July 29, 2026 Massapequa

South Bay's Neighbor

Finding Balance In An Imbalanced World

By JoAnn Cilla

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott

No matter who you are or how old you are, life has a way of pulling you in six directions at once. Whether you are running a business, raising a houseful of kids, enjoying retirement, or just starting out after college, the noise and pace of life today can leave you stretched thin and worn down. The good news is that balance is not reserved for people with perfect schedules or unlimited time. It is available to anyone willing to make a few important choices each day.

I learned this the hard way. For years, I treated rest as a reward rather than a requirement. I skipped meals or grabbed whatever was convenient, and measured success by how busy I felt rather than how well I was doing. When I opened my company in early 2021, those habits caught up with me fast. The demands of being your own boss have a way of exposing every crack in your foundation. I realized that if I wanted the business to survive, I had to take better care of the person running it.

Start with what you eat. Food is fuel, and the quality of what goes into your body directly affects how clearly you think, how steadily you work, and how well you handle stress. You do not need a complicated diet. Lean toward whole foods, cut back on processed snacks, and stay hydrated. These choices can have a meaningful impact in how you feel during the day. Sleep is a great equalizer. Seven to eight hours of quality rest is not a luxury; it is maintenance. When you are well-rested, problems that seemed overwhelming the night before often look manageable in the

morning. Protecting your sleep time is one of the best investments you can make in living a balanced life.

Get moving…in the right direction. During the day, give yourself permission to step away. As a business owner who often keeps long and unpredictable hours, I made it a rule to take breaks throughout the day, even when it felt unproductive. A tenminute walk around the block is not wasted time. It clears my head, lowers my blood pressure, and often leads to better thinking when I return.

Running myself into the ground does not make me more productive. It makes me exhausted and harder to be around. And movement doesn’t require a gym membership. It simply means getting your body in motion, consistently.

Try putting the phone down. Perhaps the most underrated adjustment any of us can make right now is using our phones less. Social media and endless scrolling can make you anxious, outraged, and engaged. Logging off a little earlier each day is an act of quiet self-preservation.

Balance is built one small decision at a time. Eat well, sleep enough, move your body, step outside, and be a little more intentional about where your attention goes. The world will remain chaotic. How you meet it each morning is entirely up to you. I’ll see you around town.

ROOFING AND SIDING SPECIALS

Free Country Fest Concert Rescheduled To

Monday, August 3rd

The Town of Oyster Bay has rescheduled its Country Fest featuring three country music tribute acts to Monday, August 3rd, at 8 p.m. at John Burns Park in Massapequa. Originally scheduled for Saturday, July 18th, Country Fest will feature the Ultimate Eric Church Experience, Good Stuff Tribute to Kenny Chesney and Fastest Girl in

Town Tribute to Miranda Lambert.

For more information, call the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, CAPA Division, at (516) 797-7925. For dayof weather-related updates on all concerts and movies, visit the Town of Oyster Bay on Facebook (facebook. com/townofoysterbay).

Summer Hazardous Material & Homeowners Cleanup Days

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announce the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days for this summer, with dates scheduled for weekends in August. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage.

S.T.O.P. programSaturday, August 8th from 9am – 4pm: collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged);

automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; fares; fluorescent bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides; oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.

Homeowners Cleanup

Continued On 13

Kids Coloring Contest!

Get creative and color the drawing to the best of your ability! Four winners will be chosen - one in each age category: 4-5, 6-7, 8-10 & 11-12.

Winners will receive a 4-pack of tickets to the Long Island Aquarium All entries must be submitted by August 23. Winners will be notified on August 24. 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:

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter? Yes: _______ No:

JULY HAPPENINGS

EVERY THURSDAY thru AUGUST 23rd

6:45PM-10:00PM

BINGO THURSDAY NIGHTS

At Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave. in Lynbrook. $2000 Cash Prizes. Doors open 5:00pm. - Games Start 6:45pm. We have computers!!! For more information, please call 516-8872228

Now thru SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th

TIMES VARY

2026 JONES BEACH BANDSHELL

SUMMER CONCERT

The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation is thrilled to announce the 2026 Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Jones Beach State Park at Field 4 Boardwalk. Every night through September 6th. For the most up to date information, please contact Jones Beach State Park at 516785-1600.

