Town Of Islip Announces New 2026 Edition Of Get Fit With Nick
The Town of Islip is proud to announce the newest edition of its popular senior-focused fitness television program, Get Fit with Nick, featuring trainer Nick Nuzzolo. The 2026 edition launches January 1, 2026 and will air on Channel 18 in the Town of Islip at 8:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
Designed specifically for seniors and beginners, Get Fit with Nick provides safe, easy-to-follow exercises that cover all the basics and encourage residents to stay active, healthy, and moving.
This marks the fourth
edition of the program, which began in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea was initiated by Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, who sought to create accessible exercise opportunities for those unable to visit gyms or attend group classes during lockdowns.
Supervisor Carpenter noted “When we first launched Get Fit with Nick in 2021, our goal was simple: keep our seniors moving, motivated, and connected at a time when so many were isolated. Today, this program continues to be an essential
resource. Staying active is one of the most important things seniors can do for their health, mobility, and overall well-being — and sometimes we all need a little nudge to get up and get going!”
In addition to airing on Channel 18, the new 2026 edition will also be available on the Town of Islip YouTube page, allowing residents to exercise anytime, anywhere.
For more information, please contact: Caroline Smith, Director of Communications, Town of Islip, 631-224-5485
Celebrating Holidays Around The World
Students at Oquenock Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District are learning all about holidays celebrated around the world. Throughout December, students explored a variety of cultural traditions and celebrations, including Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Through stories, videos, hands-on activities and class discussions, students compared customs, foods, symbols and values connected to each holiday. This engaging unit not only helped students build vocabulary but also encouraged appreciation for the diverse traditions represented in the school community and beyond.
Photos courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
Bayview Giving Tree Spreads Holiday Cheer
with its annual Giving Tree initiative. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
Bayview Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District is embracing the spirit of the season with its annual Giving Tree project, designed to support children and families in need throughout the local community. This initiative invites students, staff and families to help make the holidays a little brighter for others.
The Giving Tree, beautifully decorated and displayed in the school’s main lobby, is adorned with
tags representing specific wishes and needs, ranging from toys and clothing to essential items and small gifts. Members of the school community are encouraged to select a tag, purchase the requested item, and return the unwrapped gift to the school.
“We want our students to understand the importance of kindness, empathy and giving back,” said Principal John Mullins. “The Giving Tree is a meaningful way for our school community to
come together and support families who may be facing challenges this time of year.” Donations collected through the Giving Tree will be distributed to local families before the holiday break, helping ensure that every child experiences joy during the season. This annual tradition continues to demonstrate the strength and compassion of the Bayview community, showing that even small acts of giving can make a big difference.
Did You Know?
When making a holiday shopping list and checking it twice, shoppers may want to put more emphasis on experiential gifts over material items. A 2023 survey from GetYourGuide found 51 percent of people prefer some type of travel, 40 percent want to attend a show, 30 percent prefer outdoor activities, and 27 percent want to visit museums. The data is showing more and more people are choosing to share experiences and create meaningful memories with the people they love rather than offering material gifts. The desire for experiential gifts is particularly strong among millennials and Gen Z.
Bayview Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District is helping those in need this holiday season
The Jazz Loft Awarded $25K By The New York State Council On The Arts For Various Programming Events
The Jazz Loft is one of 2,400 organizations within Suffolk County to receive a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). Governor Kathy Hochul announced last month that over $63 million in grants were awarded to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individual artists. The Jazz Loft will receive $25k in funding.
According to The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, the grant funds will go directly towards The Jazz Loft’s programming, which includes concert performances, weekly Jam Sessions, holiday-specific performances, and their Jazz 101 Lecture Series.
“We’re very grateful to New York State and Governor Hochul for prioritizing the arts throughout the state and for ensuring this vitally important funding that enables not-for-profits like The Jazz Loft to continue their work,” Manuel said. About the New York State
Gov. Hochul said, “New York’s arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of the state’s identity, and we’re making bold investments to ensure it remains strong … These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts.”
Council on the Arts
The mission of NYSCA is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts and culture and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts grantmaking total has grown to $80.9 million for FY 2026, which will serve over 1,500 organizations and over 600 individual artists across all 10 state regions. NYSCA further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.
Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, NYSCA is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit http://www.arts.ny.gov,
and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, Twitter @ NYSCArts, and Instagram
@NYSCouncilontheArts.
The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. For more information, visit thejazzloft.org
Did You Know?
Tea has been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of years and has featured prominently in many cultures during that time. The cultural practice of drinking tea is believed to have originated in ancient China. Although there are many different types of tea, the World Tea Council says black tea is the most consumed tea across the globe, comprising around 75 percent of total tea consumption. The most popular type of black tea is Assam tea, which is grown in India. The second-most widely consumed tea is green tea, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of total tea consumption.
The Origins Of Christmas Stockings
The holiday season is rife with tradition. Some holiday traditions, such as holiday lighting displays, are easy to notice, while others are more subtle and possibly even unknown to many celebrants. One tradition that falls into the latter category involves the placing of oranges into Christmas stockings. The origins of Christmas stockings are rooted in legend and one of the more popular tales involves a widowed father of three beautiful girls. According to Smithsonian.com, this father struggled to make ends meet and was concerned that his financial struggles would affect his daughters' ability to find a spouse. As the legend goes, St. Nicholas was wandering through the man's town and heard of his concerns. Recognizing that the man was unlikely to accept charity, St. Nicholas slid down the chimney of his house and placed three gold balls in the girls' recently laundered stockings, which were hanging by the fire to dry. The value of the gold balls, which were discovered the following morning, was enough to ensure the girls could eventually wed. So what does that have to do with oranges? Those who wanted to replicate the tale could not so easily come upon gold balls to place in stockings, so they chose something similar in appearance: oranges.
Happy Holidays
In A Year Of Uncertainty, Control What You Can Control
By JoAnn Cilla
The mad dash towards Christmas is on. In As we put up holiday decorations, turn on Christmas music, and send out cards wishing people a joyous and peaceful season, there is still uncertainty in the air trying to dampen the mood. With all the bad news being pushed in front of us on TV, in the papers, and on social media, it’s easy to feel weighed down by
the unpredictability of this year. The economy seems to shift weekly, technology is changing faster than ever, and the world continues to deliver surprises… some welcome, some not. Yet amid all this uncertainty, there remains one constant you can control: your mindset. Too often, we focus on what is outside our control: the economy, family dynamics, business
challenges, or the holiday rush. That focus can drain a person! It steals time, peace, and perspective. But when we shift our attention from worry to appreciation, we change everything. The circumstances may stay the same, but how we experience them becomes dramatically better. In the last few weeks of 2025, challenge yourself not to react, but to respond. The difference between a reaction
WORLD TILE
and a response is control. A reaction is automatic. A response is intentional. And one of the most intentional responses we can choose is gratitude. When you approach situations, especially difficult ones, with gratitude, something powerful happens…stress loosens its grip, anxiety diminishes, and your ability to think clearly and move forward actually increases. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It means acknowledging what’s good,
JOANN CILLA
what’s possible, and what’s still in your control. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you prepare for it. You can’t control the economy, but you can control your own financial decisions. You can’t control people, but you can control how you treat them and how you let them affect you. That is strength. It is also gratitude in practice. The world may be unpredictable, but gratitude is not. It shows up when you invite it. It grows when you practice it. And it just might be the most reliable thing you carry into 2026. And remember, gratitude changes everything!
Did You Know?
Christmas trees are a key component of many people's holiday season. It's a family tradition to choose (or take out) the tree each year and then adorn it with ornaments, tinsel, family mementos, and a beautiful tree topper. In regard to tree toppers, most people fasten the top bough with an angel or a star. The first tree toppers were the infant Jesus, but toppers are now available in other options symbolic of the Nativity of Jesus. The star refers to the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The angel represents the messengers of God as well as the Angel Gabriel, who visited Mary to share the news that she would be giving birth to the Son of God. People can choose whichever topper they prefer, but many refer to the religious significance of Christmas.
APPETIZERS
Sticks
Mushrooms
Baked Ravioli
Pasta Bolognese
$70
$60
SALADS
To the West Islip Community:
May the peace and joy May the peace and joy of this holiday season be yours of this holiday season be yours through the New Year. through the New Year.
