South Bay's Neighbor
Ideal Foods For A Memorial Day Barbecue
Though Memorial Day precedes the summer solstice by several weeks, the three-day weekend in late May is widely viewed as the unofficial start of summer. Backyard barbecues have become a popular way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, and all eyes tend to be on the grill once a party kicks off.
Food is indeed a big component of Memorial Day weekend. A 2024 survey from the market research experts at Numerator found that 52 percent of Memorial Day celebrants intended to grill or barbecue at home during the holiday weekend.
Hosts likely recognize that guests will expect to eat during a backyard barbecue, and the following are some ideal dishes to offer this Memorial Day weekend.
• Salads: Weather is unpredictable, but conditions tend to be warm in many parts of
the country by Memorial Day weekend. That means some guests will be looking for lighter fare that won’t make them feel too sluggish in the latespring sun. Salads can fit the bill for hungry guests who want to satisfy their cravings without feeling bloated. Tri-color pasta salad, antipasto and tossed salad make for great appetizers that pack a nutritional punch as well.
Of course, don’t forget staples like macaroni and potato salad, which are often best served alongside grilled fare.
• Smoked foods: Smoking meats has become wildly popular in recent years.
A 2024 report from Research and Markets indicated that the global markets for smoker grills is projected to increase from $6.8 billion in 2023 to $9.3 billion in 2030. Memorial Day weekend
barbecue hosts can consider the growing affinity for smoked foods and offer something up from their own smoker. There’s no shortage of foods that can be smoked, from whole chickens to brisket to desserts, and guests may appreciate a smoky taste of something different this Memorial Day weekend.
• Hot dogs and hamburgers: Though experimentation and unique offerings are sure to be appreciated, it’s also important to offer guests some traditional backyard barbecue staples. Perhaps nothing fits that bill better than hot dogs and hamburgers. A 2024 analysis of grocery store sales conducted by Upside found that sales of store-brand hot dog buns increase by 449 percent over Memorial
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MAY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, MAY 22
THRU MONDAY, MAY 26
4:00-10:00PM THURS., 4:00-11:00PM FRI., NOON-11:00 PM
SATURDAY - SUNDAY, 1:00-10:00PM MONDAY (Memorial Day)
LEVITTOWN CARNIVAL
Enjoy midway fun for the whole family over Memorial Day weekend at this annual event sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, featuring thrilling rides and games for all ages and favorite fair food. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please call 866-666-3247 or visit Levittown Carnival
THURSDAY, MAY 22
THRU MONDAY, MAY 26
5:00-10:00PM THURS., 5:00-11:00PM FRI., NOON-11:00 PM
SATURDAY - SUNDAY, 1:00-10:00PM MONDAY (Memorial Day)
MERRICK TRAIN STATION CARNIVAL
Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the electrifying midway with exciting rides and games for all ages and a variety of tantalizing carnival cuisine. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please call 866-6663247 or visit Merrick Train Station Carnival≠
SATURDAY, MAY 24
THRU SUNDAY, MAY 25
10:00AM-3:00PM
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
2025 JONES BEACH AIR SHOW
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, New York State’s largest credit union, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are pleased to announce that the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 2025 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. Free Admission ($10 parking) For up-to-date information, visit www.fourleafairshow.com or https://www.facebook.com/ FourLeafAirShow/ and https://www. instagram.com/fourleafairshow/, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631-321-3510.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28th
6:00PM
MYSTERY BINGO
The Memorare Columbiettes are hosting a Mystery Bingo evening. Doors open at 6pm. $35 per person includes 8 games of bingo, wine, soda, snacks and dessert. Mystery clues lead to winners' prizes. Raffles, 50/50 and lotto board chances will also be available for purhase. Memorare Council, 2183 Jackson Ave. Seaford, NY 11783 For tickets and information call: Kathy LoFrese 516-221-1398 or Lisa Koening 516-826-5751
SATURDAY, MAY 31st
10:00AM Registration 12:30PM Start 4th ANNUAL 5K CROSS COUNTRY
RUN/WALK
VFW Post 6249 Joseph P. Dwyer Weekend Race Event. Rain or Shine. Proceeds to benefit the Joseph Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Rocky Point HS, 82 Rocky Point, Yaphank Road. Register: strongislandrunningclub.com. For more information, please call the VFW 631-744-9106 or 631873-8272. vfw6249@yahoo.com. Donations welcome!
5:00PM-8:00PM
COMEDY & KARAOKE NIGHT
Tickets $10/pp ~ Sold at the Door (Pizza, Salad, Dessert & Beverages) Featuring; Squeaky Clean Comedienne Pat Shea & Joyful Noise Karaoke with DJ Larry. First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Rd Greenlawn, NY 11740
EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THROUGH MAY 31st
11:00AM-4:00PM UP-CYCLED OCEAN CRAFTS
Explore the wildlife of the Long Island Sound as you create your own using recycled materials in this self-guided activity. Leave your creation with us to be featured in our "Recycled Ecosystem" display. Enjoy coloring information cards to take home with you! Free with Admission. The Whaling Museum & Education Center 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. Contact Cristina Ainslie at 631-367-3418
Day weekend, even though hamburger bun sales make up more than half (54 percent) of all bun sales over the rest of the year. Hot dogs and Memorial Day weekend seem to go hand-in-hand, but that doesn’t mean a grill should go burgerfree come this popular late-May holiday. Upside reports hamburger bun sales increase by 273 percent over Memorial Day weekend, proving hosts and guests really favor these staples when kicking off summer celebration season.
