Issuu

Copiague Chamber Of Commerce

Copiague Memorial Public Library

50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726

Tel 631-691-1111 Fax 631-691-5098

Staying Safe with Technology and Social Media

Wednesday, June 17

6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join us for this preventionfocused workshop facilitated by ECL-VIBES addressing online safety, digital boundaries, grooming tactics, exploitation risks, and how traffickers and abusers use technology and social media to cause harm. Participants will learn about technology safety, setting digital boundaries, and strategies to recognize and avoid online abuse and exploitation. Registration is required.

Defensive Driving

Saturday, June 20

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Save money on your car insurance! A $33.00 fee payable to Diana APW (Accident Prevention Workshop) by check, money order or cash is due the day of class. Please arrive early to sign in. Late comers will not be admitted. Please bring a pen and your driver’s license. Registration is required.

GLP-1s Explained: Benefits, Risks and Results

Tuesday, June 23

7:00 - 8:00 PM

Curious about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy? Join local

pharmacist Kevin Abraham for an informative session that breaks down how these medications work in your body, common side effects and their management, and the differences between oral and injectable forms. A question-and-answer period will follow. Perfect for anyone interested in diabetes, weight management, or understanding new medical advancements. Registration is required.

Alzheimer and Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Wednesdays, June 24, July 29, August 26

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Connect with other community members to share your experience with this tragic disease. For more information and to register, please call 1-800-272-3900. Registration is required.

Country Music with The Rustlers

Saturday, June 27

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Kick-off the summer with an evening of great music and good vibes. Join us for a lively country concert with The Rustlers, playing classic country favorites and toetapping tunes that are sure to get you singing along! Registration is required.

What Is The Summer Solstice And What’s Notable About This Day?

June is a month to look forward to for several reasons. June is home to Father’s Day; the end of the school year in many locales; vacations often take place in June; and the summer solstice occurs for people living in the northern hemisphere.

The National Weather Service says the summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt toward the Sun is at a maximum. When this occurs, the sun appears at its highest elevation, or when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees latitude north. The sun’s noontime position changes very little for several days before and after the solstice. With this positioning of the sun, people enjoy the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the 2026 summer solstice occurs on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 4:24 A.M. EDT. For the Southern Hemisphere, this date marks the winter solstice, while their summer solstice will occur on December 21, 202. In celebration of the solstice, explore these facts about this remarkable day.

• The summer solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles is tilted toward the Sun at its most extreme angle.

• For each hemisphere, solstices occur twice a year: the winter and the

summer solstice.

• Various cultures around the world celebrate the summer solstice with traditions, holidays, and festivals.

• The summer solstice marks the official start of astronomical summer.

• The word “solstice” is Continued On 15

JUNE HAPPENINGS

ALL JUNE DURING GALLERY HOURS

11:00AM-4:00PM

RAINBOW SCAVENGER HUNT

At the Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Find all the colors in the rainbow in the gallery for a prize! Included with Admission. For more information, please call Cristina Ainslie at 631-367-3418

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th

5:00PM

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: GOLDEN GROOVES CONCERT

JESSE GARRON'S TRIBUTE TO ELVIS

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. 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, JUNE 20th

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. The Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information,

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

contact amityfarmers market @ gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol. com.

10:00AM-4:00PM

KING'S PARK DAY CRAFT AND STREET FAIR

Kings Park main Street, 1 Main Street in Kings Park. King Park Day is located on Main Street and the municipal parking lot. Traditional street fair with over 100 craft and gift vendors, food trucks, games, rides. Vendors have the option to have their vehicle at the booth in the municipal lot or a space in the street. For more information, please call 631-885-1267

thru SUNDAY, JUNE 21st

5:00PM-11:00PM Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 4:00PM-11:00PM Thurs. 3:00PM-11:00PM Sat. - Sun. LONG ISLAND FUNFEST

At Suffolk County Community College, 485 Wicks Road in Brentwood. Long Island's largest fair is back with family entertainment including dazzling Saturday night Fireworks by Grucci, exciting midway rides and games for all ages, and favorite fair food. For More Information, please call 866666-3247 or Long Island FunFest

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24th

3:30PM-8:00PM NY BLOOD DRIVE

Christ Lutheran Church, 117 Carleton Ave. in Islip Terrace. For more information, please call 631-581-1710

6:00PM

SUMMER SOLSTICE WALKING TOUR

Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association's Frank Giebfried will be your guide for an evening stroll that marks the beginning of the summer season. This is a BBP Library program and you need to register with the library to join the walking tour. There are 2 dates available and space is limited. You can register by phone by calling the library at 631-363-6133 and dial 3 for the main desk. The tour will last about 2 hours.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27th

12:00PM-9:30PM

UFOlogy: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS AT THE CRADLE

Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard in Garden City. UFOlogy is a one-day family event blending STEM education, aviation history, science ﬁction, and drone technology, culminating in the Museum’s inaugural 300-drone nighttime show. For more information, please call 516-572-4066

