Lisa’s passion is baking. Opening a store was a big step—one she made with support from PSEG Long Island. She earned incentives for choosing a vacant space that reduced her monthly energy costs. Now, her thriving business has made life a little sweeter for all of us.
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Welcome to our October issue of South Bay's Seasons® Magazine! By now, kids are settled into their school routines, it’s officially fall and Halloween is right around the corner. Flip through these pages to find timely editorial, a delicious recipe or two and of course, ads from your favorite local merchants. With two issues left this year, we would love to invite you to be a part of our upcoming November and December issues. Contact us today for more information and new customer promotions!
Keep Pets Safe This Halloween
Halloween
is an annual celebration that many children and adults look forward to each October. From the mysterious and the macabre to the goofy and gregarious, Halloween speaks to people in many different ways. And with the opportunity to accumulate several pounds of sugary treasure after a few hours of trick-or-treating, is it any wonder celebrants love Halloween? While Halloween hijinks may be ideal fun for plenty of ghosts and ghouls, companion animals may not be so enthusiastic come October 31. In fact, Halloween can be a source of stress and even dangerous for many pets. Here are some things pet parents should keep in mind prior to Halloween.
• Costumes: Pet costumes are popular and can help owners and their pets coordinate for Halloween. Some pets may find costumes uncomfortable or frightening. For those with a mind toward creative costume coordination, introducing the costume to
the pet slowly and gradually can help ease the transition. If the pet simply will not warm to the idea of a costume, it’s best not to force the issue.
• Glow sticks: Glow sticks are a safe way for children to enjoy some spooky fun on Halloween night and become more visible when the sun sets. But those glow sticks may be attractive to pets and they can bite them, ingesting the liquid. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says typically pets experience a mild and self-limiting taste reaction to glow stick liquid.
• Accessibility to candy: One of the biggest Halloween dangers for pets is the accessibility of candy, especially chocolate. Chocolate is toxic and particularly dangerous to dogs. Chocolate with high amounts of cacao is especially dangerous. Candy wrappers can get stuck in the intestinal tract and cause a life-threatening blockage.
Did You Know?
Candy
is a popular treat on Halloween. While trick-or-treaters will often accept just about any confection in their bags and buckets, certain products reign supreme across the United States and Canada, according to RetailMeNot and Halloween Alley.
These include:
· Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
· Kit Kat
· Snickers
· Skittles
· M&Ms
· Starburst
· Twizzlers
Did You Know?
TheNational Football League (NFL) was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The first-ever NFL game was played at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio, on October 3, 1920. In that contest, the hometown Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14-0. Though the Dayton Triangles were eventually purchased by a Brooklyn-based syndicate and relocated to New York as a result of that transaction, the team’s status as the host of the first NFL game continues to pay dividends for residents of the southwestern Ohio city where the franchise ushered in the now wildly popular league. In recognition of the place the city of Dayton holds in NFL history, the NFL Foundation, in partnership with FieldTurf & Vasco, pledged to fund the installment of a new artificial turf at the city’s Kettering Park.
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Boo -Tiful Halloween Craft Ideas
Halloween
is a highlight of fall, as children and even adults anxiously await October 31. Similar to the holiday season, people often decorate their homes for Halloween, and even do so well in advance of late October to maximize the amount of time they get to enjoy the trinkets and other items.
Many people enjoy getting hands-on for Halloween. It’s possible to craft decorations, personalized treats and festive costumes. Consider these ideas for Halloween craft projects.
3D Pumpkins
Carving pumpkins is a popular Halloween tradition. But there are many people who feel the job is too messy. Instead, a fun way to add personality to pumpkins comes by way of some hot glue and
paint. Use a hot glue gun to create a pattern on the outside of the pumpkin. It can be designs, a jack-o’-lantern face or just about anything. Once dry and hardened, use craft paint to go over the entire pumpkin. The raised design will be evident and add dimension.
Spooktacular Wreath
Adorn the front door with something creative. It can be utterly frightening or something more festive. Start with a premade spring greenery wreath or a wreath frame that you cover with your own greenery. Purchase a round, unfinished wooden sign panel, and paint with black chalkboard paint. Add your own message with chalk or chalk paint. “Keep Away” or “Enter at Your Own Risk” are great Halloween phrases to consider. Attach the sign in the middle of the
chest or box from the hobby store. Paint it all black or your favorite Halloween colors. Then add additional designs like spider webs, bats or pumpkins. Fill the box with treats or small toys. Kids can have fun picking out their treasures.
