As the school year kicks off and routines fall back into place, it’s a great time to think about your next move. Whether you’re buying or selling, choosing the right real estate agent makes all the difference. I’m your local neighborhood professional, proud to live right here in the Three Village area. I care deeply about our community — your friends, your neighbors, and you. Let’s start this new season together. Call me today and let’s take the next step toward your home.
See What My Clients are Saying
“Victor is so professional and knows so much about Long Island realty. He was absolutely wonderful and we highly recommend him to anyone looking to sell or buy a home. Such a top notch realtor!!!! - Ray and Janet Z.
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Autumn is almost here and we're embracing the cooler weather! Whether you're looking for some fun outdoor activities or are just getting ready for the season, we have informative editorial throughout. Long Island is home to countless orchards, wineries, parks and more, allowing residents and visitors alike the opportunity to make unforgettable memories in a beautiful setting. We hope you have a peaceful end of summer and enjoy all that the upcoming season has to offer.
Fall Hiking Tips
Fall hiking can be a unique and exciting experience. Thanks to the vibrant foliage, crisp air and smaller crowds than might be around during summer, fall is a prime time to lace up one’s boots and hit the trails.
Beyond the opportunity to check out the amazing foliage displays synonymous with this time of year, spending time outdoors in fall provides various health benefits. According to UAB Medical West, some benefits of hiking include improved
mental well-being, enhanced balance and improved muscle strength.
As with any hiking trip, it is key to plan ahead to enjoy a safe and enjoyable adventure this fall.
• Layer your clothing. Fall weather can be unpredictable and dramatic temperature fluctuations can occur between morning and afternoon. The trick is layering clothing to provide comfort and safety. Start with a moisturewicking base layer, add
an insulating layer like fleece for warmth, and top it with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. You can adjust your clothing as conditions change.
• Wear proper footwear to ensure ample traction. Opt for sturdy hiking shoes or boots with significant ankle support and excellent traction. Fallen leaves and rain or early-season ice can make paths slippery. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended. Wool socks (not cotton) will wick away moisture and provide warmth even when damp. According to a study on mountain hiking in the Austrian Alps, 75 percent of fall accidents occur on descents, so having extra traction can help.
• Mind the daylight. As fall inches closer to winter, daylight hours diminish rapidly. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly dusk arrives. Plan your route to account for your pace so you can be off the trail well before sunset. Pack a flashlight or headlamp just in case.
• Mind the habitat. Anytime you hike you should be mindful of the natural settings around you. Stick to the trails so you do not disturb delicate vegetation. Also, never feed wild animals. They can grow accustomed to an easy hand-out and lose their fear of humans, putting themselves at risk of harm. Remember to dispose of trash properly and always take out what you bring in.
• Stay fueled and hydrated. Despite the cooler temperatures of fall, dehydration may occur as the body loses fluid through exertion and respiration. Pack plenty of water and take sips regularly. Bring along energy-rich snacks like protein bars, trail mix and dried fruit to maintain energy levels throughout the excursion.
Fall hiking trips enable people to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the season while also getting some exercise and enjoying ample fresh air.
Long Island Hiking Trails Great For The Fall
Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Cold Spring Harbor
Cold Spring Harbor State Park is located within Cold Spring Harbor Village. The hiking trails are perfect for beginners and moderate hikers. Pets are welcome! The park is at 95 Harbor Rd, Cold Spring Harbor.
Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
Bethpage State Park is on the border of Nassau and Suffolk County. Bethpage State Park is most known for golf and has hosted several national championships. There are
many trails of varying lengths, perfect for leisurely hikes or biking. The park is at 99 Quaker Meeting House Road in Farmingdale.
Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point
Sands Point Preserve is filled with local history and scenic vistas. Sands Point Preserve has several different areas available for hiking. This includes a mile-long beach as well as forays into the woods.
Sands Point Preserve is at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point.
Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead
Hempstead Lake State Park is a great destination for hikers. The area’s natural beauty and relaxed trails make it a perfect spot for waterside hiking. The Hempstead Lake trail brings you throughout much of the park, around the central Hempstead Lake, Nassau County’s largest lake. Hempstead Lake State Park is located at Eagle Ave. in West Hempstead.
Sunken Meadow State Park, King’s Park
Sunken Meadow State
Park is one of Long Island’s most well-known hiking and beach spots. The three-mile waterfront is a beloved hiking area both for its views as well as the variety of the nearby terrain. Connected to the Long Island Sound with views of Connecticut. The most popular trail will take hikers nearly four miles through the local wildlife. Sunken Meadow State Park is located at New York State Reference Rte 908K, Kings Park.
To learn more about these parks and others, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
For Everyone
Cookie with a Cop in the Library Lobby
Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Get to know the person behind the badge. Chat with a Suffolk County Sixth Precinct Police Officer and enjoy a free cookie! Held in the Library Lobby. No registration required. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
E-Waste Recycling Day
Saturday, September 27, 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 rechargeable) are accepted, but please tape the terminals. No registration required. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Community Shred Day
Saturday, October 4, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We’re here to help you get rid of that unnecessary paperwork in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
Protect your privacy and get rid of clutter. A shredding truck from A Shred Away, Inc. will be in our parking lot for on-site shredding of personal documents. There is a limit of 5 boxes or bags. All paper collected will be recycled at a certified paper mill. Please note: No plastic, carbon paper, hanging files, red well folders, cardboard, newspapers, or magazines. Clips and staples are fine to put through the shredder. No wet papers, and please take any boxes, bags, etc. back home with you. No registration required. Questions? Email askus@ emmaclark.org
Pet Supplies Drive October 6 – 31
As part of The Great Give Back, a Suffolk Cooperative Library System initiative, we’re collecting new pet supplies (food, blankets, leashes, cleaning supplies, etc.) in the Library lobby to be donated to local organizations that help pets in need. All are welcome to donate (residents or nonresidents) during Library hours. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Catholic Health Mobile Outreach Bus –Free health screenings Thursday, October 9 (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 flu vaccinations and 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
Adults
Evening Book Discussion Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s Lobby. No registration required. Wednesday, October 8House on Endless Waters by Emuna Elon (Book pickup starts 9/10) Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Kids “Drop In” Activities These programs have no registration. For questions, email kids@emmaclark.org
Crafternoon
Saturday, September 13, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Stop by the Library to create a work of art with recycled materials. For Ages 3 – 11 years old.
No Rules Diamond Art… and more!
Tuesday, September 23, 2:00
– 4:00 p.m. School closed
Make as many projects as you’d like, choose your colors – go wild! For Ages 3 – 11 years old with caregiver.
Spooky Bus
Monday, October 13, 12:00 –2:00 p.m. School closed Stop by anytime for a quick stroll through the Suffolk Libraries’ community bus, all decked out in Halloween fun! Best suited for Grades K – 5.
Crafternoon
Saturday, October 25, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Stop by the Library to create a work of art with recycled materials. For Ages 3 – 11 years old.
Apple Picking Pointers
Visiting a local apple orchard and picking one’s fill of apples is a quintessential fall activity. Apple picking is an ideal way to spend time outdoors when the weather tends to be cool and pleasant. Gathering fresh-from-the-tree fruit to turn into favorite fall desserts like cobblers and pies is irresistible.
According to the Economic
Research Service, Washington state is the leading apple producer in the United States. It is followed very distantly by New York and Michigan. Apples were first cultivated in Canada by early French settlers, with the first trees planted in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley around 1633. Today, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British
Columbia have become strong players in the apple business. While other areas may not be apple meccas, those looking to pick their own have plenty of options across North American to enjoy this pastime.
Prior to an apple picking adventure, people can do a little preparation to ensure the afternoon is fun and fruitful.
