Long Islanders Give Back

Considering the economic climate, many of us have more time to give to charity, than we have money. But if you do want give your time, how can you go about that?

I often hear from Long Islanders who don't know how to answer that question. Well, no more excuses! The Suffolk County Parks Foundation is hosting an event next week called the Volunteer Opportunity Expo, where you can find out about scores of volunteer opportunities with non-profits that are affiliated with Suffolk County Parks. Come learn about how your time and talents can help parks, historic sites and museums right in your own area. Students, seniors and everyone in between are welcome, no matter what your background or skill level!

The Volunteer Opportunity Expo is on Tuesday, October 18th from 6 tp 9 PM at the West Sayville Country Club. For more information, call (631) 854-4970 or click here.

I Hate to Complain, But...

My lawn looks terrible. And my flower beds look like the first frost has already struck! In fact, I have found myself hoping the cold weather arrives sooner rather than later. Why? Well, I have Hurricane Irene to thank for that.

Let me explain. I was among the lucky Long Island minority that had no complaints after Irene: We never lost power, didn't lose a tree, and everyone at my house remained relatively healthy and happy, despite the fact that all the malls were closed. Our biggest complaint is that we stocked up on non-perishable food and gallons of water that we didn't need, but we'll use it all...eventually.

Unfortunately, though, most of my neighbors lost trees, and some lost several. In a few cases, the uprooted trees tore up the sprinkler system. And since our neighborhood's sprinklers are interconnected...I now have a problem.

It took me several days to catch on that there was a problem. I couldn't fathom why my lawn was looking a little ragged, while the impatiens were getting wilty! And, since fixing the sprinkler system has turned out to be more of a challenge that my neighborhood expected (and since I am too lazy to water by hand, on more than a semi-regular basis), my poor yard is suffering.

So there you have it: My Irene complaint. Unlike most of Long Island, my complaint has nothing to do with LIPA, and truth be told, my annuals have more to complain about than I do (and, I fear, it is in fact my name that they are taking in vain, rather than Irene's). So now I find myself with the unusual hope that Mother Nature takes mercy on my yard and brings in the cold weather sooner, rather than later! My annuals need to be put out of their misery.

Of course, I understand completely if you don't share in my wish. Enjoy the rest of summer!

Yes, I am a Cheap Date...

 ...well, sometimes!

I will depart from my usual messages regarding news headlines, local events and charity happenings to ask you to share a restaurant review, if you wouldn't mind! Have you ever eaten here? If you have, you'll recognize the unusual roof ornament...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-National-Franks/147981456273?sk=reviews#!/pages/First-National-Franks/147981456273?sk=info

First National Franks is located in Medford and I guess I just can't resist a restaurant with a giant hot dog looming overhead. It reminds me of the kinds of eateries my working class family frequented...a LOT...in and around Farmingdale, circa 1975.

So I'm thinking of having my family take me to First National Franks for a birthday wiener this weekend. A uniquely-topped frankfurter just sounds like tons of birthday fun...

      ...do you agree?