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Hendel Wealth Management Group delivers food donations to Three Village schools and food pantry

by Press Release - December 20, 2021

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0-1 — From left, Jeffrey Hendel and Michael Ferrara, Three Village Dads Foundation

From left, Jeffrey Hendel and Michael Ferrara, Three Village Dads Foundation

Hendel Wealth Management Group, 95 Smithtown Blvd. , Smithtown recently delivered nearly $1,000 worth of food donations to the both the Three Village School District and Our Daily Bread food pantry at St. James RC Church in Setauket to support families in the local community suffering from food insecurity.

“Not only as a Long Island business-owner, but also as a member of the Three Village Dads Foundation, I understand importance of doing as much as possible to help the families in our neighborhoods,” said Jeffrey Hendel, President & CEO, Hendel Wealth Management Group and Sr. Financial Advisor, Raymond James Financial Services. “Our team is so proud to have the good fortune to be able to make a difference.”

To learn more about Hendel Wealth Management Group and its commitment to community outreach, please visit www.hendelwmg.com.

Holbrook girl raises $600 to donate toys to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital for the holidays

by Press Release - December 19, 2021

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One Long Island kid is helping put smiles on the faces of patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital this holiday season. It all started when 9-year-old Sydney O’Sullivan of Holbrook was treated for kidney stones over three emergency room stays beginning in the Summer of 2021. While at the hospital, one of Stony Brook’s child life specialists paid her a visit with a toy in hand. Getting the toy helped take her mind off being in the hospital and that inspired Sydney to want to help others in the children’s hospital feel the same way.

“Some kids have to be in the hospital for Christmas, so I thought of a way I could spread some holiday cheer,” says Sydney.

Together with her mom Karen, Sydney made some chocolate reindeer lollipops to sell to raise money towards a toy donation. After posting on social media, Sydney was able to sell over 200 lollipops and raise $600 to purchase nearly 50 toys to bring to kids at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

“I am so proud of her,” says Karen O’Sullivan, Sydney’s mother. “She came up with this idea all on her own and is helping a lot of children.”

Sydney donated a stretcher filled with toys to the children’s hospital on December 17.

Photos courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine

Kids Korner: December 17 to December 23, 2021

by Heidi Sutton - December 16, 2021

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Programs

Holiday Train Display

Historic Longwood Estate, Longwood Road & Smith Road, Ridge will present a beautiful holiday train display Dec. 17 and 18 and Dec. 26 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can play an “I Spy” game to find hidden items in the display. Free. Call 924-1820.

Take a bird to lunch

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Take. A Bird to Lunch, on Dec. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. With the cold months here, many birds have either been migrating south, or bulking up for the long winter ahead. You can help by providing them with a good meal! Using natural materials, you will make bird feeders to hang in your yard to give the migrating birds, as well as the year long residents an extra boost! $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054.

Gingerbread House Workshop

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket will host Gingerbread House Workshops for children ages 4 to 9 on Dec. 18 and 19 at 10 a.m. and again at 12:45 p.m. The two-hour workshop consists of several gingerbread activities that incorporate the spirit of the farm during the holidays. Each child will go home with a gingerbread home and many crafts made on the farm. $40 per child. Advance registration required by calling 689-8172 or by visiting www.bennersfarm.com.

Star Quest!

New! Calling brave explorers! The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor presents Star Quest! from Dec. 16 to 19 and Dec 26 to 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hunt for star constellations around the museum with a spyglass to navigate your journey, just like mariners at sea. Solve puzzles to find your reward — a glittery star lantern you can decorate in our workshop to light your way home. For ages 5 and older. Admission fee plus $10 participant. Call 367-3418 for further details.

Theater

‘Frozen Jr.’

Do you want to build a snowman? The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present Frozen Jr. from Nov. 20 to Jan. 17. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25. Call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

The holidays have arrived at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 20 to Dec. 26. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As Santa’s littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frosty’

Tis the season! The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Frosty from Nov. 21 to Jan. 2. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ebenezer Pierpot and an evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Dad, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Film

Polar Express screening

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host screenings of The Polar Express in the Chamber Train Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 18 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. $15 per person includes popcorn, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your tickets, visit www.pjstchamber.com.

