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Complimented On
feels as if we just begun 2025, but Valentine's Day is right around the corner! We hope your year has been off to a great start and we're excited to bring you another issue, filled with editorial throughout. Flip through the pages for local news, a delight recipe perfect for Valentine's Day and so much more. Looking to advertise? Contact us today at 631.226.2636 or via email at info@longislandmediagroup.com. We thank you for your loyal readership.
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—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements
How can we help support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst *Incentives,
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Did You Know?
It’s hard to imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and that association can be traced to a name that is very familiar to people who enjoy sweets on February 14. According to History.com, Richard Cadbury utilized advancements at his family’s chocolate factory in England to produce new varieties of what was then known as “eating chocolate.” Cadbury then began marketing eating chocolates in decorative boxes, and while History.com notes he never patented the heart-shaped box, it’s widely believed Cadbury was the first to create one.
Five Ice Skating Rinks The Whole Family Can Enjoy
Ice skating rinks can offer excitement and adventure as you test your skating skills with your whole family. This winter, consider bundling up the kids and heading to one of these rinks to have some fun!
Marjorie R. Post Community Park Ice Rink
451 Unqua Road, Massapequa Park
This beloved outdoor ice skating rink attracts people from surrounding neighborhoods and offers reasonable is one to see, but hurry, the rink will be closing for the season on February 23.
This unique and memorable skating facility is open all year and is home to large two rinks. They also have an Ice Rink Pro Shop, which stocks a wide variety of equipment and supplies, ranging from laces to dresses.
Superior
Ice Rink
270 Indian Head Road, Kings Park
The McGuigan family has owned and operated this rink since 1972. They pride themselves on being a destination the entire family can
enjoy! Additionally, they will be offering a Learn to Skate program this March and April.
Buckskill Winter Club
178 Buckskill Rd, East Hampton
Buckskill Winter Club offers a wide array of family activities including public ice skating and skate rentals and junior and adult ice hockey programs. They have a cozy club house, where you can warm up by a fire and watch the action on the ice with a cup of hot soup or European hot chocolate from their full service snack bar.
The Rinx at Harborfront Park
101-A E Broadway, Port Jeferson
This rink is convienantly located in the village of Port Jefferson, close to many eateries and shops. Whether you want to take one of their skating lessons or just enjoy being on the ice with your loved ones, consider heading to this beautiful destination by the water.
The Ice Rink at Clark Gillies Arena
575 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
From the highways to the harbors, Michelle Keegan knows
Long Island
“Michelle knows the ins and outs of the local real estate market, and thanks to that expertise, she brings in qualified and highly interested buyers. She sold my sister’s house in 2023 and I was so impressed by her that I asked her to represent us in the sale of our property in 2024.” – Connie, Belle
The Next Move Is Yours
(Represented the Buyer; Listing Courtesy of Greene Realty Group)
(Represented the Buyer; Listing Courtesy of Signature Premier Properties)
2023)
#3 Long Island Agent by GCI* Licensed Real Estate Salesperson O 631.585.8500 | M 516.322.7092 michelle.keegan@elliman.com michellekeegan.elliman.com
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Terre Resident
SOLD | Belle Terre | 10 Bell Circle SOLD | Belle Terre | 12 Crooked Oak Road SOLD | East Setuaket | 6 Sturrock Way SOLD | East Setauket | 16 Mayflower Lane SOLD | Saint James | 22 Astor Avenue SOLD | Smithtown | 2 Lynch Lane
Through Feb. 23
Member Artist Showcase
Exhibition At Mills Pond Gallery
Smithtown
Township Arts Council is pleased to announce its annual Member Artist Showcase Exhibition celebrating the creativity and tapestry of talent that defines our communities. The exhibit runs through February 23 at Mills Pond Gallery, 660 Route 25A in St. James. Mills Pond Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday 10 am –4 pm and Saturday and Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm. Admission to the Gallery is always free. For more information, call 631-862-6575, or visit www. millspondgallery.org.
The 97 exhibiting artists hail from 51 Long Island communities. The artwork was created in a wide variety of mediums including Acrylic, Charcoal and Pastel, Conte, Gouache, Mixed Media, Monotype Print, Oil, Pastel, Pen & Ink, Pencil , Photography, Pigment Ink, Archival Substrate on Panel, Resin Sculpture, Solarplate Etching, Watercolor and more. This exhibit allowed the artists to select the art they wanted to show… each of them offering their distinct approach to seeing and representing their artistic passion. We hope gallery visitors enjoy the artwork
presented and we hope once they leave, they suddenly catch the beauty in something because a painting brought their mind into a different focus.
