Community News, December 9

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., plus a new date recently added, Thursday, December 16, from 4 to 8 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

Why not lend a helping hand to someone in need by donating mittens? From now through December 31, the library will be a collection point for new or handmade gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. Drop donations inside the library and they will be given to The Retreat, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Join the Classic Book Club with Carolyn, which will meet on Thursday, December 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The book under discussion will be “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkein.

Email Carolyn for the zoom link, cbalducci@montauklibrary.org.

SPRINGS

Ex-professional roller derby athlete Samantha Duane will teach roller-skating skills to beginners on Tuesdays, December 14 and 21, at the Community Learning Center on Three Mile Harbor Road. The program, offered by Project Most, will even supply skates, donated by GDC Roller Rink in Greenport. Bring protective gear, especially a helmet. Fee is $20.

It’s family time during Healthy Holiday Hands-on Cooking, a program offered by Project Most, on Wednesday, December 15, at 6 p.m. at the Community Learning Center. Fee is $35 for family of four (limited to four families).

To register, go to projectmost.org.

A reminder that 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.

EAST HAMPTON

St. Luke’s Show Series for Kids continues on Saturday, December 11, when kids can learn how to build a snow globe with the Art Nanny. For those in grade two and up, with adult help for those who are on the younger side, the program starts at 1 p.m.

To register, go to stlukeseasthampton.org and click on Fun for Kids.

LongHouse Reserve had more than 200 guests at its annual holiday gathering on Sunday, November 28. Friends and families sipped hot chocolate or warm mulled (or hard) apple ciders, and enjoyed Dreesen’s freshly baked donuts. Horticulturist Holger Winenga and docents led tours of the winter blooming witch-hazels and the Red Garden, and there was a bonfire outside to help everyone stay warm. The Drinkwater Brothers performed on guitar with LongHouse board Vice President Lee Skolnick making a special cameo. Other board members in attendance included Dianne Benson, Dr. Derick George, Nina Gillman, Peter H. Olsen, Suzanne Slesin and James Zajac.

New director, Carrie Rebora Barratt, welcomed guests, noting, “ … the next season includes important art, improved gardens, and a warm welcoming LongHouse. We’re looking forward to installations by the Ladd Brothers and an important Chinese bamboo artist, Cheng-Tsung Feng, plus a birdhouse by Edwina von Gal. We’re planning concerts and dance. LongHouse will become more green, plus plans for a new snowdrop garden and renewing our moss garden … ”

LongHouse Reserve will be open this weekend with timed admission. Purchase tickets at longhousereserve.org. Then it will close for the winter but the community is welcome to the grounds by appointment, by calling 631-329-3568.

For one night only, the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio will be transformed into a Victorian holiday celebration, Aglow: A Holiday Experience, on Saturday, December 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tour the historic Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio, decorated for a festive Victorian Christmas. Visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live Christmas music, and make a small children’s craft.

“Meet Old Saint Nick, who will be making a ‘Guest Appearance’ at the Moran Studio. We hope that you will bring your Christmas list, take a photo with him, and enjoy the beauty and splendor which is the Moran Studio decorated for the holidays,” said Marianne Della Croce, director of Visitor Experience.

Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $10 per adult/$8 for members, $5 for children under 16. To purchase tickets, go to easthamptonhistory.org.

WAINSCOTT

East Hampton Airport is hosting an artisanal craft fair on Saturday, December 11, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, as is coffee and refreshments. Santa will be there for photo ops.

The airport is located at 173 Daniels Hole Road in Wainscott.

SOUTHAMPTON TOWN

In conjunction with local schools, the Southampton Town Police Department will collect items for animal shelters. Unopened bags of dried or canned food for puppies, dogs, kittens and cats as well as treats are needed, as well as clean blankets or towels. Donations can be made at the Police Department headquarters at 110 Old Riverhead Road in Hampton Bays by Wednesday, December 15.

The police department is also spearheading a winter coat drive. Coats, plus hats, gloves, and scarves will help those in need stay warm. Between now and February 25, items may be dropped off at police headquarters; Quogue Village Police Department, 115 Jessup Avenue, Quogue, or Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton.

SAG HARBOR

The Sag Harbor Community Band will perform in a free holiday concert on Saturday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian “Old Whalers” Church of Sag Harbor, 44 Union Street. Vaccination proof and masks are required. All performers have been fully vaccinated.

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 Sunday, 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.

