November 19, 2025 Amityville by Long Island Media Group

Celebrating Red Ribbon Week

Students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in Amityville recently celebrated Red Ribbon Week. From Oct. 25-31, students learned about the dangers of using drugs, smoking cigarettes,

vaping, peer pressure and drinking alcohol. Teachers highlighted the importance of making positive choices, including a healthy diet, getting good sleep, exercise, and treating each other with kindness and respect. Students participated in

weeklong “spirit” festivities such as pajama day, wear bright colors, and jersey day. In Ms. Susan Zaratin’s art class, students created posters depicting this year’s Red Ribbon Week theme: “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.”

Students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in Amityville created posters depicting this year’s Red Ribbon Week theme: “Life

Solve

Also pictured is art teacher Ms. Susan Zaratin, far right, and Park Avenue social worker Ms. Alison DeMauro, far left. Photo courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District

These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on

Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization

Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, NOV. 20th

6:00PM-7:45PM

PAUMANACKE GARDEN CLUB OF WANTAGH

Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave. in Wantagh. A demonstration of Autumn centerpieces and tablescapes to decorate the Thanksgiving table. Floral arrangements will be rafﬂed off. Lite refreshments will be served after the demonstration. For more information contact paumanackegc@ gmail.com

FRIDAY, NOV. 21st

6:00PM-9:00PM, SATURDAY, NOV. 22nd and SUNDAY NOV. 23rd

11:00AM-5:00PM

ST. JAMES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE

The parking lot for the Train Show is located at: 176 Mills Pond Road, St. James. There is a suggested donation, Adults $2.00, Children .50 *PLEASE NOTE: The St. James Model Railroad Club is not handicapped accessible* For more information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732

SATURDAY, NOV. 22nd

9:30AM-3:00PM

HOLIDAY FAIR

Gift Basket Rafﬂes & Chinese Auction, Boutique Items, Crafts, Granny’s Attic, Lunch Available. Santa Will Be Here! Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. Free Admission / No Vendors. For more information, please call 631-242-0221

10:00AM–3:00PM THRIFT SHOP AND YARD SALE

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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

Come one, Come all to St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. New and slightly used clothes, shoes, jewelry, household items, books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, arts and crafts. Rent a table for $25.00. For more information, please call 631-242-7530

2:00PM-4:00PM RELIGION CONCERT

Give Me That Old Time Religion Concert featuring soprano soloist Kathryn Wilson. Come and enjoy a concert of those old hymns you rarely hear or sing anymore. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave., in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690 A free will offering will be taken.

SUNDAY, NOV. 23rd

10:00AM-3:00PM

HOLIDAY FAIR

2025 Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Holiday Fair at Memorare Caterers, 2183A Jackson Ave. in Seaford. Welcome the holiday season with this exciting event – including holiday shopping and lots of fun and festivities for the family! FREE photos with Santa 1100AM-1:00PM. Please bring a toy donation for a Free rafﬂe. For more information, please call 516541-1443

TUESDAY, NOV. 25th

8:30AM

BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA

Hosted by Joseph Barry Columbiettes. $60 pp, includes the driver’s tip. $35 slot play. Please Arrive at 8:30 a.m. Return approx. 8:30 p.m. Parking: 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end).

For more information, please call Barbara 516-935-5576

SATURDAY, NOV. 29th

10:00AM-4:00PM

SNOWFLAKE SALE AND WINTER OPEN HOUSE

The Bay Shore Historical Society annual Snowﬂake Sale and Winter Open House. Stop by their Small Business Saturday sale at 22 Maple Ave. in Bay Shore. Enjoy holiday deals and explore their historic Bay Shore exhibits.There will be a visit from Victorian Santa beginning at 11:00am; stop by with your camera for a free family photo opportunity. For more information, please call 631-665-1700, email: bayshohissoc@ optonline.net

