Learn more at catholichealthli.org/BetterNeverStops AN ALL-NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED OPERATING ROOMS. REIMAGINED PRIVATE PATIENT ROOMS. A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND TRAUMA CENTER FOR THE SOUTH SHORE.
The new Good Samaritan University Hospital is coming. And our South Shore community is about to get a whole lot better.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
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.
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.
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.
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.
New York Health (NY Health) is pleased to announce it has opened its brand-new multi-specialty treatment facility in the heart of Patchogue, located at 214 E Main Street.
The three-story center offers a full range of specialties and services, all under one roof, providing patients with convenient, coordinated care close to home. Patients no longer need to travel to multiple other locations to receive the treatment they deserve. The following modalities are available at the new center:
Breast Surgery (Second Floor): Under NY Breast Health, and headed by Dr. David Mangiameli, a renowned surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. His dedicated expertise focuses on enhanced screening for high-risk patients, minimally invasive breast surgery, oncoplastic surgery, and customization of surgery for cancer in women who are universally and intrinsically unique.
Imaging (First Floor): Under NY Imaging Specialists, the new center offers a range of imaging modalities,
including Bone Density, Breast Imaging, Breast Biopsy, CT, Interventional Radiology, Mammography, and Ultrasound.
OB/GYN (Third Floor): Led by the team of Drs. Lance Edwards, Farzana Garcia, Paul Lograno, Jennifer Marshak, John Petraco, Patrick Schreiber, Mindy Shaffran, Jennifer Slagus, Dennis Strittmatter, and PA Sarah Burns.
Primary Care (First Floor): Led by Dr. Faiza Mallick, a board-certified Family Medicine Physician providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
Pain Management
(Second Floor): Led by Dr. Muhammad Ahsan, a Pain Medicine specialist dedicated to helping patients manage chronic pain and improve quality of life.
“This center is a true testament to our unwavering commitment to providing our patients in the Patchogue community with the comprehensive care they need and deserve,” said Dr. Rohit Reejsinghani, DO, Chief Medical Officer of NY Health.
To learn more or schedule an appointment at the new Patchogue location, visit nyhealth.com.
Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recently recognized Thomas Robert McCreery on achieving Eagle Scout with Troop 370 at his Eagle Court of Honor at Bay Shore Yacht Club. McCreery’s Service Project, earning him Eagle Scout status, was raising money to purchase an AED for the American Legion Hall in Islip and organized and helped facilitate an AED/CPR training class for the members of the local American Legion. Inspiration for his project was following the lifesaving response by the Buffalo Bills training staff after the collapse of teammate Damar Hamlin, using an AED and CPR to save his life on the field.
McCreery is currently a Senior at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, where he is a member of the National Honor Society and a three-sport varsity
athlete in Cross Country, Swimming, and Track & Field. He has participated in many community service projects such as Keep Islip Clean, Challenger Athletics, Wreaths Across America, and Long Island Beach Buggy Association
cleanups. This past summer, he was sponsored by RusyBohm Post 411 in Islip and attended American Legion Boys’ State where he was elected Sheriff and earned a certificate of commendation for outstanding service.
PUBLISHER
ASSISTANT
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Joe Lambert Ethan Keattikul
Lucille Moran Terry Rydyzynski
Victoria Kokolakis
Stephan Schulze
•
•
•
•
•
•
ALL-BY-MYSELF STORYTIME • AGES 3-PREK
EVERY THURSDAY WHEN THE LIBRARY IS OPEN • 1:30PM
Preschoolers can practice their independence in this on-my-own storytime with Miss Amanda Kids attend this program independently No registration required.
TWIST & SHOUT STORYTIME • AGES 2-PREK
TUESDAY, DECE MBER 9 • 9:45 OR 10:30AM
Join Ms Carol for a high-energy morning of stories, songs, rhymes, and more No registration required.
