Holiday Party, dining & Shopping Guide 2019_12_06

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Reward Yourself

Party, Dining & Shopping Guide

How to maximize credit card rewards while holiday shopping

Take Them Out to the Ballgame Sports experiences top many fans’ holiday wish lists

A Blank S lat e Media Spec i a l Sec ti on • D ec ember 6 , 2 0 1 9

28 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

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he holiday season provides plenty of opportunities to socialize. Holiday celebrations are sometimes akin to family reunions, but friends also tend to celebrate together in December. Such celebrations sometimes include different groups of friends, and that may require hosts to do a little extra to break the ice so everyone relaxes and has a good time.

Secret Santa gift exchanges can make for a great ice breaker, even if guests are buying gifts for people they don’t know. If you plan to make Secret Santa part of your holiday party this year, consider these tips to ensure it goes off smoothly.

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Start planning early. Hosts likely know everyone coming to their party, so they should take the lead and organize the Secret Santa exchange. Let guests know as early as possible, even including the information in the party invitations, so they have time to shop. Make it optional. Forcing people to mingle and exchange gifts is

never a good idea. Give guests the option to participate ask them to indicate if they will or won’t when they RSVP. Set a reasonable gift limit. Figure out a budget that works for everyone. There are plenty of gifts to be had for $20 and under. Gag gifts or “dollar store� gift themes can ensure no one goes overboard in terms of dollar value. Consider a wish list. Asking participants to fill out wish lists ensures that their Secret Santa buddy will have an idea where to start shopping. Enlist a digital helper. Technology can make organizing Secret Santa exchanges even easier. Elfster is an online gift exchange app that can help hosts effectively organize their Secret Santa parties. Fun is key to Secret Santa exchanges, so make sure to keep things lighthearted when planning the party and exchanging gifts.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

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30 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

Keep safety in mind when gifting toys For parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, nothing is more memorable than watching the pure joy on a child’s face when he or she opens a holiday gift. As a result, well-meaning gift-givers sometimes forget to consider safety when seeking out toys and games for kids.

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ew people garner as much delight from opening holiday gifts as young children. The holiday season is a wonder to behold, culminating with brightly wrapped presents just waiting to be revealed.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says there were more than 250,000 toyrelated injuries treated in American hospital emergency departments in 2017. Most of these injuries were attributed to nonmotorized scooters, toy balls and toy vehicles. However, any toy that is not age-appropriate has the potential to cause harm. That is why the organization Prevent Blindness America, which spearheaded the campaign to make December Safe Toys and Gifts Month, advises caution when gifting youngsters. The following are some guidelines when gifting young kids, courtesy of PBA, the CPSC and Kids HealthÂŽ by Nemours.

• Always read labels to see if the toy is right for a child’s age. Don’t buy a toy that is too mature for a child even if you think it would be a big hit. • Consider a gift recipient’s temperament and behavior before purchasing a toy. While one child may be mature enough to handle a toy, another of the same age may not be ready for it. • Recognize choking hazards in toys, which may include marbles, small balls and uninflated balloons. Button batteries, which come in many electronics, can be a choking hazard and cause damage to intestines if swallowed. • Toys with strings and straps can strangle young children and should be avoided. • Inspect all toys for sharp edges or points. Even stuffed animals with internal wires can stab, cut or shock.

• Avoid toys that have parts that fly off, as they can injure the eyes or other parts of the body. • Look for nontoxic labels on toys, including crayons, markers and other art supplies. • Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant. • Painted toys must use lead-free paint. • Look for the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) label, which signifies that the toy has passed the group’s safety inspection standards. • Monitor toy usage during play, and frequently examine toys to see if wear and tear has made them into hazards. The holiday season is an exciting time for children eager to play with new toys and games. Ensuring those gifts are safe can make for a healthy giving season.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

Visit our Main Office on Saturday, December 14th for some Holiday cheer!

Santa Visits Maspeth 9AM - 2PM Goliard Carolers 11AM - 1PM 56-18 69th Street Maspeth, NY 11378 Enter into our FREE Holiday Stocking Raffle... Maspeth Federal Savings Holiday Stocking Raffle Entry Ticket First Name: ______________________________ Last Name:_____________________________ Phone #: _______________________________ E-Mail: ________________________________ Address: _______________________________ City: _____________ State: _____ Zip: ________ Are you a customer? ____ Yes ____ No | Branch: ___________________ Drop off your entry ticket by December 14th or visit one of our branches to complete your entry. No deposit necessary. Limit one entry per person. You do not have to be present to win. Drawing will be held at each branch on Monday, December 16th at 2PM. Winners will be notified by phone or e-mail.

www.maspethfederal.com

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How holiday hosts can safeguard guests

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with food allergies

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osting for the holidays is a fun way to bring loved ones together during a special time of year. As enjoyable as hosting can be, it’s no small task, especially when guests have food allergies.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education, an organization deadline to improving the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, a food allergy is a medical condition in which exposure to a certain foods triggers a harmful immune system response. FARE® notes that more than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions, and roughly one in 13 children in the United States has a food allergy. And food allergies are not just a danger in the U.S., as data published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2015 revealed that 6.9 percent of Canadian children under the age of 18 self-report having at least one food allergy.