SUNDAY, NOV. 30th

8:30AM-4:00PM CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

Join us for the Ss. Cyril & Methodius Christmas Craft Fair in the church hall. 125 Half Hollow Road in Deer Park. Shop from a variety of vendors. Enjoy basket rafﬂes, 50/50s, and festive treats while supporting local artisans. For more information, please call Mike Gonzalez at 917-705-5355

9:00AM-11:00AM

BREAKFAST W/SANTA

Brumidi Lodge: Sons & Daughters of Italy Includes: Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Sausages Mufﬁns, Coffee, Tea & Juice. Ages 3 & under FREE, 4-12 $12, 13+ $18 Bring your own camera for photos with SANTA Reservations & Info: Karen 631-9433622. 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park, www.sonsoﬁtalyli.com

LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP

Lucille

Terry

Noelle

Tips To Simplify Big-Batch Baking

Theholiday season is upon us and for many of us, that means baking is back on the agenda! Unlike baking for a small celebration or a simple late-night indulgence, baking during this time of year often means scaling upcreating larger batches and a wider variety of goodies to satisfy a large crowd or to distribute to many of your loved ones. The process can feel daunting, even for experienced bakers, as it requires extra planning, organization and time. But there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. With a few thoughtful strategies and practical tips, you can make your baking experience this holiday season not only manageable but truly enjoyable.

• Use reliable, vetted recipes. When it comes time to bake in bulk, stick to recipes that have been tried before and are successful. Choosing recipes that you know well and can replicate time and again with ease means it may be simpler to multiply that recipe on a larger scale.

• Pick short-baking recipes. If you must bake in bulk, choose recipes that don’t have long bake times. For example, one cheesecake can take two hours to bake, while you can make scores of cupcakes or cookies in that same amount of time.

• Prep as much in advance as possible. If you have more complicated recipes or designs, spread out the work over several

days. For cupcakes adorned with chocolate candies, for example, melt and mold the chocolate beforehand so each candy is ready to go when the cupcakes are done. Batters and doughs also can be made in advance and then refrigerated until needed. The French phrase “mise en place” means “everything in its place.” In cooking and baking, it refers to the practice of preparing and organizing all ingredients and equipment before cooking begins. This also is a worthwhile strategy when baking in bulk.

• Save on ingredients. Shopping sales or at a warehouse center can help you save on large quantities of butter, ﬂour, sugar, and other items when baking in bulk.

• Create a schedule. Figure out how long each step for baking will take and then block out a schedule. This will help you determine how long each bake will take, and you can sort tasks according to need and freshness. Build in buffer time for things that may go awry.

• Have extra gear. Doubles or triples of certain gear can keep stopping and cleaning up between batches to a minimum. For example, while you may not have room for multiple stand mixers, you can invest in two or three bowls so you can have batter ingredients ready to go and then simply run through the

Tips To Simplify Holiday Cooking

Foodis an important component of the holiday season for millions of people across the globe. Many a holiday host has wrestled with what to serve for their gathering and how to prepare meals while still ﬁnding time to spend with loved ones. Sometimes simplicity is the way to go when hosting for the holidays. Just because certain dishes are less labor-intensive to prepare does not mean they lack ﬂavor. Hosts can consider these tips to simplify holiday cooking this year.

• Utilize shop-fromhome services. Supermarkets can be particularly busy this time of year. By shopping from the comfort of home, holiday hosts can sort through their lists and let someone else navigate crowded store aisles. The small fee involved for this service can be well worth the time saved.

• Scale back the sides. Some hosts feel an impressive dinner spread is one with plenty of options. Several side dishes requires a lot of time and money, and such foods may take away from the star of the table. Guests might ﬁll up on rolls, potatoes and salads, leaving little room for the main course. Scaling back on sides creates more time for hosts to mingle with family and ensures everyone gets their ﬁll of the main course.

• Delegate some of the work. Asking guests to bring a little something to the meal doesn’t immediately turn it into a potluck.

However, it can reduce some of the work the host has to do. Figure out who is bound to be an early arrival, and ask that person to bring an appetizer. Individuals who like to be fashionably late can bring side dishes or desserts. Delegating beverage detail also can be a time-saver.

