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.
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.
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.
East Islip Public Library
381 East Main Street, East Islip, New York 11730-2896
Contact Judy Moccio at (631) 581-9200 ext. 123 jmoccio@eipl.org
EAST ISLIP PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
The Board of Trustees of the East Islip Public Library will hold their Board Meeting in the North Meeting Room on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. on the second floor, all are welcome.
THE BOHLSEN GALLERY
Kathleen Gremli is back in the Gallery in November with her unique creations inspired by the seashore. Come see these beautiful island-inspired pieces.
In December, The Gallery will feature the photography of Andrew Camera. Mr. Camera’s work explores the relationship between the craftsmanship of toys and the beauty of nature. These images feature toys, birds, squirrels and insects, among nature backdrops. So visit our 2nd floor to see the results of their efforts.
DISPLAY CASES
Patches and Pieces Quilting Club will be featured in the display cases in November. Their members are always exploring new areas of design and creations.
In December, the display cases will showcase the crafts of Andrea Zimmermann of East Islip. Ms. Zimmermann’s work encompasses a variety of forms including jewelry, bags, decoupage and painted shells. Stop by this holiday season and view this imaginative collection.
THE DISPLAY CASES
Let us know if you have a unique collection that you would not mind loaning for a month for our display cases. Our cases are upstairs at the entrance to the Bohlsen Gallery which showcases the artist of the month exhibits. To schedule a month, email Judy Moccio (jmoccio@eipl.org) or call the East Islip Public Library at 631-581-9200 X 123 Judy Moccio.
PROGRAMS
Money Smart for Older Adults (214) Thursday, November 14 at 12 p.m. This seminar puts you in power and raises awareness of how to prevent fraud, scams, and financial exploration. It is a must-see event hosted by SC Legislator Trish Bergin, Central Islip Civic Council, and the East Islip Public Library. Refreshments will be served.
Candy Cane Wreath (182) Thursday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. Fee: $2 Join Barbara Mollica, in making a Candy Cane wreath.
A Night Out For Adults With Special Needs (257) Mondays, November 18 and December 16 at 7 p.m. Join Mrs. Joyce, for this fun night out and enjoy time with friends and a craft! Please register to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone. Caregivers must be present.
Chef Rob’s Pasta Shells with Turkey Bolognese (195) Monday, November 18 6:30 p.m. Join Chef Rob in making Turkey Bolognese tossed with Pasta. For dessert, a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cannoli.
Behind the Holiday Hits (302) Tuesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. Which holiday standard tune was actually written to celebrate Thanksgiving? What Christmas song written by a Russian Jewish immigrant has everyone from Barry Manilow to Twisted Sitter performed? You will discover the stories behind your favorite seasonal hits.
Toilet Paper Pumpkins (202) Wednesday, November 20 2:30 p.m. Fee: $2 Transform a toilet paper roll into an adorable pumpkin, perfect for your Fall décor.
Beginner’s Crochet (672) Tuesdays, November 26 & December 3 at 5 p.m. Join Joanne Ottone, as she teaches how to crochet. This class is perfect for a beginner. Please bring 4 ply yarn and size G or H hook.
The Frank Barbera Trio (310) Sunday, November 24 at 2 p.m. Join the Frank Barbera Trio, a piano/bass/drums trio that plays classic and modern jazz along with great pop songs from the 60s and 70s done in a jazzy style.
Cooks Among The Books Holiday Cookie Exchange (129) Wednesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. Each cook will bake enough cookies for everyone to share, allowing everyone to take home a tray of various cookies. Please let us know if you are attending, so we can let you know how many cookies you need to bake for everyone to take home at least 3 of each type of cookie.
Wood Burned Ornaments (198) Saturday, November 30 or Saturday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. Fee: $2 Create your own wood burned holiday ornament. Perfect for the Holidays!
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 14th & 15th
Please
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.
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 10 acres of lights, winter decorations & activities:
