Friday, May 9, 2025
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2023 Gift Guide for Grads

By
Erin Gilroy
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  1. A smart watch like a Fitbit for grads to track their steps on their new campuses. www.amazon.com
  2. An iPad to keep all their class notes organized (and to FaceTime you when they miss you!). www.amazon.com
  3. Jewelry to commemorate such a huge milestone.
  4. Book their Amtrak ticket home for Thanksgiving!
  5. Your grad can decorate their dorm with this hanging picture frame, with plenty of space for photos of all their loved ones. www.amazon.com
  6. Gift cards to their favorite chain restaurants to save them some pocket money when they dine out with their new friends.

 

Creating a New Vegetable Garden Bed: Part 2 of 3

By
Krista Pasfield
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Welcome to the second in a three-part series of my journey setting up a brand-new garden space. After a brief pause while awaiting supplies, construction of the new garden finally got underway in mid-April!

Location: My trusted automatic sprinkler vendor came by and marked out the existing heads. He’s accommodating of my ambitions and told me to build the garden wherever I want it, and then he’ll come reroute lines and sprinkler heads as-needed. I used tried and true plumb lines of landscaping flags, a tape measure, and string to mark the garden edges, and a rototiller to turn up the existing grass and a few inches of dirt. The area had been lawn for well over a decade, so loosening the soil was critical.

Building materials: For the garden bed itself, I selected 2” thick pressure treated lumber specifically formulated for ground contact. Depending on the seller, I also saw it called “severe weather” wood. Knowing that wood, dirt, and water can make for a rotten situation, I wanted to choose durable materials that will last. It’s definitely more expensive than regular wood, but at a big box store, it was way less than I would have paid for a pre-fabricated raised bed kit, and I was able to get the exact dimensions I wanted. As mentioned in Part 1, I wanted the bed to be slightly raised, so I chose 10” wide planks. The 4” x 4” vertical connecting posts are also treated for ground contact, and were cut to 4’ high. Note that big box home stores and most lumber yards will cut-to-size for you if you don’t have the tools at home.

Size and shape: Sticking with my planned “U” shape, the final overall dimensions are: 16’ x 12’.

Grow-goals: A garden will not thrive without proper dirt. I sourced the topsoil fill from a local nursery; if you do this, be sure to specify “screened” topsoil. Unscreened topsoil is less expensive, but you’ll end up paying for all sorts of non-garden friendly things mixed in. Quality topsoil is dark in color, rich looking, and smells great. Pro-tip: If math isn’t your favorite subject, your nursery will be happy to calculate how much topsoil is needed. You just need to provide the dimensions of the garden.

The nursery brought the dirt to my house in a dump truck and put it on a tarp I’d set up by the curb, on my lawn. Being a good neighbor and town code means keeping it off the street. The tarp is key to ensure you don’t lose too much of the dirt in the grass, and it can be helpful for condensing the pile. Then, it was gracious family labor, a borrowed wheelbarrow, and many trips to the backyard to relocate the dirt to its new location! I mixed in the rototilled grass with the new topsoil as additional compost. I was reassured about the quality of the dirt when I saw robins searching in it for worms. Pro-tip: have your dirt delivered when you’ll be able to move it immediately. Otherwise, the grass underneath will die in a day or two, especially if temperatures are warm. I don’t recommend having the dirt dumped in your driveway if it’s made of concrete, brick, or any other porous material, as the dirt may stain. The garden is now looking great and ready to go.

Next up: Planting, securing the critter fencing, and enjoying the results of hard work!

 

Taste of Summer ~ Dry-Brined NY Strips w/ Grilled Brown Butter Balsamic Onions

By
Art Department
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Dry-Brined New York Strips with Grilled Brown Butter Balsamic Onions

Prep time: 1-12 hours  ~  Cook time: 30-40 minutes  ~   Servings: 4

Dry Brine:

  • 4tablespoons Kosher salt
  • 1tablespoon coarse ground pepper
  • 4(11-ounce) Omaha Steaks Private Reserve Boneless New York Strips, thawed

Butter and Balsamic:

  • 4tablespoons salted butter
  • 2tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2teaspoons fresh thyme

Grilled Onions:

  • 2large sweet onions
  • 4wooden skewers, soaked
  • 1tablespoon olive oil salt, to taste pepper, to taste

To make dry brine: Combine salt and pepper; season steaks generously on all sides. Place steaks on elevated rack on baking sheet and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

To make butter and balsamic: Heat small skillet to medium high heat. Add butter and cook until butter begins to brown and smell nutty. Remove from heat and add balsamic vinegar and thyme. Set aside.

