Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk on Saturday, December 21 , starting at 9 AM, at Hempstead Lake State Park.
The group will meet in parking lot #3. Hempstead Lake State Park is at Exit 18 from the Southern State Parkway. All are welcome. 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. Bring binoculars
To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 4679498. No walk if it rains, snows or the temperature is below 25 degrees. Text regarding questionable conditions. For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon.org.
Plainedge School District Proudly Presents
indergarten PRE
*Children must be 4 years of age on or before December 1, 2025
Participants will be chosen through a lottery on 1/22/25 at 4:00 PM at the Plainedge High School Auditorium.
(Subject to space availability and enrollment) ONLINE PORTAL OPENS: 1/6/25
Only FULLY COMPLETED registration forms with ALL required documentation will be entered into the lottery for selection.
1 Log onto www plainedgeschools org
2 Under the "Parent" tab, Select Registration
3. Then select 2025-2026 Pre-Kindergarten
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY, DEC. 21st
8:30AM-12:00PM
KIWANIS ROCKS!
BRUNCH WITH SANTA AMVETS Hall Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave. in Easy Islip. Music, food, raffles, 50/50, Pictures with Santa. Live Star Wars characters. For more information, please call Sandy 631-882-4994, sandyflandina@hotmail.com, Adele Sill 631-327-1278, adele127@ optonline.net
2:00PM
HOLIDAY ON ICE SHOW
Free ‘Holiday on Ice’ Show Saturday, December 21st at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center located in Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue. Admission to the show is free. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to visit with children and take holiday photographs after the show. Please visit www. oysterbaytown.com for more information or call (516) 797-4121
MONDAY, DEC. 23rd
1:00pm-7:00pm
BLOOD COLLECTION DRIVE
With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville. For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an
HOLIDAYS
3rd - Giving Tuesday
21st - Winter begins
25th - Christmas
Hanukkah begins at sundown
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
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
appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www. oysterbaytown.com/blooddrive
THUR. DEC. 26 - 9:00AM FRI. DEC. 27 - 3:00PM
HOLIDAY DISCOVERY DAYS
Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children. Sweetbriar Nature CenterECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. for more informatio, please call 631-979-6344
FRIDAY, DEC. 27TH
5:30PM Activities, 7:00PM Movie
A VERY GRINCHY PAJAMA PARTY
Wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer. This special family evening is packed with activities, a beloved holiday movie, and delicious treats. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City. For general info 516-5724111. Reservations 516-572-4066
TUESDAY, DEC. 31st
8:30PM-1:30AM
THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Hosted by:The Holy Name Society. Music provided by: The Switch LI Food Catered by: Seaqua Catering Maria Regina Auditorium - Pontieri Hall. To Purchase tickets visit https://linktr.ee/hns_mariaregina and select "New Year's Eve Party Tickets", Choose the number of
tickets you wish to purchase and then checkout. **TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR** Email: HolyNameSociety@ MariaRegina.com
NOW THRU 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 516334-0066
NOW THRU 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
Free ‘Holiday On Ice’ Show
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board are pleased to announce the Annual ‘Holiday on Ice’ Show is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center located in Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue. Admission to the show is free. Students from the Town’s Ice Skating Program will perform an enchanting, holidaythemed skating exhibition and the evening includes an exhibition hockey game between the Elves and the Reindeer, which are two teams comprised of players from the Town of Oyster Bay Youth Ice Hockey program. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to visit with children and take holiday photographs after the show.
season of giving,” attendees are asked to bring two non-perishable food items for donation to Island Harvest, an organization committed to ending hunger on Long Island. Attendees are also welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the United States Marines ‘Toys for Tots’ Collection Drive which benefits local children throughout the community.
‘Holiday on Ice’ performance attendees will also be offered an opportunity to take part in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, which offers residents the opportunity to fill out free holiday greeting cards, available in the lobby, for delivery to troops in the United States Armed Forces stationed in the homeland and around the globe.
In the spirit of “the
“This special holiday performance is an annual tradition for many families and children across the Town,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The show provides an opportunity for participants in the Town’s popular ice skating program to showcase the hard work they’ve put into in training all year. Join us on December 21st, as the performance is sure to dazzle all those in attendance!”
Please visit www. oysterbaytown.com for more information or call (516) 797-4121.
visit their website https://www.sagenselenite.net/
Massapequa Takes Action Coalition Revamps Underage Drinking Campaign To Highlight Social Host Law And Mental Health Risks
Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) is excited to announce the relaunch of its underage drinking awareness campaign, now including crucial updates on Nassau County’s Social Host Law
and the mental health implications of alcohol use in minors. The goal of the campaign is to better inform parents, guardians, and the community about the legal consequences of serving minors, especially
important given the risks and psychological consequences underage drinking poses to young people.
Underage drinking remains a significant concern in Nassau
County. To help address this problem, the campaign will feature expanded information on Nassau County’s Social Host Law, which holds adults accountable if they allow minors to consume alcohol on their property. The updated campaign will also address the mental health implications of underage drinking. Research shows that alcohol consumption during adolescence can interfere with brain development and increase the likelihood of developing mental health issues later in life. By raising awareness of these risks, the campaign aims to empower parents and teens to make healthier, more informed choices.
The holiday season, often associated with celebration and togetherness, can also bring significant challenges. The pressure to partake in social drinking, along with heightened stress and emotional triggers, can make this time of year especially difficult for individuals in recovery or those battling addiction. By setting clear boundaries, seeking support from loved ones or support groups, and finding healthy
alternative activities, individuals can protect their well-being during this season. With the right tools and a supportive environment, joy can be found in the holidays while nurturing one’s health.
For more information about the campaign, Nassau County’s Social Host Law, or resources related to underage drinking and mental health, please visit mtacoalition.com or contact Massapequa Takes Action Coalition at (516) 799-3203 ext. 131 or
mtacoalition@yesccc.org. About Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) Massapequa Takes Action Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing substance use and promoting mental and physical well-being in the Massapequa community. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, MTAC works to empower individuals and families to make healthy, positive choices that contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of their member, Sage & Selenite Holistic Spa & Boutique at their stunning new location at 3430 Merrick Rd. in Seaford! Sage N Selenite, owned by Cher LaRocca, is a serene oasis offering a wide range of services, including facials, waxing, and energy healing. To learn more,
Alex Bartolo
Dylan Milio
Chris Bascetta
Blake Seidenstein
Eddie Waldron
Cole Melillo
George Zouloufis
Bobby Foran
Alexander Chillemi
Dan Walsh
Chase Tirino
Ben Cohen
AJ Molenko
Carlo Kurz
Anthony DiNello
Gavin Farley
Cooper Danielson
Giovanni Tarasi
Alex Van Schuyler
Ethan Kaminskey
Cole Villalta
Bobby Painton Brady Gilchrist
Andrew Pedalino
Connor Pineda
Frank Romano
Brady Kemper
Ryan Decker
Jack Mulligan
Luke Hutchinson
Sean Smith
Kenny Gein
Jackson Yahner
Tyler Villalta
Michael Devlin
William Sciurba
Nick Scannapieco
Thomas Biggin
Logan Sakowski
Jason Larosa
Tristan Tarasi
Nolan Wieczorek
Lucas Banushi
Joe Brooks
Tyler Byrnes
Peter Konstantinakos
Luke Garguilo
Joe Palmer Justin Farrell
Matt Winnerman
Jackson Davis
Sean Florentz
Kellen Reilly
Joe Diesso
Youth Girls Ice Hockey Clinic
Coming January 4th Register Today!
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola is excited to announce the Town’s upcoming Youth Girls Hockey Clinic, scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center. The clinic, running from 10:15 AM to 12:00 PM, is open to girls between the ages of 6 and 16.
This special event provides an excellent opportunity for young athletes to experience the excitement of ice
hockey in a supportive and encouraging environment. No prior hockey experience is required, though basic skating skills are necessary.
Participants will receive hands-on instruction and leave with a complimentary TOBAY hockey jersey.
“All young girls in our community, whether new to hockey or looking to sharpen their skills, are invited to lace up their skates and join us for this fantastic clinic,” said Councilman Labriola.
“This is a great chance to
foster a love for hockey, develop teamwork, and have some fun on the ice.”
Important Details:
All participants must wear standard hockey gear.
Equipment will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
For additional information, please contact the Department of Parks at (516) 433-7465 x8230 or register today at www.oysterbaytown.com/ portal.
Town And Marines Collect Over 36,000 Toys For Tots
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Tom Hand, Councilman Steve Labriola, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato, and Assemblyman Michael Durso joined the United States Marines Corps and presenting sponsor, Optimum, in hosting the largest ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Drive at John Burns Park in Massapequa on December 7th which collected over 36,000 toys
for the less fortunate. Sands New York donated $10,000 toward the cause.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “The thousands of toys collected at this CruiseThru Holiday Toy Drive will bring giant smiles to the faces of children this holiday season. I thank residents for opening their hearts and wallets to generously give back to less fortunate children this holiday. This collection drive truly demonstrated the love and compassion
our community has for others.”
