Community News, December 2

EAST HAMPTON TOWN

Two more COVID-19 vaccine clinics are planned in East Hampton Town in December: Mondays, December 13 and 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Pantigo Road.

The clinics are open to the public and there is no cost for the vaccine. Moderna, Pfizer and J&J are available. A New York State consent form is required, as well as a patient registration form, identification and, if applicable, insurance and vaccinations cards.

To book an appointment, go to COVID19VaccinesTOEH.as.me.

MONTAUK

The 42nd annual holiday dinner for Montauk seniors will take place on Sunday, December 5, at 1 p.m. As it was last year, the dinner will be available only via pick-up or delivery.

Call the Montauk Firehouse at 631-668-5695 to reserve a dinner and for more information.

Chabad of Montauk will hold a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, December 5, a noon on the hamlet green. It will feature a menorah lighting, hot latkes, Hanukkah treats, music, magic and more.

More information is available at jewishmontauk.com.

Chabad of the Hamptons will hold a memorah-lighting event at Kirk Park on Montauk Highway on Sunday, December 5, at noon.

Go to jewishhamptons.com for more information.

The Montauk Food Pantry is collecting toys for the children of Eastern Farm Workers. Donate a new, unwrapped toy (ages infant to young teen) between 9 a.m. and noon, through Saturday, December 4. The drop-off location is the lobby at St. Therese preschool. The Captain Kid store (now in the village in the Homeport store, next to White’s Pharmacy) is running a matching toy drive: if you purchase any toys for donation there, they will match the donation.

Virtual visits with and artists and musicians in their studios continue on Wednesday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. with the premiere screening of “The Guitar & Cuba, France and Haiti,” a 30-minute video by Francisco Roldán. It will remain on demand through the library’s videos through December 31.

Francisco Roldán is a concert artist and a teacher, currently a member of the faculty of the Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division; Lehman College - City University of New York; and the Alexander Robertson School. He is also the director of Música De Cámara, an organization dedicated to presenting classical Latin American composers and musicians. His recordings can be heard on Pandora, Spotify and other music streaming apps.

For more information visit franciscoroldan.com or montauklibrary.org.

AMAGANSETT

The Amagansett Village Improvement Society and Amagansett Fire Department will hold the hamlets annual tree-lighting ceremony and seasonal gathering on Sunday, December 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. All are invited. Santa and Mrs. Claus, in “ermine”-trimmed red velvet, will arrive at the firehouse to greet children, who instead of sitting on Santa’s lap, will stay at a safe distance and relay their holiday wish lists and will receive stockings stuffed with toys. Sweet treats, cookies, and hot cider will be offered. At 4:45 p.m., the tree, east of the firehouse, near the flagpole, will be lit.

Also through the efforts of the AVIS, the planters on Main Street will be filled with winter greenery and tied with red-velvet bows; happy-holiday banners will be put up at Miss Amelia’s Cottage and east of the firehouse, as they were in previous years. Come dark, Main Street will be lined with brightly-lit Christmas trees provided by the town.

Again as in previous years, AVIS board member Cam Gelb will distribute, sometime before Christmas, a special holiday ornament, this year, a snowman, to the merchants in the hamlet, as a thank-you for helping AVIS keep Amagansett beautiful.

For further information,please call AVIS co-chair Victor Gelb at 516-659-1180.

Chabad of the Hamptons will host a menorah-lighting ceremony at the flagpole near the Amagansett Fire Station on Thursday, December 2 at 5 p.m.

Go to jewishhamptons.com for more information.

The East End Classic Boat Society will hold an open house at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, and pick the winner of its boat raffle in the club’s headquarters on 301 Bluff Road, Amagansett in the Hartjen Richardson Community Boat Shop.

Because of COVID-19 health concerns an abbreviated event will be held ending at 4 p.m. and no refreshments will be served. A lucky ticketholder will win a 10-foot-long Martha’s Tender dinghy, the product of celebrated boat designer Joel White. A trailer and outboard motor are included.

Attendees can view the latest work products of the club, which restores vintage boats and builds others using classic plans. Membership in the club costs $35 and is open to anyone interested in putting their hands to work at boat building and restoration.

