Arts & Entertainment

The Black Pearl. Photo by Julianne Mosher

By Julianne Mosher

Port Jeff’s new waterfront destination, the Black Pearl Seafood Chophouse and Bar is a real gem. 

Nestled inside Danfords Hotel on East Broadway, the completely renovated space was previously the Ferryman’s Grille & Bar and Wave Seafood & Steak before that. Now, under new management from Long Island-based Top Flight Foods Group, the restaurant and bar boast a completely new, sleek look that is already bringing in guests every night.

Joe Vitrano, president at Top Flight, said that he was interested in the space more than a year ago. After speaking with TPG Hotel & Resorts, which purchased Danfords from The Crest Group in 2021, both parties decided to turn the former Ferryman’s into the Black Pearl under Vitrano, and his group’s, leadership. Top Flight owns and operates several places including Tiki Joe’s restaurants and bars across Long Island.

“You can see the difference right away,” he said. 

Once the papers were signed, Vitrano and team, including partners Bill Monaco, Bill Murphy and Gabrielle Vitrano, went to work. They did a complete renovation of the outside seating area and indoors. The catering spaces upstairs and on the Danfords campus were fixed up, as well, officially opening in early June.

For the 70-seat outdoor dining area, Vitrano said they installed sleek new umbrellas for each table and put in tables with expensive ipe wood. They re-sanded, repainted and refurnished the dockside tables to make it “feel more like a vacation spot, a destination.” Even the planters were repainted to look fresh.

The inspiration was a black pearl, named after famed pirate Jack Sparrow’s ship. “It gives that luxury, but since it’s waterfront, it has rich, nautical feel,” said Vitrano.

Outside, guests can grab a drink or their whole meal with views of the Long Island Sound and the Port Jefferson Ferry. Every week, live music plays on the back deck from an array of local bands on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Inside, the former Grille has a new identity. Sleek, inviting and alluring with dark furnishings contracting the light from its open windows on the water. Custom peacock-inspired wallpaper lines the walls, and the ceiling, of the dining room while solid brass outlines the space. Brand new chandeliers hang in every room.

“You won’t find these anywhere else,” he said. “I wanted it to standout.”

The bar was redone with marble, brass-lined seating and top-shelf liquor to continue with the shiny black pearl aura Top Flight was looking to achieve. Vitrano said they even added insulation to the ceiling to keep music from the catering space upstairs at bay. Cozy dining booths outlining the bar space were custom made with alligator on the front and back.

“It’s expensive,” Vitrano said, noting that the total renovation costed over $1.3 million.

In the main dining room, a special space was also created overlooking the other diners. A curtain can be drawn to hide a cozy, large dining table in a room called “The V Room” that is available for larger parties looking for a little privacy, especially for a group of six to eight people.

“I saw the potential,” he said. “Port Jeff is an iconic town, and Danfords is an iconic place. I bet one out of five people know what Danfords is. It’s a natural draw.”

Open year-round, Vitrano added that when they took over the Grille, they “threw out” the menu and started fresh with a lunch and dinner menu, plus a daily breakfast.

The Black Pearl offers more than 60 different liquors and a menu that has something for every palette.

“Everyone can find something they like,” said Keith Wedderburn, general manager. “It’s like two restaurants in one.”

To start, the restaurant offers both East and West Coast oysters, colossal shrimp cocktail, and a Caesar salad that is anything but classic. It has crisp romaine, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Locatelli enhanced creamy dressing, house-made garlic croutons and Parmigiano-Reggiano snow to finish. The Pearl Feta Chunk salad features yellow watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, jalapeno, Kalamata olives, red onions and chunks of feta cheese. All of their soups are homemade.

Also, on the menu is everything from handheld sandwiches, burgers, pastas, chicken, fish and steak. Vitrano said their branzino is a fan favorite, but really, everything is so good. They also have a whole menu of handcrafted cocktails and daily desserts.

“Our food is just impeccable, it’s absolutely amazing,” Vitrano said. “Port Jeff has been waiting for something like this for a very long time.”

