Monthly Archives: May 2017

Does your business sell products made in the U.S.A.? Tell our readers about it in the upcoming special feature issue of Made in America, which will appear in all six of our papers in Arts & Lifestyles on June 29. Send high-resolution photos of your American-made products with a short paragraph about your business to [email protected] and we’ll publish it for free. Deadline is June 22. Questions? Call 631-751-7744, ext. 109.

Trout

Meet Trout! This little guy is so very handsome and has such gorgeous markings. Trout is very smart and seems to learn quickly. He also loves going for long strolls. Trout once had a family but when he found himself in a local shelter, they never came looking for him. He’s safe now at Kent Animal Shelter but he sure misses living in a home of his own. Trout would love all of your attention, so it would be best if he were an only pet. Please come meet him today and give this guy the second chance he so deserves! Trout comes neutered, microchipped and up to date on all his vaccines.

Kent Animal Shelter is located at 2259 River Road in Calverton. For more information on Trout and other adoptable pets at Kent, please call 631-727-5731 or visit www.kentanimalshelter.com.

From left, Emily Gates, Ashley Iadanza, Melanie Acampora, Bobby Montaniz and Steve Uihlein in a scene from ‘The Princess & the Pea’.Photo by Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc

When Hans Christian Andersen passed away in Copenhagen in 1875 the Danish government stated they had lost a national treasure. Although a writer of many genres, he is best remembered for his wonderful fairy tales, including “The Little Mermaid,” “The Red Shoes,” “The Snow Queen,” “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelina” and, my favorite, “The Tinder Box.” As a child, I read them all but I always remember being fascinated by “The Princess & the Pea” and the curious image of a young girl trying to fall asleep atop of 10 mattresses.

The entire company of ‘The Princess & the Pea’. Photo by Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

Through June 10, Theatre Three’s Children’s Theatre kicks off its 2017-2018 season with a hilarious musical retelling of the sleepy story that is not to be missed. With a genius script written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Steve McCoy, the story teaches us that true nobility comes from inside.

Priscilla Noble and her friend Tom have just graduated from college. On the last day of school Tom reveals to Priscilla that he is really Prince Sterling of Pewtersberg and that he has feelings for her. He invites Priscilla to visit him at his castle over the summer so that they can get to know each other better. In the meantime his mother, Queen Irritata of Pewtersberg, has arranged for her son to marry Princess Monica from a neighboring kingdom. When both girls arrive at the castle, the queen puts them through a series of challenges that, in theory, only a true princess would overcome. Add a tower, a bunch of mattresses and a large pea and you’ve got yourself an entertaining afternoon of live theater.

Directed by Sanzel, a stellar cast of nine adult actors keep the young audience entranced. Never have I seen a more well-behaved group of children than at last Saturday morning’s performance, sitting quietly and just taking it all in, a true testament to the magic of live theater.

Jessica Contino and Dylan Robert Poulos star in ‘The Princess & the Pea’.Photo by Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc

Jessica Contino plays the lead role of Priscilla with confidence and determination. Continuously being put down for being a commoner by the queen, her character remains polite and respectful throughout. A perfect role model for today’s youth, she proves that studying and doing well in school pays off in the end.

Dylan Robert Poulos is perfectly cast as the tall, dark and handsome Prince Sterling and Andrew Gasparini shines as Lord Chancellor Pandergrovel.

Emily Gates is terrific in the role of Princess Monica, falling asleep all over the stage, much to the dismay of her sisters Princess Miranda (Melanie Acampora) and Princess Margot (Ashley Iadanza) who have been give strict orders by their parents to marry her off. And boy can she snore!

Newcomer Linda Pentz tackles the role of Queen Irritata of Pewtersberg, who seems to have a permanent migraine (“honestly!”), with aplomb. Determined to have her son marry royalty, her character remains stubborn until the very end.

Jessica Contino and Linda Pentz in a scene from ‘The Princess & the Pea’. Photo by Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

However, it is the queen’s brothers, Henry, Earl of Blunt, played by Steven Uihlein, and Richard, Duke of Yuck (yes you read that right), played by Bobby Montaniz, who steal the show with their comedic antics. These two should have a comedy act together!

The original score, with choreography by Sari Feldman, is fresh and hip, with special mention to “A Friend in Need,” “I Say, You Do!” and “The Test,” which is performed entirely in rap. Teresa Matteson’s detailed costumes, especially the intricate royal garb and wigs, are first rate, and live musical accompaniment by Steve McCoy on piano is a nice touch.

