Holidays

By Jennifer Donatelli

The Heckscher Museum of Art, located inside Heckscher Park in Huntington, celebrated Halloween with a free, family-friendly event on Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon to 5 p.m.

Held in conjunction with the museum’s new exhibit, “The Body Politic,” the event showcased how artists use different mediums to interact with and shape the world.

Young attendees received an activity worksheet and worked with their families to choose a favorite artwork on display at the museum. Adding to the fun, children and their families participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum, looking for portraits, landscapes, abstract art, and sculptures.

The young artists learned how looking closely at art helps us learn to observe artwork and the world around us more carefully.

Attendees created their own haunted Digital Action paintings, learned about collage-making, and designed spooky ghost crafts—all while learning how to interpret and appreciate various art forms.

“The purpose of this event,” said Joy Weiner, Director of Education and Public Programs for the Heckscher Museum, “is because many parents aren’t comfortable explaining art to their children or don’t know how to make it age-appropriate. The activity guide provides a series of questions to help children learn about art while having fun.”

Mary Porter, a museum docent, mentioned that the event has taken place biannually since 2010 and draws hundreds from the local community and across Long Island to experience art in a fun, hands-on environment.

Jane and Annie Mahoney, sisters from Queens, came with their parents and grandparents, planning to play on the playground but stayed for an hour to explore exhibits and make crafts.

Porter explained that the event is a great way to bring families to the museum, allowing adults to enjoy the artwork while children engage in activities.

Sawa, age 2; Koto, age 7; and Seisuke, age 4—siblings originally from Japan and now living in Syosset—enjoyed making Halloween crafts and learning about different cultures through artwork.

Gary Rubin, 6, from East Williston, came with his dad, both museum members who enjoy attending events. Wearing his Dracula costume with fake blood, Gary said he loved making crafts and had fun getting messy.

Upcoming events at the Heckscher Museum of Art include Artists in the Galleries, every Sunday in November and December from noon to 2 p.m. Visitors can meet the artists and learn about their work.

For more information on programs and exhibits, or to sign up for an event, visit www.heckscher.org.

By Bill Landon

Under brilliant blue skies and mild temperatures, it was another edition of the annual Trunk-Or-Treat event presented by the North Shore Youth Council along with the Rocky Point PTA in the parking lot of Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School on Route 25A in Rocky Point Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27.

The North Shore Youth Council prides itself with providing local communities with comprehensive family programs and services in child care, enrichment, education counseling and recreation. 

Hundreds of costumed trick-or-treaters visited the spooky decorated cars and coffins that lined the parking lot where free candy, treats, popcorn and face-painting crafts with photo props were in abundance.

For more information about the North Shore Youth Council visit www.nsyc.com.

By Jennifer Donatelli

Goblins and ghosts. Witches and warlocks. They’re all part of a new family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society that took place from Oct. 25 through Halloween each night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For those who dared, hundreds of attendees took a spooktacular walk along the haunted trail while little ones gazed upon Halloween displays and live animals. Along the walk, there were playful skeletons and friendly witches, and kids were able to trick-or-treat safely, all while having fun surprises at each turn.

Priya Kapoor, executive director of the Smithtown Historical Society, said this is the Historical Society’s first year hosting the event. The society cleared out a lot of wooded areas, and recently put in a trail behind their buildings. Kapoor thought it would be the perfect location for the event.

She explained, “The setting was screaming for us to do a Halloween event, so we decided to give it a try to keep the Halloween spookiness alive and bring the community together for a night of family fun.”

Local vendors were plentiful, selling warm drinks and treats, handmade jewelry, candles and food. Children enjoyed two bounce houses, Halloween crafts, face painting, pumpkin picking and live music, all while having a ghoulishly good time.

Ever since she was a little girl, Haley Van Cott, a college student from Stony Brook, has made her own jewelry. She decided to turn her hobby into a business to help offset college costs and now sells her creations at vendor events throughout Long Island.

One new vendor, Kim Mortensen from Nesconset, started selling candles when she became disabled and could no longer work full-time. Believing in repurposing items, she took unused candles in her home, melted them down, bought soy wax and began making her own unique scented candles and fire starters. Mortensen puts her phone number under the cover of each candle and tells customers that when the candle wax is finished burning, they can return the candle to her house and take a new one free of charge.

Visitors also had a chance to get up close and personal with sheep, goats, bunnies and even horses along the trail walk. Diana Schneider, farm manager for the historical society, said she has more than 20 volunteers who help her take care of the many animals on the farm each day. She and her staff also provide educational programs on the farm during the school year.

John and Samantha Capono of Northport came with their children, Matteo, Gianni and Stella, all dressed as Ninja Turtles, and wanted to stay for more candy and fun. He said, “The atmosphere was mysterious but welcoming and was perfect for families to enjoy together.”

