Fresh Listings, Fresh Opportunities
UNDER CONTRACT
Selden | 420 Dare Road
$789,000 | 5 BR, 3 BA | Web# 811205
This masterfully remodeled mid-block home features a bright, spacious layout highlighted by radiant heated floors, rich hardwoods, and a built-in Sonos sound system. The renovated chef’s kitchen hosts mint-condition stainless steel appliances (6 years young), including a KitchenAid double oven, 36-inch refrigerator, and a built-in beverage center. A first-floor primary suite provides ultimate convenience and is ideal for multi-generational living.
AVAILABLE | COMMERCIAL
Port Jefferson Station | 488 Terryville Road
$750,000 | Web# 943629
An exceptional opportunity to acquire a freestanding, move-in-ready dental office in the heart of Port Jefferson Station, prominently positioned on a high-visibility intersection ideal for a general dentist, specialist, or medical professional seeking immediate occupancy with room for expansion.
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on the
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
July is a time to celebrate freedom, family, and the simple joys of the season. From beach trips to backyard barbecues, vacations, and evenings under the stars, this month is made for creating lasting memories. Inside this issue you'll find seasonal editorial, a delicious recipe and a kids coloring contest, where you can enter to win tickets to Splish Splash. Interested in advertising? Seasons® Magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us today to learn more.
Ham And Quinoa Salad Makes For Light But Filling Fare
Salads make for a great meal when people are looking for light yet filling fare. Salads also offer a lot of versatility, and just about any ingredient can be added to a salad or even serve as the base of a salad. For example, this recipe for “Ham, Fennel and Quinoa Salad” from Lines+Angles features a base of quinoa. When paired with diced ham, the quinoa makes this delicious dish a little more filling than a more traditional salad.
Directions:
Put the quinoa in a saucepan with 3 cups of water and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Spread out on a plate and leave to cool for 10 minutes. Toss the cooled quinoa with the fennel, ham, pecans, and baby leaves.
To make the dressing, whisk the mustard, honey and vinegar together, then whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then toss with quinoa salad.
Ham, Fennel And Quinoa Salad
Makes 4 servings
8 ounces quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
4 slices cooked ham, about 6 to 8 ounces, diced
2 ounces roughly chopped pecans
1 1⁄2 ounces baby salad leaves
Salt
Freshly ground black peppercorns
For the dressing:
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
Healthy Eating On The Go
A healthy diet offers many benefits, including maintaining a healthy weight, lowering the risk of chronic disease, and boosting energy levels. While busy schedules can make healthy eating a challenge, a little planning can help.
Plan ahead. Meal planning reduces impulsive food choices and can save both time and money. It also helps limit reliance on fast food and other less nutritious options.
Use a slow cooker. Preparing meals in a crockpot allows busy adults to cook healthy dishes in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.
Make smart restaurant choices. Many restaurants offer nutritious options. Choose vegetable-based dishes or meals featuring grilled, baked, or broiled fish and chicken, and skip heavily fried or high-calorie items.
Try meal kits. Meal kit services provide pre-portioned ingredients and simple recipes that make preparing healthy meals quick and convenient.
Even with a busy lifestyle, healthy eating is possible through planning, smart choices, and convenient meal-prep solutions.
1.Age of unit: Most central air units should be replaced after 15 years of use.
2.Maintainence: Central AC units should be inspected annually for safety, and to ensure maximum efficiency, expand life-span and prevent failure.
3.Climate and Environment: Extreme temperatures, sun exposure, and high humidity require central air condition systems work harder to maintain reasonable interior temperatures and humidity levels.
Affordable Summer Entertainment Options
Summer is full of opportunities to rest and unwind. It’s also a prime time for people to embark on vacations, road trips, or take in activities around their hometowns. According to InsureMyTrip, millennials prefer to travel the most during summer. July is repeatedly ranked highest, with Transportation Security Administration volume records indicating that various dates during July are particularly busy times for travel.
