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.
Reduce your energy costs. Get a free business energy assessment. psegliny.com/businessassessment *Incentives, grants, and rebates will vary with every project.
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!
BAGE L BOSS
Care for Your Smile, Improve Your Health
Bridging the gap between dentistry and medicine is crucial to living a healthier life. Our team offers routine cleanings and comprehensive exams, ensuring your oral and overall health are well-maintained. Keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy is our passion. From general dentistry, including restorative and cosmetic procedures, to specialized treatments, choose ProHEALTH Dental for exceptional care you can trust.
At ProHEALTH Dental, we treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health, which is why we’re not your ordinary dentists.
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.
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!
Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library
ONE SOUTH COUNTRY ROAD, BRIGHTWATERS, NY 11718
631-665-4350, www.bsbwlibrary.org
LIBRARY HOURS: Monday through Thursday - 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Sundays 12:00-4:00 PM (Beginning October)
DISPLAYS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER:
Main Display-Capt. Sandy Ott is displaying his two models of ferries from Bay Shore-the “Zeewhiz” & the “Artemis” from the Zeeline Ferry Co along with associated pictures.
Gallery-Eileen Carr will showcase her wonderful painting on wood pallets, and Liz Lowry will display her most recent works.
Lobby Display-The Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for Breast Cancer Awareness provides support and services to patients living with breast & other women’s cancers.
MINI FOOD PANTRY-The Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library has a Mini Food Pantry for those in the community that might need some extra help. If you are interested in contributing, please bring items to the Children’s Services Desk. Non-perishable food, baby items or paper products are greatly appreciated.
SNEAKER COLLECTION DRIVE: The library is a collection point for the GotSneakers? Campaign coordinated by the Keep Islip Clean organization. Please place your old sneakers in the bin by the front entrance for recycling. Help us in our effort to keep old sneakers out of landfills.
PUZZLE SWAP: Check out our puzzle swap, Pick out a new puzzle and leave one for the community to enjoy.
ADULT PROGRAMS: Registration for adult programming begins Tuesday, September 2nd at 9:30 AM. Out of district patrons can register on Tuesday, September 16th.
Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies-Films are screened every Wednesday at 2:30 PM. Call the Library for a complete listing.
October 15th-Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 AM-Computers 104-Organize your computer! This class provides an understanding of the Windows file management structure including drives, folders and files. Create folders, copy/ move files, and delete folders and files. Prerequisites, Computers 101 and 102.
October 16th-Thursday from 5:30-6:30 PM-Bring your Own Teen. Bring Your Own Teen and show off your decorating skills! Compete with others to see who can create the most impressive cupcakes! Battle for the title of cupcake champion and a chance to win exciting prizes. Please register yourself and your teen.
October 17th-Friday from 10:00-4:00 PM-Empire Safety Defensive Driving Course. Learn to be a better driver and save money on your auto insurance. Please bring your New York State Driver’s License to this class. There will be a half hour lunch break allowance. Fee of $30 due at registration. Cash or Check only.
October 19th-Sunday at 1:00 PM-The Clusters-The Fabulous Clusters All Star Revue performs the hits of the 50s through the 70s including the girl group songs of the 60s, Motown and more
October 22nd-Wednesday at 6:00 PM-Medicare Made Clear. Explore your Medicare choices and learn the difference between Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans.
October 23rd-Thursday from 5:00-6:00 PM or 6:00 PM7:00 PM-Finger Knit Scarves. Learn how to knit a cozy scarf with your fingers!
October 24th-Friday at 10:00 AM-Protect What Matters: Estate Planning for All Families. Join us as we explore how estate planning goals and strategies evolve over time, ensuring your plan aligns with your needs at every stage of life.
October 25th-Saturday from 1:00-4:00 PM-Coin and Stamp Appraisal. Do you think you might have some rare of valuable stamps or coins in your collection? Come find out with expert Frank McAlonan.
October 28th-Tuesday at 7:00 PM-True Crime Club. The Manson Family. Join librarian Rhiannon to discuss a true crime case with fellow enthusiasts!
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:
You must have a valid Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public
Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library
ONE SOUTH COUNTRY ROAD, BRIGHTWATERS, NY 11718
631-665-4350, www.bsbwlibrary.org
continued from 18
Library card in order to register for any programs. Check out the library website, stop by the children’s room, or pick up a bulletin at the circulation desk to find out about our children’s program.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Teen programs are for students in Grades 6 – 12. A valid Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library card is required. Check out the library website, stop by the teen room, or pick up a bulletin at the circulation desk to find out about our teen programs Community Service Hours – Middle and High School students can earn community service hours by bringing in travel size hygiene products. Four items will earn students one hour of community service. These products will be used in the library’s clean cabinet for our community members in need. Please bring your items to the teen or children’s desk. Maximum or four hours per student will be accepted each month.
