It's June and summer will be here before we know it! We've gathered local getaway suggestions, a list of upcoming events you won't want to miss and much more. We hope you find time to flip through these pages and enjoy our June Issue. Plus, don't miss our current contest, where you can win passes to Six Flags®! Looking to advertise? This magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us for more information today.
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UPCOMING EVENTS this June & beyond
National BBQ Festival at Eisenhower Park
1899 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow
June 13, 14 & 15 • Times vary per day
Enjoy mouthwatering eats, live entertainment and family-friendly fun at this one-of-a-kind event. Featuring top pitmasters from across the nation, serving up award-winning barbecue alongside craft brews, this is not something to miss!
Father’s Day Festival at Harbes
Family Farm & Vineyard
175 Sound Avenue, Mattituck
June 14 & 15 • 10 am - 6 pm
Take dad out east for a memorable Father’s Day celebration. Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard in Mattituck is hosting this annual festival, featuring a musical hayride tour of their 100acre farm, pig races, sports games, live music and so much more.
2025 Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles Show
677 West Montauk Hwy., Bay Shore
June 15 • 10 am - 4 pm
Visit Sagtikos Manor for this special event, featuring over 30 vendors and browse tools, jewelry, garden pieces, memorabilia, glassware and more.
Empire State Fair at Nassau Coliseum
1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale
June 27 - July 13 • Times vary per day
Bring the whole family to one of Long Island’s biggest fairs! Taking place over several days and offering action-packed fun for all, this fair features more than 100 rides and attractions, food, free shows and more.
Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach
1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
Juy 4 • 9:30 pm
Head to Jones Beach State Park for a fireworks extravaganza! This year, WALK 97.5 FM and KJOY98.3 FM will simulcast music during the fireworks presentation. Patriotism will be on display as the national holiday is celebrated.
Long Island Nostalgia Fest
94 Union Street, Mineola
July 11 & 12 • 2 pm - 9 pm
Wish it was the 90s again? You’ll love this event! A skateboard competition, 90s jams, nostalgia bars and retro shops are just some of what will be featured at this unique festival.
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Get Summer Road Trip Ready
Roadtrips can present a perfect escape any time of the year, but they’re especially popular during the summer when people have time off from school and work. According to a 2024 summer travel survey from The Vacationer, 82 percent of Americans were planning to travel this year, and driving is the most popular method of getting around. Seventy-five percent of those in the U.S. intend to take at least one road trip this summer. The 2024 Blue Cross Travel Study revealed that more Canadians are optimistic about travel and are planning more trips this year.
Perhaps road trips are so popular because they don’t require booking tickets, complicated transportation to and from airports and rigid itineraries. Many road trips can be spur of the moment, explore-as-you-go excursions. But it still pays to prepare a bit for an upcoming road trip. These guidelines can get you started.
• Create a generalized itinerary. While it may be tempting to fill up the gas tank and see where the ride takes you, an itinerary
will ensure that you know distances between stops so that you will not get burnt out by driving. Use mapping apps to research the trip before departure and plot out points of interest and where you will rest, fuel up (both body and vehicle) and stay overnight.
• Slow is pro. A large part of the road trip is about the ride itself. Resist the temptation to speed and rush through various towns. Get out and stretch your legs as much as possible and take advantage of roadside attractions, tourist traps, rest stops, restaurants, and so much more.
• Find your inspiration to travel. Check out travel blogs, online videos and magazines or get recommendations from friends and family regarding spots of interest. Maybe you’ve always dreamed about seeing the California Redwoods but you live on the East Coast? It may take several days, but an epic road trip adventure can get you to your destination no matter how far away it might be.
• Emphasize fuel efficiency.
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses on a road trip. Before setting out on the trip, ensure that the vehicle is inspected and road-ready. This means that oil and fluids have been changed and the tires are in good shape (with a spare on hand). While driving, stick
to the speed limit and do not over-pack the vehicle, as more weight leads to greater fuel consumption.
• Research everything about your destination(s). Who can forget the deep disappointment when the Griswold family reaches Wally World, billed as “America’s Favorite Family Fun Park,” after a crosscountry trip from Chicago only to discover it is closed for the next two weeks for repairs? Before such mishaps happen to you, make sure you know the hours of places you plan to visit, as well as any scheduling changes that may be happening while you’re traveling.
These are just a few tips for having a road trip to remember this summer.
Celebrate Father’s Day In Unique Ways
Father’s Day is a celebration of dads near and far. Falling on the third Sunday of June each year, Father’s Day presents an opportunity for families to come together and put the spotlight on fathers who work tirelessly for their children and provide them with love and support. Father’s Day also is a chance to honor the men who serve as father figures or play special roles in people’s lives. It’s easy for families to fall into a routine when it comes to celebrating Father’s Day. Certainly dinner and gift-giving is traditional, but there are additional ways to provide Dad with the day he deserves. Explore these creative options.
