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Family Features Summer is a time of playground fun, swimming, boating, biking, camping and other outdoor activities. Unfortunately, these activities can lead to a higher risk of injuries. Playground 101 Make a Safe Splash |
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Get Into The Swing of Summer Safety
Bring Your Roar to Brooklyn
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 John has a master’s degree in exercise science/human performance and doctoral studies in applied physiology. He’s formerly certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Rehabilitative Program Director and Health Fitness Director. He’s authored a college level text for fitness, wellness and conditioning classes. He’s a former baseball coach and all conference collegiate player. He can be reached jrutig@att.net |
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The Islanders are moving to Brooklyn and the Long Island hockey fans will “Bring the roar to Brooklyn”. Barclays Center, now home to the Islanders, will pay homage to the Islanders tradition and promote the team with great respect for the loyal Islanders fans. The team’s logo and colors will not change. The big four STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP banners and six retired jerseys will sway with pride from the rafters. Your favorite announcer Roger Luce, from Nassau Coliseum will continue tradition as announcer at Barclays Center. The great Islanders legends Mike Bossy, Butch Goring, Clark Gilles and Bobby Nystrom will serve as chosen ambassadors to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and will be making guest appearances. The current super-fan group – Blue and Orange Army will relocate and lead the chants from section 229. The venue has some magnificent features. The Islanders glass seats offer the best sightlines of any other arena in the NHL. The seats on the glass are positioned three feet higher than average front row seats, and make you feel you are on top of the action. Suites at Barclays Center are the closest to the ice of any NHL team in the New York market. General season tickets for the Islanders inaugural 2015-16 season at Barclays Center went on sale in February. You can purchase season tickets by calling 844-33-Isles or by going online at www.barclayscenter.com/ny-islanders. Half season plans will soon go on sale. The West End Club offers premium seats at ice level behind the west end goal. It’s just steps away from the Calvin Klein Club and Calvin Klein VIP entrance. Plans are being made with the Long Island Railroad to feature prioritized service to specific branches for Islanders fans after hockey games. “Bring Your Roar to Brooklyn” and watch the Islanders take it all the way. |
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Beach Attire Alternatives
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| With 4th of July just around the corner, we have yet another reason to exercise our love for the summertime and dress up for the holiday that celebrates our independence. So why not exercise your fashion independence as well with alternative pool and BBQ party outfits that will leave you feeling confidentially cool no matter what. Although pool and BBQ parties call for extremely casual attire, they are also the perfect place to ditch your old rollover shorts and favorite t-shirt and trade them in for something with a little more style to help you stand out and feel your best. A super easy pool outfit, which also can act as a bathing suit cover-up, is a romper. This one-piece article comes in various styles, colors, patterns and sizes and is also extremely easy to pack as a change of clothes since its one piece. The best part about a romper? Not having to worry about trying to match your shorts and your top. If you are attending a nighttime BBQ and it’s a little chilly out, a jumpsuit works similarly to a romper, just with pants instead of shorts. Rompers and jumpsuits are generally made out of soft, cotton fabric, making them stylish, comfortable and practical all at once. If dresses are more your style, but you don’t want a tight dress that shows your weird bathing suit lines through it, the shift dress is an easy and cute fix. Shift dresses, while being great for all occasions, are more roomy and comfortable because of their flowy, easy and “shapeless” style. Perfect to throw over your bathing suit or even to wear for a night out to dinner, this style beats the shorts and tank top combo in not just looks but also in comfort. Another style that works as an alternative to the average pair of soffe shorts are the ever-popular patterned shorts. These shorts, available at many retail stores and smaller boutiques, are comfortable, loose fitting and can be worn with almost any plain colored top. They usually are slightly high-waisted so they could even be worn as an alternative to high-waisted jean shorts for additional comfort and a little more room to breathe. These alternative styles, while perfect for a 4th of July party you are attending or hosting, are also perfect for any summer day. Rompers, jumpsuits, shift dresses and dressy patterned shorts are all styles that are here to stay this season. Their comfort, style and practicality make them perfect outfit choices that will leave everyone envious of your style. |
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Unexpected Guests
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 Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie, a quality consignment outlet. Hear Natalie’s design tips on WALK 97.5 FM, enjoy her Long Island Focus featured in House Magazine or call: 631.862.6198 |
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Oh, the relaxing days of summer…So, who’s relaxing? We know it’s not anyone expecting company or surprise visitors. I often begin one of my seminars by asking: What if the phone rings and a dear pal from your far distant past is on the other end, an hour away between planes, and just dying “to stop by for a quick visit”? What would you do and is your home “visitor ready” at all times? To make entertaining less stressful, have on hand at all times: fresh fruit, nuts, cheese, wine and crackers, and treat yourself to the purchase of fresh flowers weekly or pick some from your own garden. *Photo Caption: Our Uniquely Natalie Quality Consignment Store can get you ready for guests all year round with furniture and accessories at prices that will amaze. |
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Dishin with Denise… Boom! Bang! Pop! Crack! Sparkle!… Pull?
