Arts & Entertainment

TexMex Beef Lasagne

Turn to Tradition for Tex-Mex Taste

(Family Features) The next time your loved ones crave a comforting dish that’s warming from the inside-out, turn to an all-time classic with a touch of southern flair.

Take inspiration for this Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna from season 3 of “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the long-held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary. Developed from the show by BBQuest co-host and “Hardcore Carnivore” cookbook author Jess Pryles, this tasty take on comfort food can be the perfect solution for a family meal with plenty of leftovers.

After dinner, settle in together and learn pitmaster techniques from the experts as the series follows four themes that capture the essence of Texas barbecue: legacy and tradition; creativity and innovation; Texas trailblazers; and family and community.

“Since launching BBQuest four years ago, it’s truly remarkable to see how much has changed and yet stayed the same when it comes to Texas barbecue, and that’s exactly what you see in season 3,” said Rachel Chou, Texas Beef Council’s director of consumer marketing. “There has been so much exciting innovation around cooking methods and international flavors while there’s still a huge dedication to long-held recipes and smoking techniques.”

To find more pitmaster-worthy recipes, visit BeefLovingTexans.com.

Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna

Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles

Total time: 60 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

1          tablespoon olive oil

1          onion, diced

2          pounds ground beef

2          teaspoons kosher salt

1          teaspoon garlic powder

1/2       teaspoon cumin

2          teaspoons chipotle powder

1/2       teaspoon onion powder

15        ounces canned corn, drained

15        ounces canned seasoned black beans, drained

10        ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained

15        ounces canned red enchilada sauce

1          cup Mexican crema or sour cream

nonstick cooking spray

12        corn tortillas

8          ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese

cilantro (optional)

green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In large pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat then add onion. Cook until softened, 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly.

Add ground beef and cook, stirring regularly, until beef has browned.

Add kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, chipotle powder and onion powder; stir well. Add corn, black beans and diced tomatoes. Turn heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

In bowl, combine enchilada sauce and crema; mix well.

Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup enchilada sauce mixture on bottom to prevent tortillas from sticking.

Layer 2-4 tortillas across bottom then top with layer of ground beef mixture. Use ladle to spoon some enchilada sauce mixture on top, distributing evenly. Top with another layer of tortillas then repeat layers until casserole is full, 3-4 layers. Top with shredded cheese.

Loosely cover dish with foil in tent shape to help prevent cheese from sticking then bake 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with cilantro and green onions, if desired.

See video here.

Smithtown Township Arts Council has announced in a press release that the works of East Setauket artist Robert Roehrig will be on view at Apple Bank of Smithtown, 91 Route 111, Smithtown from September 19 to November 17. The exhibition, part of the Arts Council’s Outreach Gallery Program, can be viewed during regular banking hours Monday – Thursday 9 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 6 pm; Saturday 9 am – 1 pm.

“From the time I was growing up in Queens and then Hicksville, I always loved to draw. I would sketch  airplanes, cars, people – pretty much anything that caught my fancy. An important early influence was an artist named John Nagy, who had a TV show in the 1950’s that provided lessons on how to draw. I really enjoyed the program so my parents bought me his instruction booklet and kit. In it, the artist showed you step by step how to complete a picture. I still remember the pictures; a railroad train with smoke billowing,  a young boy wearing a sombrero, and others. I completed every one,” said Roehrig.

“I took some art courses in high school and at Hofstra University, but I decided on social studies education as a career path. After college, I married my lovely wife Joan, and we raised our two children. Throughout those busy years, I did some sketching and watercolor painting for fun and relaxation. When I retired from teaching and counseling at Commack High School, I decided to try oil painting, something I had not done since high school.  I soon found the versatility and rich colors of the oil medium to my liking. I have been oil painting ever since,” he added.

Many of Rob’s paintings try to capture the beauty of the natural world. “I feel fortunate to live on Long Island with its scenic beaches, coves, wetlands and farms. It is a challenge – and fun – to paint a spectacular cloud formation or a pretty reflection in a lake or pond. I tend toward realism and I often choose subjects that highlight the contrast between sun and shadow. Buildings or structures attract  me as well and often make for an interesting scene. When traveling in the US or abroad, I am always on the lookout for a potential painting. The completed paintings help to rekindle wonderful memories,” he said.

