Home Holidays

Destination: North Pole — Letters collected for Santa during Miller Place event

by Heidi Sutton - December 12, 2021

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The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society hosted its annual Visit with Mailman Mark event on the grounds of the historic 1720 William Miller House on Dec. 5.

Children eagerly lined up in front of the building that once served as the area’s original post office to greet Mailman Mark and give him their letter to Santa who promised that they would all receive letters back from the North Pole before Christmas.

The well-attended event also featured a vintage fire truck complete with a Dalmatian mascot named Sparky, holiday crafts, story time, raffle baskets and delicious holiday cookies.

Proceeds from the event will be used for the preservation and restoration of the William Miller House, the oldest home in Miller Place.

— All photos by Heidi Sutton

Cayla’s Column: A holiday party for wildlife

by Cayla Rosenhagen - December 10, 2021

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By Cayla Rosenhagen

What do you get when you combine a fun, learning experience full of incredible creatures with a festive, homemade craft fair? Magic and fun for the whole family!

The festival took place at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown on December 4. I arrived with my family a little after dusk, eager to see the rescue animals and browse the tents full of artwork and handicrafts. Vendors’ booths were spread out across the lawn, sparkling with colorful fairy lights and candles, and decked with festive garlands.

Smiling festival-goers walked around sipping hot chocolate, visiting the shops, and meeting the ambassador animals, accompanied by friendly and knowledgeable Sweetbriar volunteers. The upbeat music of local ska and pop-punk cover band Crisis Crayons contributed to the cheerful atmosphere.

Many of the vendors I met with sold nature-related goods and artwork. For instance, Audra Donroe is an art teacher and creator from Northport. Her vibrant and stunning display of work ranged from original artwork and prints to postcards and ornaments utilizing natural imagery such as owls and plant life. She grew up coming to Sweetbriar and has been vending for 4 years. “Any chance I have to bring awareness and support to Sweetbriar, I gladly do it,” she says.

I also visited a booth selling organic, homemade elderberry syrup. It was run by the business’s founders, Connor and Tommy, aged 7 and 9, and their parents. I spoke with their mother, Michelle Biddle, who explained that elderberry is a natural remedy for cold and allergy symptoms.

Other vendors included Once Upon A Favor, who were selling irresistibly aromatic bath bombs, soaps, and candles, and Beast Makers, who sold one-of-a-kind jewelry and occult items made out of ethically sourced animal bones and antlers.

Throughout the event, volunteers from the Center gave presentations about some of the animals who are permanent residents there. Guests met Opal the Virginia Opossum, Seven of Nine the Barred Owl, Stitch the Red-tailed Hawk, Nebula the Barn Owl, and more. Sweetbriar provides care for over 100 animals. For many of them, Sweetbriar is their forever home as they cannot be released back into the wild due to their injuries.

According to Sweetbriar’s program coordinator, Veronica Sayers, the Holiday Party is an annual event that has taken place for around 40 years. Veronica explained that vendors pay a fee to take part in the event, and the proceeds go towards food and other vital resources for the animals Sweetbriar rehabilitates and cares for.

The event itself was free for visitors, although donations were appreciated. If you are interested in donating to help support the Center’s work and the animals in their care, please see their website for more details on how to do so. Other ways to show your support include spreading the word about Sweetbriar and attending their upcoming events. These include the Owl Prowl on December 9, weekly yoga classes, and the Superheroes of the Sky raptor event on January 1st.

Come visit Sweetbriar and be mesmerized by the incredible animals yourself! The Nature Center and Preserve at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call 631-979-6344 or visit sweetbriarnc.org.

Cayla Rosenhagen is a local high school student who enjoys capturing the unique charm of the community through photography and journalism. She serves on the board of directors for the Four Harbors Audubon Society and Brookhaven’s Youth Board, and is the founder and coordinator of Beach Bucket Brigade, a community outreach program dedicated to environmental awareness, engagement, and education. She is also an avid birder, hiker, and artist who is concurrently enrolled in college, pursuing a degree in teaching.

