Last Minute Holiday Guide 12/15/21 edition is a special section by Anton Media Group.

Last Minute

AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL

HOLIDAYGUIDE DECEMBER 15 – 21, 2021

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR TOYS ·

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2A | LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE • DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021

Still Defying Darkness

Pandemic sparks rapid growth for Glen Cove candlemakers

BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

This time last year, we spoke with Ian and Adam Siegel, owners of Trubee Hill, a lifestyles brand, about the launch of their luxury candle line.

“We have really grown our selection this year,” Adam said. “And we have branched out into other wares.”

W

e knew from the beginning that this duo had big aspirations. In just one year, what started as a pandemic hobby has exploded from four candle scents, including their first scent Blue Hydrangea, for their well-known hydrangeas in their own front yard, to 36 scents, all in two sizes (7 oz. and 8.5 oz.), hot sauce, dressing, spice blends, jams, olive oils and maple syrup.

“This was our COVID hobby that turned into a real thing,” Ian said.

“It was a bright spot in a dark year.”

Adam has since left his full time career to devote all of his attention to Trubee Hill.

“It was scary at first but it has paid off tremendously,” Adam said.

“I make, on average, 1,800 candles each month. Just like fashion, everything is done six months ahead, so I was making holiday candles back in July to meet the demand.”

The couple is known for their love of home and entertaining.

“If you recall last year our limited edition ‘Cancelled Holiday Plans’ candle was our bestseller, but we made it for a different type of holiday season,” Ian said. “With confidence and optimism back

then we said we would never make it again with that name. Therefore, this year with gratefulness, cautiousness and continued optimism it is back as we look forward to a hopefully more ‘normal’ holiday season. This year it is called ‘Finally! Holiday Plans’.”

Glass and wax prices have gone up significantly in just one year since they started.

“This year, the one challenge that we have had is that we are definitely not immune to the supply chain issues and increasing costs,” Ian said. “It’s definitely real and we are managing through it.”

The Siegels are a regular vendor at the Deep Roots Farmers Market in Glen Cove, run by Amy Peters.

“We’ve been a staple there for a year; being able to interact with customers and build a following for the people who attend the market,” Ian said. “We’ve learned a lot about what people like and what they don’t like and we listen to the feedback; it’s been a tremendous and positive experience.”

Ian said they have been using social media to drive their business forward at great speed.

“We’ve also built relationships locally with a lot of other small

Adam and Ian Siegel business, online and brick and mortar,” Ian said. “There are a lot of really wonderful, talented people on Long Island that have small businesses.

Everyone has been helping each other out; we would all really like to see each other succeed.”

Trubee Hill is evolving and expanding rapidly, nearly by the minute.

“We’re in talks with a landlord in Glen Cove, with hopes of opening our own brick and mortar store downtown Glen Cove,” Ian said.

New candle scents will be available in January.

“If you really want to find out how wonderful of a community you live in and how wonderful your friends and family are, start a small business because the support from just Glen Cove and people around Long Island, it’s been tremendous,” Ian said. “It’s an island of wonderful people and we

are experiencing that first-hand.”

Deep Roots Farmers Market is located at 100 Village Square in Glen Cove on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Trubee Hill candles are also available at: • Locust Valley Bookshop, Locust Valley • Scarsella’s Florist, Laurel Hollow • Heritage Farm & Garden, Muttontown • L & W Market, Bridgehampton • Over The Bridge, Bayville • My Beautiful Mess, Sea Cliff • Pandemonium Boutique, Babylon • Jill Scherer, Roslyn • Hen Of The Woods, Southampton • Eve’s Uniques, Winchester, Tennessee Visit www.trubeehill.com for a full list of products and to purchase.

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021 • LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE | 3A

Cozy Winter Cocktails With Peanut Butter Whiskey

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Peanut butter...and whiskey? Why the hell not. This harmonious blend of seemingly disparate ingredients might seem a bit surprising, but it’s a whole lot of delicious. A little salty, a little sweet, a little savory and always smooth, Skrewball is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. It’s a perfect celebration of the unexpected, wild and wonderful in all of us.