“STAC is grateful to Apple Bank for its continued support of culture in our communities. We are so happy to feature the talents of Long Island artists in this space!” said the press release.

The Port Jefferson Hill Climb has been postponed to Sept. 30. File photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media 2021
Ongoing

Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch

Every evening through Oct. 6, from 5:30 p.m. until dusk, the Four Harbors Audubon Society will be tallying migrating Common Nighthawks to better understand nighthawk population trends. Join them at the stone bridge at Frank Melville Memorial Park, One Old Field Road, Setauket to witness nighthawks as they pass over during their migratory journey to their wintering grounds in Brazil and Argentina. Visit www.4has.org for further details.

Thursday Sept. 22

Harbor Jazz Festival

Jazz lovers are invited to attend the Harbor Jazz Festival at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook today through Sept. 24. Each day brings a line-up of jazz greats, including some of the top internationally and nationally recognized talents. All events on Sept. 24 are free and take place on the Stony Brook Village Green. Call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday Sept. 23

Harbor Jazz Festival

See Sept. 21 listing.

ArtABILITY art reception

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road, Huntington Station hosts an art reception for its latest exhibit, ArtABILITY, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The traveling special needs art exhibition showcases the talents of individuals on Long Island living with various physical and cognitive impairments. Enjoy wine and cheese, refreshments and live music. The exhibit, which features over 250 pieces of art, will also be on view Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Call 470-9620.

Irish Night in Kings Park

The Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum at the William T. Rodgers Middle School, 97 Old Dock Road, Kings Park presents Irish Night 2022 in the RJO Auditorium at 7 p.m. Join them for a family -friendly evening celebrating Irish culture through music and entertainment. Free. Call 269-3305.

Lion Babe heads to Staller Center

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook kicks off its Fall season with Lion Babe in the Recital Hall at 8 p.m. New York-bred with a concoction of funk, soul, and their own sonic magic, Lion Babe’s unique sound has defied genre. Multidisciplinary artist Jillian Hervey and DJ and producer Lucas Goodman (aka AstroRaw) deliver magnetic, unique performances that have allowed them to wow audiences at Coachella’s mainstage to intimate parties in the New York Fashion scene. Tickets range from $44 to $52. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Saturday Sept. 24

Greenlawn Church Fair

Celebrating 150 years, the First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn will present its annual Church Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature craft vendors, a rummage sale, live music and a food court. Something for everyone! Rain date is Oct. 1. Call 261-2150.

A MARCH THROUGH HISTORY
The Brookhaven Country Fair returns to the Longwood Estate in Ridge on Sept. 24 and 25.
Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven

Brookhaven Country Fair

The Town of Brookhaven’s Country Fair returns to the historic Longwood Estate located on Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge today and Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy traditional crafts, vendors, colonial cooking, Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactments, music by the Ed Travers Band, pet shows, vintage apron show, house tours, and children’s activities. Leashed dogs permitted. Held rain or shine. Admission is $5, children 12 and under free. Call 924-182 or visit www.brookhavenny.gov.

Port Jefferson Hill Climb

The Port Jefferson Conservancy will host a re-enactment of the 1910 Hill Climb from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come cheer on antique cars as they  retrace the original Hill Climb course from the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson to the top of East Broadway followed by a car parade through the village. Rain date is Oct. 1. Call 238-2290 or visit www.portjeff.com.

Fall Pottery & Craft Show

The Brick Clay Studio & Gallery, 2 Flowerfield, St. James will hold their annual Fall Outdoor Pottery and Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring one of a kind hand-made pottery, other local artists and craftsmen and live music. Proceeds from bowl and raffle sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen/Ukraine. The Gallery Shop will also be open to browse handmade pottery made on the premises. Admission is free. Rain date is Sept. 25. For more info, call 833-THE-BRICK or visit www.thebrickstudio.org.

Community Yard Sale

Sound Beach Civic Association hosts a Community Wide Yard Sale at 30 New York Ave., Sound Beach (across from the post office) from 10 to 4 p.m with 17 families participating. Come shop for new and used items. For more info, call 744-6952.

