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According to Harvard Health Publications, people who routinely volunteer are less likely than nonvolunteers to develop cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure.

Community service is a great way to strengthen one’s community and build relationships with neighbors. But the benefits of volunteering go beyond building communities.
Studies have found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates than non-volunteers.
A 2012 study published in the journal Health Psychology found that people who volunteered for self-oriented reasons had similar mortality risk as non-volunteers, while those who volunteered to help others had a lower mortality risk than non-volunteers.
Grilling is a beloved summer tradition, but it’s not always the healthiest way to eat. Classic backyard barbecue fare like hot dogs and hamburgers may be crowd favorites, but there are simple ways to enjoy the flavor of grilling while maintaining a nutritious diet:
• Choose healthier proteins: Replace burgers and hot dogs with options like fish or skinless chicken breasts. If you still crave a burger, opt for lean ground poultry instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat.
• Practice moderation: The relaxed atmosphere of barbecues can lead to overeating. Swap out chips and heavy sides for healthier choices like fresh vegetables, fruit salad or chickpea salad, and keep portion sizes reasonable.

Health experts recommend about three ounces of meat per serving, with no more than six ounces.
• Skip the salt: While salt enhances flavor, too much can contribute to high blood pressure. Try a salt-free rub made with spices like chili powder, garlic powder and paprika to add bold flavor without extra sodium.
• Add more vegetables: Grilled vegetables are both tasty and nutritious. Brush them with a healthy oil like olive oil to prevent sticking and bring out their natural flavors over the flame.
With a few simple adjustments, grilling can be just as healthy as it is delicious, making your next backyard barbecue both enjoyable and better for you.














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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE REACH OUT TO MTACOALITION@YESCCC.ORG OR CALL 516-719-0313 EXT 131







TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A HEALTHIER, STRONGER, AND SAFER COMMUNITY


TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A HEALTHIER, STRONGER, AND SAFER COMMUNITY.
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STRONGE SAFER COMMUNIT FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE REACH OUT TO MTACOALITION@YESCCC.ORG OR CALL 516-719-0313 EXT 131




The American Civil War is the deadliest conflict in United States history. Though the precise number of casualties remains unknown, a 2011 analysis from demographic historian Dr. J. David Hacker estimated that three quarters of a million people lost their lives during the American Civil War. Dr. Hacker’s research was met with praise by Civil War historians, and his estimate is just one of many notable facts about this pivotal conflict in American history.
• The National Park Service notes incomplete and destroyed enlistment records from the Confederate Army complicate efforts to determine how many soldiers fought in the American Civil War. However, historians estimate the total number of soldiers is somewhere between three and four million.

The NPS notes nearly 2.7 million combatants enlisted for the Union Army, while estimates for the Confederate Army range between 750,000 and a little more than 1.2 million.
• The American Battlefield Trust reports that the Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle
of Pittsburg Landing, featured unprecedented carnage over two days in April 1862. The battle enabled Union troops to penetrate the Confederate interior, but the cost was steep, producing more casualties than any conflict on the American continent to date. By the time the battle ended,

more than 13,000 Union troops had died while Confederate losses neared 11,000.
• American Civil War nurse and eventual founder of the American Red Cross Clara Barton was tending to a wounded soldier during the Battle of Antietam in September 1862 when a bullet ripped through her sleeve. Though Barton was unharmed, the bullet killed the man she was trying to help.
• Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. is best remembered for his lengthy tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court, which began in 1902 and ended in 1932, when Justice Holmes was 90 years old. But long before Justice Holmes took a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court, he was a combatant in the American Civil War, during which he was
injured on three separate occasions.
• Kentucky Senator John J. Crittenden had two sons who became major generals during the American Civil War. Though that’s notable on its own, it’s even more so given that Senator Crittenden’s sons fought on opposite sides. A third son served in the Union Army as well, attaining the rank of colonel, while two of the Senator’s grandsons also fought in the conflict,
with one fighting for the Confederate Army and the other serving in the U.S. Navy under Union Rear Admiral David Farragut.
• President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address in 1863 is well-known for its brevity. But Edward Everett, who spoke before President Lincoln at the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, spoke for more than two hours.





