The new Good Samaritan University Hospital is coming. And our South Shore community is about to get a whole lot better.
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on the community.
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.
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Dear Fellow Chamber Members and Residents of the Massapequas,
With autumn now in full swing, I have been thinking about how proud I am of what our Chamber has achieved this year. This time of year always brings a sense of gratitude, and I truly appreciate everything our members and our board do to keep our community thriving.
We recently had the pleasure of honoring our Businessperson of the Year, Michael Masone of Masone Masonry, at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Michael is not only a successful local business owner, but also a dedicated community supporter and longtime Chamber member. He is always one of the first to step up as a generous sponsor and lend a helping hand to our Chamber and our town. Our Board of Directors proudly joined with the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce to celebrate his many accomplishments. Congratulations again to Michael on this well-deserved honor.
We also had a successful 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat, which brought out hundreds of local families for a fun and festive afternoon. A big thank-you to James Funeral Home for sponsoring this event.
As we head into the season of giving, we are happy to share that our Annual Food Drive has officially ended, and we collected hundreds of items that were delivered to our local pantries. Thank you to Chairperson Karen Gawrych and to everyone who helped make this collection such a success. Our Toys for Tots drive is now in full swing. If you would like to display a toy collection box at your business, please call our office.
We are also excited to share that the Chamber office has officially relocated to our new home at 511 Ocean Avenue. We cannot wait for you to see it. This beautiful, Manhattan-style building offers a fresh, professional, and welcoming environment for our members and the community. Details about our ribbon-cutting celebration will be announced in January.
This month we are proud to continue honoring those who serve our country. We will be honoring three Veterans at our Annual Veterans Day Luncheon on Wednesday, November 20th at 12:00 Noon at the Massapequa Elks Lodge. We invite all members to join us in recognizing these local heroes for their service and dedication.
On Sunday, November 23rd, do not miss our 5th Annual Holiday Fair at Memorare Caterers in Seaford. Families can enjoy free photos with Santa, a magic show, face painting, along with plenty of holiday shopping with our members and local vendors.
Our Annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 6th at Klestinec Park. The start time has been moved up to 5:00 PM. Santa will be joining us, and we hope you bring the whole family for this festive community celebration.
As we enter one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, I encourage everyone to shop local during Small Business Season, which runs from November 29 through December 31. Supporting our neighborhood businesses keeps our community strong and vibrant. Please visit our member list at www.massapequachamber.org to find great local businesses to shop with this season.
As we gather with loved ones this month, I want to take a moment to wish you and your families a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.
Warm regards,
Robin Hepworth President, Chamber of Commerce
of the Massapequas
WEDNESDAY
Give This Beloved Side A Tasty Twist This Holiday
Hosts have free rein when it comes to planning a holiday menu. Despite that freedom, many hosts feel obligated to prepare some holiday season staples their guests will surely expect when they sit down at the dinner table.Stuffing is a dish many celebrants can’t wait to see on the holiday dinner table. For hosts trusted with preparing holiday meals, the beauty of stuffing lies in its versatility. A host of unique ingredients can be added to holiday stuffing without adversely affecting the popularity of this beloved side dish. In fact, adding some unique ingredients can make people love stuffing even more. Such could be the case with this recipe for “Pecan-Cherry Bread Stuffing” from Lines+Angles.
Pecan-Cherry Bread Stuffing
Makes 8 servings
1 loaf crusty white or wheat bread, cut into 3⁄4-inch cubes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for baking dish
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
2 large celery stalks, rinsed, trimmed and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Position oven racks in the middle and lower third of the oven. Arrange bread in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Toast until dry and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool.
2. Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion and celery are softened, about 7 minutes. Add cherries, pecans, sage, and fennel seed; cook, stirring for 1 minute. Transfer to a
1 cup packed dried tart cherries
1 cup roughly chopped toasted pecans
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon crushed fennel seed
Coarse salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped parsley
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add parsley, eggs and bread to the cherry mixture; stir to combine. Add broth in two additions, stirring until absorbed. Season generously with salt and pepper; transfer stuffing to butter baking dish. Bake on middle rack until the top is deep golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Resting time: 5 minutes
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
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Model Train Show To Benefit Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino
and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca today announced that Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street, Hicksville.
The Model Train Show will feature a variety of
operating model train layouts coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot, with multiple area train clubs showcasing detailed displays in N, O, HO, On30, and G scales. Charitable donations collected during the event will benefit the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, supporting its mission to preserve and share Long Island’s rich railroading history.
“We’re proud to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot, an organization that not only brings joy and education to residents of all ages but also helps raise funds for meaningful community causes,” said Town Clerk Richard LaMarca. “Events like this celebrate our shared heritage and the important role the railroad played in shaping our Town’s history.”
