Celebrate life’s most memorable moments overlooking the harbor. Whether it’s a wedding, holiday party, or special event, our team will make it unforgettable — with festive menus, stunning waterfront views, and every detail designed to impress.
Celebrate life’s most memorable moments overlooking the harbor. Whether it’s a wedding, holiday party, or special event, our team will make it unforgettable — with festive menus, stunning waterfront views, and every detail designed to impress.
Celebrate life’s most memorable moments overlooking the harbor. Whether it’s a wedding, holiday party, or special event, our team will make it unforgettable — with festive menus, stunning waterfront views, and every detail designed to impress.
Celebrate life’s most memorable moments overlooking the harbor. Whether it’s a wedding, holiday party, or special event, our team will make it unforgettable — with festive menus, stunning waterfront views, and every detail designed to impress.
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Elevate Your Living Experience With A New Home EXPLORE
7 LANDING LANE WEST ISLIP
Step
112 LUCINDA DRIVE BABYLON
Welcome
294 OAK NECK LANE WEST ISLIP
Welcome
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
Gather. Toast. Celebrate.
Your Celebration Deserves a View Like This!
Celebrate life’s most memorable moments overlooking the harbor. Whether it’s a wedding, holiday party, or special event, our team will make it unforgettable — with festive menus, stunning waterfront views, and every detail designed to impress.
Start Planning
The holiday season has arrived! With Thanksgiving just around the corner—and Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve not far behind—it’s time to celebrate and savor the spirit of the season. As we gather and enjoy festive meals, it’s easy to indulge a little more than usual, so we’ve featured some healthy holiday recipe swaps. Plus, don’t miss our local editorial featuring can’tmiss holiday events happening nearby!
Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps
Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also play a prominent role this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.
No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart
food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities—dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.
• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select whitefleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.
• Use broths instead of
creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.
• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry can also be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.
• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients. Many are also high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well.
• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making health-conscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.
• Skip the cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that classic cocktails with little to no added sugar typically fall into the 150- to 200-calorie range, while others can be about 200 to 300 calories each. Many people will want to save those extra calories for dessert or another indulgent dish rather than drinking them away. If you want to simulate a cocktail, make a spritzer with sparkling water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
Christmas trees are a key component of many people's holiday season. It's a family tradition to choose the tree each year and then adorn it with ornaments, tinsel, family mementos, and a beautiful tree topper. Most people fasten the top bough with an angel or a star. The first tree toppers were the infant Jesus, but toppers are now available in other options symbolic of the Nativity of Jesus. The star refers to the Star of Bethlehem. The angel represents the messengers of God as well as the Angel Gabriel, who visited Mary to share the news that she would be giving birth to the Son of God. People can choose whichever topper they prefer, but many refer to the religious significance of Christmas.
December 5 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
December 6 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm December 7 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
$20/person (under 2 years old free) • Discount for military
Enjoy a walk-through experience across
Light Displays and Winter Decorations
Outdoor Movies
Holiday Activities and Music
Storybook Readings
Hot Chocolate and Treats
Festival of Trees and Lights
Equine Themed Winter Village
Visitors from the North Pole
Family Photo Opportunities
Livestock interactions
Experience Home For The Holidays At Planting Fields
Planting Fields, a former Gold Coast estate that is preserved today as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape, and the people who resided on its land, will be holding its annual Home for the Holidays event next month. A heartwarming tradition that makes the spirit of the season come to life in one of Long Island’s most enchanting settings, Home for the Holidays is a one-of-a-kind festival.
Experience true holiday magic as you step inside the historic Main House, beautifully adorned in full holiday splendor with festive décor crafted from natural materials sourced right on its grounds – a signature Planting Fields touch you won’t find anywhere else. Attendees can also sip on hot cocoa, listen to the sounds of holiday music filling the halls, and craft their own seasonal keepsake. Plus, this year Santa Claus is joining in on the fun! Children of all ages can share their wishes, take photos, and soak in the joy of the season as Santa spreads cheer throughout the day.
Home for the Holidays
Dates & Times: Friday, December 12 5 – 8 PM Saturday, December 13, 10 AM – 1 PM & 1 – 4 PM Sunday, December 14, 10 AM – 1 PM, 1 – 4 PM & 4 – 8 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at www.plantingfields. org or at the door.
Adults: $20; Children: $15; Kids under 3 are free. Reservations are recommended.
Photo courtesy of Corinne Tousey
Photo courtesy of David Almeida
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
Drives for Charity
All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Pajamas for Those in Need
Now – November 30
We’re hosting a drive for local charities, collecting new pajamas for all ages. Pajamas must be new (with tags). All sizes are welcome.
