Community Calendar: November Holiday Happenings!

Thanksgiving and fall background with a house sign and the message THANKFUL amidst a collection of miniature pumpkins. Space for text.
Be Thankful in November, and throughout the year!
Getty Images: CatLane

 

November 16 & 17

Save the Great South Bay Creek Clean-Ups 

Join our Creek Defender Tom Kain as he teams up with Babylon Rotary to conduct a Fall clean up along the Santapogue Creek in West Babylon (over by Aldi!), allowing it to flow free of debris. 9-11 a.m. Meet up is in old K-mart parking lot, Montauk Highway (across from Aldi) Gloves and bags to be provided. Please wear weather appropriate clothing.

Additionally there will be a coastalbeach clean up hosted by Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) with Walt Meshenberg, Mastic Beach Creek Defender. Fire Island National SeashoreClean Up/Smith Point, Mastic will take place from 10 a.m.- noonMeet up is at the end of William Floyd Pwky, Mastic Beach, NY 11951. Gear to be provided. Please wear weather appropriate clothing.

Sunday, November 17
Music Matinee at Tiny Racoon Books
Some of the best free music on South Shore Long Island happens at Tiny Raccoon Books in Sayville. Their line-up for the upcoming Music Matinee includes The Islip, Long Island band Gursday, Slight Of with Jim Hill, and Human Fade from Medford. Instead of a cover charge, TRB asks that guests bring new winter clothing items to benefit communitysolidarity.org: winter hats, gloves, and socks are all appreciated. No used items, please. The show begins at 2 p.m.

Monday, November 18
IAC Paint Like A Master: Paint & Sip Series
Calling all artists aged 21+ for an evening of wine, snacks, and painting with the Islip Arts CouncilSouth Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, from 5-7:30 p.m. This workshop will recreate Vincent Van Gogh’s “Cypress.” Attendees will learn to see, paint, and mix colors while learning a bit of interesting art history. Cost: $40/person. For details, visit isliparts.org.

Tuesday, November 19
A Christmas Carol at Islip Public Library
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet and the Islip Public Library will co-host a showing of Gerald Charles Dickens’ one-man show, “A Christmas Carol,” at The Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Avenue, Islip, from 7 to 9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. This event is FREE and open to the public; however, registration is required. For information, visit isliphamlethistory.org.

November 21-23

“DEADLINE,” with Bay Shore High School Drama Club

Bay Shore High School Drama Club presents “Deadline,” a Murder Mystery Comedy by Don Zolidis. Three performances are scheduled between Thursday, Nov. 21-Satuday, November 23. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Email bshsdrama@bayshore.k12.ny.us for tickets.Sponsored in part by the Islip Arts Council. Bay Shore High School, 155 Third Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706

Friday, November 22 

Coil Basket Craft Night

Coil basket weaving has been practiced for thousands of years by cultures around the world. Indigenous tribes in the Southwestern United States, such as the Hopi and Navajo, used this craft for daily tasks. Similarly, the Bedouins in North Africa and indigenous groups in Central and South America perfected these techniques using materials native to their environments. These beautifully woven baskets weren’t just art; they served practical purposes like gathering food and storing essential goods Join Vision Material Arts on November 22 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for a hands-on Coil Basket Weaving Workshop at 218 Medford Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772. Call 631–707–5610 for more info. 

Sunday, November 24
Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade
The Annual Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade will be on display from Sandspit Park, 116 Brightwood Street, Patchogue, Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, 150 West Avenue, Patchogue, and various waterfront restaurants beginning at 5 p.m. You won’t want to miss this exciting event! For more information, visit patchogueboatparade.org.

Saturday, November 30

Snowflake Sale

The Bay Shore Historical Society will hold its annual Snowflake Sale and Winter Open House on Saturday, November 30, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Come and visit us at 22 Maple Ave, Bay Shore, on Small Business Saturday for great holiday deals and to see our historic Bay Shore exhibits. A special visit from Victorian Santa will begin at 11 a.m.; stop by with your camera for a free family photo opportunity. All are welcome!

Saturday, November 30
Autumn Leaves Hike
Experience the beautiful natural fall landscapes at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 4090 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, from 1-3 p.m. Take a guided walk on the trails during this exciting season of change! For information, call (631) 581-1005.

Saturday, November 30

Holiday Pet Portraits on the Terrace

Visit the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Avenue, Islip, from 1 to 4 p.m. for holiday pet portraits! Bring your dog, cat, or other pet for a photograph taken on the Library Terrace by Laura Pea Photography. For more details and to register for a slot, call (631) 581-5933.

Saturday, November 30
62nd Annual Patchogue Christmas Parade
The Village of Patchogue Parks & Recreation proudly presents the 62nd Annual Christmas Parade, traveling across Main Street at 6 p.m. Experience the magic of the holidays as this year’s parade theme, “A Musical Christmas on Main Street,” enchants the town: rain or Shine.