Summer is synonymous with school breaks and time off from work, and it makes sense that people will look to entertainment options to fill their time. But not everyone has the budget for lavish two-week vacations or bigticket excursions. Fortunately, having fun doesn’t have to involve going broke. The following are some low-cost options for active daily or overnight adventures when the mercury rises.
Local sports game
While the draw of a Major League Baseball stadium certainly has its merits, unless inexpensive tickets can be secured, more local options may be a more budget-
friendly fit. Minor league games can provide the thrill of watching sports without
the high price tag. Plus, they draw smaller crowds and are closer to home for most fans.
Fairs and carnivals
The average cost of a day at an amusement park can be eye-opening. BestLifeOnline. com says major park tickets for a family of four now range from $370 to more than $1,100, depending on the park’s luxury level. Smaller regional parks may have lower-priced tickets, but even then, costs can add up when considering food and drink, too. Church carnivals and local county fairs tend to be much more affordable and offer similar thrills and games. Day at the beach
Few things can be more relaxing and fun than spending time by the ocean. Families and friends can spice things up by picking different beach locales and packing the car to check them out. Create a list of possible beaches to visit on weekdays or weekends. Purchasing beach tags well before the start of the season can reduce the costs of beaches, as some charge around $10 to $12 per person for daily rates. But there also may be plenty of free or low-cost options.
Summer offers plenty of affordable activities and adventures close to home.
More Ways Enjoy Entertainment Close To Home
Whiletravel can be exciting, there are plenty of ways to enjoy recreation and entertainment without leaving town. Many local options are affordable, convenient, and perfect for spending quality time with family and friends.
Live music: Local restaurants, pubs, schools, festivals, and community venues often feature talented musicians and performers.
Theater productions: Community
theaters and colleges regularly stage plays and musicals, offering quality entertainment at affordable prices.
Dining out: Exploring local restaurants is a great way to enjoy different cuisines while supporting area businesses.
Farmers markets: These markets provide an opportunity to shop for fresh, local products while enjoying a relaxing outing.
Parks and recreation: Beaches, parks,
trails, lakes, and marinas offer countless ways to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
Comedy shows: Local venues frequently host comedians, making for a fun and affordable night out.
From live performances to outdoor activities, there are many ways to enjoy entertainment close to home without the expense and planning that often come with travel.
The Best Night To Dine Out At A Restaurant
Friday
and Saturday night might be the day people most identify as the best night to dine out at a restaurant, but a recent survey found that Sunday reigns supreme among diners. According to a 2022 survey from Real Research, just under 30 percent of diners said they eat out on Sunday, which makes the first day of the week more preferable than Friday (18.9 percent) and Saturday (15.4 percent). Perhaps more surprisingly, a greater number of respondents indicated they prefer to dine out on Monday (23 percent) than Friday or Saturday. Despite these preferences, experienced diners know that it's still wise to book a reservation when dining out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Diners might be more likely to find a table without a reservation on Monday.
Nutritional Benefits Of Watermelon
is widely considered a summertime treat that's particularly refreshing on a hot day. A staple at backyard barbecues, watermelon makes a great appetizer, side dish and even dessert. Watermelon also can make for a nutritious addition to a backyard barbecue menu. Those who want something nutritious to eat alongside less healthy fare like hamburgers and hot dogs can consider the many nutritional benefits of watermelon.
• Watermelon is low in calories. The Mayo Clinic notes that one cup of watermelon is 46 calories. That makes watermelon an ideal low-calorie dessert, particularly when compared to other treats, including ice cream. The calorie count for a single cup of ice cream varies by flavor, but the United States Department of Agriculture notes one cup of vanilla ice cream contains 274 calories, while one cup of chocolate ice cream is 286 calories. Watermelon is a low-calorie dessert alternative to ice cream that can be especially appealing after eating popular backyard barbecue fare.
• Watermelon promotes hydration. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that drinking enough water helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate the joints, prevent infections, and promotes proper organ function. Water also delivers nutrients to cells. Come summertime, it's easy to fall victim to dehydration, but consuming watermelon can help to prevent that. The Mayo Clinic notes watermelon is 92 percent water, which can help people remain hydrated on hot summer days spent outside.
