Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto announce that the Town’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and SyossetWoodbury Community Parks are open for the season and remain open through Sunday, February 23rd.
“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter
atmosphere,” said Councilman Imbroto.
“Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months, and are the ideal way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable!”
For residents wishing to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage. Indoor skating is open to the public seven
days a week, with special extended hours on most holidays and school breaks. For a full list of hours, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown. com/ice.
For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 797-7990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink or (516) 677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink. All information is available on the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown. com/ice.
Holiday Tree Lightings
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that on Friday, December 6, 2024 the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River will take place from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Join the carolers in a sing-along of traditional holiday songs while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. At 6:00 pm sharp, Santa will light the tree for the 2024 holiday season. Afterwards, hot beverages will be served, and you can visit with Santa. All activities take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly. The Manor House will not be open. In the spirit of the season, they will be collecting canned goods and new unwrapped toys for those in need in our community. All donations are appreciated.
Admission is free. There is limited parking, so please arrive early. The entrance gates will close when the parking field has reached full capacity.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Belmont Lake State Park will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
The Arboretum gates will open at 5:30 pm. At 6:00 pm sharp, the magnificent thirty-five-foot Japanese Umbrella Pine on the south side of the Camelia Greenhouse will be lit by Santa. Afterwards, you can visit with Santa in the Planting Fields Hay Barn until 7:30 pm.
Admission to the tree-lighting is free. The grounds will be open to the public until 8:00 pm.
Belmont Lake State Park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Belmont Lake State Park will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Prior to the lighting of the tree by Santa Claus, traditional holiday music will be sung by the choruses of North Babylon School District on the front lawn of the Long Island State Park Headquarters at Belmont Lake State Park. After Santa and his helpers light the tree, there will be a spectacular firework display over Belmont Lake. Activities begin at 4:00pm and include an ice sculpting demonstration, numerous holiday displays, a magic show, and a juggler. There will be food and merchandise available for purchase. All activities are outside, so please dress accordingly. Admission is free.
This event is sponsored by New York State Parks- Long Island Region, the Natural Heritage Trust, Cox Media Group (WBAB 102.3FM and WBLI 106.1 FM Radio Stations), Renewal by Anderson, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, and New York Life.
Orient Beach State Park
TThe New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the Holiday Tree Lighting at Orient Beach State Park in Orient will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 5:00pm.
They invite everyone to join them to help Santa light the tree in celebration of the holiday season. In the spirit of the season, they will be collecting coats and canned food items for families in need in our community. Any donations are welcomed and appreciated. Admission is free and all activities will take place outside, so please dress accordingly.
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NEIGHBOR
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
When it comes time to make a move, working with the right professional, who is not only experienced, but who has your best interest in mind is essential. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, call me today. I’d love to help.
MONDAY-FRIDAY. THROUGH DEC 16th
9:00AM-4:30PM TOY DRIVE
Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney would like to encourage your participation in his Toy Drive. Please Drop off a new & unwrapped toy, book or game at Babylon Town Hall Lobby, 200 East Sunrise Hwy. in Lindenhurst. This annul event is in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps., who distribute the items to children in need. For more information, please call 631-957-3081
SATURDAY, DEC. 7th
9:30AM-11:00AM
EVERY SATURDAY TILL FEB. 1, 2025
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
If you have lost a loved one a Bereavement Support Group is now forming at Our Lady Of Grace Church in West Babylon. For more information, please call John Laszewski 631-874-0210
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 7th
from 11:00AM-7:00PM and SUNDAY, DEC. 8th
9:00AM-2:00PM
CHRISTMAS/CRAFT FESTIVAL
Annual Christmas/Craft Festival at St. Gerard Majella Church, 300 Terryville Road in Port Jefferson Station. Shop for unique crafts, vendor items, jewelry and Raffles. Kids can enjoy photos with Santa and special shopping area. Light meals and snacks served. For more information, please call 631-473-2900
SUNDAY, DEC. 8th
12NOON-5:00PM
HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
The church is located on 666 Albin Ave. in West Babylon. For more information, please call 631-587-5185
4:00PM
HOLIDAY SONGS
