JULY 15, 2021 • TBR NEWS MEDIA • PRIME TIMES • PAGE 21 S
PRIME TIMES | LEISURE
Summer is ripe for exploration and adventure
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ummer highlights Long Island’s including bocce, golf and that trendy rival abundant charms, from our farmlands of horseshoes, cornhole. Shuffle board and and farm stands to our vineyards, parks, croquet have their longtime fans as well. picturesque downtowns and world class These games have endured and remain a beaches. The long days and favorite among all age groups warm temperatures set the stage as they are very social, easy to for getting out and enjoying the learn, portable, low cost and can company of family, friends and be enjoyed at every fitness level. neighbors. Many senior centers, parks and Getting out and about is not public beaches have courts and just the province of the young equipment that can be reserved, — it’s just easier for them to some for a fee and others for free. stay up late. For older folks A visit to one of Long Island’s to maintain their get up and many museums and parks is a go, it’s important to embrace a wonderful way to enjoy Long wellness lifestyle, from a good BY LINDA KOLAKOWSKI Island’s rich history, culture, and night’s sleep to good nutrition, walking trails. The Long Island that contributes to overall well-being. From Museum in Stony Brook is a local favorite there, add intellectual stimulation and for Jefferson’s Ferry residents, many of whom socialization and you’re ready to embrace the volunteer there. The Town of Brookhaven’s life to its fullest. While life plan retirement Cedar Beach is another favorite, with summer communities like Jefferson’s Ferry include programs that include a full moon walk later these important elements in their programs this month, and osprey and plover walks and living environments, those who live during the summer. Pick up a takeout picnic, elsewhere can partake in the general playbook. some cold drinks and take advantage of the Especially popular among the outdoor many beautiful picnic spots at our beaches activities at Jefferson’s Ferry are lawn games and parks. You may even catch an outdoor
concert. There’s always ice cream to be had on the way home. One of the great joys of summer is outdoor dining. Port Jefferson, Northport, Huntington, Stony Brook, Smithtown, Mount Sinai … the list goes on. Whether you’re out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there have never been so many restaurants that offer open air dining. You can always take a stroll afterwards to work off the calories. Book clubs are very popular year-round at Jefferson’s Ferry, with numerous groups that meet regularly. Some discuss fiction, others a mix of many genres such as history, philosophy, short stories, poetry and memoirs. Local libraries offer book groups via Zoom — check to see if your library holds summer book group meetings) and in person. If you enjoy reading, there’s a book group out there for you. And, since it’s summer, you may want to exercise and read simultaneously. The libraries in the Suffolk County Library System lend free audio books through its Libby app. Put on your headphones and head to your favorite walking path. Long Island’s libraries also offer free passes to both Long Island and New York City museums by reservation.
Libby is a free app where you can borrow digital audiobooks, ebooks and more from your public library. In addition to activities offered through your library, the local school district and community centers may offer performances, guest speakers, field trips and other opportunities for ongoing intellectual growth and stimulation. Programs are reopening, some with a more limited schedule. Check local listings in your paper and online. Don’t miss out. Summer is short. Linda Kolakowski, vice president of resident life at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community in South Setauket, oversees an extensive program of activities for Independent Living residents.
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