Set up a scavenger hunt Drag out the suspense of Dad getting his Father’s Day gift by hiding it and requiring him to go through a series of clues to find it. When writing up the clue cards, spouses and children can reference particularly happy moments or things around the house that are representative of Dad’s love. For example, a clue may read, “Here’s where we like to snuggle together to watch our favorite show.”
Take it outdoors
June weather tends to be pleasant, and that means Father’s Day celebrations can be held outside. Everyone can select a spot that Dad loves to visit, whether it’s a hiking trail or a local park, and then plan activities around the chosen location.
Go on an adventure
Father’s Day can be spent engaging in something the family has never tried before that may be exciting for Dad. Maybe he’s always wanted to
go off-roading on quads or try his skills at hatchet-throwing?
The family can get together and choose an activity Dad will find engaging and that everyone can enjoy.
Make it a beach day
Dad might just want a break from the hectic pace of life on Father’s Day. This is the perfect opportunity to head oceanside. For those who don’t live by the coast, a river or lakefront spot can be an ideal alternative. Frequently
these are touristy areas, so it could be relatively easy to find an eatery where everyone can make a reservation for lunch or dinner after enjoying a relaxing day with waves lapping the shore.
Father’s Day Around The World
Manycountries around the world celebrate Father’s Day, but not all of them do so in June. The most common date for Father’s Day celebrations is the third Sunday of June, when the U.S. and Canada celebrate the holiday. In 2025, that day will be June 15th. Many European countries with sizable Catholic populations, such as Spain, Italy and Portugal, celebrate Father’s Day on March 19th, which is known as St. Joseph’s Day on the Catholic liturgical calendar. St. Joseph was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ, so he is widely recognized as the patron saint of fathers. In Scandinavian countries, Father’s Day is the second Sunday in November, which many believe to be an attempt to boost the economy during a month when retail businesses are not particularly busy. In Germany, Father’s Day is tied to Ascension Day, which comes on the fortieth day of Easter. Australia and New Zealand celebrate dads on the first Sunday of September, while Brazil celebrates Father’s Day on the second Sunday of August. No matter when Father’s Day falls, the holiday marks a great time to show dads just how special and loved they are.
Take Your Fourth Of July Burgers Up A Notch
Fourth of July celebrations often take place in the backyard by the grill, and this year marks a perfect opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire. This recipe for “Best Burger With Blue Cheese Butter” courtesy of Eric Treuille and Birgit Erath’s “Grilling” (DK Publishing) offers a new take on a backyard barbecue staple
Best Burger
With Blue Cheese Butter
Serves 4
1 pound ground chuck steak
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 1⁄2-inch slices blue cheese butter
4 sesame hamburger buns, halved
Directions:
Combine ground steak with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 equal-sized pieces and gently shape into 4 burgers about 1-inch-thick. Grill burgers and warm buns according to instructions below. Top burgers with butter and serve hot in sesame buns.
Outdoor cooking:
Grill over hot coals for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done. Place buns cut side down on grill until warm and lightly golden, 1 minute.
Indoor cooking:
Preheat a ridged cast-iron grill pan over high heat. Cook for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done. Place buns cut side down on grill pan until warm lightly golden, 1 minute.
Blue-Cheese Butter
Makes 15 servings
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces (1 cup crumbled) blue cheese
2 teaspoons black pepper
Directions:
Place ingredients in a food processor or blender; pulse until well blended. Wrap in foil. Place in the freezer until hard, about 45 minutes. To serve, roll back foil and cut into 1⁄2inch slices. When slicing from frozen, warm the knife under hot water first. After slicing, always tightly rewrap the unused flavored butter roll in the foil before returning to refrigerator or freezer.
Best Burger Variations
• Herbed Burger: Add 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 crushed garlic clove and 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion to the ground steak.
• Spicy Burger: Add 1⁄2 teaspoon tabasco, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the ground steak.
Think ahead:
Shape burgers up to 1 day in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Cooks’ Note: Overhandling the meat when shaping will result in a tough, dry burger. To guarantee a juicy burger, handle the meat as little as possible.
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What Is The Summer Solstice And What’s Notable About This Day?
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 noon-time 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.
Prepare Pets For Fourth Of July Festivities
Manypeople 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.
Check with the vet
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 anti-anxiety 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.
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Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
19,980 Pounds Of Personal Documents Successfully Shredded
OnSaturday, May 3rd, 2025, Smithtown residents turned out in strong numbers to take part in the Town’s bi-annual paper shredding event, safely and securely disposing of over 11 tons (19,980 pounds) of sensitive documents. Held at the Municipal Services Facility (MSF), the event saw a steady flow of participants throughout the day, all utilizing the confidential, full-service shredding provided by Data Shredding Services, Inc. This popular initiative is offered free of charge to residents (with a three-box limit per person), thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW) and MSF, as part of the Town’s commitment to public safety, identity protection, and environmental responsibility. “We launched this service to
give residents a safe, secure, and convenient way to dispose of sensitive personal documents—and it has grown into something truly impactful. We're incredibly proud of how successful the shredding event has become, with more and more residents taking part each year. It brings real peace of mind, knowing you can protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands while also disposing of documents in an environmentally responsible way. A heartfelt thank you to Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann, the MSF team, Matt Laux, Tom Pascarella, and the DEW team led by Richard Kitt for their outstanding service and seamless coordination. The growing turnout and smooth execution of this event each year is a true testament to its value and the commitment of our team to serving the Smithtown community.” -
Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
The Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility provided additional support staff to move vehicles. Residents were pleased with the service MSF and DEW staff provided and the two trucks from Data Shredding Services of Hauppauge. Participants enjoyed short to no wait times and the opportunity to safely dispose of their documents while avoiding the potential risk of identity theft.