Halloween Gnomes
wreath. You also can add some embellishments to the wreath, including black moss and floral stems and leaves. A glittery black and green ribbon or bow is the finishing touch before hanging.
Boo Treasure Box
Purchase a wooden treasure
Gnomes have been popular for years, and they keep turning up in different iterations. You can craft your own gnomes for Halloween with a few supplies. Start with a 9-inch-tall foam cone. Cut the bottom off the toe part of a solid colored ankle sock just past the heel, and pull it up so it covers the lower few inches of the cone. Add some hot glue to secure, draw a beard shape on the back of the faux fur and cut it out. Attach the beard to the lower part of the cone over the sock. Use a crew length patterned sock to create a hat for the gnome, and glue to the top part of the cone. Glue on a large wood bead for the nose. Decorate the gnome any way you’d like, such as adding felt patches to the sock hat.
Halloween can be even more fun with some creative crafts the entire family can enjoy.
No Need To Skip The Bread, These Gluten-Free Rolls Enhance Meals
Alight and airy roll can enhance any meal. However, many people have to skip the traditional rolls come the holidays or during other times of the year because of food allergies and intolerances. Those who avoid gluten because they have celiac disease or for other reasons can rest easy knowing there is a delicious option that can be whipped up in no time at all. These “Easy Yeast Rolls” from “It Just Happens to be Gluten-Free” (Do Life Inspired Publishing) by Jen Fiore are a welcome addition to any table.
Easy Yeast Rolls
Makes 12
2 1⁄2 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour blend (see below)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large egg
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons cane sugar
2 1⁄4 teaspoons fast acting yeast
1 egg white (about 1 tablespoon)
Directions:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together yeast, water and sugar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry mixture along with the egg and oil. Mix together for one minute.
4. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough evenly among the 12 spots in the muffin pan. Smooth the top and sides with a tiny bit of water on a small spatula for a nicely shaped, even-looking roll.
6. Lightly brush the top of the dough with the egg white.
7. Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
All-Purpose Flour Blend (Bread)
Makes 12
1 1⁄8 cups tapioca flour
1 1⁄8 cups potato starch
1 cup fine brown rice flour
1 cup fine white rice flour
3 teaspoons xanthan gum
In a large mixing bowl, mix very well with a whisk until all the ingredients are well blended. Store in an airtight container.
How To Take A Game Watch Party To Championship
Sports fans are a passionate lot. When a big game is on the schedule, diehard fans want to gather with fellow supporters, and that’s turned game watch parties into a popular way to cheer on the team.
Game watch parties can be hosted at any time of year, including during football season. As the action on the gridiron heats up, game watch hosts can consider these ways to take their parties to championship heights.
• Prioritize comfort. Depending on which sport hosts and their guests are getting together to watch, games can last anywhere from two to three hours, if not longer.
Heights
Guests tend to arrive before the game begins and may stick around to discuss the game once it’s over. That means guests will be sticking around awhile, which makes it necessary for hosts to prioritize comfort. Comfort should be considered when choosing seating but also which room to host fellow fans. If the weather allows and hosts have the space, a backyard makes the most sense for a game watch, particularly if you already have an expansive patio and outdoor living room. When hosting an indoor watch party, choose a spacious room so guests won’t feel like they’re sitting on top of one another.
watch. A new screen can provide the crystal clear image fans have come to expect, and the updated technology can ensure fans streaming the game won’t be frustrated by outdated operating systems that can lead to excessive buffering and frustrating mid-game interruptions.
• Stock up on snacks. Formal dinner parties may be all about the main course, but sports fans like their game day snacks. Traditional fare like chips and pretzels can be offered, but hosts also can serve up additional finger foods that can be eaten while watching the game. Chicken wings, sliders, homemade nachos, and a vegetable tray are fan-friendly finger foods that can be eaten while watching all the action on the field.
• Upgrade your screen. Hosts who have not upgraded their television in awhile can consider doing so in advance of the season or prior to hosting a game
• Set up more than one viewing space. More than one viewing space is ideal if your go-to game watch room is a little cramped or if you’ll be inviting guests with varying degrees of interest in the game. Diehards can congregate in a main viewing space while those who are there to have fun first and watch second can gather in a separate room to take in all the action. If possible, designate a separate area for children, complete with their own snacks as well as games and crafts to keep them occupied if the action alone is unlikely to keep them occupied for several hours.
• Start early. When sending invitations, encourage guests to arrive between 30 and 60 minutes before the start of the game. That ensures no one will miss a moment of the action, including hosts who will be tasked with welcoming arriving guests.
Game watches are fun ways for sports fans to get together. Some simple strategies can ensure all fans have a good time at your next watch party!
