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.
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.
“What I discovered at Woodloch is what I want for my own family, and why we keep coming back, it’s that magic of together.” - Meagan’s My Woodloch Story
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.
When buying a child’s first bike, shoppers should prioritize a bike that is lightweight, which will be easier for the child to maneuver while learning. The general rule of thumb is to find a bike that weighs less than onethird of the child’s overall weight. Choose a bike that has minimal features, and opt for models that have a single gear and no complex braking systems. The child should be able to comfortably straddle the bike with their feet flat on the ground, and the seat height should be set where the child’s legs are slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. According to BikeExchange.com, the first bike a child owns likely will feature 12-inch tires and will often come with optional training wheels. Children between the ages of two and five may progress to 14-inch tires and then increase that size as they grow and gain experience. Although it can be less expensive to purchase a child’s bike at a big box retailer, more personalized service is often available at local retailers that specialize in bikes.
Did You Know?
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.
Only certain veterans can get the complete comprehensive caregiver benefit package through the VA. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is working to change these laws and correct this inequity. Many Americans are asking their legislators where they stand on the issue.
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.”
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.
Dr. Bob Corona
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.
Interesting Facts Related To Independence Day
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.
• 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 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 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
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
Classifieds
Interesting Facts Related To Independence Day
Continued From 13
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.
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WELCOME TO SUMMER OF 2026!
Summer is here, and I’m ready to enjoy everything that makes Long Island so special. Here’s my personal checklist for the season:
• Longer Days & Sunshine - More daylight means more time to enjoy everything summer has to o er.
• Barbecues with Friends and Family - Sharing good food and creating memories with the people who matter most.
• Beautiful Long Island Beaches - Relaxing by the water and taking in breathtaking sunsets.
• Outdoor Dining - Enjoying waterfront restaurants and local favorites throughout the Island.
• Summer Events & Festivals - Concerts, street fairs, and community celebrations all season long.
• Helping Home Buyers and Sellers - Summer is the perfect time to make your next move. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about your home’s value, give me a call or stop by my o ce. I’m happy to help you in any way I can. What’s on your Summer 2026 checklist?