TWEENS YOGA • GRADES 4-6
THURSDAY, DECE MBER 11 • 5:15PM
Relax and unwind with Margot and friends while practicing yoga
L I B R A R Y P R O G R A M S F O R T E E N S
LIBRARY PLAYDATE • AGES 18 MOS.-AGE 4
FRIDAY, DECE MBER 12 • 10:30AM
Let ’s get together and simply play! Stay for the duration or just stop by for this open-playtime in the Children’s Activity Room No registration required
LEGOS FOR LIT TLES • AGES 2-PREK
TUESDAY, DECE MBER 16 • 3-5PM
Come join us and use your imagination to build all different creations with our Lego Duplo collection Afterwards, we’ll display your creations! No registration required
DROP IN AND CRAF T • ALL AGES
MONDAY, DECE MBER 29 • 11AM-3PM
Feeling crafty? Come down to the library for an open craft room filled with supplies for you to be as creative as can be! What will you create? No registration required
JANE AUSTEN 101
THURSDAY, DECE MBER 4 • 7-8PM
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday by learning about her life and popular books such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma , and Sense and Sensibility Professor and Podcast Host Stephanie Reese will lead this informative presentation
ALL ABOUT NEUROPATHY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 • 11AM-12PM
Join Panetta Physical Therapy to learn natural , effective ways to relieve numbness, tingling and burning in your hands and feet The specialists will share the #1 cause of neuropathy, simple self-help tips you can start at home and longterm strategies to manage symptoms, without relying on medications, injections, or surgery.
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP
SATURDAY, DECE MBER 13 • 10AM-12PM
Become an instant graphic artist by working with images and pictures in Adobe Photoshop In this demo class, learn how to edit and alter images including using the magic wand, sizing, shaping and coloring Laptops are provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own
ALL ABOUT LINKEDIN LEARNING
WEDNESDAY, DECE MBER 17 • 7-8PM
We will be discussing and learning about our service, LinkedIn Learning You can use it to learn how to code or polish your Excel skills! Join us in discussing this great tool that is available with your library card!
THURSDAY, DECE MBER 18 • 7-8:30PM
Join film historian Larry Wolff as he presents two holiday 1960's animated classics - A Charlie Brown Christmas and How The Grinch Stole Christmas Learn how each of these films came about and then enjoy a screening of each View a book , memorabilia and autograph display
WRAPPING PARTY
FRIDAY, DECE MBER 19 • 10AM-5PM
HOMEBOUND DELIVERY SERVICE
SATURDAY, DECE MBER 20 • 10AM-12PM
Check it off your list and wrap your gifts at the library while listening to holiday tunes We’ll provide wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, bows and much more!
BOOK SWAP PARTY
MONDAY, DECE MBER 29 • 6:30-8:30PM
Prepare for our Winter Reading Club by donating a book and shopping for a new title to read Pick up reading resources such as bookmarks, reading trackers and suggestions for your next great read Enjoy some light refreshments while discussing your favorite reads of 2025
Our discount attraction tickets are the perfect experience gifts! Available for purchase at the Circulation Desk
Did you know that the Library offers delivery and pick up service to residents who are physically unable to come to the library due to illness, age, or disability? If you are interested in applying or would like to learn more, please contact the Reference Department
SOCIAL WORK INTERN
We offer a free service to the public through the Social Work Intern Program provided by Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare Our social worker intern can help with referrals to social services, including help with food assistance (SNAP and more), housing referrals, mental health resources and beyond! For more information, call us at 631-661-7080
ONGOING FOOD DRIVE
DECE MBER 1-DECE MBER 29
We’ve partnered with the Women of West Islip (WOW to help our local food pantries Donate nonperishable unexpired food items anytime during Library hours
LOOKING FOR LAST MINUTE GIF TS OR STOCKING STUFFERS? The Adventure Park: $39 Long Island Aquarium: $39/adults $28/children and seniors Bronx Zoo: $29
While supplies last. Some restriction may apply - prices may var y
Classic Tossed Salad .......................$35.00 .. $60.00
Mixed Greens Topped With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots, Roasted Peppers & Black Olives
Baked Ziti with Ricotta .........
Caesar Salad ..................................$40.00 .. $70.00
Penne Alla Vodka ..................
Lasagna - OR -
$50.00 ..... $90.00
$65.00 ... $120.00
Mixed Greens Topped With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, & Carrots
Greek Salad ....................................$45.00 .. $80.00
Mangia Salad
Vegetable Lasagna
Veal & Peppers - OR -
Linguine With Clam Sauce
$60.00 $110.00
Veal Parmigiana .......................
