HOLIDAY CATALOG BET H PAGE
Serve Up This Classic Christmas Cocktail
The holiday season is often characterized as the most festive time of year, and for good reason. Social schedules tend to be especially busy come the holiday season, when friends gather for nights out on the town and families reunite in the homes of welcoming hosts. Celebrations are certainly on the mind between late November and early January, and many people like to toast this festive time of year with a cocktail. Perhaps no cocktail is a bigger part of holiday celebrations than eggnog, which is quite popular come December but not typically consumed throughout the rest of the year. This season’s celebrations might not be the same without eggnog, and amateur mixologists can keep that in mind and whip up this recipe for “Eggnog Christmas Milk Cocktail With Cinnamon” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Eggnog Christmas Milk Cocktail
With Cinnamon
Makes 2 servings
2 ounces dark rum
2 ounces brandy
1 cup eggnog
1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg
1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄8 teaspoon ground star anise
1⁄2 teaspoon demerara sugar
2 sticks cinnamon, for garnish
2 pods star anise, for garnish
Shortbread cookies, for garnish and to serve (optional)
Directions:
1. Mix the rum, brandy and eggnog in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, ground star anise and sugar to a small plate. Wet the rim of a glass with rum. Roll the rim of the glass in the spices.
3. Strain the eggnog mixture between the two glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods and festive shortbread cookies if desired.
Kid-Crafted Holiday Decor Ideas
There are plenty of handmade holiday crafts to keep little ones happily occupied. Here are some ideas to spark imagination and hours of creative fun.
Easy snow globes
A visit to the craft store will uncover various items that can be turned into snow globes. Look for a plastic cookie jarlike container with a lid that screws on tightly; otherwise,
choose glass mason jars. Use a general ratio of one cup of water, three teaspoons of glycerine or an oil like baby oil or mineral oil, and a few teaspoons of glitter. Glue a plastic Christmas tree or snowman figurine to the underside of the lid of the jar with a rubberized adhesive or another glue that will hold up to wet conditions. When dry, replace the lid, invert the jar and watch the snow fall.
Salt dough ornaments
Salt dough is a modeling dough made from two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of salt, and about 3⁄4 cup of water. Mix the ingredients together and knead until the dough is smooth and easy to work with. Add more flour if it’s too sticky; more water if it’s too dry. Kids can use cookie
cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough, or sculpt freehand. Remember to poke a hole through the top of the ornament to thread through string or ribbon later on. While the dough can be dried out by air in about a week, a faster method is to bake in an oven at 250 F for 11⁄2 to two hours, or until the dough is dry and hard. Kids can then paint the dried creations.
Paper gingerbread figures
Children may delight in making life-sized gingerbread girls and boys they can decorate and then hang up on the wall. A roll of brown postal paper will work, as will other embellishments like markers, paints, crayons, or ribbon. Kids take turns being traced while lying down on a piece of rolled-out paper. Then the
general shape is cut out and decorated. Children can raise their arms, bend their legs, or vary their positions to give life to the gingerbread figures.
Winter wonderland
It can be fun to create a diorama or small winter landscape that can be set out with other decorations. Craft stores will likely sell small, plastic evergreen trees this time of year, or they may be available in the model train aisle of a local hobby shop. Trees can be given snowy boughs with a little acrylic paint. Include figures of bunnies, deer and whatever else kids can dream up. A strand of LED, batteryoperated lights can add some illumination to the scene. Secure items to cardboard or foam board.
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Learn To Decorate Like A Holiday Pro
Thesights and sounds of the holiday season help to make this a special time of year that people look forward to. With its magical moments and opportunities to gather with family and friends, the holiday season is a period to celebrate and, of course, decorate. According to an informal poll from the decorating, culture, and travel experts at Veranda, 65 percent of respondents said that the time to decorate for Christmas is right after Thanksgiving or the first week of December. Many stores now display holiday decorations and other wares concurrently with Halloween and fall items, so people can plan their decorating early if they expect to be adding to their holiday collections.
These tips can help with decorating and make anyone deck the halls like a professional.
• Choose your theme and color palette. Consider a specific style of decorating, whether it’s traditional, minimalist, country, or even winter wonderland. Then select a few coordinating colors to complement the theme and existing items in your home. Pick up these items as they become available in stores, as holiday merchandise often goes quickly.
