CLOSE
Holidays

by -
0 928
Pexels photo

By Matthew Kearns, DVM

Dr. Matthew Kearns

The winter holidays. Time to enjoy family and friends, eat good food, drink good drink, and celebrate. The holidays also present potential hazards for our pets. Here is a  short list of potential holiday hazards.

Candy and Chocolate Poisoning: First, chocolate contains two chemicals (caffeine and theobromine) which are powerful stimulants. Mild symptoms usually begin within 6-12 hours after ingestion and include panting, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination. Severe cases include irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, and death. There are specific toxic levels for all pets but just like people some dogs and cats can be very sensitive to chocolate and show signs of poisoning from much lesser amounts.  

Second, chocolate is very high in sugar and fat. Minimally, this will give your pet a tummy ache but I have personally seen a few cases of serious gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, liver disease from ingestion of chocolate.

Macadamia Nuts: The exact portion of the nut that is toxic to dogs is unknown at this time but veterinary toxicologists (poison experts) suspect that it has to do with something in the oil. Signs include tremors, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms. Be careful about leaving macadamia nuts or nut mixes with macadamia nuts in them within the reach of your dogs.

Medications: Both prescription and over the counter medications can do great harm to our pets. A single ibuprofen or acetaminophen tablet could be potentially fatal to a small dog or cat and could cause serious illness even in a larger dog.

Poisonous Plants: Winter Lillies, Poinsettas, Mistletoe, Holly, and other seasonal plants can lead to an upset stomach in some cases, but in others can potentially cause irregular heart rhythms, kidney failure, ulcers of the mouth, etc. Best to keep these plants away from your pets or consider not decorating your house with them if you are concerned that your pet may chew or ingest them. 

Hazards Around the Christmas Tree: Christmas tree water can contain fertilizers or other chemicals can make your pet severely ill if ingested. Electric cords, tinsel, ribbons, glass ornaments, etc should either be secured away from curious pets or possibly removed to prevent electrocution, intestinal obstructions, or other internal organ damage.

Alcohol and Old (spoiled) Food: Curious pets will take advantage of a late-night party and get into these items after you go to bed. Make sure to clean up so that you do not have to worry about your pet ingesting leftover cocktails and treats that may have mold or bacteria growing on it.

Yeast Dough: The same yeast that helps the dough to rise can lead to problems in our pets. The yeast itself is potentially poisonous and the dough can continue to rise in the pet’s stomach causing painful and potentially harmful consequences.

If you know of a poisonous exposure or potential poisonous exposure call the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) at (888) 426-4435. This hotline is staffed with experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season, as well as a prosperous 2023. I also want to thank Heidi Sutton and all the staff at Times Beacon Record News Media and affiliates for another great year.  

Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine.

by -
0 257
Tender Years Treasury event on Dec. 3, 2022. Photo from Town of Smithtown

On Saturday, December 3rd, the Town of Smithtown Recreation, Senior Citizens and Youth Bureau Departments hosted a packed house for the annual Tender Years Treasury. Well over 120 young residents independently shopped for holiday gifts at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. All of the gifts were priced at $5 or less, and handcrafted by approximately 35 Smithtown resident vendors, over the age of 60.

“I am so deeply grateful for the talented artists and crafters, our team at the Senior Citizens Center, the Recreation Department, and student volunteers organized by our incredible Youth Bureau. They really outdid themselves this year. This is always such a special occasion. It is truly remarkable to witness so many generations of Smithtown residents come together to experience the giving season, bringing joy and building memories to countless local families,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Approximately 25 student volunteers, organized by the Smithtown Youth Bureau Department chaperoned children so that they may independently pick out holiday gifts for family and friends. The Recreation Department and the Senior Citizens Center team organized the entire event, which included an upscale boutique, cookie decorating station, holiday crafts, a homemade quilt raffle, balloon sculptures, free gift wrapping and refreshments, courtesy of the PTA. Adults had the option of enjoying some rest and relaxation in a waiting area while kids independently choose their holiday gift. Additionally, children were able to drop off letters to Santa Claus, to receive a return letter from the North Pole.