Saturday, December 7
Holiday Bake Sale
The Islip Public Library will hold its 2nd Annual Holiday Bake Sale at 71 Monell Avenue, Islip, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Indulge in your sweet tooth, as proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association! For details and to get involved, visit isliplibrary.org.

Saturday, December 7
Town of Islip Annual Santa Comes to Town Holiday Parade
The Islip Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Town of Islip Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, will host the Annual Santa Comes to Town Holiday Parade cascading down Main Street, Islip, at 4 p.m. Lineup will begin at 211 Main Street and proceed towards Town Hall, 655 Main Street. You won’t want to miss Santa’s official arrival to Islip! For details, visit islipchamberofcommerce.org.

Sunday, December 8
IAC Annual Holiday Market
Get your last-minute holiday gifts at the Islip Arts Council Annual Holiday Market, held at Islip Arts Council- South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, from noon to 7 p.m. For details, visit isliparts.org.

Sunday, December 8
Historical Society of Islip Hamlet Holiday House Tour
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will be hosting its 27th Annual Holiday House Tour (rain, shine, or snow) from 12 noon to 5 pm. Several historically and/or architecturally interesting homes will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian outfits greet you at the door. There will be a reception with live entertainment, refreshments, a Holiday auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be sold at Caroline’s Flower Shoppe and Kleibers Country Store,  and online at Eventbrite. Ticket donations are $30/person (16 years and older) and are non-refundable. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more info: 631-559-2915, www.isliphamlethistory.org

Wednesday, December 11

Dementia and Understanding Validation

Learn about the journey of dementia, what to expect, how to cope, and how to better communicate with your loved one. Sue Johnston, vice President of Programming, and Kevin Carlin, Principal of Meridian Senior Living, will speak. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast by Roto Grocery. From 9-11:30 a.m. at Netherbay at Bay Shore, 9 North Clinton Ave., Bay Shore, NY 11706 RSVP by calling 631-931-6939.

Saturday, December 14

The 22nd Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa

Santa arrives at the Lighthouse.  Great photo opportunity!  Arrive early.  Dress for the weather.  11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fire Island Lighthouse, 1 Burma Road, Fire Island, NY.

Ongoing

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Cm Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Hwy, Oakdale, NY 11769. Through November 17. Call 631–218–2810 for ticket info.

The Warmth of Winter at BAFFA Gallery

The Bell Street Artists will return to Sayville with their newest mixed-media exhibit, featuring nine talented artists, from Nov. 2-30. Bell Street, formed in 1979 in Bellport, meets monthly to socialize and share their latest projects. The group also encourages young artists by providing scholarships for graduating seniors who plan to pursue art studies in college. The Warmth of Winter can be viewed at the Gallery on weekends from 1-4 p.m. The BAFFA Art Gallery is located in the Gillette House, 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville, for further information, call (631)589-7343.

BAFFA Online Auction

The Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts will hold an online Art Auction from November 15th through December 7th. You are invited to support BAFFA’s mission of bringing music and art to Suffolk County residents by bidding on artwork by local artists. To participate in the Auction, go to BAFFA’s website, www.baffa.org. Scroll down the events to find the Art Auction flyer.  For further information: (631)589-7343.

Sayville Falls Holiday Light Show & Winter Garden

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Sayville Falls with a dazzling light show and enchanting winter garden! From November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Entry fee $22 for adults/$15 children under 12 and younger. Sayville Falls, 30 Hanson Place, Sayville, NY 11782.

 

GIVE BACK this holiday season

Island Harvest Turkey Trimmings Collection Campaign

Make an impact on your local community this fall with Island Harvest. The Campaign is asking for donations of frozen turkeys, non-perishable food and gift cards. Contributions can be brought to any QuickChek or Panera Bread location in Nassau and Suffolk county; Frozen turkey donations can be brought to the Island Harvest Hauppauge warehouse, 40 Marcus Boulevard, Hauppauge. For details, visit islandharvest.org/turkeys-trimmings.

Keep Islip Clean Card Recycling Drive

KIC is accepting New and Used Any-Occasion Greeting Cards on behalf of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children! Donations can be dropped off at KIC Office, 660 Main Street, Islip. For details, call (631) 224-2627.

John Thiessen Toy Drive

Please bring your new, unwrapped toy to the donation box at the Babylon Public Library, 24 South Carll Avenue, Babylon. Donations will be given to the John Thiessen Children’s Foundation, which focuses on bringing smiles to sick and underprivileged children.

Long Island Cares Adopt-a-Family

Help your neighbors put a holiday meal on their tables this holiday season with Long Island Cares Adopt-a-Family. The heartfelt initiative aims to collect non-perishable food items to create full family Thanksgiving meal kits. To contribute, visit licares.org/adopt_a_family.