the begining of a new year and we hope you're feeling refreshed and rested. We're excited to announce that we will now be publishing South Bay's Seasons® Magazine every month in 2025! We look forward to bringing you seasonal features, local news and happenings, along with ads from your favorite merchants. Looking to advertise? Contact us today at 631.226.2636 or via email at info@longislandmediagroup.com. We thank you for your loyal readership!
Thedawn of a new year marks a great time to turn over a new leaf. Many people begin a new year by making resolutions, and aspiring to eat healthier is annually among the most popular pledges healthconscious individuals make. A recent Statista survey of hundreds of people across the globe found that eating healthier was the second most popular New Year’s resolution. In fact, 50 percent of respondents indicated they set goals to eat healthier in the year ahead. Though each year is different, it’s fair to assume a similarly large percentage of resolutionminded individuals will aspire to eat healthier this year. As people begin their journeys to a healthier lifestyle, they can consider these strategies to stay the course with a new diet.
• Do not eat too close to bedtime. A study published
sparks feelings of misery will prove harder to commit to than one that allows for the occasional indulgence. Moderation is the name of the game, and that should be a rule of thumb for both healthy foods and indulgences. Don’t make indulgences part of your daily routine, even if you eat them in moderation. Rather, save treats for special occasions, and even then only eat them in moderation.
in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that eating more of a day’s total energy intake in the evening is associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating more of the day’s energy intake at midday can lower the risk of being overweight or obese. Individuals are more likely to stay the course when they see positive results, so try to eat dinner several hours before bedtime and resist the urge to snack after dinnertime.
• Treat yourself, but only periodically. It’s unreasonable and potentially counterproductive to completely avoid foods seen as treats. Cutting out indulgent foods may seem appropriate, but such an approach could make you miserable, and a diet that
• Consider eating less, but more frequently. Data is conflicting in regard to eating smaller but more frequent meals. A 2015 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that individuals who had six or more eating occasions in 24 hours had a lower mean body mass
index than people who had four or fewer eating occasions in 24 hours. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating a larger number of small meals throughout the day may be associated with improved diet quality and lower BMI. This approach is commonly referred to as “grazing,” and some research has indicated it has no metabolic advantage over other approaches to eating. So what to make of the mixed results? Dieters can decide for themselves and eat more frequent but smaller, healthier meals to combat hunger pangs that can arise when switching to a new diet. If hunger is no longer posing a threat that can derail your diet, then this approach might increase the chances you stay committed to eating right.
Lackof time in the day to get enough done is a common lament. Work, family and social obligations have made many individuals busier than ever before, and that can eat into people’s ability to find time for daily exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults need to get at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. For the moderate-intensity recommendation, that boils down to about 21 minutes per day, which is manageable even for the busiest of individuals. To that end, here are some ways busy people can get the exercise they need.
• Wake up early. Starting your day 30 minutes early can allow you to fit exercise in before a day becomes hectic. Put workout gear out the night before, and when the alarm sounds in the morning, get up and out, whether it’s to head to the
than an elevator or parking further away in parking lots to ensure a lengthy walk.
• Consider doing the “Daily 50”. The Daily 50 is an informal exercise routine that can occur anywhere and utilizes body weight to get the job done. Exercises can include 50 squats, 50 lunges, 50 wall pushups, 50 crunches, and/ or holding a plank position for 50 seconds. Some also
perform 50 knee lifts or hold a wall sit for 50 seconds. These exercises don’t require much time and work most of the major muscle groups.
• Exercise as a family. Turn family leisure time into enjoyable exercise time. Take hikes, go for bike rides or even kayaking trips together to get everyone up and moving.
gym or go for a morning walk or jog around the neighborhood.
• Use your lunch hour. If you’re not a morning person, use a portion of your lunch break for exercise and then eat your lunch afterwards.
• Take part in high-intensity workouts. High-intensity exercise regimens typically pack exercises into routines that get the heart rate going, but don’t require a lot of time. They may only be 20- to 30-minute sessions, which is doable for most people.
• Recognize exercise comes in many forms. Many people would be surprised that activities they engage in each day can be classified as exercise. Intense gardening or lawn care sessions and even home cleaning and improvement projects can work the body. Also, exercise can be built into regular activities, such as taking the stairs rather
TheTown of Smithtown has begun construction on the new Welcome Center at Paul T. Given Park, located across from the iconic bull monument. The transformative project, which was formerly the Oasis Gentlemen’s Club, aims to enhance Paul T. Given Park, creating a unique green space that will serve as an inviting gateway to Smithtown while promoting eco-tourism and community engagement.