• Focus on a few key areas. While it’s tempting to decorate an entire home, pros know to focus on key areas like tables, doorways, and mantels to create the most visual interest. This also makes decorating more manageable.
• Rely on the rule of thirds. Create balanced and visually pleasing arrangements by dividing the space visually into nine equal parts, symbolically drawing two equally spaced horizontal and two equally spaced vertical lines. Designers often place important elements along these lines or at their intersections to create a more visually balanced and appealing composition. When grouping decorative items on shelves and tables, threes often look best.
• Remove clutter. It’s important to declutter a space prior to introducing holiday elements in order to create a clean and organized look. Store additional decorations and knick-knacks until after the holiday season.
• Start with lights. It’s often easier to decorate by beginning with lights first, and then weaving additional decorations into the mix. Build on lights with garlands and accent items.
• Less is often more. Keep the decorating simple. A few elements here and there can have a much more effective impact than
several things that draw attention away from one another. When taking out holiday decorations this year, use it as an opportunity to assess and cull the collection, which will make things easier next year.
Homeowners can decorate their spaces for the holidays effectively with some guidelines professional designers often use.
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Charitable Giving Spreads Joy
Charitable giving increases significantly in the months surrounding the holidays. Approximately one-third of annual giving happens in December, and 10 percent of all giving occurs in the last three days of the year, according to Charities Aid Foundation America. The surge in donations typically occurs with people’s desire to spread holiday cheer, enjoy tax advantages and help people in the community,
says Nonprofit Source.
Some people are compelled to donate in the name of another person. Here are some ideas for charitable holiday gifts that benefit many.
Donate in someone’s name
To honor a loved one who may be living or deceased, or who fought an illness and won, you can donate to a nonprofit in the name of that loved one. Many charities offer printable or physical cards to let the recipient know a donation has been made in his or her name.
Giving
back through gifts
Certain products purchased feature proceeds that go toward a charitable cause. For example, every purchase of TOMS® shoes helps fund mental health access and community development,
while the body care products from Thistle Farms are made by women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Other products may help feed the hungry or support cancer patients.
Supporting animals
A symbolic animal adoption can support conservation efforts around the world. Making a donation to the World Wildlife Fund in someone’s name, for example, enables you to get a plushie, certificate and information on the animal the contribution will be helping.
Fair trade gifts
Making a purchase of fair trade items means you’re often buying handmade and ethically sourced goods. These gifts support artisans in developing countries and help
fund community projects. Gift recipients can feel pride in ownership of an item that was designed and purchased with the greater good in mind.
Charity gift cards
Charitable gift cards, like those available from TisBest Charity and CharityChoice, let the gift recipient choose which nonprofit will receive the funds.
Support special businesses
Offer gift cards or take people to dine or shop at businesses that support those with special needs. For example, No Limits Cafe in New Jersey is a full-service restaurant that trains and employs adults with intellectual disabilities. Dining there will help to continue to support these important efforts to give every employee a sense of pride and purpose.
Simple Stuffed Shells
To Please A Hungry Holiday Crowd
Holiday hosting is a fun way to welcome loved ones. Opportunities to host abound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, and savvy hosts know how useful an expansive culinary repertoire can be during a time of year when it’s common to enjoy home cooked meals with loved ones. Simple but flavorful meals are a holiday host’s best friend. Such meals, which include the following recipe for “Stuffed Shells With Spinach and Ricotta” from Lines+Angles, give hosts more time to mingle but still ensure a delicious dish makes its way to the table come dinnertime.
Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Salt, to taste
32 jumbo pasta shells
10 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 cups ricotta, softened
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided), plus extra to serve
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 3⁄4 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook per package directions until al dente. Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking process and drain well.
2. Squeeze spinach dry. Transfer spinach to large bowl. Add ricotta, 1⁄2 cup Parmesan, garlic, and beaten eggs to bowl. Season mixture with salt and pepper, and mix to blend.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F.
4. Spoon 1⁄2 cup marinara sauce evenly over bottom of 9- x 13- x 2-inch baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with spinach mixture. Place shells, filling side up, in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1⁄2 cup Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Spoon remaining sauce over shells.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve.