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 Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licensed agent at Signature Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com. |
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Yes~ “Pulled Pork” for your ~4th of July celebration! Easy~ prepared in a flash! Let’s celebrate our nation’s Independence Day with a sizzling backyard gathering. Invite family, friends and neighbors for this delicious crowd-pleasing recipe, truly one of America’s all time favorite meals. Display your Grand ol’ Flag and let the festivities light up your yard and fire up your spirits. I promise making this recipe is simple, easier than American~Apple Pie! (Good idea for desert…hmm) Homemade coleslaw or a really good one to top these sandwiches and good bakery rolls or buns and you’re set. Trust me even our “old friends” from (1776) would be proud!!! 1 7-8 lb pork boneless shoulder roast Put cut roasts into slow cooker with onions, and all ingredients (1 bottle of sauce for cooking) Cook on low slow and long approx 8 hours or so. When fork tender~ remove from crock and set onto cutting board. Shred meat with 2 forks. Strain onions and discard liquid. Add meat and onions back into crock with new sauce, coat to your liking. Have A Happy 4th of July! |
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Panera Bread Calls Chipotle’s Bid To Deliver Healthier Food To Customers
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| In an effort to change the obesity problem in America, more and more people are on a quest to eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle. Today the amount of people choosing to eat healthier is rising like a tidal wave and so are the profits of those companies willing to accommodate this healthier food choice. Chipotle Mexican Grill recently announced that their food has become GMO free at no additional cost, in support of their effort to provide high quality food to its customers. Not to be outmatched, Panera Bread has made a healthy change of their own. Panera Bread is a chain restaurant that started out in 1981 as Au Bon Pain Co, Inc. and was founded by Louis Lane and Ron Shaich. It wasn't until 1999, after significant success, that the name changed at many locations to Panera Bread. Today Panera Bread has over 1,800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Initially, Panera Bread was well known for its fresh baked breads, fresh cracked egg breakfasts and freshly prepared sandwiches. Subsequently, Panera started to go in the opposite direction, as the eggs became pre-cooked and the oatmeal would slide out of a plastic bag after being heated. But now, it would appear that Panera Bread has had a revelation and truly endeavors to provide healthier food for its customers. Panera Bread has announced their commitment to eliminate all artificial preservatives, colorings, sweeteners and flavors in their food by the end of 2016. This includes dropping some 150 different ingredients from their menu items. According to Panera Bread, "We are committed to making a positive impact on our food system. We believe guests deserve to know not only what is in their food, but where it comes from and how companies are impacting the food system." Panera further stated, "If the ingredients in your food are unpronounceable we believe they shouldn't be in your food." When asked why they haven't eliminated GMO's from their food, a Panera Bread representative explained, "GMO's are a tremendously complex issue due to their extensive reach into America's corn, soy and sugar supplies-ingredients and sub-ingredients in much of the food we eat. For Panera's menu… the task of identifying GMO's is additionally complex." The Panera representative continued by saying that they do however, support having a federal GMO label law so that people can at least know if GMO's are in the food they eat. While eliminating artificial ingredients from their food is certainly commendable, it is difficult to understand why Panera Bread could not eliminate GMO's as well. Clearly, eliminating GMO's wasn't too "complicated" for Chipotle and they even did so at no additional cost to the consumer. In addition, while its nice that Panera Bread supports a federal GMO label law, that is not a valid excuse for failing to voluntarily label and identify GMO's in their food. Many companies have voluntarily labeled their foods GMO free, Whole Foods is in the process of implementing a store wide voluntary GMO label program and Trader Joe's maintains that all foods bearing their label are GMO free. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is clear that the American people are demanding a healthy change in our food system and restaurants are finally starting to respond to that demand. Years from now historians will look back in disbelief and question why we allowed the Biotech Industry, to effectively contaminate our food supply for as long as they did. The ostensible answer will be corporate greed, lust for power and the love of money. |
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Visiting Long Island’s Fairs & Festivals
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Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| Long Island is a veritable playground of festivals and fairs. Nearly every weekend from May through October, you can find events with music, crafts, artisans, rides, yummy foods and more. Throughout the season, over 30 town-wide fairs, often produced by local Chambers of Commerce, are held, offering local businesses an opportunity to put their best feet forward. Such is the case of the Bellmore, Mineola and Smithtown Street Fairs. Some run for one day; others for a weekend. Check chamber websites for details on fairs in your area. Head east to the 61st Mattituck Strawberry Festival (June 18-21) to sample all things strawberry. The Heckscher Festival, held at Heckscher State Park (June 20-21), offers games and activities to please the whole family. July brings us across the south shore from the Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue (July 17th) to the Hamptons Food & Wine Festival (July 25-26th). August bring Haunt Faire, a tribute to all things scary (August 1-2nd) while North Fork Craft Beer Festival in Calverton will entice craft beer lovers (August 8th). The following day the LI Potato Festival sets up at Calverton Links, featuring a farmers’ market and a tribute to LI’s history. From August 7-9th the 26th Annual Sayville Summerfest is underway, a family fun festival featuring the region’s boating roots. That same weekend, Sag Harbor’s American Music Festival takes place, featuring live performances with Americana flair. The end of the month brings us to Suffolk Community College for the LI Shakespeare Festival (August 28-29th). As September arrives, so does the 69th Annual Shinnecock Pow Wow Native American Indian Festival (4-7th), Westhampton Festival of the Arts (September 5-6th), and 4th Annual Long Beach International Film Festival (September 24th). Three of the biggest festivals take place toward the end of the ‘season’ and draw tremendous crowds. The Greenport Maritime Festival (September 25-27th), produced by the East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation, offers music, movies, tall ships, great food, and more. It is everything you think of in a nautically themed event. The Huntington Fall Festival (October 9-12th), fills Heckscher Park with rides, games, food, music and vendors as far as the eye can see. Oyster Bay’s Oyster Festival (October 17-18th), the largest waterfront festival on the east coast, offers family activities, seafood and shopping, all while raising funds for local charities. Whatever your interests, LI’s festivals and fairs have it. Go to one; go to many…try them out and have a great time! |
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Things To Do With Dad On Father’s Day
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Father's Day is a day to honor all the men who play a special part in your lives: Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers or any man important to you. We've got suggestions for how to plan a memorable Father's Day to show your appreciation for all they do each and every day.
