May Seasons 2025 - Edition Five by Long Island Media Group

HappyMother’sDay

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Welcome to our May issue of Seasons® Magazine! Mother’s Day is just around the corner and before we know it, Memorial Day will be here. Staying true to our seasonal flare, we’ve gathered a selection of timely editorial pieces, along with informative local stories. We appreciate your loyal readership and look forward to continue serving our community. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

Tips To Make Mother’s Day Extra Special

Mother’s Day is celebrated each May and marks a perfect opportunity to show Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated. Mother’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years, and in that time mothers have grown accustomed to certain staples of the holiday. A bouquet of fresh flowers, Sunday brunch at a local restaurant and some gifts from a partner and the children have become standards each Mother’s Day.

While Mother’s Day standards may never lose their appeal, families looking to make this year’s celebration a little more unique can consider these ideas.

• Whip up (or order in) some baked goods. If Mom is the family baker, surprise her this year with some homemade baked goods.

An aroma of freshly baked goodies around the house can set a welcoming tone for the day, particularly if the treats are prepared in the morning before Mom wakes up. Partners and children whose baking skills leave a little to be desired can get some freshly baked treats from a local bakery and have them waiting for Mom when she wakes up.

• Take to the road. Another way to make Mother’s Day extra special is to make the celebration a weekend affair. A weekend getaway can be a welcome breath of fresh air for mothers and serve as a great opportunity for the family to unwind and celebrate Mom away from everything that reminds her of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A getaway can be an especially ideal surprise

for mothers whose children are full grown. Invite adult kids along and make their attendance a surprise for Mom.

• Book a unique experience. Experiential gifts have been wildly popular in recent years, so why not incorporate this trend into Mother’s Day celebrations? Book a tour of a local vineyard or winery, take Mom to a live theater performance, or take her out for a day on the water, complete with brunch and a champagne toast. Such memorable experiences won’t soon be forgotten and can provide an exciting alternative to previous Mother’s Day celebrations.

• Ensure Mom doesn’t lift a finger. A truly special Mother’s Day will give Mom a day off. Partners

and kids can team up to take care of everything from the moment Mom wakes up until she returns to bed at night. Serve breakfast in bed, order in some lunch and then take Mom out for a nice meal at a local restaurant. In between meals, let Mom relax any way she sees fit, whether that’s curling up with a good book, dusting off her paint brush and engaging in some artistic endeavors and/or squeezing in a rare midday nap. Mom will undoubtedly appreciate a full day off, which might just make for the best gift of all.

Mother’s Day is the ideal time to offer Mom a unique experience that shows her how much she’s loved and appreciated.

Unlock your home’s potential

The Reboli Center for Art & History

The Reboli Center for Art & History 64 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY 11790 rebolicenter.org

The Reboli Center Presents Getting There

The Reboli Center for Art and History is excited to present Getting There, an exhibition that delves into the artistic exploration of various modes of transportation, such as cars, trains, boats, and beyond. Featuring work by Joseph Reboli, Mike McLaughlin, Nelson Medina, Peter Nettesheim, Doug Reina, Marshall Buck, Chris Kelsch and more. The exhibition reflects on how transportation shapes our culture, symbolizes our freedom, and our connection to mobility. The exhibition will be open for free public viewing through July 6th.

In addition to the exhibition,

function. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply love the elegance and performance of German engineering, this event is one you won't want to miss. If weather conditions aren’t ideal for May 17th, The Reboli Center has set a rain date of Saturday, May 24th.

The American Car Show will follow on Saturday, May 31st, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Reboli Center is celebrating American automotive culture with a fantastic display of classic and contemporary American cars that highlight the power, style, and innovation that define the American automobile industry. This event will have a rain date of Sunday, June 1st.

Car Shows are curated by local artist and automotive enthusiast, Nelson Medina. Medina is a Long Island, New York based senior designer and renowned pinstriping artist in the world of fine and exotic automobiles with over 50 years experience and a passion for vintage race cars since childhood.

