7-01-2025 10:52am

Ecco L'Estate! - Summer's in Full Swing

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - SUMMER'S IN FULL SWING

It's summer. How splendid. Ahhh...exhale. I've decided to write about summer all summer long. Ecco L'Estate! Here's to Summer!

Summer has been celebrated throughout lifetimes. It's worth honoring as we slow down and take a break from our commitments that keep us bound all year long. It's when we put on our summer outfits and walk barefoot through the grass. It's spending long days at the beach until our skin is sun kissed. It's taking walks at night with fireflies fluttering around us. It's eating al fresco as we watch the sun go down. Summer is magical.

Each summer, I make a list of places I want to visit. In my last article as part of my summer series, Ecco L'Estate!, I wrote about The Ocean Beaches of Long Island. There are so many beauties to choose from. I think I've been to most of them, but there are still a few that I haven't been to. Perhaps this summer. Where will you go?

One of my favorite beaches is Cupsogue Beach County Park in Westhampton on Dune Road. Cupsogue has a rich history rooted in its name's Native American origin and its connection to Fire Island. The name "Cupsogue" itself comes from a Native American word meaning "a closed inlet". Initially, the land where the park now sits was part of Fire Island. However, a significant shift occurred in 1931 when a Nor'easter created Moriches Inlet, separating the area and eventually forming the barrier beach we know today. The Suffolk County Parks Department acquired the land in the 1950s, and by the 1970s, the park was developed with a pavilion and boardwalk. Here's a more detailed look at the history:

1690s: The Native American word "Cupsogue" is used, meaning "a closed inlet".
1931: A Nor'easter creates Moriches Inlet, separating what is now Cupsogue Beach from Fire Island.
1933-1938: Moriches Inlet is further enlarged.
1950s: Suffolk County Parks Department acquires the land.
1970s: Pavilion and boardwalk are added to the park.
2012: Hurricane Sandy creates a breach connecting the ocean and bay at the eastern end of the park. This breach is later closed with a $6 million project, according to the Suffolk County Parks Department.
2014: A fire destroys the Beach Hut at Cupsogue.

Cupsogue Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Long Island. Because of its limited access, it doesn't get the overwhelming crowds that Robert Moses or Jones Beach can get. It's an easy ride, too. Just head east on Sunrise Highway to Exit 63 Westhampton and go straight down, cross over Montauk Highway. Follow the signs to the beach, go over the Quogue Bridge and make a right on Dune Road. Take it to the end right into Cupsogue Beach County Park. It's that easy.

You don't have to be a Suffolk County resident to park at Cupsogue, but the entry fee is higher for non-residents. You will save money if you are a resident of Suffolk County by purchasing a Green Key Card. This is good for other county parks as well. Check out the link for more information and where you can purchase a green key card:

https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks/Green-Key-Card

Wherever you go this summer, be sure to spend time at the beaches of Long Island. You don't have to travel far to feel like you're getting away. Passiamo una bella estate! Let's have a lovely summer!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, summer can enhance our life, expand our mind, and enrich our soul. The beach is the best place to spend a long, hot summer day. Pack a bag of lunch, plenty of drinks, your beach bag, a chair and a blanket, and head east. It never gets old.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is a sweet place called John Scott's Surf Shack. Located at 540 Dune Road in Westhampton just near Cupsogue Beach, John Scott's Surf Shack is one of the best spots around this summer. They can't wait to welcome you to their outdoor waterfront patio. You'll love it here.

Open daily 12-10pm

631-288-5810 or 631-288-5815

www.johnscottssurfshack.com

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was the crescent moon that adorned the night sky this past Monday evening. Bella Luna!

"When you get down, look up. The sky has magic in it." - Skylark

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

As summer is in full swing, please keep our children safe. Amen.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Where will you take your grandchildren or nieces and nephews this summer? If you don't have any, will you take your friend's grandchildren or nieces and nephews somewhere fun?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under this post. I'd love to hear from you.

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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

Italian: Estate ragazzi!

English: Summer, kids!

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - DANCIN' DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN by LED ZEPPELIN

LYRICS

Dancing days are here again,
As the summer evenings grow.
I got my flower, I got my power,
I got a woman who knows.

I said it's alright,
You know it's alright,
I guess it's all in my heart.
You'll be my only,
My one and only,
Is that the way it should start?

Crazy ways are evident,
By the way you wearin' your clothes.
Sippin' booze is precedent,
As the evening starts to glow.

You know it's alright,
I said it's alright,
You know it's all in my heart.
You'll be my only,
My one and only,
Is that the way it should start?

Do Ya?

You told your mother I'd get you home,
But you didn't say that I got no car.
I saw a lion, he was standin' alone,
With a tadpole in a jar.

You know it's alright,
I said it's alright,
I guess it's all in my heart, heart, heart.
You'll be my only,
My one and only,
Is that the way it should start?

So dancing days are here again,
As the summer evenings grow.
You are my flower, you are my power,
You are my woman who knows.

I said it's alright,
You know it's alright,
You know it's all in my heart.
You'll be my only, yes
My one and only, yes
Is that the way it should start?
I know it isn't.

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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My brand, Skylark Live, began when I turned 60 and noticed a profound shift. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature aging through knowledge and self-awareness. Andiamo! Let's go!

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then I introduce a new topic. My vlog is live on my YouTube channel, Skylark Live, and you can view it at any time. Just click the link to subscribe: (736) Skylark Live - YouTube

HOW TO SUPPORT ME

Patreon - This is where you can financially support my brand. It enables me to write my newsletters and create my vlogs to share with you. Just click the link to contribute: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Social Media - Follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti!