NY/COASTAL COLLECTIVE-The Amityville Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Real Broker NY/Coastal Collective at 152 Broadway in Amityville. On hand to celebrate were: Owner Jennifer Ronzo, her team members Ali Gordon, Christine Locher-Miller, Michelle Celi, Rebecca McDonald, Taryn Aponte, and Christopher Ronzo, Amityville Village Trustee Roger Smith, TOB Clerk Gerry Compitello, friends, family, local business people, and members of the Amityville Chamber of Commerce. Good Luck, Jennifer!
Prom Night Prep Tips For Parents Helping Teens
Prom is a teenage rite of passage. Prom night provides one more exciting adventure in a school experience that likely began with preschool jitters and will soon culminate in graduates receiving their high school diplomas.
Prom planning often reaches a fever pitch a few weeks before the big event. A significant amount of time and money can go into making prom a night to remember. While teens may be focused on fashion and fun, parents may be wondering what they can do to help steer their sons and daughters in the right direction. Here are some pointers for families preparing for prom.
• Set a budget: Inflation and supply chain issues have contributed to rising prices on many consumer goods, so prom attire and accessories may cost more than expected. Determine how much you can reasonably contribute and consider asking your teenager to help cover some expenses. When teens contribute financially, they may be more mindful about spending. Renting a gown or tuxedo instead of purchasing one outright also can help reduce costs.
• Be a parent first, friend second: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the months of April through June can be especially dangerous for teens, particularly when it comes to alcoholrelated traffic accidents. Some teens may see
prom night as an opportunity to experiment with alcohol or drugs. Parents should not condone underage drinking, whether hosting teens at home or organizing an after-party at a hotel or restaurant. Providing alcohol to anyone under 21 is both irresponsible and illegal in the United States.
• Set an example by staying calm: Prom planning can be stressful, especially when schedules, reservations, transportation, and attire all need to come together at once. Even though
teens may appear mature, emotions can run high when things do not go according to plan. Parents can help by reacting calmly to challenges and modeling problem-solving skills when unexpected obstacles arise.
• Stay involved: An involved parent can help teens make safer choices. Parents should know who their children will be spending time with, where they plan to go after prom, and how they will get home safely. Open conversations about boundaries, curfews, and expectations can help reduce risky behavior and encourage responsible decision-making.
• Discuss safety ahead of time: Talk with teens about the importance of traveling with trusted friends, staying aware of their surroundings, and contacting a parent or guardian if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Encourage teens to keep their phones charged and share transportation details before leaving for the evening. Having a plan in place can provide peace of mind for both parents and teens.
Prom night can be a memorable and enjoyable milestone in a teenager’s life. With thoughtful planning, open communication, and parental involvement, families can help make the experience safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
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Great Spaces To Host A Graduation Party
Graduation season has arrived, and with it comes plenty of celebrations honoring students who have spent years working toward a diploma or degree. Graduation parties commemorate students’ hard work, and there are many great places to host these special events and make the occasion even more memorable.
• Hotel with a private event space: Hotels are excellent venues for larger parties because they often provide everything needed — including catering, staff, overnight accommodations, and audio-visual equipment — in one package. Check local hotels to see if their banquet or meeting spaces might be a good fit for a graduation celebration.
• Acti vity spaces: Many graduates prefer something less formal than a traditional party. Activitybased venues, such as boutique bowling alleys, arcades, or entertainment complexes, allow guests to mingle, move around, and play games while celebrating the graduate’s achievement.
• Outdoor parks or community spaces: Towns and municipalities often have outdoor venues that can be rented or reserved for little to no cost. Covered pavilions, picnic areas, and park shelters can provide budget-friendly spaces to celebrate outdoors during warm-weather graduation season.
• Community centers or halls: Venues such as firehouse party rooms, VFW halls, or community centers often offer affordable rental options and the convenience of hosting outside the home. Party planners can bring their own food, entertainment, and decorations, allowing greater flexibility and
creative control over the event theme.