Exhibiting Artists: Adam D. Smith (Selden), Adriena Masi (Island Park), Andrea Fortunoff (Syosset), Andrea Tonty (Stony Brook), Arlene Gernon (Brentwood), Barbara Jones (Greenlawn), Bernice Corbin (Sayville), Bernice Rausch (West Babylon), Bob Stone (Coram), Christopher Buckley (Rockville Centre), Constance Sloggatt Wolf (Huntington), CW Max (Port Jefferson), Daniel Van Benthuysen (Huntington), David Herman (East Meadow), Debra Baker (South Setauket), Diane Motroni (East Meadow), Dominique Treboux (Port Jefferson Sta.), Ellen Ferrigno (Port Jefferson), Felecia Montfort (Melville), Frederic Mendelsohn (Port Jefferson), Gia Horton (New Hyde Park), George Junker (Brentwood), Heather Jablon (Mount Sinai), Hillary Serota Needle (Dix Hills), Jacqueline DuBarry (Sound Beach), Jacques Garant (Port Jefferson), James Kelson (Stony Brook), Jane Corrarino (Setauket), Jeanette Martone (Bay Shore), Joan Rockwell (Stony Brook), JoAnne Dumas (Wading River), John Mansueto (Islip), John Morris (Sound Beach), Josephine Puccio (Saint James), Joyce Bressler (Commack), Judy Stone (Coram), Karin Dutra (Port Jefferson), Kathee Shaff Kelson (Stony Brook), Kathy Brown (Holbrook), Khrystyne Robillard-Smith (Selden), Kusuma Bheemineni (Smithtown), Kyle Blumenthal (Stony Brook), Linda Hartman (Riverhead), Linda Ann Catucci (Saint James), Lisa Marie Scrima-Castelli (Sayville), Liz Jorg Masi (Smithtown), Lori Scarlatos (Saint James), Lou Deutsch (Stony Brook), Louise McClellan (E. Northport), Lynn Kinsella (Brookhaven), Lynn Staiano (Smithtown), M. Ellen Winter (E. Northport), Madeline Stare (Smithtown), Mark Levine (Coram), Mary Difronzo (Stony Brook), Mary Waka (Ronkonkoma), Mary Ann Vetter (St. James), Matthew Lombardo (Kings Park), Mike Stanko (Valley Stream), Myungja Anna Koh (Stony Brook), Nicholas Valentino (W. Babylon), Pamela Waldroup (Kings Park), Pat Forie (Garden City), Patricia DiGiovanni (Nesconset),Patricia Lind-Gonzalez (Smithtown), Patricia Yantz (Setauket), Patti Napolitano Kern (Kings Park), Paul Edelson (Poquott), Paul Mele (Island Park) Renee Caine (Holtsville), Robert Wallkam (Port Jefferson), Robert Tuska (Sound Beach), Robert Roehrig (East Setauket), Roberta Rogers (Port Jefferson), Ron Becker (Deer Park), Roni Murillo (Valley Stream), Ross Barbera (Ronkonkoma), Sally Anne Keller (Rocky Point), Sandra Feinberg (E. Setauket), Sandra Riddle (Sound Beach), Scott Hartman (Riverhead), Sean Pollock (Stony Brook), Sebastian McLaughlin (Smithtown), Shain Bard (Huntington Sta.), Stephen Shannon (Fort Salonga), Steven Walker (E. Northport), Susan Guihan Guasp (Ridge),Terence Mcmanus (Coram), Terry Tramantano (Sound Beach), Theodora Zavala (East Meadow), Theresa Graff (Blue Point), Thomas Dicicco (Smithtown), Tracey Alemaghides (Saint James), Victoria Beckert (Holbrook) Virginia Mallon (Northport), Whitney Bell (Shirley), William Drost (St. James)
Smithtown Township Arts Council, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, is funded in part by the Town of Smithtown and private donations.
