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Shelter Pet of the Week: Julie

by Heidi Sutton - November 7, 2021

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MEET JULIE!

This week’s shelter pet is Julie, currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

This gorgeous medium haired lady is estimated to be around 2 years old. Julie’s dad passed away and her mom left her behind when she moved on. This beauty can be as sassy as she is sweet. She does prefer to be the only cat in your life, but has lived with a small dog. Will you be her hero?

If you would like to meet this sweetheart, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

Winners of Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s scarecrow contest announced

by Heidi Sutton - November 5, 2021

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The winners of Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s annual Scarecrow Competition were announced at its 31st annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 29. Over 35 scarecrows were displayed throughout the Stony Brook Village Center during the month of October as visitors voted for their favorites. First place winners won a gift certificate for $250, second place winners received a gift certificate for $150 and third place winners received a gift certificate for $50.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Category A- Professional

1st Place – ‘The Groomery’ by The Groomery in Lake Grove

2nd Place – ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library

Category B – Adult and Family

1st Place – ‘Oscar the Grouch’ by SCO Family of Services

2nd Place – ‘Nurse Sunny Brook’ by the Ferber Family

3rd Place – ‘Oogie Boogie’ by Sandra Skinner

Category C – Children

1st Place – ‘Spooktacular’ by Brownie Troop 1525

2nd Place – ‘Zombie Lacrosse Player’ by 3 Village Lacrosse

3rd Place – ‘Princess Penny’ by Laurel Hill School

Photos by Heidi Sutton

WMHO’s Halloween Festival draws hundreds to Stony Brook Village Center

by Heidi Sutton - November 4, 2021

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By Heidi Sutton

Parking spaces were a hot commodity at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 31st annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 29. The spooktacular event, which took place at the picturesque Stony Brook Village Center, attracted hundreds of families who spent the afternoon trick-or-treating at the many shops and restaurants, playing games, and dancing to the Monster Mash, courtesy of WALK 97.5.

One of the highlights of the festival was a Halloween parade throughout the center led by the 12-foot-tall Monster Merlin who took photos with visitors throughout the day. The winners of the annual Scarecrow Competition were also announced. (Visit www.tbrnewsmedia.com for winners)

“It’s so wonderful to see everybody together again,” said Gloria Rocchio, WMHO president.

The fun event was sponsored by Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy, the RJG Consulting Group, Dr. Robert Quilty and Gold Fish Swim School.

Up next for the WMHO is its 42nd annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 5 and the annual Holiday Tree Competition from Dec. 5 to 20. For more information, visit www.wmho.org.

Two more chances to catch a performance of ‘A Kooky Spooky Halloween’ at Theatre Three

by Heidi Sutton - October 21, 2021

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Theatre Three A KOOKY SPOOKY HALLOWEEN Company — The cast of 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

Two more performances left! Children’s theater continues at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with A Kooky Spooky Halloween, a merry musical about a ghost who’s afraid of the dark, on Oct 23 and Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. Recently graduated spirit Abner Perkins is assigned to the Aberdeen Boarding House — known for its spectral sightings and terrific toast. Here, Abner finds himself cast into a company of its wacky residents. When his secret is revealed, he is forced to leave his haunted home and set off on a quest with his newly found friends and learns the power of helping others. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

31 Halloween events on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - October 21, 2021

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By Heidi Sutton

Halloween is such a fun time of year and celebrations have come early this year, with many events happening this weekend in addition to next weekend. Here are 31 Halloween events on the North Shore to enjoy with your family.

Centerport

Vanderbilt Fall Festival

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts a Fall Festival with lots of seasonal fun for visitors of every age to enjoy a safe Halloween on Friday evenings and on weekends through Halloween. Choose daytime events from noon to 4 p.m. with mini golf, face painting, pumpkin patch, Halloween games, a scavenger hunt or nightime attractions with a Wicked Walk, a haunted maze, and The Wicked Haunt, the museum’s version of a haunted house, plus a 9-hole Mini Golf from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Center Moriches – just added!

Magic of the Cauldron – adults only

The Ketcham Inn, 81 Main St., Center Moriches presents Magic of the Cauldron on Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. As the veil of darkness appears … pull up a chair around the cauldron on Ketcham Inn’s front lawn and feel the warmth of the fire. Hear the cauldron story while sipping savory soup and enjoy warm freshly baked bread from the Inn’s c. 1693 hearth by historic cook Diane Schwindt. Tickets are $15 per person (adults only please). The tavern will be open to purchase an additional drink. All proceeds go toward the restoration of the Inn. Call 631-878-1855 or visit www.ketchaminnfoundation.org.

