May 31, 2023 Bethpage

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Bethpage Residents,

Who else is ready for Summer?! After an extended cool Spring, we will all certainly welcome the warmer weather once it stays around for pool season. The chamber and our volunteers would like to thank everyone for their patience as the Veteran Banners around town have been installed to honor local residents sponsored by their families. We had at least thirty more added to the collection and have the list with locations posted on Facebook to help find your service member. If possible we recommend that family’s take photos of the pole especially with your veteran by their banner.

We enjoyed meeting many of you at the recent Bethpage Kiwanis Street Fair and thank you for stopping by our tent to say hello and pick up our members’ promotional items and giveaways. Several of our chamber members had booths at the fair too so we hope that the community visited them. Remember that doing business with our members helps support our events and boosts membership, so shop locally first with our website directory and South Bay Neighbor ads to keep the town businesses thriving.

As the school year ends this June month, we’d like to congratulate all of the students moving up and graduating in the Bethpage school district and local pre-schools. We are certain that they are off to a great start and wish the seniors well in all their endeavors and goals as they become ambitious young adults.

The chamber’s scholarships were awarded to four amazing seniors at Bethpage High School for their excellence in Business and Entrepreneurship Education. Their names are Aidan Russo, Benjamin Faggiano, Giulian Razzano and Riley Burns. Congratulations, we wish you the best of success and hope that they continue into the world of business.

Our Bethpage Chamber committee has been very busy planning for the annual summer series “Music On Broadway” on July 22nd and August 19th, which are both Saturday mid-summer evenings. Our committee has a great time in store for the community and a fun time of live performances, surely making it another enjoyable set of events for Bethpage for 2023. Stay tuned for more information at www.BethpageChamber.com and have a wonderful month. In the meantime, love where you live and keep Bethpage Strong!

Stay Bethpage Strong!

Window Decals Are Available For Storefronts, Just Ask The Chamber For One!

The class of 2023 soon will be donning their caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts for grads.

Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.

Travel accessories

Graduates may want to go on a trip before they take the next step in their lives. Quality travel gear is a worthy investment. Select luggage that won’t exceed airport carry-on limits so grads can cut the baggage check lines when they dart away to locales

Gift Ideas For High School Graduates

near or far. Carry-on bags also fit easily in bus cargo areas or in the trunks of cars. Pair the gifts with standard or digital luggage tags.

Streaming TV device

While it’s certainly possible to watch favorite shows or films on mobile devices, viewing is that much clearer on televisions. Rather than graduates having to invest in cable television wherever they go, streaming devices like AppleTV or Roku are portable, which means they can be used at home, in a dorm room, or on vacation.

Secured credit card

Individuals typically are eligible to apply for credit cards once they reach age 18, which is the age most students are when they graduate high school. Credit cards are one method of establishing solid credit, so it can be beneficial for a teen to have one. But

it can be challenging for individuals with no credit histories to get approval. A secured card, according to CapitalOne, is a credit card that requires money deposited with the credit card issuer in order to open the account. This security deposit is held by the issuer as long as the account is open. Often the security deposit is the same as the credit limit. Giftgivers can help establish secured cards for grads by providing the funds for the security deposits.

Wireless earbuds or headphones

Upgrade grads’ audio with the newest wireless earbuds or headphones. This way they can take them to the gym or use them to listen to shows or music while sharing spaces with others, including college roommates.

Smartphone wallet case

Teenagers are seldom without their phones. A

smartphone wallet case enables graduates to stash IDs, credit or debit cards, and some cash into specially designed pockets built into the phone cases. This keeps all essentials in

one spot.

Framed memorabilia

Whether a graduate was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, gift-givers can provide special memories

Volunteer Opportunities For Recent Grads

During the months between graduating high school and beginning college, or between getting a university degree and entering the workforce, graduates may want to explore the personal growth that comes from

volunteerism.

Volunteering provides various benefits. Some of these rewards include networking with an entirely different group of people. Volunteering also can help a person realize greater happiness by doing

selfless acts for others, while it also can help one to realize a new passion. In the future, volunteering with an organization also may help with a student’s job search.

There are many arenas where young people can

focus their volunteer efforts. Here are some ideas.

• Animal shelter: Animal shelters rely on volunteers to help with their operations. They can be a good fit for anyone with a passion for animals and

animal rights activism.