• Watermelon is a good source of vitamins C and A. The National Institutes of Health notes that human beings are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, which means they must get this crucial vitamin from the foods they eat. Watermelon contains 14 percent of the recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin C per USDA dietary guidelines, making it a worthy addition to anyone's diet. Watermelon also contains 5 percent of the recommended DV of vitamin A, which the NIH notes is important for normal vision, immune system health, reproduction, and growth and development.
• Watermelon does not contain any fat, cholesterol or sodium. It's not only what's in watermelon that makes it so healthy, but what's not in it as well. Unlike other popular desserts, such as ice cream, watermelon contains no fat, cholesterol or sodium. Opting for watermelon over more traditional desserts can help people lower their fat consumption, reduce their cholesterol and avoid overconsumption of sodium.
Tips To Steer Clear Of Traffic On Your Next Summer Road Trip
Travelerstake to the roads in droves come summertime. When vacation season hits full swing, vacationers have long had a tendency to get behind the wheel and take to the open road. That tradition seems to be especially appealing to modern travelers.
The 2026 Trends Report from Hilton indicated that 71 percent of travelers surveyed intended to drive on their next vacation. Road trips are favored for a variety of reasons, including a sense of spontaneity that is not available when vacationers are traveling on airlines’ schedules.
With so many vacationers expecting to hit the open road this summer, it can benefit all drivers to embrace strategies designed to help motorists steer clear of traffic.
• Choose alternative routes when mapping trips on GPS. Modern drivers rely on mapping applications to get them to and from their destinations on long road trips, and some of those apps may allow drivers to choose alternative routes that are less busy. Many mapping apps default to the fastest route, but Apple Maps and Google Maps also offer options to avoid highways and tolls. Those alternative routes tend to be less heavily trafficked than the primary routes. Drivers can also look for specialized navigation apps like Calimoto. Calimoto is popular among motorcyclists who use it to find the most scenic and winding routes as opposed
to the fastest. Such roads tend to be less crowded, which can be ideal for vacationers who aren’t in a hurry but are hoping to avoid traffic.
• Wake up early. While it might not be for everyone, those who can rise early can beat many of their fellow travelers to the road. Peak congestion periods vary by region, but it’s generally best to avoid departing during times of day associated with morning and evening rush hour. That’s between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Roads tend to be considerably less congested between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., but drivers who intend to hit the road at this time must get sufficient sleep the night before departing and avoid driving drowsy.
• Depart a day early. If possible, drivers can plan to leave for vacation a day early. For example, leaving on a Thursday as opposed to a Friday can help drivers avoid weekend road trippers and others who are starting their own lengthier trips on Friday. It can also help to return home a day early or leave as little driving as possible for the final leg of the trip, particularly if it’s on a Sunday. Roads tend to be packed with returning vacationers and weekenders on summer Sundays, making those days a particularly busy time to travel.
• Dust off the map. When confronting a traffic jam,
many travelers will utilize the same mapping apps to find alternative routes. That means the traffic may just be shifting from one busy road to another road that may soon become just as crowded. Drivers are urged
to bring along a traditional map to find local roads that mapping apps are unlikely to recommend.
Roadways tend to be busy in the summer. But there’s much vacationers can do to avoid being stuck in heavy traffic.
Make The Most Of Summer Road Trips
Car guys and gals tend to be passionate about their vehicles and their love of the open road, and that might be one reason why the average summer vacation road trip is hundreds of miles. Though there's more to a driving vacation than a love of the open road, a recent survey from Road Runner Auto Transport found that 42 percent of respondents planned to drive between 200 and 499 miles for their summer vacations in 2025. An additional 26 percent intended to drive between 500 and 999 miles. The romanticization of the open road affects a significant percentage of road trippers, 14 percent of whom identified nostalgia for classic road trip memories as their motivation to take a driving vacation.
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
Library Café
YOUR Three Village Historynow free online!