Parmigiana Chicken Seafood
Stuffed Shells $65.00
Betta Fetta $65.00
Shrimp, Scallops, and Broccoli over Fettuccine Noodles in Alfredo Sauce
White Cloud $65.00
Shrimp, Scallops, and Broccoli with Ricotta Cheese Cream Sauce with Rigatoni Noodles, Topped with Mozzarella Sauce
Cupid Special $65.00
Fried Flounder, Shrimp and Scallops Baked with Rigatoni Noodles, Topped with Mozzarella Cheese in Marinara Sauce
The Cavatelli
$65.00
Sautéed Shrimp, Scallops, Baked with Ricotta Cheese and Cavatelli Pasta, Topped with Mozzarella Cheese in a Creamy Marinara Sauce Kitchen Special $65.00
Rigatoni Pasta Sauteed with Shrimp and Topped with Mozzarella Cheese in Our Special Marinara Sauce
Penne Ala Vodka
$55.00
Penne Ala Vodka with Shrimp $65.00 Mac and Cheese
$55.00
Lobster Mac and Cheese $75.00
‘Tis the Season!
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A Brief History Of Christmas Trees
evergreen trees adorned in lights and other trinkets are a focal point of the holiday season. Christmas trees are placed in prominent locations in homes, typically in front of a large picture window or in the corners of large entryways.
These awe-inspiring trees beckon people to inspect all the ornaments and are often the first things people envision when thinking of holiday decor. The tradition of the Christmas tree is believed to have begun in Germany in the sixteenth century. However, the National Christmas Tree Association says there may be earlier references to Christmas trees in other parts of the world as well.
The first written record of a decorated Christmas tree
comes from Riga, Latvia, in 1510. Men of a local merchant’s guild decorated the tree with roses and then set fire to it. The rose was considered a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
In the sixteenth century in Alsace, France, trees were sold in the marketplace and brought home and set up undecorated. Laws limited the size to “eight shoe lengths,” or slightly more than four feet. Early German Christmas trees were adorned with apples, a holdover from earlier traditions when evergreen boughs hung with apples were used as props in miracle plays. These plays took place in churches on December 24, which was Adam & Eve’s Day in the early Christian calendar. Evergreens have long been symbolic of life during the cold months
of winter, calling to mind the promise of spring to come. Various cultures, including early Christians, featured trees during winter solstice celebrations.
Some historians believe Martin Luther, a Protestant reformer who might have been inspired by stars in the night, was responsible for adding lighted
candles to the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was introduced to the United States by German settlers in the 1800s. Soon after those settlers’ arrival, trees began to be sold commercially. President Franklin Pierce is credited with being the first to have a Christmas tree at the White House.
Here we are the last month of Twenty Twenty-Five and we’re so excited to share this year’s Bethpage Holiday Catalog with you to enjoy throughout the winter months that’s packed with articles, photos, games, recipes and special offers from our advertisers to keep us all busy into the new year and beyond.
We hope you have been around for our annual seasonal events that we try to improve by adding more varitety and fun for the community as our way of giving back and being appreciative of the year-round support of our chamber organization and colleagues. Please thank our members and volunteers for their participation to help make it all possible.
Let’s do our best to remember to support our local companies as we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. It’s Small Business Season for our chamber now with the goal to keep our local economy strong well into 2026 and continue to make improvements downtown and open up new possibilities around all of the hamlet.
Thank you for a wonderful 2025! Our chamber board wants to see Bethpage continue to thrive and we want to let you know that we truly appreciate the support and extend every wish possible to all for a very happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season. Keep Bethpage Strong!
Doughnuts Make A Great Hanukkah Treat
Hanukkahis a Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the Temple menorah, during which a minimal supply of oil somehow lasted for eight days. As a result, oil features prominently in Hanukkah traditions, and many faithful Jewish people include foods fried in oil as part of their holiday dinners or desserts. This recipe for “Raspberry Jam Doughnuts” from BBC GoodFood produces a delicious treat for Hanukkah celebrations. This recipe features metric volumes and weights, so use the correct measuring conversion in countries where the metric system is not employed.
