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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.
Serves 7-8
1 large rack of pork chops, bones in
4 tablespoons butter
1⁄2 yellow onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1⁄2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups panko bread crumbs
2 cups
2 cups roasted pecans, chopped
More kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Families celebrate Dad in unique ways on Father’s Day. Gifts are customary, but so is a delicious meal Dad will love. Many dads will appreciate a meal that goes above and beyond the ordinary, preferably something that is hearty and delicious. These “Pecan-Stuffed Pork Chops” from “Jon Bonnell’s Texas Favorites” (Gibbs Smith) are a great dish to serve family style when everyone gathers around the table for Father’s Day.
Clean the rack of pork well and cut in between the bones to get thick individual pork chops. Cut a large slit down the back side of each chop and insert the tip of a knife 2 to 3 inches inside the chop to create a pocket for the stuffing. Do not poke completely through the pork or the stuffing will not stay in.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the onion, celery and garlic until the onion has slightly softened. Add the chicken stock, salt and cayenne and bring to a light simmer. Pour the contents into a mixing bowl and add the panko bread crumbs and pecans. Mix together and let cool to room temperature. Stuff as much of the mixture into each pork chop as will fit (overstuffing is okay, too). Sprinkle both sides of each chop with salt and pepper to taste, then roast in a preheated 400 F oven for 12 minutes. Turn the chops over once and roast an additional 15 minutes. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Cook to medium, or 135 to 140 F.
Boss Bay Shore. This partnership was truly a “dream team”, with Michael’s technical background and Jerry’s dough making experience combining as a recipe for their success. The second Bagel Boss location quickly became a powerhouse, serving customers all throughout Long Island and Fire Island. Although Michael and Jerry’s business partnership ended in the 1990’s, they stayed close and maintained their friendship throughout the years. In 2021, Jerry Rosner, along with his sons David and Paul, purchased the store from Michael.
Having practically been born with a bagel in their mouth, David and Paul went from growing up in the Bagel Boss kitchens and sleeping on flour bags as kids to eventually running both the Hicksville and Bay Shore Bagel Boss locations. They bring decades of hands-on experience and knowledge passed down through generations to each store and strive to deliver exceptional products and customer service every day.
Bagel Boss Bay Shore has been providing freshly baked bagels, delicious homemade salads and experienced deli services to the Bay Shore community since it was founded in 1982. We pride ourselves on delivering unmatched quality and consistency. Bagel Boss has always been more than just a bagel store; we are a family owned and operated business that has truly become a part of the community. We have been fortunate to serve Bay Shore and the surrounding areas for all of these years and we look forward to many more years ahead.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
ONE SOUTH COUNTRY ROAD, BRIGHTWATERS, NY 11718
631-665-4350, www.bsbwlibrary.org
LIBRARY HOURS: Monday through Thursday - 9:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday - 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
DISPLAYS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE:
Lobby and Inside Display Case -Meagan Meehan presents Paper Playgrounds, Canvas Carnivals & Other Oddities, a celebration of the unusual the colorful, and the joyful. Gallery – The Bay Shore School District displays the Superintendent’s Art Gallery for 2025.
MINI FOOD PANTRY - The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library has a Mini Food Pantry for those in the community that might need some extra help. If you are interested in contributing, please bring items to the Children’s Services Desk. Non-perishable food, baby items or paper products are greatly appreciated.
SNEAKER COLLECTION DRIVE:
The library is a collection point for the GotSneakers? Campaign coordinated by the Keep Islip Clean organization. Please place your old sneakers in the bin by the front entrance for recycling. Help us in our effort to keep old sneakers out of landfills.
PUZZLE SWAP: Stop by the Teen room to check out our puzzle swap, Pick out a new puzzle and leave one for the community to enjoy.
ADULT PROGRAMS:
June 14th-Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Theatre Improv Games For Adults. Welcome to Improvisation for Adults where you will be introduced to the building blocks of acting through theatre games and improvisation techniques. Gain creativity, confidence and community! FREE session. Register
at bsbwlibrary.org or call the Library to register at 631-6654350.