• Home or backyard celebrati ons: Graduation parties held at home offer a relaxed atmosphere and flexible schedule for guests to stop by throughout the day. If space allows, homeowners can rent tents, tables, flooring, and lighting to transform a backyard into an elegant venue. Home parties can range from casual cookouts to elaborate catered affairs.
• Family-style restaurants: Restaurants that can comfortably accommodate large groups help ensure guests stay well fed and relaxed while honoring the graduate. Some establishments may require a prix fixe menu for larger parties to streamline kitchen operations and service. Even so, multi-course menus can provide good value and make hosting a stress-free experience.
• Rooftop or waterfront venues: Scenic venues with waterfront views or rooftop settings can add a memorable backdrop to a graduation celebration. These spaces often create a festive atmosphere and provide excellent opportunities for photographs with family and friends.
Graduation parties are a staple of late spring and early summer, and there are plenty of ideal locations where family and friends can gather to celebrate graduates and their accomplishments.
You Can Join In Eat Pizza & Treats
Hope For The Warriors’ 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge
Registration is open for the Hope For The Warriors 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge, a free virtual wellness event focused on physical and emotional well-being while honoring U.S. service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Hosted by Craig Conover, a Bravo television personality and Hope For The Warriors board council member, the challenge runs May 1–30. Participants commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day for 30 consecutive days. Activities may include walking, running, hiking, swimming, strength training, or dancing.
Individuals and teams can register at hopeforthewarriors.org. Participants may log daily activity through the website to track cumulative progress and earn up to 30 mission points each day. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants at the conclusion of the challenge. Participants will receive twice-weekly emails offering motivation, wellness tips, and ideas to support sustained physical and mental health. In addition, signing up for the 30x30 challenge provides access to the Hope For The Warriors’ sports and recreation resource library, which contains exercise demonstrations, healthy eating tips, and mindfulness activities.
“The 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge continues to be a powerful way for people to come together in a meaningful way,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “Its virtual format allows participants everywhere to honor our military community through a shared commitment to wellness and remembrance.”
For more information or to sign up for the Memorial Day 30x30 Wellness Fitness Challenge, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
To watch Craig Conover’s invitation to join his Hope For The Warriors 30x30 Memorial Day Challenge team, visit instagram.com/p/ DWo3VVPDMNf/?hl=en
About Hope For The Warriors: Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving
Continued On 14
Tips To Throw A Memorable Graduation Party
Each year, newly minted graduates proudly don their caps and gowns and walk across countless stages to receive their diplomas or degrees. Graduation is a proud moment for students, and that pride is shared by family members and close friends who have supported them throughout their academic careers.
Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. Planning a graduation party takes some effort to ensure the event is worthy of this significant moment in a student’s life.
Begin with a theme
Hosts can select a theme that aligns with the graduate’s interests. Consider themes tied to what a new high school graduate plans to study in college, or make the theme reflect the career path a recent college graduate hopes to pursue. Additional ideas include the graduate’s favorite movies, musical interests, cherished hobbies, or love of travel.
Set a budget
Establish a clear budget to manage expenses and prioritize key aspects of the celebration. Hosting a party away from home may seem more expensive, but when hosts factor in tent, table, chair, catering, and décor rentals, booking a venue may actually be more affordable. Comparing all potential costs can help party hosts determine the best option and create a realistic budget.
Make the venue interesting
If possible, tailor the venue to the theme. For example,
if the graduate loves the ocean and beach, a beach bonfire party can make for a memorable celebration. Graduates who enjoy concerts might appreciate a party that recreates the feeling of a live performance. Hire a musician, set up stadium-style seating, and create a stage where the performer can entertain guests. Afterwards, hire a DJ or stream a playlist created by the guest of honor.