Smithtown quilting club delivers blankets to seniors

by Press Release - December 16, 2021

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Smithtown residents belonging to the Senior Center’s Thursday Quilters club embraced the giving season with a heart-warming plan to spread tidings of joy to the Town’s wisest of residents.

The group of talented quilters handmade lap blankets, which were then delivered by the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department to eight center members who turned 100 or older this year. The quilts were stitched with love, and packaged with a holiday greeting card, wishing each recipient a happy birthday and holiday season.

Smithtown Senior Citizens Department employee Mae Inzone came up with the idea to present to the Thursday Quilters Club, which they happily embraced. The eight community members were deeply honored by the special delivery.

“The Senior Center is a very special place, where we all care for one another like family… which means celebrating all of life’s victories, big and small. I’d like to commend Mae Inzone for this very thoughtful idea as well as our talented members in the quilting group who devoted countless hours to making these timeless gifts, which will be treasured and enjoyed for years to come,” said Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizens Department Program Director.

Members of the Senior Center celebrating 100 years or more in 2021 include Mattie DiSpaltro (102), Fran Miller (101), Rita Maffe (100), Orlando Marotta (100), Janet DeVries (100), Lillian Guerriero (100), Mae Letsch (100) and Theresa Sanders (100).

“I’m deeply moved by this gesture given by the talented quilters and an incredible team at the Senior Center. I would like to formally wish our wisest and longest living residents a very happy birthday & hope for a memorable, healthy holiday season with good friends and family,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Seiskaya’s Nutcracker returns for the holidays

by Press Release - December 15, 2021

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The Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island, returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for a six-performance run from Dec. 16 to 19. This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.

Hailed as Long Island’s most lavish “Nutcracker,” the Seiskaya Ballet production of the classic holiday ballet is a truly international collaboration beginning with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most famous score. Sets and several costumes were designed by Poland’s Margaret Piotrowska whose highly respected work in Polish television and stage productions has garnered wide praise.

Directed by founder Joseph Forbes, scenery was executed by Scenic Art Studios which has been credited with painting over 300 Broadway shows. The imaginative and unusual sculptures utilized in the Seiskaya Ballet’s production were the brainchild of creative artist Matt Targon. Choreographed by celebrated Russian-born Valia Seiskaya, this acclaimed production is imbued with bravura dancing, energy and endearing charisma.

The cast will be led by BalletX standout, guest artist, Blake Krapels (Cavalier) plus Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning Principal Dancers Lara Caraiani, Kyra Allgaier, Rachel Bland and Maya Butkevich.

Performances will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 children and seniors and $30 for groups of 20 or more at the Staller Center Box Office at 631-632-ARTS and at www.nutcrackerballet.com. (Attended box office hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and two hours prior to all performances. Online seat selection is available for all shows.)

Harbor Country Day School donates over 200 toys during annual drive

by Press Release - December 15, 2021

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On Friday, December 10, Harbor Country Day School paid a visit to Long Island Elite Limousines in St. James to deliver more than 200 toys donated to the Suffolk County Toys for Tots program. The toys were donated by Harbor Country Day School families as part of the Student Council’s annual toy drive. Given the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, there was an even greater need for donations than usual.

Because visitors are not permitted to Harbor Country at this time, and due to social distancing requirements, both the result of COVID-19, this year’s toy drive looked different than in years past. Historically, Harbor Country Day School was a local drop off point in the community and donated toys were picked up by the Marine Corps. This year, Harbor students and faculty loaded toys onto the Harbor Country Day School bus to bring to Long Island Elite Limousines where they were subsequently delivered to Suffolk County Toys for Tots.

Harbor has contributed to the Toys for Tots drive since 1998, when former Harbor employee and former Marine Mike Guido instituted the program. Now retired from the school, Harbor continues this tradition begun by Mr. Guido.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the Toys for Tots drive and to work… on such a wonderful program,” said John Cissel, Head of School for Harbor Country Day School.