“Creating a unique green space at the entryway to Smithtown has been a longtime vision of the Smithtown Administration. We acquired the property in a park swap with Suffolk County and after finally receiving the necessary approvals from the State DEC, we are thrilled to be beginning construction on the Welcome Center. This project will not only restore the historic charm of the area but also help to rebuild the local ecosystem… all while
providing a serene refuge for residents and wildlife.” - Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
The building renovations, upon completion, will feature a welcome center on the first floor, providing essential amenities for park visitors, including restrooms, bait shop, food concession, and an office for the local canoe/ kayak rental business. The main floor will also feature educational nature exhibits for visitors of all ages, alongside a dedicated area to showcase local tourism. Here, organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and other community groups can display marketing materials and informational pamphlets to highlight the rich cultural, historic and natural attractions, and special events available in the Township.
The second floor of the new facility will house a
multipurpose meeting room, designed to accommodate classes, workshops, and conduct other town business. This versatile space will cater to the needs of the local community while fostering educational and civic engagement opportunities.
In addition to the Welcome Center, plans for Paul T. Given Park include a series of upgrades and eco-friendly initiatives aimed at enhancing both the visitor experience and the park’s natural environment.
Paul T. Given Park Renovations to include:
• Minor renovations and repairs to existing infrastructure.
Removal of invasive Japanese knotweed to support native biodiversity.
• Installation of bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and protect the
Nissequogue Headwaters.
• New landscaping and street trees along Main Street (NY 25A) to beautify the area.
• Development of new trails for hiking and wildlife education/awareness tours.
• Improved fishing access.
• Construction of a canoe launch, ADA-accessible pavilion with restrooms, and a raised deck/ viewing platform for scenic enjoyment.
• Creation of a picnic area, playground, and enhanced open spaces for community use.
• Repairs to the historic steel bridge within the park.
The project has been made possible through a series of strategic decisions, including the purchase of the former Oasis Gentlemen’s Club property in May 2021. This acquisition was designed to expand Paul T. Given Park and protect environmentally sensitive areas along the Nissequogue River Headwaters. The Town Board approved a park swap with Suffolk County, authorizing special legislation to alienate Bill Richards Park in exchange for Paul T. Given Park.
Working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Town of Smithtown is committed to realizing this vision of a natural sanctuary. Upon its culmination, the new Welcome Center and enhanced Paul T. Given Park will stand as a testament to Smithtown’s dedication to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable development.
couples make plenty of decisions when planning their weddings, and some may be more significant than others. Choosing a wedding reception venue is among the most important decisions couples will make.
The reception venue is where couples and guests will spend the majority of the day, and no two venues are the same. As couples begin shopping for a place to host their reception, they can ask themselves and venue representatives a multitude of questions to narrow down their options and ultimately make the best decision for them.
What are we looking for in a venue?
Some couples may know precisely what they want their receptions to be like, while others may not have the slightest idea. Of course, some couples may be somewhere in the middle. Prior to beginning the process of choosing a venue, couples can identify what they're looking for. Is a venue with outdoor entertaining space a priority? Do you want to hold the ceremony and reception at the same venue? How many guests will the venue need to accommodate? Answering these questions and others can help couples narrow down their search.
How much can we afford?
Budget is a significant variable when shopping for a wedding venue. Some venues offer multiple spaces that can accommodate couples with a wide range of budgets, while others are singular spaces suited to receptions within a specified size. Itemizing a budget and determining how much can be alloted to a reception venue can serve as a guideline when couples begin searching for sites.
Is our date available?
Once couples know what they want and what they can afford, they can prepare a number of questions that are worth asking at every venue they visit. Perhaps the most important, at least for those couples who have already chosen a wedding date, is the availability of the site on that date. If couples have not yet chosen a date, they can ask for a list of available dates at each venue they visit and perhaps use that knowledge to pick a day, particularly if they prefer a given venue.
Who will cater the meal?
Some venues do their own catering, while others may have working relationships with outside caterers. And some venues rent only the spaces and require couples to hire their own caterers and arrange all the details on their own. If a venue caters the meal, ask if they accommodate people with various restrictions, such as food allergies and gluten intolerances.
How many hours are included in the rental agreement?
It's important that couples know what they're getting, including how much time they get in each space they consider. The online wedding resource The Knot notes a standard wedding reception is five hours, the first of which is generally designated as cocktail hour.
What is the payment structure?
Identifying the payment structure, include down payment due date and when the final payment must be made, is important as well. This knowledge can allow couples to map out their expenses, the most significant of which is typically the reception venue.