Winston Irie returns to the Inner Sanctum of the Wamponamon Masonic Temple on Friday, December 10, at 8 p.m. Irie gives credit to his mother and great-aunt Jainey Morgan for his love of music. Irie has shared the stage with such greats as Toots, Jimmy Cliff, The Whalers and Lenny Kravitz to name only a few.

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.

Temple Adas Israel is offering a virtual tour of an exhibition at the Jewish Museum in New York on Wednesday, December 15, at 6 p.m. The exhibition traces the timelines of individual objects as they passed through many hands and sites before, during and after World War II.

Register by emailing info@templeadasisreal.org.

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 re-entering society.

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.

Get in the holiday spirit with a winter sing-along at the library on Sunday, December 12, at 11 a.m. Nancy Remkus will lead the group. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served. Bring along a pinecone ornament if you have one.

If you enjoy long walks on the beach, you might want to be prepared if you come across a stranded turtle or seal. The library is offering a chance to learn what to do in a program offered in conjuction with the New York Marine Rescue Center on Sunday, December 12, at 1 p.m. Community service hours are available.

Learn how to prevent or manage high blood pressure during a program with representatives from Stony Brook Medicine on Wednesday, December 15, at 1:30 p.m.

Teens can paint the pages of old books during a program on Thursday, December 16, at 5 p.m. An instructor will provide techniques to create a winter tree painting.

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

Join ARF Hamptons & Madoo Conservancy on Saturday, December 11, for a special day of holiday cheer and local shopping.

Visit the ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop to find unique gifts, and while you’re there, enjoy holiday festivities, coffee and snacks, a visit from Santa, and kisses from ARF’s cats and dogs awaiting adoption.

The shop is located at 17 Poxabogue Lane, Sagaponack, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All sales at the shop support the animals at the ARF Adoption Center.

Just down the road, Merry Madoo is back with Madoo-grown paperwhites, lady apple pomanders, custom Mae Mougins porcelains and vendors including Kitty Clay, Gretchen Comley, Auther Golabek, Meg Cohen Cashmere, and more. There will be mulled cider, vin chaud (after noon) and, of course, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, all on Saturday, December 11.

Madoo Conservancy is located at 618 Sagg Main Street. For details, go to www.madoo.org.

BRIDGEHAMPTON

The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center is collecting holiday boxes for those in need from now until December 22 at 5 p.m. Monetary donations are also being collected.

What should be included in the box? 💫After you’ve found a suitable shoe box, decided if you wish to shop for a girl or a boy and what age group (2-4, 5-9, 10-14). Decorate girl boxes with green accessories and boy boxes with red accessories. Boxes should include one small to medium “wow!” item; examples include a stuffed animal or medium ball; personal items such as comb, toothbrush, water bottles, etc.; art and craft supplies such as colored pencils, crayons, markers, coloring books, etc.; toys such as a Slinky, action figures, Barbie doll, finger puppets, etc. (no liquid, glass, or choke hazard items). Finally, include a personal note to the recipient; feel free to include a photo of your family.

Assembled boxes may be delivered to the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, 551 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, in the administration trailer. 🙏🏾Monetary donations accepted at bhccrc.org or via P.O Box 1197 Bridgehampton NY, 11932.

The Choral Society’s annual holiday concert will mark a welcome return to East End holiday traditions when it presents “Winter Fantasia” on Sunday, December 19, at the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church. In addition to its own members, the Choral Society will be joined by soloists and accompanied by the South Fork Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Song-A Cho. Since its founding in 1946, the Choral Society of the Hamptons has developed a repertoire of music by all the great choral composers, and attracts members from across the East End.

Walter Klauss, a frequent guest conductor of The Choral Society and musical director at the Old Whalers’ Church in Sag Harbor, will lead the chorus in this performance. When asked what the audience can expect from Winter Fantasia, he shares, “The concert presents glorious seasonal music for chorus, soloists and orchestra filling the church with joy and hope. The program ends with the audience singing carols with organ and orchestra.”

In keeping with current COVID-19 protocols, a limited number of seats are being sold, in advance only, and proof of vaccination as well as masks will be required for entry.

Tickets are $35 (preferred seating tickets are $75) and are available online at choralsocietyofthehamptons.org, as well as at the Romany Kramoris Gallery in Sag Harbor.