• Water: It’s easy to
overlook when the focus is on food, but water is a necessity at Memorial Day weekend barbecues. Water can help people remain hydrated and cool off if temperatures spike, and it also can help adults avoid overindulging in alcohol. The Numerator study found 76 percent of Memorial Day shoppers purchase beer over the weekend, and alcohol can lead to dehydration. Offering water can help guests remain hydrated and encourage responsible alcohol consumption.
West Babylon DECA Student Competes In Orlando
In March, West Babylon High School senior Mansimaar Birk competed in Rochester, New York, at the DECA State Competition. Birk placed sixth in her area of Principles of Business Management and Administration and qualified for the International Career Development Conference Competition in Orlando, Florida, in April. ICDC is the culmination of the DECA year. There were more than 26,000 high school students and teacher-advisors gathered from 49 states and eight countries. Birk competed in an exam in her field and a role-play interview by a business professional acting as a judge. Congratulations to Birk for representing West Babylon on the DECA stage.
Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District
Community Involvement Cleans Up Stream In North Babylon
Town of Babylon officials expressed their sincere appreciation to the volunteers who spent their Sunday cleaning the creek at Weeks Rd. and Bay Shore Road in North Babylon. This initiative was organized by Save the Great South Bay, the
Parkdale Civic Association, and North Babylon Girl Scout Troop 3162. The creek is vital to the Carlls River Watershed, which ultimately flows into the Great South Bay. Councilman Terence McSweeney praised the volunteers for their
efforts in removing waste before it could reach the bay, emphasizing the significance of community participation in safeguarding natural resources. He conveyed the Town Board’s gratitude to all those who contributed to this essential cleanup.
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Photo by Richard Termine
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May Is Military Appreciation Month
A major portion of the North American population is comprised of people who are actively serving in the Armed Forces or those who once did. USAFacts reports the military included 2,079,142 military personnel and 778,539 civilians as of September 2023. Military men and women work tirelessly and selflessly to defend their countries’ ideals and freedoms. Too often military members do not get the attention and acclaim they deserve.
The month of May, which celebrates Military Appreciation Month as well as Memorial Day, is a perfect time of year to honor those who have served in various ways.
• Improve the community. Veterans want the communities they call home to be the best they can be, and that can be achieved by community members pitching in to improve their towns and cities. Doing something honorable, like establishing a park in honor of veterans, can be a great way to improve a community and honor service personnel at the same time.
• Support veteran-friendly policies. By supporting policies and organizations that prioritize veterans’ rights, individuals are showing veterans they care. Policies that ensure veterans have access to services they need warrant everyone’s support.
• Ask a veteran to be a keynote speaker. Schools or businesses can ask military members to come in and speak to groups about their experiences. Newspapers and other local publications can write about veterans and share their stories.
• Pay respects to the country. A simple way to honor veterans is to embrace and showcase national pride. Flying the country’s flag in front of homes and businesses is a first step. Attending patriotic events, such as parades and memorials, also is a way to honor veterans and others.
• Keep cemeteries clean. Respect the hallowed land that is the final resting place for veterans by volunteering to tidy up around headstones and other markers. On key calendar dates, such as Memorial Day, help with the placement of flags on every veteran’s grave as a token of thanks for their sacrifice.
• Volunteer at a VA hospital. Now more than ever VA hospitals may be short-sta ed and have need of more volunteers to help with various services. Volunteer work can include visiting patients or running recreational activities, both of which can boost the spirits of veterans receiving care.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Hamburgers with Stilton Cheese
Expand your burger skills this barbecue season
Makes 4 servings
For caramelized shallots:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1⁄2 lbs. fresh shallots, peeled and sliced Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon sugar
For mushrooms:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1⁄2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
For caramelized shallots:
1. Melt butter with olive oil in a thick-bottomed pan until the oil is shimmering. Add the sliced shallots and stir to coat. Cook, stirring on occasion, for 7 to 10 minutes. Do not let the shallots burn or dry out. Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the shallots.
2. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. If shallots seem to be drying out, add a little water or oil to the pan. Shallots should be brown but not burned. Continue to cook and stir; scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, until the shallots are a deep, rich, browned color. For mushrooms:
Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in balsamic vinegar, garlic and mushrooms. Saute for 20 minutes, or until tender.
1 clove of garlic, minced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
For hamburgers:
1 1⁄2 lbs. ground sirloin, chuck or round
Coarse salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices Stilton cheese
4 hamburger rolls or sandwich rolls
1 tablespoon melted butter
Lettuce leaves
For hamburgers:
1. Moisten your clean hands with cold water and divide the ground beef in 4 equal portions. Form into a flattened ball. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
3. Prepare the grill and preheat to high. Brush the grill grate with oil.
4. Place the prepared burgers on the hot grill grate. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium, or until an instant read thermometer inserted through the side of the burger into the center reaches 160 F.
5. Brush the rolls with melted butter and toast them on the grill for about 45 seconds. Assemble the burgers, with lettuce leaves, Stilton cheese, caramelized shallots, and mushrooms. Serve.
Thank You Veterans and Active Military Personnel
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have
our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacri ces.” — President Harry S. Truman
I am grateful for the women and men who served in the military to protect our
and men who serve around the world today to keep America safe. Thank you! – JoAnn Cilla
