Holiday Tree Lighting, Children's Book Author and Illustrator

1. It's been a long weekend of holiday celebrations and preparations around Huntington, and tonight the community has another party to attend as  hosts a tree-lighting ceremony featuring a 30-foot balsam fir strung with 25,000 white lights. There will be hot chocolate and cookies as well as caroling with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event will benefit the Clark Gillies Children's Emergency Care Center at Huntington Hospital. In the spirit of giving, please bring a coloring book, small game or puzzle for a child in the hospital. 

2. The Huntington High School girls basketball team will scrimmage with Sayville at 4 pm today at Sayville High School.

3. "In a Romantic Mood: The Figure and the Landscape", featuring the work of  local artist William Pardue is on display at the  through January 4. 

4. Santa Claus is at the Walt Whitman Mall today and every day until Christmas Eve.

5. Meet children's book author Maureen Sullivan and illustrator Alison Josephs, who have collaborated on several books,  including Custard and Mustard, Ankle Soup, and Christmas Feet. Tonight at 6 pm at Barnes and Noble in Huntington Station, 631-421-9886.