Phillips design stars on view in Southampton, Duck Creek pops up at Fireplace Project, the latest edition of the Thanksgiving Collective, Miami's art week shows up on these shores, and more

To give is to love, is it not? Especially during the winter holidays, and more especially when there is no expectation of getting something in return. Here are six ways East Enders can spend their time and share their resources to help their neighbors in need.

Santa's Little Helpers

Virtual concerts and variety shows, a "drive-by" Merry Madoo, and more

What the occupants of a Pantigo Road, East Hampton, house initially thought was the smell of leftover smoke from the fireplace just after midnight on Monday turned out to be a basement ceiling fire.

The Star's hunter-gatherer, Durell Godfrey, went shopping for "cozies" so that everyone can stay warm against the winter chill. Bundle up for a beach walk, or cuddle after walking the dog. Indoors or out, take these warm wishes, wrap them up, and share them. Remember to shop locally and drive carefully.

The pandemic has ensured that this year many more stockings will be hung on the East End over the holidays. Whether you're hunkered down for your first East End winter or are an old-timer innovating traditions in light of Covid-19, here's how to make the most of things.

One of the most common questions people are asking physicians right now is if and when they should consider being tested for the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19. It's understandable that people have questions about this, not just because the pandemic continues to rage on, but also because our understanding of how this virus works has continued to change as we learn more and more.

"This recipe is one of my favorite things to make" for the winter solstice, says Juli Everett. Not only is the soup delicious, but its ingredients are colorful, warm, and earthy — a perfect way to welcome back the sun.

Henri Soule (1903-1966), owner of the famous Le Pavillon restaurant in New York City, owned the Hedges Inn in East Hampton Village from 1954 until 1964, during which he turned it into a well-known and famous restaurant that attracted socialites and celebrities.

The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, is also a day that many people celebrate as a spiritual holiday, to gather with a small group of close friends or family and welcome back the sun. This year, it will be Monday, Dec. 21, according to the Farmer's Almanac.

At least we have the holidays to bring a bit of cheer. If you need a few tips to set the mood, the South Fork's musicians have no shortage of suggestions.

This year, haven't we had enough of turning inward already? And hibernating? Been there, done that . . . for what seems like forever. This should be the winter of not hibernating.

Lion Bob
Sag Harbor
November 27, 2020

Dear Mr. Rattray,

You're not really thinking of throwing some big holiday parties this year, are you? No, of course not. However, it's likely that you may be stopping by friends' and families' houses, and maybe expecting some folks and kin yourself, for low-key, safe-distance entertaining.

The East Hampton School Board on Tuesday formally accepted a retirement letter from Richard Burns, who has served the East Hampton School District as superintendent since 2011. His retirement, effective June 30, 2021, will cap a more than 30-year career in East Hampton.

Merry Madoo’s Santa Stand will be selling the conservancy’s home-grown paperwhites, apple and orange pomanders with velvet ribbons, and boughs of fresh-cut greens from the garden for holiday decorating needs.

Marine fishing industries that have experienced significant economic losses because of the pandemic can apply for federal grants through New York State's fisheries relief program starting on Tuesday. The application period ends on Dec. 31.

A former vice chairman of the East Hampton Town Planning Board who had been a co-chairman of the East Hampton Town Democratic Committee and an editor at The East Hampton Star before that, Robert S. Schaeffer died on Nov. 17 at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. A longtime Wainscott resident, Mr. Schaeffer had been ill with cancer for five years. He was 76.

As Covid-19 surges anew on the East End, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital has once again suspended most visitation privileges.

President-elect Joseph Biden is expected to nominate Antony Blinken, who has a connection to East Hampton, to the cabinet position of secretary of state. Mr. Blinken's father is Donald Blinken of Lily Pond Lane in East Hampton Village, who is a former United States Ambassador to Hungary.