Saladino Recognizes Massapequa Students For Terrapin Turtle Awareness Signs
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently honored Gia Providente and Vincent Coolball, thirdgrade students at Unqua Elementary School, for collaborating with the Town to install terrapin turtle awareness signs at Bayfront Park and John Burns Park, both in Massapequa. These signs are intended to raise awareness about the threatened diamondback terrapin population on Long Island’s South Shore and the dangers the terrapins face from boat strikes.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Inspired after attending one of the Town’s Terrapin Turtle Tracker Days at Centre Island Beach, Gia and Vincent recognized the need for similar advocacy in their own South Shore community. Together, they developed a science fair project focused on terrapin conservation, public awareness, and education which won first place at the Massapequa District-
Assemblyman Durso To Host Free Veterans’ Appreciation Pancake Breakfast & Resource Fair
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in partnership with the Massapequa American Legion Post 1066, is
hosting a Free Veterans’ Appreciation Pancake Breakfast and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa.
Veterans will be treated to a complimentary pancake breakfast and provided with valuable information from over 20 vendors on issues such as healthcare, housing, education, legal services, and other veteran support services. This free event is open to all veterans who live in or belong to a veteran’s organization in the 9th Assembly district.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Fairly large
6. Barrels per day (abbr.)
9. Cover the entirety of
13. Leafy appetizer
14. Showy ornament
15. Norse personification of old age
16. Athletes
17. Closes tightly
18. Attack via hurling items
19. Where the reserves stand
21. Sword
22. Begat
23. Damage another’s reputation
CLUES DOWN
1. Vipers
2. Ancient city in Syria
3. Slog
4. Emits coherent radiation
5. “Pollock” actor Harris
6. Bleated
7. Monetary units of Afghanistan
8. Tooth doctor
9. One who takes apart 10. Commoner
11. Beat poet Ginsberg
12. Cave deposit material 14. Home energy backup
24. Northeast
25. Turf
28. For each
29. Hours (Spanish)
31. Western state
33. One who offers help
36. Flanks
38. A woolen cap of Scottish origin
39. Free from drink or drugs
41. Tunnels
44. Mature
45. More dried-up
46. News organization
48. Steal something
17. Begets
20. Face part
21. Frocks
23. Hill or rocky peak
25. Giving the impression of dishonesty
26. About ear
27. Male parents
29. Popular grilled food
30. Vaccine developer
32. Not conforming
34. Polite address for women
35. 1970 U.S. environmental law
37. Astronomical period of 18 years
40. One who fights the government
49. Forms one’s public persona(abbr.)
51. Female fish eggs
52. Small petrel of southern seas
54. Edible starches
56. Historical
60. In a place to sleep
61. Horse grooms
62. Off-Broadway theater award
63. Chinese dynasty
64. Resembling a wing
65. Small projection on a bird’s wing
66. Of the Isle of Man
67. Derived unit of force (abbr.)
68. Plate for Eucharist
42. Center for Excellence in Education
43. Watches discreetly
47. An electrically charged atom
49. Hymn
50. Arabic given name
52. Popular pie nut
53. City in Zambia
55. Species of cherry
56. John __, British writer 57. Be next to 58. Make angry
59. Give birth to a lamb or
Wide Science Discovery Fair. Congratulations Gia and Vincent for being true stewards of the
environment at such a young age; you both have incredible futures ahead of you!”
The Chamber Of Commerce Of The Massapequas Presents $5,000 Check To
The Village Of Massapequa Park
FREE HEALTHY HIKES For Long Islanders, Sponsored By AARP Long Island
Time: 9:00 AM
Lead Physician: Konstantinos Spaniolas, MD, Director of Stony
Brook Medicine’s Bariatric and Metabolic Weight
Continued On 14
The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas recently presented a $5,000 check to the Village of Massapequa Park to sponsor the incredible fireworks celebration held a few weeks ago at Mansfield Park. Thousands of families and neighbors came out to enjoy this cherished community tradition, and we were proud to help make it happen.
to life! Pictured: Karen Gawrych-Treasurer, Dana Durso-Village Trustee, Dan Pearl-Massapequa Park
Join the Long Island Health Collaborative, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, and AARP Long Island at 9 AM on the last Friday of August, and September for HEALTHY HIKES, free community hiking events! Physicians will briefly discuss tips for better health before accompanying attendees and a trail guide on a hike where you can hike and talk with the doc! Please register in advance so we can best accommodate. Take a hike with us on this summer and early fall for better health, no matter what your age or experience level.
