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.
Air Fry Your Latkes This Chanukah
figures 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
State Utilities is a major oil dealer on Long Island providing heating fuel to residents and businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County; we offer on-line fuel ordering, delivery, and full service heating oil contracts.
State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.
Celebrating 74 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their interior comfort. Thank you.
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
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) 4334444.
Tips To Simplify Holiday Cooking
Food is 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.
Role Model P.E. Students Selected For Award
A commitment to health and fitness, together with demonstrated leadership abilities, have earned two Seaford High School seniors regional recognition. Alyssa Trentacosta and Jimmy Wu are this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Physical Education Student Award, presented by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Two students from every high school, one male and one female, will be honored at a dinner at the New Hyde Park Inn on Dec. 9. Alyssa and Jimmy were selected for this award by Seaford
High School’s physical education teachers. Criteria includes physical education achievement and leadership, academic excellence, outstanding character and involvement in school activities.
Alyssa is an active participant in her physical education classes and bring a high-level of energy. She enjoys physical activity and has a good rapport with her teachers. Jimmy ensures that all of his classmates feel included in physical education class and helps the teachers lead different activities. He is also a member of the crosscountry, and winter and spring track teams.
Both students say they didn’t expect to receive the award but it is an honor to be chosen. They will each prepare a short video about their physical education experiences to be played at this year’s dinner. Their parents will also be invited to attend.
“They’re both student leaders and role models,” said Kevin Witt, director of physical education, health and athletics. “There were lots of students to choose from and they were the ones that resonated with the physical education teachers. Alyssa and Jimmy are always helping out and they make physical education class fun.”
Seaford High School’s 2025 Outstanding Physical Education Student Award winners Jimmy Wu and Alyssa Trentacosta were congratulated by Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Kevin Witt. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
Residents Invited To Submit Photos
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone 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 Monteleone.
“We accept photos for
the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Monteleone noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but highquality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@ oysterbay-ny.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.
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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• Dedicated Project Manager Assigned To Oversee Each Renovation From Start To Finish
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Sauteed
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
WORDS
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
Seaford Board Honored With A Showcase Of Student Learning
Seaford students proudly shared the programs that enrich their academic experiences for the annual School Boards Recognition Week presentation. The board of education meeting on Oct. 22 began with an interactive showcase to thank the district’s five volunteer trustees.
A video from Seaford Harbor Elementary School featured students talking
about the new math program implemented this year. Five students then presented each trustee with a folder that contained a poem about the math program, the Seaford Scholar traits and words of gratitude.
Seaford Manor Elementary School created a special edition of Manor Morning News that highlighted the
math program and a new adaptive playground that is nearing completion. The video also featured student interviews with Board of Education President Lisa Herbert and Vice President Trisha Matulewicz about their role as trustees and their favorite parts about serving on the board.
Four Seaford Middle School students gave a robotics demonstration,
highlighting a program that fosters innovation and problem-solving. After showcasing a “freeze tag” robots battle, school board members were then invited to come over and work the controls.
Students from the high school’s emergency medical technician certification program discussed the value of the course, which began
three years ago. They then showed what they have learned so far by taking the blood pressure of the board members and central administrators.
In addition to Ms. Herbert and Ms. Matulewicz, the board includes trustees Jimmy Chwe, Heather Umhafer and Melissa Whidden.
“We have the opportunity to publicly express our
gratitude to the Board of Education trustees for their selfless dedication to the Seaford School District,” Superintendent Dr. Adele Pecora said. “They volunteer countless hours every year to ensure that we provide our students with innovative educational programs that empower students to be active learners and future leaders.”
Seaford Board of Education trustees, from left, Melissa Whidden, Jimmy Chwe, Heather Umhafer, Vice President Trisha Matulewicz and President Lisa Herbert were honored for School Boards Recognition Week on Oct. 22. Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
Assistant Principal Tara Savage and students from Seaford Harbor Elementary School
Board members got to try out the robots during the presentation from Seaford Middle School.
Manor Elementary School Principal Joann Krudis, Assistant Principal Rich Schwartz and students expressed their gratitude to the board before playing a special edition of Manor Morning News.
Hostshave 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
Seaford Public Library Events
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
Laughter Yoga (In-Person)
Wednesday, November 19th
7:00pm-8:00pm
Laughter Yoga is an easy and fun exercise that everyone can do anywhere and any time! There are
no poses or equipment. No previous experience is necessary. The yoga part is the pranayama yogic breathing.
Session will be led by Patricia Linderman a Certified Laughter Yoga
Leader. Register now ONLINE at http://www. seafordlibrary.org
Mediumship. What is it? (In-Person)
Thursday, November 20th 7:00pm
Please join Winter Brook, Psychic Medium as she explains the various ways mediums use to connect with those who have passed over into the World of Spirit. During the program, she will give a demonstration
of mediumship by bringing through loved ones from the other side to some of the attendees using the various methods discussed. Register now ONLINE at http://www. seafordlibrary.org
Mount Sinai expertise, South Shore convenience.
The Mount Sinai Health System is committed to providing Long Island with exceptional, patient-centered health care, and has invested in your community with our state-of-the-art multispecialty practice in Wantagh.
Mount Sinai-Wantagh offers:
• Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center
• Mount Sinai Fuster Heart
• Cerebrovascular Surgery
• Digestive Health
• Endocrinology
• General and Oncologic Surgery
• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Pain Management
• Radiology
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery
• Women’s Health
You will also gain access to the full resources of the Mount Sinai Health System, including the latest treatments, clinical trials, and research.
Mount Sinai-Wantagh is fully integrated with Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, for hospital-based procedures.
Our goal is to provide an optimal patient experience and keep the South Shore healthy.
