Beautifully landscaped half-acre in the sought-after Commack’s Candy section. The true chef’s kitchen features ample counter space for meal prep and overlooks the expansive backyard, complete with sliders leading to the deck and paver patio. You can enjoy summer BBQs and swimming in the semi in-ground pool. $979,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Beautifully landscaped half-acre in the sought-after Commack’s Candy section. The true chef’s kitchen features ample counter space for meal prep and overlooks the expansive backyard, complete with sliders leading to the deck and paver patio. You can enjoy summer BBQs and swimming in the semi in-ground pool. $979,000
Contact Lynn Witz
PENDING
Welcome to this newly listed, pristine home — a perfect blend of comfort, modern upgrades, and thoughtful details throughout. The kitchen has brand-new quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. $749,990 Contact Adele Rosenberg and Loretta Peluso
Welcome to this newly listed, pristine home — a perfect blend of comfort, modern upgrades, and thoughtful details throughout. The kitchen has brand-new quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. $749,990 Contact Adele Rosenberg and Loretta Peluso
Located in the sought-after Smithtown School District! This beautiful home sits on a .35-acre property and boasts a true resortstyle backyard. Updated chef’s kitchen is a true showstopper. The yard is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a sparkling inground pool with a new liner and heater, plus a relaxing hot tub. Full basement. $1,100,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Located in the sought-after Smithtown School District! This beautiful home sits on a .35-acre property and boasts a true resortstyle backyard. Updated chef’s kitchen is a true showstopper. The yard is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a sparkling inground pool with a new liner and heater, plus a relaxing hot tub. Full basement. $1,100,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Pride of ownership when you step inside this colonial style home. Enjoy cozy winter nights by the fireplace and sunny summer days by the sparkling in-ground pool. The open-concept floor plan connects the updated eat-in kitchen to the spacious den and living room, creating an ideal space for entertaining year-round. $799,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Pride of ownership when you step inside this colonial style home. Enjoy cozy winter nights by the fireplace and sunny summer days by the sparkling in-ground pool. The open-concept floor plan connects the updated eat-in kitchen to the spacious den and living room, creating an ideal space for entertaining year-round. $799,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Nestled in the famed Candy Section and within the sought-after Commack School District, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath Hi Ranch sits on a true halfacre with room for a pool. Updated eat-in kitchen opens to a sun-filled great room with vaulted ceilings and sliders overlooking the yard. The lower level offers sliders to the backyard, a cozy den, a fourth bedroom, and a full bath. $1,075,000
Contact Lynn Witz
Nestled in the famed Candy Section and within the sought-after Commack School District, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath Hi Ranch sits on a true halfacre with room for a pool. Updated eat-in kitchen opens to a sun-filled great room with vaulted ceilings and sliders overlooking the yard. The lower level offers sliders to the backyard, a cozy den, a fourth bedroom, and a full bath. $1,075,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Beautiful Colonial in the famed Candy Section, set on half-acre property. Inground pool and inviting indoor and outdoor living spaces.Updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. spacious den, living room and formal dining room. $839,000 Contact Lynn Witz and Traci Gazzo
Beautiful Colonial in the famed Candy Section, set on half-acre property. Inground pool and inviting indoor and outdoor living spaces.Updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. spacious den, living room and formal dining room. $839,000 Contact Lynn Witz and Traci Gazzo
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect
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.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
Beautifully landscaped half-acre in the sought-after Commack’s Candy section. The true chef’s kitchen features ample counter space for meal prep and overlooks the expansive backyard, complete with sliders leading to the deck and paver patio. You can enjoy summer BBQs and swimming in the semi in-ground pool. $979,000
Contact Lynn Witz
Welcome to this newly listed, pristine home — a perfect blend of comfort, modern upgrades, and thoughtful details throughout. The kitchen has brand-new quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. $749,990
Contact Adele Rosenberg and Loretta Peluso
Located in the sought-after Smithtown School District!
This beautiful home sits on a .35-acre property and boasts a true resort-style backyard. Updated chef’s kitchen is a true showstopper. The yard is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a sparkling inground pool with a new liner and heater, plus a relaxing hot tub. Full basement.