The first 30+ years of the Three Village Herald (from its inception in 1954 until 1982) is now freely searchable in the New York Historic Newspapers database! Emma Clark Librarian Jeff Walden spearheaded this important project to transfer all microfilm into digital. Special thanks to the Long Island Libraries Resources Council for the digitization grant to partially fund this project and to the Northern New York Library Network for scanning and uploading all of the microfilm. To view the historic Three Village Herald newspapers online, visit emmaclark.org/onlineresearch and scroll down to New York State Historic Newspapers. There you will find a direct link to the Three Village Herald.
Food Drive
Now – August 16
An annual summer tradition, we’re collecting nonperishable food items for various local food pantries and nonprofit organizations throughout the community. Food pantries often see bare shelves during the summer and need help with restocking items for those who are food insecure. Library teen & tween volunteers will be distributing the donated items. All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours.
Little Free Library
Now – September
The Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach, hosted by Emma Clark Library, is 11 years strong! This “Take a Book, Leave a Book” structure is located under the pavilion at the beach and made from recycled materials. There’s no need for a library card; visitors are invited to take any books that interest them. These books are donated for the sole purpose of the Little Free Library (books are not owned by Emma Clark – don’t return your library books here!).
All guests of the beach – both residents and nonresidents – are welcome to share in this project and to donate and/or take books. The Library would like to thank the Town of Brookhaven and Nicole Pocciare, Environmental Educator, for their continuous support and consent to host the Little Free Library at the beach. Additionally, the Library appreciates the teen and tween volunteers who “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is neat, undamaged, and well-stocked.
Exhibit for America 250
From Sea to Shining Sea: Community Art Exhibition
Mid-June – August
Visit the Library this summer to view this collaborative art display at our Library Café Gallery. This exhibit includes American landscape paintings from our patrons of all ages. All canvases together will reveal a beautiful patchwork display, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Programs for America 250
At the Museum: Meet the Author! at The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook Tuesday, July 21, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m (In-Person; Adults)
Librarian Emma Yohannan will moderate a lively conversation with special guest Claire Bellerjeau, co-author of Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth (Liss). You are encouraged to read the book ahead of time and participate in the Q&A session. Afterwards, you’ll have time to visit the exhibition "The Seat of Action: Long Island in the American Revolution and Beyond" at the Long Island Museum. Educators will be stationed to answer your questions. The event will begin in the Gillespie Room in the Carriage Museum. Open to all Suffolk County residents, but registration is required. Reserve your spot at emmaclark.org/ programs. Questions? Contact Emma Yohannan at eyohannan@emmaclark. org or call 631-941-4080.Open to all Suffolk County residents, but registration is required. Reserve your spot at emmaclark.org/programs. Questions? Contact Emma Yohannan at eyohannan@emmaclark.org or call 631941-4080
Soaring Again: The Bald Eagle’s Comeback Story
Tuesday, August 25, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
EMMA S. CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY 120 Main Street, Setauket, 631.941.4080, www.emmaclark.org, Facebook & Instagram @EmmaClarkLibrary continued on page 17
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
continued from page 16
(In-Person; Adults)
Discover the remarkable comeback of one of America’s most iconic birds, the bald eagle. Explore their life history, understand the factors that led to their decline, and learn how dedicated conservation efforts helped bring bald eagles back from the brink of extinction to be once again soaring over the skies of Long Island. Presented by Chris Paparo, aka the “Fish Guy.” Open to all Suffolk County residents, but registration is required. Reserve your spot at emmaclark.org/programs
More Programs for Adults
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Beatles Trivia
Saturday, July 18, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Come together right now for Fab Four trivia. From the Cavern Club to the Apple rooftop, we'll cover the long and winding road of rock's iconic foursome. Whether you play solo or with a little help from your friends, it'll be the best trivia night across the universe. Moderated by Librarian Christina Piazza. Open to all Suffolk County residents, but registration is required. Each participant must register individually. Reserve your spot at emmaclark.org/programs
Shed the Meds hosted by The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office
Monday, August 3, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Proper disposal of unused medications is essential to protect the environment and ensure that old drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands. Please note: The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office cannot accept any liquids, needles, creams, or ointments of any kind. They are only accepting unused or expired medications from individuals (not large quantities from a doctor’s office or health care facility). This service is open to the public. No registration required.
