RESTAURANT & CATERING HALL
512 Pulaski Street, Riverhead, NY
631.727.4449
www.thebirchwoodofpolishtown.com
November 28th 2024
Thanksgiving Buffet
“Voted Best Thanksgiving Buffet in Riverhead”
Carving Station- Oven Roasted TenderTom Turkey, Slow Roasted Beef Served with Au Jus, Stuffed Loin of Pork- with Proscuitto, Fresch Apples, Fontin Cheese, with a Pan Gravy and Honey Glazed Baked Ham with Fresh Candied Pineapple
Cold Tuscan Appetizer Station- Jumbo Peel & Eat Shrimp, Antipasto,
Golden Corn Salad, Seafood Salad- with Calamari, Crabmeat, Scungilii & Shrimp Tossed in Light Lemon Juice, Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato with Balsamic, Marinated Mushrooms, Caesar Salad, Fresh Beet Salad, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Tortellini Pesto
Deluxe Sushi Station- Assortment of Freshly Made Sushi
Fresh Shucked Raw Bar- Littleneck Clams on Half Shell with Spicy Cocktail Sauce
Hot Soup & Bread Station- Lobster Bacon Corn Chowder, Turkey Barley Soup and Assorted Fresh Baked Bread
Kid Station- Chicken Fingers, French Fries, Macaroni & Cheese
A Taste of Poland & Italy Served on the Buffet- Traditional Bread Stuffing, Tender Sliced Turkey, Candied Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Old Fashioned
Mashed Potatoes, String Bean Casserole, Perogies, Kilbasa & Kraut, Glazed & Buttered Carrots, Sausage N Peppers, Sweet Corn, Chicken Francaise, Eggplant
Rollatini, Penne Ala Vodka and Seafood Fra Diavolo-Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Calamari, Scungilli in Spicey Marinara.
Chocolate Fountain and Dessert Table- Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Cheesecake, Assorted Chocolates, Italian Cookies, Homemade Bread Pudding, Strawberries, Cupcakes, Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Bananas, Pretzels, Rice
Crispy Treats, Marshmallows, Many More Treats for Dipping
Beverages Included- 1 Glass of Whine, Soda,Fresh Coffee & Herbal Tea
Seating Times 11:00am to 7:00pm Each Seating 2 Hours, Strictly Enforced
Please Arrive Promptly, Reservations Only!
Call The Holiday Reservation Desk (631) 727-4449 Ext.4
Adults $69.95 Plus Tax, Plus 24% Service Charge
Children Ages 3-12 $29.95, Plus Tax, Plus 24% Service Charge
(Kids Under 2 are Free)
Listed Above is Cash Price, Using Credit Cards will Accrue Fee
Thanksgiving Day Drink Specials $5.00 Draft Beers and $5.00 Wines
Autumn is here. Despite the cooler weather, many of us are still enjoying time outside. Whether you find yourself cuddled up by a fire pit or planting colorful mums that brighten your day every time you pass them, fall home improvement projects may be something that you find on your mind lately. This season is when many of us decide to take the step and get some of those projects done, so we've gathered informative editorial that can assist in your decision making process if you decide to tackle one (or many)! Plus, don't miss local news throughout and a delicious recipe that football fans won't be able to resist.
“ I save 20% a month on my energy bills after upgrading my lighting and HVAC system.”
—John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park
John Riley loves comic books. And for the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old at his shop in Williston Park. PSEG Long Island has been with him every step of the way. With $16,000 in rebates, John was able to switch to LED lighting and replace a leaking 50-year-old oil tank with a superefficient heat pump system.* These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.
How can we support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Rebates and savings will differ with every energy efficiency project.
2024 Port Jefferson Chowder Crawl
Come enjoy the ultimate chowder extravaganza at the Oktober Harvest Fest Chowder Crawl at 118 W Broadway in Port Jefferson on October 19 from 12pm - 3pm! Prepare to indulge in a variety of mouthwatering chowders, prepared by talented local chefs. Whether you're a seafood lover, a fan of creamy corn chowder, or prefer a spicy twist, this event has something that can satisfy everyone. Stroll through the charming streets of Port Jefferson and discover new flavors, chat with fellow chowder enthusiasts, and vote for your favorite chowder in the friendly competition…you can vote for 3 of your favorite chowders!
PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:
- Castaways Steak & Seafood
- Gourmet Burger Bistro- Nantuckets
- Pasta Pasta
- Port Bistro & Pub
- PJ Lobster House
- Revival by Toast
- Spycoast
- Curry Club at SaGhar
- The Spice & Tea Exchange
- The Steam Room
- Tommy's Place
- The Whiskey Barrel
- Torte Jeff Pie Company
Tickets are available for purchase online. Visit www. portjeffchamber.com for more information.
Rain Date: October 20th. Event time will be the same.
The Top Ten Most Popular Projects
Home
renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular.
Did You Know?
Parents
who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
Renovations That Help Sell Homes
Theadage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home. Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell fast.
• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some do-ityourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.
• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy investment.
• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52 percent of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawerstyle microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.
• Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85 percent of the cost of new HVAC systems when they sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.
• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eye-catching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscaping.
Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
SOCIAL WORK STUDENT INTERNS FROM SBU –
Answering Your Questions Three Days A Week At The Library
Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare student interns are on-site at the Library each week during designated hours to answer questions, help with filling out forms, or seek referrals. Inquiries that they may assist with include, but are not limited to, employment/job search, housing, paying utility bills, applying for benefits, education, medical assistance, mental health issues, bullying, domestic abuse, substance use, LGBTQIA+ topics, care coordination, and voting pre-registration.
Hours are as follows:
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:45 p.m. (Alyssa)
Thursdays, 4:30 – 8:15 p.m. (Stephanie)
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. (Stephanie)
This service is open to all ages. The social work interns meet with patrons in the Small Study Room on the Lower Level. Appointments are not required, but are strongly encouraged. They may be made as early as a week in advance. For more information and to make an appointment online, visit emmaclark.org/socialworker, or call 631.941.4080 and ask for the Reference Desk.
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
Game Day
Every Friday 10:00 a.m. – Noon
We provide the space, tables and chairs. You bring your friends and a favorite board or card game to play. We also have 2 Mahjong sets available upon request. (You must supply your own cards.) No registration required.
Knit, Crochet, and Chat Friday, November 1, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join with friends, old and new, to work on your current knitting or crochet project. Share tips, techniques, and conversation.
No registration necessary. This group meets on the first Friday afternoon of every month. No instruction will be provided. Please bring your own supplies. If you have any questions about this program, contact Emma Yohannan at eyohannan@ emmaclark.org.
EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s Lobby. No registration required.
Wednesday, November 13 – Night by Elie Wiesel (Book pickup starts 10/9)
Wednesday, December 11 – The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy (Book pickup starts 11/13)
SHED THE MEDS
Wednesday, November 6, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to offer a safe way to properly dispose of unused medications, essential in protecting the environment and ensuring that old drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands. Bring your family’s nonliquid drugs/medications to the Periodical Room (1892 historic section of the Library). Please note: The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office cannot accept liquids or needles. They are only accepting unused or expired medications from individuals (not large quantities from a doctor’s office or health care facility). No registration is required. All are welcome (residents and nonresidents).
"DROP-IN" EVENTS IN THE CHILDREN'S LIBRARY
HALLOWEEN SCENE - Wednesday, October 23
• Spooky SLED Bus (For families with children up to Grade 6), 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. - If you dare, walk through the Suffolk Libraries Community Bus, decorated for Halloween. No registration required. Bring a friend!
• Spooky Rock Painting (Grades K - 6), 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.Children & their caregivers can come paint Halloween rocks with acrylic paint. No registration required. Bring a friend!
CRAFTERNOON
Saturday, November 9, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Drop by the Library to get creative with upcycled materials. Perfect for ages 3 - 12 years (younger children may need supervision). No registration. Bring a friend!
Alyssa Stephanie
How DIY Can Be Bad For Homeowners’ Bottom Lines
Homeowners know it can be tempting to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route when starting a home improvement project. Home repairs and renovations can be costly, and the notion of saving money on such projects compels many homeowners to try their hand at home improvements. However, the DIY approach can be costly as well, and if things go awry, homeowners may end up with empty pockets and unfinished projects. Online tutorials and advertisements for home improvement retailers can make DIY seem like a snap. However, there are potential pitfalls to consider that could make the ostensibly less expensive DIY route far more detrimental to the bottom
line than homeowners may recognize.
• Permits: Permits ensure work is done in accordance with local codes, which are designed to ensure the safety of residents and their neighbors. Licensed contractors know which permits are necessary for projects they’re hired to work on, and many even procure permits for their clients (homeowners are urged to read estimates and contracts to determine who will be responsible for acquiring the appropriate permits). DIYers may not know about local permits, and therefore go ahead with projects without procuring any. That can be
order to complete projects on their own. Ancillary costs include but are not limited to the price of tools and equipment; disposal fees for materials that will need to be discarded; and the cost of permits. These costs are often included in estimates provided by contractors, but they’re easily overlooked by novice DIYers.
harmful in the short- and long-term. In the short-term, a failure to procure the appropriate permits can make a home less safe and potentially lead to costly fines and necessitate a complete do-over of the project. In the long-term, homeowners who did not secure the appropriate permits may not be given a certificate of occupancy (CO) when putting their homes on the market, which can make it very difficult to sell the home.
• Ancillary costs: The ancillary costs of DIY are not often noted in online tutorials. However, such costs can dramatically increase the amount of money DIYers shell out in
• Repairs: Even experienced contractors make mistakes, so DIYers, particularly novices, can anticipate making a few errors along the way. Minor mistakes may not prove too costly, but more significant mishaps can quickly negate any cost savings associated with DIY renovations. The cost to fix DIY mistakes varies depending on the project, but a 2019 survey from Porch.com found that the average DIY mistake cost homeowners $310 and added five and a half hours to the overall time spent to complete a project. It’s worth noting the Porch.com survey was conducted prior to the dramatic increase in materials costs related to inflation in recent years. So it’s reasonable to assume that fixing DIY mistakes in 2024 could end up costing considerably more than a few hundred dollars.