Give Warmth
December 1 – January 18
We’re collecting new or handmade mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, or socks for local charities in our community. All sizes are welcome.
Adults
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
RAGTIME AT 50! A Celebration with Caroline Doctorow
Saturday, November 15, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Fifty years ago, E.L.
Doctorow’s Ragtime emerged as a groundbreaking novel that intertwined fact and fiction to depict early 20thcentury America. Addressing themes like immigration, racial animosity, and labor rights, the story remains relevant today. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Doctorow’s daughter, singer-songwriter Caroline Doctorow, will host a multimedia event featuring family photographs and stories, readings, a discussion on writing, and a live performance of a song related to the
book’s Tony Award-winning Broadway adaptation.
Open to all Suffolk County residents. Reserve your spot at emmaclark.org/ programs.
Evening Book Discussion
Tuesday, December 9, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.:
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (book pickup starts 11/12). Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s Lobby. No registration required.
Kids “Drop In” Activities
These programs have no registration. For questions, email kids@emmaclark. org
Crafternoon
Friday, November 28, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Stop by the Library to create a work of art with recycled materials. For Ages 3 – 11 years old.
The Snowflake Shop Saturday, December 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Drop by for crafting winter decorations as a family under the guidance of Art
Across Ages, a nonprofit group founded by students from Ward Melville High School. Perfect for families with children ages 3 – 11 years old.
Crafternoon
Saturday, December 20, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Stop by the Library to create a work of art with recycled materials. Perfect for families with children ages 3 – 11 years old.
Jewelry Making
Friday, December 26, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. School closed.
Drop by to make bracelets, washer necklaces, & more! Grades K – 5 with caregiver.
The Magic of Amore Tuesday, December 30, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. School closed.
Experience illusions, comedy, & audience participation in this exciting magic show! Perfect for families with children ages 3 – 11 years old.
Holiday Hours
Emma Clark Library will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27), Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), and New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1).
The Library will close early at 3:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 26), Sunday, December 14 (in order to accommodate the Electric Holiday Parade, which will assemble in front of the library), Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24), and New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, December 30).
Happy Holidays from all of us at Emma Clark!
Photo used with permission from Caroline Doctorow
Pumpkin Pie Is The Classic Holiday Dessert
Turkeymight garner the bulk of the Thanksgiving feast fanfare, but a notable and wildly popular dessert also provides something to look forward to during a holiday when food is a focal point. After a couple of helpings of turkey and various side dishes, Thanksgiving celebrants know it’s time for pumpkin pie. It’s a testament to the flavor and popularity of pumpkin pie that overstuffed Thanksgiving celebrants still find a way to squeeze in this beloved dessert.Hosts who want to truly impress can prepare a homemade pie that’s sure to please loved ones. This recipe for “Pumpkin Pie” from Lines+Angles can be just what guests are looking for as they seek to tie a bow on their Thanksgiving feast.
Directions:
1. For the crust: Combine the butter, flour, maple sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles rough breadcrumbs.
2. Add the egg, vinegar and 1 tablespoon iced water. Pulse until the dough starts to form around the blades; add more water as needed if too dry, or a little more flour if too wet.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc. Wrap in parchment paper and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. For the filling: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the pumpkin halves flesh-side down on a large baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the flesh is tender to the tip of a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool to one side.
6. Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a bowl and mash well until smooth.
7. Beat the eggs with the flour, maple sugar and ground spices in a large mixing bowl until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
8. Gradually beat in 11⁄2 cups of the pumpkin mash followed by the maple syrup and cream until fully incorporated.
9. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large round approximately 1⁄3-inch thick.
10. Drape into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing well into the base and sides. Cut away any excess pastry before crimping the edges with your fingers.
11. Gently prick the base all over with a fork before slowly pouring the filling into the lined pastry.
12. Bake for 20 minutes before reducing the oven to 350 F. Bake for a further 40 to 50 minutes until the filling is set and starting to come away from the edges of the pastry; a knife should come out clean from the center.
13. When ready, remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.
Tip: If preparing in advance before serving, let the pie cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap and chilling.
Pumpkin Pie Serves 8 for one 9-inch pie For the crust:
cup butter, cold and cubed
1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
1⁄2 tablespoons maple sugar
egg, lightly beaten
to 3 tablespoons iced water
the filling:
pumpkin, halved, seeded and cored
Magic Of Lights® Returns To Dazzle Long Island This Holiday Season
Themost wonderful time of the year gets even brighter with the triumphant return of Magic of Lights. Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, will once again be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland featuring a spectacular drive-through light display and the enchanting Toyota Holiday Village. This beloved holiday tradition opens November 21 and continues through January 3.