SUNDAY, JUNE 28th

12:00PM-5:00PM

EMPOWERED SUMMER FESTIVAL Free Admission. Over 100 Vendors, Psychics, Healers, 8 Food trucks,Adopt a Pet, Music. 759 Long Island Avenue, Deer Park. For more information, please call 516-639-6903

Science of Spirituality Meditation Center Events

79 County Line Rd., Amityville, NY 11701 For info and to register: 631-822-7979, 888-666-1990, infotristate@sos.org, www.sos.org/location/amityville

RETREATS

SILENCE SPEAKS:

The Art of Finding Lasting Peace through Meditation

Celebrating International Yoga Day

Saturday, June 20

9:30 am – 4:30 pm As the world celebrates International Yoga Day this weekend, join us to explore the inner yoga of a peaceful mind. As mental activity quiets, we begin to hear the voice of our true self and the divine wisdom we all possess. In time, we develop the steadiness to navigate life’s uncertainties. Join our distinguished guest speakers and discover how to tap into that wellspring of peace at this

special day-long retreat. Workshops & Presenters: Calmness Amidst Chaos, The Yoga of Stillness: Dr. Alan Post

Steady in the Storm, The Joy of a Quiet Mind: Arvind Naik, MBA Yoga for Health and Inner Harmony: Angelica Zambrano, CSW, LMSW, RYT Panel Discussion: Balancing Your Energy for Stability, Inspiration, and Peace

Moderator: Andrew Vidich, PhD with Arvind Naik, MBA, Alan Post, D.C., Theresa Apollon, M.Ed, and Ekta Kohli Portillo, LCSW

Meditation Saturday: Retreat for Body, Mind, & Soul

TASTE THE BLISS, EMBODY THE JOY: 5 STEPS TO A JOYFILLED LIFE

Presenter: Andrew Vidich, PhD Saturday, August 29 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Each of us has unlimited spiritual potential. An everlasting fountain of grace lies within us. If we only knew how to tap into this eternal abundance, all our cares and worries would disappear. Through a simple, profound meditation technique, each of us can begin to taste the bliss that lives within us. Join us for a day of serenity, spiritual inquiry, Q&A sessions, and meditation in a supportive community.

Car Seat Safety Inspection Event Helps Keep Local Children Safe

Residents received valuable child passenger safety assistance on Saturday during another successful Car Seat Safety Inspection event, hosted through a collaborative effort between local public safety agencies and community partners.

The event provided parents and caregivers with professional car seat

inspections and education to ensure that children are traveling as safely as possible. Certified technicians worked directly with families to inspect car seats, correct installation issues, and provide guidance on proper usage.

The program was made possible through the continued partnership and support of the Suffolk County Police Conference and the Amityville Police Department. Organizers also expressed their appreciation to the Amityville Fire Department for assisting throughout the event.

like this provide families with valuable resources and education that can make a lifesaving difference. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners, firefighters, and certified technicians who continue to dedicate their time to keeping our community safe.”

Town Clerk Gerry Compitello also highlighted the impact of the program.

From Classroom To Expedition: Copiague’s Weller Named NatGeo Fellow

Copiague Middle School chairperson Dr. Allison Weller is one of 36 educators across North America who have been chosen to be part of the National Geographic Society’s 2026 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship cohort. This year’s group will take part in global expeditions designed to strengthen their geographic knowledge and inspire students through real-world, field-based learning.

Supported by the Lindblad Expedition–National Geographic Fund, fellows will travel aboard National GeographicLindblad Expeditions vessels to destinations such as the Arctic, Europe and the Mediterranean, the Galápagos and the Southern Ocean. The immersive experiences are intended to be brought back into classrooms to spark curiosity and expand global awareness among students.

of Copiague School District (photo credit Rebecca Hale)

music and languages.

Please send checks to:

Marisa Marciano POBox106 E,Hoffman Ave. Lindenhurst NY

**PLS send add'tl info to:

LHS1976class reunion@gmail.com

According to child safety experts, properly installed car seats are among the most effective tools for protecting children in motor vehicle crashes. However, studies have consistently shown that many car seats are installed incorrectly, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of injury.

Councilman and Public Safety Chairman Terence McSweeney emphasized the importance of these educational initiatives.

“The car seat inspections are a tremendous community service,” Compitello said. “Taking a few minutes to ensure a car seat is installed properly can help prevent tragedy and protect our most precious passengers. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event another success.”

Officials thanked all participating agencies, volunteers, and families for their involvement and stressed the importance of continuing child passenger safety education throughout the community.

By working together to promote proper car seat installation and usage, local officials hope to reduce injuries and help ensure that every child travels safely on the road. LHS1976

“The safety of our children is one of our highest priorities,” McSweeney said. “Events

The 2026 cohort represents educators from 22 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and three Canadian provinces, with more than 570 combined years of teaching experience across subjects including science, geography, math, arts,

“I am using the experience to help create curriculum and resources that enhance geographic education, storytelling and civic mindedness,” Dr. Weller said.

Over the next two years, fellows will also support

National Geographic education initiatives through webinars, resource development, mentorship and professional collaboration, helping to promote an explorer mindset and encourage students to engage with the world as active, curious learners.