Plant Sale in East Setauket

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, located at 380 Nicolls Road in East Setauket, will hold a fall plant sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor garden plants and bulbs, and indoor house plants will be available for purchase. Stop by to browse and chat with vendors. Event will be held rain or shine.  For more information, call 751-0297 or email [email protected]

Fall Festival

The Farmingville Residents Association hosts a Fall Festival at its Farmers, Artisans & Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local produce, handmade and homemade items, flea market, live music and more. Held rain or shine. Call 260-7411.

Setauket Craft & Country Fair

Caroline Episcopal Church of Setauket hosts a Craft & Country Fair plus Barn Sale on the Setauket Village Green, Main St. and Caroline Ave., Setauket from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 60 craft and boutique vendors, bake sale, white elephant table and more. Come shop unique crafts, retail products and amazing gifts. Food will also be available onsite. Free admission. Rain date is Sept. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. Call 806-4845.

Outdoor Thrift Market

Drop by Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for an Outdoor Thrift Market fundraiser to raise money for their wildlife. Shop for antiques, household treasures, furniture, collectibles, knick knacks and more. Come support a wonderful cause. Call 979-6344 or 901-5911.

Wildwood Fall Festival

Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River presents its 28th annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual event will feature a variety of local craft vendors, food and free activities which include family entertainment, and inflatables (weather permitting). Admission is free. Call 929-4314.

Library Fall Picnic

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a Fall Picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic lunch to enjoy outside with your neighbors. Light refreshments, music, and lawn games will be provided. Call 928-1212

Holbrook Craft Fair & Raffle

The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1370 Grundy Avenue, Holbrook will be having an outdoor Craft Fair & Raffle today from noon to 6 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature holiday décor & crafts, food and baked goods for sale. Over 100 baskets will be raffled off on Sunday at the close of the Fair. Call 588-7689.

William Sidney Mount lecture

Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for their in-person program, William Sidney Mount and Long Island’s Free People of Color, at the historic Brewster House (c. 1665) in Setauket. Presenting ground-breaking research, authors Katherine Kirkpatrick and Vivian Nicholson-Mueller will reveal the names and life stories of the agricultural laborers, domestic workers and musicians who posed for Mount from their book The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color on Canvas. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and a tour of the historic Brewster House (c. 1665), owned by the WMHO. Choose 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. session. $8 per person. Books are available for purchase. Advance registration required by calling 751-2244. 

Pop-up concert at the Atelier at Flowerfield – just added!

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James will host a pop-up concert by the Beo String Quartet from 1 to 3 p.m. in Atelier Hall. Free admission. Call 250-9009.

Sherwood-Jayne Farm Paint-Out!

Preservation Long Island invites the community to a Paint-Out! at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket from 2 to 5 p.m. Recreate a historic Long Island landscape at a paint-and-sip experience on the historic grounds. Full art kits, beverages, wine and snacks included. The Paint-Out! supports The Art of Edward Lange Project, an ongoing initiative by Preservation Long Island to dive deeply into the life and work of Long Island landscape artist Edward Lange (1846-1912). No previous painting experience is required. Adults and accompanied teenagers are welcome. Parking is available on site. Tickets are $35 per person, $30 members. To register, visit www.preservationlongisland.org. Call 692-4664.

Coram FD Oktoberfest

Join the Coram Fire Department, 303 Middle Country Road Coram for its 15th annual Truck Company Oktoberfest with doors opening at 5 p.m. Come and enjoy authentic German cuisine, a biergarten, live music and entertainment. $40 per person at the door. Call 732-5733.

Harbor Jazz Festival

Celebrated singer-songwriter Peter Cincotti will enliven the Jazz Loft’s Great Lawn, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a free concert at 7 p.m. that also coincides with the 7th annual Harbor Jazz Festival. Cincotti has performed at the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and L’Olympia in Paris, has collaborated with artists ranging from Andrea Bocelli to David Guetta, and has also been featured in blockbuster films like Spiderman 2 and Bobby Darin biopic Beyond the Sea. See more in Sept. 21 listing.

Sunday Sept. 25

Brookhaven Country Fair

See Sept. 24 listing.

Holbrook Craft Fair & Raffle

See Sept. 24 listing.

