Celebrate The Start Of Summer
first day of summer is a perfect time to change a home’s decor to reflect bright, summery details. Pull out bright throw pillows, switch to citrus or coconut-scented candles to establish a beachy mood and fill a bowl with limes, lemons and oranges for an easy summer centerpiece.
The summer solstice offers the most hours of daylight all year. According to Space.com, the summer solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun. The summer solstice falls on June 20, 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. The 2026 summer solstice (first day of summer) in the Northern Hemisphere is Sunday, June 21, 2026. The longest day of the year and the beginning of astrological summer is a source of celebration for many people. Come the summer solstice, the warm weather stabilizes and there are more days of sunshine and mild temperatures. Summer also is a season for school breaks and family vacations, representing additional reasons to look forward to the summer solstice. People can commemorate the start of summer in many different ways, including these fun ideas.
• Make a summer treat. Spend the day trying a new summer recipe, such as homemade ice cream, s’mores, fresh lemonade, or a frozen cocktail (mocktail) like piña coladas. Enjoy in honor of the start of summer.
• Take a plunge: Make an inaugural summer trip to the seaside, a pool or a lake and do your best cannonball into the water. Summer is a peak time for swimming, water sports and boating, so it pays to dive right into these activities.
• Plan a hike. With a greater number of daylight hours, the solstice is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sights. There’s no need to rush, as the sun sets late in the evening, giving those who have to work or attend school earlier in the day an opportunity to enjoy a hike after signing off.
• Take a photo. Make it a tradition to take a “first day of summer” photo each year to catalog the years going by. Everyone can pose in their favorite summer garb or get coordinating t-shirts.
• Change the decor. The
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JUNE HAPPENINGS
ALL JUNE DURING
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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
Volunteer Opportunity To Help Terrapin Turtles Survive June 20th Survival Day Includes Beach Cleanup
In an effort to help protect diamondback terrapins, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announces that the Town and Friends of the Bay are co-hosting a Terrapin conservation and Beach Cleanup Day on Saturday, June 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Centre Island Beach in Bayville.
“The Town of Oyster Bay joined forces with Friends of the Bay to launch ‘Team Terrapin,’ to help protect the Diamondback Terrapin turtle, as this small species lives in fresh or brackish waters in our Town,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “These turtles, which have distinctive diamond-shaped rings covering their shells, have a near-threatened conservation status and we are working with our
environmental partners and local volunteers to help protect this vulnerable species.”
During this Terrapin conservation and Beach Cleanup Day, volunteers will be trained to identify signs of nesting terrapins and briefed on how to collect data. The event features a beach cleanup and tours of nesting sites.
“We feel it is our duty to protect and bring awareness to this vulnerable and important species that is native to our area and we are inviting volunteers to help us gain a better understanding of the current status of the Oyster Bay diamondback terrapin population,” said Christine Suter, executive director of Friends of the Bay.
Terrapin monitoring will
take place for four to six weeks after the event and Team Terrapin volunteers will be encouraged to sign up for half-hour or one-hour monitoring shifts during weekdays and weekends. This is an excellent citizen science opportunity for people of all ages. Community service hours and certificates of participation will be provided upon request.
Terrapins can be found along the northern shore of Oyster Bay, especially at Centre Island Beach, with a large population at the head of Mill Neck Creek near Beaver Dam. To register for the event, volunteers should visit www.friendsofthebay. org/terrapin-monitoring. For more information, please email info@ friendsofthebay.org.
Document Shredding Event
Saturday, June 20, 10:00am - 1:00 pm
Shred your personal papers such as, old tax records, credit card statements, copies of bills, ATM receipts, checks, or other papers/forms containing personal information that could provide thieves an easy way
to steal your identity.
All documents are shredded in a Professional Mobile Shredding Truck, while you watch, and are then recycled. NO spiral binders, plastic folders, clips, or staples. Limit: 3 bags or boxes per
person, at no cost to you, courtesy of the members of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce.
This event is offered as a community service.
Farmingdale Public Library, 122 Merritts Road, Farmingdale
Meet The Horses At Pal-O-Mine’s Family Event
The entire community is invited to celebrate the Year of the Horse at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s “The Mane Event,” a family-friendly festival where kids and adults of all ages will get to experience the magic of the organization’s 13-acre horse farm. The event will take place on Friday, June 19, from 2 to 6 p.m., during the school holiday that honors Juneteenth, at Pal-O-Mine, 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia.
The Mane Event will feature a parade of PalO-Mine’s many breeds of horses, special riding demonstrations, interactive games, and educational activities. Guests will also meet other residents of the farm, including sheep, donkeys, and chickens, and have the chance to interact with all of the animals.
“Our herd of 25 horses. “Eight miniature horses
and other small animals love when we open the farm to the families in our backyards and beyond,”
said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of the nonprofit, which provides equineassisted therapeutic programs to children and adults with disabilities, veterans, first responders, people experiencing mental health issues, and many others. “Most people only see horses at a distance from their car windows, so it’s very exciting when they can meet them up close. They are truly magnificent animals.”
