Community

Comedian Debbie D'Amore at the April 15 show. Photo by Barbara Anne Kirshner

By Barbara Anne Kirshner

I usually share my theatre reviews with you, but this time I want to tell you about something a little different.

My husband and I love comedy, especially stand up, but haven’t gone to anything like that in a long time. We decided to try McGuires Comedy Club in Bohemia. McGuires and The Brokerage in Bellmore are sister clubs to Governors’ Comedy Club in Levittown, an institution in comedy that has been around for over 35 years and has featured home grown Long Island comedians in addition to national headliners such as Kevin James, Andrew Dice-Clay and Gilbert Gottfried. McGuires opened in 2017 and quickly established a reputation for bringing some of the finest comedy to Suffolk County for a reasonable price.

Host John Trueson at the April 15 show. Photo by Barbara Anne Kirshner

McGuires offers a variety of comedy nights. Sometimes it hosts headliners like Joey Kola (May 7) or Don Irrera (June 2). Sometimes it’s a 2-man show like Kevin Brennan and Bob Levy (April 29). Showcases are a popular staple like the All Star Comedy Show and the one we caught Friday night, April 15, Stars of Tomorrow. This showcase attracted us because we thought, who knows, maybe we’ll see the next Amy Schumer, Jerry Seinfeld or Eddie Murphy.

John Trueson hosted the evening’s festivities. Trueson, an obvious professional, energized the audience with his personable banter as he kept the pace throughout the evening, quick and flawless, introducing one comedian after the next. 

I consider stand up a challenging art form and I admire anyone with the guts to get up in front of an audience and try to make them laugh. Most of these comedians joked about themselves and the foibles of their families which made it good fun.

The playlist for the evening was well thought out. First up, Tim Gage, who jumped onstage full of energy and never let up. His jokes were about highly relatable family matters. His observation of, “Have you ever looked at your own parents and wondered what it was that brought those two together?” brought down the house. He poked fun of the school system with his son’s teacher telling him, “Your son’s got ADD, he might be good in sports.” So, he started coaching his son’s little league. “My son made it to first base once; he didn’t know where he was.” The jokes were quick and furious.

Next up was Nick Damadeo who started off, “My wife listed a few topics I’m not allowed to discuss.” He went through the list then concluded, “ Most people don’t give a damn about anything on that list.” He poked fun at his profession, “The doctor said to me you’re a lawyer, aren’t you? Yeah, how’d you know? I can’t find a heart.” Yes, there were lots of lawyer jokes.

Comedians Debbie D’Amore and Chris Road at the April 15 event. Photo by Barbara Anne Kirshner

Chris Roach introduced himself with put on snobbery, “I’m from upper Ronkonkoma.” He had the audience in the palm of his hand with jokes on the pandemic. “I want to pass a new law that anytime anyone says ‘variant’ I want to punch them in the mouth.” And “I’m not going back in the house. I’m going to kill somebody if I have to do one more puzzle.”

Not all the comedians were funny. There was one who was brave enough to let us know this was his first stand up gig and it showed. Another went into political “humor” that received groans. This crowd, like most of us, is done with political humor.

There were only two female comedians and they brought up the end of the billing. Debbie D’Amore, with her engaging smile, makes you feel like she’s inviting you into her living room for an evening of fun. She started by shaking her head saying, “Why do I do this? My friends are retiring and I go to comedy college.” Then she laments, “Gone are the days of the masks. Now I got to shave!” 

Her timing was smooth as she segued from one joke into the next often making fun of her well-endowed self. She quipped about the time she and her husband went to Gurney’s Inn. She shared that he had red trunks, so she went to the resort shop and bought a cute red bathing suit. Only problem was it didn’t support her in the waves; the visual was hysterical. 

The last up was 20-something blonde, Kelsey McKeon who said, “I recently became a blonde and if you wonder if blondes have more fun; with me, I’m a train wreck at any color.”

On the way out, I stopped to congratulate D’Amore. As we spoke, a young woman approached and said, “Thank you for making me laugh uncontrollably tonight.” That about summed it up for me too.

Don’t we all need an escape, a place we can rely on for some laughs? Come to McGuires or The Brokerage or the mother club, Governors. You’ll be glad you did.

Miller Place resident Barbara Anne Kirshner is a freelance journalist, playwright and author of “Madison Weatherbee — The Different Dachshund.”

