• Broccoli and Mozzarella
• Traditional (Ham, Salami, Pepperoni,
Half-Time: Why June Is The Perfect Month To Revisit Your 2026 Goals
By JoAnn Cilla
In honor of our country’s upcoming BIG birthday, my quote this month comes from Ben Franklin, who once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” I would add that “by failing to check your preparation, you might as well have never prepared at all.”
To millions of Americans, June is the unofficial halftime of the year. The first half is (almost) over, and the second half is about to begin. So, how are you doing with those goals you set back in January?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO of a big corporation, a small business owner juggling everything yourself, a student in college, or a stay-at-home mom managing a household that frankly runs like a
corporation. You probably set goals at the start of this year; things in January that meant a lot to you. Well now it’s time to sit down, be honest with yourself, and take a look at where you are on the path to success in 2026. Let’s start with what’s working. This part should feel good, so enjoy the good news. Which goals are you on track with or ahead of?
the progress, no matter how small. Maybe you’ve been consistent with a morning routine, hit a sales target, or finally got the kitchen renovation underway. Recognize it, because that momentum is real and it matters (I write this having firsthand experience on kitchen renovation projects). Next, look at what’s salvageable. These are the goals that got derailed but aren’t dead. Life threw you a curveball. Maybe it was an unexpected expense, a health scare, or a shift in priorities and something slipped. That doesn’t mean it’s gone. It means you need to revise your timeline. It could also mean a different approach. Don’t abandon your goal just because the original plan broke down. Adjust the plan, not the dream.
Acknowledge
Continued On 5
JOANN CILLA
LINDA FONTANA
Free Senior Medical ID Card Program & Shed The Meds Event
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, is holding a Senior Medical ID Card program and Shed The Meds event on Thursday, June 18th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the West Islip Public Library located at 3 Higbie Lane in West Islip.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office medical ID cards assist seniors or those with medical needs
to keep all required medical information available on a small card with them at all times in case of emergency. Seniors, 50 years old and older, can obtain a free medical ID card. No appointments are necessary.
All residents are invited to safely drop off unused, expired, or unwanted medications. Liquid and sharps will NOT be accepted.
For more information, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s district office at (516) 541-4598.
Then comes the hard part: letting go. Some goals that you wrote down in January simply no longer fit. Circumstances changed. You changed. Give yourself permission to either remove a goal entirely or move it to your 2027 list, where it might really belong. Carrying dead weight
through the second half of the year will only slow you down.
Take time this month to see where you are today, where you were six months ago, and, more importantly, where you want to be in September then December.
The second half of 2026 is wide open. Make it count.
Indoor Air Quality
(NAPSI)—Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Unbeknownst to homeowners, common pollutants lurk inside homes, affecting health in subtle yet significant ways. Learn more at www. NADCA.com/Homeowners.
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
Class of 2026 Academic Leaders
Anthony DeMaio
West Islip High School has announced its two Academic Leaders in the Class of 2026 as Anthony “AJ” DeMaio and Dana Shi, who have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service and extracurricular involvement throughout their high school careers.
DeMaio and Shi have each demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence both inside and outside of the classroom while pursuing rigorous academic programs and actively contributing to their school and community.
Shi has excelled in advanced coursework while earning numerous honors for her achievements in science and music. She received the Highest Honors Award at the Long Island Science Congress Senior Division and the Science Teacher Association of New York State Su olk County Award. An accomplished cellist, Shi has earned multiple All-County and All-Long Island recognitions and was selected as an alternate for the New York All-State Symphony Orchestra.
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Shi has also conducted advanced scienti c research through Brookhaven National Laboratory’s SPARK Program, where she studied topics including microplastics, mineral analysis and environmental sustainability using sophisticated laboratory technology. In addition, she volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital and participated in Inspirit AI, where she helped develop a deep learning model for pneumonia detection using chest X-rays.
Within the school community, Shi serves as copresident of the West Islip irst Project, helping raise approximately $12,000 annually to fund clean water wells in Eswatini. She also serves as secretary for the Class of 2026, participates in Science Olympiad and supports fellow students through the Natural Helpers program.
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DeMaio has similarly built an impressive record of academic excellence, leadership and involvement. He serves as president of both Mu Alpha eta and the World Language Honor Society and is a member of several additional honor societies, including the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Science National Honor Society.
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A dedicated student-athlete, DeMaio competed in varsity soccer, varsity track and varsity bowling while also participating in junior varsity baseball and soccer. As captain of the varsity soccer team during his senior year, he helped lead the team to a county nals appearance and earned the Lion Heart Award for his leadership and determination.
DeMaio is also an accomplished musician who has performed bass through Su olk County Music Educators Association ensembles and participated annually in NYSSMA since elementary school. His accomplishments include recognition through the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, the O ce of the New York State Comptroller Achievement Award and the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Italian.
In addition to his academic and extracurricular success, DeMaio has dedicated time to tutoring students in math and science, assisting elementary students with science projects and participating in community service initiatives through several school organizations.
e district congratulates these students on this accomplishment as they continue to make a positive impact on the community and beyond.
Photos courtesy of West Islip
Joseph Shawn Wallace Karen Desz, Elementary Dave Kaufman John
Class of 2026
Congratulations to the Class of 2026
West Islip Seniors Celebrate Decision Day
Students and sta throughout the West Islip Union Free School District came together on May 1 to celebrate College Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of planning for the future and exploring postsecondary opportunities.
Across the district, students, teachers and sta showed their school spirit by wearing apparel representing colleges and universities, creating a vibrant and uni ed display of pride and aspiration. e day served as an opportunity to encourage conversations about life a er graduation and the many pathways available to students.
At the elementary and middle school levels, students participated in age-appropriate discussions and activities focused on future planning. ey learned about a variety of postsecondary options, including college, military service and trade schools, while also gaining an understanding of the importance of being lifelong learners.
At the high school, members of the Class of 2026 gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate together, wearing their college shirts and sharing their plans. e event included a group photo capturing the excitement and unity of the senior class.
As part of the celebration, seniors also wrote their names on pawprint cutouts, which were then displayed on the school’s 2026
Decision Day banner, serving as a lasting tribute to their accomplishments and aspirations.
e district remains committed to providing students with the resources and guidance needed to pursue a wide range of postsecondary pathways and to prepare them for success beyond graduation.
Photos courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
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.
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Connect With Dad This Father's Day Even If You're Far Away
Father’s Day celebrations are unique to each family. Some gather for a big celebration, while distance may keep others apart. Children who live far from their fathers can still make the holiday special, even if they can’t be with Dad in person this June. If you’re miles away from a father, grandfather, or stepfather this Father’s Day, there are still meaningful ways to celebrate.
Connect digitally. If you can’t share a meal in person, use video chat apps like Zoom or FaceTime to connect. Sharing a virtual meal while chatting and laughing can still make the day feel special. Give gifts that keep on giving. Subscription boxes remain popular, from grilling spices and gourmet coffee to snack boxes and cheese-of-the-month clubs. These gifts offer a
monthly reminder of your appreciation. Consider virtual experiences. Many shoppers are choosing unique gifts over traditional ones. A virtual whiskey tasting or an online master class you can enjoy together over video call can create lasting memories.
Personalize gifts for Dad. A monogrammed golf bag, custom photo book, or travel gear tied to one of
Dad’s hobbies shows extra thought and care. Plan a trip together. If Father’s Day can’t be spent together, schedule a future outing like a concert, ballgame, or weekend trip centered around one of Dad’s passions. Distance may affect Father’s Day celebrations, but with some planning and modern gifting ideas, any dad can feel celebrated and loved.