Create a grand entrance
Find a fun way for the graduate to make a memorable entrance. Perhaps the lights can be dimmed before a spotlight shines on the graduate. For a sports-themed celebration, the graduate can run through a breakaway banner similar to a football team taking the field before
kickoff. A creative entrance can add excitement and help make the event unforgettable.
Include fun activities
Dancing, photo booth sessions, scavenger hunts, or demonstrations tied to the party theme can keep guests entertained throughout the celebration. Games and interactive activities also can help guests mingle and create lasting memories.
Keep the food simple
Keep the graduate’s favorite foods in mind and offer dishes that are familiar and crowd-pleasing. There is no need to serve elaborate or exotic cuisine; guests are more likely to remember flavorful foods and generous hospitality. A signature cocktail or mocktail also can add a personalized touch to the party.
Capture the memories
Create opportunities for guests to share messages and memories with the graduate. A guest book, memory jar, or instant-photo station can provide keepsakes the graduate will treasure long after the celebration ends.
If the idea of planning a graduation party alone seems daunting, particularly during a busy season when dates and venues book quickly, a professional party planner can be an invaluable resource. With some preparation and creativity, family and friends can celebrate graduates in a way that is both fitting and memorable.
Town of Babylon Celebrates the Legacy of Salvatore Messina with Memorial Street Renaming
e Town of Babylon proudly honored the life and legacy of Salvatore C. Messina with the ceremonial renaming of North Oak Street at Bethpage Road in Copiague as Salvatore C. Messina “Sal’s Fruit Tree” Memorial Way.
Supervisor Rich Scha er and Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez joined members of the Messina family, friends, and community residents to celebrate a man whose hard work, generosity, and dedication to Copiague made a lasting impact on generations of local families.
For more than 50 years, Sal’s Fruit Tree served as far more than a neighborhood produce market. e longtime Copiague business became a cherished community landmark and a symbol of family values, perseverance, and hometown pride. Known for his kindness and commitment to residents, Salvatore Messina built relationships throughout the community that extended well beyond his business.
e Town recognized the memorial street naming as a tribute to Messina’s enduring legacy and the positive in uence he had on the lives of countless residents over the decades.
Town o cials thanked the Messina family for sharing Sal’s story and for allowing the community to honor his memory in a meaningful and lasting way.
Wiley Students Stitch Together Creativity And Confidence
Students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School in the Copiague School District are weaving together creativity, patience and new skills through the school’s Crochet and Knitting Club. The club, which consists primarily of fourth and fifth grade students, meets weekly to work on independent projects with guidance from advisor Ms. Soto. Throughout the year, students have learned
a variety of crochet and knitting techniques while creating their own scarves, bracelets, purses and clothing items. The club encourages students to express their creativity while also developing focus, perseverance and fine motor skills through hands-on learning.
Ms. Soto supports students during club meetings and beyond by uploading instructional videos to her
Google Classroom page, allowing them to continue practicing and learning new techniques at home. The club, which has about 25 members, has quickly become a favorite activity for many students, giving them the opportunity to collaborate with peers while building confidence in their abilities and taking pride in their handmade creations.
Members of the Crochet and Knitting Club at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School in the Copiague School District. Photo courtesy of Copiague School District
8 Games To Try At Your Next Backyard Bash
Games can enhance any outdoor function. Whether at the beach or in one’s backyard, activities can keep guests entertained between the food and other refreshments. The good news is that most games designed for these types of functions are appropriate for players across a wide range of ages.
The following are eight games that can add excitement to any outdoor gathering.
1. Ladder toss: Also known as ladder golf, this game requires players to toss string-attached balls onto a ladder-shaped target. Points are awarded depending on which rung the ball lands on.
2. Kubb: Pronounced “KOOB,” this Swedish lawn game is believed to have originated during the era of the Vikings and is best described as a blend of bowling and horseshoes. Two teams compete to knock over their opponents’ wooden blocks by throwing batons.