“This Spring’s Shredding Event was well attended, exceeding last fall’s total weight collected (October 2024 was 9.43 tons or 18,860 pounds). We are pleased that Smithtown residents continue to take this opportunity to purge documents containing personal information at no risk. Thank you to Supervisor
Wehrheim for supporting this program, the MSF team, Matt Laux, Tom Pascarella, and the DEW team, Richard Kitt, for keeping the process running smoothly and offering outstanding service to the community”. -Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator
The May Shred Event was hosted at the Municipal Services Facility, located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, from 9:00 AM through 3:00 PM. Data Shredding Service, Inc. is a full-service confidential shredding service in Hauppauge. The next paper shredding event is scheduled for October 18th, 2025. For updates on upcoming free events hosted by the Town of Smithtown, download the Mobile App, which is available for free on Google Play and the App Store.
St. James FIVE - Mile Challenge & 5K Fun Run Raises $86K
Morethan 630 runners turned out for the second annual St. James/Head of the Harbor Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run on May 10, 2025, raising more than $86,000 for the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, scheduled to begin construction this year.
“This house is for us here in Suffolk County,” said Cynthia Lippe, Co-Chair, Suffolk County Ronald McDonald House Committee and Race Organizer. “It will support Stony Brook Children’s, which is the only children’s hospital
Thewe have, and the only level 1 pediatric trauma center we have.”
This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park on the border of Queens, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
The 3-story, 60,000 sq. ft. building will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, outdoor playgrounds, interactive playrooms, homeschooling spaces,
Did You Know?
American Academy of Dermatology recommends that parents avoid exposing babies younger than six months to the sun's rays. Infants should be kept in the shade as much as possible and dressed in lightweight and long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The AAD also notes, sunscreen use should be avoided in babies younger than six months. Children six months and older can use a broadspectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. These sunscreens should be applied to all areas that are not covered by clothing, and reapplied approximately every two hours (or as often as the product label indicates).
and workspaces. It will also include three community kitchens providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, a wellness center, and laundry facilities.
A block party-style celebration
followed the race and included music, 50/50 raffle, beer garden, kids' games and activities, food trucks, vendor row, and more.
Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
6 Tips For Staying Hydrated This Summer
Summeris marked by hot and humid conditions. After all, the band The Lovin’ Spoonful didn’t sing, “Hot town, summer in the city. Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty” because the summer weather is crisp and cool. Although summer temperatures can make a day at the beach or in the pool ideal, that rising mercury also can contribute to dehydration.
The Mayo Clinic advises that water is critical to every cell, tissue and organ in the human body. The body relies on water to function properly. Water helps to regulate body temperature, flush waste from the body, lubricate and cushion joints, and promote healthy digestion. And that’s just the start. So when temperatures climb and the body begins sweating to cool off, it is vital to replenish lost fluids at a faster rate. The U.S.
the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that caffeine doesn’t contribute to dehydration for healthy adults, so having a cup or two should be fine.
3. Certain foods are hydrating as well. Hydrating foods include cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, and peppers. The Mayo Clinic says the average person gets 20 percent of his fluid intake from food.
another unsweetened beverage prior to every meal, you can stay hydrated and reduce the amount of food you eat. This can be part of a healthy weight loss plan.
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine says women should consume 2.7 liters of fluid per day, while men need 3.7 liters. These amounts increase if one is exercising, sweating, has an illness like a fever, or is vomiting.
The following are six ways to stay properly hydrated to avoid adverse reactions during hot summer days.
1. Consume a glass of water when you wake up. Start the day off with some water to give you an energy boost and get your metabolism moving.
2. Coffee and tea count toward fluid intake. Drinking your favorite tea or coffee is an another way to take in fluids. A 2016 metaanalysis published in
4. Make water more fun. Add unsweetened flavoring to water if you find plain water too bland. You can squeeze in lemon or lime juice, or float cucumber or apple slices in the water for some flavor.
5. Reach for calorie-free beverages before food. It’s easy to mistake the signs of dehydration for hunger. By drinking a glass of water or
6. Occasionally consume electrolyte powders and drinks. Working out in the heat or sweating profusely can unbalance electrolytes in the body. The Cleveland Clinic says electrolytes are substances that help the body regulate chemical reactions and maintain balance between fluids inside and outside of your cells. They include sodium, calcium and potassium. An electrolyte-infused beverage can help replenish these lost substances.
Staying hydrated is essential at all times, but it’s especially important when summer temperatures can make loss of body fluid more significant.
