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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| Several years ago, our family added a new holiday tradition, a visit to the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s annual Holiday Light Show. Starting with some warm cocoa (and a coffee for me), we set out for the experience with holiday music playing in the car and lots of laughter among my happy troupe. It was better than we could have expected. In 2016, GSSC moved the show to a new location. In the spirit of full disclosure, went with a touch of trepidation toward Smith Point County Park. We love the beach, but change can be difficult. We all kept an open mind. The new light show was fantastic! The traffic moved smoothly through the wondrous displays, and we could see the water on the cold winter’s eve. We were sold on the new venue for this annual event. I was delighted to learn that Girl Scouts of Suffolk County & Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone are together presenting Suffolk’s Own 14th Annual Holiday Light Show this year. The show returns to Smith Point County Park (located at 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, NY) from December 1st to 30th (though they are closed on December 24th and 25th). The show opens at 5pm each day, though closing times vary, so check the website for more info. At $20 per car, it’s a really good value for a family activity. Please note, they accept credit card only and there are no pre-sales. Our children are not quite so small any longer. But, a visit to the light show is still something we eagerly look forward to. Driving through the trail of dazzling light displays and holiday vignettes prompts looks of awe and smiles on everyone’s faces. It makes the visit worthwhile. It also makes us feel great to know we are supporting the efforts of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County as proceeds from the Holiday Light Show benefits programs for girls. If you are looking for a special activity to do as a family – that won’t break the bank – I recommend a visit to Smith Point County Park. Come wind through the south shore beach’s campgrounds, in the comfort of your car, to view beautiful light displays that are sure to warm your heart. Be inspired by the best parts of this wonderful season. If you visited in year’s past at the old location, you can make a game of looking for your old favorites and enjoy the new displays throughout the train. Funds raised from the show go directly to benefit Girl Scouts’ programs and services. There are programs for troops, scholarships for girls with financial need to attend summer camp, partnerships with school districts in STEM and Arts education, learning opportunities with other agencies, and programs for children and families in underserved communities. Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is the largest youth-serving agency on Long Island. It serves more than 40,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 17, with the dedicated support of more than 7,000 volunteers. For more information on the Holiday Light Show or Girl Scouts, visit www.holidaylightshow.org or www.gssc.us or call (631) 543-6622. Wishing you and yours good health and much happiness this holiday season and all though the year ahead. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 