Mustang Car Show 

The Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island will present its 14th annual Mustang Car Show at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cars from 1965 to present will be on view inside and outside the center. Free. Call 473-4778.

Long Island Harvest Festival

Apples and pumpkins and mums — Oh my! The Long Island Harvest Festival returns to the Tanger Outlets, 200 Tanger Mall Drive, Riverhead from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase and sample Fall menu foods from local farms and restaurants all over Long Island, talk to classically trained chefs, meet food truck owners, purchase drinks from your favorite breweries, vineyards, and cider houses. This family-friendly festival also features several children, teen, and adult activities such as, large yard games, Bubble Palooza Bubble Bash, and live, interactive entertainment. Call 833-3364 or visit www.longislandharvestfestival.com.

Mandolin Masters in concert

The Mandolin Heritage Association and the Greater Port Jeff-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council will host a free concert by Buddy Merriam and his Mandolin Quartet at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson at 4 p.m. Grab a lawn chair and join them  for this very special concert event! Rain location at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St, Port Jefferson. Call 848-9249.

Monday Sept. 26

Civic Association meeting

The Coram Civic Association will hold its monthly meeting at the Coram Fire Department’s Community Room, 303 Middle Country Road, Coram at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be SCPD Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison. All are welcome. Call 736-3168. 

Tuesday Sept. 27

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday Sept. 28

Tide Mill Tour

The Huntington Historical Society will lead a tour of the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill, one of the best preserved 18th century tide mills in the country, at12:30 p.m. The tour begins with a short boat ride from Gold Star Battalion Beach into Puppy Cove, past waterfront mansions with sightings of egrets, ospreys, and visiting waterfowl. Your guide will explain the workings of the mill with some related social history, and each tour participant will receive a comprehensive, illustrated booklet. Ticket are $20 per person, $15 members. To purchase, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl

The Huntington Historical Society hosts a Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl beginning at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, Main Street, Huntington at 6 p.m. Led by Town of Huntington Historian, Robert C. Hughes, this walking tour will guide you through the notable buildings and events in the history of Huntington Village. Along the way participants will stop at local establishments, (with a great history or in a historic building) to enjoy some refreshment before continuing the tour. $25 per person, $20 members (drinks not included). To register, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Audubon lecture

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for an autumn lecture via Zoom from 8 to 9 p.m. Guest speaker and naturalist, artist, writer Julie Zickefoose will discuss her latest book, Saving Jemima: Life and Love With a Hard-luck Jay, the intimate story of how an orphaned bird can save a soul, which she wrote and illustrated after spending nearly a year healing, studying and raising \a young blue jay for release. Free and open to all. Register in advance at www.4has.org.

Thursday Sept. 29

Morgan James in concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes Morgan James in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. With a meticulously trained, versatile voice of unbridled soul, Morgan James has dominated Broadway and Blues Halls alike. Her transfixing stage presence coupled with the unparalleled instrument that is her voice moved the Wall Street Journal to hail James as “the most promising young vocalist to come along so far this century.” Once you witness James live, in-concert, you’ll realize they’re not exaggerating. Tickets range from $$ to $48. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Film

‘Don Juan’

As part of its Anything But Silent series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of Don Juan (1926) on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Legendary star John Barrymore gives one of his iconic performances as the famous playboy Don Juan in this classic of the silent era. With live organ accompaniment by Ben Model. Tickets are $17, $12 members. Call 423-7610.

‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ II and III

Retro Picture Show presents a special double feature screening of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part II and Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Sept. 23 at 10 p.m. Tickets are $22 per person. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘Guys and Dolls’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 52nd season with Guys and Dolls from Sept. 17 to Oct. 22. Considered the perfect musical of Broadway’s Golden Age, this delightful romp gambles in luck and love from Times Square to Havana. High rollers and low characters from Damon Runyon’s mythical New York are joyously presented in Frank Loesser’s bold and brassy score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” An award-winning classic for the entire family! Tickets are $35 adults, $28 senior and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Mystic Pizza’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is the new musical comedy, Mystic Pizza, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30. Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT. Add in some of the best pop songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Addicted To Love,” “Small Town,” “Hold On,” and “Take My Breath Away,” and you have all the ingredients for a romantic comedy–with the works! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Lightning Thief’

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical  from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” Tickets are $40, $35 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Class Reunion

Ward Melville High School Class of 1972’s  50th reunion is Oct 1. Please spread the word and visit Facebook page “Ward Melville High School Class 72 50th Reunion” for more information and purchasing tickets. For more information, email [email protected] or call 631-928-5684 and leave your name and contact information for any questions.