June 21st – Saturday from 11:00 – 4:00 PM – 19th Century Base Ball Day at the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library. Come see the Brooklyn Atlantics play the Diamond State. Watch an 1864 Game, Make your own Team Pennant, Learn Base Ball History, and win fun prizes. The Base Ball game will be at the field across the street from the Library. Don’t forget you lawn chairs! Open to all, Registration is not required.
June 24th – Tuesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM - True Crime Club. Join librarian Rhiannon to discuss a true crime case with fellow enthusiasts! This month is about H.H. Holmes.
Upcoming Library Trips
New York Botanical Garden presents Van Gogh: Painting with Flowers – Friday, September 19th. Stroll through the breathtaking botanical displays inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic works including a lawn filled with towering sunflowers and other masterpieces recreated with living blooms. The bus will depart the Library at 7:30 AM and arrive at NYBG approximately 10:00 AM. The bus will leave NYBG at approximately 2:00 PM for the return trip to the library. The cost is $144.50 per person and is made payable by cash, check or credit card which includes Garden highlights Tram Tour, Chef’s buffet luncheon, bus transportation and driver gratuity. Payment is non-refundable and due by August 1st.
Check out the library website, stop by the teen room, or pick up a bulletin at the circulation desk to find out about our teen programs.
Community Service Hours – Middle and High School students can earn community service hours by bringing in travel size hygiene products. Four items will earn students one hour of community service. These products will be used in the library’s clean cabinet for our community members in need. Please bring your items to the teen or children’s desk. Maximum or four hours per student will be accepted each month.
June 18th – Wednesday from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM –Togetherness Buttons. Design buttons that inspire kindness and togetherness within the community.
June 20th – Friday from 2:00 – 3:00 PM – and from 3:00 –4:00 PM – Community Service Squad. Earn community service hours by assisting our librarians with various tasks throughout the library. Other dates our Tuesday, June 24th from 4:00 –5:00 PM and on Wednesday, July 2 from 5:00 – 6:00 PM.
June 21st – Saturday from 10:00 – 12:00 PM and 12:00 –2:00 PM and 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Historic Baseball Day Helpers. Earn community service hours by participating in our Historic Baseball Day and be a part of a memorable, community event.
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.
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.
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.
Grillingis sometimes described as an art form. Many skilled grillmasters are a testament to that assertion, and it’s apparent to anyone who enjoys grilled foods that some who man the grill have a knack for producing flavorful dishes. Though grilling requires a little trial and error on the path to becoming a go-to grillmaster, there are some simple strategies anyone can employ to produce more flavorful finished products.
• Dry rub foods before putting them on the grill. Grilling enthusiasts may debate if a dry rub or a marinade is best for grilled foods, and that back-and-forth may never produce a definitive answer. The choice of dry rub or marinade is ultimately up to the cook, but a dry rub can be more convenient
because it can be applied shortly before foods are placed on the grill without sacrificing flavor. Many recipes call for foods to marinate for several hours or even overnight. Both dry rubs and marinades can improve the flavor profile, but the former can do so without too much planning ahead of time. Dry rubs also tend to be made with ingredients such as salt, pepper and brown sugar that many people already have at home, adding to the convenience of this approach that can enhance flavor without too much effort.
• Oil the grates before cooking. Similar to utilizing a dry rub when cooking, oiling the grill grates can add flavor and make grilling more convenient.
a grill grate. The oil applied to the grate can add some additional flavor, and also create a nonstick surface that ensures food is not torn apart while it cooks over an open flame.
• Bring meat to room temperature. One of the keys to successful grilling is to ensure foods cook evenly. Prior to grilling meat, take the meat out of the refrigerator roughly 20 to 30 minutes before you intend to put it over a flame. This allows the meat to reach room temperature, which in turn increases the likelihood it will cook evenly.
• Cook with wood.
Various online grilling experts and forums advise using a silicone brush to apply an oil with a high smoke point (the smoke point is the temperature at which the oil will begin to smoke). The online grilling resource 4thegrill.com notes that corn (smoke point 450 F) and peanut oil (440 F) are better than extra virgin olive oil (410 F) when oiling
The culinary experts at Williams-Sonoma note that wood can be used to add flavor to grilled foods. Williams-Sonoma recommends soaking wood chips, herbs, or grapevine cuttings for 30 minutes and then draining before using with a charcoal grill. Avoid soaking wood or aromatics when grilling on a gas grill, as doing so can make it difficult to ignite the grill.