Raspberry Jam Doughnuts
Makes 20
130 ml whole milk
1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise
500 grams strong white bread flour
40 grams golden caster sugar
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
7 grams fast-action yeast
3 medium eggs, lightly beaten
120 grams unsalted butter, softened
Vegetable oil, for proving and deep-frying
350 grams raspberry jam
Directions:
For the icing
400 grams icing sugar, sieved
Pink food coloring
Freeze-dried raspberries, to decorate (optional)
Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the split vanilla pod. Slowly bring to a simmer and, once it begins to steam, remove from the heat and pour into a measuring jug. If it has reduced, top with up to 130 ml extra milk, then leave to cool until tepid.
Put the flour into the large bowl of a stand mixer. Stir through the sugar, salt and yeast. Using the hook attachment for your mixer, begin combining the dry ingredients, then add the vanilla-infused milk and eggs. Keep mixing for 10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Scoop small spoonfuls of the softened butter and gradually add to the dough. When all the butter has been added, continue mixing for a further 5 to 6 minutes or until it is well incorporated and the dough is sticky and stretchy.
Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, put the dough in the bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for one hour or until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 20 equal-sized pieces (if you want to weigh them, they should be around 45 grams each). Roll the dough into balls and place them, well spaced apart, on two lightly oiled baking sheets. Cover with lightly oiled baking parchment, or a light tea towel (if it’s too heavy it will keep the dough from rising) and leave for a further 1 hour, 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Fill a large heavy-based saucepan two-thirds full with oil and place over a low-medium heat, bringing the temperature up to 170 C. Use a cooking thermometer to check, then carefully lift each doughnut and gently lower into the oil to fry in batches of about five at a time. Cook each batch for 5 minutes, turning halfway, until the doughnuts are dark golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a baking tray lined with kitchen paper. Leave to cool completely. Spoon the raspberry jam into a piping bag without a nozzle and snip a very small hole in the end. Use a skewer to poke a hole in the side of each doughnut, then push the end of the piping bag into each hole and pipe in a little of the jam. Set aside. For the icing, mix together the icing sugar and 4 tablespoons water, then a drop or two of the food coloring to make it pale pink. Drop a dessert-spoonful of the icing on top of each doughnut, then use a palette knife to spread and even out the icing. Sprinkle each one with the freeze-dried raspberries, if you like.
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Shining A Light On Hanukkah Celebrations
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is a Jewish festival that lasts eight days. It starts on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which usually falls within the month of December, and commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees. The Temple had been previously desecrated by the Syrians.
Why is Hanukkah eight days?
After the Maccabees fended off the Syrian-Greeks and reclaimed their Temple, they sought to light the Temple's menorah. However, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination, according to Chabad. org. Miraculously, the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. Sages subsequently instituted the festival of Hanukkah to commemorate and publicize this miracle.
Menorah lighting
The menorah is the centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration. It holds nine flames, one of which is called the "shamash" (attendant). That candle is used to kindle the other eight lights. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, eight lights are lit and glowing. The menorah is placed in a doorway or window.
Oily foods
Since the Hanukkah miracle focuses on oil, it is customary to enjoy foods fried in oil. Potato latkes are commonly enjoyed, as are jelly-filled donuts called "sufganiyah."
Giving
Hanukkah really isn't about exchanging gifts. The tradition actually is to give out Hanukkah gelt, which is gifts of money to children. Also, individuals reward positive behavior and devotion to Torah study. The cash gifts enable kids to give to charity.
The Perfect Treat To Indulge In This Holiday Season
There’smuch to look forward to come the holiday season. Celebrations with family and friends, awe-inspiring lighting displays and opportunities to see loved ones’ eyes light up after opening the perfect gift are just some of the many things that excite holiday celebrants. Foodies also have much to look forward to come the end of the year. Beginning on Thanksgiving and continuing through the new year, food figures prominently in holiday season celebrations. Indeed, everything from tasty appetizers to main courses to dessert excites holiday celebrants. Dessert is particularly appealing come the holiday season, when many people relax their dietary restrictions and indulge in some treats they tend to avoid during the rest of the year. Holiday hosts who want to ensure guests get as much indulgence as they can handle can try this recipe for “Chocolate Crumble Pie” courtesy of “Chocolate” (Love Food) by the editors at Parragon Books Ltd.