• Public service sectors: AmeriCorp and Peace Corps have scores of opportunities for volunteers. AmeriCorp focuses on domestic issues, while PeaceCorp is a branch of the U.S. government that engages volunteers in international service work. Community involvement, health care, agriculture, homelessness, and combatting hunger are top priorities for these organizations.

• English as a second language: Volunteers can spend time abroad teaching English to students. Others may want to volunteer domestically by helping non-Englishspeaking individuals improve their language skills.

• Community government: A person may choose to sit on the board of a school, or a neighborhood housing association, or even explore volunteerism

of time spent in school. Frame ticket stubs, sports jerseys, show programs, or other memorabilia that commemorate a graduate’s glory days at their alma mater.

with a township municipal office. This will provide valuable hands-on experience and may help one lend a voice to issues that affect his or her living situation.

• Religious groups: Churches, synagogues, and mosques may have volunteer opportunities focused on community outreach or programs affiliated with local nonprofits.

• Conservation groups: Volunteers can work on conservation projects across the country. From wildlife management to trail restoration to invasive species eradication, there are a wide variety of conservationbased volunteering opportunities.

• Tutoring: Graduates can volunteer to tutor students in local schools or overseas. Volunteerism can fill gap years or add to résumés for recent graduates.

Grilling Is A Summertime Tradition

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Grilling is a summertime tradition, but health-conscious grillmasters may want to marinate their meats before cooking them over an open flame. Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are compounds that can form when meats are cooked over an open flame. HAAs are suspected carcinogens, but a 2008 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that, with a few exceptions, spice-containing marinades inhibited the formation of heterocyclic amines, thus providing reduced exposure to some of the carcinogens formed during grilling.

Roasted Vegetable Focaccia Sandwich Ideal For Picnic Dinners

Opportunities for enjoying sunshine and fresh air abound in spring and summer. Who wants to be stuck indoors when the weather is pleasant? People engage in all sorts of activities while enjoying Mother Nature, including dining outside.

When it comes to picnics or meals enjoyed at the beach or on park benches, portability reigns supreme. This makes sandwiches the ultimate go-to. Sandwich ingredients do not need to be limited to cold cuts or tuna salad. This recipe for a “Roasted Vegetable Focaccia Sandwich” from “The Pampered Chef® Stoneware Inspirations” (The Pampered Chef®, Ltd.) by The Pampered Chef® Test Kitchens puts vegetables front and center.

Roasted Vegetable Focaccia

Sandwich

Serves 6

3 to 31⁄2 pounds boneless pork loin, butterflied and ready for stuffing

1 medium eggplant

1 large zucchini

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, pressed Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

2 balls fresh mozzarella cheese (8 ounces), sliced

1 medium tomato, sliced

1 7 1⁄2-inch loaf focaccia bread (about 12 ounces)

1⁄4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

1⁄2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Cut eggplant and zucchini crosswise into 1⁄4-inch-thick slices. Combine eggplant, zucchini and oil in a mixing bowl. Press garlic into mixing bowl using a garlic press; toss to coat. Season with salt and black pepper, if desired.

2. Arrange vegetables in a single layer on a stoneware bar pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender and deep golden brown. Remove from oven to a cooling rack; cool slightly.

3. Meanwhile, cut mozzarella and tomato into 1⁄4-inch-thick slices. Cut bread in half horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on cut surfaces.

4. To assemble sandwich, arrange basil leaves, vegetables, tomato slices, and mozzarella slices over bottom half of bread. Top with top half of bread. Cut into slices and serve.

Eighth Grader Wows Judges At Middle School Science Fair

Bethpage eighth grader

Partap Sidhu from John F. Kennedy Middle School recently took home first place in the physical science category of the South Asian American Women’s Alliance Middle School Science Fair. Sidhu showcased his project, an animatronic hand, which impressed fair goers.

He began preparing for the science competition in December 2022 with the guidance of his science research teacher Steve Carroll and technology teacher Dan Zabell. Throughout the months, Sidhu worked diligently on his project during the weekends and went to about four libraries to 3-D print his animatronic hand which moves with an animatronic hand controller that Sidhu wears. One move of a finger and the animatronic hand copies its movement.

As evident from his science fair project, Sidhu has a knack for creating

impressive things. This past Halloween he created his own motorized Iron Man helmet.

“As a technology teacher, this was clear proof that Partap was ready to do all the work needed for acing science fairs,” Zabell said.