• Familiar is often fabulous. A major holiday is seldom the right time to experiment with a new, labor-intensive dish. Rather than risk an epic fail, hosts should stick to meals they have prepared before. Also, familiar ﬂavors may appeal to a greater number of guests.

• Include some prepared foods. While it is perfectly alright to cater the entire dinner,

that can prove costly. If budget doesn’t allow for a fully catered meal, supplement with some prepared dishes to help save time, particularly those recipes that can be complicated.

• Make it a buffet. Sit-down dinners require careful timing to ensure all foods are set out hot and ready-to-eat. A buffetstyle meal involves preparing trays of food in advance, and then setting them to heat in chaﬁng dishes until meal time. This involves far less strategizing with meal preparation and frees up time for hosts to spend with guests. Holiday meals require a lot of effort, but some handy suggestions can ensure hosts have ample time to spend with loved ones.

Tips For First-Time Holiday Hosts

Theholiday season is a busy time of year. From holiday shopping to readying the home for guests, there’s no shortage of things to accomplish in a relatively brief amount of time. Seasoned holiday enthusiasts may be ready to put their game faces on and tackle tasks with ease. But for ﬁrst-time holiday hosts, the prospect of crossing items off to-do lists may require a little extra assistance.

According to Dr. Vanessa Kennedy, a clinical psychologist at Driftwood Recovery, holiday hosting can “lead to the pressure to curate picture-perfect moments, creating stress and anxiety.” The following are pointers those new to holiday hosting can employ to simplify the process and enjoy the holidays a little more.

• Do as much prep work in advance as possible. Giving yourself extra time to get things done can help immensely. Grocery shop one day, prepare food the next, clean the house one day, and set the table or arrange decor on another. Minor task can be left for the morning of the day guests arrive.

• Cook and freeze items. Utilize recipes that enable you to cook in bulk and then store foods until you need them. Casseroles, baked pasta dishes, freezable soups, and readyto-bake cookie doughs made in advance will save a lot of time closer to the holidays.

• Stock the pantry. If holiday hosting involves overnight guests, be sure

to keep easy items on hand so guests can help themselves. Dry goods or pre-packaged mufﬁns for breakfast, chips or pretzels for late-night snacks, granola bars, or store made croissants can ﬁt the bill. Put everything in a dedicated basket so guests can grab items as needed. Stock the refrigerator with water, seltzer, iced teas, and sodas, and make a full pot of coffee in the morning so guests can pour their own.

• Avoid complicated cocktails. You don’t want to be stuck mixing drinks all evening. Instead, make it simple for guests to help themselves. Wine, beer, premade punches, or even one specialty drink are ideal.

• Consider hiring a caterer. If the idea of a homecooked meal feels like climbing Mount Everest, swap out some items for store-bought alternatives, or work with a favorite restaurant or caterer to secure foods that only need to be reheated and served.

• Free up closet and room space. Guests will be coming with a lot of stuff, particularly if you live in a cold climate. Make room in the entry closet for guests’ coats and boots. Be sure you can accommodate suitcases or overnight bags. Set aside an area where guests can deposit their wrapped gifts.

Holiday hosting can be a whirlwind of activity, but novice hosts can quickly get into the swing of things.

Local Veterans Honored At Amityville Memorial High School

On Nov. 7, Amityville Memorial High School proudly hosted its

students and veterans.

Throughout the day, the high school’s Social Studies classes welcomed veterans from the community who shared their personal stories and experiences of military service. Students

engaged in thoughtful discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and commitments made by those who serve.

In addition to the classroom visits,

school staff and district administrators met with the veterans to express their gratitude and appreciation for their dedication to our country.

The day concluded with the school’s traditional

Veterans Appreciation Day luncheon, held in the school library, where our special guests gathered to enjoy a meal and celebrate the values of service, community, and respect.

Amityville Memorial High School extends its sincere thanks to all veterans for their service and to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success.

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