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How To Find The Right Fit For Summer Camp
Millions of adults have lots of great memories of summer camp. The right summer camp keeps kids engaged during a time of year when parents may be all too familiar with the phrase, “I’m bored.”
On April 28th, the Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition participated in DEA National Fentanyl Awareness Day at Lindenhurst High School and we couldn’t be more proud of the student who made it happen.
Thank you Vanessa And Maddie!
Our youth coalition leaders organized and designed the entire awareness table in the school rotunda, reaching every student who came through during lunch. Interactive activities included the One Pill Can Kill and Real vs. Fake pill recognition display, a sugar scale demonstration showing the terrifyingly small amount of fentanyl that can be lethal, and a prize wheel that kept the energy going all day.
Our team connected one-on-one with students, provided Narcan kits to those who needed them, and shared information about local resources, including our Pizza Box Campaign, which is bringing prevention messaging from middle schoolers through restaurant partners right here in the Town of Babylon.
Thank you to Lindenhurst High School for welcoming us, and to every student who stopped to learn something new.
Finding the right summer camp can be challenging. A range of variables, including budget, availability, and accessibility, must be considered before making a decision that’s right for each family. As summer camp season approaches, families can consider these tips to narrow down their options for prospective campers.
• Involve children when narrowing down your options. Kids will be the ones spending time at camp, so it’s best to include them in the selection process. Camps cater to various interests, so kids who play musical instruments might get more out of a band camp than they might out of a sports camp. Some kids also might thrive on a more structured camp, while others may benefit from one that offers a range of activities each day and lets kids choose which ones they want to participate in.
• Seek recommendations. Family members, friends, and neighbors can be great resources when looking for a summer camp. That’s especially true for families who have never sent a child to camp before. Ask around about each camp you’re considering. Fellow parents may offer insight into the structure of the camp, its atmosphere, the attitude of staff members, and additional information that might be hard to glean from an open house.
• Determine your budget. Budget is a notable variable, as some camps may cost thousands of dollars for a single session. If that’s beyond
your budget, then you can narrow your focus to less expensive offerings or consider sending children for fewer weeks or even half days (when camps allow it). While it can seem as though all camps are budget busters, that’s not the case. Many local government recreation offices offer affordable summer camps. Local churches also may offer camp options that won’t stretch parents thin. The earlier parents begin exploring their options, the more likely they may be to find a camp that won’t break the bank.
• Avoid making it all about cost. Safety should be parents’ foremost priority when choosing a summer camp. When exploring options, ask about staff and staff training. Are adults on staff, or is the camp predominantly
staffed with local high school students on summer vacation? Even if a camp is staffed exclusively by adults, ask about the safety requirements necessary to be hired. That’s especially important at camps where kids will be swimming and engaging in other physical activities that can lead to accidents or injuries. Even free play outside in summer can be dangerous if temperatures rise and staff members are not trained to spot the signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Millions create lasting memories at summer camp every year. Finding the right place for kids to spend the summer requires careful consideration.
Winners will receive a 4-pack of tickets to the Long Island Aquarium All entries must be submitted by May 15. Winners will be notified on May 18. One entry per person.
MAY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, MAY 14th
6:30PM
FASHION SHOW
At the Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372, Order, Seaford American Legion, 2301 Penatiquit Avenue. Great raffle prizes, the latest fashions, music, a wonderful dinner, dessert and more. The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money to continue to support the many charities they sponsor, plus award scholarships to several of our local high school students. For further information/reservations please contact Rosemarie DiChiara at 516-458-0097.
SATURDAY, MAY 16th
10:00AM-2:00PM
MBS GARDEN SHOW RETURNS!
Lindenhurst Village Square & Gazebo
The Mayor's Beautification Society of LIndenhurst is happy to announce the return of their Garden Show featuring fun activities for the children, presentations plus giveaways and a plant sale! For additional info or questions, email us at LINDENHURSTMBS@GMAIL.COM
10:00AM-3:00PM
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH
THRIFT SHOP/YARD SALE
(Rain or Shine)
Thrift Shop Special Event “Pack A Bag” ($5.00). Many new items in all categories. Rent a table - $25.00 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. New and gently used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and shoes as well as home goods. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
8:30PM-2:00PM
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH
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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
4th ANNUAL FUN RUN/WALK
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, warmly invite you to lace up, show up, and stand out as a valued partner at the 4th Annual Sprint into Spring 5K Fun Run/ Walk. Hosted on the breathtaking 2 1/2-acre Brentwood campus. Families, local leaders, businesses, and supporters will come together in support of the Sisters mission, programs and services. The event is on Brentwood Campus 1725 Brentwood Road, Brentwood. Enjoy ZUMBA, DJ, Breakfast boost stations, Vendors, BBQ food, Bouncy houses, raffles, and so much more. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://brentwoodcsj. org/event/sprint-into-spring-5k-funrun-walk-2/ or contact Emily Monem (631) 273-1187 ext. 154.