Sidhu was among eight John F. Kennedy Middle School eighth graders who participated in the fair which was open to seventh and eighth graders across Long Island. Here, the students presented their research projects to judges with the hopes of earning a top spot in one of the science fair’s four categories – biological science, behavioral science, earth and environmental sciences and physical science.

Sidhu will officially be recognized at the SAAWA’s middle school awards ceremony in June. The Bethpage Union Free School District congratulates Sidhu on this outstanding achievement.

Showcasing Creativity For Thoughtful Thursday

Bethpage students from throughout Central Boulevard Elementary School celebrated

Thoughtful Thursday on April 20. The school

community celebrates Thoughtful Thursday on a monthly basis by participating in a special lesson, activity or program that allows them

to reflect on themselves or engage in an act of kindness.

Students and staff are encouraged to wear blue Central Boulevard

T-shirts on these special days. On April 20, classes were challenged to design their own T-shirt. Younger grades used pencils and crayons on paper to create

their T-shirt design, while the older grades utilized their Chromebooks to bring their T-shirt idea to life. The students added positive statements and

words to their designs such as “Be Kind” and let their creativity soar. The activity was a great way for students to showcase their originality.

Bethpage Earns National Recognition For Music Education

For the fourth consecutive year, the Bethpage Union Free School District has been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. It is one of only 7% of school districts from across the nation to receive this honor.

The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Schools and districts are evaluated based on their funding, highly qualified music teachers, commitment to high music standards, community support and participation and access to music instruction.

“We are very proud to receive this recognition from NAMM in acknowledgment of the strength of our Bethpage music programs,” said Alyssa White, director of fine and performing arts. “It is thanks to the support of our community and administration, as well as the dedication of our students and teachers.”

Saladino Seeks Nominations To Honor Local Veterans

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting nominations in order to honor veterans at the Town’s ‘Salute to America Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm at TOBAY Beach. Residents are invited to nominate extraordinary individuals who have made a positive difference in our veteran communities.

“The Town of Oyster Bay’s ‘Salute to America’ Celebration provides the ideal backdrop to recognize veterans and individuals who continue to actively serve in the community and advocate for issues and concerns relative to veterans. The Town is proud to recognize and honor amazing individuals who have helped to shape our communities for

the better through their continuing advocacy and exemplary community service each year,”

Supervisor Saladino said. “I hope residents will consider submitting a nomination of an individual who deserves special recognition for their continued efforts on behalf of the veteran’s community. I look forward to recognizing the efforts of outstanding individuals who have impacted the lives of our veterans in an extraordinary way yet again this year.”

Nominations are being accepted in three different categories of recognition: Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a veteran), Friend of Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a nonveteran), and Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded to a veteran or a non-veteran). All entries

must include a supporting narrative describing the nominee’s on-going veterans related activities, and all nominees must be Town residents. All nominations must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 12, 2023.

Winners will be recognized as part of a special program during the ‘Salute to America’ Celebration, a patriotic evening of top flight musical talent and fireworks, which serves as a thank you to all of our veterans and active military for protecting the freedoms we enjoy each and every day as Americans.

To submit a nomination for the Veterans Awards, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com, email kfileccia@oysterbay-ny. gov or call (516) 797-7925 for an application.

Students Explore The Power Of Renewable Energy

to create a functioning wind turbine that could spin with the use of a fan and lift a small bucket of marbles with the motion.

The students were challenged

Students were split into small groups and received a STEM kit with all the necessary materials. They

brainstormed how they were going to design their wind turbine and discussed which materials would work best for the blades. This included the option of cardboard, card stock, corrugated paper or foam board. With the use

of scissors and tape, they brought their project to life.

After assembling their wind turbine, the students tied a black string to the back of it which held a small bucket with marbles. Each group tested their

project in front of a large fan in the classroom. If their wind turbine stayed motionless, the students went back to the drawing board and adjusted their project. Their goal was to lift the bucket with as many marbles as possible

in it.

Throughout the project, the fifth graders learned the importance of teamwork as they experienced trial and error together. It was a great way deepen their knowledge of how renewable energy works.

Fourth Grade Student Recognized In Environmental Poster Contest

Bethpage fourth grader Dhruvika Khanna from Central Boulevard Elementary School was recently selected as the third-place winner in the Our Town, Our Environment Poster Contest. The contest

was run by Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. All fourth grade students from the Town of Oyster Bay were welcome to take part and create a poster fitting this year’s

theme ‘Marine Pollution Solutions.’

