From holiday craft fairs and family activities to movie screenings, art exhibits and the annual Lights on the Lake parade, there's plenty happening in Mahopac and Carmel as the holiday season approaches. Here's a look at upcoming events and community activities.
The First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac is holding its annual Christmas Craft and Gift Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 411 Route 6N, at the intersection of Secor Road in Mahopac. The event will feature a variety of vendors, refreshments and photo opportunities with Santa.
The Putnam County Department of Health will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park (Upper Park), 201 Gipsy Trail Road, Carmel. The clinic is open to Putnam County residents with dogs, cats and ferrets at least 12 weeks old. Participants must bring photo identification proving county residency and proof of prior rabies vaccination, if available. Without vaccination records, pets will receive a one-year vaccine.
Dogs must be leashed, and potentially aggressive dogs must be muzzled. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers. All animals must be supervised by an adult. For more information, call 845-808-1390.
Carmel Recreation & Parks and The Lab Wellness offer a free Community Meditation Series at Sycamore Park, featuring candlelit sessions with breathing practices, soothing sounds and reflection. Lindsey Benoit O’Connell, Woman’s Day magazine’s meditation teacher and author of the upcoming book “There’s a Meditation for That,” will lead the sessions. Upcoming dates are Saturday, Nov. 14 (“Gratitude & Calm”), and Saturday, Dec. 19 (“A Peaceful Pause”), from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Registration is required for each session.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Happy Life Animal Rescue hosts Pocketbook Bingo at Putnam County Golf Course, 187 Hill St., Mahopac. Guests can compete for designer handbags while supporting the rescue organization. Bingo begins at noon. Tickets are $65 per person, including a light buffet, or $600 for a table of 10. For tickets, text Patti at 914-424-3064. happylifeanimalrescue.org.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, hosts a presentation by Renee Fleury exploring the mysterious stone chambers found throughout the Northeast. Drawing on her experiences as a practicing Druid, Fleury examines archaeological theories, sacred landscapes and the relationship between people and the land. For adults 18 and older. mahopaclibrary.org.
Monday, Nov. 16, 1 p.m. Reed Memorial Library, 1733 Route 6, Carmel, presents a screening of “The Crossing,” a historical drama about George Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. The screening is part of the library's Revolutionary War 250th anniversary programming. carmellibrary.org.
Monday, Nov. 16, 5–7:30 p.m. Mahopac Public Library hosts its horror book and movie club for students in grades 9–12. This month's selections are Ryan La Sala's novel “The Honeys” and the 1986 film “Little Shop of Horrors.” Registration required. mahopaclibrary.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m. Reed Memorial Library, 1733 Route 6, Carmel, invites children ages 5 and older to learn about the importance of corn in American history. Led by Haley Brown, the program includes a craft project and a popcorn snack. Register at carmellibrary.org or call 845-225-2439.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. Children ages 3–5 can explore stories, messy art and hands-on sensory activities at Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6. The program encourages creativity and early literacy through play. Registration required. mahopaclibrary.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5–7:30 p.m. Mahopac SEPTO hosts its first All Abilities Community Resource Fair at Mahopac High School, 421 Baldwin Place Road. The free event celebrates inclusion and connects families with community resources. Local children's author Shannon Sasso will participate with activities and giveaways at The Little Light Library table. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. Mahopac Public Library hosts a morning of obstacle courses, crafts and sensory activities for children ages 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers. Registration required. mahopaclibrary.org.
Friday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m. Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, hosts an after-hours movie screening for adults in its third-floor Community Room. Attendees may bring food and nonalcoholic beverages, and refreshments will be provided. mahopaclibrary.org.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. Mahopac Public Library invites children ages 4–8 for a morning of stories, creative activities and hands-on exploration of math and science in the Garden View Room. mahopaclibrary.org.
Saturday, Nov. 21, noon to 2 p.m. Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, hosts an opening reception for “Winter Light,” a seasonal group art exhibition in the library's third-floor gallery. Visitors can view the artwork and meet participating artists. mahopaclibrary.org.
The American Legion Auxiliary will host a family-friendly flea market Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 1080 Hall, 333 Buckshollow Road, Mahopac. The event is open to the public and will feature a 50/50 raffle.
Vendors interested in participating must reserve a table by Nov. 14. Space is limited. Table fees are $30 for active American Legion members and $40 for nonmembers. Vendor setup begins at 9 a.m. For vendor reservations or more information, call 845-803-1216 or 845-490-8500. or write to joyce@putnamartscouncil.com.
Sunday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. Get moving for a good cause at Relay For Life of Mahopac’s Turkey Trot, featuring a family 5K and fun run on the Mahopac Bike Trail at Mud Pond Road. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $25 for adults, $10 for children or $50 for families of up to five. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Information: 914-804-1870 or relayforlife.org/mahopacny.
Mahopac High School’s annual Winter Craft Fair will be held Sunday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school gymnasium, 421 Baldwin Place Road. Hosted by the sophomore MOST Student Government club, the family-friendly event will feature handmade crafts from local artisans, live music performances and photo opportunities with the school mascot. The fair offers an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and high school students.
The Town of Carmel Recreation and Parks Department will host Cookies with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Sycamore Park, 790 Long Pond Road, Mahopac. Children ages 2–10 can decorate holiday cookies, enjoy hot chocolate and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Gingerbread House. Three sessions are available: 2–2:45 p.m., 3–3:45 p.m. and 4–4:45 p.m. The cost is $20 per child for town residents. All children attending must be registered in advance. Registration opens Friday, Nov. 6, at 9 a.m. through the Recreation and Parks Department.