Poetry reading held at 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival

by Press Release - December 10, 2021

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Dickens Festival Ms.Consalvo and Elayna Jacobs — Teacher Monica Consalvo with Elayna Jacobs

A DICKENS TRADITION

Four Port Jefferson Middle School students shared a unique spotlight when they read their poetry to the many spectators during the 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson on Dec. 3. Accompanied by teacher Monica Consalvo, sixth grader Elayna Jacobs, seventh graders Deia Colosi and Julie Friedman and eighth grader Gianna Viviano shared their winter-inspired poems during the special evening lantern dedication that served as a backdrop to the Village’s transformation to the Dickensian era, with streets filled with roaming characters including Dickens Mayor, Father Christmas, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps

Winter

By Elayna Jacobs, Grade 6

Winter is every child’s dream.

As snowflakes glisten in the distance,

children play in the snow.

Snowmen are built.

Childhood wonder sparkles.

Year after year the remembrance of this winter day.

Family

By Julie Friedman, Grade 7

Families coming together joyfully

Everyone walking peacefully

Smiles and laughs are contagious

Being sad seeming outrageous

The act of giving and love being expressed

Everyone feeling fortunate and blessed

Although a piece of the puzzle may be missing for some

Don’t let that stop you from living and having fun

Your loved one’s memory is still in your heart

And always know they will never be to far apart

So let’s be happy of the memories you guys have shared

Feeling joy and peace and never feeling scared

During the holiday season, think of our loved ones that are no longer here.

Winter Sights

Deia Colosi, Grade 7

Spring’s blooming buds-

Summer’s fiery sun-

Fall’s vivid, pictorial colors-

But none can compare

To winter’s shining frost,

Sparkling in the morning sun.

‘Tis an amazing sight to see

Icicles glinting in every tree

And frosted fields of white

Whose shine does not compare

The rolling plains of endless white

With the occasional spark of light,

As far as the eye can see.

Ah! ‘Tis beauty in its purest form.

A season of wondering and wandering,

Moonlit and cold,

Remote, yet beautiful still.

A season of starlight.

Draped in a mantle of cold and frosted stars

This season

Of winter.

Nona’s Kitchen

By Gianna Viviano, Grade 8

Walking into Nona’s kitchen on Christmas Eve is like entering a new world

New sights by the second are being unfurled

The pots and pans are everywhere, some boiling to the top,

Uncle Joe is picking at the olives and Nona scolds him to stop.

The smell of sauce, lemon, and garlic fill the air.

Our tummies grumble and from the tray more rice balls disappear

Flavor explodes on our tongues and we crave more

We get caught red-handed and shooed out the door.

Little cousins run around, as the parents jump out of their way

Aunts and uncles reliving their childhood Christmas days

Nona pulls the octopus out of the pot and scares me half to death.

We start laughing and I can’t catch my breath

The final timer goes off, and the symphony of chaos comes to a rest

Now it’s time for dinner, the very very best

From babies to 80s we sit together at the long table

We think about how Christmas all started in a stable

Pop says the blessing, and we thank God for this day,

We finally begin eating when we hear Nona Say,

“Tutti A Tavola Di Mangiare”

Santa Claus visits historic Longwood Estate

by Press Release - December 9, 2021

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On Dec. 4, Town of Brookhaven Councilman Michael Loguercio was at historic Longwood Estate in Ridge to welcome Santa Claus to the Town’s annual “Santa, Trains, Old Fashion Sleigh Ride and Hot Cocoa” celebration. The traditional holiday event included a meet and greet with Santa for the children and their families, along with a holiday trains display, sleigh rides, popcorn and chestnuts that were “roasted on an open fire.” Hundreds of children and their families attended the celebration as Santa accepted the handwritten letters from each of the kids who took the time to share what they wanted for Christmas this year. Santa arrived in a Ridge Fire Department Fire Police Van driven by his favorite Elf, Councilman Loguercio. Mrs. Claus was in attendance, along with three more of Santa’s elves.

Pictured left to right are Councilman Loguercio; Longwood High School student, Brianna Colon; Santa Claus; Longwood High School student Karah Molloy; Mrs. Claus and Councilman Loguercio’s Chief of Staff, Victoria Molloy.

“I am always honored to host events that provide children and their families some old fashion family fun. As a special helper elf to Santa, the overwhelming happiness of the kids that day really make this so worthwhile year after year. Thank you to Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the other elves that took the day to help Santa and thank you to all the amazing men and women in our Parks Department for all their help in the preparation of this day,” said Councilman Loguercio.