Before diving in to DIY, homeowners may want to consider the real costs associated with forgoing professional experience in the potentially misplaced hopes of saving a few dollars.
Give Your Living Room A New Vibe
An “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe. A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-call for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items. Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.
Organize First
Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at
a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept. Remove extraneous items before purchasing new furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.
Seek The Assistance Of Professionals
Some people are adept at decorating and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals. Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that
may be worthy of a magazine spread.
Promote Wellness
You may want to consider adding natural materials in the design to promote well-being. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic textures will create an environment from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.
Light It Up
One of the easiest ways to transform a room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use
a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.
Create An Industrial Or Urban Vibe
Industrial-chic design celebrates the bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style. Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home.
Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. With an idea in place and some professional touches, an entirely new vibe can be achieved.
Treat Fellow Football Fans To Slow-Cooked Ribs And Homemade Sauce
Football and food go are a perfect and popular pairing. Though fans may not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray of nachos during football season, but fans hosting game watch parties at home can go beyond the norm and offer additional fare that’s sure to please a crowd. For instance, the following recipe for “Baby Back Ribs” with homemade “Kansas CityStyle Barbecue Sauce” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) will make sure fans go home with full bellies this football season.
Baby Back Ribs
Serves 4
4 2- to 21⁄2-lb. racks baby back ribs
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2⁄3 cup Kansas City-style Barbecue Sauce (see below)
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce
Makes about 1 1⁄2 cups
1 cup ketchup
1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons unsulfured blackstrap molasses
6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Baby Back Ribs Directions:
1. Trim any hanging fat off the ribs. Season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the grill for smoking at 225 F to 275 F.
3. Place the ribs meat-side up on the grate over the drip pan. Close the lid. If desired, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil after 1 hour 30 minutes or once the bark (crust) is reddish brown.
4. Turn over the ribs, close the lid, and continue cooking for 1 hour 30 minutes more, or until the ribs pull apart with a gentle tug.
5. Remove the foil (if using), baste the ribs with the sauce, close the lid, and cook meat-side up for 10 more minutes or until the sauce is set. Serve immediately.
Cooking tip: The back of pork ribs is covered with a membrane that some pitmasters say prevents the meat from absorbing the smoke, but this is a myth. Many don’t bother removing it, and leaving it on helps keep the ribs from falling apart when you move them.
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar Worcestershire sauce, molasses and sugar until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until golden.
4. Add the salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 10 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Stir in the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for about 1 minute or until the flavors meld.
6. Let cool and refrigerate overnight before using to let the flavors develop.
Stony Brook University Welcomed The Largest Incoming Class Of First-Year Students In Its 67-Year
History
StonyBrook University, one of New York State’s flagship universities, welcomed the largest incoming class of first-year students in its 67-year history, a testament to its rise in reputation as a world-class academic institution where students from all backgrounds are welcomed and supported. Stony Brook continues to place a top priority on year-over-year enhancements to the student experience inside and outside the classroom through faculty engagement, professional advising, mental health and other support services.
INCREASED ENROLLMENT
Stony Brook’s first-year undergraduate student enrollment increased by 13%. New first-year students attending Stony Brook for the 2024 fall term totaled 4,042 (vs. 3,569 in fall 2023) and 1,334 new transfer students in fall 2024 (vs. 1,286 in fall 2023). Transfers increased 4% over the prior fall. Stony Brook received the most undergraduate applications of any SUNY school.
Stony Brook continues to have one of the highest percentages of Pell-eligible students among public flagships. The university also leads the SUNY system in the highest number of Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) applications and largest EOP class in its history. The state-funded EOP program supports promising
New York students who face financial and academic barriers so they can attend and graduate from a SUNY college. While prominent research institutions that include MIT and Harvard have experienced drops in enrollment for their Black and Latinx students this fall, enrollment of first-time students at Stony Brook who identified as Black increased from 364 (10.2% of the incoming class) in fall 2023 to 433 (10.7% of the incoming class) in fall 2024. Those who identified as Latinx increased from 496 (13.9% of the incoming class) in fall 2023 to 633 (15.7% of the incoming class) in fall 2024. This represents an increase of over 200 students who identify as Black or Latinx over the prior year.
RANKINGS
Stony Brook has risen remarkably in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2025 rankings in recent years, moving from #93 in the 2022 rankings to #58 in the 2024 rankings. In the 2025 rankings released today, the university has maintained its gains, coming in at #58 again and for the third year in a row ranked as the #1 public university in New York. Notably, Stony Brook is the only New York school among the Top 30 public universities, coming in at #26 for the second year in a row.
Get Into The Spooky Spirit This Halloween
Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred. While trickor-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jack-o’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some of the ways to create a
scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others.
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