A Valentine’s Day Dessert Whipped Up In An Unusual Way
Decadent
treats and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Couples typically exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day, and those gifts are often accompanied by something sweet. A survey from Statista found that 44 percent of respondents intended to purchase candy and sweets for their significant other on Valentine’s Day. That made candy and sweets the most popular Valentine’s Day gift by a considerable margin, well above the likes of other February 14th favorites like greeting cards (33 percent) and flowers (32 percent).Romantic dinners still have a place at the Valentine’s Day table, as the Statista survey found that 29 percent of respondents intended to sit down for a romantic meal as part of their celebration. Homemade desserts can be a great way to show that special someone just how much they’re loved. If cooks want to employ the element of surprise, then this recipe for “Ginger Cake” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) won’t disappoint. Firing up the grill is sure to pique a loved one’s interest, and the slightly spicy finished product marks a departure from more traditional desserts.
Ginger Cake
Serves 8
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for the pan, at room temperature
2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 2⁄3 cups packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1⁄2 cup whole milk
Directions:
1. Bring the grill to 350 F with the cooking grate and heat deflector installed. Butter the bottom and sides of a 10inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes.
4. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add the eggs one at a time. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes or until light tan in color.
5. With the machine running, add the milk.
6. Add the flour mixture, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed, until fully incorporated. Transfer to the skillet.
7. Put the skillet on the grate. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Put on a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Cooking tip:
Cutting butter into small cubes and arranging them in a single layer will help them soften more quickly.
A beautifully updated two-story Colonial nestled mid-block Street. Four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. The heart of the home is the chef’s kitchen, designed with stainless steel appliances. primary suite with a walk-in closet and a luxurious, updated en-suite bath. Fenced yard is home to a sparkling in-ground pool. $1,175,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Extraordinary ve bedroom plus a home o ce three-bathroom expanded Colonial. Stunning two-story entryway. vaulted ceilings add an airy grandeur to the expansive den, living room, and generously sized bedrooms. Beautifully renovated kitchen. Sprawling Trex deck, and inground pool. $1,200,000 Contact Lynn Witz
A Gorgeous Splanch-style home. Set on a spacious half-acre, fully fenced yard. open oor plan highlighted by a stunning eat-in chef’s kitchen. Radiant heat-tiled oors and a gas stonefront replace in the living area. The bedrooms boast hardwood oors and ceiling fans. The updated baths exude modern sophistication. Backyard oasis complete with a paver patio. $1,075,000 Contact Lynn Witz
This three-bedroom twobathroom Ranch-style charmer is situated in a prime mid-block location. open oor plan where each space ows seamlessly into the next. Updated eat-in kitchen. Converted garage serves as an elevated den with vaulted ceilings, a space where relaxation and entertainment blend e ortlessly. Solar panels on the updated roof and central air conditioning. $675,000 Contact Lynn Witz
New to the market this beautifully updated Ranchstyle home is located in a highly sought-after East Northport neighborhood. The home boasts three bedrooms, updated Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gas cooking. Dining Room, which features glass sliders leading to a lovely paver patio $694,900.00 Contact Adele Rosenberg Wherever you are in life,
This stunning fourbedroom, 2.5-bathroom Colonial o ers an irresistible blend of traditional charm and sleek sophistication, all set on a manicured 0.36-acre lot. Inground pool surrounded by a paver patio. Located in one of the most sought-after areas this Colonial is a rare gem. $1,250,000 Contact Lynn Witz
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Smithtown’s Paul T. Given Park Awarded $1.5 Million
TheTown of Smithtown’s transformative Paul T.
Given Park project has been awarded $1.5 million in funding through the most recent round of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. This announcement, made last month, allocates $16.7 million across nearly 30 projects on Long Island, with Paul T. Given Park as one of the standout recipients. The funding will go toward revitalizing the park, located west of downtown and near Smithtown’s iconic bull statue.
Planned upgrades include:
• ADA-accessible pathways and ramps to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
• Rain gardens and green drainage systems to prevent road runoff from flowing into the Nissequogue River.
• Revegetation efforts to restore the riverbank and surrounding areas with native plant species, while eradicating invasive plants like Japanese knotweed.
• A raised viewing deck with benches to provide serene vistas of the park and river.
• New drop-off circle to improve accessibility and visitor experience. The enhancements reflect the Town of Smithtown’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Working closely with the New York State
The $1.5 million funding includes $1.2 million from the Department of State and $300,000 from New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. The work is expected to commence next summer and fall.
Welcome Center Construction Underway
The Town has already begun construction on the new Welcome Center at Paul T. Given Park, a project that repurposes the former Oasis Gentlemen’s Club. This initiative, funded through a separate grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, will create a multifunctional facility.
