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Stony Brook Village kicks off season with WMHO’s 44th annual Holiday Festival

by Rita J. Egan - December 7, 2023

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By Rita J. Egan

Wet weather couldn’t stop Santa Claus from visiting Stony Brook Village Center as promised Dec. 3.

Santa’s appearance was part of the 44th annual Ward Melville Heritage Organization Holiday Festival. In addition to photos with the jolly elf, attendees spent the afternoon visiting with animals at the petting zoo and viewing the promenade of trees decked out for the holidays and the train display at W.L. Wiggs Opticians. Carolers also performed throughout the shopping center.

“Despite the weather, hundreds of people came out to see Santa arrive in Stony Brook on the antique fire engine for the 44th time,” said Gloria Rocchio, WMHO president. “What was added this year was a Grinch character to complement Santa, which the children loved. People noted the tree looked fuller than usual and was decorated beautifully. Hundreds tuned into the tree lighting in person and also remotely on our website.”

WMHO trustees and elected officials were on hand for the center’s tree lighting later in the day, followed by a private reception at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. Santa showed up once again, telling guests he was surprised that not one child asked for a Barbie doll. He added the popular gift request this year was a Taylor Swift-branded acoustic guitar.

Miller Place Panther Troupe presents ‘The Curious Savage’

by Press Release - December 3, 2023

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High school drama production draws a crowd to two performances

MPSD - PR - Fall Drama Production - Photo 2 — Photo courtesy MPSD

The Miller Place Panther Troupe recently captivated audiences with two performances of their fall drama production “The Curious Savage,” written by John Patrick.

“I’d like to commend the actors, set designers, musicians and everyone involved in the incredible production of ‘The Curious Savage,’” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “Our students put on two engaging performances that moved their audience with scenes that were both poignant and comedic. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Over the course of this fall, cast members developed their characters and honed their acting skills while crew members sharpened their technical theater skills and helped curate the set. Director Jenna Ely and assistant director Colleen Annicelli led a talented cast that had their audiences laughing, crying and thoroughly enjoying the show.

The Miller Place Panther Troupe captivates audiences with two performances of ‘The Curious Savage,’ written by John Patrick. Photos courtesy MPSD

“The Curious Savage” follows the story of an elderly widow named Ethel Savage who was left $10 million from her late husband. She seeks to donate the fortune, but her stepchildren seek to thwart her plan and have her committed to a sanatorium.

She bonds with the kind residents there and discovers the meaning of love and family. The dramatic comedy opened on Broadway in 1950 and starred Lillian Gish as Ethel Savage.

For their work on “The Curious Savage,” the Miller Place Panther Troupe is eligible for the East End Arts’ 22nd annual Teeny Awards. The annual high school theater awards show, given its name as a reference to the Tony Awards, will take place this June.

For more information about the Miller Place school district, please visit the district’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com.

Rocky Point students follow the yellow brick road

by Press Release - December 3, 2023

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RP - Rocky Point Students Follow The Yellow Brick Road — Rocky Point Middle School students present the school musical, ‘The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.’ Photo courtesy RPSD

Rocky Point Middle School followed the yellow brick road and presented its successful school musical, “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition,” on Nov. 17 and 18.

The annual production brought together 112 students, 13 teachers and countless family and community members for a successful and joyful collaboration of theater and joyful music making.

“The students and staff involved in this production worked incredibly hard this year,” said Amy Schecher, Rocky Point’s secondary music department chairperson. “We are fortunate to have such talented students and dedicated faculty here in Rocky Point. A production of this magnitude also could not be possible without the continual encouragement of the parents of the cast and crew.”