To make grilled onions: Peel off outer layers of onions. Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Lay onions on flat surface. Push skewers through centers of onions; two onion slices per skewer. Brush onions with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

To cook steaks and onions: Make two-zone fire on charcoal grill with coals on one side and no coals on the other.

Place onions on cool side of grill; flip and rotate every 10 minutes until golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes. Total time will depend on how hot coals are and how close onions are to fire. When onions are golden and tender, brush with brown butter balsamic mixture.

On hot side of grill, during last 15 minutes of cook time for onions, cook steaks to desired temperature. When steaks are 5° F from desired temperature, remove from grill and let rest 5-10 minutes.

Remove onions from grill. Carefully remove onions from skewers and place in serving dish.Top with remaining brown butter balsamic mixture and serve with steaks.

#15206 ~ Source: Omaha Steaks (Family Features)

 

4 Ways to Elevate Your Backyard BBQ

By
Art Department
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by Jessica Bromberger & Erin Gilroy

LAWN GAMES

Adding lawn games to your backyard BBQ will take fun and entertainment to the next level. Classics like cornhole, Kan jam, and ladder toss are perfect for all ages. These games provide a great way for guests to break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere, making it easier for people to interact and bond.

DRINK BAR

Setting up a drink bar with a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options can elevate your backyard BBQ experience. A drink bar allows guests to serve themselves with a variety of options to choose from. Consider adding a signature cocktail or mocktail to add a personalized touch!

UPGRADE THE MENU

Instead of just the typical hot dogs and hamburgers, try incorporating unique and gourmet dishes like grilled seafood, skewers, etc. Consider adding vegetarian and vegan options, too!

THEME

Adding a theme will create a fun and memorable experience for your guests. This will build a festive atmosphere and can even tie into the drink bar and menu items! A theme can also provide a fun dress code for the guests to follow, adding to the overall experience.

 

Northport Pridefest Welcomes the LGBTQ+ Community

By
Art Department
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Northport Pridefest Welcomes the LGBTQ+ Community

For the first time in Northport’s history, the community and its local businesses will be welcoming the LGBTQ+ community throughout June.

The month-long Pridefest celebration will begin on Thursday, June 1st, at 12 noon, with a ceremonial Pride flag raising at Northport’s Village Hall. Mayor Donna Koch will raise the Pride flag as bells ring from St. Paul’s Methodist Church to proclaim the official opening of Northport Pridefest. The mayor will be accompanied by other elected officials, community and religious leaders, the Village Police, local businesses, and members and allies of Northport’s own LGBTQ+ communities.

The highlight of Northport Pridefest will be “Pridefest in the Park,” on Saturday, June 17th from 1-4PM.  The event will be held in Northport Village Park, located on the waterfront at the foot of Main Street.  A crosswalk depicted in the PRIDE rainbow colors will direct visitors into the park. The festival offers a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to enjoy the day.

Throughout the day, visitors will be entertained by a DJ, live music, and other performances. There will also be a brief program of speeches from 2-2:30PM by elected officials, a religious leader, and event organizers. Vendors will be positioned at tents throughout the park, which include displays by non-profits, health-related organizations, faith communities, and businesses.

Pridefest in the Park is positioned as a “pre-tea” event. After the conclusion, attendees will be encouraged to walk to Northport’s restaurants, wine shops, and breweries.  Many shop keepers will be offering special merchandise and offers, and the Northport Historical Society Museum will feature a special Pride exhibition.

In a statement, Mayor Koch said . . .

“I invite all residents from Northport, our surrounding communities, and members of Long Island’s LGBTQ+ community for an inspiring day of fun and celebration on Saturday, June 17th.”

 

BiVio Ristorante Italiano

By
Joanna Adduci Reed
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1801 E. Jericho Tpke., Huntington ~ 631.499.9133 ~ www.bivioristorante.net

Located in Huntington, BiVio is one of a few select Italian eateries in the area that offers multiple menus, a charming atmosphere, and consistent quality cuisine. BiVio, translates to “fork in the road”, and in Huntington, you should choose the path that leads to BiVio to experience their authentic (reminiscent of your favorite homemade) Italian entrees, patio entertainment, and more.

