer 2025 ~ Back for Round3! The Farmingdale Kiwanis Fair comes to the Village Green with MANY VENDORS and Entertainment Acts on Saturday 6/28 and Sunday 6/29 - 10:00 - 5:00 Both Days! Sponsors Welcome! For more information visit nassaucountycraftshows.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 28th
SUNDAY, JUNE 29th
12:00AM-12:00AM 5th ANNUAL
LANTERN LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Enjoy live music and a fairy-tale atmosphere of string lights and candles as families personalize floating lanterns with heartfelt
messages to their loved ones. Families can hear their loved one’s name read aloud in a beautiful ceremony as they release their floating lantern within the Rose Garden Fountain. Seating and tables will be available and light desserts and refreshments will be provided courtesy of Pinelawn Memorial Park. For more information, please call Memorial Park and Arboretum 631- 249-6100
SUNDAY, JUNE 29th
9:30AM-5:00PM
LIGHT FROM DARKNESS
Call for Artists! Light From Darkness: a Members Exhibition, is a juried exhibit that will be held at the BAFFA Art Gallery in downtown Sayville, 47 Gillette Avenue, during the month of September. The Gallery is currently accepting paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, digital art, textiles, and more. The submission deadline is August 2, 2025. For complete details go to www.baffa.org and click on Gallery.
7:00PM-8:30PM
OYSTER BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Oyster Bay Music Festival: Harmony in the Ballroom at Old Westbury Gardens. 71 Old Westbury Road Old Westbury, NY 11568. Prepare to be astounded by this one-of-a-kind evening of music filled with virtuoso instrumentalists, chamber music masterpieces, and favorite vocal arias. For more information, please call Maritza Ramirez 516-333-0048
The Suffolk County Legislature recognized inspiring contributions to the healthcare of our County from a diverse and inspiring range of “Healthcare Heroes” with special presentations on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey was proud to name Denise DeFazio as the 2025 Healthcare Hero Honoree for the 14th Legislative District during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on June 3, 2025. Denise, a Licensed Massage Therapist of 22 years with a specialty in women living with and surviving breast cancer, was honored alongside 18 other “Healthcare Heroes” from across Suffolk County chosen by the legislators of their respective districts. Denise’s private practice in Babylon is only the most recent chapter of a decades-long, multifaceted campaign to support the members of her community in their ongoing efforts against cancer.
“It was impossible not to be impressed by the true dedication and commitment of Suffolk’s ‘Healthcare Heroes,” said Presiding Officer McCaffrey. In addition to her private practice of
several years, Denise has 10 years’ experience as a hospital nurse, teacher, and as a member of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, and has been providing medical massages for outpatients, employees, and community members at Stony Brook-Southampton Hospital ED and Phyllis Davies Wellness Institute for the past 13 years. “With a background in Nursing and Education, Medical Massage is a good fit for Denise,” said McCaffrey, “Massage Therapy is a profession which benefits people in a holistic manner, regarding them as an individual, family member and community member.”
Denise extends this holistic approach beyond her practice, contributing to the well-being of her community within her personal life as well as in her career. “Denise is very honored to be part of the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition, which meets women where they are in their health journey and treats them as a whole person. She began her non-profit in order to reach people with cancer who might not otherwise be able to afford the handson treatment that they
need for their lymphedema and other medical issues.”
When Denise is out of the office, she can be found enjoying her passion for swimming. A caretaker to her father when he chose to pass away at home, Denise’s two hospice care-fundraising Cross Bay Swims united her advocacy for at-home endof-life care with her daily commitment to centering healthcare in her public and private lives.
“Denise’s mother always said that helping others is the best thing we can do, and Denise tries to live up to those words every day. She is grateful that she has been able to make a difference in the quality of lives of many people, who have, in turn, enriched her own life immensely,” Presiding Officer McCaffrey said in closing.
The Suffolk County Legislature’s Presiding Officer, Legislator Kevin McCaffrey represents Suffolk County’s 14th Legislative District, which encompasses the Villages of Lindenhurst and Babylon, the hamlets of West Babylon and North Lindenhurst, portions of Copiague, North Babylon, and Babylon’s barrier beach communities.
The United States population is rapidly aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million older Americans, comprising roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population. With age comes the added burden of dealing with illnesses such as heart failure, dementia and cancer, any one of which can leave you unable to make decisions involving your care. Unless you have a plan in place, the burden will fall on your family. Protect your loved ones from having to make life and death decisions on your behalf by developing an advance care plan today.
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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 CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636
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 TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Call Our Classified Dept. 631-226-2636 press “2”