Tis’ the season: How to care for fresh holiday wreaths

by TBR Staff - December 14, 2021

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Majestic Christmas trees garner the lion’s share of the decorative fanfare when the holidays arrive. Trees may be the focal points of holiday decor, but the humble wreath adorning the front door is the first decoration guests are likely to see when visiting a home. Wreaths may need some care to maintain their beauty all month long. Here are some tips to help holiday wreaths last as long as possible.

Choose a wreath wisely

When shopping for a wreath, choose freshly cut greenery that you assemble yourself; otherwise, look for wreaths made from freshly cut boughs with their foliage intact. Make sure not too many needles or leaves are falling off. Heavily decorated, preassembled wreaths may be convenient, but ornaments can make it challenging to give the wreath the moisture it needs to survive.

Moisture/water

Access to moisture will help to keep the wreath fresh. While a Christmas tree trunk may sit inside of a stand filled with water, wreaths require a little ingenuity. According to the wreath and garland retailer Club Botanic, if you will not be hanging a freshly purchased wreath right away, keep it in a plastic liner in a cool, dark place to help it retain moisture. Just make sure you don’t seal that liner closed. Before hanging, lay the wreath in a couple of inches of water for about an hour or up to a day so that the cut stems can soak up water. Once the wreath is hanging on a door or elsewhere, spritz it with water every few days to prevent it from drying out.

Location, location, location

Where you hang the wreath is key to its longevity. Wreaths and garlands hung indoors likely won’t last as long as those hung outside, advises the floral retailer Bouqs.com. Evergreen boughs tend to require a colder climate to thrive, and indoor heat can prematurely zap moisture from the wreath. Using a humidifier indoors or misting the wreath may help. It’s probably best to hang fresh wreaths outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the greenery. Slightly shaded spots are best. If your front door is bathed in full sun for hours, hang an artificial wreath here instead of a fresh one.

Maintain airflow

Another factor that can affect the wreath’s longevity is an ample flow of oxygen. Wreaths tend to last much longer when kept on an outer door, indicates Harbor Farm in Ellsworth, ME. Wreaths sandwiched between a front door and a storm door will probably perish faster due to lack of oxygen.

Following these tips can help keep fresh wreaths as vibrant as the day they were brought home.

Pinelawn families adorn loved one’s memorials with environmentally-friendly holiday decorations

by Press Release - December 13, 2021

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Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum has created a special holiday program enabling families to have their loved one’s memorials adorned with environmentally-friendly holiday decorations, which are recycled and repurposed, at the end of the season, and turned into compost used to continue to nourish the various plantings throughout Pinelawn’s 500-acre property.

The decorations consist of a living evergreen base and are trimmed with assorted ornamental elements, and finished with a red velvet bow. Families have the option to select from a variety of decorative options for their loved ones’ final resting place, including blankets and sprays for plots, and evergreen wreaths, cones, and tree-shaped decorations for mausoleum locations. Families can purchase the evergreen decorations through Pinelawn, and have Pinelawn place them on their behalf. This program also helps families who wish to adorn their loved one’s memorials with vibrant holiday decorations when they are not able to place them themselves.

“We recognized that we were taking too much artificial material to the landfill at the end of each holiday season so we introduced this environmentally-friendly program in 2010,” said Justin Locke, Pinelawn’s President. “This allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint and be more conscious of the environment. At the end of the season, we remove any artificial components then chip and compost the decorations. The compost is regularly turned over to facilitate the process and create mulch that is used to enrich flowering beds and newly planted trees.”

“Following in the footsteps of our founders, we are always looking to be good stewards to the environment and help educate the community throughout the year,” continued Locke. “Our families very much appreciate the holiday program which not only allows them to pay tribute to their loved ones during the holiday season but also helps the environment where their loved ones are laid to rest.”

Pinelawn’s holiday program began the day after Thanksgiving and continues through mid-January. Once the holiday season is over, Pinelawn’s team collects the holiday decorations, which are composted and spread throughout the 500-acre property both in the planting beds and also when planting or transplanting trees.

For more information about Pinelawn’s environmentally-friendly holiday program, including regulations regarding placement, and to select and purchase decorations, visit www.pinelawn.com or this link.