Shoreham-Wading River girls basketball falls to Floyd in season opener

by Bill Landon - December 1, 2023

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Shoreham-Wading River girls basketball head coach Adam Lievre’s strategy last season led the Wildcats to a county championship playing their toughest nonleague matchups early on. The Wildcats, a Division VI team, hosted William Floyd, a Division 1 team, to open their season and hit a brick wall. Having lost key players to graduation and with a returning starter sidelined with an injury, Shoreham-Wading River struggled with Floyd’s pressing defense and fast break ability, lost the battle 50-29.

A bright spot for the Wildcats was Alyssa Bell where the junior put together six field goals, a triple and four free throws for a team high of 19 points. When injured returning starter Juliana Mahan is able to rejoin the lineup, it’ll be a much-needed boost for the Wildcats 2023-24 campaign.

Shoreham-Wading River retakes the court with a road game against Cold Spring Harbor Saturday morning, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. followed by another away game against Patchogue-Medford Dec. 6. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Kiddsmiles Pediatric Dentistry opens office in Port Jefferson Station

by Heidi Sutton - December 1, 2023

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KIddsSmiles ribbon cutting — From left, Mary Joy Pipe, PJCC Director; Caitlin Thomson, Kiddsmiles Office Manager; Lance (husband to Dr. Alstodt); Dr. Michele Alstodt, owner of Kiddsmiles Port Jeff Station; Stu Vincent, PJCC President; and Amanda Saviano Kiddsmiles Regional Manager. Photo from PJCC

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce welcomed new partner Kiddsmiles Pediatric Dentistry with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 16.

Located at 1174 Route 112, Suite B, in Port Jefferson Station, the office is the 3rd location in Suffolk County along with Holbrook and North Babylon and is equipped with the latest state of the art technology including laser dentistry (no needle fillings), digital x-rays and computer imaging in a kid-friendely environment.

Pictured in photo from left, Mary Joy Pipe, PJCC Director; Caitlin Thomson, Kiddsmiles Office Manager; Lance (husband to Dr. Alstodt); Dr. Michele Alstodt, owner of Kiddsmiles Port Jeff Station; Stu Vincent, PJCC President; and Amanda Saviano, Kiddsmiles Regional Manager.

“Thank you to the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the incredible community for their warm welcome and support.Our team is beyond excited to bring our specialized pediatric dental care to Port Jefferson Station. Come visit us at our new location and experience the Kiddsmiles difference firsthand! We can’t wait to meet you and your little ones,” read a post from Kiddsmiles’ Facebook after the ribbon cutting.

Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. For more information, call 631-254-5437 or visit www.kiddsmiles.com/port-jefferson-station.

Holiday tree lightings on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - November 30, 2023

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Holtsville Ecolorgy Site tree lighting 2021 — Town of Brookhaven will light their holiday tree at the Holtsville Ecology Site on Dec. 1. Photo by Erin Hoeler TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

While a few villages and towns lit their holiday trees last week, the majority of tree lightings on the North Shore will take place this weekend and next weekend with caroling, treats and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Centereach

— The Centereach Civic Association invites the community to its annual holiday tree lighting and inaugural Dickens Festival on the lawn of Capital One Bank, 2100 Middle Country Road, Centereach on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, candy canes and a visit from Santa. Rain/snow date is Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

— Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach presents Light the Night, a tree lighting and live nativity in memory of Matt Lewis on Dec. 9 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. 631-774-1556

Cold Spring Harbor

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. Santa Claus will light the hatchery’s Christmas Tree at 5:30 p.m. Free admission after 5 p.m. Suggested donation of $10 per family. 516- 692-6768.