Vendors Wanted

Stony Brook Community Church, 216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook is seeking vendors for its Apple Festival on Oct.1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Oct. 2). Spots (10’ x 10’) are $40 each; vendors can call or text 631-252-0777 for an application.

St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown seeks craft or new merchandise vendors for its Craft Fair and Car Show on Oct. 8 (rain date is Oct. 15 for craft fair only) $50/space. Visit www.stthomasofcanterbury.net or call 631-265-4520 to obtain an application.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point seeks vendors to be a part of their annual October Festival on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee for vendor participation of new items, no raffles is $35 per  10’ x 10’ space. Must supply own table and chairs. Visit www.thefishchurch.com Festivals and Events page.

Gallery North’s Ned Puchner joined state Assemblyman Steve Englebright and the Reboli Center’s Lois Reboli for a special announcement regarding the oil painting ‘Bellport Gate’ by Joseph Reboli. Photo from Steve Englebright's office

The Reboli Center is celebrating a homecoming.

Joseph Reboli’s 1985 “Bellport Gate” painting will soon join the artist’s collection at the Stony Brook center that bears his name.

Gallery North’s Kate Schwarting, Ned Puchner and Nancy Goroff joined state Assemblyman Steve Englebright and the Reboli Center’s B.J. Intini and Lois Reboli for a special announcement regarding the oil painting ‘Bellport Gate’ by Joseph Reboli. Photo by Rita J. Egan

At a small gathering at Gallery North in Setauket, an announcement was made that the oil painting would be permanently gifted to the Reboli Center for Art & History. The event included Reboli’s widow, Lois; state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket); Gallery North’s Executive Director Ned Puchner, board of trustees President Nancy Goroff and curator Kate Schwarting; also B.J. Intini, vice president of the Reboli Center’s board of trustees.

Gallery North in Setauket has owned the painting since 2007. When “Bellport Gate” became available for sale in Chicago, the gallery became the steward of the artwork due to a state grant secured by Englebright for $10,000. Additional donations to secure the purchase were raised with $5,000 from Lois Reboli, who is the founder and president of the Reboli Center, and $100 each from friends and neighbors of the Rebolis as well as other community members. The fundraiser became known as the Reboli 100 Fund.

The Reboli Center didn’t open until 2016, and since Joseph Reboli once sat on the board of Gallery North and his first art shows were there, many felt that this spot was an appropriate home for “Bellport Gate.”

Lois Reboli remembered when she first saw the painting at Gallery North.

“It was hanging right there on that wall in the other room, and when I saw it, I almost felt like I could see Joe in front of it,” she said. “It’s something that we really needed to keep in the community, and we’re very grateful that Gallery North had it — and that we’re going to be able to have it.”

Reboli added that the plan is to keep it on display most of the time. Her husband was inspired by a white gate featuring wrought iron hardware in Bellport when creating the painting. The gate was crafted in the 1800s by blacksmith Joseph Merritt Shaw.

“I think Joe just found a lot of different things interesting, but I think he liked the fact that there was a lot of depth to it,” Reboli said, adding that she believed he loved the coloring and light.

Goroff agreed.

“One of the things that is a characteristic of Joe Reboli’s paintings is the attention to light and finding interesting light,” Goroff said. “You see that very well here in this painting.”

Lois Reboli thanked Englebright for his help in facilitating the original purchase and transfer of the painting, as well as Reboli 100 for raising funds. She also thanked Gallery North for being willing to give the painting to the Reboli Center.

Englebright said the collaboration was heartening.

“It’s wonderful that these two major art centers for our community are cooperating and collaborating and coming together,” he said. “Ned has called this the beginning of an arts summit for the community. I think that’s quite accurate, and it’s something that really is going to reinforce the identity of the community.”

