December 3, 2025 North Massapequa by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

Backpacks Galore: Massapequa Donation Drive Delivers

Spelling out “Massapequa,” more than 400 backpacks covered the blacktop at Birch Lane Elementary School on Nov. 20, the result of a monthlong collection drive in the Massapequa School District. Partnering with the With Purpose Foundation, students at all nine schools were encouraged to donate new or gently used backpacks and school supplies throughout October.

The successful drive culminated with a celebration a Birch Lane, the home school of parent Michael Fay, founder of the With Purpose Foundation. The program was attended by board of education trustees, central administrators, principals, teachers, fifth grade student leaders, parents and elected officials.

Give Back Backpack started last year at Birch Lane and Lockhart

elementary schools, and was expanded throughout the district this year. All donations will go to the Massapequa-based YES Community Counseling Center to then distribute items to children across Long Island.

Mr. Fay thanked the Massapequa community for being so generous, noting that the value of the backpacks, lunch boxes and school supplies donated is about $14,000. He started the With Purpose Foundation after being diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma and skin cancer. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness and advancing research and treatment options for people with CLL/SLL, a rare cancer affecting the lymphatic system and bloodstream.

“Our mission is simple: inspire random acts of kindness in our communities and raise

awareness and funds for leukemia, lymphoma and skin cancer with the hope of helping find a cure one day,” he said. “Look at what we’ve done together. Because of this community’s kindness, over 400 children will receive backpacks and supplies they otherwise might not have had.”

Mr. Fay added that the success of this year’s Give Back Backpack drive is inspiring him to expand it further next year, hoping to partner with an additional two school districts as well as Volunteers of America – Greater New York. In recognition of the donations from Massapequa, he presented Superintendent Dr. William Brennan with a certificate of appreciation for district office as well as certificates for each school.

“The collective efforts of our nine Massapequa schools will ensure

that all children get the backpacks and school supplies they need to be thriving learners,” Dr. Brennan said. “We are extremely grateful to

Michael Fay and the With Purpose Foundation for working with the district on this very successful collection drive, and to all of the students and families who donated. Seeing all of the backpacks and supplies together was just another reminder of the generosity of the Massapequa community.”

The district was recognized for its support of the backpack drive during a presentation at Birch Lane Elementary School on Nov. 20. From left are Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Michelle Walsh, Board of Education Secretary Cher Lepre and President Kerry Wachter, With Purpose Foundation founder Michael Fay, Superintendent Dr. William Brennan and Board of Education Trustee Danielle Ocuto.

di Mare

• Baked Ziti • Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)

• Stuffed Shells • Baked Manicotti

SALAD (Choose two)

• Garden or Caesar

MAIN COURSE (Choose one)

• 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 • Sautéed Broccoli

• Candied Sweet Potatoes • String Bean Almondine

• Roasted Potato Wedges • Eggplant Rollatine or Parmigiana

• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Seasonal Berries

DESSERT (Choose one)

• Apple Pie or Grain Pie

• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl

Altruistic Ames Students Fight Hunger With Food Drive

The generosity of ninth graders at the Massapequa High School Ames Campus ensured that local families had a bountiful Thanksgiving this year. The National Junior Honor Society recently concluded a food drive that resulted in the collection of hundreds of nonperishable items.

The drive ran from Oct. 9 to Nov. 14 and there was a steady stream of donations over the five weeks. Students could leave items on a cart outside the classroom of NJHS adviser Michelle Grossi each day. The donations ranged from canned vegetables to jars of gravy to boxes of pasta.

Honor society members made dozens of posters to promote the food drive, which were hung throughout the school. Once the food drive ended, they also helped to sort and boxed up the food, which

was donated to the food pantry at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park.

Ms. Grossi said the Thanksgiving food drive has been a long-standing annual tradition, and the promotion efforts of the NJHS members help make it a success every year. Students added that it feels good to give back to their community, like ninth grader Hailey Stalzer, who noted that it takes only a small donation to make a difference because when many people contribute, it adds up.

“Contributing to those in need during the holidays can make those families feel loved,” Noemi Purificato said.

Added Luci Bernstein, “Things that people take for granted can be something that other families greatly appreciate.”

Town Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Open For The Season

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Andrew Monteleone announce that the Town’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks have officially opened for the season, and remain open through Sunday, March 1st.

“Ice skating is a fun activity for families and residents of all ages to enjoy, especially during the holiday season. The Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Councilman Monteleone.

Public Skating Sessions are available at both outdoor rinks.

For residents wishing to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the

Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage. Indoor skating is open to the public seven days a week, with special extended hours on most holidays and school breaks.