WATER MILL

Water Mill Community Club has been working behind the scenes to arrange a visit from Santa. He will arrive at the windmill on the hamlet green in Water Mill in an antique Civil War wagon on Sunday, December 12, at 2 p.m. Those in attendance may take photos of him from a safe distance and he will be happy to take Christmas lists back with him to the North Pole. Dress warmly and wear a mask. In the event of rain, the event will be canceled.

On Saturday, December 11, the Parrish is offering a day of family programming, beginning at 11 a.m. with a printmaking workshop, followed by screenings of award-winning Spanish-language children’s films. In addition, families can enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt in the new exhibition “Pictures in Pictures,” and get up close with the extra-small works of art in the exhibition XS. Those interested in digging deeper into other exhibitions may take a docent-led tour at 2 p.m. The café is open, and the shop will feature its holiday gift table.

In the scavenger hunt, children will be encouraged to look closely and carefully at the works in this exhibition that feature paintings and drawings as part of the subject matter. The 22 works, dating from 1845 to 2007, introduce children to a variety of art periods, styles, and subject matter. Families can pick up the Family Gallery Guide at Visitor Services.

For details, go to parrishart.org.

SOUTHAMPTON

One of the cornerstones of Elks service is to veterans. To that end, the Southampton Elks Lodge #1574 has been supporting veterans by suppling personal care products, personal clothing and robotic animals to the veterans. On November 11, members of the lodge presented these items to the staff of the Hamptons Rehabilitation Center for the use of their patients. On December 2, the Lodge traveled to the Northport Veterans Administration Hospital with gift cards, personal care products and personal clothing for use by the patients of the VA hospital.

In all, the lodge presented gifts worth over $4,500 with help from a Grand Lodge grant for $2500. The remaining was donated by members of the lodge.

Hundreds of brave souls will jump into the chilly Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, December 11, at 10 a.m., all for a good cause: to raise money for Heart of the Hamptons. The 18th annual Polar Bear Plunge will be held at Coopers Beach on Meadow Lane.

You can register online at heartofthehamptons.org or day of the event.

The library is looking to hear your pandemic story to record the memories of residents, and collect the history of the pandemic in Southampton for future research and generations. Visit the library’s archive portal at myrml.org/covid-19-archive/ to upload photos, videos, audio files, word documents, or artwork sharing your COVID-19 and quarantine experiences.

#Twinning, An Eye-Opening Chat with Twins will be offered in person on Saturday, December 18, at 2 p.m., which happens to be National Twin Day. The conversation will include input from twins and the parents of twins from our area.

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

HAMPTON BAYS

Happy 100th Birthday to Joan McCrave of Hampton Bays. Joan was born in Manhattan on December 11, 1921. She married James McCrave in April 1946,and they moved their growing family from Elmhurst to Massapequa Park in 1955. Always a go-getter McCrave was very active in St. Rose of Lima Church, shopping with friends, and enjoying every summer at her parents’ home in Hampton Bays. In 1981, the couple moved to Hampton Bays full time where they were active with the Irish Society American of the Hamptons, and McCrave was a secretary for then-Police Chief James Sherry. Until recently, McCrave could be found shopping in TJMaxx and sitting on the beach with her children and grandchildren.

McCrave will be celebrating with cake and champagne at her home in Hampton Bays with her children and grandchildren.

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.

Read It & Eat It! Book Club is a bi-monthly club for foodies who love to read cookbooks and cook, with the next gathering on Tuesday, December 14, at noon. Those attending are invited to bring a prepared dish from the chosen theme, this month, holiday favorites.

Want to know more about the movie “A Christmas Story”? Join the online talk about the making to the film from Sal St. George on Wednesday, December 15, at 7 p.m.

Robert and Christie Leigh Babirad, a brother and sister writing duo will talk about their book “A Christmas Heart, A Westhampton Beach Christmas” and the soon-to-be-released “Scarlet Secrets: Poems” during a Zoom session on Thursday, December 16, at 7 p.m.

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 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.

An evergreen floral program will be held at the library on Saturday, December 11, at 3 p.m. Rori from Flowers by Rori will lead the program, which is limited to 15 participants.

“The Power of Herb: Beating the Blues” will be the topic of discussion on Tuesday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m.

Learn how to eat right for a healthy heart on Wednesday, December 15, at 11 a.m.

To register for library programs, email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224.

