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.
With bright tulips being planted and cheerful seasonal décor on the shelves in local shops, we’re reminded that spring is just weeks away and Easter is close behind. We hope you explore and enjoy the contents of this issue - what started as a seasonal publication has blossomed into a monthly magazine, made possible by the loyalty and continued support of our readers and we are grateful for the role you play in our growth. We welcome your feedback, story ideas, and advertising inquiries - contact us today at 631.226.2636!
Spring Planting Pointers
Manypeople view spring as a season of rejuvenation. That renewal may be somewhat metaphorical for human beings, but it’s literal for lawns and gardens that begin to grow anew as temperatures rise and hours of daylight increase in spring.
Each spring presents an opportunity for homeowners to get back outside and tend to their gardens. As the temperatures rise, homeowners can consider these spring planning pointers to ensure their landscapes look lush and full in the months ahead.
• Start with the soil. Soil can serve as the starting point each spring. Winter can take its toll on a garden and even overwhelm the area with debris over the colder months. Clear rocks and other debris from the area before loosening the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac recommends loosening soil to a depth of at least eight inches if planting a new garden. An existing
raised gardens can help homeowners in colder climates dry out and warm up wet, cold soils more quickly. Homeowners in such regions also can cover their beds with black plastic or cardboard prior to planting. Doing so can protect the beds from lateseason snow and spring rains and also helps to overcome erosion.
center before planting. Such a consultation can be especially useful for homeowners planting a new garden. Landscapers and garden center professionals will know which plants work in the local climate.
garden may only need to be loosened to a depth of around six inches, after which homeowners can mix compost into the soil in early spring. Compost is organic matter that provides nutrients and helps to build strong plant roots.
• Consider a raised garden in colder climates. The Farmer’s Almanac notes
• Take soil temperatures. Unpredictable weather is among the noticeable effects of climate change in recent years. That lack of predictability can make spring planting a little more tricky than it once was. Experts note that soil temperatures around 50 F are best for cool-season crops, while soil should be 60 F or warmer when planting warm-weather plants such as tomatoes.
• Work with a garden center to identify what to plant. The right plants for one region may not be ideal for another, so homeowners are urged to work with a local landscaper or garden
• Consider planting vegetables in the spring. Various garden experts note that spring is an ideal time to plant a vegetable garden. If planted at the right time, a vegetable garden can save homeowners money on their grocery bills and provide a season’s worth of fresh veggies. Lettuce and spinach are sun- and shade-friendly vegetables, which can make them good options for a spring garden. Cool-season root vegetables, which include beets, carrots and swiss chard, are some other notable veggies that can thrive in early spring. Spring is a season of rejuvenation for gardens. That’s even more true when homeowners consider some conventional planting wisdom in early spring.
7 Activities To Commemorate
The Spring Equinox
Thebeginning of spring is cause for celebration. In many areas of the world, the start of spring marks the end of cold temperatures and hours spent indoors, a shift in conditions that is welcomed by millions each year. The first day of spring or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. ET. Spring is a time of rebirth when flowers and trees bloom anew and animals bear new young. Spring is an exciting and busy time, and one that people can commemorate in many unique ways. Here are seven ideas to usher in spring this March.
1. Fill a home or business with flowers. Collect some early tulip or daffodil blooms and place them around the house. Offer bouquets of dandelions to children or weave them into flower crowns.
2. Spend time in nature. It’s time to get outside, and there is no better time to do so than the beginning of spring. Soak up the sun and temperate climate, which can be good for your physical and mental well-being.
3. Visit a loved one. Bring some sunshine to an elderly relative by visiting with him or her. Take a stroll outside or sit on a bench and enjoy a picnic.
4. Prepare the garden by cleaning out weeds and tilling the soil. Some early spring preparation ensures everything will be ready when planting time arrives.
5. Prepare an outdoor feast. Whether it’s a picnic or a barbecue, serve up a warm-weather feast with salads, sandwiches and other dishes that are normally served outdoors.
6. Sow some seeds. Encourage each member of your household to pick a favorite plant or flower and sow it in celebration of the first day of spring. It’s possible to make a special spring garden with perennials that will bloom each year.
7. Make spring-related crafts. Colorful wreaths, centerpieces and garlands can bring some of the natural wonders of spring indoors. The first day of spring is an opportunity to enjoy what makes the season so special. Celebrate the new season with plenty of creative ideas.