Brooklyn Barclays Center Imagine Dragons
Bethpage Polo At The Park
Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise
Long Island Ducks: Bethpage Ballpark
Schedule a Tee-Time
Last but not least… |
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Dishin with Denise… Shish-ka-“Dad”
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My father’s name was not Bob! For the love of dear ol’ Dad, Summer comes to call…on the 3rd Sunday in June, this is when we pay special loving attention to all of the Father’s past, present and future. On Father’s Day we celebrate the beautiful paternal bonds they have formed, or are still forming. Father’s Day is practiced and celebrated worldwide with the same sincerity and respect that we pay to other significant holidays. President Woodrow Wilson was the 1st U.S. President to celebrate Father’s Day, June 1916. In 1924 Calvin Coolidge declared it a National Holiday and then President Johnson by official order made Father’s Day a Holiday to be celebrated annually on the 3rd Sunday in June. Take the day and make your plans, find the opportunity this day offers. Get closer to your Dad or any special man you honor as a great Father. Let them know you’re proud of them and appreciate their selfless care and the strong protection and influence they provide. “ One Father is more than a hundred school masters!” (George Herbert). My own Dad just loved beef as he was from a long line of butchers in Sicily. So…Shish~ka~Bob was usually a favorite for him. Really easy to prepare and makes a colorful presentation and covers all bases, meat, potatoes, and vegetables. (Perhaps fruit too~ pineapple or any fruit) I use 3 lbs of sirloin tip cubes that I marinate for 2-3 days in the original Mc Cormicks meat marinade packets (I use 3 packets) to which you add oil, vinegar, water (directions on packets) and I splash with a bit of Worcestershire sauce. I mix all in a large zip lock bag, add meat, seal, shake and refrigerate. I boil red baby potatoes with skins, wash 2 lbs of white or baby portobello mushrooms, 2 containers of cherry tomatoes, red onion in chunks and yellow peppers. I like to skewer each item separately for more control as each food cooks at different levels, (tomatoes grill quick) While grilling, use excess marinade from meat and brush vegetables to flavor. Make it a stay day vacation! A simply unique giving of your time, and a delicious meal full with textures of imagination. A side salad, crusty grilled bread, a glass of wine, or a bottle of beer, an afternoon with you, a nap in his comfy hammock and you’ll make any Dad a happy one! Happy Father’s Day!… |
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Father’s Day Eats: Dos Caminos Modern Mexican Cuisine and Tequila Lounge
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 Joe Alicata is a 2009 graduate of Northport High School, he has his B.A. in Public Administration from the University at Albany. Joe works in the radio industry, is a member of the Advisory Board for the Northport High School Academy of Finance (AOF) program, and is a Director for Northport Student's Mean Business. He can be reached at etrestaurants@gmail.com |
| When searching for the perfect place to take Dad this Father’s Day, the menu of options is almost limitless. Brunches, lunches and prix fixe dinners. This is all fine and dandy, if your Dad is the type to do brunches, lunches and prix fixes. Mine on the other hand, not so much. My Dad will opt for the prix fixe dinner every so often, but as someone with a hilariously entertaining personal space issue, he is not exactly cut out for brunch buffets; and as far as lunch goes, he is pretty easy to please, just hand over the cold cuts and stand back. That said, my family and I decided to roll the dice this year and we’ll be taking him some place he has never been, in Manhattan… for Mexican food. You can almost hear the SNL writers calling. What will keep this venture from devolving into public embarrassment and utter failure is the venue. Dos Caminos Modern Mexican Cuisine and Tequila Lounge. A member of the BR Guest Hospitality group, Dos Caminos has four locations in New York City: Dos Caminos Soho, Dos Caminos Meatpacking, Dos Caminos Park Avenue and Dos Caminos Third Avenue. I have been to the location on Third Avenue (825 Third Avenue between 50th and 51st) previously with a colleague of mine, and fell in love with the place immediately. When you first walk in you are welcomed into a warm, open space with high ceilings and a bar on your left with plenty of seating. For my reservations, we were led downstairs into a brightly lit and lively dining area, with its own corner bar and numerous modern art pieces dotting the landscape. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the service is as well. Being a guacamole enthusiast, I recommend the appetizer plate of guacamole and salsas to start your meal. Your only problem will be if you order the portion for two and not four, as this may very well be the best guacamole I have ever had; perfectly seasoned and creamy while not being overpowered with onion, garlic or spice as is sometimes the case with restaurant guac. For dinner, Dos Caminos tackles a number of Mexican staples with their own unique flare. From tacos and empanadas to quesadillas and burritos, Dos Caminos offers flavorful spins on contemporary favorites. My personal favorite and a dish I will remember for some time, the Oaxacan-Style Shrimp Quesadilla. Served open face, it is almost like a pizza, with the perfect amount of melty, cheesy wonderfulness balanced with the light and fresh seafood atop it. If you are looking for a contemporary place to take your Dad this Father’s Day, and don’t mind making the trip into the city, Dos Caminos offers a unique dining experience that will make this Father’s Day memorable. Check them out online at www.doscaminos.com. Happy Father’s Day! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.