Villages

Gardiner's Island remains private today, owned by members of the same family that has owned it for centuries. However, the prior owner, Robert D.L. Gardiner (1911-2004), often described as the "Last Lord of the Manor," frequently took groups to tour the island. This image is from a collection of Gardiner's Island photos donated to the library that were probably taken in the 1990s based on the tour group's attire, some of the vehicles shown, and the photo technology.

Thursday is the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the Maccabees' triumph over their oppressors in the second century B.C., only to find that the oil to light the candles needed to rededicate the temple had been tainted. Just one night's worth of pure oil remained, but, miraculously, it lasted for eight nights.

The East Hampton Town Board has named the Wainscott Green — the newly created passive park on Montauk Highway, on property bought by the town in 2018 — after the late Rick Del Mastro, a civic activist and philanthropist who called Wainscott home.

St. Therese of Lisieux's new pastor, who joined the church in September in the midst of the pandemic, said he is "trying to use the theme of coming home for Christmas" to make people feel welcome at the church. Accordingly, it was his task to get to the bottom of what home meant for Montauk.

New York State is closely watching hospital capacity because it is the primary vehicle of defense until the Covid-19 vaccines can be widely administered. "If our hospital capacity becomes critical, we're going to close down that region, period," Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.

Now that multiple pharmaceutical companies have developed Covid-19 vaccines, federal and state officials are putting together plans for the distribution of those vaccines. However, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday said he has identified three major obstacles in the way of fair distribution among the general population.

Southampton Village wants to return the 1713 windmill that stands on the Stony Brook Southampton campus to its onetime home on Windmill Lane. The college doesn't see it that way.

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.

Thanksgiving wasn't just a one-day holiday, in the eyes of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. It marked the start of 37 days of dangerous revelry — 37 days in which state and local officials are predicting Covid-19 infection rates will surge as people shop, gather, travel, and celebrate.

The Montauk Historical Society's popular lighting of the Lighthouse on the Saturday after Thanksgiving is on hold this year, not only because of the pandemic but because the tower on the 1796 structure is in the midst of a much-needed $1.3 million restoration.

A comprehensive study to develop a management plan to restore Fort Pond is warranted, those participating in a Nov. 12 webinar hosted by Concerned Citizens of Montauk were told.

Most holiday-themed events are virtual this year, but the East Hampton Historical Society is offering two on-site events to celebrate the season.