SPRINGS

Project Most will benefit from a virtual wine tasting set for Thursday, December 16; reservations are required by this Thursday, December 2. The one-hour Zoom session will discuss wine regions, history and winemaking, how to taste wine and trivia. Those who register at a cost of $80 per household will get wines delivered to their home.

Reserve your wines and spot in the Zoom session at projectmost.org.

Springs Presbyterian Church is offering holiday color and greenery in the form of Christmas wreaths and poinsettia plans for sale. Order by leaving a message with a call back number at 631-324-4791. The 12” wreaths with red bow and ornaments is $25 and the 6” poinsettia plants are $12. Pick up will be on Saturday, December 4 at the Springs Church. There will be limited availability of the items for those who did not pre-order.

For more information, visit springspc.org.

The Springs Food Pantry has been selected to benefit from Stop & Shop’s Bloomin’ 4 Good program for the month of December. Through the program, for every Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet purchased at the East Hampton location of Stop & Shop, $1 will be donated to the food pantry. The bouquets may be identified by the red circle sticker.

“Flowers can make someone’s day, brighten up a room or spread a smile,” said Holly Reichart, executive director of the Springs Food Pantry. “Now they can fight hunger too. We are thrilled to be chosen to benefit from this unique and impactful Stop & Shop Program, as the demands of those in need are higher than ever this year.”

The 11th annual Friends Bazaar will be held on Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ashawagh Hall on Springs Fireplace Road. There will be handmade items for sale with their makers present, including ceramics, fiber arts, woodware, paintings, prints, jewelry, soap, scrimshaw, and more.

Email jamielerner28@gmail.com for more information.

Project Most is organizing a Saturday Run Club, which will start on Saturday, December 4. Pace will depend on runners in attendance. All are welcome. Park behind the Neighborhood House on Three Mile Harbor Road.

For details, email jacqueline@projectmost.org.

EAST HAMPTON

The Jewish Center of the Hamptons will host Pop-Up Chanukah at some of its favorite locations around East Hampton each night of the Hanukkah holiday, bringing the lights of the holiday to the community.

The first night of Hanukkah was Sunday and the celebration was at Nick & Toni’s; the second night, Monday, at Stuart’s Seafood Market; third night, Tuesday, at the Old Hook windmill; the fourth night, Wednesday, at Guild Hall; and Thursday, December 2, the fifth night of Hanukkah, at Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Sagg Road, in Sagaponack at 5 p.m. Friday, December 3, at 5:30 p.m., the sixth night of Hanukkah will be celebrated at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons on Woods Lane. The seventh night will be at The Clubhouse, Daniels Hole Road in Est Hampton; and the final night on Sunday, December 5, at 5 p.m. at the home of Rabbi Josh Franklin and Stephanie Whitehorn’s home.

For details, go to Jcoh.org/Chanukah for the online calendar.

Chabad of the Hamptons will host a Community Shabos Dinner on Friday, December 3, starting at 3:45 p.m. with Hanukkah candle-lighting.

For details, go to jewishhamptons.com.

The East Hampton Historical Society offers an opportunity to learn about the origins of many modern holiday customs during its Victorian Christmas at the Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran Studio on Main Street. The holiday exhibit features festive decor, period clothing, antique postcards, period silver and toys.

The exhibit is open Wednesdays through Sundays, through December 19, plus Wednesday and Thursday, December 22 and 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Go to easthamptonhistory.org for more information.

An evening of laughs is promised at a comedy night fundraiser to benefit the Wildlife Rescue of East Hampton. The event is set for Saturday, December 4, at 8 p.m. at The Clubhouse in Wainscott and is a collaboration between Jeff Nichols Productions and Dell Cullum, founder of Wildlife Rescue of East Hampton.

The lineup includes New York City comedians Dan Naturman, Sandy Marks and Marion Grodin. Dinners specials are being offered by The Clubhouse that night.

To purchase tickets, go to eventbrite.com and search “comedy at the clubhouse.”

Stevenson’s Toy Shop on Newtown Lane is a collection point for Toys for Tots. While shopping there, why not pick up a little something to drop in the box, which will then be picked up by Marine Corps representatives to be distributed to children in need. The store’s Southampton location, on Jobs Lane, will also be a collection point for the donation program.

