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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.

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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.

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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.

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2024 Temple Isaiah Menorah Lighting. Photo by Donna Newman
2024 Temple Isaiah Menorah Lighting. Photo by Donna Newman

By Donna Newman

Taking advantage of the concurrence of Christmas and the first night of Chanukah, Rabbi Joshua Gray opened Temple Isaiah’s Menorah Lighting to the entire Stony Brook community on Dec. 25.

Approximately 130 people RSVPed and the turnout delighted congregants and guests alike. Christians, Jews and Muslims all similarly celebrate Festivals of Light at this dark time of year – with special foods and the singing of songs. Inviting people to partake in a happy holiday tradition highlights the similarities of our faiths. Sharing our religious and ethnic customs brings us closer together.

Said Rabbi Gray, “As we light the menorah, we recognize that each individual candle creates one unified light. We add our light to the world, and pray that its warm glow finds its way to any in the world who need it.”

 

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2024 Festival of Trees. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
2024 Festival of Trees. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

Looking for something to do this weekend? Visit the Festival of Trees, beautifully decorated trees by local businesses, groups, and non-profits, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This event is presented by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by The Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson and is free to the community. For more information, call 631-802-2160.

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Photo courtesy of Family Features

When the clock strikes midnight and the year turns over, celebration is sure to ensue, but it’s the moments leading up to the ball drop that can make the evening truly special.

Make your New Year’s Eve celebration unforgettable with these countdown party ideas.

Give Your Celebration a Memorable Theme
Choosing a theme for your party can add a unique twist to the celebration. Whether it’s a “Roaring 20s” party with flapper dresses and jazz music or a cozy “Pajama Party” where guests can relax and enjoy comfort foods, a theme can set the tone for a memorable evening. More ideas include a “Masquerade Ball” theme to add an air of mystery and elegance or a “Decades Party” where guests dress up from their favorite decade. Whatever theme you choose, make sure to incorporate it into your food, decorations and music.

Provide Food and Drinks to Power Through to the Countdown
Impress your guests with a menu of unique and delicious food and drink options. Consider a variety of appetizers and finger foods that are easy to eat while mingling. Mini sliders, gourmet popcorn and charcuterie boards are crowd-pleasers. For drinks, create a signature cocktail, such as a sparkling champagne punch or festive mocktail for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. Also remember to have a champagne toast ready for the countdown to midnight.

Set Up Interactive Activities to Engage Your Guests
Leading up to the countdown, arrange a series of interactive activities such as a quiz about events from the past year, a game of charades with New Year’s Eve-themed prompts or a resolution-writing station where guests can share their goals for the upcoming year. Another fun idea: set up a photo booth with props. These activities can encourage mingling and laughter while keeping the energy high until the ball drops.

Arrange Fun and Festive Decorations and Props
Set the scene for your New Year’s Eve party with decorations that sparkle and shine. Use metallic and glittery decor to add a festive feel and don’t forget balloons and streamers. Countdown clocks or timers placed around the party area can also help build anticipation as midnight approaches. Don’t forget props like party hats, noisemakers and confetti poppers.

Use Technology to Enhance the Experience
Make your celebration more exciting and inclusive by leveraging technology to set up a live stream of a famous countdown, such as the one in Times Square. For a more personalized touch, create a slideshow or video montage of memorable moments from the past year. Interactive apps that allow guests to send New Year’s messages or participate in virtual games can also add a modern twist to your celebration.

(Family Features)

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From left, Rabbi Aaron Benson, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and PJS/Terryville Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Dzvonar. Photo by Will Dzvonar
From left, Rabbi Aaron Benson, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and PJS/Terryville Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Dzvonar. Photo by Will Dzvonar
From left, Rabbi Aaron Benson, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Will Dzvonar
2024 PJS Menorah Lighting with members of the North Shore Jewish center. Photo by Will Dzvonar

The weather was brisk but a good time was had by all at the annual Menorah lighting at the Train Car in Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 25. An annual tradition hosted by Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, the event was conducted by Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center.

New York State  Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, members of the chamber including President Jennifer Dzvonar and members of North Shore Jewish Center enjoyed the festivities.

— Photos courtesy of Will Dzvonar

 

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Photo courtesy of Island Nursing & Rehab Center

Staff Delivers Personalized Holiday Gifts to Residents they care for all year long

Staff at Island Nursing and Rehab Center in Holtsville, a member of the Gurwin Healthcare System, hosted a Christmas Eve “Dress Like an Elf” Party here today, bringing holiday cheer to residents of the 120-bed facility who may be away from their families for Christmas.

Staff members donned pointy ears and holiday themed hats and sweaters to hand out gifts they personally selected for residents based on their personality and needs as part of the center’s annual “Giving Tree” tradition. A member of the center’s engineering staff dressed as Santa pushed a cart decorated like Santa’s Sleigh while another employee played piano tunes to set the festive mood.