L

aunched in 2018 as the only certified woman-owned and disability-owned spirit, the brand quickly grew to be an award-winning nationwide hit, with its smooth and nutty taste made from real peanut butter (no artificial notes here) that can be enjoyed on its own—neat, on the rocks or as a shot—or as part of a dazzling signature cocktail. And, new this year, Skrewball is considered the official whiskey of the Buffalo Bills Visit www.skrewballwhiskey.com to learn more and to find a local retailer.

For the eggnog aficionado

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1¼ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey ¾ oz. eggnog Build in a mug and garnish with nutmeg.

1¼ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey ½ oz. White Creme de Cacao ½ oz. Green Creme de Menthe ¾ oz. half and half Shake all ingredients and strain into a coupe. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

1¾ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey ¼ oz. Peppermint Schnapps 4½ oz. hot chocolate Build in a mug and stir.

Garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows.

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4B | LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE • DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021

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DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021 • LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE | 5A

Eglevsky Ballet Returns To The Tilles Center

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Eglevsky Ballet, Long Island’s premier ballet company and academy presents its annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker featuring choreography by the company’s executive artistic director, Maurice Brandon Curry. The performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Greenvale.

E

glevsky Ballet brings the beloved story to the Tilles Center stage with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning costumes, thrilling choreography and a cast of more than 80 professional and student dancers.

Eglevsky Ballet’s production is the longest, continuously running Nutcracker productions on Long Island. Eglevsky Ballet’s production tells the story of a young girl named “Clara” and how a mysterious gift from her godfather, “Herr Drosselmeyer” brings about an enchanted, fantastical dream. A holiday tradition for more than 50 years, Eglevsky Ballet’s production will be performed with live music provided by the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, of New York City, under the baton of maestro David Bernard. This is the first year for this exciting collaboration between the Eglevsky Ballet and the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony.

This year, the role of “Clara” will be danced by 16-year-old Alexa Robins of Commack. Robins has been studying at Eglevsky Ballet in their pre-professional training program for five years and is currently in the honors program at the Eglevsky Ballet academy. This production, which premiered in 2015, has several different elements chosen to develop the relationship between “Clara” and

two characters is more developed and also gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”

Another highlight of this year’s production is the return of Eglevsky Ballet alumni Sarah Gavilla as “The Sugar Plum Fairy.” Gavilla portrayed “Clara” in the debut of this production in 2015.

She returns to Eglevsky after having been an apprentice at Miami City Ballet and a member of Alabama Ballet.

“It is so wonderful returning to this same production which helped launch me into preparation for a professional career. I am so grateful to Mr. Curry for giving me this opportunity,” Gavilla said. “Whoever said you can’t go home again, certainly didn’t train at the Eglevsky Ballet.”

For the performances, Gavilla will be reunited with her partner from Miami City Ballet, Santiago Castañeda of Collage Dance in Memphis.

This year, Curry has added new and exciting features by way of special animation created by Kevin Nunez of Forty Flying Fish, in Brooklyn. He previously worked with this talented firm when he choreographed The Red Shoes for Eglevsky Ballet in 2019.

“I am thrilled to work with Kevin and his fantastic team again,” said Curry. “I have always wanted to add a more whimsical approach to the production and this year, after much time to think about just how to do it effectively, I came up with this approach. I think it will be a crowd pleaser for sure.”

The Eglevsky Ballet has presented The Nutcracker as a holiday gift for children of all ages since 1961.

Tickets may be purchased from the Tilles Center box office or through Ticketmaster. Visit www. eglevskyballet.org for details.

ON THE COVER

Eglevsky Ballet’s The Nutcracker the “Nutcracker Prince”.

Curry replaces the “Snow Pas de Deux” with one danced by “Clara” and the “Nutcracker Prince.” The “Nutcracker Prince” will be portrayed by 17-year-old student Max Barker.

Barker is being trained at the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and, also, studies privately with Fabrice Herrault. Barker was recommended personally by former ABT principal dancer and current artistic director of the ABT JKO School, Cynthia Harvey. This year, Barker was a finalist at the Prix de Lausanne.