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Food allergies are cause for concern, as FARE® notes that every three minutes a food allergy reaction sends 7:46 AM someone to the emergency room. Before planning holiday menus, hosts should ask guests if they or their children have any food allergies and then plan the menu accordingly. When hosting large gatherings, it may be impossible to avoid foods that trigger guests’ allergies. In such instances, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers the following food safety tips to hosts. • Wash hands before and after eating or handling food. • Prevent cross-contamination in preparation and serving by preparing dishes in separate areas and washing all prep materials,

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such as cutting boards, before reusing. Keep unsafe foods away from safe foods at all times. • Read all food labels. • Prepare and cook safe meals first before sealing them and setting them aside. Then make unsafe foods. • Use separate serving utensils for each dish. Be careful not to mix them up. • Wash all prep areas and eating areas with a paper towel and commercial cleaner. Avoid using sponges and rags, which can be a source of allergens. • Keep food isolated to one area of the home and clean up thoroughly after the meal. • Make a plate for each child with food allergies before the meal is served to avoid cross contamination. Keep unsafe foods out of reach of young children with allergies. • Request that children with food allergies sit close to their parents during the meal. Ensure that those eating nearby will be careful not to accidentally spill or share unsafe foods. • Place packages of wipes near food and encourage everyone to wipe their hands after eating, though encouraging them to use soap and water is best. Walk around periodically to dispose of any uneaten food or dirty plates and napkins. When planning holiday menus, host should always keep food allergies in mind. Taking steps to safeguard adults and children with food allergies can ensure everyone has a happy, healthy holiday.

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Sports experiences top many fans’ holiday wish lists

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ame day is a big day for sports fans. While the anticipation in the days before a big game can be exciting, nothing can match the game itself. When shopping for the sports fan on their list this holiday season, shoppers may want to go the extra mile and gift a sports-based experience. Experiential gifts are rising in popularity. According to a 2017 survey from The NPD Group, a leading global information company, 39 percent of holiday shoppers in the United States intended to purchase experiential gifts for their loved ones that year. Sports fans may love a new jersey, but they would no doubt really love a gift that makes them feel like they’re part of the action. Shoppers who want to give a sports experience to their favorite fanatic this holiday season can consider these ideas.

tickets so your loved one has someone to make memories with. Compare tickets sold directly through the team to those available through reputable secondary market sellers like StubHubTM and SeatGeek.

Lessons Some fans not only want to watch their favorite sports, but also play them. For example, fans who follow professional surfing might be able to take their own abilities to the next level after taking some lessons from a local instructor. Many community parks organizations even provide affordable lessons for sports such as cross country skiing, fishing and cycling that can provide great value to shoppers and gift recipients alike.

A round

Tickets Perhaps no sports experience is more enjoyable to a true fan than tickets to the big game. Tickets to see a favorite team play make for a great gift that fans may remember for the rest of their lives. Purchase at least two

Golf fans who can’t get enough of the PGA Tour® may dream of playing a course once graced by their favorite professional players. The PGA Tour® holds events at clubs across the globe, and many of these clubs allow non-members to play rounds for a fee. That fee can be high, but avid golfers will be sharing stories about a round at a favorite course for the rest of their lives. Experiential gifts are tailor-made for sports fans, making them ideal options come the holiday season.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

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36 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR LUTHERAN MANHASSET CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 201 December 24th 4:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Choirs, Soloists, Organ, Instrumentalists

CHRISTMAS DAY 10 AM Reverend Marc Herbst, Pastor Judith Feuss, Director of Music

1901 Northern Blvd. Manhasset • 516- 627-2430 www.manhassetlutheran.org Parking in rear of Church

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Americans racked up an average of $1,054 of debt during the 2018 holiday season.

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inancially savvy individuals want to maximize the potential of their hard-earned money. For better or worse, the holiday season is a time when many people forgo their budgets in favor of finding the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Unfortunately, that can put well-meaning people in debt. But debt doesn’t have to be a consequence of the holiday shopping season. In its 2018 post-holiday debt survey, MagnifyMoney found Americans racked up an average of $1,054 of debt that holiday season, a 5 percent increase over the previous year. Roughly half of the people surveyed felt they’d be able to pay off that debt in three months or less.