October 15th-Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 PM-Bookmarked with Kindness. Get creative and earn community service hours by designing personalized bookmarks for library patrons.
October 20th-Monday from 4:15-5:00 PM-Craft Buddies. Help a younger friend create a fun and imaginative craft together.
October 21st-Tuesday from 5:00-6:00 PM-Teen Great Give Back. Give back to the community by helping to sort hygiene products for our Clean Cabinet during our Great Give Back event!
Octobers 29th-Wednesday from 4:30-5:15 PM-Slime Buddies. Make slime with a younger friend.
Stitch for Service-Put your crochet and knitting skills to good use! The Stitch for Service program allows you to create handmade items like washcloths, hats, scarves, or other essentials to donate to those in need. Each item you make and drop off earns you community service hours (maximum 12 hours) Stop by the teen desk for more information.
Read More To Improve Overall Health
Agingis often associated with minor forgetfulness and loss of cognitive function, but it does not cause the types of issues that arise with dementia. According to Medical News Today, millions of people around the world have dementia, which is a term given to various chronic neurodegenerative conditions that affect cognitive abilities and memory, including Alzheimer's disease.
Research is ongoing in an effort to understand more about what can be done to reduce dementia risk and cognitive impairment. Reading may be something to explore. A study published in 2021 in Neurology found that high levels of cognitive activity, such as reading, playing games like checkers and puzzles, and writing letters, can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by 5 years among those aged 80 years and over. So how can people read more? Consider these five ideas.
1. Carry a book or e-reader. Turn to a book rather than a cell phone for entertainment while waiting at appointments, school pick-up, commutes, and other times when waiting is necessary.
2. Get newspapers delivered. Getting the news online can be convenient, but once you're on the internet it's easy to go down various rabbit holes that take you away from news information sites. Rather, pick up a newspaper and read it each day. You'll be strengthening cognitive health and supporting your local community in the process.
3. Join a book club. Book clubs are popular ways to meet new people and read regularly. Socialization opportunities and reading are great for seniors who may worry about cognitive health.
4. Get a library card. Visiting the library is still a fashionable thing to do. It's often a community hub for activities, and provides the most affordable place to get reading material.
5. Stop into a bookshop while shopping. Make a point of popping into a book retailer while out and about. You never know what might pique your interest, particularly when visiting smaller, independent booksellers.
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.
Food Fit For Football Fans
Barbecued Chicken Breast
With Grilled Corn and Tomatoes
Makes 4 servings
3 1⁄2 tablespoons lemon juice
1⁄2 cup olive oil kosher or sea salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 small onion, minced
1⁄4 teaspoon thyme
1⁄4 teaspoon cumin 4 boneless chicken breast halves
4 ears fresh corn, husks removed
2 tomatoes, thickly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
1. In a small glass bowl, combine the first eight ingredients to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken and the marinade in a one gallon plastic storage bag. Squeeze bag to coat the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
3. Grill chicken over indirect medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the breast registers 170 degrees F.
4. About 10 minutes before the chicken is ready, brush corn and tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Watching carefully, grill for about 5 to 8 minutes until done. Cooking time will depend on grill temperature.
Director Of Bay ShoreBrightwaters Library Retires
Suffolk County Legislator
Steven J. Flotteron recognized Michael Squillante on his retirement as Library Director of Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library. Squillante has devoted 36 years of service to Suffolk County Libraries. He served as Library Director at the Westhampton Free Library, and the Elwood Public Library from 2003 to 2013 before being selected as the Director of the Bay ShoreBrightwaters Public Library.
As Director, he empowered and mentored his staff to explore their ideas, encouraged their development while
following their progress and achievements. His skills as well as his sense of humor made him approachable to staff and community alike. In addition to his responsibilities as Director, he became an adjunct professor for Long Island University’s Master’s in Library Science program and a guest lecturer for their Advanced Certificate in Public Library Administration Post-Graduate program mentoring future librarians and library administrators. He also was involved in several capacities with the Public Library Directors Association.
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.
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?
The popularity of vegan diets is on the rise as people increasingly turn to plant-based eating. According to Soylent, a soy-based meal replacement beverage company, the number of vegans exceeds 9.7 million in the United States. Projections estimate that by 2040, only 40 percent of the global population will continue to eat meat.
