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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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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.
• 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
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.
• 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.
The Declaration of Independence and July Fourth are indelibly linked. But you may need to be an American history buff to know that the link is less direct than it may seem. The Continental Congress declared American independence on July 2, even though the final wording of the Declaration of Independence had yet to be approved. That approval came two days later, which is why American independence is celebrated on July 4. Furthermore, the Declaration of Independence now on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., was not signed on July 4. The signatures on that document, which have been a source of pride for descendants of the signers for centuries, were written on August 2, a full month after the Congress declared its independence from Great Britain. And in a reflection of life in the 18th century, Great Britain did not even receive the declaration until November of 1776.
(NAPSI)—The American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network is a secure, online community that’s both a resource directory and peer support network to militaryaffiliated caregivers. Using evidence-based peer-support programs, caregivers connect, share knowledge, learn new skills, and gain hope. More at redcross.org/ caregivers.
Many people are eager for Independence Day celebrations in early summer. There is much to be excited about, as festivities often begin in the afternoon with barbecues and pool parties, and commence late at night after fireworks shows that light up the night sky.
cocktails. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets, says the ASPCA. Animals can become very intoxicated, severely depressed or go into comas if they drink alcohol. Keep spirited drinks well out of reach.
Check with the vet
Many pets are prone to anxiety from loud noises, such as thunderstorms and fireworks, and lots of commotion — something that occurs in spades come July 4th. Some veterinarians recommend a small course of antianxiety medication or a sedative to help pets cope with the stimuli.
Allow pets to ride out the day in their comfortable, quiet and cozy retreats. If necessary, create a space in an interior room. Cover the pet crate with a blanket and offer favorite toys or bedding to create a soothing environment.
Place notes on doors and gates
Create a quiet space
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Still, not everyone enjoys the extra noise and busy nature of July 4th parties, particularly furry members of the family. Animal control services often report an increase in lost animals between July 4th and July 6th. That’s because the excitement of the holiday puts pets out of their comfort zones. While pet owners need not cancel their July 4th plans, they should take heed of the many ways to keep their pets safe during the festivities.
Update identification
Be sure prior to any July 4th events that pets are wearing collars with current identification information. If an address or phone number has changed since the last time you updated microchip records, be sure to check the account is current.
Be careful with alcoholic drinks
Party hosts typically serve beer, wine and
SATURDAY, JULY 4th
thru MONDAY, JULY 6th
2026 FOURLEAF AIR SHOW AND FIREWORKS
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.
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
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.
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.
Please mail your submission to: Long Island Media Group Attn: Marketing 565 Broadhollow Road Suite 3 Farmingdale, NY 11735
Name: Age: Phone Number: Email address: Town:
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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.
Americans celebrate Independence Day every July 4. The holiday has become synonymous with summer fun, as grand fireworks displays and backyard barbecues are integral components of many people’s July 4 celebrations.
As Americans and residents of the United States prepare for some festive Fourth of July celebrations, they can keep these interesting facts related to Independence Day in mind.
• There have been many iterations of the American flag. The American flag has become an iconic symbol of freedom recognized across the globe since the United States declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776. But few July 4th celebrants may know that the current version is the 27th iteration of the American flag. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the current version of the flag officially became the flag on July 4, 1960.
• More than half of all
Americans own an American flag. A 2023 poll from WalletHub found that 57 percent of Americans own an American flag. And that’s not the only way Americans show their national pride, as the same poll found that roughly one in three Americans intended to purchase patriotic merchandise for July 4th.
• The United States is not the only place to celebrate American independence. Such celebrations occur in various countries, including Australia, Denmark, Ireland, and Norway. The festivities in Rebild National Park in Denmark are believed to be the largest celebration of American independence outside the United States.
• The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that 150 million hot dogs are consumed on July 4. Though there’s no corresponding estimate related to how many hamburgers Americans eat on July 4, various reports suggest Americans eat roughly 50 billion burgers
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
annually, so it’s fair to conclude many a burger will be consumed this Independence Day.
• July is a popular month for nations to celebrate their independence. In addition to the United States, various countries, including Algeria (July 5), Argentina (July 9), The Bahamas (July 10), Belarus (July 3), Burundi (July 1), Canada (July 1), Cape Verde (July 5), Colombia (July 20), Kiribati (July 12), and Liberia (July 26), celebrate their Independence Day in July.
• John Adams, a Founding Father of the United States and the second president in the country’s history, felt Americans should celebrate their independence from Great Britain on July 2. That’s because the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776. However, the Declaration of Independence was not approved for two more days, thus making July 4 the day to celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain.
• 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
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
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
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.
While it’s best to keep pets in a locked room away from the fray, some pets like to socialize with guests and are not bothered by noises. However, alert guests with notes posted on doors and fence gates to check to make sure pets are not trying to escape behind them. All doors should be closed firmly when entering or exiting.
Firework debris can rain down on properties even if you were not shooting off the fireworks. Curious pets may pick it up or eat it, which runs the risk of an upset stomach or even an intestinal blockage. Check your yard before letting pets out to play.
Pets can be opportunists, and those burgers and chicken drumsticks smell delicious to pets. Pets that get too close to the grill can become injured. And if pets eat leftovers, they may end up with digestive distress or even be poisoned by foods that are toxic to cats and dogs.