A big thank you to Mayor Daniel Pearl, the Village Trustees, our dedicated first responders, and everyone who helped bring this amazing night
Mayor, Robin HepworthPresident, Sal PolitoFirst Vice President, Tina Schiaffino-Deputy Mayor, and Todd Svec-Village Trustee. Photo courtesy of Andrew Hepworth
AUGUST Healthy Hike: Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Address: 4090 Sunrise Hwy, Oakdale, NY 11769
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
AUGUST HAPPENINGS
SAT., AUGUST 16th
2:00PM
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK SERIES
AT BROOKSIDE PARK, W. SAYVILLE
Islip Arts Council and Studio Theater of Long Island Shakespeare Troupe present "Much Ado About Nothing," a comedy by William Shakespeare. This limited engagement will be performed FREE. *Schedule subject to change Shakespeare in the Park is made possible through a grant from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs. For more information visit Isliparts.org, or call 631-888-3525
SAT., AUGUST 23rd
SUN., AUGUST 24th
10:00AM-5:00PM FARMINGDALE VENDOR FAIR ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
361 Main St. in Farmingdale. Free Event. Family shopping fun and a great way to spend the day! For more information, please call 516442-6000
SUN., AUGUST 24th
1:00PM-5:00PM OPEN HOUSE
Join Us for the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center's 21st Anniversary Celebration Open House. An amazing day featuring special guest speakers, introductory meditation sessions, vegetarian cooking demos, yoga demonstrations, live music, a tour of the garden & grounds, an outdoor picnic, and more. Open to all and free of charge. For more information, please call 631-8227979, Infotristate@sos.org. Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 County Line Road in Amityville.
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
2:00PM
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK SERIES AT BAYARD CUTTING ARBORETUM, GREAT RIVER
Islip Arts Council and Studio Theater of Long Island Shakespeare Troupe present "Much Ado About Nothing," a comedy by William Shakespeare. This limited engagement will be performed FREE. *Schedule subject to change Shakespeare in the Park is made possible through a grant from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs. For more information visit Isliparts.org, or call 631-888-3525
TUES., AUGUST 26th
12:15PM FREE BROWN BAG CONCERT SERIES
Tuesdays at the Bay Shore Band Shell, 80 East Main Street in Bay Shore. Chasing Time / Music of the 60's 70's and 80's. For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council 631-888-3525
WED., AUGUST 27th
5:00PM-8:00PM
DROP-OFF DRUG EVENT
International Overdose Awareness Day. The Lindenhurst Moose Lodge, Lindenhurst Community Cares, CASJ, and Suffolk County Police C.O.P.E. have joined forces to create a united front in preventing addiction and overdose deaths in our community. Please bring your prescription medications for safe disposal to: Lindenhurst Moose Lodge #1421, 883 South Broadway, in Lindenhurst. Anyone who drops oft medicine will receive a raffle ticket for a prize! Together we can make a difference!
THURS., AUGUST 28th
6:00PM-7:00PM
PAUMANACKE GARDEN CLUB PROGRAM
Pauley the Plant Man will speak on 'Early Fall Gardening.' No preregistration necessary. Refreshments served after the program. Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh Questions? contact paumanackegc@gmail.com
SAT., AUGUST 30th
12:00 Noon
AMITYVILLE PORCH MUSIC DAY
Go porch-to-porch in the Village to hear live music! See map of porch/ band locations at Amityville.com. To sign up a band/porch email us at Mayor@amityvil le. com. For more information, please call Village Hall 631-264-6000
THRU SAT., AUGUST 30th
DURING LIBRARY HOURS
PHOTOGRAPHY EXIBITION at the East Islip Library. Perspectives in Photography” is a diverse visual interpretation of the world as seen by Rick Jacobs. East Islip library, 381 East Main St, in East Islip. 2nd fl. The event is free. For more information, please call 631-581-9200
SAT., AUGUST 30th
SUN., AUGUST 31st
10:00AM-5:00PM
EISENHOWER PARK FIELD 8
ART CRAFT & GIFT VENDOR FAIR
Famlily shopping fun and a great way to spend the day! For more information, please call 516-4426000, www.NassauCountyFarirs.com
Saladino And Blakeman Announce
Free $25 Farmers’ Market Coupons For Senior Citizens
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announce that incomeeligible adults aged 60 and over can now receive free $25 coupon booklets from the New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). These coupons can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers’ markets and farm stands.
