Educational philosopher Maria Montessori famously said, “Play is the work of childhood and toys are the tools of childhood.” However, is childhood a brief stage of life or a state of mind shaped by nostalgic memories of youth? The He-Man action figure, the Pee-wee Herman pull-string doll, the Rainbow Brite doll, and the Thundercats metal […]

Debbie Carpluk Licensed Associate Broker Keller Williams Realty Elite DebbieCarpluk@aol.com (631) 335-0316 As a realtor, showing homes during the holidays has always been my favorite time of year. I truly love seeing the different ideas people have—from personalized stockings on a mantel or staircase to unique tree-decorating styles, both inside and out. Driving through neighborhoods […]

John Philpotts-Kerr, age 65, was seriously injured on Sunday afternoon, December 21, while handling fireworks inside his residence at 138 Pine Neck Ave. in East Patchogue. The firework unexpectedly detonated in his lap, injuring his groin. He was transported via medevac helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for emergency treatment of burns and other serious […]

Holiday gift lists can often induce mild panic. But imagine driving past the mall and big-box stores, ignoring the carousel of convenient but soulless gift cards. Head to your local indie bookstore! Pull open the heavy wooden door to the festive sound of reindeer bells and the faint aroma of paper and pine. You leave […]

Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s conjure images of a cozy holiday dinner at home with family and friends. Whether you want to cook the meal from scratch or have gourmet prepared options to help that holiday meal along, we’re blessed with an abundance of establishments in our area that can help you! From specialty markets […]

On Sundays in 1962, television host Chuck McCann, would read the New York Sunday News, which featured the cartoon character Little Orphan Annie. He wore white circular discs over his eyes to portray Annie as he read the comic strip aloud. Such an oddity to me back then, those discs affixed to the eyes scared […]

Saturday, December 20 Meet Santa at Willy Nilly Trading Cue the sleigh bells—the magic of the holiday season comes alive. Santa will make one last appearance at the Willy Nilly Trading Christmas Store on December 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., before he prepares for his busy week ahead! A visit with Santa is free, […]

The Girl Scouts Suffolk County (GSSC) gathered to flip the switch on the annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show on Nov. 28 at Camp Edey, at 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport. The highlight of the show will be “Girl Scout Way,” an area where the five winning creations from the 2025 Girl Scouts […]

In the heart of December, the holiday edition of Great South Bay News is on its way to newsstands, and we are confident it will enrich your celebrations. Our photo pages showcase some of the festivities so far, captured by our own Rob Verbeck. At the same time, the events calendar is full of ideas […]

Fifth-grade students at Manetuck Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District kicked off the holiday season with a festive, hands-on activity, designing and decorating their own gingerbread houses alongside guests on Dec. 12. Using a variety of colorful candies and sweet treats, students worked creatively to build unique structures while sharing the […]

Hanukkah this year began on the evening of December 14, and continues through December 22—the first full day of winter. While some villages and hamlets opted for an early start, there are menorah lighting ceremonies in the Great South Bay neighborhoods that will take place within the holiday itself. Islip Town Hall The Town of […]