Lisa’s passion is baking. Opening a store was a big step—one she made with support from PSEG Long Island. She earned incentives for choosing a vacant space that reduced her monthly energy costs. Now, her thriving business has made life a little sweeter for all of us.
Reduce your energy costs. Get a free business energy assessment. psegliny.com/businessassessment *Incentives, grants, and rebates will vary with every project.
Why Isn’t July 2 The Day To Celebrate American
Independence?
The Declaration of Independence and July Fourth are indelibly linked. But you may need to be an American history buff to know that the link is less direct than it may seem. The Continental Congress declared American independence on July 2, even though the final wording of the Declaration of Independence had yet to be approved. That approval came two days later, which is why American independence is celebrated on July 4. Furthermore, the Declaration of Independence now on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., was not signed on July 4. The signatures on that document, which have been a source of pride for descendants of the signers for centuries, were written on August 2, a full month after the Congress declared its independence from Great Britain. And in a reflection of life in the 18th century, Great Britain did not even receive the declaration until November of 1776.
Getting To Know The Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. On July 1, 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia to vote on independence from Britain. After debate, 12 of the 13 colonies approved the measure. In honor of those delegates, here are 12 facts about the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, though most delegates signed it on August 2. John Dickinson and Robert R. Livingston never signed the document.
John Dunlap was the official printer of Congress at the time. He worked all night and into the morning of July 5 to produce the large, single-sided sheet, known as a broadside. About 200 copies of Dunlap’s broadside were made.
The University of Virginia owns two rare early printings of the Declaration, including one believed to have belonged to George Washington.
Benjamin Franklin, George Read, Roger Sherman, Robert Morris, George Clymer, and James Wilson signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were hidden at Fort Knox during World War II, two weeks after Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Contrary to the movie “National Treasure,” the writing on the back of the Declaration is visible and simply identifies the document.
Signer Richard Stockton later renounced his support for the Revolution after being captured by the British.
In 1989, an original Dunlap Broadside purchased for $4 at a flea market was later sold for $8.1 million. Only 26 original copies are known to exist.
Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4, even though independence was approved on July 2.
The Declaration was not immediately embraced by everyone, and political divisions delayed widespread celebration of its anniversary.
Congress nearly forgot the first anniversary in 1777, organizing a July 4 celebration only at the last minute.
John Trumbull’s famous painting “Declaration of Independence” in the U.S. Capitol depicts the drafting committee presenting the document, not the actual signing.
Notable Events In Colonial America In 1776
The year 1776 was a defining moment in American history. As the Revolutionary War unfolded, a series of events helped shape the future of what would become the United States.
• January 10: Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense in Philadelphia. Initially released anonymously, the 47-page pamphlet argued for independence from Great Britain and inspired many colonists to support the Revolutionary cause. Paine’s clear, accessible writing helped spread revolutionary ideas beyond political leaders to ordinary citizens.
• February 27: The Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge takes place near Wilmington, North Carolina. Loyalist forces stormed across a bridge and attacked men they believed to be rebels, but Patriot forces quickly prevailed. The defeat weakened British efforts to recruit loyalist support in the region.
• May 6–July 5: The Fifth Virginia Convention meets in Williamsburg. The Patriot legislature ultimately declares Virginia an independent state and adopts the Virginia Declaration of Rights, a landmark document that affirmed individual liberties and the people’s authority to reform or replace inadequate government.
• June 28: Thomas Hickey becomes the first person executed by the Continental Army after being convicted of mutiny, sedition, and treachery. A member of General George Washington’s guard, Hickey was implicated in an alleged conspiracy that may have included a plot to assassinate Washington.
• July 14: Increased violence on the Kentucky frontier leads to the capture of Jemima Boone and the Callaway sisters. Days later, Daniel Boone led a successful rescue mission. The dramatic episode later became part of American folklore and inspired scenes in early American literature.
• September 20–21: The Great Fire
of New York destroys as much as one-quarter of the city’s buildings in lower Manhattan. The fire broke out shortly after British forces occupied New York City. Although each side blamed the other for
starting the blaze, historians generally believe it likely began accidentally and spread rapidly due to strong winds and closely packed buildings.
Stay Safe This Fourth of July: Free Pool & Water Safety Seminar
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, members of the Town Board and Catholic Health are partnering to offer residents a Free Pool and Summer Water Safety Seminar on Tuesday, June 30th, from
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Marjorie Post Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa. Families are encouraged to attend as children under the age of 15 make up more than 78 percent of pool submersion
injuries in the United States annually, with 67 percent of them including children under the age of three.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Nothing is more important than the safety of our children, and to improve pool safety we offer this
seminar to with the goal of saving lives through public education and awareness. We want you to have lots of fun in the sun while always be prepared to respond to emergencies.”