“We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our senior residents,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is an excellent initiative that helps seniors maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the fresh produce our local markets have to offer. It is important for us to provide opportunities that support the well-being of our older adults, and this program does just that by making
nutritious food more accessible.”
The $25 Farmers’ Market coupon distribution will take place on Thursday, August 21st from 10 AM to 12 PM at the North Massapequa Community Center, located at 214 North Albany Ave., North Massapequa. Coupons will be distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis, with a limit of one booklet per person per year.
Coupons can be used at the Country Fresh Farmingdale Farmers’ Market, located at Village Green, 316 Main Street, Farmingdale, open Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM (June 1 - November 23), at Deep Roots Farmers’ Market, located at 100 Garvies Point Road, Glen Cove, open Saturdays
Continued On 14
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
Jeff Lambert
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
Ethan Keattikul
Diana Lambert ADMINISTRATION
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Josh Marlowe
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicia Edwards
MARKETING MANAGER
Noelle Lambert
Teri Tinkler
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
PROOFREADING
Kerry Mastrobuoni
Blood Drive Honoring Late Bridget
McElroy Returns To Massapequa
In July 2020, Bridget was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. While hospitalized on her 35th birthday in August 2021, she asked her loved ones to donate blood in her honor, instead of celebrating. She passed away just three months later, but her selfless final wish sparked a movement that continues to save lives.
“Bridget was an amazing young woman who lost her life to cancer far too soon,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Even at her most vulnerable, she made it her mission to inspire blood donations and help others.”
Bridget’s mother recalled her words: “All I want for my birthday is for everybody to give blood.”
Now in its fourth year, Bridget’s Birthday Blood Bank will once again be held in partnership with the New York Blood Center. Walkins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Marjorie Post Park Community Center (Rooms A & B), 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Carol Link
Bob Liquorie
Nicole Sims
Kim Volz
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The blood drive will take place on Saturday, August 23 from 10:00
Schedule your donation at https://donate.nybc. org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/325620.
Senator Steve Rhoads To Host
Inaugural Veterans Valor Walk
Senator Steve Rhoads will host the first-ever Veterans Valor Walk—a patriotic community event and food drive— on Saturday, August 23rd at Eisenhower Park. The event will feature a 0.5-mile walk around Salisbury Lake to honor local veterans and support those in need. Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to
benefit a local veterans’ food pantry.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotic spirit. Following the walk, registered participants will enjoy a complimentary bagel breakfast and refreshments.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged using the following link,
but walk-ins welcome: https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ
LSe3Ok8fNMcXS3zW E8Ma5MEMnWE1mP8 VtmavCKzACF03LLBT Tw/viewform
Senator Rhoads invites the community to come together to honor those who served and ensure no hero goes hungry.
Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Cuts The Ribbon On New AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently cut the ribbon on its new AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center, located at 149 Schleigel Boulevard in Amityville. Over 200 people attended the ceremonial grand opening of the Center, which provides free community programming to Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses, free memory screenings to Long Islanders, and more.
The 11,500 square foot, state-of-the-art center — the first of its kind on Long Island — is readily accessible to residents of Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The center offers free daily programming to Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses.
Community programs include music; creative arts; movement and motion; and brain games. Each of
these provides participants with valuable cognitive stimulation, activity, and social interaction, all of
Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Hand. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Hand noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but high-quality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@oysterbayny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54
Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
which benefit brain health. It also provides family caregivers with essential respite care, enabling them to drop their loved ones off for programming so that they can have time to care for themselves.
The center also offers free, confidential memory screenings to Long Islanders of all ages, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.
The Center is named after Barbara Rabinowitz, a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother whose legacy of love, strength, and selfless dedication to others impacted many people’s lives. Barbara lived with dementia for six years. Members of her family help cut the ribbon on the Center which now bears her name.
Michael Rabinowitz, Barbara’s son, said “Our hope is that this center gives other families a better understanding of what their loved ones are going through—and makes life just a little bit easier.”
“We’re opening more than just a building—we’re opening a door to hope, support, and understanding
for the more than 60,000 Long Island families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “This new Center will provide essential services and support to Long Island families, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”
Dignitaries attending the event included Babylon Town Clerk Gerry Compitello; Babylon Town Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez; State Senator Monica Martinez; State Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow; State Assemblymember Michael Durso; State Assemblymember Steve Stern; Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg; Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter; Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino; and Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella. Representatives from the Offices of Congressman Andrew Garbarino; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Empire State Development were also in attendance.