The Babylon Chorale presents: Peace featuring Taylor Scott Davis’ “Magnificat” A performance of holiday songs performed with orchestra. St. Peter’s By The Sea Episcopal Church, 500 South Country Rd. (Montauk Hwy), Bay Shore. To purchase tickets online or for further information, visit www. babylonchorale.org or email info@ babylonchorale.org
ST. MARK'S CHRISTMAS FAIR 754 Montauk Highway (across from the Oconee Diner) in Islip. The fair is held in the office building’s Gathering Place. Santa, Decorated Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Ornaments, Toys, Craft Items, Jewelry, Cookie Walk, Raffles, Sweepstakes, Bake Table. Santa will be at the Fair from 11:00 to 12:30. For more information, please call 631-581-4950, https:// stmarksislip.org
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet's Holiday House Tour is Back! Several homes will be decorated for the holidays, tour guides in Victorian dress, a Holiday Auction/50-50 Raffle, live entertainment, refreshments. Tickets available on Eventbrite; will be sold at Caroline's Flower Shoppe, Kleiber's Country Store. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for the John Theissen Children's Foundation. For more information: www.isliphamlethistory. org, or call 631-559-2915
1:30 PM
LESSONS & CAROLS
Our Lady of Grace presents Lessons & Carols, a monthly concert series Clergy, lectors, and instrumentalists collaborate with the Adult Choir for this special liturgical event. A great way to remember the reason for the season. Free Will Offering, all welcome, just walk in. Light hospitality to follow.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11th
2:30AM-5:00PM THE HELPING HANDS
35TH ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
The Toy Drive will be held at 944 West Bay drive or the BBEA clubhouse - block of Villa Monaco in West Islip. For more information, please contact contact Jennifergalllozzi@gmail.com or to make a donation visit https://www. paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_ id=Q84FKWW5F42DW
SATURDAY, DEC. 14TH
10:00AM-3:00PM
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Islip United Methodist Church will be hosting their Annual Christmas Craft Fair at 350 Main Street in Islip. Lots of Homemade items, Jewelry, Antiques, Raffles, Baked Goods, lunch and so much more. For more information, please call 631-581-7663.
Holiday Coloring Contest!
Congratulations to Shelley Siemsen, the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Office Manager, on her 10th Anniversary with the Chamber. Shelley always goes above and beyond for the Chamber and their members. She is incredibly dedicated and always puts her heart into everything that she does. They are incredibly lucky to have her and send her their sincere appreciation.
Help Needed - @ New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency. The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply, and 1-2 day supply of type O;
NYBC warns this could signal more severe shortages in the weeks ahead. Please sign up to donate at a convenient donation location near you: smarturl.it/NYBC_ Urgent
Town Clerk LaMarca Announces Special One-Stop Passport Weekend
Looking To Get Away? Make An Appointment Today!
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the
applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals
unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962. For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel. state.gov.
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CLUES ACROSS
1. Bar bills
5. Recipe measurement (abbr.)
8. Swiss river
11. Czech Republic capital
13. “Officially known as”
14. A French abbot
15. Having a strong sharp smell or taste
16. Local area network
17. Data transmission speed measure
18. Embarrass
22. Gives up
25. Churchgoer
30. Current
31. Slang for gun
32. Small drum
33. Vanished union bigwig
38. Rocker’s tool of the trade
41. Dearth
43. 2024 Olympics host
45. Excess blood in the vessels
48. Afrikaans
50. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation
55. Ancient Syrian city
56. Witch
57. Celebrations
59. Long period of time
60. A team’s best pitcher
61. Current unit
62. One-time aerospace company
20. When you hope to get there
21. This (Spanish)
CLUES DOWN
1. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
2. Genus of clams
3. Remark
4. Actor LaBeouf
5. Ohio town
6. Olympic sport
7. Cure
8. Behave in a way that belittles
9. Shares a boundary with
10. Give advice
12. Promotional materials
14. Assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
49. Agreement between provider and customer
19. “Agatha All Along” actress Kathryn
23. Small piece
24. King of Camelot
25. Parts per thousand (abbr.)
26. Small Milky Way constellation
27. One who challenges authority (abbr.)
28. Equal (prefix)
29. Shawl
34. S. American wood sorrel relative
35. The end
36. Supervises interstate commerce
37. Yes vote
39. Officer of high rank
40. Church office
63. French/Belgian river
64. Swedish rock group
41. Tire pressure measurement
42. From a distance
incessantly
Birch Lane Students Show Their Unity And Heart
Kindness is a year-round expectation for students and Birch Lane Elementary School in the Massapequa School District and one day a year it gets some extra emphasis. The school celebrated World Kindness Day on Nov. 13 with an assembly and recess activities.
Singer and songwriter Jared Campbell visited Birch Lane for a pair of programs that emphasized kindness, compassion and responsibility through sing-alongs. During recess,
students from grades K-4 took a kindness pledge by signing one of the letters in “Unity,” while fifth graders added their names to a large heart. These will hang in the cafeteria along with the words from the past two years, “Kind” and “Include.”
The PTA hosted games that fostered collaboration and cooperation. Students also wrote kind messages and drew cheerful pictures on the blacktop with sidewalk chalk. There was also a Be the “I” in Kind
photo station.