Cold Spring Harbor

Harbor Haunts Walking Tour

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Harbor Haunts Walking Tour on Oct 23 at 4:30 and 6 p.m. Explore Cold Spring Harbor’s ghostly side with fascinating tales of mishaps and historic hauntings on Main Street. Recommended for adults and children ages 8 and up. All tours are held rain or shine. Fee is $12 adults, $8 children. Register for the tours at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 631-367-3418.

Haunted Hatchery

Calling all ghosts and goblins, spiders and bones … Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host a Halloween event on Oct. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. Families are welcome to join us for a not-so-scary Haunted Hatchery. Trick-or-Treat your way through their outdoor grounds. Admission fee is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768, www.cshfishhatchery.org

Commack

Trunk-N-Treat

Commack United Methodist Church, 486 Townline Road, Commack presents a Trunk-N-Treat event on Oct. 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. Children can trick or treat for candy at festively decorated car trunks and truck beds. Stay for some games and activities. Free. 631-499-7310, www.commack-umc.org

Farmingville

Trick or Treat Trail

Join the Farmingville Historical Society on Oct. 30 and 31 for a Trick or Treat Trail at Farmingville Hills County Park, 503 Horseblock Road, Farmingville from noon to 3 p.m. Come in costume and trick or treat along a trail while learning about the history of candy. Fill your bag with real, full-size candy treats. The entry fee is $12 per trick or treater. Parents are welcome to escort their children without paying. Please note this is not a haunted trail. All Trick or Treaters must pre-register at www.farmingvillehistoricalsociety.org.

Dark Night: Halloween Trail

Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville presents Dark Night: Halloween Trail, an outdoor extravaganza combining moderate scares with comedy that at the same time celebrates the nostalgia of vintage haunted trails through a post-modern twist on inspired characters from pop culture and horror movies of the 1990s, on Oct. 22 to 24 and Oct. 28 to 31. Hours are 7 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays and on Thursday, Oct. 28. Tickets are $35 adults, $15 per child. To purchase tickets, please visit, www.DarkNightLI.com.

Huntington

All Hallows Tour

Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington hosts an All Hallows tour at the Town Clerk’s archives every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through October from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The Halloween event will feature live interpretations of stories taken out of the archives vault. Free. Call 631-351-3216 or 631-351-3035.

Trick or Treat at the Heckscher

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Oct. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. Create a spooktacular art activity, make a haunted Digital Action painting, and take home a festive treat! Free admission for kids in costume and their families! Reserve timed tickets at www.heckscher.org. 631-380-3230.

Kings Park

Seaside Lantern Walk

Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a Seaside Lantern Walk on Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. See the beach in a whole new light as you round the point of Sunken Meadow State Park with only lanterns to guide the way. The group will pause along the way for some Long Island historical scary stories! Reservations are required. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventures. For more info, call 631-581-1072

Lake Ronkonkoma

Halloween Pet Parade

The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization hosts a Halloween Pet Parade in the Lake Shore Plaza parking lot on Portion Road in front of Shoprite on Oct. 23 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Goodie bags for all participants, top prizes for scariest, original and cute, 50/50 raffle. www.lakeronkonkomacivic.org

Miller Place

Spooky Lantern Tour

The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society presents its annual Spooky Lantern Tour, a not-too-scary walking tour of the haunted history of Miller Place, on Oct. 22, 23, 29 & 30 at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Walk the Miller Place Historic District with a guide from the MPMS Historical Society who will regale you with all the spooky stories surrounding this pre-Revolutionary War town. Bring a lantern or flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. For ages 10 and up. Masks are mandatory. Tickets are $15 per person. To register, visit www.mpmshistoricalsociety.eventbrite.com.

Mount Sinai

A Heritage Park Halloween

The Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai presents an outdoor Halloween event on Oct. 31 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy pumpkin picking and decorating, unlimited game playing, and much more. Registration is $10 per participant. Parents and guardians are not required to register. Each registrant will receive a goodie bag and pumpkin to decorate and take home. Don’t forget to wear your costume! Advance registration only at www.msheritagetrust.org.

Nesconset

Halloween Pet Parade

The Nesconset Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer O’Brien of State Farm hosts a Halloween Pet Parade fundraiser for the Smithtown Children’s Foundation at the Nesconset Gazebo, across from Nesconset Plaza, 127 Smithtown Boulevard, Nesconset on Oct. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come in costume and trick-or-treat, enjoy ice cream, raffles, music, pet costume contest, vendors and more. Rain date is Oct. 31. Free. 631-724-2543, www.nesconsetchamber.com.

Northport

Halloween Hayride

The Village of Northport will host its annual Halloween Hayride in Northport Village Park on Oct. 24 from noon to 4 p.m. with hayrides, pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, live music, petting zoo, costume contest & refreshments. Fun for the whole family! Admission is $5 per person. Call 631-754-3905.

Port Jefferson

Trick or Treat Halloween Party

Give Kids Hope, 1506 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts a Trick or Treat Halloween Party on Oct. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Decorate a pumpkin, play games, take part in a costume contest and more. Free. Call 631-538-5287.

Harvest Fest

The Village of Port Jefferson hosts its annual Harvest Fest throughout the village on Oct. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. with live music, fall inspired beer tastings, children’s activities, costumed dog parade, Pirate Scavenger Hunt, pumpkin carving, cornhole, woodcarving demonstrations, chowder crawl ($10 fee) and much more. Rain date is Oct. 24. Visit portjeff.com for schedule of events.

Halloween at the Explorium

Drop by the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson in costume on Oct. 30 and 31 between 1 and 5 p.m. and pick up a Halloween treat! Call 631-331-3277.

Riverhead

Festive Trunk or Treat

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead presents a festive Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. Come in costume and enjoy a mummy wrapping contest, Mike the Silly Magician Show, Halloween crafts, pumpkin decorating, games, costume parade,Trunk or Treat (treat bags provided) and much more. Admission is $15 per person, $50 for a family of four, children under 5 free. For a full schedule and tickets, visit www.hallockville.org.

Rocky Point

Trunk Or Treat!

The North Shore Youth Council and the Rocky Point PTA present a Trunk Or Treat! event at the Joseph A. Edgar School, 525 Route 25A, Rocky Point on Oct. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. with decorated cars and trunks, candy and non-edible treats, face painting, crafts and photo prop. Costumes encouraged. Join them for a scary good time! Register for this free event at trunkortreatnsyc.eventbrite.com.

Ronkonkoma

Ghosts, Goblins and Witches

Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma presents Ghosts, Goblins and Witches, a fun ballet that is full of dance tricks and treats, on Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. and again at 12:15 p.m. (indoors) and on Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. (outdoors). Tickets are $18 adults, $9 children and seniors. To order, call 631-737-1964 or visit www.theballetcenter.org.

St. James

Halloween Parade

The Community Association of Greater St. James will host a Halloween Parade along Lake Avenue on Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. Line-up starts at noon on Seventh Street. Email [email protected].

Deepwells Haunted Mansion

Just in time for Halloween, the Deepwells Farm Historical Society transforms the Deepwells Farm Mansion, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James into Deepwells Sanitarium, Home for the Criminally Insane on Oct. 22, 23, 29 to 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. Featuring 16 rooms of horror, wooded trail of terror, food vendors, photo-ops and more. Advance tickets are available at www.deepwellshauntedmansion.com for $20 per person, $25 at the door. For more information, call 631-862-2808.

Setauket

Graveyard Walking Tours

In lieu of its annual Spirits Tour, the Three Village Historical Society hosts a series of one hour Graveyard Walking Tours through the Caroline Church and Setauket Presbyterian graveyards on Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 5 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. Hear the stories of the dearly departed including the Culper Spies that lay at rest in the Three Village area. Tickets are $25. To register, visit www.tvhs.org.

Shoreham

Halloween at Wardenclyffe

Join the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham in celebrating Halloween on Oct. 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. with electrifyingly eerie exhibits, educational activities and fun for all ages featuring music, food, vendors, pumpkin contest, costume contest, Monster Mash Robot Challenge and more. Tickets are $15 adults, $13 seniors and students, $5 for ages 5 to 17, free for kids under 5. Visit www.teslasciencecenter.org or call 631-886-2632 for more information.

Smithtown

Ghosts and Goblins event

*This event is for Smithtown residents only.