Photos from Town of Brookhaven

Kids Korner: December 9 to December 16, 2021

by Heidi Sutton - December 9, 2021

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Theatre Three BARNABY SAVES CHRISTMAS clockwise Josie McSwane, Steven Uihlein, Katie Lemmen, Dana Bush — Clockwise from left, Josie McSwane, Steven Uihlein, Katie Lemmen, Dana Bush. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions Inc.

Programs

Owl Prowl

Visit Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown on Dec. 9 for an Owl Prowl from 6 to 8 p.m. to meet and learn about some of their resident owls. Embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and maybe call in an owl or two. Dress warmly, and bring a flashlight. Open to families with children ages 5y and up. Tickets are $15. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org or call 979-6344.

Snowflakes!

Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a children’s program for ages 3 to 5 titled Snowflakes! on Dec. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their parents with explore nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventures. For more information, call 581-1072.

Star Quest!

New! Calling brave explorers! The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor presents Star Quest! from Dec. 11 to 31 Thursday to Sundays 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.

Children’s Holiday Party

Celebrate St. James will host a Children’s Holiday Party at the St. James Community Culture Arts Center, 176 Second St.. St. James on Dec. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a Holiday Hoopla Puppet Show, a holiday craft and pictures with Santa. Recommended for ages 4 to 8. $10 per child with an adult, $5 each additional child in the family. Register online at www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.

Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket hosts a children’s workshop, Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts, on Dec. 12 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. Create your very own cocoa cups, make a snowy time marshmallow craft, take a tour of the farm, and enjoy seasonal stories by the warm fire. For ages 4 to 9. $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Holiday Train Display

Historic Longwood Estate, Longwood Road & Smith Road, Ridge will present a beautiful holiday train display Dec. 12 to 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.

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 Fridays, Dec. 10 and 17 at 6 p.m. and Saturdays, Dec. 11 and 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.

Cooking Cove: Utilize candy canes to create holiday confections

by Barbara Beltrami - December 9, 2021

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By Barbara Beltrami

The candy cane, that red and white Christmas phenomenon, as emblematic of the holiday as Santa and his reindeer or bauble-festooned evergreens, is one of my favorite ingredients when creating holiday confections. Its cool peppermint flavor echoes the air outside and its sweetness appeals to kids and grownups alike. Candy cane meringue kisses and fingerprint cookies make lovely treats for wrapping up as gifts or swapping at cookie exchanges while a candy cane cheesecake with a chocolate crust combines three winning flavors in one beautiful dessert. So go ahead, swipe a few candy canes from the tree and start baking.

Candy Cane Meringue Kisses

YIELD: Makes about 3 dozen

INGREDIENTS:

2 large egg whites at room temperature

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/8 teaspoon fine salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 candy canes, finely crushed

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 225 F. Line baking sheets with parchment. Put egg whites in large bowl and add cream of tartar and salt; beat until foamy. Add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition; continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Transfer mixture to piping bag and pipe 1 1/2” cookies 2 “ apart onto parchment; sprinkle evenly with crushed candy canes and bake 1 1/2 to 2 hours until firm but not brown; transfer to wire racks to cool; store in airtight container. Serve with peppermint tea or hot chocolate.

Candy Cane Fingerprint Cookies

YIELD: Makes about 4 dozen

INGREDIENTS:

48 candy cane kisses

4 – 5 candy canes, finely crushed

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 large egg at room temperature

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS: Place candy kisses in a covered container and freeze for at least one hour. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment. In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in egg, milk and vanilla. In another large bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into other mixture. Shape into one-inch balls and roll each one in crushed candy canes; place two inches apart on parchment and bake 10 to 12 minutes, until bottoms are golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately make an indentation with your finger and press a candy cane kiss into center of each cookie. Transfer to wire racks. Serve with egg nog or Irish coffee.

Candy Cane Cheesecake

YIELD: Makes 12 to 16 servings

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups crumbled chocolate wafers

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Six 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

1 1/3 cups sugar

1 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

10 ounces chocolate chips

12 ounces heavy cream, whipped

4 candy canes, crushed

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a 9” springform pan, then tightly wrap the outside with two layers of aluminum foil. In a small bowl combine chocolate wafers and melted butter and press mixture into bottom and one inch up sides of pan; set on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes, until set; cool on wire rack.