$1,100,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Pride of ownership when you step inside this colonial style home. Enjoy cozy winter nights by the replace and sunny summer days by the sparkling in-ground pool. The openconcept oor plan connects the updated eat-in kitchen to the spacious den and living room, creating an ideal space for entertaining year-round. $799,000
Contact Lynn Witz
Nestled in the famed Candy Section and within the soughtafter Commack School District, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath Hi Ranch sits on a true half-acre with room for a pool. Updated eat-in kitchen opens to a sun- lled great room with vaulted ceilings and sliders overlooking the yard. The lower level o ers sliders to the backyard, a cozy den, a fourth bedroom, and a full bath. $1,075,000 Contact Lynn Witz
Beautiful Colonial in the famed Candy Section, set on half-acre property. In-ground pool and inviting indoor and outdoor living spaces. Updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. spacious den, living room and formal dining room. $839,000
Contact Lynn Witz and Traci Gazzo
The holiday season has arrived! With Thanksgiving just around the corner—and Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve not far behind—it’s time to celebrate and savor the spirit of the season. As we gather and enjoy festive meals, it’s easy to indulge a little more than usual, so we’ve featured some healthy holiday recipe swaps. Plus, don’t miss our local editorial featuring can’tmiss holiday events happening nearby!
Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps
Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also play a prominent role this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.
No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart
food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities—dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.
• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select whitefleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.
• Use broths instead of
creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.
• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry can also be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.
• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients. Many are also high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well.
• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making health-conscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.
• Skip the cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that classic cocktails with little to no added sugar typically fall into the 150- to 200-calorie range, while others can be about 200 to 300 calories each. Many people will want to save those extra calories for dessert or another indulgent dish rather than drinking them away. If you want to simulate a cocktail, make a spritzer with sparkling water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
NorthportEast Northport Public Library
Upcoming Events
151 Laurel Avenue • Northport, NY 11768 631-261-6930
185 Larkfield Road • East Northport, NY 11731 631-261-2313 • www.nenpl.org
Collection for Veterans at Northport-East Northport Public Library
During the month of November, Northport-East Northport Public Library will be hosting a Collection for Veterans in cooperation with General Needs LTD. Look for the General Needs boxes in the library lobbies to donate new personal items to be distributed to the men and women at Northport VAMC and LI State Veterans Home in Stony Brook.
Medicare Basics
Northport Public Library
Wednesday, November 12, 2:00 p.m.
This presentation is designed for Medicare eligible individuals who want a better understanding of Medicare—Parts A, B, C & D—and the various plan options available. The talk will be led by a representative from Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Suffolk. Registration is underway. NENA287
NAC Presents! Noé Socha
Northport Public Library
Thursday, November 13, 7:00 p.m.
This Italian-born, Berklee College of Music-trained guitarist mixes harmonica with captivating guitar. His influences range from Bob Dylan to Neil Young to Delta blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins. Noé has won multiple awards at Berklee including the Jimi Hendrix Award for best guitarist and the Billboard Magazine Endowed Scholarship
for best student. Registration is underway. NENA288
This program is cosponsored with Northport Arts Coalition.
Unclaimed Funds Workshop
Northport Public Library
Monday, November 17, 11:00 a.m.
Does New York State have money in your name? New York has billions of dollars in lost money, and each day they return about a million dollars to those who file claims. A representative from the NYS Comptroller’s Office will provide an informational workshop on the history and facts surrounding unclaimed funds and give a walk-through of search tips and claim instruction. Registration is underway. NENA290
Beyond the Hamptons:
The Hidden History of the Twin Forks
Northport Public Library
Monday, November 17, 7:00 p.m.
Long Island’s East End is home to beautiful beaches, colorful farms, trendy restaurants, luxurious mansions, and popular wineries. Underneath all of this, the heritage of the Twin Forks holds a rich narrative that tells the story of early settlements and the origins of Long Island as we know it today. Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they take you on a visual journey through time to explore this hidden history. Registration is underway. NENA291
Re-Thinking Thanksgiving: A Native American Perspective on an American Holiday (ZOOM)
Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 p.m.
Perry Grand, member of the Onondaga Turtle Clan, traditional storyteller, and cultural educator, will lead a lively program on the history of this misunderstood holiday. Based on the only primary source document that chronicles the First Thanksgiving, and using a quiz-style format, the participants will learn accurate and culturally appropriate information about the English settlers at Plymouth and the Wampanoag people who inhabited the area. Registration is underway. NENA292 This program is cosponsored with the public libraries in the Town of Huntington.
