Immaculate & spacious 11 room, 6 bed, 2.5 bath 3,117 SqFt bright and modern colonial featuring generous room sizes, loads of living space and lots of natural light, entry foyer, new kitchen (2 yrs) w/white quartz waterfall countertop, stainless steel appliances, wine refrigerator & pantry, living room, formal dining room, cozy fireplace room, large family room, mudd room, 2 zone CAC, hi hats, master suite w/2 closets, ensuite bath and water views, 1 bedroom on the first floor & 5 bedrooms upstairs, 2.5 car detached garage, new timbertech deck (2 yrs) and a private fenced yard professionally landscaped by a landscape architect all on a beautiful shy half-acre property just a few doors down from the bay…come see for yourself.
The Holiday Season is here! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we are truly thankful for your readership and for our loyal advertisers, we couldn't do what we do without you. Christmas and Hanukkah are also quickly approaching and we hope you're in the holiday spirit! Don't miss our Local Holiday Happenings page, which spotlights a list of upcoming festive events. Plus, enjoy other seasonal pieces throughout, along with local news like always. Looking forward to 2024? Keep an eye out for our New Year's Issue, which will be published next month. Until then, enjoy the wonderful Holiday Season and remember, each day is truly a present.
Local Holiday Happenings!
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
November 22 - January 4
Sunday-Thursday from 5:00
PM- 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday from 5:00
PM - 11:00 PM
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience, which features holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience this all from the comfort of your own car! One carload, one price.
BRONX ZOO
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
November 22 - January 5
Visit bronxzoo.com for times Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
The Bronx Zoo, which spans more than 265 acres, will host a family holiday festival that celebrates wildlife with animal lantern trails, holiday decor, animated sculptures, a holiday train and so much more.
FREEZIN' FOR A REASON, 2024 TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN POLAR PLUNGE
November 23
Registration at 9:30 AM
Plunge at 11:30 AM
Cedar Beach
244 Harbor Beach Rd., Mt. Sinai
This fun and unique event provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, schools and businesses to support Special Olympics
New York athletes by jumping into a frigid body of water! If you would like to just watch the event, come cheer on those taking the plunge!
HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE ON THE PATCHOGUE RIVER
November 24
Start time: 5:00 PM
Visit patchogueboatparade. org for viewing sites. Watch decorated boats sail the Patchogue River at this fun event! This year's theme is "A ROCKSTAR CHRISTMAS," and there are many viewing spots along the riverfront.
BONAC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 29 - December 21
5:30 PM 8:00 PM
East Hampton High School
2 Long Lane, East Hampton
The East End's only holiday light show is back! Come enjoy this family-friendly walkthrough display, featuring over 70 holiday themed light displays.
HUNTINGTON HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
November 30 - January 2
Wall Street, Huntington Visit huntingtonholidayspectacular.com for more information. The Huntington Holiday Spectacular, which captivated the hearts of many when it debuted in 2020, has since grown into a treasured tradition that unites the Huntington community in the spirit of the holiday season. Stroll a charming holiday market, meet Santa and enjoy live music! Visit their website for up to date information.
PORT JEFFERSON
SANTA PARADE & VISIT
December 1
Santa Parade begins at 3:00 PM, visit Santa after the parade Parade runs from the Port Jeff Railroad to Main Street to the Port Jeff Village Center, meet Santa at the Port Jeff Village Center. Mark your calendars, this will be an unforgettable family-friendly event that will get you in the holiday spirit!
HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR - CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD
December 7 & December 8
Tour begins at 10:00 AM, last tour is at 2:30 PM
Sagtikos Manor 677 W Montauk Hwy., Bay Shore
Take a guided tour through the Manor all decorated for the holidays! Their docents will tell you about the Christmas
traditions of various countries around the world, including Italy, Scotland, Japan, Finland and more! The gift shop will be open during tour hours.
HISTORIC HOLIDAYS AT HALLOCKVILLE
December 8
12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hallockville Museum Farm 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Experience old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions! There will be holiday displays in three historic residences on this 28-acre preserved farm, that will be staffed by costumed docents welcoming guests and sharing stories of past holiday celebrations.
SANTA & FRIENDS BREAKFAST
December 14
9:30 AM 11:00 AM
United Skates of America 1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford This is a non-skating event that includes a breakfast buffet and a special meeting with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and a Gingerbread Man! Wear your cutest holiday pajamas and have some good old fashioned fun!
