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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.

Town Officials Celebrate 100th Birthday Of Longtime Farmingdale Resident

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand, Councilman Andrew Monteleone, and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca recently attended the 100th birthday celebration of Giuseppina Calamusa Grazia. Giuseppina was born on May 17, 1926 in Calatafimi Trapani, Italy, immigrating to America in 1971, and ultimately settling down in her home in Farmingdale. She raised her 4 daughters alongside her late husband, Giovanni, and now has 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Throughout her century of life, she has found great joy in knitting– especially baby blankets– and spending time with friends and family. Happy birthday to you, Giuseppina!

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

Local Businesses Invited

To Participate In Upcoming Health & Wellness Fair

Do you have a health and wellness business? Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone invites local businesses to participate in an upcoming Health & Wellness Fair being held in conjunction with the 2026 Empire State Ride Long Island, taking place on the streets of Oyster Bay on Saturday, June 13th.

“The Empire State Ride is Long Island’s largest charitable cycling fundraiser to benefit cancer research, and this year the event will feature a Health & Wellness Fair on the streets of Oyster Bay,” said Councilman Monteleone. “This great event draws thousands of residents to our historic Town, providing visitors with the opportunity to take part in interactive wellness stations, demonstrations

and discussions. Interested vendors are encouraged to sign up to participate in this year’s event.”

Event coordinators, including the Town of Oyster Bay, Oyster BayEast Norwich Chamber of Commerce and Empire State Ride Long Island, are inviting potential vendors who believe their company

would benefit from participating in the program to reach out today. For additional information, or to request an application, interested businesses can contact the Town of Oyster Bay Special Events Division at (516) 7974127 or email kludwig2@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

Passwords on Multiple Accounts

(NAPSI)—According to a recent Aware poll, most people use the same password across multiple accounts, which means that if a hacker has a password to one account, they can likely access several of that person’s accounts. For further facts, visit www.aware.com.

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.

A Powerful New Memoir Explores Love, Waiting, And The Unspoken Realities Of Caregiving

And I Wait…, a deeply moving debut memoir, offers an intimate look into the emotional landscape of caregiving, resilience, and the quiet moments that shape us.

Through honest and reflective storytelling, And I Wait… captures the experience of standing beside a loved one through illness—where hope, uncertainty, and strength coexist. With a voice that is both compassionate and unflinching, the author invites readers into the spaces often left unspoken: the waiting rooms, the pauses, and the life that exists between before and after.

This memoir

resonates with caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who has faced the complexity of loving someone through difficult transitions. It challenges the notion that there is “nothing more to be done,” offering instead a perspective rooted in presence, dignity, and enduring connection.

And I Wait… is now available on Amazon.

For more information, please visit: https://a.co/ d/0aCvJFMM About the Author

The author brings a unique perspective shaped by both personal experience and a deep understanding of care, illuminating the emotional truths that

connect us all.

Dr. MaryAnn Fragola, Doctor of Nursing Practice, is Chief of Wellness Services at New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, where she specializes in Supportive and Palliative care. For more than twenty-five years, she has guided patients and families through serious illness, focusing on dignity, comfort, and quality of life.

And I Wait… was born from a deeply personal experience. When her father was diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Fragola found herself on the other side of medicine — not as the clinician, but as the daughter. Writing this memoir became

part of her own healing and a way to give voice to the complex emotions caregivers often carry but rarely express.

Through her work and her writing, she remains committed to helping patients and families navigate illness with honesty, compassion, and presence. She hopes this story helps caregivers recognize that many of the thoughts and emotions they experience during illness and grief are more normal than they realize.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, time with her family, and the loyal companionship of her German shepherds.

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.

Annual Street Fair

1:30pm-2:15pm The “CQ Experiment” Featuring Chantal 2:30pm-3:30pm The Acchords-The Top Doo-Wop Group in NY

L.I.

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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