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.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON MOVIES: ROMANTIC COMEDIES
Sabrina (1954): January 17
Manhattan (1979): January 24
Something’s Gotta Give (2003): January 31
Love Actually (2003): February 7
Trainwreck (2015): February 14
THAI LETTUCE WRAPS AND GLAZED SHRIMP
Wednesday, January 15
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Join Chef Rob Scott for a demo and tasting of Thai lettuce wraps made with ground beef, ginger, carrots and scallions; also on the menu is glazed shrimp with a Chinese plum sauce.
VEGAN CHILI
ISA216
Saturday, January 18
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Savor the rich, aromatic, and hearty flavors of this meatless chili; Chef Dell'Amore will provide a demonstration and tasting.
CERAMIC WINTER GNOMES
Tuesday, January 21
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Fee: $16
Join instructor Teresa Grant and paint this 6 x 6 ceramic gnome couple in red and pink for Valentines Day; other paint colors will be available!
FRIDAY MORNING BOOK DISCUSSION: THE GOD OF THE WOODS
Friday, January 24
10:00 – 11:00 am
Join librarian Dan Coster to discuss The God of the Woods, a riveting mystery about the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl at a summer camp in 1975.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Saturday, January 25
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fee: $25 check or money order payable directly to New York Safety Training Associates (NYSTA) on the day of the program.
CHICKEN BIRYANI WITH GEETU MAKIN
Monday, January 27
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Come enjoy aromatic one pot chicken biryani made with chicken, basmati rice, spices and herbs!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT YOGA SERIES
January 29; February 5, 12, 19
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Fee: $25
Join yoga instructor Brittany for a combination of chair and mat yoga. This class is designed for all levels of yoga. Exercises can be done on the floor or in a chair.
MICROSOFT OFFICE TIPS AND TRICKS
Saturday, February 1
10:00 – 11:30 am
In this class with an instructor from Sharper Training Solutions, learn the most popular Office functions that will help improve your skills for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Prerequisite: basic computer knowledge.
RADIO FLASHBACK
Sunday, February 2
1:30 – 2:45 pm
Rewind time and rock with 70s and 80s hits that were heard on boomboxes and car stereos! As a bonus, Michael Kelly Guitars will be giving away a free electric guitar to one of the lucky concert attendees!
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Thursday, February 20
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fee: $25 check or money order payable directly to New York Safety Training Associates (NYSTA) on the day of the program.
GET TO KNOW UNIVERSAL CLASS
Saturday, February 22
10:00 – 11:00 am
Looking to develop a new skill or searching for a new hobby for the new year!? Join us for this hands-on workshop with librarian Laurie Aitken and learn about Universal Class, an online-learning database available for free with your Islip Library card. Discover hundreds of courses including business and finance, pet and animal care, self-help, crafts and hobbies, and much more! During this workshop, you will sign into Universal Class, search for courses, and begin a course of your choice –then complete it at your leisure. Bring your own laptop to this program for a more personalized experience. If you do not have a laptop, a library laptop will be provided.
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
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.
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.
Thoughpeople attempting to lose weight may love a quick fix or magic pill that could shed excess pounds, successful efforts that produce long-term weight loss generally take considerable time and effort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who lose weight at a gradual, steady pace tend to keep the weight off. The CDC advises individuals to aspire to lose one to two pounds each week
Working in concert with a doctor or a registered dietician is one of the ways to ensure that the weight loss experience is successful and healthy. In addition to following the advice of a professional, these tips can help.
• Think of it as a lifestyle change. Managing weight is a lifelong commitment. That means that following a short-term diet may not prove a successful way to lose weight and keep it off in the long run. It’s important to put strategies in place that will help change habits that may be contributing to weight gain.
• Set short-term goals. Certainly the overall goal may be to lose a set number of pounds. But having that goal in the distance may make it seem less achievable. Rather, set small goals throughout a weight loss journey. This can be something like a plan to replace sugary drinks with water, or to exercise three days a week instead of being sedentary most of the time.
• Be sure the time is right. Some people jump in at the start of the new year, even if they are not mentally ready to commit or lack the time to make the overhaul necessary to affect change. Begin a weight-loss journey when you have
a strong desire to change habits and are not distracted by other pressures.
• Tame stress as much as possible. High levels of stress can derail weight-loss plans. Many people turn to foods, beverages and other unhealthy habits as a means to coping with stress. The Cleveland Clinic says stress raises cortisol levels, which increases insulin production. The resulting low blood sugar makes people crave sugary, fatty foods. The Mayo Clinic suggests speaking with a health care professional if you need help taking charge of stress.