Having the pas de deux performed by these two characters, Curry said, “By doing this, the connection between the

6A | LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE • DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021

Jan Guarino, pictured right, is passionate about watercolors. One look at her paintings tells you are looking at the work of a fine artist who is capable of capturing the essence and beauty in diverse subjects—flowers, landscapes, still life vignettes and portraits—people and pets. Her students will tell you she loves to teach them her craft—she is the teacher that they have been looking for to help them advance their own watercolors. This past year has given them a place to belong to, to challenge themselves, to grow their art and to have a sense of community.

Guarino retired from a 45-year graphic design career the week before the world went into COVID quarantine. Now she is utilizing all of those marketing skills that she once used for her clients for herself, her art and her classes.

Guarino’s classes always would fill up at the Art League of Long Island and at The Artist’s Studio at Chelsea Mansion in Muttontown and at many local libraries. She has been giving demos in front of artists at the Suburban Art League, Independent

the Manhasset Art League and many others.

For the past year she took her classes online and is doing them virtually with a three-camera set up.

Her work can be seen in Creations magazine on each issue’s Poetry Page and many times on its cover.

She is a member of the Firefly Artists Gallery in Northport and has many originals for sale there. Her work is also at The Nest on Main Street in Northport.

Guarino is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with an associates degree in applied science.

Visit www.janguarinofineart.com Artists’ Society, The National Art League, the North Shore Artists’ Guild, to learn more.

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Donald X. Clavin, Jr. Supervisor

Council Members

Dorothy L. Goosby Bruce A. Blakeman Anthony P. D’Esposito Dennis Dunne, Sr. Thomas E. Muscarella Christopher Carini

Donald X. Clavin, Jr.

SupervisorKate Murray Town Clerk

Council Members

Jeanine C. Driscoll

Dorothy L. Goosby Receiver of Taxes Bruce A. Blakeman Anthony P. D’Esposito Dennis Dunne, Sr. Thomas E. Muscarella Christopher Carini Kate Murray Town Clerk

Jeanine C. Driscoll Receiver of Taxes

Donald X. Clavin, Jr.

Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. Supervisor

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Dorothy L. Goosby Dorothy L. Goosby Bruce A. Blakeman Bruce A. Blakeman Anthony P. D’Esposito Anthony P. D’Esposito Dennis Dunne, DennisSr. Dunne, Sr. E. Muscarella Thomas E.Thomas Muscarella Christopher Christopher Carini Carini Council Members

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DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021 • LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE | 7A

EGGNOG:

Easy, Low Fat Or Raw?

BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Whether you prefer a classic eggnog, or something lighter, but still as tasty, here are a couple of eggnog variations for you to serve at your next holiday event.

Traditional Eggnog 12 eggs, separated 1-1/2 cups sugar 2 cups bourbon 3/4 cup brandy 6 cups milk 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 2 cups heavy cream In a large bowl and using a mixer, beat the egg yolks together with the sugar for approx 10 minutes.

Mixture should be firm. Slowly, add in the bourbon and brandy—just a little at a time. Allow mixture to cool

in the fridge (for up to six hours).

Approximately 30 minutes before your guests arrive, stir the milk into the chilled yolk mixture. Stir in one and a half teaspoons ground nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream with a mixer on high speed until the cream forms stiff peaks. In yet another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture.

Gently fold the cream into the egg mixture. Ladle into cups. Garnish with remaining nutmeg. Serves: eight.

Low Fat Eggnog For those of us who really don’t need any extra naughty bits over the festive season, this low fat eggnog is perfect.

6 cups skim milk 1 cup “Egg Beaters” (or similar) sweetener or sugar, to taste 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 tsp. rum extract 2 pinches nutmeg, ground 2 pinches cinnamon, ground

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or sugar. Stir continuously. Heat and stir until the mixture thickens slightly—enough that it can coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the vanilla extract, rum extract, one pinch of nutmeg and one pinch of cinnamon. Remove from heat.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the eggnog has cooled (at least three hours). Just prior to serving, ladle your yummy low fat eggnog into glasses, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon. Serves: six.

of

A recipe that is easy to make. You’ll have this quick eggnog ready to go in no time.