For information on schedules, fees and rink programs at all Town rinks, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/ice.

The National Junior Honor Society at the Massapequa High School Ames Campus organized a nonperishable food drive for Thanksgiving. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Town Unveils Historical Sign Commemorating Jericho Cider Mill Operating For

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier gathered at the Jericho Cider Mill, one of Long Island’s oldest continually operating cider mills, to unveil a historical marker marking its more than 200 years in the community. With roots dating back to the 1800s, the Jericho Cider Mill has kept up with the traditions of recipes being passed on through generations. The dedication was held with Ted Ketsoglou, who together with his son Kerry are owner and operator of the facility, as well as members of the Ketsoglou family.

“Today, we come together to celebrate not only a business, but a true legacy and a piece of our Town’s heart and soul – the Jericho Cider Mill. While some of the

Over 200 Years, Business One Of Long Island’s Oldest Continually Operating Cider Mills

equipment may have been updated over the years, the recipes and commitment to using the freshest ingredients with no preservatives remains the same” said Supervisor Saladino.

One of the longest running cider mills in the nation, Jericho Cider Mill started operations in 1820. In the late 1800s, the mill was sold to George Doughty, who made it famous for both its cider and champagne cider, running it for nearly 50 years. It was later owned by John Hicks, who opened the cider mill at its new location after the prohibition had temporarily shut down the original location just over a century ago. It was then sold to farmer John Zulkofske, a founding member of the Jericho Fire Department, who moved the mill to its

current location following the widening of Route 106 in the 1950s. The Zulkofske family owned the mill for more than five decades, and even further increase its production

abilities by purchasing new equipment. Today, the Cider Mill operates under the able direction of Ted Ketsoglou and his son Kerry – both of whom are also members of the Jericho Fire Department – who have kept all the traditions of the past alive.

“This wonderful business attracts thousands of people from all over Long Island for

its delicious products, fun atmosphere and excellent customer service,” said Councilwoman Maier. “We wish the Jericho Cider Mill much success for many years to come.”

Assemblyman Durso Attends Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 Boys & Girls State Awards Ceremony

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) recently joined his colleagues in government and members of the Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 at the annual Boys and Girls State Awards Ceremony.

The Boys State and Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school juniors. Participants learn the structure government and the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of the American Citizenship.

“Congratulations to all the students who took part in this outstanding program,” said Assemblyman Durso. “This award demonstrates you recognize the importance of civic engagement and leadership. ”

Supervisor Joseph Saladino (second from left) and Councilwoman Laura Maier unveil a historical sign commemorating more than 200 years of business at the Jericho Cider Mill, with owners Ted (left) and Kerry (right) Ketsoglou.

Pictured L to R: (Back Row) Joe Clark, Past Commander Post 1066; Sue Dietrich, Auxiliary Unit 1066 President; Senator Steve Rhoads; Assemblyman John Mikulin; Karyn Faragher, Auxiliary Unit 1066 1st VP; Councilman Tom Hand; Assemblyman Michael Durso; Legislator James Kennedy; John Nolan, Commander Post 1066 alongside Boys State/Girls State honorees.

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Santa’s Mailboxes From North Pole Have Arrived In Town Offices

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes that have arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters through Monday, December 15th.

The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 15th with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary.

Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) at the

following locations:

• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

• Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, call (516) 624-6380 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com

Largest Cruise Thru Toys For Tots Collection Drive

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Town’s massive ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Collection Drive will take place at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In partnership with the United States Marine Corps and Optimum, the Town is collecting toys to help families and those less fortunate throughout the community during the upcoming holiday season.

In addition to the ‘CruiseThru’, collection boxes are located at Town facilities through December 13th. Supervisor Saladino said, “The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just last year we collected more than 40,000 toys for Long Island children. I encourage all of our residents who can donate to this amazing

cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go through the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”

The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will offer residents an excellent opportunity to contribute directly to the cause and help bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as a holiday drop box where children can drop off their letters to Santa.

Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.

“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving presents this holiday season. I urge residents, who can, to donate new unwrapped toys to any of our drop-

off locations,” said Councilman Tom Hand.

“By donating, you can help ease the financial burden of our families in need this holiday season.”

Toys for Tots Collection Boxes are located at the following locations:

• Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay;

• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa;

• Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart

Avenue, Bethpage.

The Cruise Thru Toy Drive is made possible through the following sponsors: Whitey’s Tire Service of Brooklyn, Bola, Long Island Press, Nassau Coliseum, Adventureland, News 12, MSG Networks,

Washville, WKJOY 98.3, WHLI 1100AM, 103. The Wolf, 94.3 The Shark, and Embassy Diner. For more information, please call (516) 7974121 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.

