Holidays

METRO photo

Stony Brook Medicine (SBM) is partnering with the Suffolk Academy of Medicine to host a Galentine’s Women’s Health Fair aimed at empowering women in Suffolk County with valuable health resources and information. The free, community-focused event will take place on Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main Street in Riverhead.

“Stony Brook Medicine is proud to support the well-being of women in our community and provide them with the resources they need to thrive,” says Carol Gomes, chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital. “Initiatives like this —whether aimed at prevention, education, or care—strengthen the foundation of healthier families and a healthier future.”

“We are thrilled to bring this resource to the women of our community,” said Nicole Gerberg, Executive Director of Suffolk Academy of Medicine. “Women play a pivotal role in shaping healthy families and communities, and this event is a way to give back and support their well-being.”

The fair is open to all Suffolk County residents, 16 years and older and will feature:

  • Educational wellness demonstrations
  • Talks with Stony Brook Medicine health professionals, as well as other medical institutions, including experts in breast cancer, breast imaging, radiology, massage therapy, nutrition, exercise physiology and LGBTQ* healthcare services
  • Sweet treats in honor of Valentine’s Day
  • Raffles
  • A cash bar
  • And more!

*To attend the Valentine’s Women’s Health Fair, the public must RSVP. The form can be found at this link.

About Stony Brook Medicine:

Stony Brook Medicine integrates and elevates all of Stony Brook University’s health-related initiatives: education, research and patient care. It includes five Health Sciences schools — Renaissance School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, School of Health Professions, School of Nursing and School of Social Welfare — as well as Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and more than 200 community-based healthcare settings throughout Suffolk County. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu.

About Suffolk Academy of Medicine:

The Suffolk Academy of Medicine is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of Suffolk County residents by providing education, resources, and community outreach.

Photo courtesy of RMHC NYM

Andrew Reid, 19, who transformed his family’s East Northport home into a holiday lighted winter wonderland with over 500 restored holiday decorations, along with his mother, Christine, presented a check for $16,023.20 in donations raised by visitors to their holiday light display to representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro on Jan. 15.

The size of the donation was kept a surprise by Andrew right up until the moment the check was presented. 

“I was blown away, I had no idea it was going to be that large,” said Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro. “I told the family we work so hard to raise every dollar. For someone to come and hand us more than $16,000 is just amazing.” 

What began as a passion for refurbishing discarded holiday decorations grew into an annual tradition for Andrew and his family, with more than 500 decorations covering nearly every inch of Andrew’s home, yard, and even his car. His display was chronicled by media across New York and nationally. Andrew’s “Misfit Island” Christmas display was also voted the winner of Newsday’s “Holiday Lights” contest, with a prize of $1,000, which will be part of the donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. 

“I surprised myself as well. It was a lot of work, a lot of standing in front of the house collecting donations,” said Andrew, who says he begins setting up his display in August every year. “Ronald McDonald House is a very good organization to support and it’s local, so the money will stay here.” 

The money donated will go toward the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last year and construction will begin in the spring with plans to open in 2027.

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro provides comfort and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment. Funds raised through Andrew’s light display will directly benefit the new 24/7 care facility at Stony Brook Hospital, ensuring families can stay close to their sick or injured children.

Planning on getting married? Why not get married on love’s greatest holiday! Huntington Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia will be performing his annual Valentine’s Day Marriage Marathon as the Town’s Marriage Officer on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington.

“Love is in the air once again at Huntington Town Hall this Valentine’s Day,” said Town Clerk Andrew Raia. “It is an honor and a privilege to join two people in a lifetime of love and commitment and it’s the part of my job that is the most heartwarming.”

Mr. Raia will perform ceremonies from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Town Board Room by appointment; there is no charge to the couple for the ceremony and their guests are welcome to attend the reception. Complimentary refreshments will be served with surprise gifts for the bridal couple.

Please note:

• Marriage Ceremonies: A marriage ceremony may only take place 24 hours after the issuance of a marriage license (more information); vow renewals do not require a waiting period.