MONDAY, MAY 18th
10:00AM-1:30PM SPRING LUNCHEON
The Sayville Garden Club, will be hosting their annual Spring Luncheon at Land's End in Sayville, 80 Browns River Rd. in Sayville. Raffle selections will be viewed from 10:00 am to 11:15 am, speaker at 11:30 am, and luncheon to begin at 12:30 am. The guest speaker will be Karl Auwaerter who is the manager and co- owner of the Bayport Flower Houses in Bayport. Tickets for the luncheon are presently on sale. Checks can be payable to the Sayville Garden Club and sent to Sayville Garden Club, P.O. Box 301, Sayville, NY 11782 by May 8th. For more information, please call 631-567- 2561, sayvillegardenclub.com
7:00PM-9:00PM
LONG ISLAND'S NATURAL HISTORY
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet hostsTara Rider and her presentation "Long Island's Natural History" which examines the Island's natural history, from salt marshes, cranberry bogs, forests and Hampstead Plains - our Island has been continually shaped. The program will be held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. Program is free and open to the public. For more info: www. isliphamlethistory.org, 631-559-2915
THURSDAY, MAY 21st, thru MONDAY, MAY 25th, Midway hours: 4:00PM10:00PM Thursday, 4:00PM11:00PM Friday, NOON-11:00 PM Saturday - Sunday, NOON10:00PM Monday (Memorial Day) LEVITTOWN CARNIVAL
At the Levittown Center, 2999 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. Enjoy thrilling midway rides and games and tasty carnival eats for the whole family at this annual Memorial Day weekend event sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. Admission and parking are free. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+. Please check the website for event updates before attending, dreamlandamusements.com. For more information, call 866-666-3247
SUNDAY, MAY 24th
9:00PM
JONES BEACH DRONE SHOW
A patriotic drone show over the Atlantic Ocean at the Central Mall, accompanied by evening music.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood warmly invite the community to lace up, show up, and stand out at the 4th Annual Sprint into Spring 5K Fun Run/ Walk, taking place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, on their scenic 212-acre campus.
More than just a race, this signature event is a celebration of community, wellness, and connection. Families, local leaders, businesses, and supporters will gather in support of the Sisters’ mission, programs, and services.
The event will be held at 1725 Brentwood Road in Brentwood, running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a full day of activities, including Zumba, live DJ entertainment, breakfast boost stations, vendors, BBQ food, bouncy houses, raffles, and more.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit the event website or contact Emily Monem at (631) 273-1187 ext. 154.
Join the Sisters of St. Joseph for a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit in support of a meaningful cause.
Save Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program is encouraging home-owners to find and fix leaks to save more than 10 percent on utility bills now and help save water for future generations. For more information and tips about how to save water, visit www.epa. gov/water sense.
Deer Park Wins 14th Consecutive Best Communities For Music Education Award
For the 14th year in a row, the Deer Park School District has been honored by the NAMM Foundation as a recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education Award. Now in its 27th year, this prestigious award recognizes school
districts across the nation for their leadership in advancing music education and expanding equitable access for all students.
“We are incredibly proud to be named among the Best Communities for Music Education,” Fine and
Performing Arts Director Bradley Murphy said. “This honor reflects a true community effort — our educators, families, and students all play a vital role in sustaining a vibrant and inclusive music program.”
For the 14th year in a row, the Deer Park School District has been honored by the NAMM Foundation as a recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education Award. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
Six JFK Artists Selected For SCALA Children’s Show
Artwork by six students from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School — fifth graders Inayah Ali, Rafsan Bhuiyan, Johnathan Boyle, Ayva Smith, Briana Reynoso Frias and Kiran Zahidi — was recently selected for the SCALA Children’s Show at Babylon Old Town Hall. The students, along with their teachers and families, attended a reception last month to view their work on display.
“It is always so nice to see all of the families and teachers come out to support our students,” teacher Briana Fayans said. “Our students love seeing the artwork from other students throughout Suffolk County.”
John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fifth grader Ayva Smith points to her artwork at the SCALA Children’s Show at Babylon Old Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
You Can Join In Eat Pizza & Treats
How To Make Grilling Healthier
Grilling is a beloved summer tradition, but it’s not always the healthiest way to eat. Classic backyard barbecue fare like hot dogs and hamburgers may be crowd favorites, but there are simple ways to enjoy the flavor of grilling while maintaining a nutritious diet:
• Choose healthier proteins: Replace burgers and hot dogs with options like fish or skinless chicken breasts. If you still crave a burger, opt for lean ground poultry instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat.
• Practice moderation: The relaxed atmosphere of barbecues can lead to overeating. Swap out chips and heavy sides for healthier choices like fresh vegetables, fruit salad or chickpea salad, and keep portion sizes reasonable.
Health experts recommend about three ounces of meat per serving, with no more than six ounces.
• Skip the salt: While salt enhances flavor, too much can contribute to high blood pressure. Try a salt-free rub made with spices like chili powder, garlic powder and paprika to add bold flavor without extra sodium.