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

Sole Portoﬁno: Parmesan Encrusted in Lemon White Wine Sauce, Served over Risotto

Salmon Fiorentina: Fresh Salmon pan seared in a lemon beurre blanc Served over Spinach

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

ONE)

Cannoli • Tiramisu • Key Lime Pie Flourless Chocolate Cake

Includes Salad, Pasta & 2 Entrees (Eggplant, Chicken or Filet of Sole), Mixed Desserts

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

Bistecca

Includes Salad, Pasta & 2 Entrees (Veal, Salmon, Chicken or Shrimp), Mixed Desserts $70 for 2 / $130 for 4 / $185 for 6

Barolo, Scampi con Riso, Salmon Fiorentina, Pollo Arrosto, Costoletta di Miale

Includes Salad, Pasta & Mixed Desserts

Residents Invited To Submit Photos For

Town Publications

Want to see your photos in upcoming Town publications such as the Town calendar? Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in print or online. Photos are needed depicting all seasons.

“We accept photos yearround submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Monteleone.

“We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”

Councilman Monteleone noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but highquality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS

SATURDAY, DEC. 6th

9:00AM HOT CHOCOLATE 5K RUN/WALK

This year marks 20 years of Seaford community spirit! A great morning of fun, ﬁtness, and neighbors coming together. Hosted by the Seaford Wellness Council, a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt (Tax ID #11-3612034) dedicated to promoting wellness and community pride throughout Seaford. Location: Seaford High School, 1575 Seamans Neck Road in Seaford. For more information, please contact Michael DiSilvio, 516-384-8536

9:00AM-NOON

CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE

Amityville Kiwanis Club will be selling Christmas wreaths at the Kiwanis Park parking lot on Broadway in Amityville. Beautiful, thick and decorated with handmade bows for only $27.00. Call and order yours today 516-449-4571. Free delivery! All proceeds beneﬁt the Amityville Community Fund.

5:30PM-7:30PM

TREE LIGHTING AT THE SEAFORD FIREHOUSE

The Seaford Historical Society with host, at the museum, 3890 Waverly Avenue in Seaford, in conjunction with the Tree lighting at the Seaford Firehouse, an open house. Entertainment and warm apple cider served. For information please contact Judy Bongiovi 516-783-8629

6:00PM

MASSAPEQUA CHRISTMAS TREE AND MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY at Klestinec Park on Broadway in Massapequa. Rain Date: Sunday, December 7th. A wonderful community event for the family. For more information, please call 516-541-1443

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

7:00PM

FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Choir of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow presents its Annual Christmas Concert, “An Evening of Lessons and Carols”, featuring choral music of the Orthodox Church and traditional carols from both East and West. It will be also livestreamed on https://www. facebook.com/htocem. Admission and refreshments are free of charge. Church is located at 369 Green Avenue in East Meadow. For more information, please call 516-483-3649, email htocem@gmail.com, or visit Facebook or www.htocem.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 6th

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

Tours begin at 10:00AM and leave every ﬁfteen minutes until 2:30PM both days.

HOLIDAY TOURS AT SAGTIKOS MANOR

A magical tour of the toys we once received at Christmas, from the Colonial times to the magic of motion - 1800-1900s Golden Age of Toys, 1900s-1950s - toys of innovation and engineering to present. Reserve your tour online, sagtikosmanor.org, walk-ins welcome day of as space allows, 677 West Montauk Hwy, West Bay Shore, 631.854.0939 For more information: info@sagtikosmanor.org

SATURDAY, DEC. 6th

7:30PM

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

4:00PM

MARKING MOMENTS: A LESSONS & CAROLS CELEBRATION

The Babylon Chorale presents A concert version of Lessons & Carols with works by Biebel, Hagen berg, & Quartet, along with traditional hymns sung with audience. St. Peter's

By-The-Sea Episcopal Church - 500 South Country Rd. in Bay Shore. To purchase tickets online or for further information, visit their website at www. babylonchorale.org, or email info@ babylonchorale.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 7th

11:00AM-3:00PM

CHILD WELFARE HOLIDAY BRUNCH

The Woman’s Club of Massapequa is holding its annual Child Welfare Holiday Brunch at the Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club in Amityville. Rafﬂe prizes, DJ, and dancing. For more information or reservations please call Antoinette 516-978-4258.

12NOON-5:00PM

2025 HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR

Historical Society of Islip Hamlet's 2025 Holiday House Tour. Several historically and/or architecturally interesting homes will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you. At the reception there will be light refreshments, a Christmas auction and 50/50 rafﬂe. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for the John Theissen Children's Foundation. For more information, please call 6312915, www.isliphamlethistory.org.