Ghosts and goblins will invade Smithtown all in the name of good fun when the Smithtown Recreation Department hosts its annual Ghosts and Goblins event on Oct. 23 at Browns Road Park, 72 Browns Road, Nesconset from 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy games and prizes, pony rides, a balloon artist, and more. Free. Call 631-360-7644.

Halloween Spooktacular

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Ave., Smithtown hosts a Halloween Spooktacular event on Oct. 28 and 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Calling all ghoulies, ghosties, and other Halloween creepies for an evening of fun and excitement. Enjoy eerie animal presentations, a ghostly graveyard, creepy games, scary music, and spooky night trails. Great for ghouls 7 years and up. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets are $15 per person. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org or call 631-979-6344.

Spooky Lantern Walk

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown hosts a Spooky Lantern Walk On Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening of walking through the park with only a lantern to light the way. See Caleb Smith in a whole new way after dark, while your guide tells some spooky stories! Lanterns are provided. Advance registration is required by calling 631-265-1054.

Stony Brook

Halloween Family Fun

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents its annual Halloween Family Fun Day on Oct. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come in costume and enjoy some spooky family fun on the museum grounds with a Halloween-themed magic show by Magic of Amore at 1 p.m., pumpkin painting and outdoor activities. Rain date is Oct. 24. Free admission and free pumpkin/decoration kit for each child while supplies last. 631-751-0066, www.longislandmuseum.org.

Secrets and Spirits Walking Tour

Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts a Secrets and Spirits of Stony Brook Village walking tours on Oct. 28 at 2:50 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 10:50 a.m. Participants of the tour will hear the stories of the people who lived, loved, died…and still reside in Stony Brook Village! Stories include star-crossed lovers Mark and Sarah, who resided by the harbor in the 1800s; legendary 19th-century artist William Sidney Mount and his involvement in the “Miracle Circle” group of séance enthusiasts; the traveling ghost of Jonas Smith, the so-called “Lady in White,” who is said to suddenly appear at the Stony Brook Grist Mill, and more. $10 per person. To reserve your spot, call 631-751-2244.

Halloween Festival

Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for its 31st annual Halloween Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Oct. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. Enjoy trick-or-treating in the shops, dancing and games, music from WALK 97.5, scarecrow competition and a Halloween parade! Free. Call 631-751-2244.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

The Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook hosts a Pumpkin Carving & Mask Making contest on Friday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Participants must bring their own, finished, carved pumpkin or mask (or both) in order to enter the contests. First place winners in each age group will win a Reboli Center gift certificate. Costumes welcome. Rain date is Oct. 29. 631-751-7707.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

by Heidi Sutton - October 14, 2021

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October may be known as the month of pumpkin-flavored everything, apple-picking, fall foliage, and haunted houses but it’s also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a rescue initiative started by the American Humane Society in 1981 to help the estimated 3 to 4 million animals waiting in shelters every year get the loving, forever homes that they deserve.

Be a hero this month and adopt a dog from your local shelter or rescue group. You’ll be saving his or her life and greatly improving your own as dogs are amazing, supportive and heroic companions. Kent Animal Shelter, Little Shelter, Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue & Adoption Center and the Smithtown Animal Shelter have many adoptable dogs waiting for a loving home.

Click on the photos above for adoptable dogs at:

Kent Animal Shelter, 2259 River Road, Calverton

Call 631-727-5731 or visit www.kentanimalshtler.com

Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road, Huntington

Call 631-368-8770 or visit www.littleshelter.org

Save-A-Pet Rescue & Adoption Center, 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station

Call 631-473-6333 or visit www.saveapetusa.org

Smithtown Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, 410 East Main Street, Smithtown

Call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com

Theater Review: Get into the spirit of the season with ‘A Kooky Spooky Halloween’

by Heidi Sutton - October 14, 2021

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By Heidi Sutton

October is such a great time of year with the lovely weather, the changing leaves, mums, pumpkin and apple picking and trick or treating. It also means the return of the holiday treat A Kooky Spooky Halloween at Theatre Three. With emphasis on the power of friendship and the importance of helping others, the original musical, written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Steve McCoy, runs through Oct. 30.

The star of the show is a nice ghost named Abner Perkins (Steven Uihlein) who has just graduated from Haunting High School. Awarded a medallion of invisibility, he is given the coveted assignment of haunting Ma Aberdeen’s Boarding House, famously known for being the most haunted house in Harrison County U.S.A … and for serving the best toast! Abner must abide by two rules — he can only haunt at night and he can’t lose the medallion or he’ll become visible and lose his powers.