THURSDAY, JULY 30th

6:30PM-7:30PM

AMERICA 250: LONG ISLAND AND THE CIVIL WAR

At The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave. in Merrick. Join historian Bill Bleyer for a presentation exploring Long Island’s role in the Civil War, including Lincoln’s visit, local soldiers, home front efforts, and postwar memorials. Free Event. For more information, please call 516-377-6112

7:00PM-8:30PM

NEW BEGINNINGS SUPPORT GROUP

At Connetquot Public Library, 760 Ocean Avenue in Bohemia. Have you recently had a major life change, such as widowhood, divorce, or a move? If you’re looking for a new beginning,

4th - Independence Day

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

join this discussion, social, and support group facilitated by life coach and social worker Marla Matthews, you will meet new people, network, and learn new skills toward reinventing yourself. No registration required. For additional information, please call the library at 631-567-5079

FRIDAY, JULY 31st

5:00PM-8:00PM

SUMMER COMMUNITY DINNER

At Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Avenue, in Huntington. Join us for an evening of art, food, and community at the Heckscher Museum of Art this summer! Inspired by the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the Museum’s 100th Anniversary of Eclipse of the Sun by George Grosz. From 6-8 pm, everyone is invited to gather for a community dinner outside the Museum. Seating and meals will be available while supplies last, and the evening will be offered as a pay-what-you-wish experience.

6:00PM-6:45PM MAGIC OF AMORE

At Emma Clark Library, 120 Main Street in Setauket. Prepare to be amazed by this award-winning magic show, packed with illusions, music, and comedy! Presented by Magic of Amore. Hosted by Emma Clark Library. For families with children ages 3 – 11 years old. No registration required. Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org, or call 631-9414080

UPCOMING AUGUST EVENTS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1st 9:00AM-1:00PM

RIVERHEAD CARDBOARD BOAT RACE

At Peconic Riverfront, Peconic Avenue in Riverhead. Free Event. The Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race is one of Downtown Riverhead’s most anticipated annual events, bringing together thousands of spectators to cheer on teams racing homemade cardboard boats across the Peconic River. This exciting waterfront festival combines creativity, competition, engineering, and family fun into a one-of-a-kind community experience that draws visitors from across Long Island. For more information, please call 631-727-7600

MONDAY, AUGUST 3rd

6:00PM

WEST ISLIP SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The West Islip Symphony Orchestra will be holding their Summer Concert Series starting in August, inviting the community to listen to some classical music. The first performance will be in Wohseepee Park in Brightwaters. The concert will be a part of the Mayor Joseph McNulty Ice Cream Social. For more information about the Summer Concert Series, visit the West Islip Symphony Orchestra’s website at westislipsymphony.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8th

11:00AM-5:00PM CLAMFEST

A Clamfest will be held at the Sayville United Methodist Church. The church is located at the corner of Main Street and Greene Avenue. The menu includes clam chowder, baked clams, hot dogs, hamburgers and more! Come on down and enjoy yourself! For more information, please call 631-589-0624

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY AUGUST 11TH, 12TH & 13TH 6-8:30PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH 11-2PM

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH, 19TH & 20TH 6-8:30PM SATURDAY AUGUST 22ND 11-2PM CLASSES

Long Island Seniors Invited

The AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center invites Long Island seniors to “Yoga in the Garden,” a free outdoor wellness program designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The event takes place at the Center (149 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville) on

July 30 at 11 am. Those wishing to participate should register by calling the Center at 631-223-4000. No prior yoga experience is needed.

Participants in this hourlong program will perform a variety of simple, seated yoga poses and stretches as shown by the instructor. Seated yoga offers a safe and accessible way to encourage movement, increase body awareness, and foster social engagement.

Yoga is widely recognized for its many health benefits. Regular practice can help reduce stress, improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles, enhance posture, and encourage relaxation. Deep breathing and mindful movement may also support improved mood, better sleep, and overall well-being.

“Yoga in the Garden” and all activity programs at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center are dementiafriendly; therapists adapt directions and movements

Cleanup Days

Continued From 5

Day – Saturday, August 22nd from 8:30am – 4pm: collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership required - oil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.