5:00PM

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 210 So. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst, celebrates the Advent Season with Scriptures and beautiful music led by the adult choir, youth choir, cantors, and instrumentalists. Reception to follow in the School Auditorium. Join us as we prepare for the coming of Christ into our hearts. For more information, please call 631226-7725.

Magic Of Lights® Returns To Dazzle Long Island This Holiday Season

The most wonderful time of the year gets even brighter with the triumphant return of Magic of Lights. Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, will once again be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland featuring a spectacular drive-through light display and the enchanting Toyota Holiday Village. This beloved holiday tradition continues through January 3

Presented by Family Entertainment Live and Live Nation, Magic of Lights makes its highly anticipated return to Jones Beach State Park, Presented by Flagstar and PNC Bank Arts Center for the eighth consecutive year. This year Magic of Lights features the return of the Toyota Holiday Village, The longest light tunnel in Long Island and New Jersey,

mesmerizing light displays, holiday favorites including, all-new Prehistoric Christmas scenes featuring dinosaurs celebrating the season, Holiday Barbie, photos with Santa, special nightly events and more.

"Magic of Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition for families right here in the Tri-State area,” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live. “We’re proud to return to both Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center and continue spreading the joy, wonder, and togetherness that make this season so special in our community.”

“The Magic of Lights Show continues to be an annual holiday tradition that exceeds attendee’s expectations," said George Gorman, JR-Regional Director-NYS Office of Parks,

Recreation and Historic Preservation. “ From the first light display through to the holiday village, the joys of the season come to life.

Experience the wonder of Magic of Lights' most treasured holiday scenes from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle, including the whimsical Prehistoric Christmas, enchanting Winter Wonderland, the classic 12 Days of Christmas, delightful Toyland, playful festive Elves, and the magnificent Reindeer Road. Journey through the awe-inspiring 400-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights alongside additional captivating illuminated tunnels that will transport you into a world of holiday splendor.

The spectacular showcase features show-stopping attractions including the towering 32-foot animated

Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie®, an extraordinary Prehistoric Christmas scene complete with life-sized

dinosaurs celebrating the holidays, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck display. With more than two million twinkling lights illuminating the night, Magic of Lights delivers a heartwarming and festive experience that creates cherished family memories.

Don't miss the magical Toyota Holiday Village, where families can step out of their vehicles and explore a wonderland of walk-through attractions featuring photos with Santa, holiday treats, merchandise, backdrops to take your magical selfies and an array of delightful holiday activities.

QUICK FACTSMAGIC OF LIGHTS

• 2+ million lights illuminate each Magic

of Lights experience

• 12.6 miles of light cord power every Magic of Lights event

• 3,750 dedicated staff hours required to construct each magical display

• Steel frameworks are precision-designed, cut, bent and welded into approximately 800 individual frames, combined in various configurations to create massive holiday scenes. Every frame is engineered using cutting-edge CAD technology and handcrafted in-house following detailed 15-page design specifications.

• Each Magic of Lights installation utilizes roughly 10 miles of steel framework and 10

miles of LED lighting woven throughout the displays, incorporating 10 distinct colors of LED bulbs.

• Magnificent scenes, including the animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie, soar up to 32 feet tall and stretch several hundred feet in length. Magic of Lights illuminates the night from 5 PM to 10 PM Sun-Thur and 5 PM to 11 PM Fri-Sat running through January 3. Tickets for this extraordinary holiday celebration are available for purchase with convenient per-vehicle pricing.

For complete schedules and ticket purchases, visit MagicOfLights.com

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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 jar-like 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

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union recently announced that applications for its annual Scholarship Program are now open. High school seniors are invited to apply for financial assistance as they prepare for college. Designed to support hardworking,

Kid-Crafted Holiday Decor Ideas Applications Now Being Accepted For The Fourleaf Federal Credit Union Scholarship Program

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

community-minded students, the program provides awards that can help offset the rising costs of tuition, books, and other college expenses.

“Our scholarships are one way we can help ease the financial burden on families while encouraging students to

pursue their dreams,” shared Kimberly Ruiz, Manager Community Engagement New Markets. “Each year, we proudly award 10 accomplished students, knowing that investing in young people is an investment in the future of our communities.”

To apply, please visit; https://www.fourleaffcu. com/community/ education-scholarships/. The 2026 Scholarship Program application deadline date is Friday, January 9, 2026 (no late submissions are accepted).

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.

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

Charitable Giving Spreads Joy

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.