There’s only one problem — Abner is afraid of the dark, which is “like a vampire who’s afraid of necks!” according to his best friend Lavinda the Witch (Alanna Rose Henriquez). She gives him a night light as a graduation present and promises to help him adjust to his ghostly duties.

When Abner and Lavinda arrive at the boarding house, they find the Petersons — Paul (Liam Marsigliano), his wife Penelope (Stephanie Moreau) and son Pip (Darren Clayton) — and Kit Garret (Heather Rose Kuhn), who has just come “from a small town to the big city with a suitcase in my hand and hope in my heart,” in the kitchen helping Ma Aberdeen (Ginger Dalton), the finest toast maker in the land, prepare treat bags for Halloween.

In one of the funniest moments in the show, Abner casts a speed spell on the group, making them dance, sing, spin like a top, quack like a duck and do jumping jacks in fast motion. His final spell of the night is to have them “join together like birds of a feather.”

Things are going hauntingly well until fellow graduate Dora Pike (Beth Ladd) appears out of thin air. Filled with jealousy, (she was hoping to be assigned to Ma Aberdeen’s boarding house) Dora steals Abner’s night light and medallion and threatens to drop them into Black Ridge Gulch, the deepest, darkest gorge in the entire world (where it’s really, really dark).

Still stuck to each other, the group can now see Abner who must convince them to help him retrieve his medallion and undo the spell. What follows is a “Golden Goose” moment throughout the theater that will leave you in stitches!

Peppered with Halloween riddles and jokes, the show is wonderful on so many levels. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the 8-member adult cast know their target audience well and deliver standout performances with special mention to Ginger Dalton as Ma Aberdeen, a character she has played since the musical originated in 2017. I can’t imagine anyone else playing that role.

Accompanied on piano by Douglas Quattrock and choreographed by Sari Feldman, the song and dance numbers are the heart of the show, especially “Into the World I Go” by Abner, “A Witch Is a Person” by Lavinda, and the fun group numbers, “A Need for Speed” and “It’s Ma Who Makes the Toast.”

Jason Allyn’s gorgeous costumes are on fleek, from the ghosts dressed from head to toe in flowing white and the witch’s purple dress and pointy hat, to the Peterson’s coordinating orange and black outfits and the spooky lighting design by Steven Uihlein sets the mood and ties everything together perfectly.

Halloween is always such a fun holiday for children. This year, make it extra special and take them to see A Kooky Spooky Halloween. They’ll love you for it.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase during intermission and costumes are encouraged. Souvenir cat, pumpkin, Frankenstein, Dracula and ghost dolls will be available for purchase before the show and during intermission for $5. Meet the entire cast in the lobby for a group photo.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Kooky Spooky Halloween on Saturdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. Children’s theatre continues with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 20 to Dec. 26, Puss-In-Boots from Jan. 15 to Feb 5, and a brand new production, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz, from Feb. 23 to March 26. All seats are $10 and COVID protocols are in place. For more information or to order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Scream’ returns to the big screen Oct. 10 and 11

by Heidi Sutton - October 7, 2021

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'Scream' 3 — A scene from 'Scream'. Photo from Fathom Events

Do you like scary movies? Scream, the iconic 1996 thriller from director Wes Craven, returns to select movie theaters nationwide on Oct. 10 and 11 in celebration of its 25th anniversary, courtesy of Fathom Events and Paramount Pictures.

Featuring an all-star cast, Scream remains a wildly entertaining experience with its sly humor and sharp, suspenseful filmmaking.

After a series of mysterious deaths befalls their small town, an offbeat group of friends led by Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) becomes the target of a masked killer. As the body count rises, Sidney and her friends turn to the “rules” of horror films to help navigate the real-life terror they’re living in. The film also stars Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Jamie Kennedy, Rose McGowan, and Drew Barrymore.

Fans who attend the special event will also be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the film featuring vintage interviews with the director, screenwriter and actors.

“When it comes to suspenseful horror films of the ‘90s, ‘Scream’ revitalized the genre and created a global franchise,” said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations. “Film fans should get ready and buckle up for a fiendishly clever ride this Halloween season at their local theater!”