 

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and Stony Brook University students join Coastal Steward for a beach clean. Photo from Leg. Sarah Anker's office

In an effort to combat the impact plastic pollution has on the environment, Suffolk County has partnered with New York Sea Grant (NYSG) to publish a 15-lesson curriculum entitled, “Plastic Pollution and You.” The curriculum was developed after the passage of Suffolk County resolution 450-2018, sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, which authorized the creation of a marine debris public awareness program. NYSG’s Kathleen Fallon, Ph.D., a Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist and Nate Drag, New York Sea Grant Great Lakes Literacy Specialist and Associate Director of the Great Lakes Program at the University at Buffalo, have co-authored the curriculum. Funding for the curriculum was administered by New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation through the New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund.

“In Suffolk County, we have prioritized environmental protection through actions such as banning single-use plastic bags, personal care products with microbeads, and the release of helium balloons,” said Legislator Anker. “While legislation is an important part of environmental protection, we must also focus on educating our future generations about what they can do to reduce the negative impacts plastics can have on our water and marine life. Having sponsored the Suffolk County resolution to create the marine debris curriculum, I would like to thank New York Sea Grant, Dr. Kathleen Fallon and Nate Drag, for their work in creating this important initiative.”

“We designed the ‘Plastic Pollution and You’ curriculum with input from educators and the environmental conservation sector to prompt students to think about what plastic is, how they use plastic, and about the consequences of plastic pollution in the environment and their local communities through activities that incorporate the social, economic, and public policy context of this critical environmental issue,” said curriculum project leader Kathleen Fallon, Ph.D., a Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist with New York Sea Grant, Stony Brook, New York.

“New York Sea Grant was pleased to provide its experience and expertise in this collaborative effort to develop a new and innovative curriculum to educate and prompt interest in reducing and preventing plastic pollution across New York State’s marine and freshwater environments — from our Atlantic Ocean shoreline and Long Island Sound to the Hudson River Estuary, St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers, and the State’s two Great Lakes,” said New York Sea Grant Director Rebecca L. Shuford, Ph.D. “The curriculum will serve an important role to inspire the next generation of coastal stewards.”

Throughout the program, students will learn technical skills such as data collection, charting, and mapping. Additionally, students will also develop advocacy tools like position statement preparation, technical solution design, behavior change campaigns, public policy development, and community-level action strategy to address plastic pollution. On Wednesday, April 13, teachers had an opportunity to have an introduction to the curriculum via an online workshop with the authors as well as a Sherri A. Mason, a noted freshwater plastics pollution researcher. To view the “Plastic Pollution and You” webinar or to download the curriculum, please visit www.nyseagrant.org/articles/t/marine-debris-plastic-pollution-in-new-york-s-waters-marine-debris-news or call 631-632-8730.

New York Sea Grant is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, and one of 34 university-based programs working with coastal communities through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Learn more at https://www.nyseagrant.org.

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways collected over 29 tons of waste at the Hazardous Household Waste event. On Saturday, April 23, 603 Smithtown households participated in safely disposing 58,200 pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups.

“The sheer weight in toxic products collected over the weekend corroborates just how important protecting the environment is to our residents,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R). “As a community we’ve become more proactive, removing old and harmful products from the home and checking labels at the store. I’d like to commend our team of Environmental experts, Municipal Services Facility employees, the Department of Environment and Waterways and Public Safety for conducting what was a seamless event hosted for the Smithtown community.”

Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Waterways Environmental Director David Barnes and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann to safely secure over 28 55-gallon drums, 15 one-cubic-yard boxes, one miscellaneous container for specialized hazardous waste, and two full 30-cubic-yard roll-off containers loaded up with paints/solvents, etc. The exact weight collected was 29.1 tons (scale house net) in hazardous materials. Materials were collected and manifested for disposal by Radiac Research Corp. In addition to residents dropping off hazardous household waste, many circled their vehicles around to pick up bags of free mulch on the way out.

A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: waste oil based paints/flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

Covanta provided a $5 gift card to Home Depot to residents as a reward for recycling potentially harmful batteries instead of placing them in the trash. Covanta plans to be present at the July and October events to target other hazardous wastes, in addition to batteries.

The next household hazardous waste collection events are scheduled for Saturday, July 9 and Saturday, Oct. 1. These events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be strictly enforced

Did you know?

Smithtown residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center (also located at 85 Old Northport Road). Electronic waste such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.

This is a free service. Proof of residency is required. 

Mulch is also available free of charge to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of 10 bags per visit. The town offers free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck — cover required

 

Pictured: Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (at the podium) speaking at a press conference at the William Rogers Legislative Building on April 21st.

At a press conference held on April 21st, in recognition of National Donate Life Month and in anticipation of Blue and Green Day, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (Centerport) met with colleagues, organ donors, recipients and advocates to encourage more people to consider becoming organ donors.  Blue and Green Day is a component of National Donate Life Month, and its role is to promote organ donation through inspiring stories of those whose lives were touched by it.