BABYLON
CHRISTMAS MARKET
December 14
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Village Gazebo & Bayman Park
The Babylon Beautification Society is pleased to host this outdoor Christmas Market, featuring over 90 vendors selling fine and unique gifts. Plus, enjoy food and beverages for sale in the Gazebo area. The rain date for the event is December 15. Visit babylonbeautification.org for more information.
Winter Wonderland
November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21 • 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$20/person (under 2 years old free) • Discount for military
Enjoy a walk-through experience across
& activities:
Winter Themed Games
Storybook Readings
Hot Chocolate & Treats
Outdoor Holiday Movies
Enchanted Garden
Equine Themed Winter Village
Festival of Trees & Lights
Holiday Music & Caroling
Family Photo Opportunities
Live Nativity Scene
Holiday Gift Shop
Visits from Special Guests....
PLEASE NOTE, THERE IS LIMITED ON-SITE PARKING. Pal-O-Mine
Bayport-Blue Point Public Library: A Season Of Learning, Fun, And Festivities
As we enter the holiday season, the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library is buzzing with activities and programs for all ages. This is just a sampling of what the library offers, from live music performances and movie screenings to community projects and homework help. There’s something for everyone this holiday season at the library, and your'e invited to join the festivities! Visit www. bayportbluepointlibrary.org for details on these events and more, call 631-363-6133, or email ContactUs@bbplibrary. org.
Holiday Giving with the Mitten Tree
Starting November 29, the Mitten Tree invites community members to donate new or handmade mittens, gloves, hats, or scarves, which will go to local children in need. Join us at the Mitten Tree Ceremony on Monday, December 2, at 6:30 PM to celebrate the season of giving. This project is proudly co-sponsored by the Johnny Mac Foundation.
A Season of Music and Cheer
Enjoy a series of musical performances to brighten your holiday spirit. On Sunday, November 17, the Sad Toy Cats, a Bayport-born acoustic band, will perform live, blending acoustic rock with orchestral touches. Later, on Sunday, December 15, enjoy a delightful holiday concert by the Paul Joseph Trio, featuring jazz renditions of seasonal classics from multiple traditions, including "Let It Snow" and "O Holy Night." For a lively finale, join others on December 22 for the Winter Carnival with pianist J.K. Hodge and guest musicians, bringing holiday joy through classic favorites. Registration is required for these events.
Passport Services
Planning to travel? The library offers U.S. passport services by appointment, providing assistance with applications and renewals. Make an appointment by calling the Adult Reference Desk at 631-363-6133 ext. 4. For more information, visit www.bayportbluepointlibrary.org/ passport-service/.
Explore Local Museums with Library Passes
The library’s museum pass program provides free admission to many popular Long Island and New York City museums and venues. Explore the Children’s Museum of the East End, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Harbes Family Farm, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, and more. Patrons can reserve passes online, by phone, or in person to enjoy a day of discovery and learning.
Homework Help Anytime, Anywhere
Students, if homework has you stressed, we’re here to help! With your library card, you can connect to free online tutors from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Our Homework
Help program provides access to skilled tutors, writing assistance, flashcards, test prep, and more. Simply visit their website and look under “Research and Learning Tools for Children.”
Warm Up at the Island Dreams Café
This holiday season, cozy up with a delicious cup of coffee or a freshly baked treat at the Island Dreams Café, open daily in the library. This family-owned business serves premium coffee with a passion for quality and community. Whether it’s a morning boost or a coffee date with friends, Island Dreams adds a warm touch to your library visit.
Weekly Fun: Open Chess and Movie Mondays
Every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, chess enthusiasts can drop by for Open Chess — no registration required, just bring your game skills! And for film lovers, our Movie Mondays offer a lineup of favorite films, with screenings each Monday at 1:00 PM. This season’s showings include Ezra on November 18, The Fall Guy on November 25, Thelma on December 2, Horizon: An American Saga on December 9, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire on December 16, Last Christmas on December 23, and If on December 30. Whether you’re in the mood for a holiday comedy or an epic adventure, there’s a movie for everyone to enjoy.
Celebrate the season with the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library! With their wide range of programs, there’s always something exciting happening. For more information, call them, visit www.bayportbluepointlibrary.org, or check their latest newsletter.