Irish Soda Bread Makes The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer
Irish cuisine may not be as widely recognizable or familiar across North America as Chinese, Italian or Mexican fare. But that doesn’t mean Irish food lacks fans and flavor. As the world prepares to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on or around March 17, individuals who want to include some popular Irish fare in their festivities won’t want to exclude this recipe for “Irish Soda Bread” from AllRecipes.com.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
2. Mix flour, softened margarine, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Combine melted butter with 1⁄4 cup buttermilk in a small bowl; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.
4. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.
Irish Soda Bread
Yields 1 1⁄2 loaf (20 servings)
Get Ready For Summer 2026: See Who's Coming To Jones Beach Theater This Year
Although winter is still here, many of us are already anticipating the arrival of spring and even the warmth and leisure of summer. As we envision long summer evenings spent around a crackling campfire, strolling along sandy shores, or enjoying time by the pool, our thoughts may turn to other experiences that make the summer season so memorable. Among these, live music holds a special allure.
The recent modernization of Northwell at Jones Beach Theater - completed in 2024 - is the largest investment in the theater’s history – a collaboration between New York State Parks and Live Nation, across three years
of planning and nearly two years of construction. A robust series of improvements and upgrades were integrated into the venue's original design.
Fans can enjoy an enhanced experience thanks to the grand new entrance for quicker entry, 7,000+ seats which have been upgraded and new premium seating experiences that have been added. Plus, there are 20% more restrooms and 30% more food and beverage outlets - there is even a new food and beverage plaza the size of a football field with seating, allowing you to sit back and relax before the show! Also, new tech upgrades include state-of-the-art LED screens
for enhanced views of performers and more.
With that in mind, here are a selection of some of the most highly anticipated concerts scheduled at the esteemed Jones Beach Theater this year, offering an opportunity to experience worldclass performances at a remarkable, local venue.
Riley Green Saturday, June 20
James Taylor Tuesday, June 23
Jack Johnson Sunday, June 28
Santana & The Doobie Brothers Thursday, July 2
Train Saturday, July 18
Dave Matthews Band Tuesday, July 21
Tim McGraw Friday, July 24
Rod Stewart Friday, July 31
Lynyrd Skynyrd x Foreigner Friday, August 21
The Fray Saturday, August 22
Chris Stapleton Wednesday, August 23
Breaking Benjamin Saturday, September 5
Notable Events About Spring
Spring is widely seen as a season of rejuvenation. Warmer post-winter air lifts spirits, and a variety of popular events add to the festive feel of this cherished time of year.
• St. Patrick’s Day: Although the holiday falls at the tail end of winter, celebrations often fill the month of March. Many communities host parades and lively gatherings, with Irish pubs offering music and traditional fare to help usher in spring.
• March Madness: Each March, the 68-team NCAA basketball tournament captivates
7 Signs Of Spring Allergies
Fewthings are more discouraging than enjoying warmer weather only to have spring allergies take hold. Also known as allergic rhinitis, spring allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as tree and grass pollen, mold, and dust. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 25.7% of U.S. adults and 18.9% of children experience seasonal allergies, contributing to an estimated $16 billion in annual health care costs and lost productivity. Spring allergies typically peak from March to May and can linger into July. Recognizing the symptoms helps distinguish allergies from a cold and allows for quicker relief. Common signs include:
fans with buzzer beaters, upsets and busted brackets as games unfold from mid-March into early April.
• Major League Baseball Opening Day: A classic sign of early spring, Opening Day represents fresh starts, as fans return to stadiums believing every team has a chance at success.
• Spring flower festivals: Held mainly between mid-March and mid-April, these festivals showcase vibrant blooms and highlight the beauty that defines the season.
• Sneezing: Frequent, rapid sneezing fits, often after being outdoors.
• Itchy, watery eyes: Red, irritated eyes that feel gritty or tear excessively.
• Nasal congestion or runny nose: Clear,
• Kentucky Derby: Known as the “Run for the Roses,” the first leg of the Triple Crown takes place in early May at Churchill Downs, drawing massive crowds, festive fashion and timeless tradition.
• Memorial Day weekend: While honoring U.S. military members who died in service, the weekend also brings family gatherings, barbecues and marks the unofficial start of summer in many communities.
Together, these events help explain why spring remains such a special and enjoyable season.
thin mucus is typical of allergies.
• Itchy throat and ears: A scratchy sensation caused by pollen exposure.
• Allergic shiners: Dark circles under the eyes due to nasal congestion.
• Cough: A dry, persistent cough from post-nasal drip, often worse at night.