Chocolate Crumble Pie
Serves 8 for one 9-inch pie
Pie Dough
Scant 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1⁄4 cup superfine sugar
1 egg yolk
1 to 2 teaspoons cold water
Filling
2⁄3 cup heavy cream
2⁄3 cup milk
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 eggs
Crumble Topping
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
3⁄4 cup toasted pecans
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
3 ounces amaretti cookies
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
Directions:
To make the pie dough, sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl, rub in the butter, and stir in the sugar, then add the egg and a little water to bring the dough together. Turn the dough out, and knead briefly. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Roll out the pie dough and use to line a 9-inch loose-button tart pan. Prick the pastry shell with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or baking beans. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and take out the paper and beans. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F.
To make the filling, bring the cream and milk to a boil in a saucepan, immediately remove from the heat, and add the chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Beat the eggs and add to the chocolate mixture, mix thoroughly and pour into the shell. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, and let rest for 1 hour.
When you are ready to serve the pie, place the topping ingredients in a food processor and pulse to chop. (If you do not have a processor, place the sugar in a large bowl, chop the nuts and chocolate with a large knife, and crush the cookies, then add to the bowl with the cocoa and mix well.)
Sprinkle over the pie, then serve it in slices.
Arthritis Foundation To Host Jingle Bell Run
TheArthritis Foundation invites Long Islanders to lace up their sneakers, don their festive holiday gear and join the movement to conquer arthritis at the annual Jingle Bell Run, happening Saturday, December 6th at Hofstra University in Hempstead.
The Jingle Bell Run is a spirited, family-friendly 5K fundraising event that brings the community together to champion the Arthritis Foundation’s mission: fighting for a cure and championing the fight against the nation’s leading cause of disability. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed costumes, tie jingle bells to their shoes and celebrate the season while supporting a meaningful cause. The run begins at 10:30 am!
“All proceeds from the Jingle Bell Run support cutting-edge research, advocacy, and life-changing resources for the more than 60 million Americans — including 300,000 children — living with arthritis,” said Alexis Stone, Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation, NYC.
“It’s a fun, festive way to make a difference in the lives of those affected by arthritis right here in our community.”
The event is locally presented by Northwell Orthopedics and it welcomes runners, walkers, teams and corporate sponsors. Participants can register individually or as part of a team, and fundraising incentives are available for top fundraisers. The morning will feature music, refreshments, awards and plenty of holiday cheer. To register, visit www. jbr.org/longisland.
Whether you run, walk or simply cheer, every step helps make a difference for the millions battling arthritis pain. Let’s jingle all the way to a cure!
Teri Catapano Black Re-Elect
• Lifelong Bethpage Resident
• Bethpage Business Owner 34 Years
• Active Member of Bethpage Chamber of Commerce / Community Council
• Past Member Bethpage PTA (CBS, CCS, JFK, BHS)
“As both a homeowner and business owner in Bethpage, I take great pride in serving my community as Water Commissioner of the Bethpage Water District. This is a responsibility I approach with the utmost seriousness and dedication. My mission is to ensure that our water remains both safe and abundant for all our residents. Working closely with my fellow Commissioners, we have developed and implemented some of the most advanced water treatment systems in the nation - and we continue to hold polluters accountable! Bethpage has been home to my family for four generations, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting its future today and everyday! I appreciate your trust and confidence and will continue to work hard for the community of Bethpage.”
Bethpage Water Commissioner
Election: Tuesday, December 9th 3-9pm
Bethpage Water District - 25 Adams Ave. Bethpage Cross Street Evergreen Ave.
Celebrating The New Year
Celebrating the new year on January 1 is a relatively recent phenomenon. The calendar as we know it today has evolved several times and months have gone by different names. On the early Roman calendar, March was the first month of the 10-month calendar. That is why the last four months of the year have prefixes that coordinate with the seventh (September), eighth (October), ninth (November), and tenth (December) numerals. King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar around 700 BCE by adding the months of January and February to the original 10 months. But the calendar still required some additional tweaking to be more aligned with the seasons. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar introduced a solar-based calendar that was an improvement on the ancient Roman one, which was lunarbased. During this time, the month of Quintilis was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar and Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Augustus. Shortly after the introduction of the solar calendar, the beginning of the year was moved from March 1 to January 1.
Did You Know?
Christmastrees are a key component of many people's holiday season. It's a family tradition to choose (or take out) the tree each year and then adorn it with ornaments, tinsel, family mementos, and a beautiful tree topper. In regard to tree toppers, most people fasten the top bough with an angel or a star. The first tree toppers were the infant Jesus, but toppers are now available in other options symbolic of the Nativity of Jesus. The star refers to the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The angel represents the messengers of God as well as the Angel Gabriel, who visited Mary to share the news that she would be giving birth to the Son of God. People can choose whichever topper they prefer, but many refer to the religious significance of Christmas.
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All-Natural, Hormone Free & Antibiotic Free YOUNG TURKEY
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one)
• Penne Alla Vodka
• Baked Ziti
• Stuffed Shells
SALAD (Choose one)
• Garden or Caesar
• Linguine Frutti di Mare
• Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)
• Baked Manicotti
• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Seasonal Berries
Range & Vegetable Fed
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)
• Boar’s Head Sweet Slice Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)
• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)
• Stuffed Flounder Filet
VEGETABLE (Choose two)
• String Bean Casserole
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Potato Wedges
DESSERT (Choose one)
• Apple Pie or Grain Pie
• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl
• Sautéed Broccoli
• String Bean Almondine
• Eggplant Rollatine or Parmigiana
Over $310,000 Raised by ACLD Foundation at Annual Enviable Life Ball
November 19, 2025 – Garden City, NY – Over 300 guests stepped into a world of pure imagination at ACLD Foundation’s Enviable Life Ball on October 9 and raised more than $310,000 at the prestigious annual event held at The Garden City Hotel. All proceeds from the event support Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) programs and services. ACLD is a leading not-for-profit on Long Island with a mission to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase their independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. Inspired by the whimsical wonder of Willy Wonka, the ballroom was transformed into A World of Imagination and guests were whisked away on a magical journey filled with heartful purpose and delightful surprises like a Golden Ticket chocolate bar winner that earned a trip to Hershey Park, PA.
This year’s Leadership Award recipient was Mitchell O. Goldberg, President and CEO of ClientFirst Strategy, Inc., for his exemplary service and commitment to ACLD. He is a longtime supporter who has fully embraced ACLD’s mission. Goldberg serves on the ACLD Foundation Board of Directors and is an active member of ACLD Board’s Finance and Investment Committees. Goldberg’s son, Jordan, receives services through ACLD’s Residential Program.
“Having ACLD in our corner has also lifted a lifelong weight from [our] shoulders,” said Goldberg. “As a father, I will always be grateful. ACLD is more than an organization. It is a lifeline. It is a family. And as I look to the future, I know that families like mine will continue to find hope, strength and peace because of the work [they] do.”
Major sponsors for this year’s event included: Golden Ticket Sponsors The Lever Family and Pilot R|B. Imaginarium Sponsor Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. Fantastical Whimsical Sponsors Alliance Brokerage Corp., Plum Rudder and Sameer Patel, and Sue Schonfeld-Muller & Norman Muller. Dazzlecasting Program Sponsor Jovia Financial Credit Union. Wonderland Sponsors ClientFirst Strategy, Inc.; Community Care Rx; Enterprise Fleet Management; Sheila Hochberg, Lever & Ecker, PLLC, M&T Bank, Gail & Don Mitzner; Moritt Hock & Hamroff, LLP; Alan & Ellen Spiegel; United Health Care; Valley Bank, and WTEC. Imagination Builder Auction Sponsor Alan & Ellen Spiegel. Sincere Chocolatier Chocolate Bar Sponsor Crestcom KEY Alliance / Rosenthal Law, LLC. Whimsy Photography Sponsor RXR, Corp. Dreamer Award Sponsor Long Island Elite. Community Partner Sponsor Delta Air Lines.