Located inside Danfords Hotel & Marina at 25 East Broadway in Port Jefferson, the Black Pearl Seafood Chophouse is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call 631-676-7025 or visit blackpearlportjeff.com.

Teachers Federal Credit Union President and CEO, Brad Calhoun, with his wife Danielle Calhoun, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals 2025 National Champion, Jaxon Budnick, and his family, Dr. Jose Prince, SVP of Children’s Surgery and Pediatric Surgeon in Chief at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Teachers Federal Credit Union has announced it has raised more than $924,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® through its third annual Golf Tournament and organization-wide fundraising efforts.

Held on June 4 at the Westhampton Country Club in Westhampton, the prestigious event brought together more than 150 golfers, sponsors, and supporters — all united by a shared mission to improve the health and lives of children across the country.

“We are proud to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the incredible care they provide to children and families nationwide,” said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “Thanks to the generous support of our business partners, employees, and members, our third annual golf tournament was a tremendous success, and we look forward to building on this impact in the years ahead.”

Teachers Federal Credit Union has directed fundraising contributions to hospitals across both New York and Florida — where many of the credit union’s members live, work, and bank. Donations have supported Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Queens, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami.

In 2024, Teachers raised more than $1.1 million for nonprofit organizations nationwide and its employees volunteered more than 3,000 hours to causes focused on education, healthcare, and community development.

Sponsors of the Teachers Federal Credit Union Golf Tournament include TruStage, Fiserv, Salesforce, SWBC, and many more.

For more information about Teachers Federal Credit Union, please visit www.teachersfcu.org.

Elizabeth Hashagen of News12 Long Island, who delivered the keynote address, at left. Tammy Severino, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, to her left. Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County recently honored 55 Girl Scouts at its annual Gold Award Dinner & Ceremony on at the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown, for identifying an issue they care about and leading a team to create lasting impact in their communities—and beyond. The Gold Award is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

Gold Award Girl Scouts address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond. To earn a Gold Award, each recipient must complete two Senior or Ambassador Journeys or their Girl Scout Silver Award before beginning their Gold Award project. To meet the Girl Scout Gold Award requirements, each candidate must complete at least 80 hours toward their project.

“Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are leaders in their community who are making measurable and sustainable change while still in high school said Tammy Severino, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “As they take action to transform their world, they gain tangible, real-world skills and a civic-minded awareness that sets them apart from their peers. 96% of Gold Award Girl Scouts say their experience inspired their ongoing commitment to service or volunteering. Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are discovering they have the power to create the future they want for themselves and others, and we are proud and honored by their achievements.”

Among the awardees:

Sophia Aurrecoechea – Islip Terrace

Giuliana Avella – Port Jefferson Station

Sara Bally – Miller Place

Elliot Baravarian – East Northport

Emma Barbo – Greenlawn

Eva Barbo – Greenlawn

Gianna Beck – North Babylon

Madison Calvanese – Setauket

Isabella Caracci – Stony Brook

Molly Caufield – Sound Beach

Marissa Cilibrasi – Ronkonkoma

Megan Condolff – Centerport

Nina Cottone – Setauket

Ellie Crowley – Huntington

Ava D’Angelo – Commack

Olivia Davis – Patchogue

Alessandra De Stefano – Commack

Emma Dean-Stahl – West Sayville

Mya DeClue – Smithtown

Anna DiBiase – Smithtown

Alexis Ebanks – Centerport

Sophie Epstein – Nesconset

Charlotte Farrugia – Selden

Jasmine Farrugia – Selden

Jailyn Fasano – Commack

Lillian Fleischer – Centerport

Julia Furer – Dix Hills

Grace Goetz – Greenlawn

Kristin Krause – Nesconset

Kayden Laucella – Stony Brook

Lauren Limongelli – West Babylon

Olivia LoBue – Huntington

Ruth Joy Mahnken – Ridge

Callie McLean – Mattituck

Jenna Mehlinger – Smithtown

Gabrielle Mitchell – Nesconset

Isabella Muccio – Port Jefferson Station

Brianna Naumann – St. James

Danika Riccio – Bayshore

Paige Rizzo – West Babylon

Elizabeth Ryan – Medford

Regan Sayers – Smithtown

Lily Scarth – East Setauket

Nicole Schrock – Cold Spring Harbor

Adelina Scott – Westhampton

Caroline Severino – Nesconset

Kinley Simmons – Miller Place

Samantha Simson – Commack

Victoria Starkey – Smithtown

Emma Travaglia – West Sayville

Kristin Tveter – Bayport

Adria Vargas – Sayville

Olivia Vigliotti – Ronkonkoma

Amanda Woods – Bayport

Cassidy Yates – West Babylon

Details about each Girl Scout’s project were shared with the audience in a print and digital yearbook, here. A video about their achievements, also shared at the event, is here.

The event was memorialized online with a photo booth of fun photos, here.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County onFacebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

 

Summer is the perfect time to read a book and who better to ask for suggestions than our local librarians? From love stories to thrillers and everything in between, these newly released books are the top picks to add to your list. A special thanks to all of the libraries that participated in our survey.

For Adults

Atmosphere: A Love Story 

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“From the bestselling author of Daisy Jones & the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, comes this engrossing tale to kick off the summer.  Following female astronauts in the 1980s, her characters wrestle with sexism, identity, and forbidden romance in the fast-paced world of the space program.  If you enjoy stories with both action and emotional depth you can’t go wrong adding this to your TBR list!”

— Christine Parker-Morales, Adult Services Librarian, Comsewogue Public Library

The Tenant 

by Freida McFadden

“McFadden’s books are perfect beach reads if you like a thriller with a twist. The Tenant is the best selling author’s latest book that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.”

— Erin Schaarschmidt, Head of Adult Services at Port Jefferson Free Library

Not Quite Dead Yet 

by Holly Jackson 

“Holly Jackson’s adult debut is a twisty thriller where a woman has to solve her own murder.” 

— Elizabeth M., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library 

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley

“[This book] is a whirlwind of fun. It’s entertaining, smart and funny. The perfect summer read.”

— Rallyn Tucker, Adult Reference Librarian, Emma Clark Library

One Italian Summer 

by Rebecca Serle

“This novel blends grief, self-discovery, and magical realism in the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Katy, devastated by the death of her mother and best friend, Carol, embarks alone on a trip they had planned to take together to Positano, Italy. It is there that Katy meets her mother — not as she knew her, but as a vibrant 30-year-old woman. This reunion forces Katy to see her mother in a new light and reevaluate the course of her own life.  It is a moving novel that lets you reflect on love, family, and finding oneself after loss.”

— Amanda Lentino, Adult Reference Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

For Teens/Tweens

Honeysuckle and Bone 

by Trisha Tobias 

“[This book] is a modern gothic thriller, reminiscent of the classic novella, “The Turn of the Screw,” crossed with modern YA mystery tropes. It’s set in a lushly detailed environment that screams for a film adaptation. This new YA book is not to miss!”

  Emily Ostrander, Head Librarian of the Teen & Tween Services Department, Emma Clark Library

Sunrise on the Reaping 

by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. 

  Kristine T., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King 

by Harry Trevaldwyn 

— Sal Filosa, Head of Teen and Technical Services at Port Jefferson Free Library

After Life 

by Gayle Forman 

[This book] is an emotional and thought-provoking story that explores grief, identity, and the importance of second chances. The characters feel relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and growth. The book’s heartfelt message and compelling storytelling make it hard to put down.  

— Colleen Navins, Teen Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

For Children

Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker

by Heidi Heilig

“Children will love reading this book for its fast-paced adventure, clever twists, and a hero they can root for. With a mysterious curse to unravel, magical secrets around every corner, and the excitement of travel and exploration without ever leaving home, it’s the perfect page-turner to spark imaginations. Young readers will be hooked from the first chapter!”