Puchner said it was a pleasure working with everyone at the Reboli Center.

“We see the arts community as a family, we want everyone to work together,” he said. “As the title of this painting sort of suggests, we’re hoping that it opens the gate to more collaboration within the arts community moving forward.”

Englebright added Joseph Reboli had a strong sense of place and credited the artist for being one of the reasons the area is considered an arts destination.

“Assembling his collection is really heartening, and the symbolism, for all practical purposes, means that this community is enhanced, still,” the assemblyman said. “Even though Joe Reboli is no longer with us, he continues to be a gift to the community.”

The painting is scheduled to be moved to the Reboli Center at the end of the month.

Fall Pottery & Craft Show

Time to shop! The Brick Clay Studio & Gallery, 2 Flowerfield, St. James will hold their annual Fall Outdoor Pottery and Craft Show on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring one of a kind hand-made pottery, other local artists and craftsmen and live music. Proceeds from bowl and raffle sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen/Ukraine. The Gallery Shop will also be open to browse handmade pottery made on the premises. Admission is free. Rain date is Sept. 25. For more info, call 833-THE-BRICK or visit www.thebrickstudio.org.

Kevin James. Photo from Staller Center

UPDATE: January 27 show sold out! Second show added on January 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale for the second show on Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. 

It’s official! Kevin James is headed to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts’ Main Stage for an evening of comedy on January 27, 2023 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. For one night only, the King of Long Island comes home in his first Staller Center appearance, blocks away from the streets that built him

“We’re thrilled to bring Kevin James to Staller Center,” says Alan Inkles, Director of the Staller Center, “I’ve been looking forward to hosting him here in his hometown for some time now, and I know this will be a really special show for our audience.”

Since performing his first Stand-up set at Long Island’s East Side Comedy Club in 1989, Kevin James has established himself as a powerhouse actor, writer, and comedian. Discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a deal with Paramount to develop his own sitcom, The King of Queens. Earning an Emmy nomination for his role, James starred in all nine seasons of the smash hit show, which continues to air daily in syndication. Moving from television to film, James’ iconic roles in the films Hitch, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and Grown Ups catapulted him into stardom. He continues to dominate all of these mediums, having starred in the sitcoms Kevin Can Wait and The Crew and the new films Hubie Halloween, Home Team, and Becky, all while lending his voice to the Hotel Transylvania films.

Ranked as one of the 100 greatest stand-ups by Comedy Central, his lauded specials Sweat The Small Stuff and Never Don’t Give Up have solidified James as one of the top comics of his generation. Now, James brings that incisive, irreverent stand-up to the Main Stage in an all-out hilarious evening. Returning to his Stony Brook roots, James will have audiences doubled over in laughter as he comes home- and brings his biting, uproarious wit with him.

Tickets will be available at stallercenter.com on September 15th at 10am.

For more information, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Trophies from previous Port Jefferson Hill Climbs. Photo from Robert Laravie

By Robert Laravie

One always wonders if it a good idea to open an email from a name you do not recognize. In early April of this year one came in from Caroline Carless. I almost thought it was an email version of the robocalls I receive about extended auto service coverage —  you know something like “Don’t be left carless…extend your car warranty.” In a weak moment I decided to open it.

It turned out Caroline was from SW England in Dorset and she must have found my contact information from the promotion of the 2021 Port Jefferson Hill Climb. She stated that her companion, Colin Burnett, collected three handled cups and she had two trophy cups from the 1911 Port Jefferson Hill Climb. They were acquired over 20 years ago at a Lawrences auction in England. She felt it would be best if they were returned to Port Jefferson.

A photo of W. J. Fallon driving in the 1911 Hill Climb from a 1911 trade journal The Horseless Age. Photo from Robert Laravie

Together with Chris Ryon, the Port Jefferson Village Historian, we researched the event numbers on the cups. One was No. 14. It appears event No. 14 was won by W.J. Fallon. Fallon was in real estate and one of the organizers of the hill climb and drove in a few events. He posted fastest times in the two amateur classes he entered, one for cars from $1200 to $2000 he won in a Corbin, in 34.56 seconds. The other for cars $2001 and over he won in a National in 25.30 seconds. Don Herr, in a National was overall fasted of the day in an event called the Free- For- All at 21.31 seconds, just beating out a Knox driven by F. W. Belcher at 21.57.