Sincerely,
West Islip Teachers’ Association
To the West Islip Community
Joseph Dixon, President
Shawn Wallace, 1st Vice-President
Karen Desz, Elementary Vice-President
Dave Kaufman, Secondary Vice-President
John Lavery, Treasurer
Karen McCarthy, Secretary
To the West Islip Community
May the peace and joy May the peace and joy of this holiday season be yours of this holiday season be yours through the New Year. through the New Year.
May the peace and joy of this holiday season be yours through the New Year.
May the peace and joy May the peace and joy of this holiday season be yours of this holiday season be yours through the New Year. through the New Year.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
West Islip Teachers’ Association
West Islip Teachers’ Association
Joseph Dixon, President
Joseph Dixon, President
Shawn Wallace, 1st Vice-President
Joseph Dixon, President
Karen Desz, Elementary Vice-President
Shawn Wallace, 1st Vice-President
Phil Kane, 1st Vice-President
Karen Desz, Elementary Vice-President
Dave Kaufman, Secondary Vice-President
John Lavery, Treasurer
Dave Kaufman, Secondary Vice-President
Karen Desz, Elementary Vice-President
Karen McCarthy, Secretary
John Lavery, Treasurer
Kathleen Scrivani, Secondary Vice-President
Karen McCarthy, Secretary
John Lavery, Treasurer
Karen McCarthy, Secretary
SUNDAY, DEC. 7th
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
THROUGH DEC. 31st (Daily)
ANIMIATED CHILDREN'S WALKTHROUGH STORY
Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. Open during normal store hours. Located in the Christmas Gallery. The Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! Please bring a donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and it drop off at the end of the walkthrough. Free Event. For more information, please call 516- 334-0066
THROUGH JAN. 1st (Daily)
PORT JEFFERSON FESTIVAL OF TREES at Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 East Broadway in Port Jefferson. Free Event. See beautifully decorated Trees by local businesses, groups, and non-profits! This event is presented by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Title Sponsor - Hanover Bank. Co-Sponsor: The Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson. For more information, please call 631-4731414
THROUGH JAN. 4th (Daily)
12:00NOON-3:00PM
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY
The Town of Babylon History Museum and Babylon Town Historical Society, feature an interactive model train display (240 sq. ft.) that highlights historic points of interest from around the Town of Babylon. Admission is FREE. The
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
Town History Museum is located at the historic Old Town Hall, built in 1918 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. For more information, please call 631-587-3750
THURSDAY, DEC. 18th
6:00PM-7:45PM
WINTER GREENERY WORKSHOP
At the Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh. A winter greenery workshop to celebrate the season! RSVP to PaumanackeGC@ gmail.com to receive details and to register. Lite refreshments will be served after the workshop.
SATURDAY, DEC. 20th
6:00PM-10:30PM
BRUMIDI’S CHRISTMAS PARTY at Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information and reservations, please call Linda at 516-356-0949, www.sonsofitalyli.com
MONDAY, DEC. 29th
9:00AM-3:00PM
HOLIDAY DISCOVERY DAYS 2025
Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm.. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our resident non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Sweetbriar Nature Center is located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31st
11:00AM-12:00NOON NAUTICAL NEW YEAR
Did you know the New Year's Eve ball is based on an old nautical timekeeping tradition? Join us to countdown to 12 noon, and enjoy festive self-serve crafts all day during gallery hours. Included with Admission. The Whaling Museum & Education Center Of Cold Spring Harbor, 279 Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor. For more information, please call 516.282.6426, 631.367.3418 x12, Email cainslie@cshwhalingmuseum. org
6:30PM-8:00PM
EARLY NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL DROP/ CELEBRATION
Farmingdale Village is hosting an Early, Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebration - Ring in 2026 with a New Year’s Eve free celebration. Free admission, free hot cocoa, free noisemakers .& Live Music ... on the Village Green, 361 Main St, weather permitting. Bring family & friendsall ages. Thanks to the Farmingdale Business Improvement District, Farmingdale Village Fire Department, Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, Farmingdale Village Board, all involved. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/32564875029824369
8:00PM-1:00AM RING IN THE NEW YEAR
Brumidi Lodge-Sons & Daughters of Italy, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please call Linda 516-356-0949, wwsonsofitalyli.com
All Pets ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Girl Scouts from across Suffolk County recently gathered to flip the switch on the annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) Holiday Light Show, a walkthrough experience featuring tens of thousands of lights and dozens of displays that create a magical forest environment. The GSSC Holiday Lights show is the only one that supports a non-profit organization. The show is at the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s Camp Edey, 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport.