In a large bowl beat 5 of the packages of cream cheese with one cup of the sugar until smooth; beat in sour cream, flour and extracts; add eggs and beat on low speed just until combined; fold in chocolate chips, then pour mixture into chocolate crust. Place pan in roasting pan to which one inch hot water has been added. Bake 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until center is set and top is no longer shiny. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes; run knife around edge to loosen cake, then cool one hour longer; refrigerate overnight, then remove sides of pan.

For the topping, beat together remaining 8 ounces cream cheese and one-third cup sugar until smooth; fold in whipped cream and 3/4 of the crushed candy canes. Spread mixture over top of cake; sprinkle remaining candy canes on top. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with peppermint schnapps.

Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns Dec. 12

by Heidi Sutton - December 9, 2021

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It’s back!!! The Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 25th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, this year’s Grand Marshal will be David Prestia. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. with music and performances by Ward Melville High School Students and Shine Dance Studio with complementary cookies, hot chocolate, candy canes and glow sticks. Visit 3Vholidayparade.com for further information.

Staller Center’s Instrument Petting Zoo visits Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

by Press Release - December 9, 2021

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On Dec. 3, musicians from the Stony Brook Music Department’s Instrument Petting Zoo caroled throughout the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital spreading holiday cheer and joy to the children, families and staff, thanks to funding provided by Island Federal.

The Staller Center’s Instrument Petting Zoo is a program which helps the Staller Center for the Arts reach out to the community and share live interactive musical experiences for young people.

“To be able to spend time at the Children’s Hospital and see the smiles on the kids faces and the tears of joy in the parents eyes as the musicians performed holiday music was emotional, but we’re so happy we were able to come together and collaborate in this way,” said Paul Newland, the Staller Center’s Outreach Director. “We are grateful to Island Federal who helped provide the support for this initiative and we’re already planning more musical visits.”

Album Review: ‘Say It Ain’t Snow!’

by Jeffrey Sanzel - December 9, 2021

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Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Matt Hoffman’s debut album, The Start of Something Big, featured jazz and pop standards including “When You’re Smiling,” “What Are you Doing the Rest of Your Life?,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and the title song. He celebrates these favorites with his own terrific take. Hoffman has an effortless tenor that both soars and charms. Dropping in May 2019, it has since garnered over one million cumulative streams on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.

After receiving the Celebration Award from Michael Feinstein’s Songbook Academy Vocal Competition (held at the 3,500-seat Palladium Concert Hall), Hoffman performed with Feinstein at Manhattan’s 54 Below. He has sung at New York City’s Birdland, with The New York Voices’ Lauren Kinhan and Janis Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer. Hoffman made multiple appearances there for Jim Carouso’s “The Cast Party,” where the legendary Billy Stritch accompanied him. Additionally, he has been seen at New York’s Swing 46 as well as The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook.

Hoffman’s voice crosses many categories. His influences range from Harry Connick, Jr., to Frank Sinatra. Both contemporary and a throwback, he has a unique and vibrant sound. His blend of studio and theatre background splendidly colors his presentation, enhancing the beautiful vocals with a resonant emotional connection.

And now, Hoffman’s sophomore outing, Say It Ain’t Snow!, offers his personal flair on popular holiday fare. The seven tracks feature a wonderful range of material and boast a thrilling seventeen-piece Big Band with strings. The arrangements, by Trevor Motycka, are exceptional, perfectly matching Hoffman’s ability to shift from the grand to the witty to the heartfelt. There is the twinkle of holidays past—the spirit of the season of the great singers of television, vinyl, and CDs.

Say It Ain’t Snow! kicks off with an appealing, magnetic “This Christmas.” Hoffman’s knowing “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” winks to so many fireside holiday specials. The Christmas Classics medley—“Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Let It Snow,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”—shows an exceptional variety with seamless segues and a particularly exciting rendition of “Let It Snow.”