Khanna’s winning poster featured an aquatic scene with the words “You Can Help the Ocean” in big red letters. Surrounded by colorful images of marine life, she

added five ways in which an individual can protect the oceans. For example, by using fewer plastic products, cleaning the beach, eating sustainably and more. As a result of her winning submission, Supervisor Saladino,

Councilwoman Walsh and Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato visited Khanna’s school on May 2 to speak with her class further about how to protect the Earth. They also presented Khanna with a

certificate and together with her class, planted a tree in her honor outside of the school.

The Bethpage Union Free School District congratulates Khanna on this outstanding achievement.

DHRUVIKA KHANNA PLANTED A TREE OUTSIDE OF HER SCHOOLCentral Boulevard fourth grader Dhruvika Khanna (middle right) planted a tree outside of her school with the help of Town of Oyster Bay officials, building administrators, her class, teacher and Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

REMEMBERING OUR HEROES

Proud to announce that the Veteran banner project is in its second year and has been a huge success with nearly 200 banners proudly displayed. This project would not be possible without the help and funding of some concerned volunteers that care about beautifying and bonding our small community.

All Veteran banners will be displayed starting at Cherry Ave. by the high school football field extending up Broadway to Central Ave. and in town on Stewart Ave. We are calling this, “The Walk of Honor” and all banners will be displayed till the 4th of July. Hopefully you will choose this area for one of your evening walks to honor our Veterans past and present. Thank you to ALL Veterans who served to give us the freedom we enjoy.

WE ARE BETHPAGE STRONG!!

Thank You, John Coumatos

Your feed back is welcomed, honorbethpage@gmail.com

Memorable Ways To Celebrate Dad This Father’s Day

Dads do a lot for their families, and Father’s Day is the perfect time to acknowledge those efforts. The days when dads would receive a colorful necktie for Father’s Day are largely (and, for fathers, thankfully) a relic of the past. Modern Father’s Day celebrations tend to involve more careful planning, and the following are some ways to make this year’s day for dads one to remember.

• Take Dad on a tour through his own history. The popularity of genealogy has skyrocketed over the last decade-plus, as various firms have made it easier than ever for individuals to trace their family histories. If Dad counts himself among the millions across the globe interested in their family histories, moms and kids can work together to create a virtual tour through that history. Present the history as a printed book or as a video, sharing interesting

things you learned about Dad’s ancestors but also highlighting key moments in his life. This presentation can be accompanied by a subscription to a genealogy service and a tour of some of Dad’s childhood haunts before the family enjoys brunch or dinner in the neighborhood where Dad grew up.

• Take to the great outdoors. Father’s Day is celebrated in mid-June, making the day a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors (weather permitting). Plan a day around Dad’s favorite outdoor activity. If Dad is an avid fisherman, book a family outing on a charter boat so Dad can focus on catching fish and not navigating. If Dad loves being in natural settings, camp out the night before Father’s Day so he can wake up to the sound of birds chirping in the crisp morning air. If Dad has a favorite baseball team, take him out to the ballgame

so he can soak up some Father’s Day sun.

• Book a private chef. If Dad has a fascination with food, perhaps nothing can make Father’s Day more memorable than a delicious meal served by a private chef. Private chefs will do all the work, giving moms and kids more time to

spend with Dad throughout the day, and then the whole family can enjoy a special meal made by someone whose specialty is crafting delicious dinners. Offerings vary, but many private chefs handle all the cooking and cleaning. Identify Dad’s favorite dish and then look for a chef who specializes in

that type of cuisine.

• Appeal to Dad’s inner adventurer. Some Dads may just want to relax on Father’s Day, while others may prefer a more adventurous celebration.

If Dad falls into the latter group, book a fun and adventurous activity the whole family can enjoy

together. A kayaking trip, a skydiving session, a round of paintball, or even tickets to a rock concert on Father’s Day weekend can connect Dad with his inner adventurer.

There’s no shortage of ways for families to make this Father’s Day one Dad won’t soon forget.

Grilling Meat-Free At Summer Barbecues

Grilled foods are staples of summertime. There is just something about gathering with friends and family and cooking meals over an open flame to enjoy in the great outdoors — whether at a backyard barbecue or on a camping trip — that makes foods taste even better. Burgers, steaks, and chicken maybe some of the first items that come to mind when pondering grilled fare. But vegetarians and vegans should rest easy knowing that vegetables and other non-meats are equally at home on grills, and taste just as smoky and delicious as more traditional fare. Seitan is a plant-based meat substitute that is utilized in many recipes, including those for grilled dishes. Seitan can mimic the flavor and texture of chicken, and this recipe for “Barbecue Seitan Skewers” from “Vegan Cooking for Beginners” (Publications International, Ltd.) by the PIL editors is sure to please.

