The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Robin Hepworth, owner of Robin Joy Photography, has been honored as the 2024 Massapequa Businessperson of the Year at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce 39th Annual Businessperson of the Year and Legislative Breakfast at the Crest Hollow Country Club! This prestigious award is bestowed upon a chamber member who has: “helped make a significant contribution to the local economy and has made a meaningful and important contribution to the general welfare of the local community.” Robin’s dedication to the Massapequa business community has been truly inspiring, and we’re grateful for her leadership as President of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. Please join us in congratulating Robin on this well-deserved recognition!
Ames Buddies Have The Best Time At Thanksgiving Breakfast
There wasn’t a turkey and the fixings, but there were bagels, cookies and juice at the Best Buddies Thanksgiving breakfast on Nov. 25 at the Massapequa High School Ames Campus. Students came together to celebrate the holiday and show their appreciation for each other.
Students from the two Career and Community Connections (CCC) classes
were joined by their buddies for a morning feast. There was conversation, dancing and a photo station. They played a game with Skittles, saying what they were grateful for based on the color candy they chose.
Not only did students enjoy the festivities, but they also played an instrumental role in planning the event. In their CCC classes, they shopped for food and party
supplies, baked items such as cookies, cornbread and muffins, made table centerpieces and delivered invitations to administrators. The CCC classes are taught by Trish DePalma, Briana Lauria, Victoria Santoro and Kathleen Wegener. The Best Buddies club meets twice a month to promote social interaction through activities such as crafts and games.
The Ames Campus Best Buddies club held a Thanksgiving breakfast on Nov. 25. Superintendent Dr. William Brennan met with students at a photo station. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Curtain Rises On Unqua’s New Musical Theater Troupe
Fourth and fifth graders are getting an expanded look into the performing arts at Unqua Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. Many students already are members of the band, chorus and orchestra, and now they are adding theater to their repertoire.
The Unqua Players performed their first show on Nov. 20 and 21. It featured 27 students under the direction of Connor Hubbard, a third grade teacher with professional
musical theater experience.
The script for the 20-minute skit was written collaboratively by Mr. Hubbard and his young actors. The story was based on two songs, “Do Re Mi” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.”
Rehearsals began in late September and students learned the dialogue, songs and choreography during more than a dozen sessions.
The fruits of their hard work was displayed in daytime shows for students in grades K-2 and 3-5, as well
as an evening performance for families.
Mr. Hubbard said that he hopes this will spark interest among students to take advantage of arts opportunities in the district when they get older like the musicals at Berner Middle School and Massapequa High School. This experience helped them with valuable performance skills like singing, dancing and storytelling, while gaining more confidence and improving their leadership abilities.
A new drama club at Unqua Elementary School, led by teacher Connor Hubbard, debuted with a trio of shows on Nov. 20 and 21. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Councilman Imbroto Urges Residents To Give The Gift Of Life By Donating Blood On December 23rd
With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Monday, December 23rd from 1pm to 7pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.
Councilman Imbroto stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the
gift of life though a simple blood donation.”
Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard
Tunes, Balloons And Gratitude At Massapequa’s Fairfield School
Students are reflecting on the meaning of Thanksgiving while also exploring the holiday’s traditions at Fairfield Elementary School in the Massapequa School District.
On Nov. 20, kindergartners gathered in the auditorium for their final rehearsal for a Thanksgiving song performance for parents the following day. They learned several songs such as
“Albuquerque Turkey,” “Five Little Turkeys” and “Gobble, Gobble, Gobble.”
Third graders in Danielle McCaffery’s class wrote acrostic poems based on the word “thankful.” They also completed Thanksgiving packets to write about the people, possessions and experiences they are grateful for in their lives.
In second grade, students read “Balloons
Over Broadway” about the history of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They then completed their own crafts to design a balloon that they would like to have in the parade, along with writing a few sentences. Their balloons included animals and cartoon characters.
Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Kindergartners from Fairfield Elementary School had their final rehearsal for their Thanksgiving song performance on Nov. 20.
at Dairy Queen.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”
For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380.