Robin Ward said she was babysitting her three grandchildren from Nassau County and decided to bring them to the event to show the kids that Suffolk County is fun.

The Smithtown Historical Society, often called “Smithtown’s hidden gem,” has been serving the community since 1955. The society is committed to the preservation, restoration and interpretation of Long Island’s heritage for the education and enjoyment of the public. For more information, visit smithtownhistorical.org.

By Jennifer Donatelli

Main Street in Northport Village transformed into a magical realm on Oct. 23 as costumed participants swooped in to celebrate Signature Properties’ 10th Annual Witches and Warlocks Night on Main. More than 200 enthusiasts arrived on broomsticks to enjoy a night of enchanted fun, shopping, dining and treats from local merchants.

Casting a spell over locals and visitors alike, Main Street Village stores and restaurants stayed open with extended hours from 5-9 p.m. The night began at Signature Properties on Main Street, where guests could pick up a goody bag and an event directory listing all merchants and restaurants participating in this year’s festivities.

Debbie Dooley, branch manager of Signature Properties in Northport, said her company came up with the idea more than 10 years ago, and it keeps growing each year. “It brings the community together for a night of shopping, eating and fun,” she said.

Friends Carol Zimmer and Tina Caon, both from Huntington, attended last year and said they had “so much fun” that they decided to return. “I love the pumpkin ale from Sand City,” Caon said, while Zimmer added, “The store discounts are what I enjoy most about the day.”

Local resident June Meade echoed their enthusiasm. “The joy and willingness of everyone to kick up their heels in those pointed shoes are what make this experience so special,” she said.

Millie Maderos, a realtor at Signature Properties, said the event has become a staple for those who enjoy the community atmosphere.

“People come to this event because they like the camaraderie, and we like to show the town that we are here to serve the community,” she said.

The event also offered a family-friendly aspect, with kids dressing up and trick-or-treating in stores while parents browsed. Jamie and Chris Desteoglu of East Northport brought their children, Callie and Max, for the first time. “The kids had so much fun walking around and getting candy,” Jamie Desteoglu said.

Some stores go all out for this yearly tradition. “The event is one of my favorites,” said Chloe Sontag, store manager of Fame + Rebel Boutique. She decorated the store and offered shoppers sangria in candy-filled margarita glasses, along with 20% off everything in store.

With the goal of bringing smiles to patients and families who are facing Halloween in the hospital, Stony Brook Medicine hosted Halloween events to make the holiday extra special. The March of Dimes made costumes for NICU patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The Stony Brook Cancer Center held its first-ever Trick or Treat and Halloween extraBOOganza with a parade.

By Heidi Sutton

Just in time for the holidays, the Smithtown Township Arts Council’s Mills Pond Gallery in St. James presents Small But Still Mighty, an exhibition and affordable art sale featuring 170 smaller works ranging in size from 10 to 24 inches wide created by local artists in a variety of mediums including acrylic, colored pencil, ink, mixed media, oil, oil and cold wax, pastel, pencil, ink, photography, pigment ink, archival metallic luster, soft pastel and watercolor. The show opens on Nov. 2 and runs through Dec. 15.

“I believe that art speaks to us…sends a visual message that maybe reminds us of a past place, person or feeling. Maybe we make that connection through the colors used…or the style of the art or the place depicted. We each interpret that visual message based on our own experiences and emotions,” said Allison Cruz, Executive Director of the Smithtown Township Arts Council and Mills Pond Gallery.

“This exhibit celebrates the artists whose amazing creativity adds beauty to the world around us and offers an opportunity for the public to support creativity in their communities,” she said.

Cruz urges exhibit visitors to consider purchasing or gifting original art this holiday season.

“Supporting artists helps foster their continued creativity while bringing economic benefits to our communities. Art creates a connection between the giver and the recipient that can last long after the gift is unwrapped,” said Cruz. 

“By gifting art, you create an opportunity for the recipient to discover something new or get in touch with their creative side! Art can act as a constant reminder of the beauty and creativity in the world. Come browse the exhibit…you are sure to find something that perfectly fits the lifestyle of the person you are shopping for…nature art, animal art, abstract creations and so much more!”

The exhibit  includes 47 artists from 45 Long Island communities, one from CT, and one from NYC including Adriena Masi, Angela Stratton, Annette Napolitano, Arlene Gernon, Bernice Corbin, Bobbie Ludwig, Carol Kelly, Carol Ceraso, Debra Baker, Ellen Ferrigno, Frederic Mendelsohn, George Junker, Gia Horton, Heather Jablon, James Kelson, James Andrew Conan Dill, Jeanette Martone, Joan Rockwell, JoAnne Dumas, John Morris, John Mansueto, Josephine Puccio, Judith Musaro, Judy Stone, Kathee Shaff Kelson, Kathy Brown, Linda Ann Catucci, Liz Jorg Masi, Lori Scarlatos, Louise Mcclellan, Lynn Staiano, Mary Waka, Mary Jane Houser, Megan Kenny, Myungja Anna Koh, Nicholas Valentino, Pat Forie, Patricia Lind-Gonzalez, Patti Peterson, Patty Yantz, Robert Roehrig, Sally Anne Keller, Sheniqua Young, Theodora Zavala, Theresa Graff, and William Drost.