Kids “Drop In” Activities
These programs have no registration.
For questions, email kids@emmaclark. org
The History of Balloons
Friday, July 17, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Bring the whole family down to see the award-winning Nick the Balloonatic and his hilarious, interactive balloon show. For families with children ages 3 – 11 years old.
Magic of Amore
Friday, July 31, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
Prepare to be amazed by this awardwinning magic show, packed with illusions, music, and comedy. For families with children ages 3 – 11 years old.
Crafternoon
Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Stop by the Library to create a work of art with recycled materials. Perfect for families with children ages 3 – 11 years old.
Reminder
Emma Clark Library is open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. all year round!
Read More To Improve Overall Health
Aging is often linked to minor forgetfulness, but dementia involves more serious cognitive decline. Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, affects millions worldwide, and researchers continue to study ways to reduce risk. Reading may help. A recent study published in Neurology found that activities such as reading, playing games, and writing letters delayed the onset of Alzheimer's disease by up to five years in adults aged 80 and older. To read more often, consider these ideas:
Carry a book or e-reader. Read while waiting for appointments, commuting, or during other downtime.
Subscribe to a newspaper. Reading a printed paper can help you stay focused and support local journalism.
Join a book club. Book clubs encourage regular reading and provide valuable social interaction. Get a library card. Libraries offer affordable access to books and community activities. Visit local bookstores. Browsing bookshops can help you discover new authors and topics that spark your interest.
Outdoor Activities Ideal For Summertime
GeorgeGershwin’s song “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess,” offers: Summertime and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective clothing and sunscreen is
up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.
• Day at the beach: Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chatter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.
lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.
recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.
Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.
• Family bike ride: Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Try flat paths for beginners, and then build
• Backyard obstacle course: Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.
• Walk a boardwalk: Those
• Hike: In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.
There’s no limit to the ways people can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather warms up.
How To Choose A Grill That’s Best For You
Grilling
is a warm weather tradition, particularly when entertaining. Cooking food outside while guests gather and mingle sets a scene for a fun summertime event. It also is a great way to cook meals and avoid heating up the home when outdoor temperatures rise.
Few things match the taste of freshly grilled foods, which can be prepared and cooked to perfection on grills that range from traditional charcoal grills to gas grills and more. The following rundown of grills can help homeowners identify which style is best for them.
• Charcoal grills: Charcoal grills have been around for some time, and they tend to be inexpensive and easy to use. Charcoal grills enable air to enter a manually adjusted intake at the bottom of the grill. Foodies claim that the only way to grill is with charcoal, which imparts a smoky, rich flavor. Charcoal kettle grills are a subset of charcoal grills that are lightweight and portable.
• Gas grills: Gas grills either use a propane tank for fuel, or are directly connected to a home’s natural gas line to offer continuous availability of gas. According to The Home Depot, gas grills are prized because they heat up quickly and are very easy to use. Most come with a push-button ignition to light the grill, and heat can be easily regulated with control knobs. Some gas grills also come equipped with
side burners, so that food can be boiled or reheated outside while a main course is being cooked.
• Kamado grills: Known as ceramic cookers or egg grills, Kamado grills are a more sophisticated version of a charcoal grill, according to Build with Ferguson, a home improvement retailer. While they are still operated similarly to other charcoal grills, the engineered design and ceramic material causes much more regulated and insulated temperatures inside.
• Wood pellet grills: Pellet grills bring the best of both worlds of smoking and grilling. Pellets the size of peas are loaded into a hopper and go into a burn pot with an auger. The thermostat and burn
pot work electronically to keep the grill at the desired temperature. Pellet grills are good for foods that require longer cook times, like roasts and ribs. Some models allow users to adjust the temperature of the grill and monitor food using a smartphone app.
• Electric grills: As the name implies, these grills are plugged into a nearby outlet. Electric grills are compact and portable, and some are even tabletop models. Electric grills may be ideal for apartment dwellers or those who do not have adequate outdoor space for another type of grill.