— Marcela Lenihan, Children’s Librarian, Emma Clark Library

Other recommendations include:

“Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood” by Robert Beatty (8-12 Years) — Kimberly Manise, Head of Children’s Services, Port Jefferson Free Library

“Don’t Trust Fish” by Neil Sharpson (3-6 year-olds) — Cassidy O., Middle Country Public Library

“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” by Mo Willems — Maggie Moloney, Children’s Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

“Swimming into Trouble” by Angela Ahn (1st through 3rd grades) — By Tracy L., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library

“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” by Mo Willems — Maggie Moloney, Children’s Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

“Monster Locker” by Jorge Augusto Aguirre (4th through 6th grades) — Kristen T., Middle Country Public Library

“Nothing Bad Happens Here” by Rachel Ekstrom-Courage — Jenny Cammarano, Library, Comsewogue Public Library

This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Summer Times supplement on June 19.

METRO photo

By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

In the first week of June, I was honored to lead a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. There were 65 of us, including the HIMS and Her, a very talented music group from Hope House Ministries.

The purpose of this pilgrimage was to celebrate the jubilee year of hope. It is also Hope House Ministries’ 45th anniversary. I wanted to give thanks for the countless blessings and amazing support we have received over the past four decades, especially since we’ve never taken government grants to help sustain us.

On our third day in Rome, we went to Saint Peter’s Basilica for an audience with Pope Leo the 14th. We were among more than 150,000 other people from around the world. It was quite powerful; due to a connection that I have in Rome, we were able to sit in the front section, front row, just right of the Pope. It was amazing experience; his message was amazing; being among people from around the world was amazing.

As we were leaving, the HIMS and Her sang their anthem “Go Light Your World,” which is a song about hope.

Before we left Rome, we visited the tomb of Pope Francis. It was overwhelmingly powerful. His prophetic voice continues to inspire me to just stay the course.

On Day 6, we traveled to Assisi, which is very holy ground. We visited the tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi. We saw the home where he was born and we walked in his footsteps.

Every night after a lot of walking, a lot of visiting and dinner, we had an optional meeting for people to share what touched them on that particular day. After the sharing, we’d have a traditional American sing along; singing America’s best — “Sweet Caroline-” — the Italians didn’t know what hit them.

At our last get together, I asked my co- pilgrims what was most striking about our time together. Almost everyone spoke of the powerful masses and music. However, the other striking comment was about us as a group, how strangers from all over the country came together and built community and new friendships, friendships that they believe will last forever.

As the leader, I too was profoundly touched by how a group of strangers became vulnerable brothers and sisters, friends and a community despite the polarizing times we live in.

By the time you read this column, our seniors in high school will have graduated.

A few words for the class of 2025: Don’t be blinded by those who tend to use shame, blame, guilt and religion to shackle people down and divide them. Set people free with your commitment to respect and being non-judgmental of all.

May your moral compass guide you on a path that is committed to working for peace and social justice. As Gandhi once said. “BE THE CHANGE YOU HOPE FOR.”

Congratulations class of 2025. Thank you for making the world a little bit better, a little brighter and a little more hopeful!

Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

METRO photo

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven. Although the clinic is available to all Suffolk County residents, the quantity of vaccine is limited and available only while supplies last. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats and ferrets must be in carriers.

New York State and Suffolk County laws require that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating pets not only provides protection for the animals but also acts as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.

“Take the time to protect your beloved pets against rabies. They give us so much joy and love and deserve to be kept safe,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. For more information, call 631-451-6950.

Lemon Ricotta Cake

By Heidi Sutton

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries aka fruits of the forest can all be found near perfect ripeness at grocery stores or farmer’s markets and farmstands during the warm summer months. Or pick your own at the many farms on the North Shore and use as a delicious decorative cake topping.

This lemon ricotta cake with berry topping is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for any occasion. The ricotta cheese makes this brightly-flavored cake very moist. Serve small wedges of the rich cake topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit and escape to the summer oasis of your dreams.

Lemon Ricotta Cake

Recipe by Marcia Stanley

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups cheese, Ricotta – low-fat or whole

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup butter, unsalted

1 cup granulated sugar

3 eggs

4 teaspoons grated lemon peel

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Topping

4 cups fresh blueberries, raspberries and blackberries

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 cup whole

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

Lightly coat bottom and sides of 9-inch round springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F.

In medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another bowl stir together ricotta cheese and lemon juice. Set aside.

In large mixer bowl beat butter on medium speed of electric mixer about 30 seconds or until butter is softened. Add 1 cup granulated sugar. Continue beating until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon peel and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Add flour mixture and ricotta mixture alternately, beating until just combined after each addition. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Let cake cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes.

Loosen sides of pan. Cool completely.

For topping, in medium bowl toss together berries and 3 tablespoons sugar. Let stand at least 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in chilled mixing bowl beat cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla on medium speed of electric mixer until firm peaks form.

To serve, cut cake into wedges. Spoon whipped cream and berries on each wedge. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate any leftover cake.

By Daniel Dunaief

Monday, June 23, marked the beginning of a new and exciting frontier. Using the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory shared its first images after a journey from conception to reality that lasted over two decades.

Located in the Cerro Pachón mountaintop in Chile because the area is dry, high and dark, the telescope and camera started its 10-year mission to share images of the sky.

Viewers at over 350 watch parties in the United States and around the world awaited these pictures, including with gatherings at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory.

The state-of-the-art camera did not disappoint.

The Rubin Observatory, which can take images with a field of view of the sky that are the equivalent of 40 moons, discovered 2,400 asteroids that no one has ever seen before. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. By the time the Observatory has collected all the data the public can view, the camera is expected to find over five million asteroids.

“Most of the asteroids are too faint to have been found” with previous technology, said Paul O’Connor, senior physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory who has been working on the camera since 2002.

Simon Birrer, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University, attended a watch event at the university with some 50 to 60 other excited members of the college community.

“Knowing that the instrument is capable and what it was promised to do and seeing it all coming together, sharing the excitement with so many other people is very exciting,” said Birrer.

By looking at the night sky over the course of just a few days, the observatory was able to offer a time lapse view of the movement of these asteroids.

“You can look and see the trail of thousands of things that are completely new,” said Birrer.

Indeed, in addition to seeing asteroids and other objects both near and far, the Rubin Observatory can study dark matter and dark energy, map the Milky Way, and observe transient events.

“We’re entering a golden age of American science,” Harriet Kung, acting director of the DOE’s Office of Science, said in a statement. “NSF-DOE Rubin Observatory reflects what’s possible when the federal government backs world-class engineers and scientists with the tools to lead.”

The first images generated considerable excitement in the scientific community and on campuses around the world.

“It’s a new frontier for sure,” said O’Connor. “We’ve been working on this project for all these years. It was easy to get students interested.”

Anja von der Linden, Associate Professor in Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook and a member of the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration since its inception in 2012, viewed the images from Germany, where she is visiting her parents on vacation with her young daughter.

She works on clusters of galaxies and was delighted to see the Virgo cluster online.

“The image is so large and [viewers] can also see much more distant galaxies,” said von der Linden. Viewers are able to scroll around and zoom in and out to see details in these “beautiful images.”

Von der Linden echoed the sentiment from one of the officials who shared the first images, suggesting that the data and information from the observatory are available for astronomers and scientists, but also for the public, helping them explore the night sky.

“It’s quite remarkable,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how the public engages.”

The Rubin Observatory will see “everything that changes, explodes, and moves,” said von der Linden.

A little bit of pride

In addition to scientists like O’Connor and Anže Slosar, group leader of the Cosmology & Astrophysics Group, BNL recruited close to two dozen interns to help with the work.

“There’s a lot of inherent curiosity about the cosmos,” O’Connor said. “When people hear that they could participate in doing research that could lead to lead to a better understanding of it, we had to turn interns away.”

O’Connor worked with the charge-coupled device modules, which are the digital film of the camera. The Rubin Observatory, with its 3.2 gigapixel focal plane, relies on 189 custom-designed CCD sensors to achieve its resolution.

“I feel a little bit of pride,” said O’Connor, who didn’t expect to be working on astronomical instruments when he came to BNL. “I was a tiny, little part of a giant team that’s worked so long. When you see the final project, it’s a good feeling.”