• Do some research. Before individuals head out, they should do research into the available orchards and which apple varieties they specialize in. Ripening seasons vary, so certain varieties may not be available at all times. Call ahead to learn which apples are ripe and when.
• Visit early. The best apples are often available early in the season before the trees have been heavily picked over. It’s also a good idea to visit the orchard early in the day, which means cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
• Dress appropriately. Orchards can be dusty, muddy and buggy. The ground also may be uneven.
U-Pick Orchards Across Long Island
Spend the day exploring one of these orchards and pick your favorites right from the tree.
Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve
31215 County Road - Route 48, Peconic, 631-876-5159
Over 75 acres, they offer 26 varieties of apples.
Hank’s PumpkinTown 240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-726-4667
Long Islanders can pick a wide range of apples, including Ultimate Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Cortland,
Macoun, Empire, Snow Sweet, Jonagold, Autumn Gala, Cameo, SunCrisp, Mutsu and Autumn Rose Fuji.
Harbes Orchard
5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-683-8388
Apple Picking is available at Harbes’ Riverhead location, which has 15-acres of 27 types of apples on dwarf trees, including Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Gala and Gold Rush.
Harbes Farms Jamesport 1223 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-494-4796
Individuals can wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Also, they should dress in layers, as it can be chilly early in the day and then warmer later on.
• Pick correctly. Instead of yanking on the apples, which can damage the tree and apples, people should gently roll or twist the apple upwards from the branch. If the apple is ripe it will detach easily with stem intact.
• Avoid bruising. It’s wise to inspect the apples to make sure they are firm and brightly colored. Those with bruising or insect damage should be left behind.
• Don’t overload. Only pick what you need. Apples are delicate, and overloading the apples into bags can crush or bruise the ones on the bottom. Plus, overpicking means that the apples may spoil before they can be eaten.
After a day at the orchard, apples can be stored unwashed in a cool, dark place, which will help them stay fresher, longer.
Honeycrisp apple picking is available at Harbes’ Jamesport location, has 7 acres of Honeycrisp apples on dwarf trees.
Long Islanders can pick their own Gala, Honeycrisp and Macoun apples.
Milk Pail U-Pick Farm 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, 631-537-2565
Long Islanders can pick from their Jonamac, McIntosh, Sansa and Zestar.
Seven Ponds Orchard 65 7 Ponds Road, Water Mill, 631-726-8015
People can select Gingergold, Redfree and Zestar apples.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm 28700 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-6441
Dating back to 1661, the farm is one of the largest on the North Fork and offers a wide selection of apples in their You Pick Farm.
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 & History
TheReboli Center for Art and History proudly presents Renderings & Reflections : an exhibit honoring the lifelong friendship and extraordinary talents of two beloved hometown gentlemen : John McKinney and Joseph Reboli, curated by Jo-Anne Wilson. Each had an insatiable desire to record their observations and impressions of life in the Three Villages and Long Island’s North Fork. John’s weekly columns that appeared for decades in our local paper and Joe’s highly sought after paintings captured the very essence of this place we call home.
With carefully measured words and brush strokes, John and Joe invited us to
slow down and seek out the abundance of joy and beauty to be found in our everyday lives. Without a trace of pretension, each of them captured the hearts of our community and beyond with their wisdom, wit, and grace. Along with works by Joseph Reboli, we will also be exhibiting the work of seven Long Island based visual artists - Nancy Bueti, Tim Henry, James Engelbert, Patricia Feiler, Flo Kemp, Doug Reina, and Shain Bard.
Several of John McKinney’s columns will be displayed among these works of art which were specifically chosen to complement each column. During The Opening Reception, we will set aside time to listen to Long Island’s
own actor/orator, Stuart Whelan, read a selection of John McKinney’s columns. The most touching column being the tribute to Joe he wrote shortly after his dear friend’s death in 2004. John passed away in 2009.