• Restrooms, and concession area for park visitors.
• An office for a local canoe/kayak rental business to enhance recreational offerings.
• Educational exhibits and tourism displays to celebrate Smithtown’s rich cultural, historic, and natural attractions.
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the town aims to transform Paul T. Given Park into a natural sanctuary that benefits the community and the local ecosystem.
“This funding marks a major milestone in our journey to reshape Paul T. Given Park into a community haven for residents and visitors alike. Thanks to the State of New York’s support, we are closer than ever to realizing our vision of a park that embodies Smithtown’s commitment to environmental preservation, accessibility, and sustainable development.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
• A multipurpose meeting room on the second floor, designed for community groups, workshops, and town business.
Looking Ahead
Upon completion, the new Welcome Center and enhanced Paul T. Given Park will stand as a testament to Smithtown’s progress and its dedication to community enrichment and environmental conservation. These improvements aim to create a space where residents and visitors can connect with nature, learn about local heritage, and enjoy the beauty of the Nissequogue River.
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker chris.galluzzo@compass.com
M: 917.939.2271 | O: 631.629.7719
16A Wall Street, Huntington, NY 11743 galluzzoteam.com 631.774.3333
Winter Concert Series
TheNew York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, New York.
The 2025 Winter Concert Series performance schedule is as follows:
FEBRUARY 16 – Queensound
Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano)
MARCH 02 – Quintessence
Laura Mole (Violin), Jody Ratner (Viola), Susan Lehr (Cello) Karen Gellert (Double Bass), Elinor Zayas (Piano), Hiroko Nakahara (Guest Violinist)
MARCH 09 – Piano Duo Elinor Zayas & Karen Baer
March 16 – Cambiata Cello Duo Paul Finkelstein & Suzanne Mueller
Parking will be limited and on a first come, first served basis throughout the entirety of this concert series. All concerts
Blackbegin promptly at 1:00PM. Seating is on first come, first serve basis. The concerts, free to he public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 888-3525. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
History Month has a lengthy history that dates back more than a century. According to History.com, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in September 1915. Promoting the achievements of Black Americans was among the various missions of the ASNLH. One of the ways the ASNLH sought to achieve that mission was through the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Organizers chose the second week of February for the event because that week happened to be when Abraham Lincoln (1809) and Frederick Douglass (1818) were born. Lincoln and Douglass played pivotal roles in the abolition of slavery in the United States. After the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926, more and more cities began to celebrate it. History.com notes that by the 1960s Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on college campuses, eventually leading to formal recognition of the event by American president Gerald Ford in 1976.
Did You Know?
Trivia fans may know that American president Benjamin Harrison, who served from 1889 to 1893, was both preceded and succeeded in office by Grover Cleveland. But Harrison has another notable distinction on his presidential résumé. Harrison was the country’s twenty-third president but the first to hire a woman White House staffer upon his selection of Alice Sanger as his presidential secretary on January 2, 1890. History.com suggests Harrison’s appointment of Sanger might have been an effort to extend an olive branch to the women’s suffrage movement, which was gaining momentum during the time Harrison spent in the White House. Though Sanger was named to the White House staff 135 years ago, the United States has still not seen a woman elected to the office of the president.
Inaugural 2025 Calendar Featuring Adoptable Pets
Earlier this year, the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter announced the release of its first-ever 2025 Animal Shelter Calendar, showcasing irresistible cats and dogs currently in need of loving homes. This limited-edition calendar is not just a delightful addition to your desk or home but also a heartfelt reminder of the importance of pet adoption.
Each month highlights a shelter animal hoping to find a forever family. Many of the featured pets have been overlooked for adoption for years, making their spotlight in the calendar an opportunity to shine a light on their unique personalities and lovable qualities.
The production of the calendar was made possible through Rescue Rocks, with a suggested donation of $30 per calendar. All of the proceeds (100%) will directly benefit the shelter, funding critical emergency and veterinary care in the coming year.
“This calendar is the perfect New Year’s gift for animal lovers! Not only does it help raise funds for vital care, but it’s also a beautiful way to spread awareness. A coworker, friend, or family member might see a photo of their perfect four-legged match and give a deserving pet the home they’ve been waiting for. Some of these animals have spent years dreaming of
miracle after four years at the shelter.
Additional months feature a mix of playful kittens, resilient seniors, and affectionate dogs, all waiting to meet their match.
