South Bay's Neighbor
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Seaford community to kick off the holiday season at the Seaford Fire Department’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting, a cherished local tradition that brings families, first responders, and neighbors together each year. The evening featured a beautifully lit Christmas tree and outstanding performances by the Seaford High School band and Downstage Dance, adding festive spirit to the celebration. Senator Rhoads thanked the Seaford Fire Department for hosting this beloved event and for their continued service to the community. Local officials in attendance included Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, Councilman Chris Schneider, and Legislator-Elect Kayla Knight.
Did You Know?
Christmas trees 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.
Happy Holidays
State Utilities is a major oil dealer on Long Island providing heating fuel to residents and businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County; we offer on-line fuel ordering, delivery, and full service heating oil contracts.
State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.
Celebrating 74 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their
comfort. Thank
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
THROUGH DEC. 31st (Daily)
ANIMIATED CHILDREN'S WALKTHROUGH STORY
Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. Open during normal store hours. Located in the Christmas Gallery. The Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! Please bring a donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and it drop off at the end of the walkthrough. Free Event. For more information, please call 516- 334-0066
THROUGH JAN. 1st (Daily)
PORT JEFFERSON FESTIVAL OF TREES at Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 East Broadway in Port Jefferson. Free Event. See beautifully decorated Trees by local businesses, groups, and non-profits! This event is presented by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Title Sponsor - Hanover Bank. Co-Sponsor: The Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson. For more information, please call 631-4731414
THROUGH JAN. 4th (Daily)
12:00NOON-3:00PM
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY
The Town of Babylon History Museum and Babylon Town Historical Society, feature an interactive model train display (240 sq. ft.) that highlights historic points of interest from around the Town of Babylon. Admission is FREE. The
MAKE A SUBMISSION! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
Town History Museum is located at the historic Old Town Hall, built in 1918 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. For more information, please call 631-587-3750
THURSDAY, DEC. 18th
6:00PM-7:45PM
WINTER GREENERY WORKSHOP
At the Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh. A winter greenery workshop to celebrate the season! RSVP to PaumanackeGC@ gmail.com to receive details and to register. Lite refreshments will be served after the workshop.
SATURDAY, DEC. 20th
6:00PM-10:30PM
BRUMIDI’S CHRISTMAS PARTY at Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information and reservations, please call Linda at 516-356-0949, www.sonsofitalyli.com
MONDAY, DEC. 29th
9:00AM-3:00PM
HOLIDAY DISCOVERY DAYS 2025
Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm.. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our resident non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Sweetbriar Nature Center is located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31st
11:00AM-12:00NOON NAUTICAL NEW YEAR
Did you know the New Year's Eve ball is based on an old nautical timekeeping tradition? Join us to countdown to 12 noon, and enjoy festive self-serve crafts all day during gallery hours. Included with Admission. The Whaling Museum & Education Center Of Cold Spring Harbor, 279 Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor. For more information, please call 516.282.6426, 631.367.3418 x12, Email cainslie@cshwhalingmuseum. org
6:30PM-8:00PM
EARLY NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL DROP/ CELEBRATION
Farmingdale Village is hosting an Early, Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebration - Ring in 2026 with a New Year’s Eve free celebration. Free admission, free hot cocoa, free noisemakers .& Live Music ... on the Village Green, 361 Main St, weather permitting. Bring family & friendsall ages. Thanks to the Farmingdale Business Improvement District, Farmingdale Village Fire Department, Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, Farmingdale Village Board, all involved. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/32564875029824369
8:00PM-1:00AM
RING IN THE NEW YEAR
Brumidi Lodge-Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please call Linda 516-356-0949, wwsonsofitalyli.com
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one)
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
• Penne Alla Vodka • Linquine Fruitti di Mare
• Baked Ziti • Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)
• Stuffed Shells • Baked Manicotti
SALAD (Choose one)
• Garden or Caesar
• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Seasonal Berries
• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)
• Boar’s Head Sweet Sliced Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)
• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)
• Stuffed Flounder Filet
VEGETABLE (Choose two)
• String Bean Casserole • String Bean Almondine
• Candied Sweet Potatoes • Eggplant Rollatine or
• Roasted Potato Wedges Parmigiana
• Sautéed Broccoli
DESSERT (Choose one)
• Apple Pie or Grain Pie
• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl
The Origins Of Christmas Stockings
The holiday season is rife with tradition. Some holiday traditions, such as holiday lighting displays, are easy to notice, while others are more subtle and possibly even unknown to many celebrants. One tradition that falls into the latter category involves the placing of oranges into Christmas stockings. The origins of Christmas stockings are rooted in legend and one of the more popular tales involves a widowed father of three beautiful girls. According to Smithsonian.com, this father struggled to make ends meet and was concerned that his financial struggles would affect his daughters' ability to find a spouse. As the legend goes, St. Nicholas was wandering through the man's town and heard of his concerns. Recognizing that the man was unlikely to accept charity, St. Nicholas slid down the chimney of his house and placed three gold balls in the girls' recently laundered stockings, which were hanging by the fire to dry. The value of the gold balls, which were discovered the following morning, was enough to ensure the girls could eventually wed. So what does that have to do with oranges? Those who wanted to replicate the tale could not so easily come upon gold balls to place in stockings, so they chose something similar in appearance: oranges.