Tickets for the Mane Event are $20 per person, available at the gate the day of the event, and free for children 3 and under. Food and drink will be available for purchase. To learn how your company can sponsor The Mane Event, contact Tessa at 631-887-3751.
About Pal-O-Mine
Equestrian:
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma, veterans, first responders, individuals on the autism spectrum and many others. Each week, more than 400 students attend one of the many programs offered at the 13-acre Islandia, NY, campus, which is home to 25 specially trained horses, small farm animals and a therapeutic horticulture program that serves as a vocational internship site for people with disabilities. To learn more, visit www.Pal-OMine.org.
Tricks For Planning Your Summer Getaway
Summer is a popular time of year, with warm temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere that can make even staying home feel like a vacation. Still, many people look forward to traveling and fully embracing that sense of rest and relaxation. Planning a summer getaway during peak travel season can be challenging, especially when balancing family schedules. These tips can help make vacation planning easier.
• Identify blackout dates. Start by marking any nonnegotiable commitments on the calendar, such as kids’ summer camps, sports practices, or other events. Blocking out those dates early helps reveal which days and weeks are available for travel.
• Start planning early. Getting a head start on vacation planning can save money and reduce stress. Narrow down destination choices, compare travel and
lodging costs, and book as soon as you find a good deal to avoid higher last-minute prices.
• Set price alerts. Many travel websites let you create alerts for deals that match your budget. Keep in mind that airline sites may track searches, so clearing cookies or using a different device can sometimes help you find better prices.
• Check for work conflicts. Before finalizing plans, make sure coworkers or others in your department are not already scheduled to be out. Many employers limit overlapping vacation time, so it’s wise to discuss plans with supervisors early.
• Delegate tasks. Vacation planning involves many details, from transportation to meals and activities. Sharing responsibilities with family members or friends can make the process much less stressful for everyone.
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 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.
WORDS
New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency
Help Needed - @ New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency. The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply, and 1-2 day supply of type O; NYBC warns this could signal more severe shortages in the weeks ahead. Please sign up to donate at a convenient donation location near you: smarturl.it/NYBC_Urgent
The Ultimate Guide To Dads’ Day Dining
Father’s Day is a time to honor fathers and father figures. Dads often do so much to support and love their families without much fanfare, making Father’s Day the perfect chance to treat them to something special — often a delicious meal.
According to the National Retail Federation, Father’s Day spending was expected to reach a record $24 billion in 2025, up from $22.4 billion in 2024 and surpassing the previous record of $22.9 billion set in 2023. Special outings remain one of the most popular gift choices, showing that many families prefer creating memories together over traditional presents. As families plan to celebrate Dad this year, dining out remains a thoughtful and popular way to mark the occasion.
• Classic steakhouse: A reservation at a steakhouse is always a solid choice. These restaurants are sophisticated and intimate, with broad menu appeal. Since steakhouses tend to be pricier, planning ahead is important.
• Casual barbecue: For a laid-back dad, a relaxed BBQ spot with a patio can be ideal. Pulled pork, slow-smoked ribs, or a brisket sandwich with a cold beer make for a memorable Father’s Day meal.
• Seafood lover: Dads who love seafood may appreciate a restaurant with a strong seafood menu, especially one located on the water. Options range from upscale dining to casual fish fry spots.
• Gastropub: Many pubs combine great food with rotating craft brews. An artisanal burger paired with a pretzel and an IPA or stout can make for the perfect celebration.
New Memorial Honoring Fallen Baymen Unveiled
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilman Tom Hand, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Receiver of Taxes
Jeffrey Pravato joined with members of the Baymen’s Heritage Association and Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder to host a dedication ceremony for a new monument at Theodore Roosevelt Park.
installed overlooking the harbor where many baymen make their living, is a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by all baymen.
The Baymen’s Memorial Monument, which was
“This new monument, featuring a statue of a bayman pulling his catch
onto his boat, will forever remember those who make their living from the sea. This will be a place of reflection, where friends, family, and visitors can view our beautiful harbor and take a few minutes to think about
the sacrifices made by our baymen,” said Supervisor Saladino. “They toil in a challenging environment and endure hardship to bring the bounties of the sea to our tables. Throughout the year, despite the
elements, baymen harvest clams and oysters in the waters, providing one of the last locally gathered food supplies in our area – and their work is full of risk.”
The Supervisor unveiled the monument alongside the family of Michael Kennedy, who lost his life as a baymen on the waters of the Long Island Sound, as well as members of the Baymen’s Heritage Association, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, local officials, the artist who created the monument, several local baymen, representatives from the Joel Foundation, and acclaimed performing artist Mike DelGuidice.
Members of the Baymen’s Heritage Association raised funds for the project, which included a large donation from local musician Billy Joel. The memorial honors the Town’s Baymen and those who have lost their lives to the demanding profession.