The United States is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of total area. According to The World Factbook, the U.S. features more than 9.8 million square kilometers (roughly 3.8 million square miles), and the country’s terrain is as diverse as the people who call the nation home. There may be no better way to gain a feel for America and its inhabitants than getting behind the wheel and taking a road trip, but there’s many other ways to gain insight into what makes each state unique. Each state in the United States has at least one nickname, and those monikers can be a fun way to spark discussions and learn more about each of the 50 states that make up the country.
• Alabama: Cotton State, Yellowhammer State
• Alaska: The Last Frontier
• Arizona: Grand Canyon State
• Arkansas: Natural State
• California: Golden State
• Colorado: Centennial State
• Connecticut: Nutmeg State, Constitution State
• Delaware: The First State, Diamond State
• Florida: Sunshine State
• Georgia: Peach State, Empire State of the South
• Hawaii: Aloha State
• Idaho: Gem State
• Illinois: Prairie State, Land of Lincoln
• Indiana: Hoosier State
• Iowa: Hawkeye State, Corn State
• Kansas: Sunflower State
• Kentucky: Bluegrass State
• Louisiana: Pelican State, Creole State, Sugar State
• Maine: Pine Tree State
• Maryland: Free State, Old Line State
• Massachusetts: Bay State, Old Colony State
• Michigan: Wolverine State, Great Lake State
• Minnesota: North Star State, Gopher State, Land of 10,000 Lakes, Land of Sky-Blue Waters
• Mississippi: Magnolia State
• Missouri: Show Me State
• Montana: Treasure State, Big Sky Country
• Nebraska: Cornhusker State, Beef State
• Nevada: Silver State, Sagebrush State, Battle Born State
• New Hampshire: Granite State
• New Jersey: Garden State
• New Mexico: Land of Enchantment
• New York: Empire State
• North Carolina: Tar Heel State, Old North State
• North Dakota: Flickertail State, Sioux State, Peace Garden State
• Ohio: Buckeye State
• Oklahoma: Sooner State
• Oregon: Beaver State
• Pennsylvania: Keystone State
• Rhode Island: Ocean State, Little Rhody
• South Carolina: Palmetto State
• South Dakota: The Mount Rushmore State
• Tennessee: Volunteer State
• Texas: Lone Star State
• Utah: Beehive State
• Vermont: Green Mountain State
• Virginia: The Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents
• Washington: Evergreen State, Chinook State
• West Virginia: Mountain State
• Wisconsin: Badger State, America’s Dairyland
• Wyoming: Equality State


When Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States throughout 2026, names like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams are sure to come up. While those men played major roles in the nation’s founding, many other Founding Fathers also made significant contributions. America’s semiquincentennial is an ideal time to recognize all who helped shape the country, including some lesser-known founders whose influence has faded over the past 250 years.
• William Livingston: Born in Albany, New York, in 1723, William Livingston was a prominent attorney before the American Revolutionary War. After moving to Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1772, he became New Jersey’s representative to the Continental Congress. In 1776, he was appointed brigadier general of the New Jersey militia and, a year later, became governor of New Jersey, a position he held until his death in 1790. Despite being targeted by British forces, Livingston remained a steadfast supporter of independence and later served as a delegate
to the Constitutional Convention, signing the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
• William Hooper: Born in Boston in 1742, William Hooper established himself as a successful attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina. Appointed Deputy Attorney General of the colony in 1770, he initially supported British authority but later became a strong advocate for independence. Hooper served as a North Carolina delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and earned the nickname “Prophet of Independence” after predicting the colonies would break from Britain. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, Hooper also contributed much of his legal earnings to the Revolutionary cause. His support for independence made him a target of British forces, who burned his home in 1781.
• John Witherspoon: Born in Scotland in 1723, John Witherspoon immigrated to America in 1768 to become president of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. He is the only active clergyman and college president to sign the Declaration
of Independence. Witherspoon later signed the Articles of Confederation and supported ratification of the Constitution. During his tenure, the college educated many influential figures, including James Madison and Aaron Burr. A strong supporter of independence, Witherspoon often spoke against British interference in colonial affairs.
• Roger Sherman: Born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1721, Roger Sherman worked in several professions before studying law and eventually becoming a judge of Connecticut’s Superior Court. Though initially cautious about colonial resistance, he later embraced the independence movement and served as a delegate to the First Continental Congress. Sherman helped draft the Declaration of Independence and contributed to the Articles of Confederation. He remains the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.