While there may be a few modern elements intertwined with classic ingredients, the service, and atmosphere are nothing short of “old school”. BiVio is somewhere you feel at home, regardless of how many times you’ve visited this humble abode. The owner, managers, and staff are gracious, friendly, and 

accommodating. The servers are knowledgeable and always smiling, and this is something that stuck with me during my time at the establishment.

The atmosphere at BiVio is cozy and familiar. Simple and far from ornate, their style is classic – with a heavy focus on warmth and comfortability. A customer-loved patio, live music, and beautiful plating methods are unexpected, yet charming additions.

Their menu has multiple offerings, including appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, fish, chicken, veal, steak, and sides. Ingredients are fresh, and each entree I tasted had memorable elements. The fried options are lightly battered and never heavy, while the meat dishes are hearty and flavorful. I was especially fond of the daily specials they offer to the community including pasta night on Tuesdays, 25% off wine on Wednesdays, and Date Night specials on Thursdays. They offer your familiar favorites like Chicken Parmigiana and Marsala, while also covering the steakhouse beloveds like the NY Strip with herb butter, and skirt steak with horseradish sauce.

The “little touches” are the big winners here at BiVio, and the dedication to quality ingredients and family service separates them from many establishments I have previously visited in the area. The details are carefully thought through, and it is obvious to customers with each and every order. When you experience a meal at BiVio, you’re reminded of Sunday dinner with the family – wine flowing, multiple courses, sing-alongs – and an unspoken assured comfort that your entree will be just as good as it was last time. I truly believe consistency is one of the most important elements in the industry, and from my experience, BiVio has mastered this without question.

Whether you’re looking for a new neighborhood favorite or brainstorming where to host your next event, I recommend that you visit BiVio and experience their cuisine, hospitality, and “Sunday sauce with the family” atmosphere. New customers and existing patrons will certainly enjoy the experience and cuisine, regardless of the menu they choose to peruse. Located on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, open Sunday through Tuesday (closed Monday), I suggest you drop in and see what it’s all about.

Food with a View

By
Kristine Kelly Rubin
-

by Kristine Kelly Rubin

When I think about summertime, I think of good food and sunshine. Some of the best parts of living on Long Island during the summertime are the smell of the ocean on a hot day, eating fresh seafood, and sharing a cocktail with friends. When it is time for a night out you want to take advantage of the best that Long Island has to offer.

In the quintessential and quaint town of Port Washington, there are a few local spots that have some of the best views and food the area can offer. Louie’s Prime Steak & Seafood has been in the area for over 100 years, and it is a local favorite. Serving many options from their famous raw bar, fresh daily-caught seafood, and of course their classic ribeye, there is no shortage of options for the whole family to enjoy. The sizzling crispy calamari are a must, and if you are lucky enough, find a seat out on the deck. The views are great anytime, from lunch to a spectacular sunset. Don’t forget about Butler’s Flat, another favorite with fresh seafood, from delicious Lobster rolls to chowder to fried clams. Just make sure to bring your appetite. This location can be reached by land and sea alike.

If you are looking for a trip out east this summer, check out Cowfish in Hampton Bays. You can cozy up by the window and get a great meal right on the water while avoiding that dreaded Hamptons traffic. You can go for happy hour drinks, or a stop by for a delicious meal. On Fridays, they have live music from 6-9pm. Feel free to bring the kids, as this location is also considered family-friendly.

On the other fork, in Greenport, check out Fortino’s Tavern. This is a seasonal restaurant with some amazing food, service, and the best views that the area has to offer. The cocktails are delicious, cornbread is a crowd favorite, and sitting out on the dock for a meal is tough to beat. Be sure to also check Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market. They do not accept reservations, but it is well worth the wait. Order some fresh-caught oysters and a Bloody Mary and you are all set!

If you are looking for something other than seafood with good views, be sure to check out Purple Elephant in Northport. The food is Central and Latin American inspired with vegan, non-vegan, and gluten-free options, appealing to all appetites. Located in Britannia Yachting Center, this is a local staple. In the summer, sit on the outdoor back patio with a view of Northport Harbor. The nachos are delicious, both the vegan and non-vegan variations.

Wherever you choose to go out this summer, take advantage of what Long Island has to offer. We live in one unique place and there are so many hidden gems to explore.