Seminar attendees will learn from professionals
Did You Know?
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.”
about healthy swimming, basic first aid, hypothermia, cramping, drowning prevention, basic CPR (not certification), recreational water wellness and EMS ambulance education. The seminar is sponsored by Optimum, News 12, Embassy Diner, KJOY 98.3FM, WHLI 1100AM, 103.1 The Wolf, and Nassau County.
For more information, call (516) 797-4121 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com
Trace Your Own History While Celebrating America’s
Millions of Americans will spend some time in 2026 commemorating 250 years of United States history. The U.S. turns 250 in July 2026, and the summer figures to be an especially celebratory time across the 50 states.
As Americans engage with their nation’s history, they might be compelled to learn more about their personal history as well. Genealogy has become a popular pastime in the twenty-first century, and the National Archives offers these tips to anyone looking to do some digging into their personal history as they celebrate 250 years of the United States.
• Start with yourself. The National Archives recommends starting with the person you know best: yourself. Your own personal details can serve as a starting point as you work toward more unknown facets of your family history. After you note all of your own details, learn and document all you can about your parents and then do the same in relation to your grandparents.
• Emphasize four vital components. The National Archive notes that names, dates, places, and relationships are the tools of the family researcher. That’s because these nuggets of information have long been used to identify people in public records.
• Peruse any existing family archives. Many families have kept their own archives over the years, even if that record-keeping was not widely known within a family. A relative might have kept various types of documents that help to paint a picture of your genealogy. Ask around in the family to see if anyone has kept records, which might include:
- Newspaper clippings
- Birth and death certificates
- Military certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Letters
- Diaries
- Photographs/photo books
- Scrapbooks
• Let others know. Inform family members near and far that you’re working on a genealogy project. A relative might have beaten you to it, and that person could have lots of valuable information and documents to share. Others might be able to point you toward a relative who has become the unofficial family historian. In addition, cousins and aunts and uncles might have records from their own immediate families, which can help you as you conduct your own research.
• Access government records. The U.S. federal census dates all the way back to 1790, which makes it a potentially excellent source of information for your project. State and county archives also can be wonderful resources that keep records of births, deaths, marriages, and other notable events that can help people trace their family histories. Even local libraries might have records of your family, especially if your family has been settled in the same area for a significant amount of time.
American history might be the focal point in the United States in 2026. But that renewed emphasis on history also makes 2026 a great time to study your own family’s part in helping the nation make it to its 250th birthday.
Massapequa Students Explore 250 Years Of History
Massapequa students are celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America through engaging history lessons and personal reflections.
First graders at Birch Lane Elementary School
colored paper firecrackers and wrote responses based on different prompts, such as their favorite American heroes and why their futures are bright. Their heroes included George Washington and Betsy Ross. The colorful
creations decorated a hallway bulletin board.
Teacher Vanessa Apfelbaum said her students also worked on American eagle craft projects, sharing the freedoms that they most treasure.
At Berner Middle School, eighth graders researched United States symbols, memorials and national parks. Each student created a sheet with a drawing and five sentences about his or her assigned subject. In
class, they took part in a gallery walk to see all of the pieces and learn about these notable symbols and sites. The completed pieces were then used to create a “USA 250” collage in the windows in front of the school.
Activities at Berner and the elementary schools were from resources provided by the social studies department, under the leadership of Curriculum Associate Jason Gelardi.
First graders at Birch Lane Elementary School did an “I Love America” firework craft project, as part of the Massapequa School District’s celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Eighth graders, from left, Diego Aparicio, Emily Demmett, Micaella Lopez, Kylee Poveromo, Danny Hernandez and Alex Lomaga helped contribute to a “USA 250” collage in the front windows of Berner.
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 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.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24th thru SUNDAY, JUNE 28th
MIDWAY HOURS: 5-10 pm
Thursday, 5-11 pm Friday, noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+.
BELLMORE FIREMAN'S FAIR
At the Bellmore Train Station, Sunrise Highway & Bedford Avenue in Bellmore. Have a great time for a good cause at this family-friendly fundraiser
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
for the all-volunteer Bellmore Fire Department featuring thrilling midway rides and games for all ages and deepfried treats, sweets and other tasty carnival eats. For more information, please call 866-666-3247 or Bellmore Fireman's Fair
SATURDAY, JUNE 27th
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. Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information, contact amityfarmers market @gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol.com.