Get creative and color the drawing to the best of your ability! Three winners will be chosen - one in each age category: 4-5, 6-7, 8-10.
Winners will receive a 4-pack of tickets to Splish Splash. All entries must be submitted by July 27. One entry per person.
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SATURDAY, JULY 4th
thru MONDAY, JULY 6th
2026 FOURLEAF AIR SHOW AND FIREWORKS


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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com


at Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the 2026 FourLeaf Air Show and Fireworks at Jones Beach State Park! Festivities will kick off on Saturday, July 4, Independence Day, with a Fireworks Program from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Following Fireworks will be the FourLeaf Air Show, on Sunday, July 5, and Monday, July 6 at 10:00am – 3:00pm, which will feature the United States Navy Blue Angels as the headliner. Created out of a desire to salute America’s heroes and bring a truly patriotic event to Jones Beach State Park, the FourLeaf Air Show has grown into the premier North American air show for the United States’ Semiquincentennial (250th) Anniversary! No general admission ticket needed to attend, just a $10 Vehicle Use Fee onsite. For additional information about the Jones Beach Chalet experience please contact jonebeachchalet@parks. ny.gov or call 631-321-3510
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8th
7:00PM
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: STRAWBERRY FIELDS –BEATLES TRIBUTE
FRIDAY, JULY 10th
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: SOMETHIN' FRESH
The Town of Babylon hosts its 2026 Summer Concert Series at the Tanner Park Bandshell, 400 Baylawn Avenue in Copiague. Join us for an evening of live music as part of the Town of Babylon’s Summer Concert Series. Featuring free weekly outdoor performances and tribute bands.
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a great night of entertainment. Weather permitting. For more information, please visit https:// townofbabylonny.gov/calendar.aspx
SATURDAY, JULY 11th
9:00AM-1:00PM
AMITYVILLE FARMER'S MARKET
The Amityville Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings on the Great Lawn at 25 Broadway in Amityville, next to the historic First United Methodist Church. Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information, contact amityfarmers market @gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 18th
10:00AM-4:00PM
WANTAGH PRESERVATION SOCIETY'S 5TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
Rain date Saturday July 19th. On museum grounds 1700 Wantagh Ave, in Wantagh. Cars from the 1960's & older. Entrance fee - $1. Refreshments for sale, museum complex sites will be open, 50/50 , music. For more information, email: wantaghmuseum@ gmail.com
THRUJULY 19th
FAIR HOURS: 5:00PM-11:00PM weekdays and NOON-11:00PM
Saturday - Sunday EMPIRE STATE FAIR at Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+ Enjoy Fireworks by Grucci, midway rides, family entertainment, favorite fair food & more! For more information, please call 866-666-3247 or Empire State Fair
FRIDAY, JULY 24th
7:00PM-11:00PM
DISCO NIGHT
LIVE music by Deverne Williams & The Vintage Soul Band, Buffet dinner, beer/wine/soda, dessert & coffee included. $45 per person. Call Barbara Napoli 631-786-9306 for advance reservations. Brumidi Lodge Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park
MONDAY, JULY 27th thru FRIDAY, JULY 31st
5:30PM-8:00PM
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Ages 4 through 11, $15 per child includes dinner nightly. Complete & return registration form & payment by July 9th, available on the website ALL4GOD.ORG. Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-0221, churchon231@gmail.com
NOW THRU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th TIMES VARY
2026 JONES BEACH BANDSHELL SUMMER CONCERT
The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation announces the 2026 Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Jones Beach State Park! The Bandshell hosts free events at the Field 4 Boardwalk. Every night through September 6th (excluding July 1st – July 6th) Program is sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust, WBAB 102.3 and WBLI 106.1 Radio Stations. For up to date information on performance status and schedule, contact Jones Beach State Park at 516-785-1600.


















































































































































































































