Catch a screening at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook on Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Haley

by Heidi Sutton - October 7, 2021

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This week’s shelter pet is Haley, an 8-year-old female/spayed Pit/terrier mix waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for her furever home.

Sweet Haley lost both of her parents within a few weeks of each other. Despite that trauma, she seeks love (and food) from anyone she meets. Haley is an affectionate dog, but she can be a bit protective, so her ideal home is one without children. She lived with a cat and had a smaller dog best friend she loved to play with. With the exception of a small weight problem, Haley is a healthy girl and would love a happy home to spend her golden years in.

She comes spayed, microchipped and up to date on her shots.

If you are interested in meeting Haley, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a dog run and a Meet and Greet Room.

Theater Review: ‘Spookley the Square Pumpkin’ is the perfect fall treat

by Heidi Sutton - October 7, 2021

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The cast of 'Spookley the Square Pumpkin'. Photo by Jordan Hue

By Heidi Sutton

Travel down any country road on Long Island this October and you are sure to come upon a farmstand overflowing with round pumpkins. But there’s only one place where you can find a square pumpkin by the name of Spookley who has an important message for all of us.

In partnership with the Smithtown Historical Society, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents an outdoor production of Spookley the Square Pumpkin The Musical on the society’s grounds through Oct. 31.

The cast sings ‘The Boo Song’ during the Sept. 25 performance. Photo from SPAC

Complete with pumpkins, scarecrows, friendly ghosts, bats, spiders, bugs and a pair of watermelons, with lots of singing and dancing, the show is a great way for young children to celebrate autumn and get excited for Halloween. Based on the popular book series by Joe Troiano, it tells the story of a square pumpkin living in a round pumpkin patch and his struggle to fit in.

It’s Halloween on Holiday Hill Farm and that means it’s time for Farmer Hill to choose a pumpkin to be the Pick of the Patch. We meet the top contenders — Bobo the perfectly round pumpkin whose ego “grows and grows” (“I’m so pretty I glow!”) and Big Tom and Little Tom who are attached by a vine.

When Spookley appears, he is teased by Little Tom who tells him that he doesn’t belong because he looks different. Spookley’s new friends, spiders Edgar, Allen and Poe and Scarecrow Jack, try to convince him to run for the Pick of the Patch contest, but his confidence has been shaken. When a strong storm rolls all of the round pumpkins towards the river, the square pumpkin discovers the chance to prove his own worth and save the day.

Kieran Brown stars as Spookley. Photo from SPAC

Directed by Jordan Hue, with musical direction by Melissa Coyle, choreography by Courtney Braun and costumes by Ronnie Green, the talented cast of 13 give a flawless performance and succeed in bringing this important story to life during National Bullying Prevention Month with the ultimate message that was makes you different makes you special.

Kieran Brown returns to reprise his role as Spookley and does an excellent job. Never breaking out of his square character, he has the audience rooting for him from the beginning. And wait until you hear him sing! Brown’s rendition of “If I Was Round” and “I’m Gonna Try” leaves you wanting more.

Gabrielle Arroyo, last seen as the bus driver in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” shines in “She’s Bobo” and “The Transylvania Twist” and the whole cast has fun with “The Boo Song.”

As Big Tom and Little Tom, Kenny Arroyo and Max Lamberg are hilarious and Stephanie Nigro, Adrienne Porti and Justin Walsh Weiner as Edgar, Allan and Poe are terrific as no-nonsense spiders. Ari Spiegel, as Boris the Bat with a vivacious appetite is always interrupted from snacking on a spider or bug by his vegan friend, Bella the Bat played by Gabby Blum, a nice touch.

Ari Spiegel, Kieran Brown and Gabby Blum in a scene from ‘Spookley’. Photo from SPAC

Emerson Lebrecht and Ava Bernardo return as cute watermelons Mimi and Lala (how did they end up in a pumpkin patch?). Savannah Shaw sparkles as Bug and newcomer Tristan Prin as Jack Scarecrow and Farmer Hill tackles the dual role with ease.

The special effects, beautiful set, and adorable costumes pull it all together for a spooktacular Halloween show your kids will love.

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents Spookley the Square Pumpkin the Musical on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on various dates and times through Oct. 31. Running time is one hour with no intermission. While folding chairs are available, theatergoers are welcome to bring blankets or chairs for seating and bathrooms are available on the premises. Tickets are $18 per person. To order, call 631-724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

See a quick video from the show here.

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