3. Cornhole: Many people have played cornhole, which involves tossing bean bags at a cornhole board. The objective is to get the bag into the hole or onto the board to score points. The game can be played as singles or doubles, and the first team to reach 21 points wins.
4. Spikeball™: Also called Roundnet, this two-on-two sport is played by hitting a ball off a net with the goal of preventing the opposing team from returning it within three touches.
5. Ring toss: This game tests hand-eye coordination. Players take turns tossing rings onto target pegs. Each peg is worth a different number of points, and the first player to reach the agreed-upon score wins.
6. Connect Four in a Row: Giant versions of familiar tabletop games also are available for yard use. In this game, players try to get four chips in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
7. Kan Jam®: Similar to cornhole or horseshoes, Kan Jam® features two teams of two players who alternate throwing a frisbee and trying to deflect it. The goal is to get the frisbee into the can.
8. Rollers: Goals are placed 25 feet apart, and players roll wooden discs in an attempt to get closest to the goal. Each side of the disc has a different number that determines the point value.
Backyard events can be enhanced with a little gameplay, and there are plenty of fun options for your next gathering.
MAY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, MAY 28th, thru SUNDAY, JUNE 7th
MIDWAY HOURS: 5-10 pm
Monday - Thursday, 5-11 pm Friday, noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday. Aqua Live Spectacular showtimes are 7 pm and 9 pm daily, with an additional 3 pm performance on Saturday and Sunday.
SOUTH SHORE MALL CARNIVAL
South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Hwy. in Bay Shore. Thrills galore are in store at this family-friendly annual event, from exciting midway rides and games for all ages to the Aqua Live Spectacular water stunt show starring enchanting aerialist mermaids, "The Hurricane" waverunner jet ski and more -- plus plenty of palate-pleasing carnival eats. Please visit the website, for more information https:// dreamlandamusements.com/
FRIDAY, MAY 29th, thru SATURDAY, MAY 30th
Friday, 10:00AM-4:30PM Saturday, 10:00AM-3:00PM SPRING BOOK SALE
Friends of the Babylon Public Library Spring Book Sale, 24 South Carll Avenue in Babylon. Come shop for books, DVDs, CDs, and more! Thursday evening hours are reserved for Friends members only, but you can become a member at the door! Proceeds from the book sale help pay for the library’s Museum Pass Program. For more information, please call 631-6691624
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
FRIDAY, MAY 29th, thru SUNDAY, MAY 31st
Friday & Saturday 4:00PM -10:00PM
Sunday, 2:00PM to 8PM
SEAFORD SPRING JAM at the Seaford Train Station. The Seaford Spring Jam returns to Seaford Station along Sunrise Highway for Three Nights. It's a Carnival, a Music Festival and a Food Truck Rally... all jammed into one! For more information, please call 516-644-5615
SATURDAY, MAY 30th
8:00AM-1:00PM
MULTI-FAMILY INDOOR YARD SALE
Food, Thrift Shop, Antiques and so much more! Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
10:00AM-4:00PM
WESTBURY STREET FAIR
149 Post Avenue in Westbury. Family shopoping fun! A great way to spend the day. Vendors, local artists, Art Exhibit, food trucks, live music. Free admission and parking. For more information, please visit https://nassaucountyfairs.com/
SUNDAY, MAY 31st
1O:00AM-4:00M
STREET FAIR
Rain Date: Sunday, June 7th. Deer Park Avenue North in Babylon, Hale Rd to Stone Ave. Live Music, Performances, Food Court, Inflatables, Vendors, Raffles Arts and Crafts.