To learn more about the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center and to get information about upcoming programs, visit www.afalongisland.org or call 631-223-4000.
Advance Care Plans
The United States population is rapidly aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million older Americans, comprising roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population. With age comes the added burden of dealing with illnesses such as heart failure, dementia and cancer, any one of which can leave you unable to make decisions involving your care. Unless you have a plan in place, the burden will fall on your family.
Protect your loved ones from having to make life and death decisions on your behalf by developing an advance care plan today.
FREE HEALTHY HIKES
Continued From 5
Loss Center; Professor of Surgery at Stony Brook University
Walkers meet: in main parking lot
In-Person AARP Registration Link: https://events.aarp.org/ healthyhikeLIaugust
SEPTEMBER Healthy
Free $25 Farmers’ Market Coupons
Continued From 8
9 AM to 1 PM (May 31 –November 1) and at the Seaford Farmers’ Market, located at Seaford LIRR Parking Lot 3, Sunrise Hwy. & Washington St., open Saturdays from 7 AM to 12 PM (June 7December 27).
“By participating in this program, our seniors can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, while supporting the local economy. I encourage all eligible seniors to take advantage of this wonderful program and experience the health benefits of fresh, locally sourced produce,” added County Executive Blakeman.
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Mobile Farm Stand are sponsored by the Nassau County Office for the Aging, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
To find additional farmers’ markets participating in the SFMNP Coupon Program, please visit: https://agriculture. ny.gov/farmersmarkets. For more information, call the Nassau County Office for the Aging at (516) 2278900.
Hike: Hempstead Lake State Park
Address: Eagle Ave, West Hempstead, NY 11552
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Lead Physician: Olufunmilayo C. Eleanya MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman LI School of Medicine
Walkers meet: in main parking lot
In-Person AARP Registration Link: https://events.aarp.org/ healthyhikeLIseptember
What makes our hikes so healthy? In addition to the many physical and mental health benefits of hiking, our Healthy Hikes are held through the LIHC’s Walk with a Doc chapter. This means our hikes are led by a physician who will deliver health education about
a different topic every month before joining walkers on the hike. Walk with a Doc is a national program that offers free physician-led walking events in communities around the world, and we’re proud to bring these events to our Long Island neighbors. Get in some steps, talk with our docs along the way, and learn about the actions you can take now to live a healthier life for good.
For more information about Walk with a Doc, contact Brooke Oliveri, Manager of the Long Island
Health Collaborative at boliveri@nshc.org or call 631-963-4167.
Passwords on Multiple Accounts
(NAPSI)—According to a recent Aware poll, most people use the same password across multiple accounts, which means that if a hacker has a password to one account, they can likely access several of that person’s accounts. For further facts, visit www.aware.com.
New York Blood Center (NYBC) is kicking off its fourth annual “Pint for a Pint” campaign to encourage blood donations during the critical summer months at donor centers through August 31, 2025, all who come to donate at NYBC’s donor centers will receive a voucher for a free beverage or frozen treat at a participating local brewery, pub, or frozen treat shop.
Since its launch in 2022, the “Pint for a Pint” campaign has doubled in size, with more than 50 breweries, pubs,
and frozen treat shops across the region coming together to support the critical need for blood donations. This year’s full list of participating establishments can be found at https://www.nybc. org/pint/
“At Newburgh Brewing Company, we take enormous pride in being supportive of our community,” said Paul Halayko, President and COO of Newburgh Brewing Company. “By working with the NYBC through Pint for a Pint, we are thanking folks for doing something
selfless and important: donating blood. It’s a way we can ask our community to be supportive of such an important cause, and then reward them with a delicious pint of Newburgh beer!”
Following a sharp drop in donations over the 4th of July holiday, the region’s supply of O- and O+ blood is currently at a critical 1-2 day level, and overall collections are nearly 25% below the level needed to meet hospital demands. Summer has brought an expected decline in donations, driven by
PUZZLE ANSWERS:
vacations and school breaks, but combined with increased trauma cases, the impact on the local blood supply has been severe.
Type O-negative is the universal blood type used when seconds matter and a patient’s blood type is unknown. Type O-positive, the most common type, is in constant demand for surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and daily medical care.