6 eggs 3 c. milk 8 tbsp. sugar 3 tsp. vanilla extract of 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, ground

In a large bowl, beat the eggs using an electric beater. By turn, add milk and sugar. Beat until mixture thickens slightly. Add in the vanilla extract and ground nutmeg. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled (at least three hours).

Serves: six.

Personalize the new and unopened regift. Rewrap it, and definitely change the gift card that it originally came with.

Not To Regift Use common sense. Never regive a Christmas candle in the middle of the summer. Do not give anything monogrammed to your neighbor, unless, by odd chance, they have the same initials as you do. Do not regift handmade items or free promotional items like the tote bag from the perfume counter. Make sure your giftee is not related to the person who originally gave the gift to you.

Do not discuss that your gift is recycled. You should not tell someone it is a regift. Do not feel bad about regifting. There is a slight work around for this though. If you are regifting something seriously expensive, you might want to tell the giftee so they do not feel obligated to gift you back with something equally expensive.

Rules For Regifting

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediaGroup.com

Yes, it is being said. There are rules for regifting and whether you admit it or not, it is extremely resourceful to do so. But there are tactful ways to do it and not so tactful ways too. Regifting, giving a gift that you received to another person, has been happening for centuries, but there are some simple etiquette

rules that should be followed.

Host A Regifting Party

To Regift The best gifts for regifting are gifts that you really believe are best suited for a specific person. There are times when the person to whom you are regifting will get enjoyment out of something that doesn’t suit your taste. Just because you don’t want the gift doesn’t mean the person you are giving it to does either.

An idea mentioned on www. regiftable.com suggests hosting a sort of White Elephant Party, when people gather together for the purpose of exchanging essentially impractical items. This is a great way to regift without guilt. Just be sure that the original gift giver will

not be in attendance.

Here’s how it goes: Each guest brings one wrapped regift.

All guests draw a number.

The regifter with the lowest number chooses a wrapped regift and opens it for everyone to see.

The person with the next lowest number can either take the opened regift or select a “new” wrapped regift. If they choose a “new” regift, they must open it for all to see.

Each subsequent person is allowed to either unwrap a “new” regift or take any of the regifts already opened.

If a regift is taken from someone, that person gets to immediately choose another “new” gift to open or they can get revenge by stealing someone else’s gift.

Finally, when all the gifts have been opened, the person with the lowest number gets to trade with anyone or keep the regularly rejected regift they ended up with. On the off chance that you don’t love what you end up with, donate it to charity.

So, maybe it is the gift that keeps on giving or it’s something you have a duplicate of—either way, make sure to thank the person who gave it to you with sincerity. If you cannot bring yourself to regift, some choose to donate their unwanted gifts to charity or sell them in an online auction. Gift thoughtfully.

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DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021 • LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE | 9A

The Trellus Holiday Gift Guide That Supports Local Long Island Businesses In years past, last-minute holiday shopping typically began mid-December or later. However, a number of factors this year, from an early Hanukkah to a well-publicized supply chain shortage, have led to an early jump on the holiday shopping rush. Shoppers who avoided Black Friday or Cyber Monday, or those who simply want to celebrate one holiday at a time, may be considered late to the game this year, but they have a helpful solution in Trellus same-day local delivery service here on Long Island.

“T

rellus is designed to help Long Island’s small businesses compete against e-commerce behemoths like Amazon, by driving new customers to merchant websites and providing on-demand

deliveries with a network of drivers,” said Adam Haber, Trellus CEO and co-founder, in a press release announcing the close of the company’s seed funding round. “Consumer demand for fast and convenient

Make your Christmas deliveries a cinch. local delivery from their favorite stores is growing, but too many independent retailers lack the ability and resources to compete on time.”