Supervisor Saladino added, “The Model Train Show is a wonderful, family-friendly tradition that inspires curiosity and creativity in children while supporting a great local cause. We encourage residents to stop by, enjoy the displays, and support the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.”
Admission: $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 4–11, and free for children under 4. For more information, please visit www.trainville. com or call (516) 433-4444.
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.
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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,
Donning Pink, Berner Students Think Of Others
The support was visible on Oct. 16 at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School District, as students and staff donned pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, the student council held a fundraiser for a pair of organizations.
Berner’s Think Pink Day has been a tradition for more than a decade,
bringing the school community together to support breast cancer patients. During lunch periods, student leaders sold Berner Think Pink T-shirts, bracelets, lollipops and stickers, with proceeds of about $1,800 going to the Side-Out Foundation and Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.
The student council
members, led by advisers Teresa Ferreira and Denise Robertson, also made announcements and hung up fliers to promote the sales. One of Berner’s hallways was covered in large posters with messages such as “Hope,” “Give Cancer the Boot,” “Tackle Cancer” and “Think Pink.”
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.
Seventh grade student council members, from left, Russell Tessler, Ella Burgoyne, Chris Chen and Matteo Romeo, along with advisers Teresa Ferreria and Denise Robertson, sold items including bracelets and lollipops to raise money for the Side-Out Foundation and Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Patrick Griffin, left, Robby Reustle, center, and Lorenzo Coiro showed their support for the cause with pink attire.
Air Fry Your Latkes This Chanukah
Foodfigures prominently in many holiday celebrations, and Chanukah is no exception. Latkes are considered a must-have in many households celebrating Chanukah, and there’s no shortage of recipes to try this holiday season. Those who want to take a more unique approach to latkes can consider air frying, which is a method of preparing popular fried foods that is credited with being healthier than traditional frying. Chanukah celebrants who find that appealing can try this recipe for “Potato Latkes” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Directions:
1. Coarsely grate potatoes on a box grater; alternatively, use grater attachment on a food processor for uniform pieces.
2. Submerge potatoes in a bowl of cold water. Drain well and wring out in a clean dish towel to extract as much moisture as possible.
3. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl with half the salt. Whisk in matzo meal and cornstarch or potato starch.
4. Add dried potato to egg mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine. Divide and shape into four large latkes, approximately 1/4-inch thick.
5. Dust with more cornstarch (or potato starch, whichever using), gently shaking or brushing off excess. Season with remaining salt.
6. Preheat air fryer to 380 F. Spritz basket with cooking spray before carefully arranging latkes in it.
7. Cook for 8 minutes. Turn and cook for a further 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown all over.
8. Remove from air fryer and let cool briefly before serving with a garnish of sour cream and chives.
Note: Alternatively you can fry in a greased frying pan for about 3 to 4 minutes per side till golden and crispy.
Makes 4 servings
3 large russet potatoes, peeled
2 eggs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons matzo meal
1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato
starch, plus extra for dusting
Cooking spray
Sour cream, to serve
1 tablespoon chives, snipped
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Massapequa Chamber Honors Michael Masone
The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas proudly recognized Michael Masone of Masone Masonry as its 2025 Businessperson of the Year. Michael was honored on Friday, October 31, at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce
Annual Businessperson of the Year Breakfast held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. A longtime Chamber member, Michael is well known throughout the Massapequa community for his professionalism, integrity, and generosity. He is always among the first to step forward as a dedicated sponsor and supporter of Chamber initiatives and local events, continually giving back to the community he serves.
“Michael truly embodies the spirit of the Massapequa business community,” said Chamber President Robin Hepworth. “He is hardworking, humble, and always willing to help others. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and his continued commitment to our town.”
The Chamber extends its warmest congratulations to Michael Masone on this welldeserved honor and thanks him for his ongoing contributions to the growth and success of the Massapequa community.
Christmas Cupcakes Make A Perfect Holiday Treat
Alittle indulgence is par for the course come the holiday season. That’s especially true in relation to baked goods, which find their way into entertaining areas at office parties, family gatherings and school functions. Treats are indeed part of what makes the holiday season a special time of year. This year, families can whip up this Lines+Angles recipe for “Chocolate Christmas Cupcakes” to make the holiday season a little more flavorful.
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Position oven 1. For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 375 F. Place 12 cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until soft and light. Beat in both sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time until well blended. Sift in the flour, baking powder and cocoa and fold in gently until incorporated. Stir in the milk and chocolate chips.
4. Spoon into the paper cases and bake for 25 minutes until firm to the touch. Leave in the tins for 5 minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
5. For the chocolate topping: Put the cream and chocolate in a pan over a low heat until melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken slightly.
6. Spoon onto the cupcakes and leave until almost set.
7. Roll out the white sugarpaste on a surface dusted with icing sugar. Cut out shapes to resemble snow and place on the cakes.