• Add more vegetables: Grilled vegetables are both tasty and nutritious. Brush them with a healthy oil like olive oil to prevent sticking and bring out their natural flavors over the flame.
With a few simple adjustments, grilling can be just as healthy as it is delicious, making your next backyard barbecue both enjoyable and better for you.
Interesting Facts About Memorial Day
Memorial Day, observed at the end of May, honors the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. With origins dating back to the aftermath of the Civil War, the holiday carries deep historical significance. Here are five interesting facts:
Originally called Decoration Day: Before Memorial Day was formally established, communities held springtime tributes by decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. In 1868, General John A. Logan officially proclaimed May 30 as Decoration Day.
Became a national holiday in 1968: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation recognizing Memorial Day as a federal holiday. He also issued a proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day, noting its early communitywide observance in 1866.
Flowers influenced the date: May 30 was chosen not because of a specific battle, but because it fell during a time when flowers would be in bloom across the country, making it ideal for decorating soldiers’ graves. Expanded after World War I: While early observances focused on Civil War soldiers, the holiday was later expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in any war.
Date changed for a long weekend: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal workers. The change took effect in 1971.
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Honoring Exceptional Character At Deer Park High School’s Breakfast For Champions
At Deer Park High School’s annual spring Breakfast for Champions, held in the school’s library on April 22, administrators and teachers spotlighted the exceptional character, dedication and achievements of 17 students. With their proud
families in attendance, the students were recognized in categories corresponding to 16 academic departments as well as principal’s and teacher’s awards.
Students honored for this spring were Aimen Khan (Principal’s Award), Kayla Beaumont (athletics), Kaylee Puterbaugh (business), Saawariya Shahriar (ELA/ library), Isabel Zacarias Leon (English as a new language), Gina Garcia (Family and consumer science), Emilia Cardullo (fine arts), Fatima Zubair (guidance), Brayden Kelly (health), Kayla Singleton (math/computer science), Sofia Saxon (performing arts), Vanessa Cayea (physical education), Emma Sullivan (science), MacKenzie Rubinstein (social studies), Caitlin Regan (Teacher’s
Award), Michael Orrego (technology) and Emerson Smulian (world languages).
“The students here show exceptional character and conduct themselves well on a daily basis,”
Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “The stories
we will hear recognize these students and their determination to overcome obstacles and become the people who they are today.”
“It is always a pleasure to see all of our students and their parents and students at this really joyous occasion that we have twice a year here at Deer Park High School,” Principal Charles Cobb said. “Breakfast for Champions has really become one of the outstanding traditions that we have during the balance of the school year, and all of us at the high school are extremely excited to be here today to share this time with you and your families.”
The event also featured music from a high school string quartet consisting of Payton Barr (cello), Amaiyah Elysee (viola), Madelyn Kleiber (violin) and Mikaela Ponte (violin).
WORDS
Seventeen dedicated students were honored at Deer Park High School’s annual spring Breakfast for Champions. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
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Cooking Your Own Meals
Aging men and women may be tempted to eschew home cooking entirely. After all, there are plenty of convenient frozen or take-out foods available that can be whipped up in a snap. However, there are certain benefits to cooking your own meals. John Moore, DO, an Aetna medical director and senior health specialist, says that cooking can be good for helping to stave off cognitive decline. Dr. Moore notes that, when cooking, the mind is put to use following a recipe and learning new skills and tasks. Furthermore, cooking for oneself can boost seniors’ selfconfidence, reassuring them that they can handle an important daily task without having to rely on their family for meals. As long as it is deemed safe (i.e., no sign of cognitive decline), seniors should be encouraged to continue cooking.
Hope For The Warriors’ 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge
Registration is open for the Hope For The Warriors 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge, a free virtual wellness event focused on physical and emotional well-being while honoring U.S. service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Hosted by Craig Conover, a Bravo television personality and Hope For The Warriors board council member, the challenge runs May 1–30. Participants commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day for 30 consecutive days. Activities may include walking, running, hiking, swimming, strength training, or dancing.
Individuals and teams can register at hopeforthewarriors.org. Participants may log daily activity through the website to track cumulative progress
and earn up to 30 mission points each day. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants at the conclusion of the challenge.
Participants will receive twice-weekly emails offering motivation, wellness tips, and ideas to support sustained physical and mental health. In addition, signing up for the 30x30 challenge provides access to the Hope For The Warriors’ sports and recreation resource library, which contains exercise demonstrations, healthy eating tips, and mindfulness activities.
“The 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge continues to be a powerful way for people to come together in a meaningful way,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “Its virtual
format allows participants everywhere to honor our military community through a shared commitment to wellness and remembrance.”
For more information or to sign up for the Memorial Day 30x30 Wellness Fitness Challenge, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
To watch Craig Conover’s invitation to join his Hope For The Warriors 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge team, visit instagram.com/p/ DWo3VVPDMNf/?hl=en
About Hope For The Warriors: Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including
veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors. org.