The Reboli Center will host a rotation of car shows in the parking lot throughout the exhibition. These events will showcase classic and contemporary vehicles that tie into the theme of the exhibition. From sleek, high-performance models to vintage beauties, The Reboli Center is celebrating automotive culture with a stunning showcase of German, American, British, and Japanese vehicles. The first show in rotation will be the German Car Show on Saturday, May 17th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. German cars seamlessly blend power and refinement and are statements of both form and

The British Car Show will take place on Saturday, June 14th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. With a unique blend of charm, craftsmanship, and character, British automotives carry a legacy of style and innovation and The Reboli Center is excited to be showing both classic and contemporary vehicles at this event. A rain date for this show has been set for Sunday, June 15th.

The final car show in this series will be the Japanese Car Show on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This exciting event will feature a dazzling array of classic and contemporary Japanese cars, showcasing the unique designs, performance, and engineering that define Japanese automotive excellence. A rain date for this event has been set for Sunday, June 29th. All of The Reboli Center

The Reboli Center Getting There exhibition and all accompanying car shows are free and open to the public. As a non-for-profit organization, The Reboli Center strives to make art, history, and events like these accessible to everyone in our community. The Reboli Center is a certified 501 (c) (3) not- forprofit art gallery organized to preserve, support, and provide public access to the artwork of Joseph Reboli and a variety of rotating creative and educational programs for people of all ages. The Reboli Center is also proud to present the work of contemporary artists and artisans, along with rotating historic exhibitions that offer rich insights into art history and the heritage of Long Island. Joseph Reboli was a renowned American realist painter from Stony Brook, New York, whose work is celebrated for capturing Long Island’s landscapes and everyday scenes in incredible detail and beauty, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary visual stories. His legacy lives on through his paintings, which continue to inspire, and through The Reboli Center for Art and History, where his work is showcased for future generations.

Happenings At The Emma Clark Library

Level Up Kitchen Library Café

Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach, hosted by Emma Clark Reopening on May 12!

This “Take a Book or Leave a Book” concept inspires beachgoers to read, share, and reuse and encourages lifelong reading. It is located under the pavilion at the beach. Visitors are encouraged to grab a book and/or donate one. The books are all donated by the public and cater to all ages. This little library is possible thanks in part to many generous booklovers (books are not curated or owned by Emma Clark – don’t return your library books here!). Library teen and tween volunteers “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is

neat, undamaged, and wellstocked.

The Town of Brookhaven and Environmental Educator Nicole Pocchiare have once again graciously given their consent for Emma Clark to host the Little Free Library at the beach.

Immigration in New York State: 1650 – 1950

A Long Island Library Resources Council Traveling Exhibit, on loan at Emma Clark Library from June 2 - 30

This exhibit focuses on historic immigration to New York State from 1650 to 1950. Our story begins with the arrival of the Dutch settlers and continues through the end of the World Wars.

School Supplies Drive –June 7 - 29

Library staff are collecting new school supplies for local organizations that serve students in need. Suggested items include pencils, notebooks, crayons, pens, markers, calculators, highlighters, erasers, index cards, post-its, glue, backpacks, scissors, combination locks, & rulers.

Adults

Catholic Health Mobile Outreach Bus –Free health screenings

Thursday, May 15 (Stop by between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Last screening begins at 1:45 p.m.).

In the Library parking lot. Registered nurses will provide blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, glucose and cardiac screenings, along with patient education

and referrals as needed. No appointments are necessary, there are no fees, and insurance is not required. Questions? Email askus@ emmaclark.org

E-Waste & Metal Recycling Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Do you have outdated & unwanted electronics and metal cluttering up your house or workspace, collecting dust or taking up space? Arrow Scrap Metal and E-Waste Recycling, a NYS registered electronic waste recycling facility, can help. Bring your used computers, cell phones, laptops, servers, wire & cable, scrap metal, circuit boards, batteries, printers, hard drives & storage devices, power tools, small appliances, small electronics, keyboards/mice, stereos, flat screen TVs and computer monitors, cameras, and more. Your hard-drives and old cell phones can also be shredded on site (if possible, please remove the hard-drive from your computer before your arrival). Batteries (both regular and rechargable) are accepted, but please tape the terminals. Not accepted: CRT (Tube) TVs and CRT (Tube) computer monitors, lightbulbs, paper, general garbage, liquids, paints, containers containing gases, medical waste, tires, glass, or wood.