Mitch Goldberg (middle) receives the 2025 Leadership Award presented by Rob Ciatto (left) President/CEO of ACLD, and Jamie Engel (right) President of the ACLD Foundation Board of Directors. Photography Credit: Len Marks Photography
ACLD Residents Derek (left) and Doug (right) step into ‘A World of Imagination’ at the 2025 Enviable Life Ball. Photography Credit: Len Marks Photography
Members of the Community Care Rx team at the Enviable Life Ball, where they served as Wonderland Sponsors for the event. Photography Credit: Len Marks Photography
Members of the Long Island Elite (LIE) surround the evening’s honoree and fellow LIE member, Mitch Goldberg (center). The Long Island Elite, who were Dreamer Award Sponsors at the Enviable Life Ball, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the development of Long Island’s business and philanthropic communities. Photography Credit: Len Marks Photography
Sue Schonfeld-Muller (right) and Norman Muller (left), who served as Fantastical Whimsical Sponsors at the Enviable Life Ball. Photography Credit: Len Marks Photography
Scampi Sauce
Experience Home For The Holidays At Planting Fields
Planting Fields, a former Gold Coast estate that is preserved today as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape, and the people who resided on its land, will be holding its annual Home for the Holidays event next month. A heartwarming tradition that makes the spirit of the season come to life in one of Long Island’s most enchanting settings, Home for the Holidays is a one-of-a-kind festival.
Experience true holiday magic as you step inside the historic Main House, beautifully adorned in full holiday splendor with festive décor crafted from natural materials sourced right on its grounds – a signature Planting Fields touch you won’t find anywhere else. Attendees can also sip on hot cocoa, listen to the sounds of holiday music filling the halls, and craft their own seasonal keepsake. Plus, this year Santa Claus is joining in on the fun! Children of all ages can share their wishes, take photos, and soak in the joy of the season as Santa spreads cheer throughout the day.
Home for the Holidays
Dates & Times: Friday, December 12 5 – 8 PM Saturday, December 13, 10 AM – 1 PM & 1 – 4 PM Sunday, December 14, 10 AM – 1 PM, 1 – 4 PM & 4 – 8 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at www.plantingfields. org or at the door.
Adults: $20; Children: $15; Kids under 3 are free. Reservations are recommended.
Photo courtesy of Corinne Tousey
Photo courtesy of David Almeida
New Year’s Eve Celebration Ideas For Families
TheNew Year’s Eve countdown is on, with people eagerly awaiting the opportunity to say goodbye to this year and welcome the possibilities of the year ahead. The month of January’s name was derived from the Roman god Janus, who was the god of beginnings, endings, doorways, and transitions. Symbolized by his two faces looking in opposite directions, Janus presided over many transitions.
Billions enjoy celebrating the arrival of a new year. While New Year’s Eve may be known for its raucous nature, complete with overflowing cocktails and packed dance floors, parents looking to celebrate with their young children have plenty of
Comeoptions to turn NYE into a more family-friendly affair. Explore these ideas for family-friendly NYE fun.
• Noon Year’s Eve: Staying up until midnight might be a stretch for young children, who tend to get wired and cranky the later into the evening they go beyond typical bedtime. Instead of waiting until 12 a.m. for the countdown, move it back (or ahead) 12 hours to 12 noon. Young children won’t mind if it’s the sun out instead of the moon, as long as they get to make noise and throw confetti.
• Homemade noisemakers: Making noise is part of the fun of welcoming the new year. Kids can get in on the act of crafting
Did You Know?
New Year's Eve, it's customary to count down the last 10 seconds until the clock strikes midnight and the new year officially begins. It seems like the 10-second countdown is as old as time itself, but the tradition actually is much more modern. According to Alexis McCrossen, a history professor at Southern Methodist University, prior to the twentieth century, New Year's Day was celebrated rather than New Year's Eve. And even up until the mid-twentieth century, countdowns were not associated with New Year's Eve or even festive occasions. However, the tides turned on countdowns with the Apollo moon launch in 1961. After that, countdowns for radio hits and other fun activities began. Although some TV announcers in the 1960s began counting down to the new year, it wasn't until 1979 that the crowd at Times Square in New York City began joining in. This was despite the first New Year's Eve ball drop being held more than 70 years earlier in 1907. Publisher Adolph Ochs organized the first New Year's Eve party in Times Square in 1904, while the first-ever ball drop took place three years later when the city banned fireworks for the celebration. Yet it was not until the final year of the 1970s for it to be fashionable for a crowd to gather and participate in shouting out the 10-second countdown, a practice that is now tradition.
their own noisemakers from items that already may be around the house. Collect empty toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tubes for this purpose. Cover one end of the tube with masking tape or a round piece of plastic. Fill the tube with beads, small seashells, rice, or dried beans, leaving enough room for the materials to move around inside the tube. Seal the other end and allow the kids to decorate their noisemakers. Then it’s only a matter of shaking them when it’s time to welcome 2026.