The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/cleanup or call (516) 677-5848.

based on the abilities of the group participants, including people living with dementia.

Register for the free ‘Yoga in the Garden” program on July 30 at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center by calling the Center at 631-223-4000.

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.

Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation To Host Second Annual Golf Tournament & Community Celebration

The Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation will host its Second Annual Connor Kasin Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 3, at Peninsula Golf Course in Massapequa, bringing together families, community leaders, elected officials and supporters for a day of remembrance,

awareness and community spirit.

A ceremony will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. Dignitaries and members of the media are asked to arrive by 11:15 a.m. for coordination and positioning. An RSVP is requested.

The annual event honors the memory of Connor

Kasin while supporting the Foundation’s mission to protect young lives through education, heart health awareness, EKG screenings, youth sports and music programs, and community engagement.

In addition to the golf tournament, attendees will enjoy CK37 Village games, food, merchandise, and

opportunities to meet the Kasin family, Foundation organizers and community partner organizations.

“The support of our local leaders and media has been essential in helping us grow this mission,” said Tim Ryan, Partnerships & Programs Director for the Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation. “We’re

grateful for every voice that helps us honor Connor and protect other families.”

The Foundation invites the community to join in celebrating Connor’s legacy while helping raise awareness about heart health and supporting programs that benefit local youth.

For additional

Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation Announces

The First Annual Connor’s Blue Line Bash!

information, contact Tim Ryan, Partnerships & Programs Director, Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation. Email: TimRyan9000@gmail. com | Phone: 516-5780884 Website: CK37.org, 516.578.0884

The Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation respectfully announces the First Annual Connor’s Blue Line Bash and invites elected officials, community leaders and members of the media to attend this special evening honoring Buzz Deschamps, New York Rangers draft pick, former Long Island Ducks standout and longtime advocate for youth hockey.

The event will recognize Deschamps’ outstanding

hockey career and decades of dedication to developing young athletes. A member of the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame, Deschamps has continued to serve the sport as a scout, collegiate coach and mentor, exemplifying the leadership and community commitment that reflects the Foundation’s mission.

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso will provide an

update on Connor’s Law, legislation promoting mandatory EKG testing for student-athletes. He will be joined by Seaford High School athlete Christina Louca and her mother, Trica Louca, who will share how a routine EKG helped identify a potentially lifethreatening heart condition and protected Christina’s health and athletic future.

Foundation Director Tim Ryan will also highlight

the organization’s recent accomplishments, growing partnerships and ongoing initiatives dedicated to heart health awareness and youth safety.

The event will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at American Legion Post 1066, 66 Veterans Blvd., Massapequa. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature presentations, interactive activities, raffles, a silent auction

of sports memorabilia, dinner provided by Patrizia’s of Massapequa Park, and entertainment by Get Your Groove On DJ Entertainment. Government officials and media representatives are invited to attend, present proclamations or official citations, and recognize both Buzz Deschamps’ contributions and the Foundation’s lifesaving mission.

Tickets are $99 per person or $899 for a table of 10. Reservations can be made at tinyurl.com/BlueLineBash. For more information, to RSVP, or to arrange a proclamation presentation, contact Tim Ryan, Director of the Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation, at TimRyan9000@gmail.com or (516) 578-0884, or visit CK37.org.

The Massapequa Coast Little League Intermediate Williamsport All-Star Team captured the New York State Championship with an exciting 14-10 victory, earning the title of New York State Champions.

Managed by Keith Lermayer, with coaches Jon Henchy and Eric Solnick, the championship team includes Jack Burke, Samuel Chang, Mason Graham, James Henchy, Jackson Lermayer, Dylon Lyons, William Martin, Dominick Podmore, Michael Sessa, Thomas Solnick, Tyler Stevens, and William Vogt.

Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families on this outstanding achievement and for proudly representing the Massapequa community.