Trellus seeks to bridge the gap between e-commerce and local brick-and-mortar experiences by serving the needs of local merchants and delivering on customer expectations for convenience. Deliveries across Long Island, from Queens into Suffolk County, are often completed in two hours or less thanks to a reliable network of on-call drivers. Customers are able to track their package in real-time

through text message, making Trellus a helpful resource for those who need a last-minute item for their office Secret Santa or family gathering.

Even better, shoppers can feel good about purchases that support local businesses and uplift the local economy during a challenging holiday season of inflation, high gas prices and labor shortages. There are plenty of gift options through the Trellus Local Marketplace, with 120 small businesses and counting.

Here are just some of the local

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merchants offering Trellus same-day delivery this holiday season.

Homestead (www.virginiajanes.com or call 917-301-2213) was founded by a Hudson Valley native who is often Sweet and Savory referred to as “Laura Ingalls with Founded in 1953, Emile’s Candies in modern appliances.” Virginia Jane is Rockville Centre (www.emilescandies. cooking up exciting flavors from her com or call 516-766-4402) is one of favorite farms in the tri-state area, the last of Long Island’s old-fashioned right in her Long Island home. Check chocolate factories. Kicking off the out her Trio Gift Set of three best-sellholiday season with Hanukkah, ing jam flavors, featuring Carrot Cake the shop offers menorah lollipops, Jam, Blueberry Bourbon Ginger Jam, chocolate dreidels and a three-tiered and Strawberry Daiquiri Jam. Star of David box full of delicious When you’ve had your fill of sweet, chocolates. For Christmas, look for go for savory with the cleverly named chocolate Santas, as well as holiday Charcuterie Broads LLC in Seaford milk chocolate balls sold by weight. (www.thecharcuteriebroads.com or For a large group, consider a medium 2charcuteriebroads@gmail.com). or large assorted platter of candies Co-owners and sisters-in-law Bridget featuring a delectable array of creams, and Joanne have a love for fine meats jellies, caramels, truffles and more. and cheeses and their creativity For cookie lovers, look no further comes through on their menu. Check than Long Island’s very own Cookie out their traditional Holiday Antipasto Outlet in Hicksville (www.cookieoutlet. of premium meats, Italian cheeses com or 800-548-3023). Their elegant and all the popular fixings on boards and sophisticated Deluxe Christmas available in multiple sizes.

Platter cookie tray is a crowd-pleaser Beautiful Gestures that features popular holiday shapes Muscari Flowers & Events (www. and flavors, and ranges in size from muscariflowersroslyn.com or call 1.5-pounds to 5-pounds. The Cookie 516-625-1397) has been serving Outlet’s high-volume purchase power Roslyn Heights and surrounding enables the company to pass significommunities for more than 20 years. cant savings on to shoppers and they have their own specially designed “No All-season orchids are among the shop’s most coveted offerings. These Breakage Gift Box” for shipping.

Home-based business Virginia Jane’s exquisite, delicate blooms symbolize

beauty, love and royalty, and make “a perfect gift for the king or queen in your life,” according to the shop.

If you’re also shopping for a birthday around the holidays, take a look at Zodiac Gift Boxes from Eternal Roses (www.eternalroses.com or call 888-440-2255). The Bellmore-based company treats their blooms by immersing them in a patented blend of plant-based formula and preserving substance. This process results in special, luxury roses that require no watering and maintain their beauty and freshness for up to three years.

Zodiac-themed preserved roses each come in a custom-designed textured box displaying the astrological sign’s constellation using crystals.

For personalized gifts, shop The Giftologist online (www.shopthegiftologist.com or call 516-766-2296).

This gift boutique in the heart of Rockville Centre carries an eclectic collection of personalized household items, including cheese and cutting boards, coasters, wine cups and glasses and picture frames, that can be personalized with engraving.

Specialty Gifts for Kids, Including the Four-Legged Award-winning toy store Funky Monkey Toys & Books in Greenvale

(www.funkymonkey.toys or 516-484-0966) has a special announcement this holiday season.

Jellyfish lamps are back in stock and they’re a huge hit with kids and parents alike. Though the Jellyfish are incredibly lifelike in movement, they’re really just synthetic, so there’s nothing to clean or feed.