How to Get Your Calendar
Calendars can be picked up during regular visiting hours at the Smithtown Animal Shelter or reserved by phone or email. Donations can be made by visiting the GoFundMe.com page created specifically for the Animal Shelter Calendar: https://gofund. me/69937de2
Suggested Donation: $30
Shelter Address: 410 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
their forever family. This calendar, hopes to turn those dreams into reality.”
- Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Animal Shelter Liaison
Featured Animals Include:
Blaze (January): The shelter’s longest resident (over five years) is a loyal, affectionate chocolatebrown pup with a New Year’s wish to find his forever family.
Betty-Boop (April): A lowkey, 12-year-old “couch hippo” who has spent five years at the shelter. This sweet pibble mix is the ultimate Netflix snuggle buddy.
Mia (December): A goofy, fun-loving Mastiff/Labrador mix longing for a Christmas
Wednesday Evenings & Sundays: By appointment for pre-approved applicants.
The Smithtown Animal Shelter is dedicated to finding loving homes for all its animals. With your support, the 2025 Calendar will help raise awareness, encourage adoptions, and provide essential care for the shelter’s residents. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference—pick up your calendar today!
Over $8 Million Donated To LI Area Historic Organizations
TheRobert David Lion Gardiner Foundation is pleased to announce it has donated a total of $8,098,574 in grants to historic organizations across Long Island and beyond during calendar year 2024. Grant recipients were recognized during two rounds of awards luncheons hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society in June 2024 and Old Westbury Gardens in December 2024. Grants will be used by a variety of Long Island historic sites to fund initiatives ranging from educational programs and exhibitions to publications, scholarships, and construction and renovation projects.
Recipients of the First Round 2024 Grant Awards are:
Association of Public Historians of NYS
Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation
Caumsett Foundation, Inc.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society
Fraunces Tavern Museum
Greater Westhampton Historical Museum
Long Island Children’s Museum
Long Island Library Resource Council, Inc.
- Long Island and NY State History Day
Long Island Museum of American Art
History and Carriages
Long Island Seaport and Eco Center
Montauk Historical Society
New York University
Queens Museum
Waterfront Museum
Whaling Museum & Education Center
Recipients of the Second Round 2024 Grant Awards are:
Friends of Raynham Hall, Inc.
Jewish Historical Society of Long Island
Long Island Library Resource Council, Inc.
– Long Island History Day
Long Island Maritime Museum
Nassau County Museum of Fine Art
New York Historical Society
Sag Harbor History Museum
The Church
The Cooper Union
The following organizations received grants as part of the Gardiner Foundation’s new Challenge Match Grant program. The program recognized each organization’s fundraising efforts by matching up to $10,000 raised for new offerings during 2024.
Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery, Corp.
Fireboat Firefighters Museum
Friends of Lakeview Cemeteries
Historical Society of Greater Port
Jefferson
Historical Society of Islip Hamlet
Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society
Mattituck Laurel Historical Society
Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society
North Sea Community House
Oyster Bay Railroad Museum
Quogue Historical Society
Rocky Point Historical Society and Museum
Victor D’Amico Institute of Art
Wading River Historical Society
The Gardiner Foundation also awarded $1,600 to each of 35 historic organizations for employing young people as part of the 2024 Gardiner Young Scholars Program. To learn more about the program, visit https://www. rdlgfoundation.org/news/77.
“Fulfilling the historic educational vision of Bob Gardiner is a great privilege for our Board and all at the Foundation,” said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
ABOUT THE ROBERT DAVID LION GARDINER FOUNDATION
The mission of the Foundation is to educate, cultivate and encourage the study and understanding of Long Island and New York’s historic role in the American experience. The Foundation also supports scholarships and historic preservation, including study, stewardship and promotion of Long Island’s historic educational aspects. The Foundation was established by Robert David Lion Gardiner in 1987. Robert David Lion Gardiner was, until his death in August 2004, the 16th Lord of the Manor of Gardiner’s Island, NY. The Island was obtained as part of a royal grant from King Charles I of England in 1639. The Gardiner family and their descendants have owned Gardiner’s Island for 385 years. The Island remains private and is owned and maintained by direct Gardiner descendants to this day. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation remains inspired by Robert David Lion Gardiner’s personal passion for Long Island and New York history. Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded over $45 million to support historical societies, museums, archives, research, scholarships and renovation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historic sites.