Congratulations Natalie Affenita: Top 40 Under 40
Natalie was recently Honored in a special edition of the Long Island Real Producers Magazine as being one of the Top 40 Under 40 Licensed Real Estate Agents
Natalie Affenita has never been one to follow a straight path. In fact, she’s taken more detours than most-including captaining a collegiate dance team, traveling the world, working as a travel agent in Florence, and selling stone in a mason’s yard before realizing that real estate was where she was meant to be.
Her journey into the industry was anything but conventional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was working with her father in construction when a customer walked in, looking for materials. Natalie didn’t just sell him a piece of stone-she sold him on her talent. So much so that he took her to lunch the next day, not to discuss masonry but to convince her to get into real estate. After a few conversations and some paperwork, she was officially in the business, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Real estate has tested her in ways she never expected, especially when health complications forced her to undergo surgery to insert a cardiac monitor, which Natalie still has today. But slowing down? Not an option. Even during recovery, Natalie found a way to keep her deals moving, show properties, and stay present for her clients-thanks to an incredible support system of family, colleagues, and sheer determination. “Real estate doesn’t pause, and neither do I,” she says with a laugh.
Now, with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, She’s laser-focused on breaking into the luxury market, expanding her network, and making a difference through her extensive charity work. And if her track record proves anything, it’s that no matter what life throws at her, Natalie will always find a way to turn it into an opportunity.
Tips To Carve The Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern
Jack-o’-lanterns are one of many indelible symbols of Halloween. It’s hard to pinpoint the precise origins of jacko’-lanterns, but many historians trace the tradition to 19th-century Ireland. In fact, this instantly recognizable staple of Halloween decor actually gets its name from an Irish folktale character named “Stingy Jack.”
Jack-o’-lanterns are ubiquitous in October, but a refresher course on carving one can help those who haven’t dusted off their carving skills since last fall.
• Don’t carve too early. Though it can be tempting and fun to carve a jack-o’-lantern once the calendar turns to October, it’s unlikely the finished product will make it all the way to October 31. Horticulturists indicate that jack-o’-lanterns have a shelf life of roughly five to 10 days, though an especially cold October could shorten that life expectancy even further. If you want your jack-o’lantern to greet trick-ortreaters on Halloween, wait to carve it until a few days before the big day.
• Use a dry-erase marker
to outline the design. It’s easy to make mistakes when carving a jack-o’lantern, especially if this is your first time using a carving knife since last year. Use a dry-erase marker to trace the design onto the pumpkin before you cut.
• Avoid severing the stem. When many people envision jack-o’-lanterns, the image in their minds is one in which the top of the pumpkin is removed so candles or lights can be effortlessly placed inside. However, the custom pumpkin carving
experts at New Yorkbased Maniac Pumpkin Carvers note that removing the top cuts off the vine, which supplies the pumpkin with nutrients and moisture, even after it’s been cut. A hole in the back of the pumpkin can provide easy access when placing candles or lights inside, and cutting here won’t cut off the nutrient and moisture supply a pumpkin needs to avoid drying out.
• Scoop everything out. The interior of a pumpkin will be loaded with seeds, which can be removed and later roasted to make a savory snack. In addition to removing the seeds, be sure to get all of the pulp out. Pulp left in the pumpkin will soon get moldy, and that can shorten the lifespan of the jack-o’-lantern. In addition, when removing the interior, try scraping the front inner wall of the pumpkin thinly, which may make it easier to carve.
• Avoid candles when lighting the interior of the jack-o’-lantern. Candles might seem like the most authentic and even spooky way to light the interior of the pumpkin, but the heat produced by a burning candle can shorten the life expectancy of the jacko’-lantern. An LED light won’t give off much heat and will provide ample illumination.
A few simple tips can help Halloween celebrants ensure their jack-o’-lanterns make it all the way to the big day at the end of October.
Supply House Brings its Energy to Pal-O-Mine
Nearly50 staff members from Supply House, an e-commerce supplier specializing in plumbing, heating, HVAC and electrical products, put their hearts, souls and muscles into a day of volunteering at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. The enthusiastic team helped with a variety of tasks on the nonprofit’s 13-acre farm, which is home to a herd of 25 horses, a three-acre garden, a vocational program and much more.
“It was such a fun experience, and hopefully we will be able to contribute some good along the way,” said Joe Cuccia, Supply House’s Mobile App Engineering Team Lead.
“Everything was well organized, and it was nice to get some fresh air and see the horses — and chickens, too!”