In keeping with all things local, we will be celebrating Leah Dunaief and the upcoming *50th Anniversary* of our local paper, The Village Times Herald, which she founded in 1976. The publication’s fifty year history will be showcased as a sub-exhibit in the center’s Englebright Gallery throughout the duration of Renderings & Reflections.
The exhibition will run through November 2nd, 2025.
The Reboli Center for Art and History is honored to host this special exhibition. Nestled overlooking Stony Brook Creek and the harbor, our Center offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and appreciate art in all its forms. The gallery is ADA-compliant, and free parking is available for all visitors.
This exhibition and all accompanying events 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.
Celebration Unforgettable
of visitors travel to Munich, Germany, each year to take part in a celebration of Bavarian culture known as Oktoberfest. Although the name implies that the world’s largest Volksfest (people’s festival) occurs in October, the majority of Oktoberfest actually happen in September, and run from between 16 and 18 days. For 2025, Oktoberfest begins Saturday, September 20 and runs thru Sunday, October 5.
Though it may seem like Oktoberfest is just a beer festival, it’s actually a celebration of community, food and music. The origins can be traced back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of SaxonyHildburghausen and the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the royal event outside of the city gates.
The following ideas are some ways to create your own unforgettable Oktoberfest celebration.
Erect a beer tent
Visitors to Oktoberfest in Munich will find massive beer tents, each operated by Munich’s traditional breweries. These are the only official beer providers of Oktoberfestbier.
People replicating Oktoberfest celebrations nearer to home can include beers by Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten-Franziskaner, and be sure to serve at least one Märzen-style lager at the celebration.
Offer popular culinary delights
Beyond the bevy of beer available, guests to an Oktoberfest celebration will anticipate traditional and hearty Bavarian specialities. Options include hendl (roast chicken), schweinebraten (roast pork), würstl (sausages), and brezen (pretzels). Side dishes like potato salad, sauerkraut and red cabbage also are popular.
Wear the right folk attire
Traditional Oktoberfest attire includes lederhosen for men and dirndls for women.
Lederhosen consists of leather shorts, often with suspenders, worn with a checkered shirt. A dirndl is a dress consisting of a bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron.
Set the scene
Many people wonder why the official colors of Oktoberfest are blue and white, despite this not matching the colors of the German flag. In fact, Oktoberfest builds its color scheme around the Bavarian flag. Bavaria is a state within Germany. It is one of the 16 states that make up the Federal Republic of Germany, and it has its own traditions, dialect, cuisine, and more.
Play Oktoberfest music
Traditional Bavarian oompah bands, polka bands and other sing-along folk drinking songs are often played during Oktoberfest celebrations.
Did You Know?
Aroomaddition can be a worthy project that makes a home more livable. A host of factors will affect the cost of a room addition, but experts at HomeAdvisor estimate that such a project can cost as much as $150,000. The size of the new room, the location of the home, the materials used to build the room, and a number of variables unique to the existing home will affect the final cost of an addition. Homeowners are best served by contacting various contractors and receiving multiple estimates to get the most accurate idea of what the cost layout will be. Though the sticker price of a room addition may shock some homeowners, it's worth noting that such projects provide a good return at resale.
A Guide To Fall Lawn Care For
Cool-Season Grasses
Springmight mark the time when many homeowners begin tending to their lawns each year, but it’s important to recognize the significance of fall lawn care as well. Grasses vary, and homeowners are urged to identify which type of grass is in their lawn so they can ensure it gets the care it needs before winter’s first frost. Coolseason grasses like perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass are common in various regions, and the following strategies can help homeowners with these types of grasses tend to their lawns this fall.
• Stick to your recommended fertilization schedule. Homeowners who have been fertilizing since spring are urged to continue doing so in fall at the recommended interval. It’s easy to forget to fertilize
in fall thanks to cooler temperatures that don’t call lawn care to mind and busier schedules after school starts again and summer vacation season ends. But many fertilizer manufacturers advise users of their products to fertilize several times over the course of the year, including in fall. Stick to the intervals recommended on the packaging of the fertilizer you’ve been using, making sure not to forget to fertilize this fall.