“Every pint counts, especially in the summer, and we are so grateful to these local establishments for coming together to support the critical need
for blood donations in the summertime,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “We hope this fun incentive will inspire returning and first-time donors to donate blood and enjoy a refreshing beverage or frozen treat on us. Blood donations are needed now more than ever.”
Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can donate twice a month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
Can’t donate blood? You can still make a life-saving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Visit here to learn more: https://www.nybc.org/ support-us/
*Blood donors 21+ years of age are eligible. Prizes hold no cash value and are non-transferable. The type of beverage and frozen treat is at the venue’s discretion. Voucher must be redeemed on or before October 31, 2025, and cannot be used on the day of donation. Other restrictions may apply.
South Shore Audubon Bird Walk
Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick on Sunday, August 17, starting at 9:00 a.m.
The entrance road to the Norman Levy Preserve is located on the south side of Merrick
Road, just east of the Meadowbrook Parkway. (It is the same road as the Department of Sanitation entrance).
Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is
free of charge. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to 516 467-9498. No walk if it rains. Text regarding questionable weather.
For more information, log onto www. ssaudubon.org
4,000 Reasons To Love Bees
CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636
a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
Meditation Promoting Personal Wellness
(StatePoint) While most people picture the beloved honey bee when they think about bees, North America actually has 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are busy right now.
“Throughout spring and summer, these insects dutifully pollinate crops and wildflowers, playing a vital role in fostering healthy ecosystems,” says Clay Bolt, manager of Pollinator Conservation and Great Plains communications, World Wildlife Fund.
pollinate only specific flowers. And unlike bumble bees and other hive-dwelling bee species, such as honey bees and stingless bees, over 70% of the world’s bee species are in fact solitary, hardworking moms who quietly nest in overlooked places like decomposing logs and alongside garden paths.
parks and gardens often grow flowers that only bloom during peak summer. By planting a variety of plants that flower from early spring through autumn, the number of native bees and other pollinators visiting your garden will increase exponentially.
Meditation has gained traction in recent years as an effective means to promoting personal wellness, and those considering the practice should know that it does not require a significant time commitment. The Mayo Clinic notes meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Perhaps the practice has proved so enduring because of the myriad emotional and physical benefits it offers, which the Mayo Clinic notes include self-awareness, improved mood, a lower resting heart rate, and improved sleep. The amount of time required to meditate depends on the individual and the type of meditation he or she practices (the Mayo Clinic cites guided meditation, mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and Quigong as some popular ways to meditate), but Verywell Mind reports that experts typically recommend meditating for somewhere between five and 45 minutes each day.
According to Bolt, native bee species are beautifully varied in their appearance, behaviors, feeding habits and habitats. They can be striped, metallic, fuzzy, thin and rotund, in a spectrum of colors. The world’s smallest species—the Euphorb mini-fairy bee—is only found in southern deserts. At 2 millimeters, it is about as long as a U.S. nickel is thick.
Different bee species fly at different times—early morning, daytime or night. Many emerge seasonally in spring or summer, while others remain hidden underground for years awaiting summer monsoons. Bees inhabit diverse environments, from cold mountain peaks to beaches. Generalist species visit many flower types, while specialists
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what is a bee?” you might be surprised to learn that they are vegetarian wasps. However, unlike their wasp relatives, which often feed their young protein in the form of paralyzed insects and the hamburger they might steal from your picnic table, most bees provide their offspring with protein made from pollen mixed with nectar. The mother bee compacts these materials into a pellet and places it within her nest cavity, lays a single egg atop the mixture, then seals the chamber where the young bee will develop entirely without maternal assistance.
How can you help bees?
Sadly, bees face threats to their survival, but there are steps you can take to help protect them.
Bees need healthy, pesticidefree foods throughout their lives. This is one of the greatest gifts you can offer these pollinators, especially because
“Through small acts of kindness, you can transform the lives of these remarkable creatures, while filling your heart with profound hope and wonder as you witness their delicate yet ongoing care of our shared world,” says Bolt.
The recently celebrated World Bee Day also kicked off World Wildlife Fund’s new “Stories of Hope and Wonder,” an ongoing series that connects people to the wonder of nature and offers hope for a future benefiting both people and wildlife. Each month, “Stories of Hope and Wonder” will feature a different species overcoming some of nature’s toughest obstacles to ensure its survival. To access these stories, visit www.worldwildlife.org/ hopeandwonder.
Bees are industrious creatures that are essential to vital food systems and healthy ecosystems. While bees are at risk, individuals can make all the difference in their own backyards.