New at the show this year are the five “Cozy Bungalows,” complete with mini fireplaces, couches, and blankets, with room
for up to five guests. Each bungalow comes decorated in a winter theme: Nordic Nest (Scandinavian, rustic, snowy lodge), Holly Jolly Hut (traditional red and green Christmas décor), Gumdrop Cottage (candy-colored fun straight from a storybook and gingerbread-inspired décor) and Starlight Shack (twinkle lights and a starry winter’s night with touches of snowflakes) and is Instagram and social media ready.
“I love the bungalows because they’re decorated so cute, and it gives you a place to be warm,” said Ciara Weisbecker, a Girl Scout from Babylon. “They’re pretty and beautiful and great for photos
Dr. James Pupavoy
Test
• Yearly Vaccinations
• Fecal Test
SENIOR DOGS
• Weight Management
• Hip Problems
Rabid Cat
Reported In Suffolk County
• Vaccinate your pets.
• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals.
• Do not touch dead or dying animals.
• Do not approach an unknown animals.
• Do not keep food outside your home.
• Do not let pets roam free.
• Report animal bites or scratches promptly.
• Teach children the above safety tips.
Girl Scouts Of Suffolk County 2025 Holiday Lights Show
on Instagram and TikToks.”
The highlight of the show is “Girl Scout Way,” an area where the five winning creations from the 2025 Girl Scouts Holiday Light Design Contest will be on display. Each design was drawn by a Girl Scout and then custombuilt by the groundkeepers at Camp Edey in creations spanning six to twelve feet tall.
“This event is a beautiful example of how Girl Scouts combine imagination, leadership, and community spirit to shine light—literally and figuratively—on the holiday season,” said Tammy Severino, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk
County. “We are proud to showcase these designs and give visitors a chance to see the girls’ ideas brought to life in lights.”
Also returning this year is an expanded “Chill Zone,” with lawn games, fire-pit warmth, and hot-cocoa treats courtesy of First-Class Food Trucks.
The event is open to the public, and ticket prices start at $12.50. Tickets and Cozy Bungalow reservations must be purchased in advance on the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County website: http://www. gssclightshow.org.
Launched more than 20 years ago, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday
Light Show has grown into a Long Island tradition — transforming the scenic grounds of Camp Edey into an “Enchanted Forest” of lights.
Every ticket purchased supports leadership programs, summer camp experiences, and financial assistance for girls throughout Suffolk County.
About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest
youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Dr. Bob Corona
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Did You Know?
The National Football League (NFL) was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The first-ever NFL game was played at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio, on October 3, 1920. In that contest, the hometown Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14-0. Though the Dayton Triangles were eventually purchased by a Brooklyn-based syndicate and relocated to New York as a result of that transaction, the team’s status as the host of the first NFL game continues to pay dividends for residents of the southwestern Ohio city where the franchise ushered in the now wildly popular league. In recognition of the place the city of Dayton holds in NFL history, the NFL Foundation, in partnership with FieldTurf & Vasco, pledged to fund the installment of a new artificial turf at the city’s Kettering Park.
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
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Meditation has gained traction in recent years as an effective means to promoting personal wellness, and those considering the practice should know that it does not require a significant time commitment. The Mayo Clinic notes meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Perhaps the practice has proved so enduring because of the myriad emotional and physical benefits it offers, which the Mayo Clinic notes include self-awareness, improved mood, a lower resting heart rate, and improved sleep. The amount of time required to meditate depends on the individual and the type of meditation he or she practices (the Mayo Clinic cites guided meditation, mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and Quigong as some popular ways to meditate), but Verywell Mind reports that experts typically recommend meditating for somewhere between five and 45 minutes each day.