Summer Fashion Essentials 2023

By
Tammy Severino
-

Summer is just around the corner. With her arrival comes the need for clothes that will keep you cool, comfortable, and, of course, feeling fabulous. Each season has its own list of trends and essentials. Let’s look at those you’ll need for a great summer closet.

With higher temps come lighter colors and fabrics. A few pieces in white will undoubtedly give you the start of many great ensembles. Be sure to include a white dress, T-shirt, tank top and pair of shorts. With any one of these as the anchor for your outfit, you will be off to a good start. A slip dress is always a good choice for summer. Consider a little longer than average for this year’s length. Try a light grey or off-white for an easy, breezy look.

A neutral walking short is a must for every summer wardrobe. Dress them up or wear them as part of an everyday look. Be sure to have a jean jacket in your closet along with a light cardigan. Long or short, they’re a great addition to any wardrobe and will keep you cozy on cool nights after the sun sets.

Jewelry and accessories are often able to steal the show against summer ensembles that are notably neutral or white palettes. Metallic jewelry in silvers and golds add a sparkly pop to any outfit. Consider hoop earrings, a simple necklace, a statement ring, or a wrap bracelet. Be careful to avoid wearing too much jewelry. One piece says a lot; several pieces say too much. A large summer tote is both practical and stylish. Go for a canvas tote or a woven weave (think raffia) in a generous size. They look great and come in handy on day trips when there is more to carry about. A fabulous summer hat, wide brimmed and in a woven weave, can turn a basic summer ensemble into a true head turner. Try on different styles and find the one that works for you.

Light and fanciful, summer sandals are a must for every closet. Whether you choose a platform espadrille or a classic two-strap, have at least one of these as your go-to. This is also the perfect time of year to add a crisp, white pair of sneakers to your collection. The bright white will work seamlessly with a wide variety of ensembles. Lastly, be sure to have a simple slip-on ballerina shoe to move around easily and look great doing it.

With these essentials in your closet, you’ll be able to add a few trendy pieces for the season. That’s the trick all year long – keep timeless pieces at the ready. Buy good fabrics that will last and be sure to give them the care they deserve. Then add a few seasonal, trendy elements for a look that always dazzles. Dressed to go out or simply casual, your style will be flawless as you look your very best.

 

5 Activities to Keep Children Active

By
Art Department
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Move All Summer Long

5 activities to keep children active

Everybody, no matter their age, can benefit from daily physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young children should be physically active throughout the day for growth and development. Despite the common misconception that children are in perpetual motion, the CDC reminds caregivers to encourage children to be active when they play.

“Physical activity is important because it is critical in assisting with gross motor development and helps support development in other areas,” said Khy Sline from KinderCare Learning Center’s education team. “Children thrive when we give them the tools to use their bodies and muscles in new ways and make mind-body connections.”

 

Consider these five activities to encourage children to get moving:

Blow bubbles. Appealing to children from infancy on up, seeing bubbles floating around can encourage babies to reach out and try to grab them, building arm strength and coordination. Toddlers and older children can run around the patio or lawn chasing bubbles and watching them pop.

Build a tunnel. Whether indoors or out, made from furniture covered with sheets or cardboard boxes, tunnels encourage children to move over, under, around and through, which helps them explore new ways of moving while also building coordination and balance.

Play hide and seek. As they dash around trying to find the perfect hiding spot, children build spatial awareness, their understanding of where their bodies are in relation to other people and objects.

Play red light, green light. This classic game helps children build coordination – connecting the verbal instruction with the physical movement – while also teaching them impulse control, an essential executive function skill. Be sure to get creative with instructions and add variations like tip-toeing, crawling, hopping and more.

Walk the line. Draw a line on the ground using chalk outdoors or painter’s tape indoors and encourage your children to walk along the line. This activity helps children improve balance and coordination. Get creative and add in a challenge by drawing a wavy or zig-zag line. Once your children get the hang of following the line, ask them to think of other ways to travel along that space, such as hopping on one foot or skipping.

 

 

 

 

 

(Family Features)

For more ideas to encourage physical activity among children, visit kindercare.com

Fresh Summer Flavors Fit for the Patio

By
Art Department
-

Gatherings in the summer sun are all about easy, convenient recipes combined with the joy warm weather brings. Spend those special occasions with those you love most and make this summer one to remember with flatbreads, sliders and sweet treats for all to share.

