“Lisa did an outstanding job in both the sale and purchase of our new home. Lisa was able to maximize our purchasing power as well as get top dollar for our home. She was very attentive and always felt informed. I would highly recommend Lisa Locorriere as your real estate agent if you want superb service and the best possible price for your purchase or sale of your home. Thank you Lisa!!!”
- L.G. via Zillow
“Business First has saved us nearly $3,200.”*
—Lisa Basini, Baking Coach, Bellport
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.
NECK LANE WEST ISLIP
Welcome
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!
Bob Scarito
Michael Scarito
Bob Scarito Licensed Broker Associate
Michael Scarito Licensed Broker Associate
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.
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
Health & Hygiene Drive
Through April 26
We’re collecting new toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, and more. These personal care items will be distributed by library teen & tween volunteers to organizations that help those in need of essential day-to-day health supplies, along with the Library's Little Essentials Pantry on the lower level. All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Emma Clark’s Seed Library will be fully restocked in time for the first day of spring on March 20!
The Seed Library, located between the Adult Reference Desk and the Café, is a collection of flower, herb, and vegetable seed packets available for all gardeners in our community. The seeds are all organic; many are also Long Island native plants.
Below the Seed Library, you’ll find the Seed Swap Box, designed for the public to donate and share seeds. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. These will not be inspected or cataloged by the Library.
Seed packets are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. The Seed Library is a growing collection, and new varieties of seeds may be added from time to time. Similarly, as seed packets are taken, not all may be replaced, as we have a limited number of seeds available. Please be mindful of what you take, and remember this is a shared resource for all in our community
More information may be found at emmaclark.org/seedlibrary
Shed the Meds
Wednesday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to offer a safe way for residents to properly dispose of unused medications. Bring your family’s non-liquid drugs/medications to the
Periodical Room (1892 library).
Please note: The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office cannot accept liquids or needles. They are only accepting unused or expired medications from individuals (not large quantities from a doctor’s office or health care facility). No registration is required. All are welcome).
Safe Boating Course
Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The New York State Safe Boating Course is mandatory for anyone, regardless of age, who operates a boat, watercraft or Jet Ski in NY State, and we’re offering it here at Emma Clark Library.
After completing this course, you will receive a New York State Safe Boating Certificate.
All classes are open to Adults, Teens, and Tweens (Ages 10+). Taught by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. In this two-part, 8-hour course, Captain Rich Cloonan will teach the basic principles of safe and responsible boating.
Students must be at least 10 years old to attend the course and must attend both class sessions to receive certification. This class is open to both residents and nonresidents. The $40 per person materials fee must be paid to the instructor at the first class (pay with cash or Venmo).
Registration is required and is now open at emmaclark.org/NYSSafeBoating
Adults
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Evening Book Discussion
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s Lobby. No registration required.
Wednesday, March 11 – Two Irish Novellas: Foster and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Wednesday, April 8 – The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian (Book pickup starts 3/11)
Kids “Drop In” Activities
During Spring Break
School’s out! Head to the Library. These programs have no registration. For questions, email kids@emmaclark.org
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs!
Thursday, April 2, 10:30 a.m. – 12noon Drop by the Children’s Library for a paws-itively fun buffet of cat and dogthemed crafts! Perfect for ages 3 – 11 years old with caregiver.
Diamond Art
Friday, April 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12noon Bedazzle a keychain or sticker. Perfect for Grades K - 5 with caregiver.
Holiday Hours
Emma Clark Library will be closed on Easter (Sunday, April 5).
If you live in Suffolk County, chances are you’re familiar with Team Scarito of RE/ MAX. The father-andson duo, Bob Scarito and Michael Scarito, have proudly served Long Island for more than 50 years - building their reputation one successful transaction at a time.
Grounded in trust, reliability and decades of experience, their business is defined by a commitment to exceptional service. For Team Scarito, working in real estate is more than a professionit’s a passion and a privilege. They
understand that buying or selling a home is often one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life, and they approach every listing with the care, integrity and personalized attention every client deserves.
Lifelong local residents, the two officially joined
forces after Michaellike his father - earned his MBA. He later went on to lead finance departments at several top corporations, but while the career was rewarding, constant travel kept him away from home, which is never easy with two young children. When his father invited him to help grow his business, Michael was hesitant at first. But after careful consideration, he took a leap of faith. That decision proved transformative. Together, they’ve sold more than 4,500 homes across Long Island, building a reputation not only
for results, but for genuinely caring about the people they serve. Long Island isn’t just where they work and live, it’s a community they care deeply about. Deeply rooted here, they say, “We’re 100% invested in this.” With strong relationships within local government
and the community, they have insight that goes far beyond real estate, which helps them guide their clients even more. Combined with their strengths in communication and negotiation, that local expertise makes them a truly dynamic duo. “We keep it very simple with two reasons to sell your home with us: we have the best rates and unparalleled experience, knowledge and results.”
To reach the team, contact 631.338.5018.
BOB SCARITO
MICHAEL SCARITO
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.
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
Shake Up Lenten Dinners With Variety
It’s customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. It is a sacrifice symbolic of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. “Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be
Seafood Pancakes
Makes 4 to 5 pancakes
2 ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded
2 ounces clams, cleaned
3 1⁄4 ounces rice flour
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 1⁄2 ounces self-rising flour
2 tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large pinches of sea salt
3 1⁄2 ounces brown shrimp
5 spring onions, julienned
1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a tasty dinner.
1. In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s three-quarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.
3. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the frying pan as needed.
5. Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce.
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 12 fluid ounces Guinness stout 1 bunch fresh parsley 1 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.
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.
Tea has 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
• 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.