Meet the cast in the lobby after the show for photo ops and tell Princess Monica to get some sleep! Honestly!

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present “Princess & the Pea” through June 10 with a sensory-friendly performance on June 4. Children’s Theatre will continue with “Aladdin & the Lamp” from July 7 to Aug. 10 and “The Frog Prince” from Aug. 4 to 12. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

The Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve will hold its 15th annual Junior Angler Fishing Tournament at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve on Saturday, June 10 starting at 9 a.m. For ages 5 through 8 and 9 through 12. Includes free junior angler T-shirts and goody bags for anglers age 5 to 8. Three prizes will be awarded for each age group. Registration deadline is June 4. Fee is $15 per entry, $10 members. For more information or to register, call 631-265-1054.Ca

By Matthew Kearns, DVM

“My dog ate three grapes (or raisins). Should I be worried?” We get a phone call like this at least once every week to every other week. That’s a good question because we, as a veterinary community, are still looking for the exact answer. Let’s take a closer look at grape and raisin toxicity to see if we can shed some light on what we do know about this nebulous topic.

What portion of the grape or raisin is toxic? Unfortunately, the exact toxic substance to dogs in grapes and raisins is still unknown. Neither the color of the grape, nor seeded versus seedless makes a difference. As a matter of fact, the one portion of the grape that has been ruled out as a cause of kidney damage is the seed or grape seed extract.

Theories arise as to which component of the grape is toxic. Some experts feel that high concentration of a type of sugar component called monosaccharides, whereas others blame a compound called tannins.

Additional theories do not implicate anything in the grape itself, but rather the growth of certain fungi on the grape and toxins produced called aflatoxins, or pesticides sprayed on grapes. More recent evidence points toward something in the meaty portion of the grape or raisin because veterinary toxicologists found that raisins that have been cooked (in cookies, breads, cakes, etc.) are less toxic than grapes or uncooked raisins.

How much is too much? This answer is also unclear. There does seem to be a genetic component associated with which individual dogs are more sensitive to grapes or raisins.

An article published in 2009 reviewed the charts of almost 200 dogs over a 13-year period. The study found some dogs ate over two pounds of raisins without developing any signs of poisoning, whereas others developed irreversible kidney failure with as little as 3 grams of grapes or raisins.

Just to give you some perspective as to how much 3 grams is: Your average grape weighs 5 grams, and a raisin weighs about 0.5 gram. As little as one grape or six raisins could be toxic to your dog. However, some dogs will not get sick or require large amounts of grapes/raisins before any damage is done.

Is there an antidote to this type of poisoning? The short answer is no. This is truly an example of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The patients that did better in the same 2009 study were those in which the owners witnessed the ingestion and brought them to a veterinary clinic immediately. The veterinarians were able to induce emesis (force vomiting) and give activated charcoal ASAP. Patients that were already showing symptoms of toxicity such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and increase in thirst/urination were less likely to make a full recovery.

In conclusion, veterinarians are still not sure as to what portion of the grape/raisin is poisonous, nor which dogs are more sensitive to grapes/raisins. Therefore, keep grapes and raisins away from your dog when possible and, if you witness your dog eating grapes or raisins, bring him or her immediately to your veterinarian’s office or an emergency clinic for treatment.

Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine.

By Linda Toga

THE FACTS: My house and most of my liquid assets are held in an irrevocable trust that I funded over five years ago. I am fortunate in that my income is sufficient to for me to live comfortably without using my savings.

THE QUESTION: If I do need to move into a nursing home down the road, how will Medicaid deal with my income when it comes to determining if I am eligible for benefits?

THE ANSWER: Since Medicaid is a needs-based program, your eligibility will be based on the value of your available assets, meaning assets that are not in your trust, and your income. Even if your assets are very limited, if your income is sufficient to cover the cost of a nursing home, you will not be eligible for assistance.

However, because there are some sources of income that are exempt under the Medicaid rules, determining eligibility is more involved than simply applying the same monthly income level across the board.

Medicaid looks at all of the income you receive, at the source of that income and at your medical expenses to determine your Net Available Monthly Income or NAMI. If your monthly medical expenses equal or exceed your NAMI, Medicaid will deem you “income eligible.”

In general, Medicaid will consider income from stocks and bonds, IRAs and other qualified plans, pensions and trusts when making a determination as to whether you are eligible to receive benefits.