8. Roll out the green sugarpaste on a surface lightly dusted with icing sugar. Cut out 2 holly leaves for each cake with a holly shaped cutter or card template. Brush lightly with water and attach to the white sugarpaste.
9. Roll pieces of red sugarpaste into small balls for the “berries” and place on the cakes, as in the photo, attaching with a little water.
Chocolate Christmas Cupcakes
Makes 12 cupcakes
1 loaf crusty white or wheat bread, For the cakes:
8 tablespoons butter
1⁄3 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄3 cup cocoa powder
1⁄2 cup milk
1 cup chocolate chips
For the chocolate topping:
2⁄3 cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped plain dark chocolate, 70 percent
To decorate: Icing sugar
8 ounces white sugarpaste
8 ounces green sugarpaste
4 ounces red sugarpaste
Matilda’s Magic To Hit The Stage At Berner
A popular children’s novel will soon be coming to life with two performances of “Matilda Junior” at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School District. The show on Nov. 21 and 22 is based on Roald Dahl’s classic story. The plot centers on Matilda, a bright and imaginative but misunderstood girl who faces challenges both in school and at home. She soon develops telekinetic abilities and uses her powers to stand up against injustice. With energetic songs like “Revolting
Children,” “Naught” and “When I Grow Up,” the show features inspiring messages of courage, creativity and resilience.
A cast of 75 sixth, seventh and eighth grade actors
have been rehearsing since September for the Berner Theatre Box Players’ annual musical production. Lead actors include Avery Etter as Matilda, Bianca Covelli as Miss Honey, Joey Carlino and Alexis Cepregi as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, Caitlin Cepregi as Miss Trunchbull, Charlotte Mallia as Lavendar and Benjamin Law at Bruce.
“Matilda Junior” is directed by Katie Pearsall with support from choreographer Danielle Coutieri, vocal director Christina Simon and production assistant Siobhan Healy. The Mural Club, under the director of Allison Clemente, is designing the sets, while Jason Cavanaugh leads a stage crew of 20 students.
Show times are Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Berner Middle School auditorium. General admission tickets are $10.
Did You Know?
A 2024 Economist/ YouGov poll found that turkey continues to reign supreme on the Thanksgiving dinner table. When asked what they’ll be eating at Thanksgiving dinner, 67 percent of poll participants indicated they plan to eat turkey, making it the most popular food to find its way onto the dinner table for this popular holiday. Additional staples also remain wildly popular among Thanksgiving celebrants, suggesting that food is among the more sacred
Lead actors in Berner Middle Schools’s upcoming production of “Matilda Junior” include Avery Etter, seated, as the title character and, standing from left, Alexis Cepregi, Joey Carlino, Charlotte Mallia, Bianca Covelli, Benjamin Law and Caitlin Cepregi.
Arthritis Foundation To Host Jingle Bell Run
The Arthritis Foundation invites Long Islanders to lace up their sneakers, don their festive holiday gear and join the movement to conquer arthritis at the annual Jingle Bell Run, happening Saturday, December 6th at Hofstra University in Hempstead.
The Jingle Bell Run is a spirited, family-friendly 5K fundraising event that brings the community together to champion the Arthritis Foundation’s mission: fighting for a cure and championing the fight against the nation’s leading cause of disability. Participants are encouraged
to wear holiday-themed costumes, tie jingle bells to their shoes and celebrate the season while supporting a meaningful cause. The run begins at 10:30 am!
“All proceeds from the Jingle Bell Run support cutting-edge research, advocacy, and life-changing resources for the more than 60 million Americans — including 300,000 children — living with arthritis,” said Alexis Stone, Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation, NYC. “It’s a fun, festive way to make a difference in the lives of those affected by arthritis right here in our community.”
The event is locally presented by Northwell Orthopedics and it welcomes runners, walkers, teams and corporate sponsors. Participants can register individually or as part of a team, and fundraising incentives are available for top fundraisers. The morning will feature music, refreshments, awards and plenty of holiday cheer. To register, visit www.jbr.org/ longisland.
Whether you run, walk or simply cheer, every step helps make a difference for the millions battling arthritis pain. Let’s jingle all the way to a cure!
Discover The Orthodox Christian Church
The Orthodox Church offers you the authentic Christian Tradition maintained without innovation since Apostolic times, which fulfills life on a daily basis, not just on Sunday. We welcome all people seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church
with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. Coffee hour follows the Divine Liturgy.
Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook. com/htocem. All services are conducted in English. Additional information and schedules can be found on the parish website, www. htocem.org, or by email, htocem@gmail.com.