Seeing the invisible

At the same time that the Rubin Observatory can find asteroids that had previously gone undetected, it can also help detect dark energy and dark matter.

Only five percent of the universe comes from visible matter, with about 70 percent coming from dark energy and 25 percent coming from dark matter.

Dark energy describes why the universe continues to expand after the Big Bang, rather than slowing down, the way a ball thrown into the air does before it falls, von der Linden explained. Researchers study dark matter, meanwhile, by observing the way light from distant galaxies bends when it travels towards Earth, as the gravitational force of the matter affects it on its path.

Von der Linden said she has already started using some of the commissioning data to test Rubin’s capabilities to do weak gravitational lensing. Weak gravitational lensing involves slight shifts in images caused by the gravitational influence of other matter that require many galaxies to detect.

“The work we’re doing now is very much a test case, which we will then take and apply to a much larger data set,” she said.

Inspiring future scientists

The images and the data, which the US, the UK and France will process, has the potential not only to answer scientific questions, but also to encourage and inspire future researchers.

The Rubin Observatory has a “very comprehensive education and public outreach component,” von der Linden said. “From the beginning, it has been built with the intention that the public is suppose to interact with the data and be part of the scientific story.”

If teachers use this in the classroom to show students the beautiful and intriguing night sky, “I would think this will lead some students to consider pursuing” careers in these sciences. “I hope that we’re going to get more junior scientists who will be part of Rubin.”

To see images from the observatory, visit https://rubinobservatory.org.

Whether gifted, grown in a garden, or admired in nature, flowers delight us with their natural beauty. In a floral tribute, the Smithtown Township Arts Council will present The Language of Flowers, a juried exhibit at Mills Pond Gallery in St. James from June 28 to July 25. 

The prospectus called for artists to “unleash their creativity and share their artistic interpretations of flowers … art that captures the spirit of blossoms or conveys personal emotions or narratives, or simply captures the captivating beauty of flowers.” The response was overwhelming.

“Using oil, acrylic, alcohol ink, colored pencil, dye-sublimation photographic print, fused glass, gouache, graphite, ink, mixed media, oil, pastel, pen & ink, photography, pyrography and watercolor, 84 artists  have found astonishing ways to portray the delicacy of flowers whether represented in realism, impressionism or abstraction,” said Allison Cruz, Executive Director of the Smithtown Township Arts Council and Mills Pond Gallery. 

“No matter the style, we are sure gallery visitors will enjoy this bouquet of original works,” she added.

Exhibiting artists include Ross Barbera, Shain Bard, Ron Becker, Mireille Belajonas, Kusuma Bheemineni, Matt Bodkin, Hayley Brennan, Joyce Bressler, Kevin Casey, Carol Ceraso, Tobi Cohen, Bernice Corbin, Jane Corrarino, Denise Cousins, JoAnn Dumas, Paul Edelson, Ellen Ferrigno, Elizabeth Fusco, Arlene Gernon, Maureen Ginipro, Theresa Graff, Alexandra Guma, Linda Hartman, Scott Hartman, Karen Jakubowski, Sally Anne Keller, James Kelson, Kathee Shaff Kelson, Angelica Kempa, Samantha Kenny, Megan Kenny, Lynn Kinsella, Julianna Kirk, Elizabeth Kisseleff, Lynn Larrison, Peter Leeds, Syndee Levy, Patricia Lind-Gonzalez, Patricia Luppino, Jackie Mallon, Diane Maniscalco, Adriena Masi, Liz Jorg Masi, Kathleen McArdle, Bonnie McLoughlin Stiegler, Frederic Mendelsohn, Avrel Menkes, Felecia Montfort, Gail Neuman, Loretta Oberheim, Josephine Parlagreco, Sharon Pearsall, Eva Pere, Sean Pollock, Lauren Prochera, Bernice Rausch, Catherine Rezin, Sandra Riddle, Khrystyne Robillard-Smith, Robert Roehrig, Jessica Rybak, Lori Scarlatos, Lisa Scrima-Castelli, Hillary Serota Needle, Stephen Shannon, Mike Stanko, Maddy Stare, Judy Stone, Betty Ann Tedeschi, Ashley Thorbjornsen, Susan Toplitz, Robert Tuska, Diane Van Velsor, Joseph Weinreb, Patty Yantz, Steven Zaluski, Theodora Zavala and Tianzhou Zhao.