WAINSCOTT

LTV Studio has sent out a casting call/audition notice for a new play by a well-known author that will be presented in May. The monologue style play touches on a tough topic, mental health and suicide, and will be directed by Valerie diLorenzo. Five actors over the age of 16 will be cast.

The performance in May will be a benefit for East End mental health organizations. The audition dates ares Sunday, December 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and Monday, December 6, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at LTV Studio, 75 Industrial Road, Wainscott.

Masks must be worn inside the studio and all participants must be fully vaccinated. Rehearsals will start in April

For more information, call Michael Clark at 631-537-2777, ext.112 or email michaelclark@ltveh.org.

SAG HARBOR

As the holidays approach the Sag Harbor Historical Society invites the community to “Light Up the Harbor,” a decorating initiative encouraging residents to bring light on what can seem dark days by decorating their homes and creating a village filled with light. Awards will be given for various categories for residents in all areas of Sag Harbor, including North Haven and Noyac.

The winners will receive a “Light Up the Harbor” commemorative ornament, a celebratory yard sign, a year-long membership to the Sag Harbor Historical Society and a copy of “Sag Harbor: The Story of an American Beauty.”

Decorations should be in place and submissions made by December 12. A video will be made and posted celebrating all of the home submissions.

Prizes will be awarded at the Sag Harbor Historical Society’s holiday celebration on Sunday, December 19, at 2 p.m., which will feature The Dickens Carolers and refreshments, outdoors, at the Annie Cooper Boyd House, 174 Main Street.

To submit your home for consideration, take a photo and send it to info@sagharborhistorical.org or call the Historical Society at 631-725-5092.

On Saturday, December 4, at 4:45 p.m., the Sag Harbor Historical Society invites everyone to meet outdoors at the Annie Cooper Boyd House on Main Street for a Candlelight Stroll with Carols down Main Street to the countdown and tree lighting on Long Wharf. Bring a battery-operated candle.

For more information, email info@sagharborhistorical.org or call 631-725-5092.

The Sag Harbor Masonic Club has announced its next performers in the Masonic Music Series will be “The Popsicles” on Friday, December 3 at 7 p.m. The Popsicles play original and blues/country songs featuring piano and guitar and percussion, featuring vocalist Carolyn Blackmar, Job Potter (guitar, harmonica), Steven Skoldberg (piano) and special guest Jeffrey Marshall (percussion).

Performances are in the inner sanctum of the Masonic Temple. The $20 admission supports gifts to local charities such as scholarships to Pierson graduates, food pantries, and other locals in need. The music series is produced by the Freemason Brothers of Wamponamon Lodge.

The Masonic Temple is located at 200 Main Street, Sag Harbor above The Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum. For more information and ticket sales visit masonicmusicseries.com.

The Harbor Bells handbell choir will be performing St. Andrew’s Church on Sunday, December 5, at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Members of the East Hampton Presbyterian Church bell choir will join the Harbor Bells for part of the performance.

East End YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard), a grassroots community housing advocacy group formed in 2017, is hosting a rally in support of community housing on Saturday, December 4, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the windmill on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. The event is being co-sponsored by PEER (Progressive East End Reformers), OLA of Eastern Long Island, and Housing Help Inc. with more sponsors expected.

East End YIMBY is comprised of year-round East End residents concerned about the lack of affordable community housing. The group meets monthly to educate and advocate for high-quality affordable dwellings for all people as a matter of conscience.

The rally on Saturday aims to build the coalition of YIMBYs to empower local residents to speak up and take action. Attendees are encouraged to wear face masks for health and safety.

The district office of Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming will be the collection point for clothing for the START Program (Sheriff’s Transition and Re-entry Team), a program focused on providing transitional services in the county jail, helping inmates acquire services including substance abuse treatment, education, jobs assistance, transportation, food, clothing, and housing before reentering society.

In order to enhance the rehabilitation of individuals as they re-enter the community, the START program depends on the donation of clothing and other necessities to help individuals leaving incarceration, many of whom set career and educational goals to get on the right track.