Mixed Greens Topped With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Black Olives & Feta Cheese
$55.00 $100.00
Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Roasted Peppers & Walnuts
Seafood Salad $85.00 $160.00 Calamari, Mussels, Shrimp & Celery Topped With Fresh Garlic, Lemon & Olive Oil
Rice Balls
Cheese Stick Pie
$60.00 $110.00 (Red Or White)
Sausage & Peppers
Pepper Steak
$60.00 $110.00 Red Or White
Meatball Sliders $55.00 $100.00
Mangia’s Famous Meatballs On Garlic Knots Buffalo Wings ............................. $55.00 .. $100.00
$70.00 $130.00 With Peppers & Onions In A Brown Sauce Meatballs ............................
Chicken Parmigiana .............
$60.00 ... $110.00
$65.00 ... $120.00
Chicken Francese ................. $70.00 ... $130.00
Veal & Mushrooms $70.00 $130.00
Stew Sautéed With Onions, Garlic & Peppers Or Mushrooms In A Red Sauce
Fried Calamari
Veal Marsala ............................ $85.00 .... $160.00
Shrimp Marinara - OR -
Fra Diavolo
Sautéed With Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic, Marsala Wine
$85.00 $160.00 Sweet Or Spicy Marinara Sauce Shrimp Parmigiana
Baked Clams .............................. $60.00 .. $110.00
Lightly Fried, Sautéed In Lemon, Butter, Garlic & White Wine Sauce
Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant Tomato Sauce...............
Shrimp Cocktail ......................... $85.00 .. $160.00
$110.00 Eggplant Rollatini With Ham
Fried, Sautéed
Hawaiian Chicken
$70.00 $130.00
Sweet & Sour Sauce With Pineapples & Cherries
Chicken Florentine
Chicken Fingers ...................
$55.00 ... $100.00
$75.00 $140.00
Sautéed Spinach, Slices Of Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella, Garlic White Wine Sauce
A 2024 Economist/YouGov poll found that turkey continues to reign supreme on the Thanksgiving dinner table. When asked what they’ll be eating at Thanksgiving dinner, 67 percent of poll participants indicated they plan to eat turkey, making it the most popular food to find its way onto the dinner table for this popular holiday. Additional staples also remain wildly popular among Thanksgiving celebrants, suggesting that food is among the more sacred
(NAPSI)—Age-related physical and mental changes can affect your ability to drive safely. If you’re alert to these changes and manage them carefully, you may be able to continue driving safely for some time, say the experts at the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). Visit www.healthinaging. org/driving-safety for more information.
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
On Nov. 16th, the West Islip Historical Society celebrated the 275th anniversary of the LaGrange Inn at the West Islip History Center, featuring a special exhibit of photographs chronicling the building's history from early times to the present day. A presentation by West Islip Historical Society President Lynn Luttenberger and a rousing performance by Samuel Higbie (builder of
the LaGrange), portrayed by Rob Finnegan, captivated the crowd that filled the history center.
A 1750-inspired pound cake, complete with an early picture of LaGrange, was cut by the Higbie Family and Elke Paulssen, former owner of the LaGrange Inn. Guests were also served apple cider to commemorate the special 275th Anniversary.
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 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 rolledout 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.
Small business owners no doubt recognize the value of repeat customers, but few may recognize just how valuable such customers can be to their bottom lines. A study from researchers at Harvard Business School found that a customer’s eighth purchase was an average of 80 percent higher than his or her first purchase. In addition, a survey from the strategic planning, marketing and sales consultants Altfeld, Inc. found that the probability of selling to an existing customer is between 60 and 70 percent, while that probability shrinks to as low as 5 percent for new customers. Customer retention strategies like offering superior customer service and seeking input from customers can help small businesses generate more repeat customers, which can greatly improve their chances for long-term success.
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 TriState 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.
• 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 from November 21 date through January 3. Tickets for this extraordinary holiday celebration are available for purchase starting September 25 with convenient per-vehicle pricing.
For complete schedules and ticket purchases, visit MagicOfLights.com