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Maximize credit card rewards when holiday shopping

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One way to spend wisely during the holiday season is to take advantage of some spending-related perks. Cash-back credit cards offer a rewards system that will repay a percentage of total expenditures on the card in cash. That “refund� can be cashed out, turned into gift cards, used for statement credits, and even put into a savings or investment account, depending on the card. Reward structures vary, with some cards offering a standard percentage on cash back on all purchases, and others offering higher percentages on certain categories each quarter. Some cards even have tiered rewards programs, while others offer sign-on bonuses that can put even more money in consumers’ pockets. The CitiŽ Double Cash Card is one card to consider. Its earning structure enables shoppers to earn

1 percent back when purchases are made and another 1 percent when the bill is paid on time (at least the minimum due). The Blue Cash PreferredÂŽ Card from American Express is an example of a tiered category card. The card offers 6 percent back on supermarkets, 3 percent on gas and transit and 1 percent on other purchases. Other cards, like the Discover itÂŽ Credit Card, will offer a flat rate of 1 percent in rewards on all purchases, and then 5 percent in quarterly rotating categories that the consumer activates. With categories such as Amazon and PayPal purchases, shoppers can maximize rewards while patronizing these popular retailers when holiday shopping. According to CardRatings.com, a credit card comparison site, cash back credit card rewards are beneficial to those who can pay off balances in full each billing cycle and not incur interest charges. But spending more than one can afford simply for the rewards is a poor practice; stick to a spending limit. Earn a percentage back on holiday spending this year that can be saved and put to use next year. Resources like Credit Karma, Nerd Wallet and CardRatings can help consumers find the card that best fits their needs.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

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UNFORGETTABLE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES ALL YEAR LONG

GOLD COAST ARTS CENTER 113 MIDDLE NECK ROAD, GREAT NECK, NY 11021

THE KEEPER: ENCORE FILM SCREENING

MAKING MEMORIES WITH MUSIC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH | 7:30pm

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH | 11:30am

Don’t miss our encore screening of the 2019 GCIFF Audience Award Winner for Best Narrative Film – The Keeper.

story of love, loyalty and forgiveness.

Making Memories is a series of free monthly arts programs designed for people living with memory loss and their caregivers. Join us at our December program as we celebrate the season with a live musical concert of all your holiday favorites.

Tickets: $15 adult / $10 members Reserve your tickets online at www.goldcoastarts.org or by calling 516-829-2570.

This program is free but you must RSVP in advance at 516-829-2570. Light refreshments included.

POP-UP HOLIDAY SHOP

VACATION ARTS PROGRAM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH | 12:30-3:30pm DECEMBER 26TH, 27TH & 30TH 9:00-3:00pm Unique, hand-made holidays gifts will be featured one day only at the Arts Center’s 2019 Pop Up Holiday Shop! Don’t miss our special sale of one-of-a-kind ceramics, scarves, artwork, children’s clothes, books and more from local and international artists.

When school is closed – the Arts Center is open! Register your Pre-K through 9th grade children for up to three

" taught by our experienced arts faculty. Sessions do sell out so please sign up in advance to ensure we save your spot!

WINTER / SPRING 2020 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! The Gold Coast Arts Center’s School for the Arts offers an exciting range of classes each semester for students of all ages and abilities. Classes include art, ceramics, dance, theatre, chess, fencing, music, robotics and MORE! Sign up today to save your spot!

GOLDCOASTARTS.ORG | 516-829-2570 | VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF CLASSES & EVENTS!

38 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 6, 2019

Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board present:

HOLIDAY TRAIN EXPRESS Winter Wonderland December 14 – 20, Clark Botanic Garden, 193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson Featuring indoor and outdoor trains courtesy of the Long Island Garden Railway Society and a ride-on train Garden path open till 7 p.m. with light display and holiday music

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1 – 7 P.M. • ACTIVITIES 1 P.M. – 4 P.M. include a face painter, animal show, free hot chocolate, photo frames, story time and arts and crafts • SANTA WILL ARRIVE AT 6:30 P.M. at the main gate on a fire truck

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1 – 7 P.M. • SANTA PAWS 3 P.M. – 6 P.M. Bring your pet for a picture with Santa!

The event is FREE | Please bring an unwrapped gift for the Toys for Tots drive

FOR MORE INFORMATION

311 or (516) 869-6311

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth

Council Member, District 1 Viviana Russell

Council Member, District 2 Peter J. Zuckerman

Council Member, District 3 Angelo P. Ferrara

www.northhempsteadny.gov

Council Member, District 4 Veronica Lurvey

Council Member, District 5 Lee R. Seeman

Council Member, District 6 Dina M. De Giorgio

Town Clerk Wayne H. Wink, Jr.

Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman

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