10:00AM–3:00PM THRIFT SHOP AND YARD SALE
Come One, Come All to St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. New and slightly used clothes, shoes, jewelry, household items, books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, arts and crafts. Rent a table for $25.00. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
11:00AM
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
St. Joseph's Church in Babylon will be hosting its 6th annual Blessing of the Fleet at the Babylon Municipal Dock. Boaters are welcome to attend by water to receive a blessing from Father Mickey. Those without boats are welcome to attend on land to witness the blessings and to participate in prayer for a safe boating season. For more information, to register your
boat or to purchase a T-shirt, please contact Geri Olson at 516-456-1456 or geri124@optonline.net.
11:00AM-1:00PM
MERRICKA 250 BLOCK PARTY
At the Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Library in Merrick. Join us for the “Merricka 250 Block Party,” kicking off the Summer Reading Challenge with BBQ hot dogs, classic yard games, and fun activities for all ages! From friendly lawn games to festive community celebrations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The Paumanok Stompers, a six-piece traditional New Orleans jazz band, will set the tone with high-energy, foot-stomping music to launch an unforgettable day of summer fun. For more information, please call 516-377-6112
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
Impactful Events In U.S. History
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Americans are reflecting on the people, events, and turning points that helped shape the nation. The following are among the most significant moments in U.S. history:
• The Louisiana Purchase (1803): One of the most important land deals in history, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States. President Thomas Jefferson initially sought to purchase New Orleans and West Florida from France, but Napoleon Bonaparte instead offered the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million. The acquisition added more than 530 million acres to the young nation and opened vast areas of North America to exploration and settlement.
• The Monroe Doctrine (1823): During his annual address to Congress, President James Monroe warned European powers against further colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere. The statement, later known as the Monroe Doctrine, declared that the Americas were no longer open to European expansion while also pledging that the United States would avoid involvement in European affairs. The doctrine became a key principle of American foreign policy for generations.
• The Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): The British passenger liner Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, killing nearly 1,200 people, including more than 120 Americans. Although the United States remained neutral at the time, the attack increased tensions between the U.S. and Germany and fueled anti-German sentiment. The incident helped shape public opinion in the years leading up to America’s entry into World War I in 1917.
• Wall Street crashes on Black Monday (1929): The stock market crash that began in October 1929 marked an end to the financial boom of the 1920s that the Federal Reserve notes had begun in August 1921 and lasted until September 1929. On what’s become known to historians as Black Monday (October 28, 1929), the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by nearly 13 percent, a fall that preceded an almost 12 percent decline on the following day. By the summer of 1932, th Dow had fallen to its lowest value of the twentieth century and 89 percent below its peak. Black Monday marked the beginning of the Great Depression, and the Federal Reserve notes the Dow did not return to its pre-crash heights until 1954.
1/2 CHICKEN PARM
1/2 CHICKEN VODKA PARM
1/2 MEATBALL PARM
1/2 EGGPLANT PARM
1/2 CHICKEN CUTLET CLUB
1/2 GRILLED CHICKEN CLUB
Massapequa Students Salute The Stars And Stripes
Patriotic music played and history came alive as Birch Lane and East Lake elementary schools in the Massapequa School District hosted Flag Day ceremonies on June 12. Students and staff marked the holiday, celebrated annually on June 14, with special tributes for the 250th anniversary of the founding of America.
East Lake’s ceremony featured performances by three instrumental ensembles. The handbell choir, led by Gina Aspetti,
performed the “StarSpangled Banner” followed by orchestra’s performance of “Yankee Doodle,” under the direction of Debbie Burkart. The band, conducted by Amanda Collins, played “My Country Tis of Thee” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Serving as the backdrop for the performers were class flags made by students over the past several weeks in red, white and blue. The project was spearheaded by art teacher Patti Krakoff and was
a special way to celebrate the nation’s milestone birthday.
Principal Thomas McKillop spoke about the history and meaning of the American flag, explaining the purpose of the 13 stripes and 50 stars, and why red, white and blue were chosen as the colors. He explained that the flag represents freedom, kindness, courage, respect and responsibility, values that bond Americans together.
“Our flag tells a story,” he said, “the story of our nation.”
At Birch Lane, students experienced a visual evolution of the American flag. Student council speakers shared information about each version of the flag, as well other meaningful flags, which were then presented by representatives from Massapequa Elks Lodge No. 2162 and local veterans. The band, chorus and orchestra serenaded the audience with patriotic songs throughout the event. Conducting the
band was Gary Loock, with Thoams Tucker leading the chorus and the Julia Sohl directing the orchestra.
Student council members Amelia Tseng and Sofia Edelbach celebrated the “really big birthday” that America is about the celebrate. They explained how every generation has worked to make the country stronger.
“We are the future leaders, creators and helpers who will carry our country forward,” Sofia said. “America’s story
isn’t finished yet, and we get to help write the next chapter.”