Accepted donations include new or cleaned professional attire, including slacks, shirts, leggings, sweaters, sport jackets, pants, shoes, dresses, handbags, and other clothing items. Additional resources needed include personal hygiene products and office supplies. Donation boxes will be placed in Legislator Bridget Fleming’s office at 75 Washington Street in Sag Harbor through December 31.

The John Jermain Memorial Library is starting the Off-Beat Book Club, which will explore books that are less mainstream. At the first meeting on Thursday, December 9, at 5:30 p.m., Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy, “Children of Blood and Bone” will be discussed.

Visit the library to pick up a copy of the book or get the ebook through Libby/Overdrive, or the eAudiobook from hoopla.

A weekly fiber arts meet-up is planned for Wednesdays, from 1 to 2 p.m. Knitters, felters, weavers, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, spinners, sewers, quilters or anyone working with fabric, fiber or thread is invited.

For a full list of library programs or for more information, go to johnjermain.org.

The annual community tree-lighting event will take place on Tuesday, December 7, at 5 p.m. at the Shelter Island Police Department. All are welcome to the event, hosted by the Shelter Island Chamber of Commerce.

Also, the chamber’s members’ meeting and reception is set for Thursday, December 9, at 6 p.m. at the Ram’s Head Inn.

Email secretarysichamber@gmail.com with an RSVP. New members welcome.

The Bridgehampton School faculty basketball game to raise money for the eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. will be held on Friday, December 3, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the school on Montauk Highway. The half-time show will feature an opportunity to throw a pie in the face of a teacher. Admission is $5 and must be purchased in advance in the main office.

The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center will benefit from the Lighting of the Vines event at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack on Saturday, December 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

General admission tickets are available by emailing mcsanzo@hopeworksltc.com.

WATER MILL

On Friday, December 3, at 6 p.m., the Parrish Art Museum, in partnership with the LGBT Network will present a screening of “Visibility,” a documentary that presents intimate self-portraits of five LGBT elders in the Long Island LGBT community, and their journeys of self-discovery, alienation, pride, and the sea change of hope as they traversed through issues including the AIDS crisis, defining family, and marriage. The screening, in person at the museum and available livestreamed, will be followed by a Q&A with the film participants. Advance ticket purchase with pre-event registration is required. The event is free with Museum admission and to members of the LGBT Network.

Go to parrishart.org for tickets and information.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Holiday Gift Show at the Water Mill Museum Gallery, organized by the Clay Art Guild of the Hamptons and Southampton Soap Company. Show hours are Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, go to hamptonsclayart.org.

SOUTHAMPTON

Clearing the air

Continuing programming that complements its current exhibition, “Clearing the Air,” the Southampton Arts Center has scheduled a number of studio workshops, wellness, talks, and a special jazz performance for the month of December. The events highlight and strengthen the exhibition’s theme of art as a means for therapy, escape, distraction, elevation, and reflection.

For a full list of events, visit southamptonartscenter.org.

The 18th annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Heart of the Hamptons is on the calendar for Saturday, December 11, at 10 a.m. and will be at its usual location, Coopers Beach on Meadow Lane.

For more information got to heartofthehamptons.org.

It’s the right time of year for a talk titled “America’s Favorite Holiday Movie: A Look Inside It’s a Wonderful Life,” offered via Zoom. Brian Rose will lead the discussion on Friday, December 3, at 1 p.m.

Author Tom Clavin will talk about his latest book “Lightning Down: A World War II Story of Survival” at the library on Wednesday, December 8, at 1 p.m.

For information about library programs or to register, go to myrml.org.

HAMPTON BAYS

Italian-American Christmas

The Italian American Club will hold its Christmas party at Centro Restaurant, 336 Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, on Sunday, December 12, at 1 p.m. The menu will consist of a salad, choice of chicken parmigiana, eggplant melenzane, organic salmon or rigatoni bolognese, plus coffee, tea, soda and one glass of wine.

Call Annette at 631-728-3379 or JoAnn at 631-353-3004 for reservations.