“While we celebrate World Kindness Day on Nov. 13, kindness is something that is celebrated every day at Birch Lane,” Principal Stephen Aspetti said. “Educating children about the importance of kindness and empathy is one of our greatest responsibilities. When we see our students going out of their way to help a classmate, it fills us with pride and reminds us that the efforts we are making are having positive results.”
of the Massapequa School District
Santa’s Mailboxes Have Arrived In Town Offices
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 16th. The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 16th with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary. Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) at the following locations:
Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage
For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, call (516) 624-6380 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
CIRCULATION
ASSISTANT
Victoria Kokolakis Stephan Schulze
SCAN
STUDENTS SHOW THEIR UNITY AND HEART - Fifth graders, from left, Nikki Nicolaou, Christian Polanco, Angelo Ottaviano and Naya Raghunath showed the large heart signed by everyone in their grade. Photo courtesy
BE THE “I” IN KIND - Emma Angelillo stopped by the Be the “I” in Kind photo station. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave TOB Celebrates Veteran’s Day
Bay Town Supervisor Joseph
Councilman
to thank and celebrate the brave hometown heroes of the Town of
Bay for Veteran’s
Supervisor
with local officials and boy
stated, “We are the Land of the Free because of the Brave. Thank you to all veterans, especially American Legion Post 1066 and VFW Post 7763 for hosting these special Veteran’s Day ceremonies.”
Winter Golf Now Par For The Course
Town Of Oyster Bay Golf Course Open For Winter Tee Times
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced that for the first time the Hon. Joseph Colby Golf Course in Woodbury will remain open to residents throughout the winter. Tee times will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., weather permitting. Fees will remain the same and the course will be closed on Mondays starting in December. The front office will open at 7:00 a.m. and carts must be returned by 4:00 p.m. Twilight golf will not be available during the winter season.
“Following the extensive upgrades and improvements to our course completed this past summer, we are proud to announce that the Hon. Joseph Colby Golf Course will remain open this winter so residents may enjoy this scenic and challenging 18-hole championship course all year round,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Make your reservation, enjoy the beautiful course and spend the day in the Town of Oyster Bay.”
Applications for membership to the Honorable Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf
Course are available and are processed at the golf course Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Membership is valid until the end of the calendar year. Prospective members must provide the following proofs of residency: Photo Identification (Driver’s License, DMV Photo ID or Passport); and Car Registration, Tax Bill or Utility Bill. Non-resident memberships are also available for an additional fee.
To reserve a tee time, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com/golf or call (516) 677-5980. A $5
Artificial Or Real Christmas Tree?
Even though the debate continues regarding the merits of artificial and real Christmas trees, it seems there is a winner, at least within the United States. According to Statista, 47 percent of American households own an artificial Christmas tree, while 24 percent purchase real trees. Though real trees might not be as popular as their artificial alternatives, the number of real trees that are purchased each year remains significant. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, roughly 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States.
fee per player is applied at time of reservation. Daily
senior citizens discounts are offered, along free golf for military and veterans on Veterans Day.
Advance Care Plans
The United States population is rapidly aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million older Americans, comprising roughly
20 percent of the U.S. population. With age comes the added burden of dealing with illnesses such as heart failure, dementia and cancer, any one of which can leave you unable to make decisions involving your care.
Unless you have a plan in place, the burden will fall on your family.
Protect your loved ones from having to make life and death decisions on your behalf by developing an advance care plan today.
Oyster
Saladino,
Tom Hand, Councilman Steve Labriola and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato joined
scouts
Oyster
Day.
Saladino
Largest Cruise Thru Toys For Tots Collection Drive Coming Soon
Donations To Help Families & Those Less Fortunate
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Town’s massive ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Collection Drive will take place at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In partnership with the United States Marine Corps and Optimum, the Town is collecting toys to help families and those less fortunate throughout the community during the
upcoming holiday season. In addition to the ‘CruiseThru’, collection boxes are located at Town facilities through December 13th.
Supervisor Saladino said, “The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just last year we collected close to 35,000 toys for Long Island children. I encourage all of our residents who are able to donate to this amazing cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”
The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will provide residents an excellent way to contribute directly to the cause and help bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday drop box where children can drop their letters to Santa off
at. Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.
“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving presents this holiday season. I urge residents, who can, to donate new unwrapped toys to any of our dropoff locations,” said Councilman Tom Hand.
“By making a donation, you can help ease the financial burden of our families in need this holiday season.”
Toys for Tots Collection Boxes are located at the following locations:
• Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue,
Oyster Bay; • Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa; • Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage.
The Cruise Thru Toy Drive is made possible through the following sponsors: Whitey’s Tire Service of Brooklyn, Bola, Long Island Press, Adventureland, News 12, MSG Networks, WKJOY 98.3, WHLI 1100AM, 103. The Wolf, 94.3 The Shark, Cascone and Kluepfel, and Embassy Diner.
For more information, please call (516) 7974121; or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.
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