Complimentary gift wrapping is available for this trendy fixture.

For your four-legged friends and family, check out The Pet Store Next Door, a pet boutique and grooming spa in Glen Head (www.thepetstorenextdoor.com or call 516-8016400). The owner is a longtime pet lover and former veterinarian tech who decided to open a fully stocked pet food and accessory emporium, carrying an expansive list of pet gifts and speciality items. Gifts include apparel, toys, hygiene supplies and specialty food, with a focus on healthy, holistic, and organic food for dogs, cats and birds.

For more great holiday gifts from local small and home-based businesses, delivered same-day to your doorstep, visit the Trellus Local Marketplace at www.bytrellus.com/ marketplace or call 1-833-LocalLI. —Submitted by Trellus

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DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2021 • LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE | 11A

give the host $10 to $20 every once in a while to cultivate your relationship and to say “thank you” for special services.

A tip may be appropriate if the maitre d’ has gone out of his way to find a table for you on a busy night. If your dining party is large, double or triple the tip, depending on the number of people.

Tips For Tipping

BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Tipping might be one of the most socially accepted forms of etiquette, but it is often the most confusing.

When dining out with family and friends, it is often the topic at the end of the meal. Should we tip for buffet service? How much should we give at a formal meal?

T

Bartenders

he typical standard for tipping when dining out at a traditional restaurant is 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax amount of the bill, not the total bill with taxes included.

But some dining patrons need some guidance for tipping in nontraditional settings.

In self-service restaurants, like buffet or cafeteria-style, it is acceptable to tip 10 percent of the bill for table

services, and an extra $5 in any dining setting for extra accommodations or an extra 10 percent if your table receives extra attention on a particularly busy night at the restaurant.

Hostess and Maitre d’

Unless you are a frequent patron, it is not necessary to tip the maitre d’.

If you are a regular, you may want to

How much you tip a bartender depends in part on whether you’re waiting at the bar for a table in the adjoining restaurant or you’re at a bar for its own sake. As you wait for a table, you can either pay for drinks as you order or run a tab, which will be added to your dinner bill. Leave a tip for the bartender before you leave the bar. One dollar per drink is standard. If you’re at a bar simply to have a drink, tip between 15 and 20 percent of the total. If the bartender has given you a free drink or two, add a couple of extra dollars to the tip.

Washroom Attendants

Tip washroom attendants at least one dollar for handing you a towel. A small dish of coins is usually on display and the tip is placed there instead of in the attendant’s hand. If attendants do nothing but stand there, no tip is necessary.

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Valet Parking Attendants

Tip the parking attendant at least $2. Give the tip when the car is brought to you, not when you arrive.

Busboys

Busboys are usually not tipped, with two exceptions: you spill something and the busboy cleans it up, and in that case give a dollar or two as you leave; or if a busboy in a cafeteria carries your tray to the table, then a dollar or two is also appropriate.

Musicians

In nicer restaurants with piano entertainment, do not tip the piano player unless you see a tip jar. You may tip musicians in more casual restaurants, $2 to $5 when you leave, even if you have not made a request.

If you have made requests, add an extra dollar or more for each song.

For strolling musicians, the basic tip is $1 per musician and $2 for a party of two; a total of $5 is enough for a group. If you make a special request, add an extra dollar to each musician’s tip. You needn’t stop eating when musicians perform table side.

Just smile and thank them as you tip when the musicians finish.

Tipping Less If something goes wrong during your ordering or meal, your tip depends on how well the waitstaff addresses the problem. If there was a successful resolution, tip the full amount. If your waiter did not get adequate results but doesn’t deserve all the blame, reduce the tip to 10 percent. If the problem wasn’t taken care of or your waiter was surly, tip eight percent.

Other tipping tips: • Tip discreetly. Tipping is a private matter, so don’t play the big spender who likes to flash bills.

• Money is the tip of choice in most cases, but sometimes a small gift, usually given during the holidays, can be substituted.