On December 8, the Hampton Bay Beautification Association will hold its annual holiday celebration at Oakland’s Restaurant at in Hampton Bays from noon to 3 p.m. Lunch will include a salad, entree and dessert with a cash bar. Awards for “Angel of the Year” will be presented along with awards for beautification and a special thank you to all volunteers. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance.

Members should note that the December 6 membership meeting has been canceled.

For ticket reservations or information, call Grace Daly at 631-723-0726 mail your check payable to HBBA to Grace Daly at PO Box 1245 Hampton Bays, NY 11946.

An in-person talk about “The Healthcare Needs of the LGBTQ+ Community on LI” will be held Thursday, December 9, at 7 p.m.

Since 1994, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Edie Windsor Healthcare Center has specialized in providing outpatient care to the LGBTQ+ community, and to persons living with HIV. Dr. Eric Lella, an osteopathic physician certified in integrative medicine, will talk about the confidential, accessible, non-judgmental, and caring medical services available at the new office at the Hampton Bays Atrium. Family members are also welcome.

Learn or just sit and knit with Arlene at the Hampton Bays Library on Ponquogue Avenue. She is there on Mondays, December 13 and 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Former participants should note the new meeting time. The Poetry Rising group will meet on Saturday, December 11, at 1 p.m. This is an informal poetry group facilitated by Beverly Livernoche. Anyone is welcome to attend and share and/or listen to the poems of the day

Register for library programs by visiting the website at hamptonbayslibrary.org.

QUOGUE

From now through December 12, the Quogue Library will collect items to support the efforts of Maureen’s Haven and the Family Service League. Maureen’s Haven provides homeless men and women with support services, access to case management and programs, and a safe place to stay during the winter months. Items needed include adult sizes in clothing, especially winter gloves, boots, scarves, underwear, socks, sweaters, pants and toiletries.

The items needed by the Family Service League’s Project Toy include, new and unwrapped board games, stuffed animals, puzzles, art supplies, baby toys, etc.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge will hold a winter evening walk, followed by shopping on Saturday, December 4. The rain date is the next day. There will be a self-guided, peaceful stroll through the gently lit forest trails and gift options will include WR pewter ornaments, hats, sweatshirts, fun stocking stuffers are just some of the great Refuge gifts; plus hand-poured soy candles by Seatuck Cove Creations, handmade bracelets, and natural soaps by Stepping Stone Soaps and more. This event is for adults and families and costs $15 per person, $10 for kids 12 and under.

For more information, go to quoguewildliferefuge.org.

WESTHAMPTON BEACH

Design a holiday wreath on Saturday, December 4. There are several times slots, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. and it participation can be either in-person or virtual. The library will provide all supplies except a hot glue gun, which is needed

for the project. The cost is $10 due upon registration.

A ‘Do Your Own Thing’ bus trip is planned for Wednesday, December 8, leaving the Westhampton Beach municipal parking lot at 9 a.m. and dropping off near the New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Proof of vaccination is required, and appropriate mask coverings must be worn at all times on the bus. Tickets are $28 each. For more information and to register, call 631-288-3335 or visit westhamptonlibrary.net.

The Westhampton Free Library invites tweens and teens (grades 4-12) to make adorable wooden snowman ornaments on Friday, December 10, at 5 p.m. The library will provide all the supplies.

The Westhampton Free Library invites families to design their own gingerbread houses on Friday, December 10, at 6 p.m. The library will supply all materials and a tutorial video. The cost is $15 due upon registration.

To register or get more information on library programs, call 631-288-3335 or visit westhamptonlibrary.net.

EASTPORT

The Eastport Chamber of Commerce held its very first menorah lighting on November 28, the first night of Hanukkah. The menorah was handmade by David and Marlene Sharinn and a prayer was offered by Joel and Sandy Sparber. Colleen McGrath helped with the event and Larry Citerelli installed the menorah.

The Eastport Chamber of Commerce will also host a tree-lighting ceremony and gathering will be held on Main Street on Saturday, December 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with support from the Eastport Fire Department and a visit from Santa. There will be carols by local Eastport-South Manor students and cocoa.

The Chamber of Commerce also wishes to thank Larry Citarelli for restoring the “ Welcome to Eastport” sign. Citarelli donated his time to bring it back to its original glory.