Barbecue Seitan Skewers

Makes 4 servings

1 package (8 ounces) seitan, cubed

1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce, divided

1 red bell pepper, cut into 12 pieces

1 green bell pepper, cut into 12 pieces

12 white or cremini mushrooms

1 succhini, cut into 12 pieces

Directions:

1. Place seitan in medium bowl. Add 1⁄4 cup barbecue sauce; stir to coat. Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Soak four bamboo skewers in water 20 minutes.

2. Oil grid. Prepare grill for direct cooking. Thread seitan, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini onto skewers.

3. Grill skewers, covered, over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until seitan is hot and glazed with sauce, brushing with some of remaining sauce and turning occasionally.

Spaghetti Is A Versatile Component In Many Meals

Spaghetti has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. While spaghetti is most often associated with Italy, pasta has deep ties to other Mediterranean nations like Greece, and several territories of the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula. In fact, centuries ago dry durable pasta was one of the main sources of nutrition for Arab traders, including those who landed in Sicily. The flavor profile of spaghetti can significantly change depending on which ingredients are added. Cooks needn’t feel beholden to the standard “spaghetti and meatballs” recipe. “Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta, and Dill,” for example, may take its inspiration from Greek cooking. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done!” (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple.

Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill

Serves 4

12 ounces spaghetti (3⁄4 box)

1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp

Kosher salt and black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

3 ounces feta, crumbled (3⁄4 cup)

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and return it to the pot. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Add the shrimp mixture to the pasta, along with the feta, dill, the remaining 1⁄4 cup of oil, and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

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A Simple Salad Is A Summertime Staple

When the warm weather beckons, people are apt to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. Many people also are less likely to prepare heavy meals when the weather warms up. Rich, filling foods can make people feel sluggish, especially on hot days and nights. That’s why salads and summer are such a perfect match. Salads can be made with whichever ingredients home chefs prefer or have on hand. What better way to maximize the summer season than by incorporating summer berries into the salad mix? In this recipe for “Blueberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken” from “Cooking Light: Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) from the Editors of Cooking Light, iron, folate, vitamins, and rich antioxidants combine to create a light, tasty meal that’s perfect for summer evenings.

Blueberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken

Makes 4 servings

3 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Cooking spray

1 6-ounce package fresh baby spinach

1 cup crumbled goat cheese

1 cup blueberries, optional

Blueberry-Thyme Dressing (see below)

Prepare Blueberry Thyme Dressing

Place chicken breasts in a medium bowl. Add 1⁄3 cup dressing, toss to coat. Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side, or until desired degree of doneness. Let chicken stand 3 minutes before cutting crosswise into 1⁄2-inch slices. Cover and keep warm.

While chicken cooks, place 11⁄2 cups spinach on each of four plates. Top salads evenly with chicken slices; sprinkle evenly with goat cheese and, if desired, blueberries. Drizzle evenly with remaining dressing.

Blueberry-Thyme Dressing

Makes 5 servings

1 cup blueberries

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Place all ingredient in a blender; process for 30 seconds or until smooth.

Each year, the third Sunday in June is a time to pay homage to fathers and the millions of other men who have

stepped into the role of father. While it may seem as though Father’s Day has been around forever, it didn’t become

Tpke., Bethpage

Father’s Day History

a nationally recognized holiday in the United States until 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed Joint Resolution

187 into law. Many thank Sonora Smart Dodd for making Father’s Day happen. In 1909, while attending

a Mother’s Day sermon in church, Dodd felt fathers were equally deserving of praise. To honor her own father, a Civil War veteran and widower who raised six children alone, Dodd petitioned for a Father’s Day on June 5th (the anniversary of her father’s death) in her native Spokane, Wash. The celebration was deferred to the third Sunday in June.

Another account says Grace Golden Clayton came up with the idea for a Father’s Day in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia. Clayton was inspired to celebrate fathers after 361 local men perished in a deadly mine explosion. Clayton brought the idea up to the minister of her local church.