Commack

Greenland Landscape and Nursery, 292 Town Line Road, Commack will hold its 8th annual Community Tree Lighting on Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance and hot cocoa will be served to warm up the evening. 631-368-7182

Coram

Coram Engine Company 2, corner of Route 112 and Pine Road, Coram will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Join them in Santa’s Workshop to decorate your own Santa hat while you wait for Santa Claus to arrive to light the tree with music and refreshments. 631-698-9714

East Northport

Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will hold its 2nd annual Community Tree Lighting event on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. Free family activities starting at 3 p.m. include ice skating, live nativity, storytime with Santa, indoor snowball fights and much more. Visit islandchristian.com/christmas for more info and to register. 631-822-3000

Farmingville

Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce and Farmingville Residents Association hosts a tree lighting at Triangle Park at the Town Clock, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. (event starts at 3 p.m.) with a visit from Santa and music by the Helping Hands Ministry children’s choir. Refreshments at the Farmingville Fire Department will follow. 631-260-7411

Greenlawn

The Greenlawn Civic Association hosts its 31st annual “Meet at the Tree” Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 2 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, dance performances, a Christmas carol sing-along plus a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Greenlawn Fire Dept. truck. Bring your letters to Santa for the North Pole mailbox. www.greenlawncivic.org.

Holtsville

The Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. with costumed characters, musical entertainment, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive via helicopter, and then assist with the countdown to light the tree. 631-451-9276

Kings Park

The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony/Menorah Lighting at Veterans Plaza, 1 Church St., King Park on Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. Enjoy holiday music selections followed by invocation and welcome remarks from the chamber with hot chocolate and cookies. Held rain or shine. 631-269-7678

Lake Ronkonkoma

Join the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce at Raynor Park, 174 Ronkonkoma Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma on Dec. 3 for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment by the Cherokee Street and Nokomis Elementary School Choirs and a visit from Santa. 631-963-2796

Miller Place

The 15th annual Tree Lighting and Polar Express will be held at the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Enjoy performance from the Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center, as well as Miller Place students, and a visit from Santa Claus before the tree lighting. Free coffee, hot chocolate, soup, pizza, and donuts will be served.

Mount Sinai

Join the North Shore Youth Council and the Mount Sinai Fire Department for their 16th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Listen to festive caroling by the Sing 4 Music choir, warm up with hot chocolate with marshmallows and fresh baked cookies by Mojo’s Treats and take photos with Santa. 631-403-4846

Nesconset

The Nesconset Chamber of Commerce will hold a Holiday Lighting at the Nesconset Gazebo on Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset on Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. with music, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus. 631-724-2543

Port Jefferson

St. Charles Hospital, Port Jefferson invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec 6 in the Atrium/Lobby starting at 4:45 p.m. with caroling, hot cocoa, and cookies.

Port Jefferson Station

Join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. with refreshments and a visit from Santa. 631-821-1313

Rocky Point

The 39th annual Rocky Point Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and Prince Road, Rocky Point with live holiday music, hot chocolate and candy canes and a special visit from Santa. 631-729-0699

St. James

The St. James Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Deepwells Farm County Park, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James on Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. with holiday music, kids crafts, pictures with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate. 631-584-8510

Shoreham

Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham invites the community to a Holiday Lighting at Wardenclyffe event on Dec. 2 from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy music, festive exhibits and activities for all ages with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Register for your free tickets at www.teslasciencecenter.org. 631-886-2632

Smithtown

Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown will light their holiday tree on Dec. 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with refreshments and photos with Santa. 631-360-2480

Stony Brook

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts a Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa at the Stony Brook Village Center Green, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the WMHO’s 43rd annual Holiday Festival. 631-751-2244.

Wading River

The Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River will host its 7th annual Tree Lighting on Saturday Dec. 2. The festivities start at 4 p.m. and last until 8 p.m., where all can enjoy live DJ entertainment and a dance number by All Star Dance Academy. Children can ride Rudolph on the carousel and put in a letter in Santa’s mailbox. Santa arrives on a Wading River Fire Department fire truck at 6 p.m. to light the tree. Rain date is Dec. 3. 631-929-3500

Kids Korner: Nov. 30 to Dec.7, 2023

by Heidi Sutton - November 30, 2023

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Create Farmhouse Holiday Ornaments at Benner's farm on Dec. 2.

PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will host a First Steps into Nature program titled Scales & Tails: Turtles, Snakes, Lizards, Chameleons on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 4 will learn about nature through hands on activities, music, crafts, stories and gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $75 for all 4 classes, $20 per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Magic Circle Nursery School at Union United Methodist Church, 1018 Pulaski Road, East Northport will hold its 42nd annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 2 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Come bring the whole family for a real holiday treat filled with food and fun. Remember your camera for the perfect holiday photo with Santa. Donation is $8 adults, $4 children. 631-754-5565.

Tender Years Treasury

The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host the annual Tender Years Treasury, holiday shopping experience for children at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The popular event allows kids in grades K through 5 to independently shop for family gifts, all handmade by local seniors, modestly priced at $5 and under with a cookie decorating station, holiday crafts, and free gift wrapping. 631-360-7644.

Santa on the Farm

Santa Claus is coming back by to Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville by popular demand. Meet the jolly fellow in the heated Woodland Hall on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as Long Island Game Farm transforms into a holiday wonderland. Feed deer in the park, meet Santa Claus, bring your camera to take treasured family photos, enjoy a craft table, and explore the holiday gift boutique — all included in the admission fee. 631-878-6644

Farmhouse Holiday Ornaments

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket will hold a kids workshop, Farmhouse Style Holiday Ornaments, for ages 4 to 10 on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Come spend time on a real working farm making crafts for your holidays. Each child will create and take home several different of their own ornaments, make a snow globe, and take a farm tour at the workshop. $55 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Santa Comes to Longwood

Santa heads to the historic Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge on Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., courtesy of the Town of Brookhaven. Explore the grounds of the estate on a old fashioned sleigh ride and enjoy roasted chestnuts and popcorn on an open fire. Children can visit with Santa and have family members take photos. Rain date is Dec. 3. $5 per child ages 12 and under. Advance registration required by calling 631-924-1820.

Family Hour Sunday

Enjoy a special Family Hour Sunday at the Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington in both Spanish and English! on Dec. 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 through 10 are invited for a family-friendly art experience with educators Tami Wood and Karina Giménez. Explore works of art in the Museum and create fun art projects! $10 per child, adults free. Register at www.heckscher.org. 631-380-3230

A Visit with Mailman Mark

The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society will host their annual Mailman Mark event Dec. 3 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Children are invited to bring their pre-written letters for Santa to the old Miller Place Post Office at 75 North Country Road, Miller Place where Mailman Mark will bundle the letters for the North Pole! Each child will receive a letter from Santa delivered to their home. Tickets are $12 each. 63-476-5742, mpmshistoricalsociety.org.

Menorah Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Menorah Workshop on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Explore the importance of oil through the ages, from whale oil to olive oil! Compare historic oil lanterns in the museum’s collection, and get creative designing a tiled mosaic menorah to light up your home this holiday! $16 per child. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Pinecone Pals

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a family program, Pinecone Pals, on Dec. 3 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Winter is a great time to collect pine cones. Create fun pine cone animal crafts to take home! $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Seashell Ornaments Workshop

Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Seashell Ornaments Workshop on Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. From clams to sea snails to nautilus squid, explore the wonderful world of shelled animals in this educator-led workshop. Find out how to identify shells local to Long Island, and decorate a special shell ornament to hang up at home during this festive time of year. $16 per child. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

Penguins!

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program on Dec. 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn all about penguins through story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the holiday season with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 18 to Dec. 30. As Barnaby the elf and his reindeer friend Franklynne 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 tickets are $12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frozen Jr.’

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main Street, Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Dec. 2 to Jan. 21, 2024. The magical land of Arendelle comes to life onstage. When faced with danger, princesses Elsa and Anna 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 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Frosty’

Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ebenezer Pierpot and his evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, 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! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘The Polar Express’

Put on your PJ’s and join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Polar Express Experience at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station for the holidays. Screenings of The Polar Express will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22; and at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 23. $20 per person includes a bag of popcorn, bottle of water, hot chocolate, cookie, bell, and a visit with Santa! To register, visit www.PJSTChamber.com.