The sense of discovery in “The Christmas Song” is unique and surprisingly introspective. “Silver Bells” readily zings from a pastoral stroll in the snow to the lights of the city, showing off his jazz chops with masterful scatting. The simplicity and honest clarity of “O, Holy Night” is the perfect contrast to his letting loose with the final song, an exuberant, wry, “Run, Rudolph, Run.” In every number, Hoffman doesn’t just sing—he paints a vocal picture that is rich, evocative, and inviting.

Returning as album producer is Jackson Hoffman, who partnered with Hoffman on The Start of Something Big. Jackson Hoffman produced and co-wrote 2020 Voice winner Carter Rubin’s latest single. Here, he has assembled exceptional musicians to create the overall sonic landscape, coupling the Big Band sound with the neo-Swing era music arrangements.

There are not enough accolades for the band, which swings with bold brass playing magically against the lush strings. The ensemble creates the ideal backing for Hoffman. Hopefully, Hoffman and company will continue to offer seasonal treats as well as a wide range of jazz, classical, musical theatre, and standard catalogs.

No holiday season is complete without Christmas music. Whether you are a fan of traditional carols or lean towards the contemporary, music inspires holiday cheer. Hoffman’s Say It Ain’t Snow! has something for everyone, with its warmth, sense of wonder, and real joy. It is a gift for this, next, and all the Christmases to follow.

Say It Isn’t Snow! is available on music streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music and SoundCloud.

Plain Talk: Celebrate the gift of hope

by Father Francis Pizzarelli - December 9, 2021

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By Father Francis Pizzarelli

A few weeks ago, the federal government announced over 100,000 people died from heroin/fentanyl. In Suffolk County, the number of senseless deaths is beyond numbers and words.

The pandemic has strained mental health services; and comprehensive residential treatment beds are hard to find. Long-term residential treatment is almost nonexistent.

However, the County Executive’s office allegedly has millions of dollars to distribute that are being held hostage while they decide how to distribute it. Meanwhile, countless lives are being senselessly lost due to this inaction.

It seems pretty clear to many of us in the trenches that a request for proposals should be sent out. Those interested should submit evidence-based proposals that primarily focus on opioid treatment and relapse prevention.

A team of professionals in the field of addiction, County legislators and parents who have lost children to this health epidemic should be left with the task of deciding who gets what, but it must happen soon! Time is of the essence. Every day I get calls from at least two parents representing two different families asking me to pray for a son or daughter that has overdosed and died.

Insurance is useless. It is not shaped on wellness or positive outcomes; it is shaped on saving money, not lives. Outpatient treatment for chronic relapses does not work for most. It is really a death sentence. Look at the data. Too many insurance companies refuse to pay and do the right thing. They should be forced to pay and should have no say in determining the kind of treatment necessary for the patient. That should be left in the hands of trained professionals.

It is December; in the Christian community it is known as Advent — a season of hope. In the Jewish community, they celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. Christians light advent candles, Jews light candles on the menorah. For both religious traditions, it is a time for renewed hope.

This holiday season is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the gift of hope — to transcend all the infectious negativity that is polarizing our nation. It is a time to celebrate the goodness that is all around us. The random acts of kindness in our community are inspirational. I continue to be amazed and inspired by our young people.

Christmas Magic, a local charity, collects thousands of gifts for children in our homeless shelters throughout Suffolk County. It engages hundreds of high school and college students who donate their time, collect and wrap gifts for poor children.

Christmas Magic was the creative idea of a dad more than 25 years ago who wanted to teach his children the real meaning of Christmas. That father is a man from our community who has done so much for so many never looking for anything in return. His power of example is extraordinary. He not only talks the talk but he walks the walk.

As we celebrate the Season of Hope and the Festival of Lights, let us make every effort to be beacons of hope and festivals of light for people who often hover in darkness.

May this season be a blessing for all of you — thanks for blessing me!

Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

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Destination: North Pole — Letters collected for Santa during Miller Place event

Cayla’s Column: A holiday party for wildlife

Poetry reading held at 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival

Winter

Family

Winter Sights

Nona’s Kitchen

Santa Claus visits historic Longwood Estate

Kids Korner: December 9 to December 16, 2021

Programs

Theater

Film

Cooking Cove: Utilize candy canes to create holiday confections

Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns Dec. 12

Staller Center’s Instrument Petting Zoo visits Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

Album Review: ‘Say It Ain’t Snow!’

Plain Talk: Celebrate the gift of hope

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