“Giving back to the community is one of Supply House’s core values, and their
dedication was on full display when they put in a fun day of work on our property” said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine, which provides a comprehensive therapeutic equine program to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma, veterans, first responders and others. “They helped spruce things up for our Fall Festival on October 13th , when we will welcome the entire community to our farm, and we are extremely grateful to all who participated.”
Through Pal-O-Mine’s Corporate Volunteer Engagement Program, teams roll up their sleeves to make a difference for others, not only contributing to Pal-O-Mine’s life- changing mission with their hands-on work and investment, but also igniting team spirit, boosting morale and reconnecting employees with a shared
sense of purpose.
To learn more about this program, as well as Pal-O-Mine’s Equine Assisted Corporate Leadership Programs and custom wellness offerings, contact Gatti at LGatti@pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389.
About Pal-O-Mine Equestrian:
Now celebrating its 30th year, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program to
facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma, veterans, first responders, individuals on the autism spectrum and many others. Each week, more than 400 students attend one of the many programs offered at our 13-acre Islandia, NY, campus, which is home to 25 specially trained horses and a therapeutic horticulture program that serves as a vocational internship site for people with disabilities.
To learn more, visit www.Pal-O-Mine.org.
Tips To Make Soup More Nutritious
Soup is a dish that wears many hats. When the weather becomes chilly, people often turn to soup to warm themselves up from the inside out. Soup, especially when soup is paired with a favorite sandwich, also can be a simple and light meal when one doesn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Soup has been heralded as a remedy as well, a reputation that dates back thousands of years. In the twelfth century, Egyptian Jewish physician Moshe ben Maimonides prescribed chicken soup as a treatment for respiratory tract issues. And Penn Medicine suggests eating soup while ill is a good idea because the meal is nourishing, easy to digest and often full of nutritious components. People may wonder what
they can do to tweak their favorite soups to make them even more nutritious, as many modern soups have gained a reputation as being sodium-heavy. These ideas can give soup a powerful boost.
• Use a higher ratio of vegetables in the soup when compared to meats and grains. Vegetables are notoriously high in nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy, including antioxidants and vitamins.
• Make your own soup stock from fresh ingredients. Doing so helps retain control over what goes into the soup, helping to reduce potential additives or other ingredients like sugar and sodium.
• Vary the color of the
vegetables. Aim for vegetables of at least three different colors. The colors of the vegetables often correspond to the nutrients and phytochemicals they contain. For example, carrots are high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which is necessary for eye health, healthy skin and a strong immune system.
• Replace the cream in soups with healthier ingredients. Soups that are cream-based tend to be loaded with calories and saturated fat. Instead, use Greek yogurt at the end (to prevent curdling) or even low-fat cottage cheese to amp up the protein content and give the soup a creamy consistency without the fat. Silken tofu or even
a vegetable purée made from potato and cauliflower can add creaminess as well.
• Swap meat for lean proteins in the soup. Lentils, for example, are a plant protein rich in flavor and nutrition. According to UC Davis Health, lentils have about 18 grams of protein per cup and also are high in fiber. Relatively inexpensive, lentils also can help keep meal budgets in check. Alternative legumes also can work in soups, as can seafood or lean poultry.
• Add texture to the soup. Pumpkin seeds or flax seeds have taste and texture, and can be a healthier option for topping soups over buttery croutons or crackers.
• Keep ingredients “whole” in the soup. Lean on whole grains, fibrous vegetables, fresh herbs, and lean meats to build a well-rounded soup that’s bursting with nutrition.
• Add some turmeric and ginger. If the flavor profile allows, incorporate some fresh turmeric and ginger to the soup. Health magazine says these ingredients are part of the same plant family and have been used in traditional medicine in India and China for centuries. Both are known for reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of digestive disease.
Experiment with different ingredients to create soups that are not only delicious, but nutritious as well.
Stony Brook Has Received Most Applications in University’s History
TheState University of New York at Stony Brook, New York’s flagship public university, was sought out by more students than ever as their collegiate choice in the university’s 68-year history. The university received the largest number of applications in its history with over 64,000 first-year applications and over 71,000 total undergraduate applications. This represents a 15% total application growth in one year and a 64% growth since 2021. These applications also represent the largest number of out-of-state and international applications received as the university’s reputation domestically and internationally continues to grow.
The university received the highest number of total applications in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, followed by Binghamton University, University at Buffalo and the University at Albany.
In addition, with 27,200 students, the university has
achieved its highest enrollment to date. Preliminary data shows the highest number of undergraduate students is approximately 18,600 with the highest number of New York undergraduate students enrolled at approximately 15,500. For the first time ever, over 53% of entering first-year students earned a high school grade point average of 95 or above.