The event number 15 trophy has engraved on it “Presented by Mrs. C. B. Zabriskie.” A little more research in the Port Jefferson archives and on line revealed that Mr. C. B. Zabriskie was an executive with the Borax Company. He lived, when not managing the mining operation in Death Valley, in New York City and in his summer house in Belle Terre on Woodland Road. Zabriskie Point in Death Valley is named after him as well as a Michelangelo Antonioni movie of the same name, but that’s another story.

Thanks to the generosity of Caroline Carless and the collecting passion of Colin Burnett, the Port Jefferson Conservancy will have the trophies back in Port Jefferson and will have them on display at the Port Jefferson Village Center at 101-A East Broadway during the annual 1910 Hill Climb on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

A resident of Port Jefferson, Robert Laravie has been a member of the Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy for the last seven years. 

Free Car Seat Inspection will be held on Sept. 24 at Safety Town. Photo from TOB

Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro has announced a free child safety seat check on Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to noon at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville. The event is being held on National Seat Check Saturday, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 18-24, 2022).

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, along with certified technicians from the Brookhaven Highway Department, will be on hand to inspect car seats and make sure children are riding in the right car seats for their age and size as they grow.

“Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children,” said Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro. “Many parents and caregivers believe they know how to use the correct child restraints for their children, but these restraints are frequently used incorrectly. I am happy to provide this free car seat inspection to teach parents and caregivers how to identify, choose and correctly install the right car seat for their child’s age and size.”

“Nationwide, more than half of car seats are installed incorrectly, putting children’s safety at risk in the case of an accident,” said Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “I would like to thank the Town of Brookhaven’s Highway Department for joining with us to offer this free car seat safety check to help ensure that parents are installing and using their car seats correctly.”

The Child Safety Seat Check is funded, in part, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the New York State Governors Traffic Safety Committee. Inspections are by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot.

Caption: Free Car Seat Inspection will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Safety Town.

Event to feature elite line-up of jazz artists

The Jazz Loft, located along the charming Stony Brook waterfront and nearby historic village, presents the 7th annual Harbor Jazz Festival, four celebratory days of jazz featuring  internationally-known acts, including the Harry Allen Quartet, Rubens De La Corte Brazilian Ensemble, Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band, Nicole Zuraitis and her All Star Band and more, from Sept. 21 to 24.

Much of the festival will take place outdoors overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, as well inside the Jazz Loft at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. The Loft, which operates as a non-profit organization, was established in 2016 by Dr. Thomas Manuel, its founder, curator, jazz historian and artistic director. Dr. Manuel is also the director of the Loft School of Jazz.

“The year’s Harbor Jazz Festival line-up promises to deliver an extraordinary experience and unique opportunity to hear performances from some of the finest jazz artists in the world,” said Manuel. “Many of the acts booked for this year’s festival perform at some of New York’s top venues and clubs. It’s amazing for our Long Island community that this years’ festival brings them all right here in our own backyard.”

The full schedule for the Harbor Jazz Festival:

Sept. 21 (Wednesday) 7 p.m.

Opening Reception & Jam Session with the Keenan Zach Trio

All tickets $10

Sept. 22 (Thursday) 7-9:30 p.m.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra, with special guest artist Glenn Drewes

The Interplay Jazz Orchestra has the distinction of being the only Long Island Big Band performing original compositions and arrangements written by members of the band.

Tickets $30, $25, $20

Sept. 23 (Friday)

Harry Allen Quartet, John DiMartino piano, Neal Miner, Bass, Aaron Kimmel, Drums.

7-9:30 p.m.

Tickets $30, $25, $20

Sept. 24 (Saturday) – All Saturday shows are OUTDOORS and FREE! In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will take place inside The Jazz Loft.

1 p.m. Rubens De La Corte Brazilian Ensemble, Corina Sabbas, voice; Rubens de La Corte, guitar; Mike LaValle, bass; Arcoiris Sandoval, piano; Dennis Bulhoes, drums; Elsa Nilsson, flute; Tom Manuel, cornet/flugelhorn.