Seaford’s Young Scientists Investigate And Inform
Seaford Middle School’s revamped science fair featured 116 projects on display during an evening science fair on Dec. 4. Seventh graders and their families were invited to walk around the gymnasium and check out the posterboard presentations that showcased the results of meaningful scientific inquiry.
Previously open to any interested student in
the school, this year the science fair was included as part of the seventh grade curriculum. Teachers Sarah Brand and Roseann Zeblisky tasked students with completing a project that followed the scientific method. The topic of study was up to the students, as Ms. Brand and Ms. Zeblisky encouraged young researchers to follow their passions.
“We want to give them
the opportunity to feel like scientists and choose something of interest to them,” Ms. Zeblisky sad. “Our goal is to inspire them in science and nurture their curiosities.”
Students could work independently or with a partner. They completed experiments at home, but had time during their science classes to get guidance and support from their teachers, as well as to
work on their posterboard displays.
“The students were so excited,” Ms. Brand said. “They got to take ownership of their projects and produce work they could be proud of.”
There was a wide variety of topics, with technology and microbiology being among the concepts most explored. They tested the melting speeds of chocolate and different frozen foods,
explored at the bounce of tennis balls at various temperatures, and looked at the effects of playing video games on eyesight.
This year’s winners were:
Red Team: First Place –John Egan (Is Your Internet Browser Scamming You?); Second Place – Kevin Whidden (Bacteria on Ice); Third Place – Keith Kern and Carlo Valerio (Food Fight); Honorable Mentions – Callen Curry (Air Ball),
Ava Scopinich and Angelica Malone (Hot Cups).
Blue Team: First Place – Parker Matulewicz and Samantha Kelly (Bioplastic vs. Plastics); Second Place – Logan Siegel and Michael Saracco (Popcorn Mania); Third Place – Angela O’Brien (The Great Cheese Melt); Honorable Mentions –Nicholas Guercio (Running Surface vs. Speed), Michael DeStefano (The Rusty Nail).
The Seaford Middle School science fair on the evening of Dec. 4 featured 116 projects by seventh graders.
Several of this year’s scientific explorers were joined by Executive Director for STEM and Instructional Technology Dr. Nicole Culella, Assistant Principal Joseph Polite, science teachers Roseann Zeblisky and Sarah Brand, and Principal Dr. Raphael Morey.
Amelia Silverstein, left, Olivia Kennedy and Kevin Whidden showed off the results of their science projects.
Jace Coffin followed the scientific method for his balloon car experiment. Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
Tennis Coaches (Syosset,
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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
WANT your phone to rrrrring? Place an ad in Classified!
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
Elaine Patterson
Lic. Associate R.E Broker
O: 516.799.7100 | M: 516.343.9133 elainep@signaturepremier.com
Daniel Patterson
Lic. Sales Associate
O: 516.799.7100 | M: 516.765.6717 danielp@signaturepremier.com
There Is No Place Like Home For The Holidays!
Greetings from the Patterson family to yours, for a Happy, Healthy, Holiday Season! As always, Special wishes welcoming our New Neighbors! In the coming year, we look forward to making new friends, meeting new challenges, and exceeding all expectations. Let’s take time also to remember our Military and First Responders and wish them a peaceful and safe holiday season!
Warm Regards, Elaine & Daniel
956 N Park Avenue, Massapequa
301-8 Hicksville Road, Bethpage
366 Broadway, Massapequa Park 1233 August Road, North Babylon
78 Lindbergh Street, Massapequa Park
159 Araca Road, Babylon
54 S Emerson Avenue, Amity
Did You Know?
It's not uncommon to encounter eggnog at some point during the holiday season. A popular holiday beverage that typically contains milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and rum, brandy or bourbon, eggnog tends to be high in calories, fat, saturated fat, and sugar. Anyone looking to indulge in a little holiday cheer without consuming so many calories may want to consider vegan eggnog. According to Consumer Reports, vegan eggnog tends to be lower in calories than its more traditional alternative. CR also reports that many vegan eggnogs it examined were lower in added sugars than those made with dairy.
Charitable Giving Spreads Joy
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Support Blood Collections
(NAPSI)—To ensure the nation’s blood supply is prepared for all emergencies, the Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS and by volunteering to support blood collections at www.redcross.org/ VolunteerToday.