No registration required. Open to both residents and nonresidents. Please do not line up early, as it blocks traffic into and out of the

Library. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org

Kids “Drop In” Activities at Emma Clark Library

Homeschool Hangout

Wednesday, June 11, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Come to our get-together designed for homeschooled children. Kids can relax, socialize, and build friendships in a welcoming environment. Enjoy casual hangout time before diving into creative group crafts, experiments and activities that connect fun & learning! We’ll have 30 minutes of open activities and socialization followed by an hour-long learning activity. Join us for either or both! While kids enjoy the program, parents can take advantage of everything the Library has to offer. Ages 5 – 12 years. No registration. Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org

DIY Washer Necklaces

Thursday, June 12. Stop in anytime between 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Use nail polish to turn washers into dazzling jewelry. Grades K - 6 welcome. No registration. Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org

Crafternoon

Saturday, June 14. Stop in anytime between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Make a work of art out of recycled materials. Ages 3 –12 welcome. No registration. Questions? Email kids@ emmaclark.org

How To Build A Better Burger

May Is National Hamburger Month

Backyardbarbecue season is starting to heat up. Although many people grill all year long, grilling season kicks into high gear in spring and summer. Burgers will always be a quintessential grilling fare. It should come as no surprise that the month of May is National Hamburger Month. That’s likely due to Memorial Day weekend — which many view as the unofficial start of summer — being one of the first times of the year people begin grilling burgers. Despite burgers’ popularity, it’s easy to make mistakes when preparing them.

minutes prior to grinding for the best results.

Fat Is Key

For the most juicy, flavorful burger, you’ll want a ratio of 80 percent meat to 20 percent fat. Some people like to eat lean, but with a burger, the fat will be necessary and it’s better to select leaner meats for other dishes.

Don’t Overwork The Meat

Handling the burger patties too much can lead to dense, tough burgers. Gently shape the burgers into round, 1-inch thick, flat discs. To prevent the burgers from rounding in the middle during cooking, press a dimple with your thumb in the center of the patty to help it cook evenly. It’s a smart idea to weigh each patty to ensure uniformity of size and even cooking.

Don’t Add Salt Early On

Salt added to the ground meat before it’s shaped can draw the liquid out of the meat, leaving a dry burger behind. Sprinkle salt sparingly while it is cooking for flavoring.

from ground meat. According to BBC Good Food, burgers can be cooked for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium and 8 to 9 minutes per side for well done. For the best results, use a food thermometer to check internal temperature. The USDA says ground meat, whether it’s pork, veal, beef, or lamb, should be cooked to 160 F

Flip As Desired

The cooking resource Serious Eats debunked the myth that burgers should only be flipped once. Flipping the burger repeatedly, as often as once every 15 seconds, encourages faster, more even internal cooking and can dramatically reduce cooking time.

Keep The Patties Separate

These tips can help anyone build a better burger.

Use Freshly Ground Meat

Buying ready-made ground meat (of any variety) is taking a gamble because you don’t know when it was ground, how many animals it came from or how it was handled. By freshly grinding the meat at home you will have greater control over the cut of meat and the fat content. Personally ground meat will be fresher, especially when you get nice cuts of meat directly from your local butcher. Top chefs suggest dicing cold meat into chunks and freezing for about 10

Avoid Overcooking

Most health authorities recommend not leaving any pink meat in a burger made

Let everyone build their own burgers, as keeping the cooked meat away from the burger buns for as long as possible will reduce the chances of the juices making the buns soggy. Soft, squishy buns tend to make for good burger eating, as they will not overwhelm the meat with too much crusty bread. The smell of grilling burgers is in the air. Ensure that every burger is a masterpiece by utilizing some important cooking tips.

7 Ways To Honor Active Military And Veterans

Amajorportion 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. In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated there were 15.8 million veterans in the U.S. In Canada, the 2021 Census of Population found that 97,625 Canadians were serving in the Canadian Armed Forces while 461,240 Canadians were characterized as veterans.