Small businesses are the backbone those establishments across economic development programs. community. It’s how we keep Learn
the season to support.
backbone of our communities. That’s why we’re proud to give back to across Long Island and in The Rockaways through our energy efficiency and programs. You too can help support them by shopping for gifts in your keep our local economy strong and how we stick together on our island.
we’re supporting local businesses at psegliny.com/businessfirst.
Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps
Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also figure prominently this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.
No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities. Dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.
• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose
Many also are high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well.
of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.
leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select whitefleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.
• Use broths instead of creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.
• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry also can be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.
• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making healthconscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead
• Skip the cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that classic cocktails with little to no added sugar typically fall into the 150to 200-calorie range, while others can be about 200 to 300 calories each. Many people will want to save those extra calories for dessert or another indulgent dish rather than drinking them away. If you want to simulate a cocktail, make a spritzer with sparkling water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
Celebrants can make some smart choices in the foods and beverages they eat to enjoy a healthier holiday season this December.
Get Creative With Holiday Decor
Theend of the year is upon us and that often involves decorating a home in its holiday finest. According to Today’s Homeowner, nearly 70 percent of Americans plan to display outdoor holiday decorations. Among those choosing to decorate, 34 percent will do so before Thanksgiving. Everyone has a different vision of a wellappointed holiday home, but there’s always room to make things more unique and creative. These ideas can add a little extra to holiday displays.
Decorate other rooms
Who says holiday decorating is exclusive to living and dining areas? Think about decorating unexpected places, like swapping out everyday towels and shower curtains with something festive. Swags of greenery wrapped in lights can be added to bed frames.
Coordinate the ornaments
Identify a color theme and then showcase it with ornaments. Think about matching the ornaments to the presents wrapped under the tree as well. Purchase white package paper and color or paint the paper to be the same hues as the ornaments on the tree boughs.
It’s hip to be square
While round wreaths are traditional, make your own wreaths in a different geometric shape by using wire or another material as the frame. Square wreaths may be unexpected, and you also can turn the square on its side for a diamond shape.
Add a spot of color
Certain holidays are known for their particular color palettes, such as red and green for Christmas. But you also can do something
unique vessels. For example, arrange your centerpiece in a tall fountain glass or even a cocktail shaker.
Try a different accent tree
Use a styrofoam cone as the base of a tree for a centerpiece or sideboard. Attach poinsettia branches for a vibrant red tree, or stacked lemons or oranges filled with greenery for a fresh-smelling citrus creation.
Suspend belief
Instead of attaching a tree topper to the tallest bough, hang one from the ceiling just above the tree to add even more whimsy.
Mix and match
When it comes to a holiday table, mix and match table settings for an eclectic tableau.
Shift into neutral
unexpected. Whether using a lighter shade of the same color family or adding an accent color like purple or blue, you can change things up in a creative way.
Make an unexpected bouquet
Swap flowers for pine cones, berries and greenery in
Instead of a large holiday display in familiar colors, rely on neutral, wintry tones that will blend in with the home but add a festive touch. Natural wood, whites and creams, and muted greens can fill spaces.
Unique holiday decorations and schemes can be a great way to add new life to a home this December.
Why Supporting Local Small Businesses Matters
Theholiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise. Shopping local retailers is more than just a transaction — it is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities. Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
• Strengthen the local economy: A large percentage of the money
more friendly and connected with regular customers sets many small businesses apart.
• Support the community: Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
• Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
• Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities.
There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse and bustling local community.
spent at small businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
• Enhanced customer service: Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being
SupportingShop Local
small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a bigbox store or a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.
CHIMNEY KING
Black Friday Sales
Black Friday sales have become a staple of the holiday shopping season. On Black Friday, many items are deeply discounted, and shoppers often target high-profile, expensive electronics. In fact, according to the retail advisor and trend forecaster NerdWallet, technology products are among the most sought-after products among Black Friday shoppers. Each year, televisions, tablets, laptops, notebooks, smartphones, and gaming consoles fly off the shelves in record numbers on Black Friday. According to the shopping resource Deal News, shoppers poised to purchase one of the latest smartphone offerings this shopping season may find that Android products are more available and more heavily discounted than Apple products. Shoppers also may have their eyes on gadgets for their homes. Black Friday isn’t all about technology, however. Kitchen cookware and small appliances also attract shoppers on Black Friday. Typically high-priced items like stand mixers, brewing systems, vacuums, and blenders are popular among Black Friday shoppers.