WESTHAMPTON BEACH

The Knights of Columbus Father Slomski Council in Westhampton Beach is holding its annual Clint Hammond Christmas Wreath Sale outside the Immaculate Conception Church on Meetinghouse Lane on Quiogue. Remaining sale dates are Saturday, December 11, after 5 p.m. mass; Sunday, December 12, after the 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m. masses, and 5 p.m. mass. The cost is $22 for a wreath, $40 for a grave blanket and $30 for a pillow.

For more information and local delivery, call 631-654-3872.

The Eastern Long Island chapter of the Surfrider Foundation invites everyone to clean up Dune Road and Rogers Beach on Saturday, December 11, from noon to 2 p.m. Cleanup supplies will be provided but volunteers are asked to bring sun protection, water and gloves. Data of what is collected with be recorded. Bring a mug for a cup of hot chocolate provided by Surfrider. A signed waiver is required.

Email jenna@easternli.surfrider.org to register.

The Westhampton Free Library invites tweens and teens (grades 4-12) to make 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.

The library’s annual holiday tea at the historic Ketcham Inn in Center Moriches will be held on Saturday, December 11, at 1 p.m. The event will feature an assortment of teas, finger sandwiches, salads and more. Wear your best hat.

Snowman cards will be the activity for children on Sunday, December 12, at 11 a.m. The library will provide all the supplies. Tweens and teens (grades 4 to 12) are invited to make adorable button wreaths on Friday, December 17, at 5 p.m. The library will provide all the supplies.

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

RIVERHEAD

The downtown business district will hold a Christmas parade and bonfire on Saturday, December 11. The parade starts at 3 p.m. on Main Street and the bonfire will be lit at 3 p.m. and continue through 6 p.m. on the riverfront for live music and more.

Also in the downtown area, stop into the Local Holiday Market on Friday and Saturday, December 10 and 11, from noon to 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 12, from noon to 5 p.m. There are two locations: 133 East Main Street and 11 West Main Street.

For details of Riverhead happenings, go to downtownriverhead.org.

The Railroad Museum of Long Island will hold 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 Spirit of Christmas series of events at 2746 Sound Avenue continues on Thursday, December 9, from 7 to 9 p.m., with a wreath-making workshop. Spirit’s Promise will also be offering Holiday Farm Tours with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 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.

the north fork

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

Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt will hold Grassland to Grassland hike on Saturday, December 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join us on a moderately-paced, one-and-a-half mile hike from Poxabogue County Park to Vineyard Field. Meet at Poxabogue Park, 191 Old Farm Road, Sagaponack. Leader: Dai Dayton, 631-745-0689.

Explore the William Mulvihill Preserve during “A Walk Back in Time” on Sunday, December 12, at 10 a.m.. The 3-mile trail walk starts in a forest of oak, hickory, beech, and mountain laurel and passes by vernal ponds, kettle holes and glacial erratics on the way to the edge of the Great Swamp.

Email info@sofo.org for meeting location.

On Saturday, December 18, join the Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt and the South Fork Natural History Museum for a Full Cold Moon Hike, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. During this month, the winter cold fastens its grip and nights are at their longest and darkest. Sometimes this moon is also called the Long Night Moon as the winter nights lengthen and the moon spends more time above the horizon opposite a low sun. Join us for this leisurely-paced, one-hour hike in Vineyard Field, the field behind the SOFO. Meet at the SOFO Museum parking lot, 377 Bridgehampton Turnpike, 200 yards north of the RR tracks. Leader: Jean McDermott, 631-599-2391.

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 dates 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).

The East Hampton Trails Preservation Society is offering a guided walk of Shadmoor and the Parkway Trail in Montauk on Saturday, December 11, at 10 a.m. Meet at the parking lot for the skate park on Essex Street for the 4-mile hike. Walk leader is Rick Whalen, 631-275-8539.

The South Fork Natural History Museum has a number of outdoor programs for December.

Among the programs is the opportunity to learn how to create a holiday tree for the birds from SOFO on Saturday, December 11, at 10:30 a.m. Participants will decorate a tree on the SOFO grounds plus bring home treats to create a tree at home.

Also from SOFO is a look at Barrier Beach Wildlife at Cupsogue Beach County Park on Sunday, December 12, at 9 a.m.

For fees and registration, email info@sofo.org.

Owls by the Light of the Moon, an informational walk offered by the South Fork Natural History Museum, will take place on Wednesday, December 15, at 7 p.m. at its headquarters on the Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton.

For reservations an any applicable fees, go to sofo.org.