• Conduct a soil test. A soil test can determine if the soil is lacking any nutritive elements it needs to come back strong in spring. Certain amendments can restore pH balance if necessary and foster stronger growth when lawns come back in spring.
• Aerate, if necessary. Soil
can become compacted over time, and that can cause a range of problems for a lawn. Compacted soil can make it harder for water to reach the roots of grass, which weakens grass and makes it more vulnerable to damage during adverse weather events like drought. Compacted soil also makes it harder for nutrients in fertilizer to get into the soil. Aerating is best left to professionals, particularly in larger lawns, as the job can foster strong root development when done
properly.
• Remove thatch where it’s excessive. Thin layers of thatch can benefit lawns by delivering nutrients from glass clippings and leaves to a lawn. However, when thatch is excessive, it can block air, water and even fertilizer from reaching the soil. Thatch often can be removed with a rake, but lawns with especially thick layers of thatch may need to be scarified. Homeowners can take a DIY approach to scarifying or hire a landscaping professional to dethatch the lawn and remove the thatch from their properties.
• Continue to water the lawn. A cool-season grass will continue to require water into the fall. Though the lawn won’t need to be watered as frequently in fall as in summer, various lawn care professionals note coolseason grasses still need roughly an inch of water each week in fall.
• Remove leaves as they fall. Fallen leaves can affect a lawn in much the same way as excessive amounts of thatch, blocking water and nutrients from reaching the soil. So it’s best to remove fallen leaves, especially when they begin to fall in large quantities.
Fall is an opportune time to tend to a lawn to increase the chances grass grows back strong in spring.
Natural Ways To Fight Fall Allergies
As the days become shorter and the weather cools down, a new crop of allergy symptoms can arise, turning the autumn season into one marked by sneezing, scratchy throats and itchy eyes. Medications can alleviate such symptoms, but allergy sufferers may want to investigate some natural ways to beat allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, ragweed is one of the more common triggers of autumnal allergies. Ragweed contributes to “hay fever,” which is a term to describe allergic rhinitis that occurs as a symptom of ragweed pollen in the air. Ragweed releases pollen in mid-August, and it can continue to be problematic until a deep freeze arrives. Other sources of fall allergies include leaf mold and pollen that is present on fallen leaves. This gets circulated when people begin to rake or blow fallen leaves. Classroom pets and chalk dust in schools (although chalkboards are largely a thing of the past) are other autumn allergens. The good news is that many natural remedies work just as effectively as over-the-counter medications in regard to combatting ragweed and pollen problems. Here’s how to beat the fall allergy blues.
• Stay Away From Pollen. Stay away from pollen and prevent it from being tracked indoors. Remove shoes when walking through the door. Take off clothes worn outside and launder them promptly, showering to wash pollen off of the body. Use an air conditioner or keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.
• Increase Omega-3 Fatty
Acids. It is well documented that fatty acids are good for brain health and cardiovascular well-being, but these acids also may help with allergies. A German study linked foods high in omega-3 fatty acids with the ability to fight inflammation, which is a hallmark of allergy suffering. Foods that are high in fatty acids include walnuts, flax, eggs, and cold-water fatty fish.
• Rinse Off Pollen. Use a mild cleanser to rinse the eyelids and eyelashes of pollen, as this is where it tends to congregate after being outdoors. Use saline spray to clear nasal passages of excess pollen as well.
• Take Natural Supplements. A study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy found participants who used tablets of the herb butterbur showed significant allergy relief after only one week. Select herbs from reputable manufacturers who certify them.
• Use Eucalyptus Oil. This oil is great to have in the house to help clear up sinuses and provide nasal congestion relief. Mix a small amount with coconut oil and rub onto the chest. There also is some evidence that adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to cleansing products can help kill dust mites around the house.
• Wear A Mask. When doing housework or yard work, wear a mask to reduce the inhalation of specific allergens.