Presented by Family Entertainment Live and Live Nation, Magic of Lights makes its highly anticipated return to Jones Beach State Park, Presented by Flagstar and PNC Bank Arts Center for the eighth consecutive year. This year Magic of Lights features the return of the Toyota Holiday Village, The longest light tunnel in Long Island and New Jersey, mesmerizing light displays, holiday favorites including, all-new Prehistoric Christmas scenes featuring dinosaurs celebrating the season, Holiday Barbie, photos with
Santa, special nightly events and more.
"Magic of Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition for families right here in the Tri-State area,” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live. “We’re proud to return to both Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center and continue spreading the joy, wonder, and togetherness that make this season so special in our community.”
“The Magic of Lights Show continues to be an annual holiday tradition that exceeds attendee’s expectations," said George Gorman, JR-Regional Director-NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “ From the first light display through to the holiday village, the joys of the season come to life.
Experience the wonder of Magic of Lights' most treasured holiday scenes from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle, including the whimsical Prehistoric Christmas, enchanting
Winter Wonderland, the classic 12 Days of Christmas, delightful Toyland, playful festive Elves, and the magnificent Reindeer Road. Journey through the awe-inspiring 400foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights alongside additional captivating illuminated tunnels that will transport you into a world of holiday splendor.
The spectacular showcase features show-stopping attractions including the towering 32-foot animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie®, an extraordinary Prehistoric Christmas scene complete with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the holidays, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck display. With more than two million twinkling lights illuminating the night, Magic of Lights delivers a heartwarming and festive experience that creates cherished family memories.
Don't miss the magical Toyota Holiday Village, where families can step out of their vehicles and explore a wonderland of walk-through attractions featuring photos with Santa, holiday treats, merchandise, backdrops to take your magical selfies and an array of delightful holiday activities.
QUICK FACTSMAGIC OF LIGHTS
• 2+ million lights illuminate each Magic of Lights experience
• 12.6 miles of light cord power every Magic of Lights event
• 3,750 dedicated staff hours required to construct each magical display
• Steel frameworks are precision-designed, cut, bent and welded into approximately 800 individual frames, combined in various configurations to create massive holiday scenes. Every frame is engineered using cutting-edge CAD technology and handcrafted in-house following detailed 15-page design specifications.
• Each Magic of Lights installation utilizes roughly 10 miles of steel framework and 10 miles of LED lighting woven throughout the displays, incorporating 10 distinct colors of LED bulbs.
• Magnificent scenes, including the animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie, soar up to 32 feet tall and stretch several hundred feet in length.
Magic of Lights illuminates the night from 5 PM to 10 PM Sun-Thur and 5 PM to 11 PM Fri-Sat running from November 21 date through January 3. Tickets for this extraordinary holiday celebration are available for purchase starting September 25 with convenient pervehicle pricing.
For complete schedules and ticket purchases, visit MagicOfLights.com
Mastering Black Friday Shopping
BlackFriday is one of the busiest and most profitable shopping days of the entire year. According to DemandSage and National Public Radio, American consumers spent a record $10.8 billion on online Black Friday shopping in 2024. Around $61 billion in total sales (both online and in-person) were made over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Consumers can land great deals on the day after Thanksgiving, which means individuals who hone their Black Friday shopping skills can reap considerable rewards. The following tips can help shoppers master Black Friday.
• Set a budget. Even though Black Friday may feature some hard-to-beat deals, it’s wise to determine how much you can afford to spend before you begin shopping. Shopping beyond your means, even if the prices are low, can exact a financial toll.
• Make a list of recipients.
Make a list of the people for whom you will be shopping and some ideas of what to give each individual. This will enable you to look out for particular deals on these items.
• Compare prices ahead of time. It’s important to know how much items cost across different retailers before Black Friday arrives to understand their true value. This will enable you to determine if a Black Friday sale really is a bargain or if it’s possible to get a better price at a different time. Smartphone apps like BuyVia, Shopkick and Shopular let you scan barcodes to compare prices and more.
• Shop online early. NPR says there has been a shift from traditional in-store shopping to online platforms for Black Friday. Many deals now begin on Thanksgiving or even earlier and fall under the Black Friday promotion. Start shopping at home to avoid large crowds and
they do in stores.
• Be wary of sneaky sales tactics. Some stores will offer “doorbuster” exclusions that highlight slashed prices and utilize marketing tactics like countdown timers to encourage shoppers to purchase items without doing their research. This is when knowing the true value of items can help you spot a deal or inflated prices that were then marked down.
• Limit your stores. If you choose to shop in person on Black Friday, start early in the day and don’t run yourself ragged. If you’re tired, you may not make the best decisions and could end up spending more than your budget allows.
secure limited time deals. In recent years, many retailers have offered more of the same promotions online as
Shopping smart on Black Friday comes down to employing some savvy financial strategies.