The Senior Center’s Monday Needlecraft club, donated a surplus of handmade hats, bags, and scarfs to Saint Vincent de Paul/St. Joseph’s Church – Food Distribution Center in Kings Park for families in need. An additional two bags loaded with handmade needlecraft hats and scarfs were donated to a staffer to distribute to Smithtown parishioners in need. The Tender Years Treasury is an annual event for Smithtown children, grades K-5, to independently shop for handcrafted gifts made by local senior citizens during the holidays.

To learn more about events and programing at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, call 631-360-7616 or visit the Town of Smithtown Website at SmithtownNY.gov.

by -
0 228
The Jazz Loft will be taking music on the road to the Smith Haven Mall on December 10. Photo from The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft is taking it on the road on December 10 with a performance of holiday favorites at the Smith Haven Mall’s Center Court in Lake Grove from 2 to 4 p.m. Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, Steve Salerno and Dean Johnson will be providing some jazzy holiday classics for shoppers. The performance is part of the Jazz Loft outreach mission called the Dispatch Series, which brings music out into the community. The concert is FREE!

Check out the Jazz Loft’s holiday concerts throughout December below.

Bad Little Big Band’s Holiday Show

December 8 at 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft presents the Bad Little Big Band’s Holiday Show, a 12-piece band, directed by composer, arranger and pianist Rich Iacona, featuring vocalist Madeline Kole.

 

 Ray Anderson’s Seasonal Solstice Party

December 9 at 7 p.m.

What better way to mark the longest hours of darkness and the rebirth of the sun, than to experience the powerful energy of Jazz with Ray Anderson’s Seasonal Solstice Party at The Jazz Loft, with Ray Anderson, trombone, vocals, sousaphone; Mark Helias on bass; Jeremy Carlstedt on drums and Steve Salerno on guitar.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra Family Show

December 10 at 1 p.m.

17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary Henderson, trumpet is a Jazz Loft tradition. This is a wonderful concert to introduce live jazz to children and grandchildren. It’s a holiday family affair! $

 

Egg Nog Romp

December 10, 7 p.m.

It’s The Jazz Loft’s traditional Egg Nog Romp program featuring the Loft’s six-piece band led by Tom Manuel. This special Saturday show makes it the perfect break from the holiday rush. The Jazz Loft’s legendary homemade egg nog will be available, as well as the usual beverages..

Nutcracker Holiday Show

December 15, 16 & 17 at 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals.

Jazz Nativity

December 18 at 6 p.m.

Candlelight jazz nativity service featuring the Biblical Christmas story with Jazz sextet and featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano opera Susanna Phillips. This performance will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators who will share the classic biblical Christmas story. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.

December 22 at 7 p.m.

Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party

Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts.

Tickets for these concerts can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets. The Jazz Loft is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and performance of the American born art form of jazz through the art of collaboration, located at 275 Christian Avenue, Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895.

by -
0 276
Photo courtesy of LIGMC

Gather ‘round the fire with the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus (LIGMC) this holiday season for “A Visit from St. Nick and a Rockin’ Holiday!”

During concerts set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket, and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington, LIGMC will be serving yuletide storytime realness as it presents a wide-spanning musical revue of favorites and a fabulous glitter-flecked musical retelling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 

“Since September, this merry band of choristers has been making our lists and checking them twice as we prepare to bring you a musical celebration of the most wonderful time of the year,” Bradley Meek, President of the LIGMC Board of Directors, said. “We hope that you’ll be able to join us for the concerts that we crafted with the hopeful, joyous and sparkling spirit of the season in mind.”

It’s been a busy season for LIGMC, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary this spring. On Saturday, Nov. 5, LIGMC commemorated the 100th anniversary of LGBTQ icon Judy Garland’s birth with its “Over the Rainbow – Songs of Pride, Rainbows and Judy Garland” cabaret at the Sayville VFW Post 433. Following the conclusion of its concert series, LIGMC members are set to have a Manhattan encore on Tuesday, Dec. 13 when they are scheduled to perform selections from the concert at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel.