Hospital Association Offers

$2,000 Scholarship

The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) announces a $2,000 scholarship for college juniors/seniors or post graduate students who are studying Journalism, Marketing/ Communications, or Healthcare Administration. (The scholarship is not for clinical-based study.)

The Ann Marie Brown Memorial Scholarship

honors the late Ann Marie Brown, who served as vice president for government and public relations for the Hospital Council from 1983 to 1993. The scholarship is administered by the Hospital Council’s Communications Committee.

Filing deadline is June 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM. For more information and an application go to the NSHC scholarship page or call 631-

334-8321. About the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council represents the not-for-profit and public hospitals on Long Island. It works in conjunction with the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State to advance legislative and regulatory priorities. NSHC serves as the local and collective voice of hospitals on Long Island.

Photo courtesy

What Is The Summer Solstice And What’s Notable About This Day?

Continued From 5

derived from Latin and means “sun standing still.”

• Depending on one’s latitude, the length of daylight a person can enjoy on the solstice varies. At the equator,

the time from sunrise to sunset is roughly 12 hours. At temperate or mid-northern latitudes, the length of daylight lasts about 15 hours, says Space.com.

• Solstices do not land on the same calendar

day every year because the astronomical year is 365.25 days long. So the solstices shift a day or two each year, but generally fall within the same three days. In the northern hemisphere, those days are June 20, 21, or 22 for the summer solstice.

• No one is quite sure who discovered that the solstices occur. According to Owen Gingerich, Professor Emeritus of

Astronomy and History of Science at Harvard University, “[There is] no writing to record this great discovery.”

• The summer solstice often is when the golf season heats up. Many clubs take advantage of the longer days during the week the solstice takes place to host sunrise-to-sunset golf tournaments.

• Although the summer solstice is the longest day

of the year in terms of daylight hours, typically it is not the hottest. It will take some time for the Earth to heat up with a greater tilt toward the sun. Hotter days arrive at the end of July and last into August.

The summer solstice is a time for celebration. The solstice brings more daylight and the official start of summer and offers plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the warm weather.

Amityville Orchestras Earn Top Ratings At NYSSMA Festival

rating for its Level 4 performance at this year’s New York State School Music Association Major Organization Assessment Festival. Photos courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District

The Amityville School District is proud to announce that its secondary-level orchestras earned top honors at this year’s New York State School Music Association Major Organization Assessment Festival.

The Edmund W. Miles Middle School seventh and eighth grade Orchestra received a Gold rating for its Level 2 performance, while the Amityville Memorial High School Orchestra earned a Gold with Distinction rating for its Level 4 performance. At the festival, ensembles may receive a Certificate of Participation, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Gold with Distinction rating. Participation levels range from Level 1, the least difficult, through Level 6, the most challenging.

According to NYSSMA assessment guidelines, a Gold rating is awarded to organizations that demonstrate “an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill” across evaluated categories including tone, intonation, balance, technique, accuracy, rhythm and interpretation, with only minimal weaknesses noted. A Gold with Distinction rating is awarded to ensembles that meet the Gold rating standard while achieving an exceptional level of performance across all three musical selections. These achievements reflect the talent, commitment and perseverance of Amityville’s student musicians, as well as the strength of its music program. The district congratulates all participating student musicians and their teacher, Ms. Bianca Ferrante, for their dedication, hard work and outstanding accomplishments.

Did You Know?

From Classroom Commitment To Career Milestone

The Amityville School District Board of Education proudly recognized educators from across the district who earned tenure during its May 18 monthly meeting. During the special recognition ceremony, each honoree received a certificate of recognition from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Ms. Mary Stephens in celebration of their dedication, professionalism and commitment to student success.

The evening was filled with heartfelt moments as building principals, colleagues and family members gathered to congratulate the newly tenured staff members. Honorees were met with warm embraces, applause and words of encouragement as they marked this important career milestone.

Tenure recognition remains a meaningful tradition within the Amityville School District, honoring educators for their years of hard work, leadership and positive impact within the school community. Photo courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, some may wonder where the name “America” comes from. According to the Library of Congress, it is derived 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.”

Amityville Memorial High School Orchestra earned a Gold with Distinction

The Edmund W. Miles Middle School seventh and eighth grade Orchestra received a Gold rating for its Level 2 performance at this year’s New York State School Music Association Major Organization Assessment Festival.

External Diploma Program

The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations. NEDP, is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time, or students who fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs.

Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.

Place

Listening To Jazz Music

The New Orleans Musicians Clinic reports that listening to jazz music can expand blood vessels by up to 30 percent. Widening of blood vessels increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important, as the Mayo Clinic notes that unchecked high blood pressure can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and/ or dementia.

Today you celebrate an incredible achievement and tomorrow begins a new adventure. As you pursue your dreams, remember that anything is possible with hardwork, determination, and belief in yourself. Dream big, stay focused, and never be afraid to reach for the stars-the sky is truly the limit. Wishing all graduates a future ﬁlled with success, happiness, and endless opportunities. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Celebrating your accomplishments and cheering you on every step of the way.