11:00AM-6:00PM
ANNUAL ISLIP STREET FAIR ON MAIN STREET
517 Main Street in Islip. Hosted by the Islip Chamber of Commerce, it is a Quarter-Mile Long fair route stretching from South Bay Ave to Smith Ave. The Street Fair fosters a genuine sense of community pride that is heightened by all the fun features the Chamber has added, which include: a Giant Craft & Vendor Bazaar, Magnificent Kids Funzone, The Tasty Tailgate Food Truck Rally, The New York Islanders Slapshot Booth, Face Painting, Raffles And So Much More! Admission to the fair is free. The event is rain or shine (no rain date) For more information, please call 516-644-5615
Doors open: 1:00 PM Games start: 2:00 PM SUPERMARKET BINGO & CHINESE AUCTION
Our Lady of Lourdes School Auditorium, 855 Carmans Rd. in Massapequa Park. Admission: $25 per adult (18+ only), cash or check (payable to OLI Columbiettes) Limited seating— buy tickets early. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes (Our Lady of the Island Council) For more information, please call Joan Donovan: 516-659-6519 | jdonovan17@aol.com, Diane Esposito: 516445-9128, diane. esposito.mpk@gmail.com
On April 28th, the Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition participated in DEA National Fentanyl Awareness Day at Lindenhurst High School and we couldn’t be more proud of the student who made it happen.
Thank you Vanessa And Maddie!
Our youth coalition leaders organized and designed the entire awareness table in the school rotunda, reaching every student who came through during lunch. Interactive activities included the One Pill Can Kill and Real vs. Fake pill recognition display, a sugar scale demonstration showing the terrifyingly small amount of fentanyl that can be lethal, and a prize wheel that kept the energy going all day.
Our team connected one-on-one with students, provided Narcan kits to those who needed them, and shared information about local resources, including our Pizza Box Campaign, which is bringing prevention messaging from middle schoolers through restaurant partners right here in the Town of Babylon.
Thank you to Lindenhurst High School for welcoming us, and to every student who stopped to learn something new.
Popular Prom Songs Through The Years
Popular songs provide the soundtrack to young adults’ lives. Such songs offer comfort when hearts are broken, provide common ground with peers, and can even lift a person up during a study session or before a big game.
Music also plays a large role on prom night. Prom playlists are often a mix of high-energy anthems and slower ballads. These songs can serve as poignant reminders of the ups and downs of high school. Memories sparked by music can last long after photos or other mementos are forgotten.
2010s: Electronic Dance Influence
Over the last 30 years, certain songs have become associated with the eras in which they first debuted. Naturally, these songs also were popular at proms during those years. Here is a look back at some of the most memorable prom songs from the 1990s through today.
1990s: Iconic Power Ballads and R&B Slow Jams
Proms during the 1990s were dominated by larger-than-life soundtracks and R&B groups, which balanced the grunge and hard-rock sounds of the era. This was the peak of the slow-dance era, with many songs also serving as movie soundtrack favorites.
• “I Swear,” All-4-One
• “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” Bryan Adams
• “Finally,” CeCe Peniston
• “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” Aerosmith
• “My Heart Will Go On,” Celine Dion
• “I’ll Be,” Edwin McCain
• “Tha Crossroads,” Bone Thugs-NHarmony
2000s: Party Anthems
The 2000s ushered in an energy shift toward hip-hop and club hits that kept dance floors packed. Proms became more upbeat and energetic with playlists like these.
• “Yeah!,” Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
• “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers
• “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira
• “Get Low,” Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
• “If I Ain’t Got You,” Alicia Keys
• “Chasing Cars,” Snow Patrol
• “Hero,” Enrique Iglesias
The party continued into the next decade with the rise of electronic dance music and songs that sparked viral moments on early social media platforms. The following songs were likely heard at many proms throughout the 2010s.
• “Uptown Funk,” Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
• “Party Rock Anthem,” LMFAO
• “All of Me,” John Legend
• “Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran
• “Timber,” Pitbull featuring Kesha
• “Shut Up and Dance,” Walk the Moon
• “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift
• “Despacito,” Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee
2020s: Nostalgia and Viral Hits
The modern era’s prom songs reflect a mix of 2000s nostalgia and tracks that have gained popularity through social media.