“Not only is it always a joy to work with such an enthusiastic and committed group of singers, it’s especially rewarding to see our Chorus has continued to grow larger and stronger since we began performing again last winter,” LIGMC Artistic Director Jeanette Cooper said. “If you’ve never seen LIGMC perform, ‘A Visit from St. Nick and a Rockin’ Holiday’ is a great time to experience the eclectic and jubilant spirit that makes this group so special!”

Tickets are $25 and are available for purchase at the door or online at http://www.ligmc.org/concerts.

About the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus (LIGMC)

The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus is a voluntary, not-for-profit, community-based organization that provides diverse audiences with high-quality choral performances and musical experiences. LIGMC uses music to unite the LGBTQ community, fight prejudice and discrimination, affirm the contributions of the LGBTQ community to the region’s cultural life.

by -
0 385
Gerald Dickens

UPDATE on Dec. 5 — This event has been canceled with no immediate plans to reschedule.

Read post from Gerald Dickens here.

By Melissa Arnold

When it comes to Christmas shows, there is perhaps none more iconic or beloved than A Christmas Carol. Since its publication in 1843, Charles Dickens’ famous novella has inspired dozens of theatrical and film adaptations, many with cult followings.

Whether your favorite Scrooge is George C. Scott, Michael Caine or Scrooge McDuck, a one-of-a-kind performance in Huntington next week may just top them all.

On Dec. 5, the Cinema Arts Centre (CAC) in Huntington will welcome British actor and producer Gerald Charles Dickens for a live, one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol.” Gerald is the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, and his fascination with the author’s life and works led him to create something of his own.

Gerald will portray nearly 30 individual characters as the story unfolds with a touch of humor and deep emotional connection to the man behind the words.

The performance comes in the midst of the center’s Vic Skolnick Life of Our Cinema Campaign, an annual fundraising effort to support programming for the coming year, said Nate Close, CAC’s director of marketing and communications. He added that they like to host events during the fundraiser that are intriguing and fun for a broad audience to enjoy. “It’s always great to see theater performed live, especially when we typically broadcast theatrical performances on-screen here. The theater seats around 190 people, so it will be an intimate performance and we’re expecting a great turnout.”

CAC board member Jude Schanzer said that A Christmas Carol is the perfect holiday classic to set the season’s purpose of generosity, kindness, and goodwill.

“While it is true that Gerald is the great-great grandson  of Charles Dickens, it is his acting skills that make him extraordinary. His command of his voice and movements create unforgettable and completely distinguishable characters from Scrooge to Tiny Tim, all with minimal props,” said Schanzer. 

“How often are you afforded the added perk of having a brush with history? Gerald is passionate about his work as an actor and in portraying characters with whom he has a unique bond. He is also generous with his time and spirit and readily answers audience questions after every performance,” she said.

Copies of Gerald’s new book Dickens and Staplehurst: A Biography of a Rail Crash will also be available at the event. The book examines a deadly rail crash in 1865 and the subsequent investigation. Charles Dickens survived the crash and was profoundly affected by the events of that day. Gerald digs into Charles’ private life and professional motivations before and after the crash.

See A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington. Tickets to the performance are $30 per person, $25 for CAC members. Tickets to the performance plus a copy of the book are $45, $40 for CAC members. For To order, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org or call 631-423-7610. 

Learn more about Gerald Charles Dickens at www.geralddickens.com.

by -
0 391

In the spirit of the season, a Holiday Toy and Gift Drive will be held at Infant Jesus Church food pantry, 110 Hawkins St., Port Jefferson on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. The community is asked to drop off unwrapped toys for children ages 3 to 13, such as soccer balls, dolls, Barbies, Legos, basketballs, Paw Patrol, board games, remote controlled cars, etc. Unwrapped gifts for children ages 14 to 18 such as lotions, hair accessories, hats, gloves, socks, toiletries, men’s cologne and gift cards are also welcomed. Sponsored by “Call-Brian” Senior Services.

by -
0 571
Baking ingredients. METRO photo

Baking during the holidays is a great way to bring family and friends together. Whether you’re trying out a new recipe or following old traditions, there are plenty of ways to elevate your holiday baking! Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dalina Soto shares some better baking tips below that every host needs to know this holiday season.