4 p.m. Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band, Ray Anderson Trombone, Tommy Campbell Drums, Steven Bernstein, slide trumpet and Jose Davila, sousaphone

7 p.m. Nicole Zuraitis and her All Star Band, Matt Wilson, Maya Kronfeld, Steve Cardenas, Tom Manuel, Sam Dillon, Caili Odoherty, organ.

Sponsors for the Harbor Jazz Festival include: Douglas Elliman; Huntington Arts Council; Realty Connect USA; Jovia Financial Credit Union; Team Ardolino; Branch Financial Services, Inc.; The Ward Melville Heritage Organization; Dan Oliveri and Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning; Olivia and Harlan Fischer; and Ivana Stolnik-Lourie and Robert Lourie.

All Saturday Events on the Stony Brook Village Green and are FREE to the general public.

For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

By Barbara Beltrami

High in protein, relatively low in fat, versatile and inexpensive, a pork tenderloin gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It had been a while since I’d cooked a pork tenderloin, and I’d forgotten how easy and delicious it was. This time I was having company so I marinated it early in the morning, then slathered it with mustard and grilled it, refrigerated it, then sliced and served it cold with a salad. With what’s left over, I’m going to make pork tenderloin heroes. In the cooler weather I like to roast it and serve it with some kind of fruit. Here are three of my favorite recipes which I think will become yours too.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Salsa Verde

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

For the pork

2 pounds pork tenderloin

1 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup olive oil

6 cloves garlic, bruised

1/2 cup chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, mint, etc.

1 medium onion, chopped

Freshly ground pepper to taste

3 tablespoons prepared mustard

Coarse salt to taste

For the salsa

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 cups fresh flat leaf parsley leaves

1/2 cup pignoli nuts

2 garlic cloves

4 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons prepared Dijon mustard

2 oil-packed anchovy fillets, mashed

DIRECTIONS:

For the pork, rinse tenderloins under cold water, pat dry. In a medium bowl, combine the wine, olive oil, garlic, herbs, onion, and pepper. Transfer to a shallow dish, add pork, turn to coat; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, turning once, for one hour. Remove pork from marinade and spread all over with the 3 tablespoons prepared mustard; sprinkle with salt, discard marinade. 

Heat grill to medium-high; place pork on rack and grill, covered, for 10 minutes; turn and grill for 5 to 10 minutes more until charred outside, pale pink inside and meat thermometer registers 145 F. Remove to platter and let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled; remove from refrigerator, cut into 1/4” slices and arrange on platter. 

For the salsa verde, place the extra virgin olive oil, parsley, pignolis, 2 garlic cloves, capers, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons mustard and anchovies in a blender or food processor; process a few times until they form a paste; refrigerate until 30 minutes before serving pork; let sit at room temperature. Serve pork at room temperature or cold with the salsa verde and a crisp Romaine and Bibb lettuce salad.

Pork Tenderloin Heroes

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 large baguette, split and cut into 4 pieces

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 pound grilled or roasted pork tenderloin, sliced thin 

1 red onion, sliced thin

12  slices provolone cheese

1 large heirloom tomato, sliced thin

1 green bell pepper, sliced thin

1 red bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 English cucumber, sliced

2 cups baby arugula

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Drizzle cut sides of baguette with the oil and vinegar; arrange the pork, onion, provolone, tomato, peppers, cucumber and arugula on bottom halves of each section; sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cover with top section and press down hard to flatten. Slice hero in half and serve at room temperature with ice cold beer.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Bacon and Peaches

YIELD: Makes 3 to 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

One 1-pound pork tenderloin

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 slices bacon

4 tablespoons olive oil

8 shallots, halved

4 peaches, halved and pitted

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Season pork all over with salt and pepper and wrap in bacon with slices overlapping. In a large iron skillet heat two tablespoons of the oil over medium heat; add pork and shallots and brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Turn pork browned side up; add peaches to skillet and drizzle them with remaining two tablespoons olive oil; place skillet in oven. Basting both pork and peaches once or twice with bacon drippings, roast 15 to 18 minutes, until meat thermometer reads 145 F. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes, slice pork and place on platter, surrounded by peaches. Serve hot with a green vegetable and a rice pilaf.