• “Stay,” The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber
• “Levitating,” Dua Lipa
• “About Damn Time,” Lizzo
• “As It Was,” Harry Styles
• “good 4 u,” Olivia Rodrigo
• “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
• “Pink Pony Club,” Chappell Roan
Timeless Favorites
While current hits tend to dominate prom playlists, certain songs remain staples year after year.
• “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey
• “Cupid Shuffle,” Cupid
• “Cha Cha Slide,” DJ Casper
• “Dancing Queen,” ABBA
• “Starships,” Nicki Minaj
• “Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond
Prom music helps create the soundtrack to students’ lives and can help people remember the feeling of that special evening long after prom has come and gone.
Copiague Memorial Public Library
50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726
Tel 631-691-1111 Fax 631-691-5098
Cookies, Coffee and Karaoke
Friday, May 29
3:00 - 5:00 PM
It’s Karaoke Friday! Sing your favorite song or enjoy the tunes sung by your family and friends. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
Defensive Driving
Saturday, May 30
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Save money on your car insurance! A $33.00 fee payable to Diana APW (Accident Prevention Workshop) by check, money order or cash is due the day of class. Please arrive early to sign in. Late comers will not be admitted. Please bring a pen and your driver’s license. Registration is required.
Baby Shower Donations
June 1 - August 31
Help us celebrate and support the newest members of our community! Your donation will help provide essential items and resources for new moms and their babies in our community. From diapers and baby care supplies to books and comfort items, every contribution makes a meaningful difference during those first precious months. Thank you for helping us give families a strong, supported start!
Every gift, big or small, helps give babies a happy, healthy start.
Creative Writing
Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Become a better writer and unleash your creativity in this fun and supportive environment. Patricia Rossi will be back to teach this hands-on workshop for writers of all levels. Participants will be given creative writing prompts and share their work as they develop their skills. Registration is required.
Afternoon Book
Discussion
Thursday, June 11
3:00 - 4:30 PM
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Download a copy of this
book from Libby or pick up a copy at the Circulation Desk. Registration is required.
Long Island Sierra Club: Island Harvest Thursday, June 11 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Join Senior Supervisor of Farm and Garden Programs, Cassidy for an engaging talk about Island Harvest’s organic farm and its educational programs. Located on two acres at the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent in Brentwood, the farm provides sustainably grown produce to the community while serving as a hands-on learning space. Discover how this unique initiative combines education, sustainability, and service to make a meaningful local impact. Registration is required.
Hope For The Warriors’ 30x30
Memorial Day Challenge
Continued From 5
transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At
HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served
our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors. org.
Jones Beach State Park To Hold Emergency Training Exercise
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Park Police will conduct a largescale simulated emergency response and disaster training exercise on May 31, 2026, within Jones Beach State Park. The training will focus on coordination and emergency response during several simulated scenarios.
The public should be advised that a noticeable increase in law enforcement and emergency services presence will be visible throughout the exercise near field 5 within Jones Beach State Park. The emergency management exercise will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. on May 31, 2026. The exercise will involve personnel from Park Police,
New York State Police, Nassau County Police, Wantagh Fire Department, and operational staff from Jones Beach State Park. Additionally, representatives from other federal, state, and local agencies will be involved in support of and coordination with exercise operations.
The area around Jones Beach Field 5 will be closed to the public. All area traffic will be alerted to the exercises at all entry points into the park. Weapons used during training exercises are incapable of firing a live duty round.
Park Police are seeking volunteers age 18 and older to portray park visitors from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Individuals under 18 who are enrolled in an auxiliary, explorer, or similar youth program may volunteer with parental consent. Volunteers will need to provide a signed volunteer service agreement at the time of service. A copy is available at parks.ny.gov/sites/default/ files/VolunteerService AgreementEnglish. pdf. Please send completed volunteer agreements and questions concerning volunteers to ParksEmergencyMgmtExercises@parks.ny.gov. Refreshments will be available.