• Change your perceptions. Focus on what you can eat rather than what you can’t eat. Healthy weight loss means finding balance and enjoying the foods you love, but not going overboard. Restricting any one food or food group could lead you on a path to feeling resentful or even binging on unhealthy items.
• Don’t skip meals. Seriously restricting food intake is not healthy at all and could lead to fluctuations in weight. An eating pattern that includes a cycle of weight loss and weight gain can contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, says Better Health, a resource of the Australian Department of Health. Plan meals to meet your daily calorie count, being sure to avoid skipping any during the day.
Healthy weight loss takes time and requires changing habits over the long haul.
Teahas been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of years and has featured prominently in many cultures during that time. The cultural practice of drinking tea is believed to have originated in ancient China. Although there are many different types of tea, the World Tea Council says black tea is the most consumed tea across the globe, comprising around 75 percent of total tea consumption. The most popular type of black tea is Assam tea, which is grown in India. The second-most widely consumed tea is green tea, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of total tea consumption.
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.
Register online at: https://events.elitefeats. com/25nyswinter
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.
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.
The pristine, white backdrop of a snowy winter day can be a wonder to behold. While fresh snow on the ground can make for awe-inspiring landscapes, the absence of greenery amid the starkness of winter poses challenges for animals that do not ride out winter in a state of hibernation.
Several bird species stay in colder climates over
the winter. Red-winged crossbills, snow buntings, bohemian waxwings, evening grosbeaks, and cardinals are just some of the birds one may find while gazing outside on a chilly winter’s day. Birding in the winter can be a rewarding hobby because, despite the chilly conditions, birds tend to be easy to find in bare trees. Furthermore, the colder temperatures may
keep many people inside, meaning neighborhoods, trails and parks can be very quiet, making it easier for those who brave the cold to see birds.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds indicates that winter is a difficult time of year for birds due to the weather and the scarcity of food. Furthermore, birds must consume a lot of food in a short amount of time to have the energy and body warmth to survive each day. Even birds that store food in caches or have developed special scavenging strategies to find as much food as possible can benefit from a little wintertime help. Penn State Extension suggests providing a variety of foods to attract the greatest number of species. Small, black-oil sunflower seeds are preferred by many smaller species of bird and have a high oil content that
is nutritionally important for birds. Other sunflower seeds will be appropriate for blue jays and cardinals. Some other popular foods include white proso millet, thistle seed, niger seed, and peanuts.
Consult a wild bird store, which likely sells a birdseed mix that enables you to place a variety of seed into one feeder. In addition to seed, suet, which is made from highquality animal fat, is crucial for birds in the winter. Families can get crafty by spreading peanut butter onto pine cones and sprinkling seed on top. Hang the pine cones tied to pieces of string from tree branches for homemade feeders.
Birds likely need a little help surviving the winter, when conditions can be bleak.
knows there’s no cure for the common cold. Though colds can strike at any time, cold season tends to occur when the weather cools down and people spend more time indoors. Inside viruses can circulate and spread more easily, thus leading to elevated rates of infection. Though there might be no cure for the common cold, that does not mean people are helpless against it. Many people have their own remedies to help them manage and potentially shorten the duration of a cold, and chicken soup features prominently in those antidotes. Whether cold season is kicking into high gear or people are confronting the common cold at other times of year, they can incorporate this recipe for “Chicken Barley Soup with Vegetables courtesy of Lines+Angles into their cold remedy routines.
cooked chicken breasts, diced
russet potato, peeled and cubed
Directions:
cup barley Salt, to taste, Pepper, to taste
1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, water, marjoram, rosemary, and parsley. Simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Add onion, carrots, cooked chicken, potato, broccoli, and barley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over low heat for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve.
Long Island employees, some of whom are former members of the military, proudly supported veterans at distribution events across Long Island.
“Our Military Tuesday events, second annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway with Long Island Cares and other activities enable our volunteers to give thanks to local veterans around Veterans Day and Thanksgiving,” said David Lyons, PSEG Long Island’s interim president and COO. “In these two giveaways and at Nassau County’s annual Stand Down event, PSEG Long Island and our employees are supporting important initiatives that help hundreds of servicemen and women keep warm and have a more enjoyable holiday season.”
Recently PSEG Long Island employee volunteers handed
their families. In the second annual drive-thru distribution, PSEG Long Island employees handed out frozen turkeys and pumpkin pies, plus all the fixings for complete Thanksgiving meals, along with LED lightbulbs and reusable shopping bags – all donated by the utility. The event, held at the H. Lee Dennison building, served more than 500 veterans in partnership with Long Island Cares, Inc. and the Suffolk County Veteran Service Agency. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stopped by to support the initiative and helped to distribute items.
saving financial and energy efficiency programs. More than 1,000 veterans and their family members were served at these two events.