America’s semiquincentennial marks a great time to explore 250 years of United States history. There’s no shortage of ways to engage with American history, which has been well documented in books, films, magazines, websites, and more. Visiting a historic preservation site is another way to experience American history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was founded more than 75 years ago as a means to preserving places that tell a story about America’s history as well as the history of the land that predates the formation of the United States. Many such places exist across the United States, and the following are some those interested in engaging with American history can visit.
• Fioli, Woodside, California: This estate situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone serves as a community cultural center featuring 654 acres of stunning landscape. The National Trust notes the estate was originally built as a private residence in 1917 but was opened to the public in 1975. The site features 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens, a roughly seven-acre orchard, and a nature preserve with eight miles of hiking trails.
• Acoma Sky City, Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico: The National Trust notes Acoma Sky City is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. A tour of Sky city may include a visit to San Esteban del Rey, a seventeenth century church. Visitors also may view pueblo dwellings located along the 367-foot-tall mesa that’s been inhabited for nearly 1,000 years.
• Brucemore, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Iowa’s only National Trust site is among the most significant cultural landscapes in the midwestern United States. Brucemore was constructed in the late nineteenth century and is a must-see locale for anyone interested in the stories of industrialists, artisans, architects, and others during a point in American history that has become synonymous with innovation. Visitors to Brucemore can explore the 26-acre estate and some of its more unique and notable features, including the Tahitian Room and Grizzly Bar added to the estate when Margaret and Howard Hall, the last residents of the mansion at Brucemore, called the grounds home.
• The Shadows, New Iberia, Louisiana: The Shadows was built nearly 200 years ago along the banks of the Bayou Teche. More than 200 men, women and children were enslaved at this site before the start of the American Civil War, and a visit to the site today provides a balanced and nuanced take on what life on a sugar cane plantation was like for property owners and enslaved individuals. A trunk in the attic of the property preserved thousands of letters, photographs, and receipts, which are continuously researched and utilized to provide unique insight into a much-studied period in American history.
Fresh ingredients can be components of a flavorful meal. Come the warmer weather, fresh ingredients also can help people avoid feeling sluggish after eating. This summer, fresh ingredients like avocado and tomatoes can be just what people need when looking for a delicious meal that won’t adversely affect their energy levels. The following recipe for “Bruschetta Topped With Avocado and Tomatoes” from Lines+Angles employs both foods and can make a great addition to any summertime dinner table.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
2 large Hass avocados, ripe, pitted, peeled, and cubed
4 vine tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced
1 shallot, finely chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, drained and diced
2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
1 large baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices
1 small bunch basil, leaves only, finely sliced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1. Combine the cubed avocado with the tomato, shallot, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and plenty of seasoning in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir and toss to combine, adding more vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil as needed. Set aside until needed.
3. Preheat the broiler to hot. Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil before toasting under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove bread slices and leave to cool briefly. Carefully spoon the avocado bruschetta mix on top and serve with a garnish of sliced basil on top.

Americans celebrate Independence Day every July 4th, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and a newly-founded nation’s freedom from British rule. Although just about anywhere in the United States is a good place to celebrate the Fourth of July, certain places can make the holiday that much more poignant. Here are five unique places to celebrate America’s birthday.
1. Delaware: Celebrants can head to Delaware, which is home to popular seaside towns like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach and state parks like Cape Henlopen. Delaware became America’s first state when it was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
2. New York, NY: The bright lights of the Big Apple may seem a little dimmer when compared with the fireworks display that takes place in the waters surrounding Manhattan and outer boroughs. New York City can be an exciting place to celebrate America’s independence.
3. Boston: Boston has a long and patriotic history and is considered to be the birthplace of the American Revolution, making it an ideal backdrop for July 4 festivities. The Boston Pops

Supporting small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a big-box store or
a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.

hold a free concert on the Fourth of July, which concludes with the firing of real cannons.
4. Traverse City, Mich.: Revelers can celebrate July 4 in this city and taste cherries in the “Cherry Capital of the World.” Luckily, red cherries make up one of the colors of the American flag’s signature red, white and blue.
5. Washington, D.C.: What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the nation’s capital? With impressive landmarks, museums to explore, and a parade on Constitution Avenue, D.C. is a festive town come July 4 and one worthy of a visit any time of year.