“Stony Brook's standing as a top public research university continues to grow,” said Senior Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Richard Beatty. “The record-breaking number of first-year applications and highest overall enrollment is a testament to Stony Brook University's growing reputation as a premier public research institution. As our academic programs and student outcomes continue to garner national and international recognition, we are seeing a tremendous surge of interest from talented students who want to be a part of a vibrant and
Colleges
innovative community. The world is recognizing what we have long known: Stony Brook offers a world-class education that is accessible, affordable and transformative.”
“This historic surge in applications and recordbreaking enrollment reflects the growing recognition of Stony Brook’s excellence and accessibility as the #1 public university in New York State,” said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. “These milestones enhance our ability to attract the very best students from across the state and around the world while, at the same time, expanding access to a highquality, affordable education. Growing our student body is an important element of our strategic vision to accelerate our excellence and impact across all dimensions of education, research, healthcare and service to our local communities, New York State, the country, and the world.”
National Rankings from U.S. News & World Report Best
Stony Brook has closely maintained its rankings status in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026 rankings. In the 2026 rankings released, Stony Brook was ranked #59 in a 5-way tie with George Washington University, Penn State University, the University of Minnesota and Santa Clara University. In recent years, the university moved from #93 in the 2022 rankings to #58 in the 2024/2025 rankings; the small movement to #59 in 2025/26 is relatively unchanged, given the numerous ties at this level in the rankings. For the fourth year in a row, Stony Brook continues to rank as the #1 public university in New York. Notably, Stony Brook is the only New York school among the top 30 public universities coming in at #26 again for the third year in a row.
Additional ranking highlights achieved include:
The university moved to #13 (tied) in “Top Performers on Social Mobility” from #15.
The university moved to 109 (tied) in “Undergraduate Business Program” from #147.
The university moved to #87 (tied) in “Undergraduate Economics Programs” from #93.
The university moved to #64 (tied) in “Undergraduate Engineering Programs” from #66.
The university moved to #52 (tied) in “Undergraduate Psychology Programs” from #53.
4-Ingredient Moon Cookies For Halloween
Youonly need 4 ingredients to make these super easy cookies that are the perfect treat and add a celestial touch to your Halloween celebrations!
Directions:
Ingredients:
1¼ cups of flour
¼ cup of powdered sugar
¼ cup of butter melted
1 egg yolk +1 egg beaten
*Optional 1 cup of finely chopped almonds, some cinnamon, nutmeg, clove
Combine flour and sugar (and almonds if using).
Work in butter and egg yolk until well blended.
Set it in the fridge until chilled (minimum 1 hour, up to overnight).
Roll into crescent moon shapes.
Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. While still warm dip in powdered sugar so it sticks.
Recipe provided by Jayne Nicoletti
What To Do With Leftover Candy
What can be better than spending a day with friends, decked out in costume as you accumulate a mountain of sweet treats? That’s what trick-or-treaters do every Halloween, and sometimes the cache of candy is more than a person can consume in a lifetime. Rather than be wasteful and throw it away, they can utilize that candy in many different ways.
• S’mores cookie: Turn miniature chocolate bars into a campfire treat with a cookie twist. Press premade cookie dough into a round cast iron skillet and bake until cooked throughout. Add chopped up pieces of chocolate and marshmallows on top, and place under the
broiler a few minutes until melted and gooey. Slice up to serve or dig in with spoons.
• Confectionary pizza: Purchase premade pizza dough or make your own. Bake the dough on a pan with no toppings. Afterwards, spread a layer of peanut butter or hazelnut spread on top. Then set up a fixings bar with various candies that others can add to their pizza slices.
• Stained glass cookies: Turn hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers®) into works of art. Fill sugar cookie cutouts with hard candies in the middle. When the cookies bake, the candies will melt and then turn soft after cooling.
• Candy-topped brownies: Brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some embellishments. Mix chopped caramels into the batter, or add other candies for flavor and fun.
• Candy bark: Melt down any chocolate you may have and spread it on a baking sheet. Sprinkle chopped up leftover candy on top and allow to cool. Break into pieces for a homemade chocolate bark.
• Gingerbread house: Save the candy in a zip-top bag for freshness and reserve for decorating gingerbread houses around the holidays.
• Birthday piñata: If there is
a birthday on the horizon, use the Halloween candy to stuff the piñata.
• Donate: Various organizations will gather and ship leftover candy to troops stationed overseas or donate the goods to first responders, veterans and others.