• Domestic Partnership Registry: Find more information on requirements for a Domestic Partnership Registry by visiting www.huntingtonny.gov/domestic-partnership. 

To make an appointment, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 631-351-3216 or email [email protected].

As the holiday season comes to an end, the Town of Smithtown is encouraging residents to recycle their Christmas trees and help make a difference in our community and environment. The Town of Smithtown offers a worry-free curb-side Tree Recycling option to residents during the month of January. Suffolk County also accepts Trees at Smith Point, for the purpose of protecting the dunes from erosion.

Option 1: Turn Your Tree into Free Mulch  

The Town Highway Department will collect Christmas trees placed at the curb throughout January. Once collected, the trees will be mulched at the Municipal Services Facility (MSF), providing free mulch to residents.

  • Preparation: Carefully remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and plastics from the tree.
  • Pickup Schedule: Place trees at the curb for collection by the Town Highway Department.
  • Free Mulch: Pre-packaged mulch (up to 10 bags per visit) is available at MSF. Residents can also opt for loose mulch, which can be loaded into trucks free of charge (cover required).
  • Contact: Call MSF at 631-269-6600 for more details.

“We’re proud to offer this service to our community as part of our commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and it takes a burden off the Residents right at the beginning of the New Year… Simply place your Christmas tree at the curb, and our team will handle the rest. By participating in the Christmas Tree Recycling Program, you’re not only helping us create mulch for landscaping or reinforcing our coastline, but you’re also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for everyone in our town,” said Highway Superintendent Robert Murphy, Town of Smithtown.

Option 2: Protect Our Sand Dunes

Help preserve our natural coastline by repurposing your tree for sand dune erosion protection at Smith Point County Park.

  • Preparation: Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and plastics from the tree.
  • Drop-Off Location: Smith Point County Park, East Booth, Shirley.
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.
  • Use: Trees will be placed along sand dunes to prevent erosion during high tides.
  • Contact: Call Smith Point County Park at 631-852-1340 for more information.

Additional Information:

Start the New Year with an eco-friendly tradition. Recycle your tree and make a positive impact today!

 

Gulbano Khan. Photo courtesy of Northwell Health

Northwell Health’s first baby of the New Year was born at 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Huntington Hospital. The little bundle of joy was born to parents Meryum Ali and Ashfaq Khan after almost ten hours of labor.

The baby girl weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces and measured 21 inches long. The parents from North Babylon were over the moon to learn their new addition rang in 2025 as the system’s first baby.

“We are so excited our baby is healthy, but this makes it just a little more special,” said Khan.

This is the couple’s second child. Newborn Gulbano Khan has a big brother waiting for her at home.

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Police car
Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. announced on Dec. 31 that Deputy Sheriffs will be increasing their DWI patrols for New Year’s Eve to ensure roadways remain safe as residents ring in the New Year. 

“Our Deputy Sheriffs continue to do an incredible job patrolling for impaired drivers. This year, they have surpassed the previous year’s DWI arrests—making many lifesaving arrests, including those under Leandra’s Law and incidents involving wrong-way drivers. They are closing the year strong with enhanced DWI enforcement during this critical time so we can all safely celebrate the holidays with friends and family,” said Sheriff Toulon.

The Sheriff’s Office DWI Enforcement Team has made a record number of DWI arrests this year with 209 arrests to date. Included in the arrests are 37 aggravated DWI charges (the defendant had a BAC of .18 or higher), 15 arrests involving drivers with prior DWI convictions, 2 wrong-way drivers, and 3 Leandra’s Law arrests.

Leandra’s Law (the Child Passenger Protection Act) is a NYS law making it an automatic felony on the first offense to drive drunk with a person 15 or younger inside the vehicle. The law was named after 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed on the Henry Hudson Parkway on October 11, 2009, when she was a passenger in a car driven by an intoxicated driver.
Additional arrests include 1 case under New York’s Under 21 Zero Tolerance law and 13 arrests for driving while impaired by drugs.