Massapequa Coast Intermediate All-Stars Win New York State Championship

Massapequa Kiwanis Marches In Patriotic July 4th Parade

Town Honors Bay Constables For Lifesaving Efforts

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board recently honored five Bay Constables for their heroic lifesaving efforts out on the water this summer. Honorees included Sgt. Carmine Montesano, of Glen Cove, and Bay Constable Kim Allstadt, of Massapequa, who aided an unresponsive swimmer in the waters off Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Marina in Oyster Bay,

as well as Bay Constables Robert Walles, of Bayville, James Altadonna III, of Massapequa Park, and William Monjardo, of Massapequa, who performed lifesaving actions on man who was ejected from and ran over by his boat after hitting a sand bar in the Amityville cut.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “I commend you all for demonstrating an ability to act quickly and

decisively when fellow citizens were in need. The selfless actions of these five extraordinary individuals exemplify the best in all of us and reflects a genuine desire to answer the call for help. It is due to your courage, and the courage of all our first responders and men and women in uniform, that we get to enjoy the safety and beauty of each new day.”

Councilwoman Walsh Urges Residents To Give The Gift Of Life By Donating Blood On August 13th

With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Thursday, August 13th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Hall North, located at 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay.

Councilwoman Walsh stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this Blood Drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.”

Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify

as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. All donors will receive a voucher for a

Officials Urge Safe Boating This Summer

free Blizzard at Dairy Queen, and donors who enter their email addresses will receive two free New York Islanders tickets via email one week after the donation drive.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”

For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/ blooddrive.

Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with members of the Town’s Bay Constables Marine enforcement crew and National Education Director of Safe Boating America Richard Werner to remind residents of appropriate safety measures that should be taken for boaters and personal watercraft operators ahead of the start of the summer season.

Officials demonstrated a variety of lifesaving equipment and encouraged anyone out on the waters to enjoy them respectfully and responsibly.

“Whether traveling in the Great South Bay

or in beautiful Oyster Bay Harbor, we want to remind all residents out on our waters about the importance of safety,”

Supervisor Saladino said.

“I have ordered the Town’s Bay Constables to intensify patrols throughout holiday weekends, such as July 4th and Labor Day, to help prevent senseless accidents. In addition to observing speed limits, all levels of law enforcement will be out to make sure those who are enjoying our waterways are doing so responsibly.”

The Supervisor noted that holidays can often be a dangerous time as drunk drivers can behind the

wheel of a boat the same way they can get behind the wheel of a car, putting the lives and safety of innocent people in jeopardy.

Unfortunately, statistics show an increase of BWI and DWI around holidays, and all are encouraged to take caution.

“Our Bay Constables and other law enforcement personnel will be patrolling the Great South Bay, the Long Island Sound, and Oyster Bay Harbor in an effort stop drunken boaters and keep our residents and waterways safe,” Supervisor Saladino said.

“Remember, if you booze and cruise, you lose!”

Massapequa Announces No-Cost Meals For Upcoming School Year

The Massapequa School District announces that it is serving meals at no charge for children under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for students for the 2026–27 school year.

Lunch is served at no cost throughout the entire school year. A no-charge breakfast program for students in grades K–5 begins Oct. 1, 2026. Massapequa

High School offers breakfast at no charge throughout the school year.

For additional information, please contact food services by mail at Massapequa UFSD, Attention: School Lunch Department, 4925 Merrick Rd. Massapequa, N.Y. 11758, by phone at (516) 308-5745, or by email at lunch@ msd.k12.ny.us.

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Summer is full of opportunities to rest and unwind. It’s also a prime time for vacations, road trips and enjoying activities close to home. According to InsureMyTrip, millennials travel the most during summer, with July consistently ranking as the busiest month. Transportation Security Administration records also show that several July dates are among the busiest travel days.

Summer breaks and vacation time make it the perfect season to have fun, but not everyone has the budget for lavish trips or costly excursions. Fortunately, plenty of memorable experiences are affordable. Here are a few low-cost ideas. Local sports game Major League Baseball games can be expensive, but minor league teams offer the excitement of live sports at a fraction of the cost. Smaller crowds and nearby stadiums make them an affordable family outing.

Fairs and carnivals

A day at a major amusement park can cost a family of four anywhere from $370 to more than $1,100 before food and drinks, according to BestLifeOnline. com. Church carnivals and county fairs are often much more affordable and still feature rides, games and entertainment.

Day at the beach

A beach day is a classic summer outing. Visit different beaches throughout the season and save money by purchasing beach tags before summer begins. Many beaches also offer free or low-cost admission.