To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/ blooddrive
Second graders read “Balloons Over Broadway” then designed their own parade balloon crafts.
Bird Walk At Jones Beach West End
Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk in the west end of Jones Beach State Park on Sunday, December 15. The group will meet at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. The entrance for the Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin is on Bay Drive going west. Bring binoculars. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge.
To register, text your name and contact information to 516 4679498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees F will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable conditions.
Fresh Long Island Duck in an Orange Cranberry Glaze Served with Wild Rice & Vegetables
Grilled, Topped with Asparagus and Melted Mozzarella in Barolo Wine Sauce Served with Onion Rings
Cannoli • Flourless Chocolate Cake • Tiramisu
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
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
FRIDAY, DEC. 13th
7:30PM
A GILBERT & SULLIVAN
CHRISTMAS CAROL
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Islip will bring people together to experience a vibrant performance of “A Christmas Carol,” performed with the music of Gilbert & Sullivan. The production takes place in the church’s Fenton Hall. Presented in tandem with the Islip Arts Council. Proceeds will go to the church’s music ministry. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, please visit. https:// stmarksislip.org or call 631-581-4950 – or come into the office. Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-1:00PM
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
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
3:00PM CONCERT OF SACRED CHRISTMAS MUSIC
Grace United Methodist Church will be hosting a Concert of Sacred Christmas Music. Featuring soprano soloist Kathryn Wilson. A free-will offering will be taken. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
4:00PM-10:00PM FARMINGDALE UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL
The Coop Nashville Kitchen Bar and Lounge, 342 Main Street in Farmingdale. Get ready to don your ugliest holiday sweaters and join us for the ultimate festive adventure on December 14th! This is more than just a bar crawl-it's an Ugly Sweater extravaganza where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the holiday season in style. Email: Info@pubcrawls.com
9:30AM-11:00AM
SANTA AND FRIENDS BREAKFAST
United Skates of America
1276 Hicksville Rd. in 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! For more information, please call 516-795-5474
10:30AM-3:00PM
BABYLON CHRISTMAS MARKET
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
THROUGH DEC. 31st
8:00AM-6:00PM
CHRISTMAS AT HICKS
Pictures with Santa, every day through December 23. Make sure to bring your own camera for pictures. A walkthrough Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! A festive animated story for the young and young at heart! Please bring your donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and drop off at the end of your walkthrough. 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. For more information, please call 516-334-0066
THROUGH JAN. 02, 2025
10:00AM-3:00PM
CHRISTMAS HOUSE LONG ISLAND
If you are looking for an exciting and fun, indoor family holiday attraction, Christmas House Long Island is now open daily at the Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway in Hicksville. This unique 45+ minute walk-through features interactive and imaginative experiences that will delight people of all ages! For more information, please call 516-878-0273
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.
Research Shows The Health Benefits Of Regular Walking
Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood or a power-walk in the park, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, says taking part in physical activity is one of the best ways to manage stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and boost your mood.
Improved technology and the growing popularity of fitness applications, electronic wearables and step counters have made counting steps an easy way to count health benefits, as noted through a growing body of scientific research. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021 (EPI), found that:
•Study participants who took more steps in short spurts lived longer, regardless of how many steps they had in longer, uninterrupted bouts. The benefits leveled off at about 4,500 steps a day in short spurts.
•Compared to no daily steps, each initial increase of 1,000 steps a day was associated with a 28% decrease in death during the follow-up period.
•A 32% decrease in death was noted in participants who took more than 2,000 steps daily in uninterrupted bouts.
Middle-aged people who walked the most steps-perday had a 43% lower risk of diabetes and a 31% lower risk of high blood pressure, compared to those with the fewest steps, according to research presented at the Association’s 2020 EPI Conference. For women in the study, each 1,000-step interval resulted in a 13% lower risk of obesity, and those with the highest step count were 61% less likely to have obesity, compared to women who walked the least.