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

support.

• Donate to a nonprofit that supports veterans. Many charities do important work to bridge the gap in care or services needed by veterans or active military members. Using hard-earned dollars to fund these nonprofits is money well spent.

• 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 shortstaffed 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.

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

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

There’s some truth to the popular notion that “laughter is the best medicine.” The United States Department of Veterans Affairs notes that laughter has physiological effects on the body that lead to changes in body chemistry and brain function. For example, laughter increases heart and respiratory rates and oxygen consumption over a short period. These changes ultimately move individuals into a state of relaxation. Additional research has found that laughter can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, supporting the suggestion that laughter is an effective and even multi-faceted “medicine.”

Ideal Foods For A Memorial Day Barbecue

Though Memorial Day precedes the summer solstice by several weeks, the threeday 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 late-spring 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 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.

St. James Five-Mile Challenge & 5K Fun Run To Raise Funds For Ronald McDonald House At Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

More than 500 runners are expected to turn out for the second annual St. James/Head of the Harbor Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

The course starts with an uphill climb leveling off at the half mile mark, followed by three miles of rolling hills through the scenic village of Head of the Harbor. Racers will then take on the iconic Cordwood Path, a half mile incline that challenges the best runners. The race finishes with a flat and fast finish. Runners (and walkers) can register here.

Money raised will go toward the construction of

the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, scheduled to begin construction this spring.

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, home-schooling spaces, 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.

Registration/check-in begins at 7:00am and the race begins at 9am.

Race details:

$40 Regular Registration Until May 4, 2025

$45 Week of Registration May 5-10, 2025

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in all age groups, including 1419, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 5054, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-99, and top three finishers overall for women and men.

A block party-style celebration will follow the race, beginning around 9:30am. Attractions will include music, 50/50 raffle, beer garden, kids games and activities, food trucks, vendor row and more. The community is invited to come out and enjoy the camaraderie.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro provides comfort and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment. Follow Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro on facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Photos courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro

What Families Can Do To Honor Fallen Veterans

Thefreedoms people living in the United States are afforded would not have been possible to provide if not for the brave efforts and undying commitment of the many individuals who have served in the nation’s armed forces. American military personnel have played vital roles in securing freedoms for their fellow citizens as well as individuals overseas. Each year on the final Monday in May, the United States commemorates military personnel who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Those individuals made the ultimate sacrifice, and Memorial Day is a way to honor them and thank their families for their selfless acts. This Memorial Day, families can embrace various measures to honor fallen veterans.

• Visit a local veterans cemetery. The United Service Organization (USO) notes that most

states have national veterans cemeteries. Though some veterans cemeteries are open only to family members of service personnel, others are open to the general public. Visiting a veterans cemetery is a great way to honor fallen military members and ensure the memory of their service and sacrifice is not forgotten on Memorial Day.

• Celebrate veterans over Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day weekend is now synonymous with getaways and backyard barbecues. By taking time out during the weekend to honor fallen veterans, families can ensure the meaning behind the holiday is not lost in the midst of celebrations with family and friends. Take time out during a family barbecue to discuss a family member who served

or, if traveling, make an effort to visit a veterans memorial along your travel route.

• Help raise funds for veterans organizations. Fun runs or community Memorial Day walks may benefit local veterans organizations that help service members in need. Many service members may need help dealing with the deaths of friends or family members who died while serving in the armed forces, and veterans organizations may provide such help or direct funds to groups that do. That makes participation in events that benefit veterans organizations a great way to honor current military personnel and those who have served in the past, including those who died in service of their country.

• Teach youngsters

about the role of the armed forces. There’s a lot competing for the attention of today’s young people, and that can make it easy to overlook the very freedoms that make the United States such a unique country throughout world history. Parents and guardians can emphasize the role the armed forces play in procuring and protecting freedoms in the United States and emphasize the significance of the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to ensure a higher quality of life for all U.S. residents. Memorial Day commemorates military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. There is much families can do to ensure those sacrifices are never forgotten or taken for granted.