Grilling is a skill that anyone can develop over time. But even novices can employ a few strategies to increase the flavor profile of their next meal cooked over an open flame.
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
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
OnSaturday, April 26th, members of the Bay Shore community gathered at Captain Bill’s to celebrate a major milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Bay Shore Fire Department Engine Company #1. Councilman McElwee had the honor of attending the centennial celebration alongside Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter, where they presented an official citation recognizing the engine company’s century of dedicated service. The Bay Shore Fire Department has stood as a pillar of safety and dedicated to the community, with Engine Company #1 at the forefront of countless emergency responses, volunteer efforts, and neighborhood support initiatives.
Councilman McElwee extends his sincere gratitude to all members-
past and present- of the Bay Shore Fire Department for their unwavering
service and dedication to the people of Bay Shore.
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At ProHEALTH Dental, we treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health, which is why we’re not your ordinary dentists.
Stay at this oceanfront hotel, allowing you easy access to miles of pristine beaches, the Long Beach Boardwalk and much more. Plus, enjoy their on-site restaurants and rooftop pool.
Established in 1994, the Bridgehampton Inn boasts a cozy country vibe with luxury touches. Guests can enjoy a peaceful breakfast or a delightful dinner featuring locally-gathered ingredients, right on-site.
This 26-room boutique luxury hotel features an acclaimed restaurant and fresh, new guest rooms and suites. Their staff delights in pampering their guests, who will recieve a complimentary Chef’s à la carte continental breakfast.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TheAmerican 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).
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.
JulyFourth is a day of celebration across the United States. The Fourth of July commemorates American independence and millions of people throughout the country celebrate the
day with family and friends. Communities host their own celebrations on July Fourth. Some celebrations are relatively simple, while others are must-see events for any patriot. The following are
some of the more noteworthy Fourth of July celebrations that will entertain millions in person or on television this year.
• Washington, D.C.: It should come as no surprise that the capital of the United States hosts an especially aweinspiring Fourth of July celebration. In addition to a concert featuring well-known musical acts on the National Mall, the festivities in the nation’s capital are marked by a fireworks extravaganza that will impress anyone seeking a unique way to celebrate the holiday.
• Boston: Estimates suggest roughly half a million individuals take in the Fourth of July festivities in Boston. A hotbed of patriotism during the American Revolutionary War, Boston embraces that spirit each July with a celebration on the city’s Charles River. The Boston celebration spans two days and includes a popular performance by the Boston Pops.
• Philadelphia: Another city with deep ties to the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia celebrates the nation’s independence against the backdrop of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is one of the city’s more notable and recognizable buildings. Individuals along both sides of the Delaware River can view the impressive fireworks display.
• San Diego: Notable celebrations of American independence are not exclusive to the eastern portion of the country. The
Big Bay Boom fireworks over San Diego Bay can inspire any patriot, while across the bay on the island of Coronado celebrants can enjoy a parade and familyfriendly concert before settling in for a fireworks show in the evening.
• New York, NY: Perhaps no Fourth of July fireworks celebration is as well-known as the one hosted by the Big Apple. Typically taking place on the East River, the New York City fireworks display can be viewed from various points throughout the city. Individuals looking for a unique way to take in the show can book a spot on a boat sailing in New York harbor.
There’s no shortage of Fourth of July celebrations. In addition to these noteworthy spots to celebrate American independence, the cities of Portland, Ore.; Chicago; San Antonio, Tex.; and Atlantic City, N.J. host their own unique celebrations.
GeorgeGershwin’s song “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess,” offers: Summertime and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective
enjoy. Try flat paths for beginners, and then build up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.
• Day at the beach: Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chatter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.
• Backyard obstacle course: Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.
• Walk a boardwalk: Those lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.
• Hike: In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.
There’s no limit to the ways people can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather warms up.
clothing and sunscreen is recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.
Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.
• Family bike ride: Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can