Experience Home For The Holidays At Planting Fields
Planting Fields, a former Gold Coast estate that is preserved today as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape, and the people who resided on its land, will be holding its annual Home for the Holidays event next month. A heartwarming tradition that makes the spirit of the season come to life in one of Long Island’s most enchanting settings, Home for the Holidays is a one-of-a-kind festival.
Experience true holiday magic as you step inside the historic Main House, beautifully adorned in full holiday splendor with festive décor crafted from natural materials sourced right on its grounds – a signature Planting Fields touch you won’t find anywhere else. Attendees can also sip on hot cocoa, listen to the sounds of holiday music filling the halls, and craft their own seasonal keepsake. Plus, this year Santa Claus is joining in on the fun! Children of all ages can share their wishes, take photos, and soak in the joy of the season as Santa spreads cheer throughout the day.
Home for the Holidays
Dates & Times: Friday, December 12 5 – 8 PM Saturday, December 13, 10 AM – 1 PM & 1 – 4 PM Sunday, December 14, 10 AM – 1 PM, 1 – 4 PM & 4 – 8 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at www.plantingfields. org or at the door.
Adults: $20; Children: $15; Kids under 3 are free. Reservations are recommended.
Photo courtesy of Corinne Tousey
Photo courtesy of David Almeida
Magic Of Lights® Returns To Dazzle Long Island This Holiday Season
Themost wonderful time of the year gets even brighter with the triumphant return of Magic of Lights. Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, will once again be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland featuring a spectacular drive-through light display and the enchanting Toyota Holiday Village. This beloved holiday tradition opens November 21 and continues through January 3.
Presented by Family Entertainment Live and Live Nation, Magic of Lights makes its highly anticipated return to Jones Beach State Park, Presented by Flagstar and PNC Bank Arts Center for the eighth consecutive year. This year Magic of Lights features the return of the Toyota Holiday Village, The longest light tunnel in Long Island and New Jersey, mesmerizing light displays, holiday favorites including, all-new Prehistoric Christmas scenes featuring dinosaurs celebrating the season, Holiday Barbie, photos with
Santa, special nightly events and more.
"Magic of Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition for families right here in the Tri-State area,” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live. “We’re proud to return to both Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center and continue spreading the joy, wonder, and togetherness that make this season so special in our community.”
“The Magic of Lights Show continues to be an annual holiday tradition that exceeds attendee’s expectations," said George Gorman, JR-Regional Director-NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “ From the first light display through to the holiday village, the joys of the season come to life.
Experience the wonder of Magic of Lights' most treasured holiday scenes from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle, including the whimsical Prehistoric Christmas, enchanting
Winter Wonderland, the classic 12 Days of Christmas, delightful Toyland, playful festive Elves, and the magnificent Reindeer Road. Journey through the awe-inspiring 400foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights alongside additional captivating illuminated tunnels that will transport you into a world of holiday splendor.
The spectacular showcase features show-stopping attractions including the towering 32-foot animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie®, an extraordinary Prehistoric Christmas scene complete with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the holidays, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck display. With more than two million twinkling lights illuminating the night, Magic of Lights delivers a heartwarming and festive experience that creates cherished family memories.
Don't miss the magical Toyota Holiday Village, where families can step out of their vehicles and explore a wonderland of walk-through attractions featuring photos with Santa, holiday treats, merchandise, backdrops to take your magical selfies and an array of delightful holiday activities.
QUICK FACTSMAGIC OF LIGHTS
• 2+ million lights illuminate each Magic of Lights experience
• 12.6 miles of light cord power every Magic of Lights event
• 3,750 dedicated staff hours required to construct each magical display
• Steel frameworks are precision-designed, cut, bent and welded into approximately 800 individual frames, combined in various configurations to create massive holiday scenes. Every frame is engineered using cutting-edge CAD technology and handcrafted in-house following detailed 15-page design specifications.
• Each Magic of Lights installation utilizes roughly 10 miles of steel framework and 10 miles of LED lighting woven throughout the displays, incorporating 10 distinct colors of LED bulbs.
• Magnificent scenes, including the animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie, soar up to 32 feet tall and stretch several hundred feet in length.