Medicaid will not, however, include in your NAMI income from German and Austrian reparation plans, Nazi persecution funds, state crime victims’ assistance funds, Seneca Nation Settlement Act Funds, special payments to American Indians or payments from federal volunteer programs.

Medicaid also exempts funds received from a reverse mortgage as long as you use the funds during the month you receive them.

If you are single, you will be allowed to keep all the exempt income you may receive plus an additional $50/month in nonexempt income and funds to cover the cost of your supplemental medical insurance premiums.

If you are a veteran, you get to keep $90/month plus exempt income and the cost of supplemental medical insurance. NAMI in excess of $50 (or $90 for veterans) plus the cost of insurance premiums must be paid to the nursing home.

If you are married and your spouse is well and continues to live in the community (the “community spouse”), the amount of income you may keep is the same as for an unmarried individual. However, your spouse, as the community spouse, is allowed a monthly income of close to $3,000 to help cover living expenses. If your spouse’s income is too large, Medicaid will apply a percentage of his or her excess income to the cost of your care in the nursing home.

Linda M. Toga, Esq. provides legal services in the areas of estate planning, probate, estate administration, litigation, wills, trusts, small business services and real estate from her East Setauket office.

A koi pond featured during last year's garden tour. Photo from HHS
A rose garden featured in last year’s garden tour. Photo from HHS

The Huntington Historical Society will present its 2017 Spring Festival of Gardens on Sunday, June 4 from noon to 4 p.m. Six elegant and eclectic local gardens will be on view, with harbor views, backyard getaways, wandering woodland trails and serene Asian influences. Take a break at the Garden Boutique and refresh with sweet confections and cool drinks. Shop for garden plants, bouquets of gift certificates and unexpected treasures.

Tickets are $35, $30 members. To order, call 631-427-7045, ext. 401. If still available, tickets will be on sale for $40 at the Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington. For more information, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Marlon Brando stars in 'The Godfather'. Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

Here’s an offer you can’t refuse. In celebration of its 45th anniversary, “The Godfather” (1972) will be screened at over 700 select cinemas nationwide on Sunday, June 4, and Wednesday, June 7, courtesy of Fathom Events,Turner Classic Movies and Paramount Pictures, giving both longtime fans and a new generation a chance to see one of the most influential films ever made back on the big screen.

Al Pacino in a scene from ‘The Godfather’. Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

In the 45 years since its first release, Francis Ford Coppola’s American epic has become part of the American mythology. Ranked second on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest American films, it remains captivating … and almost shockingly relevant, a dark mirror held up to an American fascination with power, wealth and privilege.

Director Coppola paints a chilling portrait of the Sicilian clan’s rise and near fall from power in America, masterfully balancing the story between the Corleones family life and the ugly crime business in which they are engaged. Based on Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel and starring Marlon Brando as the patriarch of the Corleone family, along with Al Pacino, James Cann and Robert Duvall, this searing and brilliant film garnered 10 Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture.

Relive the wedding of Connie Corleone as ‘The Godfather’ returns to local theaters. Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

The two-day event will also feature an exclusive commentary from TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz who will give insight into this classic film.

Participating movie theaters in our neck of the woods include AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook (at 2 and 7 p.m. on both days), Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas, 1001 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale (on June 4 at 2 p.m., June 7 at 2 and 7 p.m.) and Island 16 Cinema de Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville (on June 4 at 2 p.m., June 7 at 2 and 7 p.m.). For more information or to purchase your ticket in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Members of CTeen of West Suffolk pose for a photo with Rabbi Dovid Weinbaum before donating toys. Photo from The Chai Center

GIVING BACK: Teens from The Chai Center’s CTeen chapter in Dix Hills (CTeen West Suffolk County) recently shopped for and purchased more than 50 new toys that were donated to families living in the United Veterans Beacon House facilities in Nassau and Suffolk counties. United Veterans Beacon House Inc. is a not-for-profit charitable organization with a mission to provide transitional and permanent housing to U.S. military veterans and men, women and women with children. The teens also baked cookies to be delivered with the toys.

With over 200 chapters globally and tens of thousands of members, CTeen, the fastest growing Jewish teen network in the world, inspires and facilitates teens who want to give back to their community and environment, with an emphasis on positive character development. The CTeen Dix Hills chapter has more than 40 members and is based at The Chai Center (501 Vanderbilt Parkway) and run by Rabbi Dovid Weinbaum.