• Dress-up photo booth: Many people love to dress up for a special occasion. At a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, set aside a corner of a room with dress up props like funny glasses, feather boas, top hats, and NYEspecific items. Explore digital disposable camera apps like POV, Lense or Pixel Party. Guests simply scan a QR code for the event that the party host has established for a low price, and can snap moments at this “photo booth” that are shared effortlessly to one digital place.
• Kids beverage bar: Ensure that younger guests can be age-appropriate mixologists with sodas, fruit juices, citrus slices, and maraschino cherries. Or set up a hot cocoa bar with miniature marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and peanut butter chips.
• Family-friendly dance club: Put together a playlist of popular songs and choose the “clean” versions so children will not hear questionable lyrics. Clear an area of the party to serve as the dance floor, and utilize strobe lights or a disco ball to enhance the atmosphere.
Families can celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids in entertaining ways that are appropriate for everyone in the home.
ENTREES (CHOOSE ONE)
Chicken Valdostana: Breaded Breast of Chicken topped with Prosciutto, Melted Mozzarella, Porcini Sauce, Served with Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables
Chicken Scarpariello: Oven Roasted off the Bone with Sausage, Peppers, Mushrooms, Rosemary
Served over Spinach
Sole Portofino: Parmesan Encrusted in Lemon White Wine Sauce, Served over Risotto
Salmon Fiorentina: Fresh Salmon pan seared in a lemon beurre blanc
Shrimp Scampi: Garlic, butter, white wine and lemon, served over risotto with vegetables
Pollo: (Served with Vegetables) Francese, Parmigiana, Marsala, Toscano
Veal (+ $6): (Served with Vegetables) Marsala, Parmigiana, Sorrentino, Piccata
Zucchini Linguini: (Vegan) In a Spicy Marinara Sauce with Crispy Shitake Mushroom
Penne alla Vodka: Shallots, Prosciutto, Vodka in Tomato Basil Sauce with a touch of cream
Pappardelle Bolognese: Authentic Meat Sauce, Ricotta Cheese on Top Orecchiette alla Verona: Imported Pasta Sautéed with Sausage, Sundried Tomatoes, Chick Peas, Rapini, Garlic and Oil
Porcini Risotto: (Vegetarian) Risotto Tossed in Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Topped with Shaved Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan: Baked in Marinara, topped with Melted Mozzarella, Served with Vegetables
Grilled Pork Chop (+ $6): Topped with Mushrooms, Onions, Cherry
Peppers, Served-Roasted Potato, Vegetables
Branzino Oreganata (+ $7): Fresh Mediterranean Sea Bass Topped with Seasoned Breadcrumbs in a Lemon White Wine Sauce with Shrimp
Squid Ink Linguini (+ $7): Tossed with Mussels, Calamari, Shrimp, Broccoli Rabe, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Crispy Duck (+ $7): Fresh Long Island Duck, Orange Cranberry Glaze, Served with Wild Rice & Vegetable
Steak (+ $10): Grilled, topped with Asparagus and Melted Mozzarella in Barolo Wine Sauce Served with Onion RIngs
Includes Salad, Pasta & 2 Entrees (Eggplant, Chicken or Filet of Sole), Mixed Desserts
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY
Dinner To Go • Package #2 Cannoli • Tiramisu • Key Lime Pie Flourless Chocolate Cake
Includes Salad, Pasta & 2 Entrees (Veal, Salmon, Chicken or Shrimp), Mixed Desserts $70 for 2 / $130 for 4 / $185 for 6 Family Dinner To Go • Package #1
& Mixed Desserts
NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE & NEW YEAR’S EVE
Edward Termini
Ethiel Melecio
John Masino
Claire Festa
Barbara Ciminera
Gus Kalogrias
Harun Yakub
Steven DeLuca
Dennis Brady
Domenick A Stanco
Donna Lee Hickey
Teri Catapano Black Bruno Ungania Carole Ann Catapano
Caroline M DeLuca
Eileen E Cook Mary Dunphy
Gina McGovern Jennifer Mabrouk
Linda Lynch Patricia Lewis Toni Ann Strameillo Valerie Riccardello
Joan M Labarbera