‘Princess Mononoke’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of the animated classic Princess Monoke on Dec. 3 at noon. Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure and stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke. Rated G. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Holiday Spectacular returns to Holtsville Ecology Site in December

by Press Release - November 26, 2023

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0-4 — Holiday Spectacular. Photo from TOB

Town of Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro has announced the return of the annual Brookhaven Town Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville.

Over the years, thousands of families have walked through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take their photos with Santa in his workshop. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site and go directly to the feed and care of the more than 100 animals residing there.

“This is a fun-filled, affordable entertainment option for families who want to come and enjoy the spirit of the holidays,” Superintendent Losquadro said. “I want to thank my staff at the Ecology Site for working so diligently to transform the greenhouses and make this event so memorable. Over the years, walking through the Holiday Spectacular has become a wonderful holiday tradition for many families.”

The show will run Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17; hours on Fridays and Saturdays are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Photos available with Santa for an additional fee; credit cards only, no cash accepted. Tickets must be purchased in advance at BrookhavenNY.gov/Holiday .

For more information, call 631-451-5330.

Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Department to host Tender Years Treasury

by Press Release - November 26, 2023

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The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host the annual Tender Years Treasury, holiday shopping experience for children on Saturday, December 2 at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The popular event allows kids to independently shop for family gifts, all handmade by local seniors, modestly priced at $5 and under.

“This is such a special event, where our older, very talented generations present homemade gift items to our youngest residents. The kids love the thrill of shopping independently, while surprising family and school friends with a special gift they hand picked with allowance money. All of the items are handmade with care, by local, incredibly talented senior citizens, reasonably priced at $5 or less. The team at Smithtown Recreation & the Senior Citizens Department love putting this annual event together and it shows on the faces of everyone participating. I love taking my grandkids to this event every year. If you haven’t experienced it yet… I highly recommend you save the date,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The festivities include an upscale boutique, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, a homemade quilt raffle, balloon sculptures, and free gift wrapping. Adults can relax in a waiting area while kids independently choose their holiday gifts for family and friends. Additionally, children can bring a letter to Santa Claus, with return address information to receive a letter from the North Pole in return.

Children, grades K-5, are chaperoned by Smithtown Senior Center & Recreation Department staff as they make their own decisions on purchasing handcrafted gifts made by local senior citizens. The gift items are all priced at five dollars and under. Parents and/or older siblings will have the option of walking extra little shoppers around after 12:45 p.m. For further details, call Smithtown Recreation at 631-360-7644.

United Methodist Church’s annual Santaport lights up Centerport

by TBR Staff - November 25, 2023

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By Michael Scro

Centerport United Methodist Church held its annual Santaport Christmas Fair on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The event featured rooms filled with gifts, crafts and items for sale, a café with homemade food prepared by church members and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.

Held in the upstairs portion of the church, attendees freely wandered the rooms such as white elephant treasures with houseware and glassware, new and vintage jewelry, children’s crafts and toys, men’s world, which had tools, sporting goods, electronics, and a playroom for kids. There was also a gift basket silent auction.

Santa Claus set up in the main church area with Fenway, a therapy dog who quickly became a favorite among the families and children. The day also featured a book signing of “Raising Betty” by local author Sarah Zagaja.

David Clemens, a church member and organizer of Santaport, and his wife Joan, the church historian, said the church predates the American Revolution. The fair can be traced back to 1959 under its original name, Centerport Sea Fair.

“It’s a wonderful event for the church and our local community,” Clemens said. “All of our food is provided by church members, and all the items are donated.”

Clemens estimated that 60 volunteers were on-site throughout the day and mentioned that the church was a school when it was first built so that they could fill multiple rooms with items and purposes. Centuries later, that design aspiration is still achieved today.

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