Magic of Lights illuminates the night from 5 PM to 10 PM Sun-Thur and 5 PM to 11 PM Fri-Sat running from November 21 date through January 3. Tickets for this extraordinary holiday celebration are available for purchase starting September 25 with convenient pervehicle pricing.
For complete schedules and ticket purchases, visit MagicOfLights.com
Kid-Crafted Holiday Decor Ideas
Thereare plenty of handmade holiday crafts to keep little ones happily occupied. Here are some ideas to spark imagination and hours of creative fun.
Easy snow globes
A visit to the craft store will uncover various items that can be turned into snow globes. Look for a plastic cookie jarlike container with a lid that screws on tightly; otherwise,
choose glass mason jars. Use a general ratio of one cup of water, three teaspoons of glycerine or an oil like baby oil or mineral oil, and a few teaspoons of glitter. Glue a plastic Christmas tree or snowman figurine to the underside of the lid of the jar with a rubberized adhesive or another glue that will hold up to wet conditions. When dry, replace the lid, invert the jar and watch the snow fall.
Salt dough ornaments
Salt dough is a modeling dough made from two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of salt, and about 3⁄4 cup of water. Mix the ingredients together and knead until the dough is smooth and easy to work with. Add more flour if it’s too sticky; more water if it’s too dry. Kids can use cookie
cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough, or sculpt freehand. Remember to poke a hole through the top of the ornament to thread through string or ribbon later on. While the dough can be dried out by air in about a week, a faster method is to bake in an oven at 250 F for 11⁄2 to two hours, or until the dough is dry and hard. Kids can then paint the dried creations.
Paper gingerbread figures
Children may delight in making life-sized gingerbread girls and boys they can decorate and then hang up on the wall. A roll of brown postal paper will work, as will other embellishments like markers, paints, crayons, or ribbon. Kids take turns being traced while lying down on a piece of rolled-out paper. Then the
Charitable Giving Spreads Joy
Charitable giving increases significantly in the months surrounding the holidays. Approximately one-third of annual giving happens in December, and 10 percent of all giving occurs in the last three days of the year, according to Charities Aid Foundation America. The surge in donations typically occurs with people’s desire to spread holiday cheer, enjoy tax advantages and help people in the community,
says Nonprofit Source.
Some people are compelled to donate in the name of another person. Here are some ideas for charitable holiday gifts that benefit many.
Donate in someone’s name
To honor a loved one who may be living or deceased, or who fought an illness and won, you can donate to a nonprofit in the name of that loved one. Many charities offer printable or physical cards to let the recipient know a donation has been made in his or her name.
Giving back through gifts
Certain products purchased feature proceeds that go toward a charitable cause. For example, every purchase of TOMS® shoes helps fund mental health access and community development,
general shape is cut out and decorated. Children can raise their arms, bend their legs, or vary their positions to give life to the gingerbread figures.
Winter wonderland
It can be fun to create a diorama or small winter landscape that can be set out with other decorations. Craft stores will likely sell small, plastic evergreen trees this time of year, or they may be available in the model train aisle of a local hobby shop. Trees can be given snowy boughs with a little acrylic paint. Include figures of bunnies, deer and whatever else kids can dream up. A strand of LED, batteryoperated lights can add some illumination to the scene. Secure items to cardboard or foam board.
while the body care products from Thistle Farms are made by women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Other products may help feed the hungry or support cancer patients.
Supporting animals
A symbolic animal adoption can support conservation efforts around the world. Making a donation to the World Wildlife Fund in someone’s name, for example, enables you to get a plushie, certificate and information on the animal the contribution will be helping.
Fair trade gifts
Making a purchase of fair trade items means you’re often buying handmade and ethically sourced goods. These gifts support artisans in developing countries and help
fund community projects. Gift recipients can feel pride in ownership of an item that was designed and purchased with the greater good in mind.
Charity gift cards
Charitable gift cards, like those available from TisBest Charity and CharityChoice, let the gift recipient choose which nonprofit will receive the funds.
Support special businesses
Offer gift cards or take people to dine or shop at businesses that support those with special needs. For example, No Limits Cafe in New Jersey is a full-service restaurant that trains and employs adults with intellectual disabilities. Dining there will help to continue to support these important efforts to give every employee a sense of pride and purpose.
