This year the Labor Day parade in New York City will not be held.   The Assicated Press recently reported that instead the Central Labor Council will hold a rally on September 8th at the World Trade Center site.  The change is done to highlight labor issues related to the long-term impact of the attack on  9/11.  Many first responders have suffered ongoing health problems.  This umbrella group of unions decided that shifting the labor day parade would bring attention to the chronic health effects and the need for ongoing monitoring, and for medical treatment and worker’s compensation.

Come to festival to show your support for a fundraising benefit on Fire Island on Sunday August 12th.  This is the 1st Annual Fire Island 5K Run and Benefit. The race bgins at 10:30 and due to an overwhelming response the race is now at full capacity.  There will be  a post race festival & BBQ at Ocean Bay Park immediately following the run.  There will be live music and a DJ,  food and beverages, and a raffle.  This is a good event for the whole family.  All proceeds go to the American Brain Tumor Association.

The story behind this special event was covered in  a recent Newsday article: Fire Island race benefits brain tumor research (Aug 5, 2007). John and Anthony DiGangi organized this run and festival to honor their mother Rose who is coping with a malignant brain tumor (glioblastoma).  All funds raised will go to the American Brain Tumor Association with the hope of researching this type of brain tumor. The organizers encourage people to come out, enjoy the day and donate to an important cause.  Unique raffle prizes like an opportunity tojoin the Mets photographer at batting practiceand at a Mets Game will appeal to many People on Long Island.

Complete information is available on The Last Mile Race Management Company website. They are managing the race and event.

The Paumanauke Pow-Wow is a celebration of people, gathered in honor of Native American culture. Rated the “Best Hobbyist Pow Wow in the Nation” by “The Spike”, this August festival offers the public an opportunity to be immersed in Native American culture, sample Native food, costumes, arts, crafts, song and dance. A major portion of the proceeds provide Native American Scholarship awards.

This special event takes placeat Tanner Park in Babylon.  More ifnormation and directions are available on the Bablyon Citizens Councilon the Arts website.

The festival begins on Saturday at 10 AM.  The grand entry is at 12:30 PM and 7 PM with closing at 10 PM.  The festival re-opens Sunday at 10 AM and ends at 5 PM.  The grand entry on Sunday is at noon.

There will be a new effort by New York City and neighboring county governments to crackdown on illegal home improvement contracting.  A joint press release was issued yesterday: NY OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF COORDINATED ENFORCEMENT TARGETING UNLICENSED HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS.

Unlicensed home improvement contractors often do not perform quality work or follow required standards.  In the end this may cause consumers grief and result in higher costs and even put some homeowners at risk.  Home improvement contractors that do not comply with the law will face larger fines, vehicle seizures and other penalties.  In addition the NYC DCA has been combatting deceptive advertising in the home improvement industry and related illegal loan offers in the advrtisements.

New York City DCA Commissioner Jonathan Mintz, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Roger Bogsted, and Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas J. Spota made the announcement together.  Representatives from the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection were also present at the press conference.

We have a number of categories related to Long Island home improvement services in our online bsuiness listings.  The listings include Nassau County and Suffolk County.  The categories include:

• Long Island home improvment contractors
• Long Island home heating system installation and repair services
• Long Island bathroom remodeling contractors
• Long Island building supplies
• Long Island kitchen remodeling contractors
• Long Island masons and stone work
• Long Island heating oil services
• and more…

If you have any concerns about these contractors please let us know immeiately.  We will be including  a new service where our website directory visitors can review individual business.  Look for this new feature in the coming months.

The press release described above also provided information on points of contact to check on whether a home improvement contractor is licensed.  You can also file a complaint on these government agency websites:

• New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
  (Dial 311 or www.nyc.gov/consumers)
• Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs (www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oca)
• Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs
  (www.co.suffolk.ny.us or 631-853-4600)

Starting today, Friday August 10, 2007 and running through Sunday, August 12, 2007,  the Metro NY Ballon & Music Festival provides a wide ranging and wonderful family entertainment experience.  Of course, the hot air ballons and music are a major attraction but you’ll also find carnival and cirucus entertainers, a custom car and motorcycle show and a fireworks display. 

The headlining music events include Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Head Automotica, and Senses Fail.

The carnival midway  offers rides and games for all ages.  The Garcia Bros. circus provides a bilingual show with 4 to 5 Big Top shows daily.  Universl Custom Car, Inc. has csutom vintage HotRods on hand along with current cars and motorcyles that represent the latest design trends in custom autos and vehicles.  The Grucci Fireworks provide a national class program of fireworks.

Each day has a different schedule of events so check the offical website of the Metro NY Ballon Fest to get all the details.  The ballon rides are scheduled at specific times so be sure to check those times if you want to paticipate in this activity. In addition to the main events you and your family can enjoy stunt shows, a monster truck rally, and an arts and crafts show.

Many people are starting to look into the conditions know as gluten allergy and gluten sensitivity.  If you live on the east end of Long Island and are curious about these issues then you may be interested in a free lecture in Hampton Bays this weekend.  Michael Thorn, RN, in association with Suffolk County Celiacs is presenting a free seminar at Wild By Nature on August 11th from 1 pm to 2 pm.  You will find out about gluten free diets and be able to ask your own question about this medical condition.  There will be a free gluten free pasta tasting too! 

Event location:
Wild by Nature
260 West Montauk Highway
Hampton Bays NY