As
from Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who suggested the lands reached by Christopher Columbus in 1492 were part of a separate continent. In 1507, German mapmaker Martin Waldseemüller honored Vespucci by naming the region “America” on a map—the first to depict it as a separate continent— now held by the Library of Congress and often called “America’s Birth Certificate.”
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@longislandmediagroup. com.





Summer is a popular time of year, with warm temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere that can make even staying home feel like a vacation. Still, many people look forward to traveling and fully embracing that sense of rest and relaxation. Planning a summer getaway during peak travel season can be challenging, especially when balancing family schedules. These tips can help make vacation planning easier.
• Identify blackout dates. Start by marking any nonnegotiable commitments on the calendar, such as kids’ summer camps, sports practices, or other events. Blocking out those dates early helps reveal which days and weeks are available for travel.
• Start planning early. Getting a head start on vacation planning can save

money and reduce stress. Narrow down destination choices, compare travel and lodging costs, and book as soon as you find a good deal to avoid higher last-minute prices.
• Set price alerts. Many travel websites let you create alerts for deals that match your budget. Keep in mind that airline sites may track searches, so clearing cookies or using a different device can sometimes help you find better prices.
• Check for work conflicts. Before finalizing plans,

make sure coworkers or others in your department are not already scheduled to be out. Many employers limit overlapping vacation time, so it’s wise to discuss plans with supervisors early.
• Delegate tasks. Vacation planning involves many details, from transportation to meals and activities. Sharing responsibilities with family members or friends can make the process much less stressful for everyone.

More than 332 million people live in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There’s a good chance that many of those individuals will be hosting or attending parties to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.
Those planning a holiday gathering can keep these tips in mind as they prepare to celebrate with family and friends:
• Use a second grill. Grilling for a crowd can be timeconsuming, especially on a hot summer day. Cut down on cooking time by using an extra grill. Cook hamburgers and hot dogs on one grill and reserve the other for foods like chicken and sausages that require longer cooking times.
swimming, consider hiring a lifeguard or designating a responsible adult to focus solely on monitoring the pool. Hosts and guests can become distracted, making dedicated supervision especially important.
• Give neighbors advance notice. July 4th gatherings are expected, but it’s courteous to let neighbors know about your plans, including start and end times. If you know them well, consider extending an invitation.
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•


• Avoid constant checking. Resist the urge to repeatedly flip, press or move meat while it cooks. Too much handling can cause food to lose moisture and flavor.
• Distract insects. Bees are attracted to sweet scents, while wasps and hornets often gravitate toward meat. Place a saucer of sweet soda and a few food scraps in a distant corner of the yard to lure insects away from guests and dining areas.
• Prioritize pool safety. If your celebration includes
• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Even where fireworks are legal, professional displays are generally safer. Fireworks can create hazards from falling debris, and sparklers can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a significant burn risk.
• Create a patriotic playlist. Use your favorite streaming service to assemble a mix of patriotic songs, summer favorites and party classics. Keep the volume at a level that encourages conversation.
With a little preparation and attention to safety, hosts can create a fun and memorable July 4th celebration for everyone involved.




















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FourLeaf Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host the 2026 FourLeaf Air Show and Fireworks at Jones Beach, a three-day celebration of America’s 250th anniversary over the Fourth of July weekend.
The festivities begin July 4 with the FourLeaf America 250 Fireworks at Jones Beach, featuring a 25-minute display by Garden State Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. accompanied by patriotic music. The celebration continues July 5 and 6 with the FourLeaf Air Show, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.
As part of New York State’s America 250 commemoration, the weekend combines two Long Island traditions: the FourLeaf Air Show and a beachfront fireworks spectacular. Headlining the air show for the 11th time will be the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Joining them are the Royal Air
Force Red Arrows, making their first New York appearance; the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, returning to Long Island for the first time since 2018; and the British Army Parachute Display Team – Red Devils. Additional military performers include the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the 106th Rescue Wing and the 105th Airlift Wing’s C-17 Globemaster III. Civilian performers include Air Masters Cup Series champion Aarron Deliu, the American Airpower Museum Warbirds and the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams.
The free events are open to the public, with the standard $10 New York State parking fee in effect. Live broadcasts of the fireworks and air show will air on local radio stations, and additional information is available through the FourLeaf Air Show app and official event channels.




