Score A Good Grade On A Graduation Dinner
Students spend a good portion of their lives studying. By the time graduation arrives, thousands of hours spent on homework and writing term papers have passed. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of U.S. high school graduates was expected to reach nearly 3.9 million students in 2025. The Education Data Initiative says 2.168 million bachelor’s degrees were conferred in spring 2025 in the United States. Individuals on the precipice of the next chapter in their lives are certainly worthy of celebration. A graduation dinner might just be an A-plus idea.
A graduation dinner is all about balancing the magnitude of the occasion with a relaxed environment for the graduate. Here is a syllabus for a seamless graduation meal.
• Secure the date. Graduation season is one of the busiest times of year for restaurants. Between May and June, millions of graduates will don caps and gowns and then be eager to celebrate. For those who are not hosting at home, it is essential to move quickly to secure a reservation. Book a reservation as soon as you know the graduation date.
• Consider another day. Graduation ceremonies tend to run late. Rather than feeling beholden to the actual graduation date and worrying about making it to the venue on time, consider hosting the graduation dinner the evening before or after to sidestep the post-commencement rush.
• Ask about packages. Speak with the
catering manager at the venue to find out if there is a specific party or graduation package. Many places offer limited prix fixe menus for large groups so the kitchen can operate efficiently. Be sure the graduate’s favorite foods are included on the menu; otherwise, broaden the venue search.
• Consider an at-home affair. Although it may involve extra work, hosting at home enables you to customize the menu to reflect the guest of honor’s favorite foods. Personalizing the meal with dishes inspired by school colors, a signature cocktail or mocktail, and themed desserts can make the event even more memorable. Not all of the food has to be homemade. Hiring a caterer and setting up buffet-style chafing dishes can make hosting less labor-intensive.
• Truly take the cake. Don’t forget to feature a centerpiece dessert. Beyond the classic “Congrats, Grad!” sentiments, consider a cake topper customized to the graduate’s area of study. A stethoscope for someone entering health care or a stock market ticker for a finance major can make the cake especially unique.
• Keep the program short and sweet. Graduates have already endured plenty of lectures and speeches, so any remarks should be brief. Highlight a specific honor or achievement, and skip lengthy slideshows or photo montages. A simple framed “then and now” photo featuring the graduate on the first day of kindergarten or preschool can serve as a meaningful conversation starter.
Classifieds
Farmer’s Market Returns
To Amityville On Saturdays
At the Great Lawn on Broadway, next to the historic First United Methodist Church, the Amityville Farmer’s Market will return. The Grand Opening will be Saturday, June 6, from 9 A.M. – 1 P.M. Sponsored again by the Bay Village Civic Association, there will be a local farmer, and many returning vendors.
Food vendors will include Dobler Farms, Baked at
Home, Frank’s Italian Market, Horman’s Pickles, Montauk Fish, Angie’s Empanadas and more. They will be joined by familiar craft vendors including Crochet by Pat, Liz Knits, Silk Petals and others.
Two new local vendors, Butterfly Bouquets and Sweet Clementine’s Deli, will also be part of the Market.
As in the past, the Bay
Village Civic Association will sell “Amityville on the Bay” merchandise. They will also share updates on events in the Village.
It’s an eagerly anticipated community event that signals summer! Visit the Amityville Market on Saturdays from June 6 until October 24.
For more information, contact amityfarmers market @gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol.com.
Local Resident for 50 Years...
Thank You For Trusting Me With 34 Years In Real Estate
I’ve proudly called this area home for nearly 50 years - raising my three children here, watching them grow through our schools, and enjoying everything our community offers, from beautiful parks and local sports to being just minutes from the beach and a quick ride to New York City.
For 34 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping my neighbors buy and sell their homes. To all my past and present clients - THANK YOU. Your trust and support means everything to me.
I remain committed to providing the A1 service you deserve - every step of the way
If you’re thinking about making a move, I’m always here as
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