These are just some of the questions couples can ask as they plan their wedding receptions.
mark a turning point from one stage in life to another. The significance of that transition is perhaps one reason why couples and their guests dress so nicely for a wedding ceremony and reception. Formal garb is a wedding tradition, and guests anxiously await seeing which type of gown a bride will wear. In western cultures, white wedding gowns have been the standard since the nineteenth century and are believed to symbolize purity and grace. In eastern cultures, wedding gowns often have been elaborate, colorful creations that have their own symbolic meanings unique to various areas of the world.
Shopping for a wedding gown can spark mixed emotions. While it is exciting to try on some remarkable garments, there also is the pressure of knowing all eyes will be on you while wearing this couture creation. Narrowing down wedding gown prospects can take vision, time and patience. The following pointers can help when it comes time to visit bridal shops.
Make an appointment
Many bridal shops operate by appointment only. That's because the staff wants to devote complete attention to a client, and having people simply walk in from the street can draw their attention away and/or lead to long wait times. Identify the stores you want to visit, and then call to secure your time slot.
Narrow down styles
Think about what your personal style might be and how you want to look on your wedding day. If you're not sure about the vocabulary surrounding dress silhouettes, visit Pinterest or Instagram and save images of dresses that you love. Then you can show the sales staff what you are thinking instead of going in empty-handed.
Keep an open mind
Try on a few different styles even if you have a particular dress in mind. You never know if something might be a better fit for your body type or the scope and style of your wedding unless you give it a go.
Start the process early
Unlike off-the-rack clothing, most wedding shops will have to order your dress and have it shipped. Then comes a few weeks for alterations. KWH Bridal notes eight to 12 months before a wedding is a good time to choose and order a dress. Brides magazine says most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create. There also are three separate fittings to ensure the gown will fit like a glove.
Invite a handful of confidantes
It's best not to arrive at the shopping appointment with an entire entourage. Pick, at the most, four people whose opinions you trust; otherwise, it could be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen. As a bride-to-be you'll already be anxious, and you'll want soothing, supportive people with you.
Plan your budget
Know well in advance what you can afford to spend. According to data from The Knot, wedding attire accounts for 7 percent of the average couple's budget. Most wedding gowns are in the range of $2,000. Don't forget about additional costs, such as veil, shoes, alterations, undergarments, and any add-ons.
Theorieson the origins of the tuxedo vary significantly. Some believe that this formal garment was created by wealthy aristocrats attending an autumn ball in Tuxedo Park, New York. However, the Wall Street Journal has reported that the tuxedo might be a British invention, spearheaded by the fashion-conscious King of Wales Edward VII in 1865. No matter where the tuxedo originated, it has become standard attire for formal occasions, including weddings. It may seem as though every tuxedo is the same, but that’s not the case. Tuxes come in different styles, so those tying the knot or attending other formal functions can choose an option that fits their personality and physique. Here’s a look at what sets tuxedos apart and some noteworthy tux trends.
Suits versus tuxedos
Some may wonder what sets a tuxedo apart from a suit. One of the more notable differences is that tuxedo lapels are designed with silk, satin or textured grosgrain to provide that signature V-look, says Brides magazine. Suit lapels are made from the same fabric as the suit jacket. Tuxedos traditionally are held up with suspenders, while suit pants have belt loops for use with a belt. Suits are styled with a dress shirt while tuxedos are worn with a particular tuxedo shirt that likely has a spread collar, bib, decorative studs, and French cuffs fastened with cufflinks.
Men who want to set themselves apart can opt for what The Knot calls the most popular styles of tuxedo lapels. Notch lapels are the most common and feature two lateral points. Shawl collars feature a smooth, sleek looped lapel without notches or peaks. Peak lapels have the lower point of the lapel peak above the upper. Trying on the different jackets can give individuals an idea of which lapel look is best.
A traditional tuxedo will be black, although navy tuxedos have gained a following. But individuals can find a tuxedo in any color. Those who want to add some extra flair to their weddings may opt for a tuxedo in a color that coordinates to the season or aligns with what the rest of the bridal party is wearing.
The Smithtown Senior Center organized and collected over $2000.00 in gift cards to donate to The Angels of Kings Park. 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.
“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.”
Doreen Perrino
- Director, Senior Citizen Center
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.
Doreen Perrino and Mary Ann 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.
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 onsite, 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.
Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the Long Island State Park Region will host its 30th annual Winter Run Series, which began this month.