“The Talmud says that each person is a whole world and therefore by helping one person you’re helping the whole world. We are immensely proud of the teens in our chapter who continually embrace this idea and have made it a priority to think beyond themselves and give back to their community and those in need,” said Rabbi Weinbaum. For more information, visit www.thechaicenter.com.

Fan Ye. Photo from SBU

By Daniel Dunaief

Fan Ye has a vision for the future filled with high service and efficiency that doesn’t involve butlers or personal attendants. The assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University is focused on creating smart environments in which window blinds open as people pull into their driveways, lights turn off in unoccupied rooms and the building guides a new student turn by turn through complex floors and hallways from entrance to the registrar’s office.

“The physical environment would be like a caring mother,” said Ye. It would sense and figure out people’s needs and “take care of the occupants inside the building.”

In Ye’s vision, which he estimates is about one year to decades away from a reality, objects that rely on people to turn them on or off, reposition them or alter their settings would have chips embedded in them, working together to create an environment that anticipates and learns in response to the need around it.

“With sensors, [a smart environment] can sense both physical conditions and human activities and adjust the environment in manners that create/improve comfort, safety, convenience” and the productivity of the occupant, he explained in an email.

Ye recently received a $450,000 award over the next five years from the National Science Foundation for early-career faculty for his study of smart environments. The prestigious award is the highest honor given by the government to scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.

Initially, Ye is developing and testing a security system with the Stony Brook University Police Department and the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology that grants specific access to buildings or facilities depending on the specifications of an administrator.

Many of the buildings on campus have electric locks, which someone can open with a badge where there’s a badge reader. A badge, however “isn’t that flexible,” Ye said. If an administrator would like to grant someone one-time access to open a door that doesn’t provide ongoing access, that is difficult to do with a badge system.

“What’s lacking in this closed proprietary system is flexible access control, which can determine who has what access based on context factors,” he said. Ye, his team, the police department and the CEWIT are building a system that can enable greater flexibility that allows someone to open an office door for five minutes during a specific hour. “If any of these context factors is not satisfied, they don’t have access,” he said.

Ultimately, he would like to construct a system using modern mobile technology, like smartphones, instead of physical badges. The system would include embedded security that employs modern cryptography so a hacker or attacker can’t trick the system.

By using software and hardware security, Ye is hoping to develop a system that prevents the most common attacks at a reasonable cost, which he hopes would prevent someone from gaining access.

Ye is building real systems and testing them. The cost-benefit of these systems depends on the object. A motor to open and close a window would cost money to manufacture, install and operate. As with any technological innovation, he said, “the question comes down to, How do you invest versus how much do you get in return?”

Looking at the historical trend for computation resources, Ye said computing and storage costs are falling at an exponential rate, while the price for radio and sensing is also falling rapidly, although not at the same pace.

“I believe this trend will continue, especially for a lot of these objects that need small embedded systems” that can be manufactured at a scale with low cost, he continued. The process of turning the environment into an efficient, high-service system isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. Consumers might decide to focus on the air-conditioning or heat use in their homes.

Other researchers are developing ways to harness the vibrational energy of movement or sound, which, conceivably, could power some of these electronics without requiring the delivery and consumption of more energy.

Ye recognizes that these parts can and will break down and require repair, just as dishwashers sometimes stop working and iPhones can lose a list of contacts. So many small electronic parts in a smart environment could seem like an invitation to malfunctions.

He likens the repair process to cloud computing, which allows small to medium-sized companies to rent computing resources from larger companies. “A smart environment, especially for public buildings like a university or office, could potentially run in a similar model,” he said. Individuals might rely on IT support from dedicated personnel who, like a superintendent in a building, could be responsible for a host of smart products.

A native of Hubei Province in China, Ye, who now lives in Setauket, loves to hike in national parks. His favorite is Canyonlands in Utah. Ye had worked at IBM for about 10 years before joining Stony Brook almost three years ago. While he was there, Ye worked on numerous projects, including distributed stream processing, cloud-based queueing and wide-area dependable messaging. “I learned tremendously at IBM,” he said.

Ye is “”well known and respected in the mobile and wireless computing research community,” Hui Lei, an IBM distinguished engineer, wrote in an email. “He conducted pioneering work on scalable message delivery, robust coverage and security in wireless sensor networks, which are well received and highly cited and closely related to the smart environment work he is doing now.”

Lei suggested that Ye’s experience and accomplishments provide him with a solid track record and he is “confident that [Ye] will be able to come up with innovative solutions in this area.”