1. Keep Your Workspace Clean and Organized

Before you begin baking your holiday creations, make sure to clean your workspace to avoid any cross-contamination. Having an organized workspace can also shorten your time spent baking, from prep to plating. By arranging all ingredients before you begin baking, everything will be within reach right when you need it.

2. Test Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Believe it or not, your baking powder and baking soda do have a shelf life! If they are expired, you won’t get the typical rise and lift on your baked goods. To test for freshness, pour a teaspoon of baking powder into a cup of hot water and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda into two tablespoons of vinegar. If both mixtures bubble, let the baking commence!

3. Reduce Oil Measurements

Oil is a common ingredient in baking as it ensures your baked goods will be moist, soft and delicious! However, there are ways to reduce the fat content without taking away from the integrity of your recipe. Soto recommends using plain yogurt or fruit purees such as applesauce and mashed bananas as a replacement. Making this simple change can lessen the amount of saturated fat in your recipes and will be just as delicious!

4. Practice a Healthy Balance

During the holidays, there’s an abundance of sweet treats and delicious foods. While you should enjoy these foods with friends and family, try to maintain balance by drinking enough water to stay hydrated and incorporate fiber and nutrition with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.

5. Use High-Quality Ingredients

To elevate your holiday baking creations even more, Soto stresses the importance of using high-quality ingredients, like Eggland’s Best eggs, to ensure your meals are delicious and nutritious. Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which helps to support a balanced diet even during the holidays. They also contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, to keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout all your seasonal activities.

by -
0 410
Photo courtesy Kevin Wood

The Port Jefferson Business Improvement District held a tree-lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 1.

The tree was purchased by the Business Improvement District with the full support of the village government, according to Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden. Santa Claus lit the tree during the event after a countdown from those in attendance. 

The night was festive with a snowmaker, hot chocolate from Starbucks, and candy canes from Roger’s Frigate. Those involved in the planning and lighting of the tree expressed enthusiasm for adding this new holiday staple to Port Jefferson.

Photo courtesy Kevin Wood

by -
0 347
Photo from Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor has announced it will host new “Holiday Walking Tours” this December.

These educator-led tours through historic Cold Spring Harbor village will explore Victorian seasonal traditions in the 19th century. Participants will learn about how local homes and businesses celebrated holidays in December.

Photo from Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

Hot chocolate will be served inside the museum’s workshop at the start of the tour while participants arrive. The tour starts on the pavement outside of the museum.

“The Whaling Museum’s themed walking tours have become quite a hit. Our Harbor Haunts tours, offered in October, sell out every year. With the introduction of new tours each season, we aim to engage our community and our visitors in history through fun and familiar frameworks. Our education team is excited about the new stories we get to share with this new holiday tour. We look forward to offering a space to gather and spend time outside this December,” said Nomi Dayan, Executive Director of The Whaling Museum.

Tours are approximately 45-60 minutes and end at the harbor. All ages are welcome to attend.

Spaces are limited and registration takes place online at cshwhalingmuseum.org/walking-tours. The “Holiday Walking Tours” are $15 per participant / $10 for members. Dates: Dec. 10 & 11, 17 & 18 | 3 & 5pm and Dec. 30 at 4:30 pm. For more information, call 631-367-3418 or visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

by -
0 258
Stacy Davidson

Calling all Santa’s and Hanukkah Harry’s or those who just want to help make a difference this holiday season! For over fifteen years, Stacy from Stacy’s Finds/Pattern Finders in Port Jefferson has helped bring magic to underprivileged children in the area, supplying the children with toys and clothing needs. This year Stacy has teamed up with Melissa who runs Give Kids Hope in Port Jefferson. The agency is part of a group of everyday people that answer the clothing needs and toy requests of 1,500 of Long Island’s less fortunate children. 

Melissa at Give Kids Hope has the children’s requested clothing sizes, requirements, and toy requests. You can purchase one item, or fulfill the needs of a child’s entire clothing and toy wish list. Or, adopt a whole family! You may drop off any children’s new clothing and new toys or gift cards for donations at the shop Stacy’s Finds/Pattern Finders at 128 East Main Street Port Jefferson, Thursday through Sundays. For more information, call Melissa at Give Kids Hope 631-538 5287 or Stacy at 631-928-5158.

Prev1...414243...103Next Page 42 of 103
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©