Editorial: Time To Light Up The Holidays

Written by Dagmar Fors Karppi Tuesday, 20 November 2012 00:00

Oyster Bay is getting ready for the holidays. There is nothing like getting back to traditional things when life hands you a storm of trouble. Things start off on Saturday, Nov. 24, Small Business Saturday. Eva Regulski of Not Just Art is taking advantage of the American Express promotion for small businesses on Nov. 24. They offer $25 credit for their AmEx customers who shop on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and spend more than $40. She adds to the offer by giving her customers 10 percent off purchases.

Ewa Rumprecht of Think Long Island First is also involved with the program. She is offering an afternoon of free programs that day to bring in customers, as well as to announce the winners of their poetry contest.

Shopping Directory

Walter Imperatore has been working on a Holiday Shopping Guide/directory.  The chart is on display in the kiosks in town and on their website visitoysterbay.com.

At the October meeting of the OB-EN CC marketing committee, Dottie Simons, Dodds & Eder manager and Oyster Bay Railroad Museum board member said she has found Anton Newspapers to be a good advertising venue for the two groups. She said the ads go into the homes, have news about the schools and the children and as a result are read. Angela Feeley is the Enterprise Pilot salesperson and is available at 403-5161. If you are interested in advertising and she is out and about, just leave a message and she will return your call.

Thursday, Nov. 29 is the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce annual  Light Up The Holidays Fundraiser at 7 p.m. at the Sagamore Yacht Club (tickets are $75.

Saturday, Dec. 1 is the St. Dominic holiday breakfast with Santa Claus, said Catherine Drabin of Chrison & Bellina. That evening, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. is Planting Fields Foundation’s Deck the Halls annual holiday gala. This ticketed event offers refreshments, a silent auction and valet parking. Call 922-8678 for tickets and reservations.

Bah! Humbug! Hello Scrooge!

Ebenezer Scrooge (available for photo ops, bring camera) will be at Raynham Hall Museum, 20 West Main Street, OB on Dec. 2 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Enjoy readings from A Christmas Carol, Victorian carol singing, cider and cookies, and souvenir song sheet included with admission, adults $5, students and children over 5 years old and seniors, $3. Call  922-6808 for reservations.

Calendar Guys

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Boys & Girls Club holds their annual Holiday Luncheon Party at the Metropolitan Club in Glen Cove on Dec. 4. from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tickets are $125. There are great raffles, boutique shopping and a great lunch. Sharon Sliva, director of development said the NYC Firemen Calendar Boys will be there to sign their calendars. Additionally, every guest gets a Christopher Radko ornament as a gift. Call 922-9285 for tickets.

Concert and Exhibit

Saturday, Dec. 8 the Oyster Bay Historical Society is hosting their annual concert and open house from 4 to 7 p.m. The one-hour concert at the Hood A.M.E. Zion Church on South Street and Summit Street is a gospel event. Think toe-tapping and hand clapping. Then walk   to 20 Summit Street to the Earle-Wightman House for a free reception. They are also opening their new exhibit of miniatures and childhoods small things.

Tree Lighting

The OB-EN Chamber is considering holding their tree lighting that evening, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m., but due to Hurricane Sandy plans are still in flux. The Town of Oyster Bay lights the tree at the Derby-Hall Bandstand in Townsend Park and they have been busy cleaning up after the storms.

Holiday Express

The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is holding their annual Holiday Express at 102 Audrey Avenue on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9. They have great raffles, exhibits and gifts for sale. They also provide the free horse and wagon rides around town both days.

Holiday Ornament Workshop

Raynham Hall Museum presents a Holiday Ornament Workshop on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m., for ages 6 to 12. The children will decorate a pine cone ornament, make a wreath ornament and a button ornament and have refreshments. The cost is $10 per child. Call 922-6808 for reservations.

Now that is a lot of information and with a lot of fun represented. There is more to mention and we will. Do send us your information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 403-5104, and we will help you celebrate the holidays.   

— DFK