• Smoker: Standalone smokers are designed to cook foods at low temperatures over long periods of time to produce fall-off-the-bone results.
Heat for smokers may be provided by wood, charcoal, electricity, or propane. Wood chips customarily are added for aromatic, authentic flavors. Although charcoal smokers are more traditional, they need to be monitored quite a bit. Electronic models may have a set-and-forget function that enables less hands-on time around the smoker, much in the way a slow cooker indoors can be set up and left without a need for monitoring.
• Hybrid grills: Some grills marry the convenience of gas grills with the smoky flavoring charcoal grills provide. Others may have a side for gas grilling connected to a charcoal smoker.
A variety of grill styles ensure there’s a perfect choice for any home cook.
Outdoor Furniture Buyers’ Guide
Outdoor
living is growing by leaps and bounds. According to The Spruce, 62 percent of homeowners planned to invest in their outdoor spaces in 2024, believing these areas would enhance their happiness. However, not everyone is using their outdoor living areas to their potential.
A recent survey by the International Casual Furnishings Association indicated that only 18 percent of consumers were using their outdoor living spaces as much as they desired. Ninety-four percent mentioned they would spend more time outdoors after updating their spaces. Common upgrades included lighting, decorative elements and, of course, furniture — with lounge chairs and chaises topping homeowners’ desires. When seeking out new outdoor furniture, shoppers should keep the following buying guidelines in mind.
• Determine the size of your space Before buying anything, it’s essential to measure the space. This will give you an idea of how much area you have to fill. A big furniture set can overrun a small living area. Conversely, having too little furniture or items that are diminutive in nature can be swallowed up by a large space.
• Consider the surface material You’ll need to adjust your purchases according to what is underfoot. Furniture stability and weathering can be affected if there is grass underneath. A more stable surface like
concrete or pavers should be beneath furnishings.
• Think about the climate Certain materials will hold up better in different weather conditions. In hot and dry climates, you want heat-resistant materials like synthetic wicker or aluminum. If it’s rainy and humid, teak, synthetic resin, powder-coated steel, and eucalyptus are good options. If the furniture will remain out in cold or snowy conditions, teak and treated metals offer superior endurance.
• Establish your budget Shop around to determine prices and then set your budget accordingly. Mix high and low priced items to balance budgets. For example, you can splurge on a durable teak table and pair it with synthetic wicker chairs, which are a mid-range seating option.
• Select durable fabrics No matter the climate, choosing weather-resistant fabrics with UV protection will alleviate fading and degradation from the sun.
furniture and then plan accordingly for storage. Invest in covers for rainy and wintry seasons. Otherwise, select modular furniture that can be moved indoors to sheds or garages.
Furniture that features removable and washable covers also offers convenience when it comes time to clean.
• Invest in storage Consider the shape and size of the
• Add creature comforts Incorporate outdoor rugs and decorative lighting to make the spaces seem cozy. Side tables offer places to keep drinks or set a book down. Also, don’t overlook the extra comfort that privacy screens and throw pillows can bring to outdoor living spaces.
The right outdoor furniture can set a scene for beautiful, comfortable and wellconsidered outdoor enjoyment.
Patios Lead The Way In Outdoor Living
Patios continue to be more popular than decks. According to a tabulation of data from HUD/Census Bureau Survey of Construction from the National Association of Home Builders, the share of new homes with patios is on the rise while the share with decks remains low. The NAHB tabulation found that the percentage of new homes with decks was 17.6 percent, while the percentage of new homes with patios reached a record high of 63.7 percent. Though some homes feature both a deck and patio, the NAHB notes that’s the case in just 6 percent of properties. However, decks have remained a go-to choice in certain regions of the United States. For example, the NAHB reports that 76 percent of new homes in New England featured decks while just 17 percent featured patios. Decks (42 percent) also proved more popular than patios (20 percent) in the mid-Atlantic region.
K ids C o l o r i n g C o nte st !
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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Long Island Media Group
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Name: Age: __ Phone Number: Email address: Town: Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?
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