“The residents are second family and we’re here with them even more than we’re home with our own families,” said Alexis Browning, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Island Rehabilitation. “We want to make them feel like they’re home for the holidays too.”

The residents that weren’t able to gather for the event had their presents delivered to them in their rooms.

“It makes me very happy,” said Bill McCarthy, 77, a resident at Island Rehabilitation. “I’m usually alone around the holidays. So this is my family. I feel good with them. They’re always there for me.”

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Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown

Town of Smithtown officials and employees have once again united to bring joy to local families in need this holiday season. Continuing an annual tradition, the team organized and delivered wish list items to the Smithtown Children’s Foundation to support families enduring hardship. Many Town employees participated as individuals or on behalf of their families, contributing toys, clothing, and other wish list items. The Smithtown Administrators Guild also made a generous monetary donation to support the effort while individually purchasing gifts to fulfill additional needs.

“Knowing that no child in Smithtown will wake up on Christmas morning without experiencing the magic of this season is my most prized gift this year… The team here at the Town of Smithtown are some of the finest, most kind-hearted individuals I’ve had the privilege of serving with. They consider service to the public a calling, and witnessing this great offering of compassion every year really takes my breath away. I have never been so proud to serve with so many admirable individuals. Together, we consider the people of Smithtown family, and we always take care of our family,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

The Smithtown Children’s Foundation works year-round to provide support to less fortunate children, transient families, and those coping with loss or terminal illness. The foundation collaborates confidentially with school social workers and directly with families to ensure their needs are met. Each year, the Town partners with the foundation to make anonymous donations during the holiday season and to supply school necessities for local children throughout the year.

Since its inception in 2008, the Smithtown Children’s Foundation has collaborated with schools, sports teams, businesses, and similar organizations to provide assistance and comfort to children and families facing terminal illnesses, tragic circumstances, or profound loss. This collective effort ensures that no child or family is left to face hardship alone, reinforcing the unwavering spirit of community in Smithtown.

Residents wishing to give back to a great foundation or learn more can visit: www.smithtownchildrensfoundation.com

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The Angel Tree. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown

The Smithtown Senior Center, 420 Middle Country Road Smithtown organized and collected over $2000.00 in gift cards to donate to The Angels of Kings Park, in time for the holiday season. The 501c3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to local families and individuals who have experienced hardships. Additional Gift cards were given to the Northport VA Hospital.

Doreen Perrino, Director of the Smithtown Senior Center, and MaryAnn Jacoutot, Senior Citizens Program Supervisor, organized the fundraiser. The tree, known throughout the center as the Angel Tree, is beautifully decorated, adorning angel ornaments with written suggested dollar amounts for various gift cards participants could select from such as  Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more. Members of the Senior Center and the staff generously participated in this special initiative.

“It is our hope that the donations will allow families to create memories that will last them a lifetime. Our seniors and staff are very generous, and they simply want to help others. Instead of buying gifts for one another, we are giving the gift of caring for those in need. It gives us great joy to provide a sense of hope to others this Holiday Season,” said Perrino.

Perrino and  Jacoutot, along with Lynn and Stewart Meyers, Cathy Morgano, and Susan Montigny from Club Moriches, presented the assortment of gift cards to the Angels of Kings Park Board members, Danielle Calabria, Jacqueline Clancy, and Kathleen Lanese. The collection exceeded the amount donated last year.

The Smithtown Senior Center also donates handmade quilts, blankets, baby hats, prayer shawls, and greeting cards to many local hospitals, shelters, group homes, and nursing homes throughout the year to let those who may feel forgotten know that there is always someone who cares.

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How To Join the Smithtown Senior Center: Smithtown residents, ages 60 years and older can join (no fee is required) by filling out a brief application on-site, along with proof of residency such as a driver’s license. A membership card and welcome packet will be provided, along with a tour of the facility by a Senior Center Club Leader. The welcome packet includes a current calendar of activities, classes, and events, as well as brochures for services and amenities available exclusively for members.

The Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center offers a wide array of activities, clubs and programming geared towards improving quality of life for residents, ages 60 years or older. Every day, the center offers a full schedule of arts, fitness, and wellness programming. Members can choose to join a variety of clubs, from gardening, quilting and book clubs to one of seven social clubs, featuring Casino & Theater outings, luncheons, parties, community advocacy and volunteer opportunities. In addition to a wealth of entertaining programming, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department offers a variety of at home maintenance and repairs services.

The Senior Center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (July & August Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Lunch is served daily. Transportation is also available for members.

For questions or additional information, please call  (631) 360-7616 or for Transportation: (631) 265-8811.

 

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