What is Plaid Friday?
Consumers are urged to shop locally as much as possible, as local merchants provide distinctive benefits over larger retailers, such as specialized products and superior customer service. Plaid Friday is one such day when communities strongly encourage residents to patronize local businesses. Plaid Friday occurs on the day after Thanksgiving. Many people recognize it as Black Friday, but Plaid Friday focuses on a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience that emphasizes community and the creativity of local businesses as opposed to the hectic pace of traditional Black Friday shopping. Plaid Friday originated in Oakland in 2009, when it was presented as an alternative to the frenzy of Black Friday. The “plaid” in the name symbolizes the weaving together of small businesses and individuals to form an interconnected community fabric.
Kid-Crafted Holiday Decor Ideas
There are plenty of handmade holiday crafts to keep little ones happily occupied. Here are some ideas to spark imagination and hours of creative fun.
Easy snow globes
A visit to the craft store will uncover various items that can be turned into snow globes. Look for a plastic cookie jarlike container with a lid that screws on tightly; otherwise,
choose glass mason jars. Use a general ratio of one cup of water, three teaspoons of glycerine or an oil like baby oil or mineral oil, and a few teaspoons of glitter. Glue a plastic Christmas tree or snowman figurine to the underside of the lid of the jar with a rubberized adhesive or another glue that will hold up to wet conditions. When dry, replace the lid, invert the jar and watch the snow fall.
Salt dough ornaments
Salt dough is a modeling dough made from two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of salt, and about 3⁄4 cup of water. Mix the ingredients together and knead until the dough is smooth and easy to work with. Add more flour if it’s too sticky; more water if it’s too dry. Kids can use cookie
cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough, or sculpt freehand. Remember to poke a hole through the top of the ornament to thread through string or ribbon later on. While the dough can be dried out by air in about a week, a faster method is to bake in an oven at 250 F for 11⁄2 to two hours, or until the dough is dry and hard. Kids can then paint the dried creations.
Paper gingerbread figures
Children may delight in making life-sized gingerbread girls and boys they can decorate and then hang up on the wall. A roll of brown postal paper will work, as will other embellishments like markers, paints, crayons, or ribbon. Kids take turns being traced while lying down on a piece of rolled-out paper. Then the
Charitable Giving Spreads Joy
Charitable giving increases significantly in the months surrounding the holidays. Approximately one-third of annual giving happens in December, and 10 percent of all giving occurs in the last three days of the year, according to Charities Aid Foundation America. The surge in donations typically occurs with people’s desire to spread holiday cheer, enjoy tax advantages and help people in the community,
says Nonprofit Source.
Some people are compelled to donate in the name of another person. Here are some ideas for charitable holiday gifts that benefit many.
Donate in someone’s name
To honor a loved one who may be living or deceased, or who fought an illness and won, you can donate to a nonprofit in the name of that loved one. Many charities offer printable or physical cards to let the recipient know a donation has been made in his or her name.
Giving back through gifts
Certain products purchased feature proceeds that go toward a charitable cause. For example, every purchase of TOMS® shoes helps fund mental health access and community development,
general shape is cut out and decorated. Children can raise their arms, bend their legs, or vary their positions to give life to the gingerbread figures.
Winter wonderland
It can be fun to create a diorama or small winter landscape that can be set out with other decorations. Craft stores will likely sell small, plastic evergreen trees this time of year, or they may be available in the model train aisle of a local hobby shop. Trees can be given snowy boughs with a little acrylic paint. Include figures of bunnies, deer and whatever else kids can dream up. A strand of LED, batteryoperated lights can add some illumination to the scene. Secure items to cardboard or foam board.
while the body care products from Thistle Farms are made by women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Other products may help feed the hungry or support cancer patients.
Supporting animals
A symbolic animal adoption can support conservation efforts around the world. Making a donation to the World Wildlife Fund in someone’s name, for example, enables you to get a plushie, certificate and information on the animal the contribution will be helping.
Fair trade gifts
Making a purchase of fair trade items means you’re often buying handmade and ethically sourced goods. These gifts support artisans in developing countries and help
fund community projects. Gift recipients can feel pride in ownership of an item that was designed and purchased with the greater good in mind.
Charity gift cards
Charitable gift cards, like those available from TisBest Charity and CharityChoice, let the gift recipient choose which nonprofit will receive the funds.
Support special businesses
Offer gift cards or take people to dine or shop at businesses that support those with special needs. For example, No Limits Cafe in New Jersey is a full-service restaurant that trains and employs adults with intellectual disabilities. Dining there will help to continue to support these important efforts to give every employee a sense of pride and purpose.