• Fatigue: Poor sleep and ongoing immune responses can cause daytime tiredness.
Although spring allergies affect millions each year, symptoms can often be managed by limiting exposure to triggers and using appropriate allergy medications.
At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we offer the best of Adventure, Aquatics, Creative Arts, Camp Traditions, Special Activities and Trips, and Summer Learning in a safe and welcoming environment. Step away from the school year, the screens, and the routine — and press play on a summer full of laughter, movement, and magic!
VARIETY OF CAMPS FOR AGES 3-15
Kiddie, New: 3-Day Kiddie Camp - Bay Shore
Only (M , W, F), Youth, Pre-Teen, Teen, Sports Camp, Counselor-in-Training Program
CAMP OPEN HOUSE DATES
March 28, 2026: 10:00-11:30am
April 18, 2026: Healthy Kids Day
May 16, 2026: 10:00-11:30am
June 6, 2026: 10:00-11:30am
CAMP 2026 SESSIONS & DATES
SESSION 1: June 29 - July 10
SESSION 2: July 13 - July 24
SESSION 3: July 27 - Aug. 7
SESSION 4: Aug. 10 - Aug. 21*
CAMP CLOSEOUT WEEK
Local Favorites Team Up For St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser
Community, camaraderie, and a powerful cause take center stage as the Late Knight Hooligans make their debut at the Momo’s Too Annual St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser. The team is a collaboration between the Late Knight Warriors and the Long Ireland Hooligans, uniting local groups to support children battling cancer.
The fundraiser will be hosted by Momo’s Too Sports Bar & Grill, a longtime community favorite known for its food, service, and history of hosting St. Baldrick’s events. This year’s event continues that tradition with a family-friendly atmosphere focused on giving back.
The Long Ireland Beer Company previously hosted St. Baldrick’s fundraisers over
five nonconsecutive years. Although the brewery closed this year, its commitment to community and philanthropy lives on through the participation of longtime regulars and previous shavees at this event.
The Late Knight Warriors are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to unite the community through social connection while making a positive impact. Their involvement emphasizes creating meaningful experiences where fun and philanthropy come together.
Proceeds from the event benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteerdriven organization.
With these three community-
driven entities joining forces—and with the support of the community—the Late Knight Hooligans and Momo’s Too are excited to help make a lasting impact for children with cancer. Get Involved Everyone is invited to attend and show their support by cheering on the brave shavees, participating in raffles, and standing alongside families affected by childhood cancer. Supporters can also donate to the team, contribute to an individual member’s fundraising efforts, or step up as a shavee.
Event Details:
Date: March 21, 2026
Rain Date: March 22, 2026
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Momo’s Too Sports Bar & Grill, 667 Montauk Hwy, Bayport, NY 11705
What to Expect:
Buffet, raffles, DJ, and the opportunity to cheer on the brave shaves. All Ages Welcome! Come out, show your support, and help the Late Knight Hooligans fight childhood cancer—one shave at a time.
For more information, visit https://www.stbaldricks.org/ teams/lateknighthooligans.
The Spring Equinox
There’s
much to celebrate on the Spring Equinox, which is also referred to as the “Vernal Equinox” or the “March Equinox” and marks the official beginning of spring, a season many people associate with rejuvenation and longer hours of daylight. One unusual aspect of the equinoxes (the Autumnal Equinox in September ushers in the beginning of fall) is these days feature the fastest sunsets and sunrises of the year. According to Earthsky.org, this phenomenon occurs because the sun rises due east and sets due west on the equinoxes, which means the setting sun hits the horizon at its steepest possible angle. That steep angle leads to a very short sunrise and sunset on the equinoxes. Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America.
High School Lit Mag Wins National Award
TheBay Shore High School literary magazine, The Writers' Block, has been recognized as a First Class publication by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in the 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Awards. While the literary magazine has received national recognition in the past, this is the first time it has received a First Class designation. Photo courtesy of the Bay Shore School District
Did You Know?
Teahas been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of years and has featured prominently in many cultures during that time. The cultural practice of drinking tea is believed to have originated in ancient China. Although there are many different types of tea, the World Tea Council says black tea is the most consumed tea across the globe, comprising around 75 percent of total tea consumption. The most popular type of black tea is Assam tea, which is grown in India. The second-most widely consumed tea is green tea, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of total tea consumption.