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
Record-High Food Insecurity On Long Island Spotlights Need For Donations At The 17th Annual Fourleaf Turkey Drive
Long Island’s Largest Food Drive Taking Place Friday, November 21, 2025
With food insecurity reaching record levels across Long Island, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union announced that its 17th Annual Turkey Drive to benefit Island Harvest Food Bank will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM at FourLeaf’s headquarters, 899 South Oyster Bay Road in Bethpage. Since its launch in 2008, the FourLeaf
Turkey Drive has become Long Island’s largest one-day food drive, collecting more than 55,000 turkeys and 264,000 pounds of food for Island Harvest. All donations directly help supply Thanksgiving meals to families in need through Island Harvest’s network of over 300 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other hunger-relief programs across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
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Jeff Lambert
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CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
Joe Lambert
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This year, the need is more urgent than ever. According to Feeding America’s® 2023 Map the Meal Gap report, 240,470 Long Islanders lived with food insecurity in 2023, a 10% increase from 2022, when 221,190 residents were food insecure. That means one in 12 Long Islanders (8.3%) struggles to put food on the table, compared to one in 13 the year before. Among children, 44,520
experienced food insecurity in 2023, representing 7.2% of all children on Long Island.
“Last year’s drive collected a recordbreaking 5,800 turkeys, more than 28,177 pounds of food, and $71,129 in donations, far surpassing all previous numbers,” said Linda Armyn, President and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Continued On 30
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Bonnie Schifano
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Black Friday Sales
Friday sales have become a staple of the holiday shopping season. On Black Friday, many items are deeply discounted, and shoppers often target high-profile, expensive electronics. In fact, according to the retail advisor and trend forecaster NerdWallet, technology products are among the most sought-after products among Black Friday shoppers. Each year, televisions, tablets, laptops, notebooks, smartphones, and gaming consoles fly off the shelves in record numbers on Black Friday. According to the shopping resource Deal News, shoppers poised to purchase one of the latest smartphone offerings this shopping season may find that Android products are more available and more heavily discounted than Apple products. Shoppers also may have their eyes on gadgets for their homes. Black Friday isn’t all about technology, however. Kitchen cookware and small appliances also attract shoppers on Black Friday. Typically high-priced items like stand mixers, brewing systems, vacuums, and blenders are popular among Black Friday shoppers.
17th Annual Fourleaf Turkey Drive
Union. “We are so grateful to the Long Island community - businesses, schools, and families - who step up year after year. With food insecurity at an alltime high, this year’s drive is more important than ever. Our mission at FourLeaf is to enrich the lives of our neighbors, and nothing is more meaningful than helping ensure thousands of families can share a warm holiday meal together.”
Island Harvest is preparing to distribute a record 20 million pounds of food this year, exceeding levels distributed during the pandemic. “Many Long Island families continue to face difficulties paying for increased prices for such basic commodities as food, clothing, and fuel. Add in the region’s high cost of living, and many find themselves living on the edge of making tough decisions between paying for rent, transportation, and medicine, and buying food,” explains Randi Shubin Dresner, President and CEO, Island Harvest. “With proposed federal cutbacks
and other economic uncertainty, support from our longtime partner, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, and generous Long Islanders and businesses who support the annual FourLeaf Turkey Drive is more important than ever in helping our neighbors in need enjoy a brighter, more hopeful holiday season.”
The FourLeaf Turkey Drive offers residents the convenience of Drive-Through Donation Lanes, where volunteers remove frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items, and cash contributions directly from vehicles. Non-perishable foods most needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (no glass containers). For those unable to attend in person, online donations are being accepted. Every gift of $35 helps provide a complete holiday meal for a neighbor in need on Long Island. Donations can also be made at any FourLeaf branch.
Community involvement is at the heart of the FourLeaf Turkey Drive, with local youth also encouraged to participate. Girl Scouts who donate will receive a special commemorative patch, and troop leaders may collect donations on behalf of their members.
Since its inception in 2008, the FourLeaf Turkey Drive has become a cherished Long Island tradition, powered by hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors. Each year, the effort ensures tens of thousands of Long Islanders in need can sit down to a Thanksgiving meal. Today, Island Harvest provides food assistance to approximately 6,000 individuals every week, a sobering reminder of the drive’s continued importance.
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, the largest credit
union in the Northeast and the 15th largest in the nation, remains committed to supporting the communities it serves through its FourLeaf Cares program, investing heavily in local initiatives that promote equity, belonging, and stronger, healthier communities.
For more information about the Turkey Drive or to make an online donation, visit fourleaffcu.com/ community/turkey-drive/.
About Island Harvest Food Bank
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island. We accomplish this through innovative programs and services aimed at enhancing hunger awareness, short-term case management, nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, our organic farm, and efficient food collection and distribution. Our work directly supports children, families, seniors, and veterans who turn to us in times of crisis and when needed, and supports a network of 300 community-based nonprofit organizations. Island Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America®, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to solve hunger in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.islandharvest.org.
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