The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, June 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists and enjoy the beautiful art. 

The Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A in St. James. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays to  Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is always free. For more information or directions, call 631-862-6575, or visit www.millspondgallery.org.

A scene from 'Elio.' Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

In the cinematic landscape, Pixar Studios created many of the most memorable animated features. These include Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, and Inside Out, along with their extensive line of sequels. Founded in 1979, Pixar became a cultural juggernaut of fiscal and critical success, in many ways redefining expectations in family entertainment.

In Elio, orphaned Elio Solis lives with his Aunt Olga, an Air Force major. Olga gave up her aspirations to be an astronaut to raise the lonely boy. One day, Elio sneaks into a closed exhibit of the Voyager 1 NASA space probe. The possibility of life on other planets fascinates the boy. Each night, he sprawls on the beach, staring up into the stars, hoping to be abducted by aliens.

A scene from ‘Elio.’ Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Meanwhile, conspiracy theorist Gunther Melmac claims there is evidence of extra-terrestrials responding to the Voyager 1, transmitting a message to Earth. Elio uses Melmac’s invention to send a message into space. Eventually, Elio is transported into a spaceship where aliens of the Communiverse mistake him for the Earth’s leader and ambassador. Elio becomes embroiled in their negotiations with a warlord, Lord Grigon, who threatens a takeover of the Communiverse. Through various machinations, including the introduction of cloning, among other science fiction devices, Elio befriends Grigon’s son, the gentle Glordon, who does not want to become part of his father’s violent coalition. 

The story follows a predictable path. The film introduces elements of bullying on Earth and in the far reaches of the galaxy. After an altercation, Elio receives an eye wound, forcing him to wear a patch. Elio has moments of introspection, questioning whether the difficulty is in the world or within himself. “I thought Earth was the problem, but what if it’s me?” 

The film swings at big concepts and grand scope: The statement “Are we alone?” plays on two levels. But, for all this reflection, the film feels shallow, never fully realizing its ambitions. Children’s films have effectively tackled challenging issues. Up, Coco, and both Inside Out films, not to mention the majority of the Toy Story universe, manage to address large topics with integrity and resonance. It’s not that Elio doesn’t try. It’s just that it never quite reaches the targeted feelings.

Like many animated features, this might be a case of too many cooks. Three directors (Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina) worked from a script by three screenwriters (Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, and Mike Jones). Elio possesses an excess of ideas, but nothing is quite finished. Too many on-the-nose statements—“A father always knows” and “I may not always understand you, but I love you”—are presented but not necessarily earned. 

The voice talent does fine with the material. Yonas Kibreab and Zoe Saldaña, as Elio and Olga, respectively, are real and nuanced. Remy Edgerly is sweet as Glordon, with Brad Garrett’s gravelly intonations suitable for the villainous Grigon. Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson, Matthias Schweighöfer, Brandon Moon, and Naomi Watanabe bring warmth and humor to the assortment of alien ambassadors. Brendan Hunt captures Melmac’s manic energy.

Elio is populated with a range of creatures that seem Happy-Meal-precious, but they are truly fun and wholly benign. The film’s strength lies in the extraordinary production design (Harley Jessup) in tandem with the visual effects (supervised by Claudia Chung-Sani), which have created the joyous Communiverse, a striking and vibrant rainbow pulsing with life. Sadly, these surrounding elements contain more drive than the story itself, resulting in a case of style over substance. 

The film’s climax shamelessly borrows shades of E.T. Needless to say, everything works out for everyone. Elio probably seemed good, if not great, on paper. And, in truth, the outlines, structure, and themes of a more satisfying film are there. But, in the end, Elio is an interstellar movie that remains earthbound.

Rated PG, the film is now playing in local theaters.