Warm Up With Irish Stew This St. Patrick’s Day
SIrish Guinness Stew With Lamb
Makes 6 servings
8 cups lamb or beef stock; divided 1 cup pearl barley
3 lbs. lamb shoulder, cubed Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons oil 1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 4 stalks of celery, washed, trimmed and chopped 2 large yellow onions, peeled and chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
fluid ounces Guinness stout
bunch fresh parsley
bunch fresh thyme 1 bunch fresh rosemary 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 teaspoons cornstarch 4 teaspoons water
t. Patrick’s Day is known for revelry. A festive atmosphere prevails each March 17, and people from all walks of life and genealogical backgrounds take part in festivities that have become celebrations of Irish culture. Cuisine is a big part of Irish culture, even if it’s not the first thing people think of when pondering the Emerald Isle. This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrants can bring a touch of Irish cuisine to their celebrations by preparing the following recipe for “Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring 3 cups of stock to a boil; add barley. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 6 quart Dutch oven. Brown the meat on all sides over medium high heat before removing it from the pot using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle flour over it, shaking off any excess; set aside.
3. Add the celery, onions, garlic and carrots to the pot and saute until onions are soft and translucent. Add Guinness and deglaze the pot, scraping up all the caramelized bits on the bottom and sides of the pan.
4. Chop the leaves of the parsley, reserving the stems. Tie the parsley stems and several sprigs of thyme and rosemary into a bundle; drop the bundle into the pot. Chop the remaining thyme and rosemary; set chopped herbs aside.
5. Return the meat to the pot. Add the potatoes, barley and enough stock to cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until meat is fork tender. Stir occasionally, adding remaining stock as necessary.
6. Check seasoning; adjust to taste. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme and rosemary. Mix cornstarch in water and stir. Add to stew, stirring to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until stew thickens. Ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread and of course more Guinness if desired.
Spring Egg Hunt & Makers Festival Brings Family Fun To Blue Point
St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point will host the highly anticipated Springtime Egg Hunt & Makers Festival on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
This free-to-attend, familyfriendly event combines a vibrant artisan marketplace with a professionally organized Easter Egg Hunt experience designed to bring the community together while supporting local small businesses and animal rescue organizations.
The festival will feature dozens of artisan and specialty vendors offering handmade goods, spring décor, gifts, treats, jewelry, self-care products, and unique Easter basket finds. Guests can enjoy a lineup of food trucks, interactive vendors including face painting, fairy hair tinsel, glitter tattoos, henna, and permanent jewelry, and free meet-and-greet photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.
Timed Easter Egg Hunts will take place throughout the day for registered participants in age-specific waves (2–5, 6–9, and 10–12). Each egg is filled with special goodies, and select “Golden Tickets” hidden throughout the field will award chocolate bunnies and entry into a grand prize drawing at the end of each wave. Preregistration is required for all egg hunt participants, and tickets are limited.
There is a cost to participate in the Egg Hunt of $10 per registration.
In addition to celebrating spring, the event will support local animal rescues and shelters. Rescue organizations will be on site with adoptable animals, providing information about their missions and helping connect pets in need with loving families. The festival serves as both a joyful seasonal celebration and a platform for meaningful community outreach.
“This event is about more than an egg hunt,” said event producer Stay Salted Inc. “It’s about creating a full spring experience where families can shop local, enjoy great food, make memories, and support organizations doing important work in our community.”
Festival admission is free, and guests are encouraged to
bring cash as some vendors may not accept cards.
The event will take place rain or shine.
For Egg Hunt tickets, vendor registration information, and overall festival information, visit: www.tinyurl.com/ springegghunt2026
About St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church: St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point is a welcoming faith community dedicated to worship, service, and preserving Greek Orthodox traditions. Through cultural events, outreach programs, and community gatherings, the Church brings families together while supporting meaningful causes across Long Island.
Don’t Mistake A Shamrock For Any Old Clover
Muchlike New York City’s Empire State Building or Egypt’s great pyramids are in their respective countries, the shamrock is an icon in Ireland that has grown to symbolize Irish heritage and culture. Many products, sports teams, and businesses with ties to Ireland feature shamrocks in their logos.
So it should be no surprise that shamrocks are also a major part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. After all, this is a day to pay homage to Ireland’s patron saint — as well as the country itself.
The Irish are quite protective of their shamrocks, and some are quick to point out that shamrocks and certain clovers, including the supposedly lucky four-leaf clover, are not interchangeable. Some botanists will agree.
All shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks. The home and garden resource
The Spruce indicates that the term “shamrock” comes from the Gaelic word seamrog, meaning “little clover.” There is no consensus as to which
species of clover is the true shamrock. However, many botanists agree that the white clover (Trifolium repens) is the shamrock. However, the lesser trefoil, or hop clover, the black medick and red clover all can be contenders.
Four-leafed clovers of any variety are not shamrocks and should not be portrayed as such. That is because the shamrock is a three-leafed sprout that was believed to be utilized by St. Patrick to demonstrate the principle behind the Holy Trinity. St. Patrick, pointing to the three leaflets united by a common stalk, used this visual analogy to spell out the mystery of Christianity’s doctrine of three entities making up one Lord: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Therefore, for all the purported good luck finding a four-leaf clover may bring — based on mythology imparted by ancient Celts called Druids — it cannot be passed off as a shamrock.
Both clovers and shamrocks hold special meaning to the Irish. However, it is the three-leaf variety of clovers that defines the shamrock.
Locales With Considerable Irish American Populations
St.
Patrick’s Day celebrations are lively and greentinted affairs filled with music, dancing, food, and signature beverages like Guinness stout and Irish coffee. The phrase “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” has a lot of truth to it, as people from all walks of life enjoy having a little fun each year on March 17. But that fun might be amped up a little in cities with large populations of people who trace their ancestry to the Emerald Isle and locales where staples of life in Ireland are particularly accessible.
A local Irish pub tends to be a fun place to spend St. Patrick’s Day regardless of where the establishment is located, but in 2023 LawnStarter examined a wide range of variables in an effort to identify the most Irish cities in the United States. After gathering publicly available data that ranged from a city’s Irish population to its number of Irish dance schools to the amount of Irish pubs open within city limits, the team at LawnStarter came up with this list of the “Most Irish” cities in the U.S. The list is unofficial and intended to entertain as much as inform, but those looking to spend St. Patrick’s Day in a locale with a notably Irish feel can consider a visit to any of these cities:
1. New York, NY
2. Chicago, IL
3. Boston, MA
4. Philadelphia, PA
5. San Francisco, CA
6. Pittsburgh, PA
7. Denver, CO
8. San Diego, CA
9. Seattle, WA
10. Omaha, NE
Celebrants looking for cities where St. Patrick’s Day is a particularly big deal can consider a visit to these locales that LawnStarter identified as having the most St. Patrick’s Day events:
1. Chicago, IL
2. Boston, MA
3. Denver, CO
4. New York, NY
5. San Diego, CA
If it’s Irish dance performances you’re looking for, consider these cities, which LawnStarter found are home to more schools of Irish dance than other locales in the U.S.:
1. New York, NY
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Chicago, IL
4. Orlando, FL (tie)
4. San Diego, CA (tie)
4. San Francisco, CA (tie)
There’s much fun to be had on St. Patrick’s Day. And spending the day in certain locales may be even more amusing and enjoyable.
The Adventure Park At LI Kicks Off 2026 Season
The Adventure Park at Long Island, the region’s premier outdoor zipline and climbing destination, will open for the 2026 season on Friday, March 20.
A favorite spring tradition for families, teens, and thrillseekers alike, The Adventure Park invites guests to climb, zip, and explore 14 aerial trails and 49 ziplines set high among the trees.
To celebrate the season, the Park will offer special Spring Break hours from April 2–12, open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Plus, the fun continues with the return of the popular Easter Egg Hunt in the Trees. Guests can search for hidden “eggs” while climbing through the Park’s trails, and at the end of their adventure, enjoy a sweet treat from the Park Store. The Easter Egg Hunt is free to participate in with
the purchase of a climbing ticket. The full Spring 2026 schedule and hours are now available online.
About The Adventure Park at Long Island
The 14 trails at The Adventure Park consist of various challenges in the trees, including bridges, tightropes, ladders, and 49 ziplines. Participants wear harnesses with clips that connect to the trail’s safety system, ensuring that they are always locked on to the course until they reach the end.
The main trails are designed for ages 7 to adult, and an Adventure Playground provides a low-to-the-ground adventure experience for little climbers ages 3-6 Non-climbing participants are admitted free of charge to share the experience on the ground and enjoy the
property’s nature trails and picnic tables.
The Adventure Park at Long Island is open to the general public and is located on the Henry Kaufmann Campground on Long Island. The address is 75 Colonial Springs Road, East Gate in Wheatley Heights NY. Guests are encouraged
to book ahead on the Park's website or by calling 631983-3844.
The Adventure Park at Long Island is designed, built and operated by Outdoor Venture Group.