The community is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists and view their work. 

Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A in St. James. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 am. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., closed from Nov. 25 to 30 for Thanksgiving. Admission to the gallery is always free. 

For more information or directions, call 631-862-6575 or visit www.millspondgallery.org.

All images courtesy of Mills Pond Gallery

 

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Photo from StatePoint

The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it can also throw your wellness routines out of alignment. Doctors advise prioritizing healthy choices during this period, so you can start 2025 on the right foot.

“Everyone’s holiday wish is to be happy, health and safe, but the season is often a time for overindulgence in food and drink, increased stress and exposure to respiratory illness,” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

The AMA recommends taking these steps during the holidays:

1. Vaccines are a safe and remarkably effective defense from a number of serious respiratory viruses that circulate in the fall and winter. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccines are also available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Tools to protect infants during RSV season include maternal vaccination as well as the monoclonal antibody immunization. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

2. Watch what you eat. Pay particular attention to labels and avoid processed foods as much as you can, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Consider having a healthy snack before the big meal or offer to bring a healthier dish for the holiday spread. Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, and eat nutritious, whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables alongside richer holiday fare.

3. Stick to your exercise schedule and prioritize physical activity during this busy time of year. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. Brisk walks, bike rides, hikes and even family-friendly sports like basketball and touch football are good for heart health.

4. Use time with relatives to find out whether your family has a history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and whether other family members have been told they have prediabetes. With this information, you can better understand your risk and take charge of your health.

5. Prioritize your mental health. Factors like holiday spending and navigating time with extended family can bring on extra seasonal stress. You can help manage stress by getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.

6. Make smart choices and plan ahead if you’re driving. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 Americans died in alcohol impaired-driving crashes. Do not drive under any circumstances if you intend to drink. And if you are the designated driver, make a 100% commitment to sobriety.

7. Be prepared when traveling. Whether you’re flying or taking a road trip, you might be tempted to grab convenient, unhealthy food for the journey. Consider packing your own snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables or small portions of dried fruits and nuts.

8. Get New Year’s resolutions started early. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use, and declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

“The holiday season is a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends – it’s also a chance to reconnect with your physical and mental health,” says Dr. Scott. (StatePoint)

METRO photo
Happy Halloween! Wishing everyone a day full tricks and treats! — Your friends at TBR News Media

Here are some last minute events to celebrate the most fun time of year:

Halloween at the Mall 

Drop by the Smith Haven Mall, Moriches Road, Lake Grove for a spooktacular, fun trick-or-treating for all the little ghouls and goblins on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while supplies last*) Retailers and restaurants that have tricks or treats for the little ones will have pumpkin in their windows. Free. 631-724-1433

Safe Trick or Treat

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River invites all goblins & ghouls & children dressed in costume to enjoy a safe outdoor Trick or Treating on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 631-929-3500

Halloween at the Heckscher

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Oct. 31 from noon to 5 p.m. Create a spooktacular art activity, make a haunted Digital Action painting, and take home a festive treat! Free admission. Costumes encouraged. Free. 631-380-3230, www.heckscher.org

Halloween Festival

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts its 34th annual Halloween Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. with trick or treating in the shops and restaurants, Halloween parade, games and Monster Mash dancing. Free. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org

Halloween Costume Parade

The annual Downtown “Hauntington” Village Halloween Costume Parade returns to the Town of Huntington on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Line-up at the Huntington Post Office, 55 Gerard St., Huntington for a parade. Trick or treat at designated village merchants before and after the parade. Free. 631-351-3173

Spooky Woods & Trick O’ Treat

Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown presents a family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event on Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take a spooktacular walk through a haunted trail, where little ones will have a great time seeing Halloween displays on one side and farm animals on the other. Enjoy trick o’ treating and say hi to craft and food vendors (and maybe some jolly ghosts) at this unique Halloween experience for the entire family. Don’t miss the hayride (additional charge) through the spooky woods! $10 per person, kids under 3 free. 631-265-6768

 

The Town of Smithtown celebrated a weekend of Halloween excitement with two community events that delighted families and spread some early festive cheer. The festivities began on Saturday, October 19th, with the annual Ghosts and Goblins Day, hosted by the Town of Smithtown Recreation Department at Browns Road Park in Nesconset. More than 250 children and their families gathered for a fun-filled afternoon, featuring pony rides, music, games, prizes, and a balloon artist. Many attendees donned their Halloween costumes, adding a spooky flair to the event.