In addition to these November events, PSEG Long Island employees, many of whom are military veterans themselves, participated in several other events and activities during the year to support veterans in the community.
out new winter coats and boots along with winter essentials to more than 400 veterans at the Nassau County’s Veterans Services annual Stand Down. The items were donated to the General Needs veterans’ assistance organization by PSEG Long Island.
On Nov. 17, 10 PSEG Long Island employee volunteers helped the 9-11 Veterans organization distribute reusable shopping bags filled with turkeys, Thanksgiving sides and desserts to 500 military veterans. The volunteers also helped to manage traffic at the drive-thru event held in Lindenhurst.
The Thursday before Thanksgiving, more than two dozen PSEG Long Island employees volunteered in the rain and cold in Hauppauge to distribute the makings of a Thanksgiving feast to local military veterans and
“More than 500 Suffolk County veterans and their families received turkeys and traditional holiday trimmings this year,” said Dr. Jessica Rosati, vice president for Programs and Community Services at Long Island Cares. “Working side by side with PSEG Long Island gave us the great privilege of bringing this wonderful service to those who served and kept us safe and free.“
On two Tuesdays in November, PSEG Long Island sponsored Military Appreciation Tuesday events at the Long Island Cares, Inc. – Harry Chapin Food Bank pantries in Bethpage, Hampton Bays, Huntington Station, Freeport, Lindenhurst and Valley Stream. While veterans shopped at the six pantries, PSEG Long Island employee volunteers helped them with healthy proteins and fresh produce, personal care items and reusable bags with LED lightbulbs provided by PSEG Long Island. The bags also included information about the company’s money-
· Each December and May, groups of employee volunteers place wreaths and American flags at the national cemeteries in Calverton and Pinelawn for Flags Across America and Wreaths Across America.
· Over the summer months, PSEG Long Island employee volunteers distributed fresh produce, clothing and other essentials donated by PSEG Long Island at Suffolk County’s Stand Down for veterans and at a produce distribution event held at Long Island Cares in Hauppauge.
PSEG Long Island has a longstanding commitment to honoring and supporting veterans and is proud to count military veterans among its workforce. Its employees are dedicated to providing customers with safe, reliable power and also committed to the communities they serve by engaging in community service activities to support and help their neighbors. For more information on how PSEG Long Island supports the communities it serves, visit psegliny.com/ community.
• Straight, Curved, Narrow Staircases
• Fold Up Against Wall
• Factory Trained Technicians (No Subcontractors)
• Same Day Installation
• New, Reconditioned & Rentals
• Over 20 Years Serving The New York Tristate Area
Thetri-annual and award winning Long Island Restaurant Week is warming up the winter season with an opportunity to bring customers into Long Island restaurants in the off season! In a recent survey sent to diners, over 70% said they are very likely to dine out during Restaurant Week again in the future, and more than 45% said they dine out twice during the promotion. The Winter edition will take place from Sunday, January 26th to Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, with several prix fixe options. Restaurants may offer a $24 two-course lunch, a $29 three-course dinner menu, a $39 three-course dinner menu and/or a $46 three-
course dinner prix fixe. They may offer one, two or any combination of the four prix fixes during the promotion. Each participant is required to offer three options per course (appetizer, entrée and dessert) for dinner. Participating restaurants MUST offer the $24 twocourse lunch prix fixe, $29, $39 or $46 three-course dinner prix fixe all night every night they are open (or during lunch hours) from Sunday to Sunday, with the exception of Saturday when it may only be offered until 7 p.m.
Back by popular demand, the Gift Card Giveaway returns for the winter promotion and diners have
the option to enter to win one of three gift cards to redeemed at a participating restaurant of their choice. To enter to win, diners must visit the Long Island Restaurant Week website between Monday, January 20th, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. EST and Monday, February 3rd at 11:59 p.m. EST and input their information. Winners will be selected on or around Friday, February 7th, 2025, and will be notified via telephone and/or email.
“What better way to celebrate the cold days of winter than with a delicious affordable warm meal! We are expecting over 150 restaurants to participate this winter in offering discount
meals for Winter Long Island Restaurant Week. With diners sharing that almost 50% of them dine out more than once during restaurant week, it is lining up to be quite a busy week,” shares Nicole Castillo of Long Island Restaurant and Hospitality Group.
For a full list of participants and to view menus, visit www. longislandrestaurantweek. com.
Long Island Restaurant Week is proudly sponsored by Long Island Restaurant News, Discover Long Island & Newsday.
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.