People who took at least 7,000 steps a day had a 50% to 70% lower risk of dying compared with people who took fewer than 7,000 steps a day, according to a study published in September in the journal JAMA Open Network. Researchers found that a higher daily step count (over 10,000 steps) lowered the risk of premature death from any cause among Black and white middle-aged women and men.
“Walking is a great way to improve your health and your mental outlook, and it doesn’t take a lot of expensive sporting equipment to do it. Put on a good pair of shoes and grab a water bottle and you’re ready to go,” said Donna K. Arnett, M.S.P.H., Ph.D., B.S.N., a past president of the American Heart Association (2012-2013) and the dean and a professor in the department of epidemiology of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health in Lexington. “It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you walk, the important thing is to get moving. Counting steps doesn’t have to be part of a structured exercise program. Increasing your everyday activity, like parking slightly further from your destination, doing some extra housework or yardwork and even walking
your dog can all add up to more steps and better health.”
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can knock that out in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. And every minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts toward your goal.
Arnett points out that walking indoors at home, in a gym or even a mall can be easy ways to get beneficial physical activity. However, research indicates that being outdoors in areas rich with trees, shrubs and grass (i.e., a higher level of greenness) may help reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.
“Unfortunately, many people do not have access to safe walking trails or adequate green space. The American Heart Association continues to advocate for policy changes that make it easier for people to have access to safe places to walk, exercise and play, as well as sustainable transportation options that integrate walking, bicycling and wheelchair use,” Arnett said. “The easier it is for people to engage in physical activity in all aspects of their daily life, the more likely we are to achieve healthier, longer lives for everyone.”
CLUES ACROSS
1. Thou __ do it
6. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)
9. Brainstem part
13. Town in New York state
14. Little (Spanish)
15. Continent
16. Retch
17. Short-billed rails
18. Small period of time (abbr.)
19. Confused
21. A team needs one
22. Woman in ancient times
23. Republican Party
CLUES DOWN
1. One-time Aaron Rodgers target
2. Wings
3. Overly studious person
4. They protect your valuables
5. The Volunteer State
6. Non-hydraulic cement
7. Horse mackerel
8. Jackson and Diddley are two
9. Splendid displays
10. Mountain in NE Greece
11. A daughter or your brother or sister
12. German surname
14. Having more than one husband at a time
24. Spanish be
25. “The Godfather” character Johnny
28. Not around
29. City in Zambia
31. A type of beginning
33. Numb
36. Gurus
38. Small, gray-headed crow
39. Vehicle type
41. Disorders
44. One point east of southeast
45. Indian soldier
46. Tree type
48. Midway between south and southeast
17. Romanian city
20. Energy
21. Makes less hot
23. Gas diffusion electrode
25. Former CIA
26. Set an example for others
27. Support of a particular person
29. One from the Big Apple
30. Mountain range
32. Violate the sanctity of something
34. Supervises flying
35. Talks
37. Persian male given name
40. Born of
49. It cools your home
51. Corn comes on it
52. Ship’s deck
54. A way to bake
56. Improvised
60. Butterfly genus
61. Baseball fields have them
62. Designated space
63. Discharge
64. Two of something
65. Once more
66. Part of your face
67. Tax collector
68. Cassia tree
42. Forcibly take one’s possessions
43. Discounts
47. Knockouts
49. Posh Colorado destination
50. Form of therapy
52. British rock band
53. Type of virus (abbr.)
55. The U. of Miami mascot is one
56. Volcanic crater
57. Middle Eastern nation
58. Sinn __, Irish organization
59. Ethiopian lake
61. Bits per inch (abbr.)
65. Equally
Sparkling Wines
Town Open
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.
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.
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A New Offering
To Your Christmas Cookie
Lineup
The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different. “Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Santa’s Whiskers 20 to 24 cookies
1 1⁄2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough. Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on th center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.
Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder.
Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
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Seasons Greetings
As the holiday season surrounds us with its warmth and joy, we are reminded of the invaluable connections we share with our clients, neighbors & friends
Thank you for your continued support - it means the world to us. We look forward to working together and delivering the same professional service and care you know and trust
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success!