The first series was Sunday, January 12th at Heckscher State Park with an 80’s theme. Additional runs will be held January 19th at Robert Moses State Park with an oldies theme, January 26th at Sunken Meadow State Park with a 90’s theme, and February 2nd at Jones Beach State Park, where you can come dressed as your favorite band or artist. All races are 5K in length and will start at 11 a.m.
Registration is open for both full series signups and individual runs. Registration is online only, there will be no in-person registration. The entry fee for full series registration is $50.00 and day-of-race registration is $20.00 per race. Full series registration will close when the maximum amount of 1,100 registrants is reached. Day-of-race registration is available online, beginning the Monday prior to each race, and accepted until 9 a.m. the day of the race.
Register online at: https://events.elitefeats. com/25nyswinter
Sponsors supporting the series include: Natural Heritage Trust, Connoisseur Media Long Island, Runners Edge, Newsday, and New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. For additional information, please call the Regional Recreation Department at (631) 321-3510, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Makes 4 servings
1⁄2 stick unsalted butter
1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup dry white wine
3⁄4 pound linguine
1 1⁄2 cups chopped (1⁄2-inch) razor clam meat
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano Red pepper flakes (up to 1 tablespoon)
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Warm and hearty dishes tend to be most sought-after in cold weather. Stews and soups might be go-to meals to warm us up in winter, but a rich dish of pasta featuring a savory, slightly spicy sauce and fresh clams can add a touch of heat that warms from within. This recipe for “Razor Clam Linguine” from “Edible Seattle: The Cookbook” (Sterling Epicure) by Jill Lightner is sure to please this winter. While linguine is the pasta of choice in the recipe, spaghetti can be a suitable substitute. For a decorative touch, consider placing a few steamed clams on top of the plated pasta for instant impact if hosting guests.
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the onions and garlic, season to taste with salt and black pepper and cook until almost tender, about 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Adjust the heat to medium-low, add the wine, and simmer until the liquid reduces by about two-thirds, about 10 minutes. When you add the wine, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
3. Add the clams, parsley, oregano, and red pepper to taste to the reduced sauce; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat the clams through. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and black pepper if needed.
4. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and parmesan cheese and toss until well mixed. Serve immediately, topped with more cheese, if desired.
Cleaning tip: Drop clams into boiling water for a few seconds until their shells pop open. Snip off the tough, skinny neck; slice them lengthwise and cut out all the dark, digestive bits, leaving the white meat. Give them a final rinse to remove any last bits of sand.
Now - March 2, 2025 • See times at bryantpark.org Bryant Park • 6th Ave., between 40th & 42nd St., NY
Visit the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan! The 17,000 square foot rink features free-admission ice skating, high quality rental skates, free skating shows, and events.
Now - April 27, 2025 • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Spirit of Huntington Art Center • 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station
The Huntington Winter Farmers Market is back and ready to bring local goods to you! Running every Sunday through April 27, 2025, the market offers a cozy indoor experience at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Come browse an impressive selection of produce, jams, honey and more.
January 18, 2025 • 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Baja Boathouse • 31 Baker Place, Patchogue
This 10 Mile Brewery Run in Memory of Ric DiVeglio boasts a scenic, flat USATF certified course. Participants will race and then enjoy a variety of complimentary Blue Point beer, food, and live music. This event is 21+ only, $75/person.
January 18, 2025 - January 19, 2025 • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Port Jeff Village • Main Street & W Broadway, Port Jeff
Bring your family and friends to this fun festival, where you can enjoy interactive photo opportunities, marshmallow roasting, horse and carriage rides, live music, an ice-skating demonstration, raffles, and of course, ice sculptures. Not all offerings are free of charge.
January 19, 2025 • 7:00 PM
Port Jeff Bowl • 31 Cherub Lane, Port Jeff Station
Enjoy a fun night of painting with the talented Samantha Bonacorsa-Mayer! No painting experience necessary - Samantha will guide you step by step in creating your own masterpiece while you sip on delicious drinks. All participants submit their pet’s photo ahead of time. For teens and up. $55/person. Register at paintnite.com.
February 8, 2025 • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Bayard Cutting Arboretum • 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River
Join a certified forest therapy guide on a walk to slow down, wander, and notice the beauty of nature. This will be a lengthy walk, so please wear comfortable, study shoes and warm clothing. $45/person.
Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. There are a number of steps involved in keeping a car or truck in top form, and that includes regular car washes. Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.
• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s
ultraviolet rays.
• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.
• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a well-maintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for above-average condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.
• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with
high salt corrosion rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.
• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.
• Maintain the interior: Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components. Car washes should be a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Professional car washes tend to be more ecofriendly than washing a car at home.
