Calverton: An apple slice will keep your holiday cookies fresh

It’s a wee bit nippy, eh? I remember last year the cold air settled in so fast I didn’t have time to put any evergreens in my window boxes and planters, but I did this year. A fresh variety of pines placed in empty window boxes makes for festive decoration, and they can be left there all winter. You can add some crafty hearts for Valentine’s Day, and if they’re still fresh, maybe a few shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day. I have lots of ideas. Stay tuned.

Gail Kappenberg has worked her magic again. The murals from Riley Avenue Elementary School are ready to be delivered tomorrow to Peconic Bay Medical Center’s skilled nursing facility. Mrs. Kappenberg has been spearheading this program for many years, which is much appreciated by both the patients and employees. The students at Riley work hard on these holiday murals, and then off they go, along with the chorus and Mrs. Kappenberg, to the hospital to make everyone smile. Great job, everyone.

Happenings at Riley: Winter Wonderland at Riley, a place where the students are able to purchase gifts for their family and friends, was a huge success. The fourth-graders enjoyed seeing “A Christmas Carol” in Port Jefferson last week. The kindergarten classes will be making gingerbread houses with the arts in education program. Sounds like a fun event. The fourth-grade holiday concert will be held at the high school on Monday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend and get in the holiday spirit.

The annual Worldwide Candle Lighting ceremony will be held Sunday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. This ceremony unites family and friends around the globe by lighting candles for one hour to honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause. What a very touching way to say I miss you.

Let’s talk cookies. Do your cookies become dried out when stored in their tins or plastic containers? If so, all you have to do is cut a thick slice of apple and place it in the container in which it’s being stored. Keep in mind that you have to change the apple every couple of days, but it does work and you will smile even more when you bite into your favorite holiday treats.

Belated happy birthday to Riley’s amazing secretary, Marian Hulse, who celebrated her big day on Dec. 3. We all love you, Marian. Everyone at the school, as well as all your family and friends, hope you had a perfect day.

Happy 54th wedding anniversary to my aunt Barbara and uncle Ray Terry, who celebrated on Dec. 1. All our love to you both for many more years of happiness together.

That is all for this week. Christmas is getting closer. All we need is some snow to make it more festive. Take care, be safe, shop, and I will talk to you next week. Bye.