The Meaning Of The Menorah
Menorahs are a prominent symbol of Chanukah. Menorahs are seven-branched candelabras that have been used in Jewish worship since ancient times. The seven branches refer to the seven days of creation. The menorah is the traditional symbol of Judaism and the emblem of the state of Israel. For Chanukah, a nine-branched candelabra called a hanukkiah is used, but the word "menorah" has become interchangeable. The Chanukah menorah consists of nine candles. The center and ninth candle are referred to as the Shamash. It is used to light all the other candles. The Shamash is raised above the other candles to make it kosher. The lighting of the menorah over the eight days of Chanukah symbolizes the miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt. The sacred oil, of which there was only enough for one day's lighting, miraculously lasted for eight days.
CFestively Chase Away Chills
Seasonal Sips
ooler temperatures have arrived to coincide with what many characterize as the most festive time of year. The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is filled with major holidays and many opportunities for friends and family to gather together in good cheer. Naturally, spending time indoors in close company with others increases the likelihood that people will encounter the sniffles and sneezes that are symptomatic of viral illnesses. Many people insist a hot toddy can help soothe the throat, open the nose and help a person get rest. There are various iterations of a hot toddy, but author Gustave Flaubert’s “French Hot Toddy” delivers flavors that pair nicely with November and December events. It’s so delicious that it can be served at any holiday gathering, or just to feel better if the common cold is an unwanted visitor. Enjoy Flaubert’s take, courtesy of “How to Drink Like a Writer” (Apollo Publishers) by Margaret Kaplan.
Gustave Flaubert’s French Hot Toddy
Serves 1
4 ounces apple cider
2 ounces calvados
2 ounces apricot brandy
2 ounces heavy cream
Ground cinnamon for garnishing
Directions:
In a small saucepan, heat apple cider until warm. Remove from heat. Add calvados and apricot brandy, stirring to combine. Pour into a heatproof glass. Pouring in a circular motion, slowly add cream, allowing it to settle on top. Garnish with the cinnamon.
4 Popular Wine Varieties And The Foods That Go With Them
Ingredients and culinary skills are not the only components that can bring out the flavor in a delicious meal. Wine can serve as the perfect complement to a meal, particularly when individuals identify which varieties go well with certain foods. Wine lists can sometimes be intimidating when dining at establishments known for their extensive offerings. Diners can ask servers for recommendations, as many restaurants teach staff about which wines go well with the various dishes on their menus, but diners also can learn which wines pair best with certain types of food, a process that can be both enjoyable and illuminating. The following are four popular wine styles, their flavor profiles and foods that go well with them.
1. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a popular style of wine that can be found
on the red wine list at many establishments. Wine Folly notes that Pinot Noir is a dry, light-bodied red that has a very fruity, floral taste. Wine Folly notes that a Pinot Noir typically pairs well with chicken, pork, veal, duck, or cured meat.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine.com reports that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted and popular red wine grape in the world. A Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and tends to be higher in alcohol by volume (ABV) than other styles. Wine Folly indicates lamb, beef and smoked meats pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is widely considered the most popular white wine in the world. In fact, WineInsiders.com reports that almost every wine region around the world grows the
variety of grapes necessary to make Chardonnay. Wine Folly indicates Chardonnay boasts a yellow citrus fruit taste that can be akin to banana or pineapple and often features a touch of butterscotch, vanilla or toasted caramel. Chardonnay pairs well with seafood like lobster, crab and shrimp, but also goes well with chicken and pork.
4. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that boasts a fruity flavor profile. The profile of Sauvignon Blanc calls to mind exotic fruits like honeydew melon and kiwi. Sauvignon Blanc is considered a light- to medium-bodied white wine, and Wine Folly reports it goes well with fish, chicken, pork, and veal. Sauvignon Blanc also pairs well with various ethnic cuisines, including Mexican, Vietnamese and French dishes.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling
wines can make special occasions even more enjoyable. That is why they're generally reserved for big events that warrant toasts, like weddings or New Year's Eve celebrations. But bubbly can be enjoyed at any time of year. Many people mistakenly believe that all sparkling wines are champagne, so much so that the term champagne has become something of an umbrella term. However, true champagne is made in the Champagne region of France from a combination of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes. It can only be made in the region's traditional method, called Méthode Champenoise, and the taste will typically be nutty and toasty.
Sparkling wines can be produced across the globe in various ways. The taste will vary depending on how it is produced. Sparkling wines are named depending on where they are made.
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, cava a Spanish variety and sekt is a German version.