There is still time left to donate toys this holiday season. Collection boxes are located at Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay; Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa; and at the Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage. For more information, visit www. oysterbaytown.com.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Miller beer variety
4. Member of people inhabiting Bering Sea islands
9. Stomach
14. Investment vehicle
15. Fictional soccer coach Ted
16. Irregular in botanical parlance
17. Cease standing
18. “American Horror Story” actress
20. Grow milk teeth
22. Plant parts
23. Snow house
24. Most contemptuous
CLUES DOWN
1. Dormant Peruvian volcano
2. Norwegian composer
3. Indicates location
4. Pubs
5. Unable to walk easily
6. Electronic warfare-support measures
7. World leader
8. Midsection
9. Jewish calendar month
10. Urological condition
11. A small quantity of anything
12. Mountain Time 13. Affirmative
28. Note to repay
29. Old English
30. Wings
31. Financial institutions
33. Parks and Lopez are two
37. Mr. T’s “The A-Team” character
38. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)
39. Give off
41. Semitic alphabet letter
42. Farm state
43. Actress Sarandon
44. Back parts
46. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire
49. Touchdown
19. Word element meaning ear
21. Carried away
24. Short-billed rails
25. Newborn child
26. Sword
27. Groups of people
31. Prickly, scrambling shrubs
32. Become less intense
34. Polishes
35. Indicates position
36. Songs sung to one’s beloved
40. The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet
41. Insects
45. Israeli politician
50. One point north of due east
51. Refurbishes
55. Silver and Dogg are two
58. Former Tigers catcher Alex
59. Type of envelope
60. Seriously considered
64. Unhappy
65. Past (archaic)
66. Asian wild dog
67. Old English letter
68. Young domestic sheep
69. Football players need to gain them
70. Witness
47. Pre-digital
48. Roaming
52. Ambience
53. Brew
54. Late
56. Make ecstatically happy
57. Semitic alphabet letter 59. Blend 60. Dash
61. Self
62. Exclamation of satisfaction
63. Hill or rocky peak
President Of The United States Signs The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act Into Law
America’s VetDogs is honored to announce that the President of the United States has signed The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act into law. This landmark legislation, which garnered strong bipartisan support in both the U.S. House
of Representatives and Senate, celebrates the essential role of working dogs nationwide while offering vital assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. Surcharges from the sale of the commemorative
coins will directly benefit America’s VetDogs, enabling the national nonprofit to expand its mission and provide more accredited, specially trained service dogs—at no cost—to our nation’s heroes, helping them Live Without Boundaries®.
“This milestone highlights the strength of unity and our collective dedication to honoring the brave men and women who serve our country and communities,” said John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs.
“The commemorative coin series will serve as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of working dogs, raising awareness of their impact on society while helping us expand our life-changing services to those who have served
and continue to serve our nation. We are profoundly grateful to the President, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, as well as the bipartisan Congressional leaders and co-sponsors, whose unwavering support made this achievement possible.”
The Act, originally introduced to the 118th Congress in February 2023 by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), was later introduced in the Senate in March 2023 by
Senators Ted Budd (RNC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Recognizing the invaluable contributions of working dogs to society—spanning detection, military service,
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Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos yearround submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events
and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Hand. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Hand noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital
submissions are preferred, but high-quality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@oysterbayny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their
name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
President Of The United States Signs The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act Into Law
therapy, and assistance roles—the legislation gained strong support from Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (DNY), as well as the entire Long Island delegation, where America’s VetDogs is headquartered.
The commemorative coins, to be issued by the U.S. Mint in 2027, are set to generate crucial funding for America’s VetDogs’ mission.
To learn more about America’s VetDogs or the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, visit VetDogs.org/Coin.
About America’s VetDogs
For more than 20 years, America’s VetDogs (www.VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel.
America’s VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States.
America’s VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America’s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individuals it is honored to serve. America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
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. In such instances, 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, which is something diners should keep in mind. 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 another 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 that it goes well with fish, chicken, pork, and veal. In addition, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with various ethnic cuisines, including Mexican, Vietnamese and French dishes.
When paired with the right dish, wine can make a night out at a favorite restaurant that much more memorable.
MAKE
516-236-6303
Kim@kimhollandhomes.com
Artificial Or Real Christmas
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.
Tell Us About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
It is time to reflect on all of our blessings & celebrate with our clients, neighbors, family & friends. The Goodman Family would like to extend its warmest wishes for good health, happiness & prosperity this holiday season and the upcoming 2025 year.
Our most heartfelt thanks to our new neighbors, sellers, buyers & friends for their referrals and years of continued support which have contributed to our success.
We look forward to working together to help you achieve your buying & selling goals by exceeding your expectations & delivering the same professional service & unparalled results you know & trust.
It is also time to remember the service & sacrifice of our military stationed all over the world who protect our cherished freedom.