RIVERHEAD

The Railroad Museum of Long Island will hold its holiday open house at its Restoration and Visitors Center on Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Santa arrives each day from the North Pole on the museum’s 1921 H.K. Porter steam locomotive at noon.

Also, there will be extended holiday hours for viewing the historic Lionel layout at the museum’s gift shop on Saturdays, December 11 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, email dfisher@rmli.org or visit rmli.org.

Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue will kick off its Spirit of Christmas series of events at 2746 Sound Avenue on Thursday, December 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. with a Holiday Yoga & Community benefit fundraiser. Admission is $30 and includes class, snacks and a donation to the rescue.

Additional events include a Fire and Ice Christmas Market on Saturday, December 4 and December 18, both from 4 to 9 p.m. Admission for this event is free, but donations are always welcome, encouraged, and appreciated! All donations go to caring for the animals, running our programs, and community outreach events.

On Thursday, December 9, from 7 to 9 p.m.m look for a wreath-making workshop. Spirit’s Promise will also be offering Holiday Farm Tours with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 4, 11, and 18, at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m.

For details about events and possible advance registration, go to spiritspromiserescue.org or call 631-875-0433.

A Holiday Hop, a holiday costume bar crawl in downtown Riverhead will take place on Friday, December 3, starting at 6 p.m.

For details and tickets, go to downtownriverhead.org.

The Dorcas Chapter #74 of the Elks Lodge Riverhead will hold its annual Chinese auction on Saturday, December 4, starting at noon. The auction starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 with all proceeds going to a scholarship fund.

For tickets and information, call Gwen at 631-375-0315.

It’s the final weekend of the Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art and Gift Show returns to Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Avenue. Visit the historic Naugles Barn and see it transformed into a holiday wonderland, offering a unique shopping experience. Country Parlor features exclusively handcrafted gift items, artwork and holiday décor. The offerings include pottery, baskets, tree ornaments, quilted, knit and woven apparel and home décor; paintings, candles, soaps, and much more. Every item for sale is handmade by artisans and craft makers.

The hours are Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

THE NORTH FORK

The annual “Shellabration,” a culinary showcase of local shellfish in Greenport is set for Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5. The event is a benefit for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s SPAT Program and Back to the Bays Initiative. The event is traditionally held the first weekend of December in Greenport Village and has been enjoyed by thousands of “Shellabrants” through the years. In 2020, the restaurant walk was changed to a virtual version but this year is in in-person.

Go to shellabrationcce.org for participating restaurants.

The annual Christmas tree lighting and caroling event is set for Saturday, December 4, at 4:30 p.m. on the Cutchogue Village Green, Route 25 at Case’s Lane. All are welcome to the event hosted by Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council.

Find details at cutchoguenewsuffolkhistory.org.

The Railroad Museum of Long Island will hold a holiday open house on Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Santa arrives each day on the LIRR Greenport Scoot train at 11 a.m. Plus a Lionel Polar Express train set will be raffled on December 12.

For more information, go to rmli.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The East Hampton Trails Preservation Society holds weekly Tuesday morning maintenance hikes. They are generally between two and four miles and no experience is required to participate. Bring a lopper, trimmer or handsaw if you have one.

For information, contact Laurie Devito at laurie_devito@yahoo.com or 631-813-6988.

Also on the calendar is a hike in Hither Hills State Park in Montauk on Saturday, December 4, at 9 a.m. Meet on Napegaue Harbor Road where the Paumanok Path crosses, about 1/4 mile north of the LIRR tracks.

Walk leader is Jim Zajac, jzajac4@aol.com or 631-324-2425.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host a series of hikes to observe wintering seals off Montauk Point. The next in the series are December 11 and 12, both starting at 9 a.m. The series continues through April. A state park naturalist will lead visitors on a scenic beach walk to an area where up to four species of seals can be observed. Along the hike, there will be opportunities to see many winter birds and explore marine geology. Hikers should meet at the office/restroom building in the lower parking lot, at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the walk.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling 631-668-5000, ext. 0. The cost is $4 per person (children under age 3 may participate for free).