Photo courtesy of Urban Air Lake Grove

Urban Air Lake Grove indoor adventure park hosted a “New Year’s Eve at Noon” celebration and balloon drop to ring in the New Year on Dec. 31, thrilling the hundreds of kids and their parents who came out to ring in 2025 twelve hours early.

More than 2,000 multicolored balloons were released from a net more than 30 feet in the air, cascading down where kids hoisted them in the air like trophies and stomped them in a cacophony that sounded like firecrackers. Urban Air Lake Grove gave out hats and noisemakers to complete the festive atmosphere.

“Kids love it, and it’s a way for them to enjoy New Year’s without staying up until midnight,” said Keith Handler, Co-Founder of Urban Air Lake Grove. “It’s our second year doing it. It’s a really good time.”

This is the second year Urban Air Lake Grove has hosted the balloon drop. It celebrated its five year anniversary as Long Island’s tallest indoor adventure park earlier this year.

“We opened in 2019 and have been investing in the park ever since, with new mini go karts and virtual reality,” said Handler. “We love that we’re here and can give back to the community.”

About Urban Air Lake Grove

Urban Air Lake Grove is Long Island’s tallest indoor adventure park! Attractions include the Sky Rider, a zip-line style attraction with a winding track that carries young thrill-seekers flying along 30 feet in the air; a High Ropes obstacle course, Mini-Go Karts, Flash Pads jumping game, Spin Zone bumper cars, and a full set of rock-climbing walls, wall-to-wall trampoline adventures, and Urban Air’s exclusive Urban Warrior Course™ and Battle Beam.  Urban Air Lake Grove is located at 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove, NY 11755. Phone: (631) 861-4125. Follow Urban Air on Facebook and Instagram on @UrbanAirLakeGrove.

Smoked Salmon Rolls

Delicious, colorful and versatile, smoked salmon can make it easy to elevate your New Year’s Eve menu. Whether you are hosting family or a small group of friends, you can feel good about serving sustainable smoked salmon to your guests. Highlight smoked salmon at socially distanced gatherings with these recipes and tips from chef Nora Pouillon, a James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and her daughter, Blue Circle Foods product director Nina Damato.

Smoked Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Caper Filling

Smoked Salmon Rolls

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 ounces smoked salmon
  • olive oil
  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons small capers drained, plus additional for serving, divided (optional)
  • 1/2 medium red onion finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Layer smoked salmon slices on lightly oiled aluminum foil, overlapping slightly. Mix cream cheese with capers, onion and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place thick line of cream cheese mixture along long side of salmon. Roll up salmon carefully with help of aluminum foil, similar to sushi roll. Chill in refrigerator 2-3 hours or overnight to firm up roll. To serve, use sharp knife to slice salmon roll into 1/2-inch long pieces. Place rolls on serving plate and garnish with additional capers, if desired.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 English cucumber about 1 1/2 inches thick and 10 inches long
  • 1 medium tomato seeded and cut into tiny pieces
  • 1/4 cup scallions finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dill sprigs finely chopped, plus additional for serving (optional), divided
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 ounces Blue Circle Smoked Salmon chopped or pulsed
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Slice cucumber in half lengthwise and use spoon to scoop out seeds. If cucumber skin is too thick, peel before slicing, Gently mix tomato, scallions, 1 tablespoon dill, lemon juice and smoked salmon until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Fill cucumber halves with smoked salmon mixture. Slice cucumber boats into 1/2-3/4-inch pieces crosswise. To serve, place pieces on platter and garnish with additional dill, if desired.

To access more recipes and tips, visit bluecirclefoods.com.

Photo from Richard Knutson

The American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 Family of Port Jefferson Station along with Boy Scout Troop 377 of East Setauket recently sponsored and fed Veterans a Christmas Dinner Italian Style at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook. The meal was well received and very much appreciated.