Proceeds from the sale of Pinelawn’s holiday decorations go to the Pinelawn Maintenance Fund, which helps provide support in the care of Pinelawn’s magnificent 500-acre grounds and arboretum. Recently awarded Level II status from the International Arboretum Accreditation Program, ArbNet, the Pinelawn Arboretum is maintained by a full-time gardening staff, including a certified arborist, to ensure spectacular park-like grounds.

Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, located in Farmingdale, New York, is a non-sectarian cemetery prided on creating and maintaining a beautiful and serene environment where families can find tranquility and comfort. Its open and expansive landscape features hundreds of acres of manicured grounds, unique architecture, flowing bronze fountains, and flower-lined walks. Its beautiful memorial gardens offer all who visit, scenic beauty where they can reflect upon their loved ones in peace. For more information on Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, or to schedule a tour of the property, visit www.pinelawn.com or call 631-249-6100.

Recipe for the holidays: Allergy friendly sugar cookies

by Press Release - December 13, 2021

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Allergy Free Sugar Cookies. Photo from Stop & Shop

Allergy Friendly Sugar Cookies

Are you looking for the perfect holiday cookie recipe that can be made allergy free? Look no further than these delicious allergy friendly sugar cookies, courtesy of Stop & Shop!

YIELD: Makes 36 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

2 sticks plant-based buttery sticks (1 cup), softened

1 cup granulated sugar

5 tablespoons oat milk, divided

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Assorted food gels

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

In large bowl, with mixer on medium speed, beat buttery sticks and granulated sugar 3 minutes or until fluffy, scraping down bowl occasionally. Add 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract; beat 2 minutes or until incorporated, scraping down bowl occasionally. Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt; beat 1 minute or until just incorporated.
Transfer dough to work surface; divide into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece to 1/4-inch thick between 2 sheets parchment paper; stack dough on rimmed baking pan and freeze 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°; line 3 rimmed baking pans with parchment paper. Place chilled dough on work surface; remove parchment paper. With winter-themed cookie cutters, carefully cut out cookies; transfer cookies to 2 prepared pans, 2 inches apart. Bake cookies 10 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned, rotating pans halfway through baking; cool cookies on pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Gather dough scraps, roll out between 2 sheets parchment paper and freeze 30 minutes; cut out and bake cookies on remaining prepared pan as directed above. Makes about 36 cookies.
In medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, cream of tartar and remaining 2 tablespoons milk. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.
Divide icing into smaller bowls; add color gels to create desired colors. Transfer icing to piping bags with small round tips.
In small microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips in microwave oven on high 1 minute or until melted, stirring every 20 seconds; stir in oil. Transfer chocolate mixture to piping bag; snip tip of piping bag with kitchen scissors to make small hole.
Decorate cookies with desired icing colors, chocolate and sprinkles, if desired; let dry at room temperature 6 hours or up to overnight. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Town of Brookhaven INTERFACE Toy Drive underway

by Press Release - December 12, 2021

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Document — Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Donated toys surround a holiday tree at Town Hall. Photo from TOB

On December 6, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilman Neil Foley visited the “North Pole” at the Town of Brookhaven’s INTERFACE Program headquarters in Patchogue to accept gift donations from NY State Senator Alexis Weik. The Senator collected dozens of toys in her district to help needy families have a happy holiday season. The “North Pole” facility is used to store and distribute toys donated during the Town’s INTERFACE Toy Drive. Pictured left to right are Supervisor Ed Romaine; INTERFACE Coordinator Josephine Lunde; Senator Alexis Weik and Councilman Neil Foley.

The INTERFACE Toy Drive is sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau. Through raising donations, they will provide presents for thousands of children in need, ranging in age from infant to 15 years of age. Donations can be dropped off at the following Town locations now through December 17:

Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville
Brookhaven Highway Department, 1140 Old Town Road in Coram
New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Road in Centereach
Brookhaven Calabro Airport, 135 Dawn Drive in Shirley
Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A in Mount Sinai
Moriches Bay Recreation Center, 313 Frowein Road in Center Moriches
Brookhaven Town Parks & Recreation, 286 Hawkins Road in Centereach
Brookhaven Town Vehicle Control, 550 North Ocean Avenue in Patchogue

For more information, please call the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau at 631-451-8044 or visit the Town website.

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