• Check the bill to see if a gratuity (or a service charge) is included.

Gratuities are typically included when a table has been booked for groups of more than six people. If you think it is deserved, you can leave an additional tip.

• If you eat light or use a coupon, it is thoughtful to leave a tip commensurate with a full-priced meal.

—Mike Lininger contributed to this article. He is the editor of Etiquette Scholar (www.etiquettescholar.com).

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Go, Go Hasbro!

Toy company unveils hottest items for this holiday season

BY ANTHONY MURRAY

amurray@antonmediagroup.com

This year, toy company Hasbro is unveiling some of its hottest items for this upcoming holiday season that kids of all ages—and even some of you parents out there—will be sure to love.

Power Rangers Dino Fury Chromafury Saber (Photo

courtesy of Hasbro)

Ghostbusters Proton Blaster M.O.D. (Photo courtesy of Hasbro)

F

irst up, is the Power Rangers Dino Fury Chromafury Saber.

The Chromafury Saber has color-scanning technology, color-changing LEDs, and motion-activated light and sound effects that lets

kids and fans imagine leaping into action as their favorite Power Ranger. Press the button on the hilt of the saber and place the end of the hilt on a surface to scan the color. Scan something red to make the LEDs in the blade light up red, like the saber of the Dino Fury Red Ranger. Or scan something pink for a pink blade or blue for blue. Scans aren’t limited to Ranger colors: scan orange for an orange blade. The Chromafury Saber is for kids ages

5 and Up and is $29.99. Available online and at all major retailers. Be sure to watch Power Rangers Dino Fury on Nickelodeon on Saturday mornings and on Netflix. Season 2 of Power Rangers Dino Fury will launch Spring 2022 exclusively on Netflix.

Who ya going to call? That’s right. Ghostbusters. Kids can imagine busting ghosts in all kinds of ways with Hasbro’s Ghostbusters Proton Blaster M.O.D. The primary blaster,

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complete with sound and light effects, comes with two attachments—the Blast ‘n’ Trap and the Proton Stream.

When kids attach either accessory, unique lights and sounds are activated. Attachments can be placed in three locations: on the front, side or back of the main blaster, so kids can customize their blaster to fit their ultimate ghost bustin’ adventure.

For kids ages 5 and up and is $29.99.

Available at most major retailers nationwide.

The long-running children’s series following the adventures, mishaps and friendships of Peppa Pig, her brother George, their parents, and the other animal families who make up their town continues with Hasbro’s Peppa’s Family Motorhome.

Kids ages 3 and up will love pretending that they’re on holiday with

Peppa Pig and her family with the Peppa’s Family Motorhome toy. Kids can imagine being on the road with Peppa as they roll the motorhome in vehicle mode, and press the steering wheel to hear music and phrases from the Peppa Pig series. When it’s time to “camp,” kids can convert the vehicle to a multi-level RV playset with a trailer hitch that attaches to the Peppa’s Family Red Car toy, which is sold separately. The Peppa’s Family Motorhome comes with Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig 3” figures and 15 accessories. Everything stores inside the playset—ready for the next adventure. Price is $49.99 at all major retailers.

Head into your own top-secret mission with Hasbro’s Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins Snake Eyes Special Missions mask. With the Snake Eyes Special Missions mask, kids can imagine the exciting ninja-battling action and excitement of the G.I. Joe universe. Featuring movie-inspired detail and design and a fun electronic light-up feature, boys and girls will love creating favorite moments from the Snake Eyes: G.I. JOE Origins movie.

Snake Eyes: G.I. JOE Origins With the press of a button, boys Snake Eyes Special Missions and girls will love activating the Mask (Contributed photo) Snake Eyes Special Missions Mask

electronic light feature, illuminating the Arashikage clan symbol and the head-up display (HUD), as they enter a world of cutting-edge technology, traditional Ninjutsu weapons, breathtaking martial arts and Next-Gen Ninjas. For ages 5 and up and is $19.99.

Available at all major retailers.

Peppa’s Adventures Peppa’s Family Motorhome (Photo

courtesy of Hasbro)

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