Keeping cooking simple means more time on the patio or in the backyard engaging with guests, and these Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads, Chicken Shawarma Sliders and Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit let home chefs skip complicated kitchen duties without skimping on flavor.

 

Summery Flatbreads for Family and Friends

When dining outdoors with family, friends and neighbors, there are few things better than a tasty dish the whole family can enjoy like these Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads.

Perfect for al fresco entertaining when served alongside a fresh salad, they’re simple to make and allow guests to personalize with preferred toppings before popping in the oven. As a colorful and fresh dish, it’s an ideal meal for get-togethers on the patio.

 

Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads

Recipe adapted from butteryourbiscuit.com

2          flatbreads

2          cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1          clove garlic, diced

4          chicken tenders, cooked and cubed

1          pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1/2       cup ranch dressing

1 1/2    teaspoons chipotle seasoning

2          tablespoons cilantro leaves, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Place parchment paper on baking sheet and add flatbreads. Sprinkle cheese on flatbreads. Top with garlic, chicken and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake 16 minutes until cheese is melted.

In small bowl, mix ranch and chipotle seasoning.

Drizzle ranch dressing on flatbreads and sprinkle with cilantro leaves.

 

Shareable Sliders for a Nutritious Summer Meal

Fresh, mouthwatering foods hot off the grill are a sure sign of summer fun. Hosting sunny get-togethers this year can be made easy when you show off your grilling skills with a simple, nutritious and flavorful recipe.

These Chicken Shawarma Sliders are a delicious example of how to grill healthy summer meals without forgoing favorite flavors. They’re part of a curated 12-recipe collection of healthy, balanced dishes from the snacking experts at family-owned Fresh Cravings, known for its chilled salsas, hummus and other dips, which teamed up with eMeals, America’s leading provider of meal plans.

“These sliders are a fantastic – and healthy – option for your next gathering,” said eMeals Senior Nutrition Writer and Editor Rachel West, RD. “The marinade uses a mix of pantry-friendly dried herbs and fresh garlic to give the lean grilled chicken breast some oomph. The lettuce and red onion add cool crispness and crunch to the sandwiches while Fresh Cravings’ creamy, flavor-packed hummus gets some nutritional bonus points by providing a dose of protein and fiber.”

Chicken Shawarma Sliders

Recipe courtesy of eMeals Registered Dietitian Rachel West

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

2          pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3          tablespoons olive oil

4          cloves garlic, minced

1/2       tablespoon smoked paprika

1/2       tablespoon ground cumin

1/2       tablespoon ground coriander

1          teaspoon salt

1/2       teaspoon cayenne pepper

1          package (12) slider buns

1          container (17 ounces) Fresh Cravings Honey Jalapeno Hummus

1          package (8 ounces) shredded lettuce

1/2       small red onion, sliced

In zip-top plastic bag, use meat mallet or heel of hand to pound chicken to even thickness. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in large bowl. Add oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne; toss.

Cover chicken and chill 8 hours, or up to 2 days.

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 4-5 minutes per side, or until done.

Serve chicken on buns with hummus, lettuce and onion.

 

 

Unforgettable Fruity Flavor

Summertime often brings cravings for fresh fruits that add a hint of sweetness to warm-weather gatherings. Serving up a delicious dessert for family and guests starts with favorite produce in this Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit.

The touch of tangy tartness is enough to bring loved ones to the dessert table even after a filling meal as fresh lemon juice in the cheesecake base is complemented perfectly when topped with orange slices and raspberries. Garnished with mint leaves, this brightly colored treat is even sweeter when shared with loved ones.

Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit

Servings: 6-8

1 1/4    cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4       cup sugar

1/4       cup butter, melted

2          packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

3          eggs

1/4       cup fresh lemon juice

1          teaspoon vanilla extract

1          orange, peeled and separated

8          raspberries

3          mint leaves, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Pour into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed.

Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled. Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle. Top with mint leaves.

 

 

 

 

(Family Features)

Visit Culinary.net to find more simple summer recipes to share with loved ones.

Find the entire recipe collection by visiting emeals.com/campaign/Fresh-Cravings-Healthy-Eats.

Smithtown May 2023

By
Art Department
-
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Northport May 2023

By
Art Department
-
Error embedding FlippingBook shortcode, please check the flipbook url. (https://online.flippingbook.com/view/441154083/)
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