Historians say that

Father’s Day may even be a much older idea. St. Joseph’s Day, which was celebrated each year on March 19 in Catholic nations of Europe since the medieval era, and later elsewhere around the world, commemorates Joseph, the husband of Mary and father figure to Jesus. It was said that Joseph should be held up as the ideal example of fatherhood. The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates St. Joseph’s Day on July 20. In the Orthodox Christian Church, the second Sunday before the Nativity is celebrated as the Sunday of the Forefathers — celebrating all of Jesus’ male ancestors, with an emphasis on Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish faith.

Summer Solstice

According to the National Weather Service, the summer solstice, which marks the official beginnaing of summer, occurs at the moment the earth’s tilt toward the sun is at a maximum. As a result, on the day of the summer solstice, which in 2023

occurs on Wednesday, June 21, the sun appears at its highest elevation with a noontime position. The precise moment the solstice occurs is when the suan is directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This year the sun will reach that point at 10:57 a.m. Though it’s not always

sunny on the summer solstice, when the sun is out throughout the solstice people in the Northern Hemisphere can expect more hours of sunlight than any other day of the year. That provides yet another reason to welcome the official arrival of summer.

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Celebrate The Start Of Summer With A Picnic

This year the summer solstice, which marks the official start of summer, falls on June 21. During this time of year, schedules become lax and meals often occur on-the-fly — and usually outdoors.

When firing up the grill or packing picnic essentials, home chefs should consider which dishes they’ll serve alongside the main course. Of course, no summertime meal would be complete without a tasty potato salad in the mix. This recipe for “Potato Salad with Bacon and Parsley” from Allie Lewis Clapp, Lygeia Grace and Candy Gianetti’s “Real Simple: Easy, Delicious Home Cooking” (Time Home Entertainment) offers a tasty take on this classic dish.

Potato Salad with Bacon and Parsley Serves 6

1 1⁄2 pounds new potatoes, about 15 Kosher salt and black pepper

4 slices bacon

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 cup fresh, flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Directions:

Place the potatoes in a pot with 1 teaspoon salt and enough water to cover and simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Cut into quarters. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then crumble. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, 3⁄4 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper. Add the potatoes, bacon and parsley and toss to combine.

Tip: The potatoes can be cooked and tossed with the dressing and parsley up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate, covered. Bring to room temperature and add the bacon just before serving.

Members of Central Boulevard Elementary School’s We Belong Club in the Bethpage Union Free School District recently explored popular

sports from around the world. The We Belong Club, which is led by school librarian Ashley Scotto, celebrates students’ diverse

backgrounds and different cultures and traditions from across the globe. During this meeting, each member shared their favorite sport or their

family’s favorite sport to watch or play. They then took their meeting outside to play American soccer or football/fútbol, the most popular sport

in the world. The club members participated in different soccer drills. Each had fun kicking the soccer ball into the net and some students

volunteered to serve as goalie. The students will continue learning about other popular sports during their next meeting.

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Greek Mythology Comes To Life At Bethpage’s John F. Kennedy Middle School

Bethpage sixth graders from John F. Kennedy Middle School in Monica Klein’s social studies classes transformed into Greek gods and goddesses during their 15th annual Zeus Retires Debates on May 8. Family members were invited into the classroom for the special event.

Ms. Klein’s 85-year-old father, Ben Morselli, played the role of the Greek god Zeus, king of all gods. Mr. Morselli has proudly played the role every year since

the event’s inception 15 years ago. Zeus is retiring from Mount Olympus and not naming his successor. Each student served as a god or goddess and delivered a speech by memorization to persuade Zeus of their abilities to lead Mount Olympus. They expressed their positive traits and a quote that directly related to them.

The sixth graders worked hard for weeks researching the strengths and weaknesses of their god/goddess. Following their

speeches, the debates were held. With Zeus carefully listening, the gods and goddesses asked each other hard-hitting questions to help prove to Zeus that the others would not make a strong leader. This required the students to turn their weaknesses into strengths to defend themselves during the debates.

At the conclusion of the event, Zeus crowned the next god or goddess to lead Mount Olympus. These students

received a gold lightning bolt trophy and the opportunity to sit in Zeus’ throne (a comfortable chair) until the school year ends. Congratulations to the following winners in Ms. Klein’s classes:

Period 2: Charlie Majewski (Gaia)

Period 3: Christian Tararache (Dionysus)

Period 5: Ophelia Georgatos (Nike)

Period 6: Joseph Woodworth (Nike)

Period 9: Meadow Mauz (Medusa)