The Lights on the Lake Thanksgiving Holiday Parade will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, beginning at sundown, approximately 5 p.m., in Mahopac.
Hosted by the Mahopac Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with St. John the Evangelist Church and Councilman Rob Kearns, the event will feature a holiday parade followed by festivities at the Mahopac firehouse. Activities will include live entertainment, a petting zoo, pony and carriage rides, children's train rides, bounce houses, obstacle courses, food trucks and vendors. Proceeds will benefit the Roche family.
Vendors interested in participating can reserve a 10-by-10-foot space for $50 by texting Tonia at 845-743-5706. For general event information, text 914-557-1406.
Sunday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 411 Route 6N, Mahopac, will host the annual Multifaith Thanksgiving Service, bringing together Temple Beth Shalom, First Presbyterian Church, St. John the Evangelist Church and the Auliya Cultural Center. This year’s theme, “Praying for Peace,” will be explored through music, prayers, reflections and an interactive activity. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for the Mahopac Library’s Food Pantry. Monetary donations will benefit St. John’s Food Pantry. Free and open to all.
The Hamlet of Carmel Civic Association will host its annual Holiday on the Lake celebration Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Carmel. The free event will feature hayrides with Santa, trolley rides, a chowder fest, live music along Gleneida Avenue, a veterans tribute and tree lighting at Cornerstone Park, and a holiday parade featuring 40 floats. The festivities will culminate with the lighting of 70 Christmas trees along the shores of Lake Gleneida.
The association is also seeking sponsors to help cover the cost of the trees. Sponsored trees will display tags recognizing the sponsor or honoring a designated individual or family. For sponsorship information, email contact@carmelcivicassoc.org. For more information, visit www.carmelcivicassoc.org.
Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad of Putnam County at a special Menorah Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 6, as part of Carmel’s annual Holiday on the Lake celebration. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with live music, latkes, doughnuts and hot cider, followed by the traditional lighting at 4:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Avi Korer. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration and share in the warmth and spirit of Chanukah. Visit PutnamChabad.org for more informaiton.
The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary (Our Lady of the Lakes - Council # 6318) will host its sixth annual Christmas Village on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 2:30 to 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 10 Fair St., Carmel. The family-friendly event will feature more than 50 local vendors, food trucks, children's crafts, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, face painting, family photo opportunities and pet adoptions by Happy Life. Indoor activities include children's candy bingo at 2:30 p.m. (one full-size candy bar admission per game), followed by story time, cookies and milk with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 3:15 p.m. Outdoor photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus begin at 4 p.m. Space for indoor activities is limited, so early arrival is encouraged. An ATM will be available.
Sustainable Putnam will host its Repair Café on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mahopac Middle School. Residents are invited to bring up to two household items for free repairs by expert volunteers. Items accepted include lamps, clocks, toasters, small appliances, audio equipment, small furniture, clothing and more. Repairs are made on-site while visitors wait. Replacement parts, if needed, are sold at cost. Gas-powered items will not be accepted. The event aims to help residents save money, extend the life of household items and reduce landfill waste.
Libraries throughout Putnam County are serving as drop-off locations for the annual Toys for Tots holiday toy drive. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys to help brighten the holidays for local children.
Participating locations include the Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac; Reed Memorial Library, 1733 Route 6, Carmel; Brewster Public Library, 79 Main St., Brewster; Putnam Valley Free Library, 30 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley; Kent Public Library, 17 Sybil's Crossing, Kent; and Patterson Library, 1167 Route 311, Patterson.
Donations can be dropped off at any participating library during regular operating hours.
The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department is offering the following indoor recreational programs this fall:
Indoor Pickleball: The fall pickleball season runs Nov. 9 through Dec. 22 at Lakeview Elementary School. Sessions are held Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will be no sessions Nov. 11, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 7 or Dec. 14. Season passes cost $110 for residents and $145 for nonresidents. Participants must register for their preferred sessions each week. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Adult Basketball: Adults ages 18 and older who reside in the town of Carmel can participate in indoor basketball Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Mahopac High School through Dec. 17. There will be no session Nov. 26. Season passes are available, along with drop-in sessions for $10 each. Drop-in registration opens Sundays at 7 p.m. for the upcoming week and closes at 5 p.m. on the day of each session. Advance online registration is required; no walk-ins or cash payments will be accepted.
Registration for both programs is available through the Carmel Recreation and Parks Department.
For more information on all classes, programs, and events, call the office at 845-628-7888.
The Putnam County SPCA is collecting pet food and essential supplies to help families and individuals in need throughout Putnam County. Donations of dog and cat food, blankets, sheets, towels and comforters are being accepted. Bedding items may be new or gently used. Donations can be dropped off at 47 Gleneida Ave., Carmel, in the collection bin located at the rear door. The ongoing collection supports the SPCA's Support Services Division, which provides assistance to local pet owners in need.
The Hamlet of Carmel Civic Association will hold a special meeting and membership drive Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the RML Community Hub, located at Gilead Church, 9 Church St., Carmel.
The association, which has served the greater Carmel Hamlet area for more than 30 years, is seeking new members and volunteers interested in taking an active role in improving the community. Current members are encouraged to invite neighbors and consider serving on the association's board of directors. Residents and business owners are welcome. For more information, visit www.carmelcivicassoc.org.
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