Ghosts and Goblins Day was a free event for Smithtown residents, offering entertainment for the entire family. In addition to the activities, attendees generously contributed non-perishable food items, which were later delivered to the Smithtown Food Pantry. Donors received raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes in a raffle held during the event.
On Sunday, October 20th, the Halloween celebrations continued with the Town of Smithtown’s Trunk or Treat event in the parking lot at Town Hall. The event, organized by the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau in partnership with the Supervisor’s Office, Public Safety, and the Parks Department, attracted over 300 families, who enjoyed treats from more than 25 creatively decorated trunks. Participants also enjoyed games, music, and plenty of Halloween fun.
“We are very happy that we were able to serve over 100 families with these fun family events. We are so thankful to the community members and town employees who participated. Everyone’s collaboration together added to its success,” said Executive Director of the Youth Bureau, Janine Marc-Anthony.
The event saw contributions and participation from local community organizations, town departments, and businesses, including the Animal Shelter, the Youth Advisory Board, Mathnastium, The Smithtown Library, Podcat Farms, The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, and their students, Dawn Viola’s Team at Caldwell Banker American Homes, NorthShore Psychological Services.
In the days leading up to the weekend, the Smithtown Youth Bureau partnered with Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Troop 552 to distribute over 130 Halloween costumes to families in need. The troop, along with their leaders and families, collected costumes and set up a “shopping” area in the community room, where families could find the perfect costumes for their children.
Both events and the costume drive were huge successes, highlighting the spirit of community and giving back during the Halloween season. From the fun-filled games and activities to the charitable efforts of costume donations and food drives, the weekend provided something for everyone to enjoy.

Bethpage Turkey Drive

The Bethpage Turkey Drive to benefit the Island Harvest Food Bank will take place on Friday, November 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bethpage’s headquarters located at 899 South Oyster Bay Road in Bethpage. This year marks the 16th anniversary of Long Island’s largest one-day food drive which to date, has donated more than 49,000 turkeys and over 236,000 pounds of food to Island Harvest which helps supply Thanksgiving holiday meals to families in our community.

Long Islanders are asked to donate frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items or cash donations. Bethpage’s Drive Through Donation Lanes will allow residents to remain in their cars while volunteers remove donations from the vehicles. The donations will go directly to Island Harvest Food Bank, which will help supply Thanksgiving meals to the more than 300,000 food-insecure Long Islanders through its distribution network of over 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other feeding programs on Long Island. Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (please, no glass containers).

“Last year’s drive collected a record-breaking 4,425 turkeys, a number that has not be reached since the Bethpage Turkey Drive started in 2008,” said Linda Armyn, President and CEO, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “We are so thankful for our network of community support, both businesses and individuals, who continue to donate each year to help families enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal. Bethpage is committed to doing everything we can to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors on Long Island. This event is special for us each year and more important than ever as the number of food insecure continues to grow.”

According to Feeding America’s 2022 Map the Meal Gap report for Long Island, there are approximately 221,190 people on Long Island who are food insecure, an increase of 58.3% from the 2021 estimate of 139,760 people. In 2022, the estimated number of children living with food insecurity is 44,780, a 63.4% increase from the estimated 27,580 children living with food insecurity in 2021.  For its fiscal year, Island Harvest Food Bank expects to distribute a record 20 million pounds of food to people who are food insecure in Nassau and Suffolk counties, far eclipsing the volume of food it provided during the pandemic.

“Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s enduring partnership has helped make a positive difference in the lives of Long Islanders facing food insecurity,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President & CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank. “Their support and generosity, along with that of their members and Long Island’s business community, have enabled us to provide holiday-style meals – and hope for our neighbors in need for 16 years.”

Bethpage is once again issuing a Corporate Challenge encouraging local businesses and organizations to donate the largest number of frozen turkeys and non-perishables and then drop off their donations on November 22. To join the challenge, Long Island businesses and organizations can sign up here. In its inaugural year in 2023, H2M Architects & Engineers won the challenge by donating 702 turkeys. Bethpage awarded them with an ice cream truck sent to their office for all employees to enjoy.

For those unable to make a donation on November 22, or would rather show their support online, Bethpage is accepting online monetary donations. Every gift of $35 will help support a holiday meal for your Long Island neighbors. Donations can also be made at any Bethpage branch.

Patches will be given to all Girl Scouts who make a donation. Troop leaders can make a donation on behalf of troop members and bring back patches for the entire troop.

Since the first Bethpage Turkey Drive was organized in 2008, hundreds of community volunteers have come out to assist in the collection of more than 49,000 turkeys and over 236,000 pounds of food, which were then given to Long Island families facing hardship in time for the holidays. About 6,000 individuals receive food assistance from the Island Harvest Food Bank network each week.