Remarks from Principal Stephen Aspetti and Assistant Principal Joyce Larkin reminded students to take away not just the history of the flag, but the legacy of a nation that grows, adapts and strives forward together. The program concluded with a patriotic medley from two music teachers, Michael Molloy on the bagpipes and Dennis McLoughlin on the drum.
Lane
Photos
Birch
Elementary School hosted its annual Flag Day ceremony on June 12 featuring student council speakers, school and district administrators, board of education trustees and representatives from the Town of Oyster Bay.
courtesy of the Massapequa School District
East Lake students were encouraged to dress in patriotic colors to celebrate Flag Day.
Music teachers Michael Molloy on the bagpipes and Dennis McLoughlin played a patriotic melody to concluded Birch Lane’s ceremony.
East Lake Elementary School’s handbell choir, conducted by Gina Aspetti, performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the beginning of the June 12 program.
Classifieds
Interesting Facts Related To Independence
Americans celebrate Independence Day every July 4. The holiday has become synonymous with summer fun, as grand fireworks displays and backyard barbecues are integral components of many people’s July 4 celebrations.
As Americans and residents of the United States prepare for some festive Fourth of July celebrations, they can keep these interesting facts related to Independence Day in mind.
Day
• There have been many iterations of the American flag. The American flag has become an iconic symbol of freedom recognized across the globe since the United States declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776. But few July 4th celebrants may know that the current version is the 27th iteration of the American flag. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the
THE power of CLAS SIFIED!
Community Pools To Open In Time For The 4th Of July
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that all Town of Oyster Bay community pools will open for the season beginning on Saturday, June 27th. The Town of Oyster Bay operates five pool facilities, including Bethpage Community Park, Marjorie Post Community Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, SyossetWoodbury Community Park, and Tappen Pool at Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.
“The warm, sunny days of summer are nearly upon us and all residents are welcome to join us for a swim all summer long,” Supervisor Saladino said.
“Town Pool memberships offer families and senior citizens access to many great amenities, including upgraded restrooms, pool deck furniture, picnic benches and sunshades.”
Pool hours from Saturday, June 27th through Labor
Day, Monday, September 7th will be 11am to 7pm daily, weather permitting. Additionally, extended hours until 8pm, will be offered as follows (weather permitting) at the following locations on the following schedule:
• Monday: SyossetWoodbury
• Tuesday: Plainview-Old Bethpage
• Wednesday: Bethpage
• Thursday: Marjorie R. Post
• Fridays: ALL pools open late including Tappen
Pool memberships can be obtained at each park location. Memberships are available at community park pools for both park district residents and nonpark district residents. Daily admission rates, nanny memberships and group access are also available. In addition to the great new amenities at our facilities, the Town is offering swimming lessons at local pools to members age five and older. Applications
to register for swimming lessons are available online at oysterbaytown.com/ sports, with four swim lesson sessions available to choose from.
The Town will also offer a swim team this summer at outdoor pools located in Syosset-Woodbury Community Park and Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa. Town of Oyster Bay residents aged 6 to 16 are eligible to register for the swim program. Practices will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, from 9:00am to 10:30am beginning Monday, June 29th. Swim meets will be held Saturday mornings and class meets will be held Tuesday afternoons. Schedules will be distributed the first week of practice.
For more information, including membership rates, and schedules for swim lessons, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ pools.
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current version of the flag officially became the flag on July 4, 1960.
• More than half of all Americans own an American flag. A 2023 poll from WalletHub found that 57 percent of Americans own an American flag. And that’s not the only way Americans show their
Interesting Facts Related To Independence Day
national pride, as the same poll found that roughly one in three Americans intended to purchase patriotic merchandise for July 4th.
• The United States is not the only place to celebrate American independence. Such celebrations occur in various countries, including Australia, Denmark, Ireland, and Norway. The festivities in
Rebild National Park in Denmark are believed to be the largest celebration of American independence outside the United States.
• The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that 150 million hot dogs are consumed on July 4. Though there’s no corresponding estimate related to how many hamburgers Americans eat on July 4, various
reports suggest Americans eat roughly 50 billion burgers annually, so it’s fair to conclude many a burger will be consumed this Independence Day.
• July is a popular month for nations to celebrate their independence. In addition to the United States, various countries, including Algeria (July 5), Argentina (July 9), The Bahamas (July 10),
Belarus (July 3), Burundi (July 1), Canada (July 1), Cape Verde (July 5), Colombia (July 20), Kiribati (July 12), and Liberia (July 26), celebrate their Independence Day in July.
• John Adams, a Founding Father of the United States and the second president in the country’s history, felt Americans should celebrate their independence from Great Britain on July 2. That’s because the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776. However, the Declaration of Independence was not approved for two more days, thus making July 4 the day to celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain.