“We are probably at least somewhat accustomed to hearing stories about someone who received an organ transplant, but rarely do we meet the donors, who have often passed on.  For this very reason, much more attention needs to be placed on living donors – those who donate while still alive and healthy,” said Bontempi.

The speakers at the press conference made it clear that New York is lagging behind a good number of other states when it comes to the number of registered donors.  While it is unclear exactly why New Yorkers are not adding their names to the donor list, it has become the mission of organ donor advocates to turn the tide.

“While becoming a living organ donor is not for everybody, it would be wonderful if more people would at least consider becoming a donor upon their death.  Many of us have the potential to save at least one life, possibly more,” added Bontempi.

To learn more about becoming an organ donor, please visit: www.liveonNY.com.

Photo by Raymond Janis

On Saturday, April 23, public officials gathered to formally rename the 107-acre Farmingville Hills County Park after the late Suffolk Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma); it will be known as Thomas Muratore County Park.

The ceremony was hosted by county Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), majority leader of the Legislature. Caracappa succeeded the late legislator by special election less than two months after Muratore’s untimely death on Sept. 8, 2020. Caracappa also sponsored legislation to rename the park in Muratore’s honor. 

“Tom Muratore had a special way about him,” Caracappa said. “He knew how to touch us and mentor us and just be a good friend to us. Anyone who knew Tom knew of his passion for serving his community, his constituents and the residents of Suffolk County. Whether it was talking about politics, talking about his family or talking about the way the Yankees either won or lost, he had a passion that was unmistakable.”

The event included elected leaders from the town, county and state governments. First among these speakers was County Executive Steve Bellone (D), who emphasized Muratore’s unique ability to bring competing parties and interests together. 

“You have people from all walks of life here, people from all across the political spectrum, and I think that speaks volumes about who Tom Muratore was,” Bellone said. “He was always the utmost gentleman and would work with you. There was a way about him that I think was an example and a model for all of us to look at about how we should govern.” The county executive added, “This man was a true public servant his entire life and we need to honor public servants like that. We need more of the way that he conducted himself in public life.”

Elected officials gather at the newly named Thomas Muratore Park at Farmingville Hills on April 23. Photo by Raymond Janis

Discussing what it means to rename the county park after Muratore, Bellone said, “It’s an honor to be here today to be able to help name this park in his name so that forevermore, as we move from here, this will be a place where a man of great honor and a great public servant is remembered always in this county.”

County Legislature presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), acknowledged Muratore’s record of public service and his example of quality leadership throughout the county. 

“I got to know Tom when I joined the Legislature in 2014,” he said. “He was truly a mentor to me. He always had my back, never afraid to tell me when I was doing something right or wrong. No matter what role he took, whether it be in government, as a police officer or serving our county … he continued to serve.” McCaffrey added, “He didn’t just serve, he served well.”

Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), minority leader of the county Legislature, commended Muratore for the human touch that he put on his work in county government. “Tom was always invested in you,” Richberg said. “It didn’t matter when it was, he was always walking around, talking to everyone, finding out how their family was doing, what was going on in their personal lives.” The minority leader added, “He really wanted to know how you were doing. Beyond the politics, it was always about you.”

Town of Brookhaven Councilman Kevin LaValle (R-Selden) spoke of his experience serving for three years as Muratore’s chief of staff. LaValle said Muratore made little distinction between his public and private responsibilities, treating his staff as though they were family.

“You weren’t employed by Tom Muratore,” LaValle said. “You may have worked for Tom, but when you worked for Tom, you were part of his family and that’s how he always treated us.” Reflecting upon Muratore’s passing, the councilman added, “It hit us all hard because it was like losing your uncle or your dad. He always was around for us no matter what it was. It wasn’t just about government for Tom. It was about you as a person and about your family and how you were doing. It was never about Tom.”

County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) complimented Muratore’s legislative philosophy. According to her, his leadership was defined by his love of his community.

“Tom operated and governed from a base of love,” Kennedy said. “He loved the organizations, he loved the people that he was with. He was a good human being and I know right now that he is sitting in the palms of God’s hands.”

County Comptroller John Kennedy Jr. (R) spoke of Muratore’s effectiveness as a labor leader. Kennedy believed that Muratore’s style of representation included both a sense of urgency as well as a sincere conviction and passion for the work he performed.

“Always, always he was about our workforce and about the integrity of our county. He truly embraced that concept of service,” the comptroller said. 

County Clerk Judy Pascale (R) used her memorial address to recite a quote from the late American poet, Maya Angelou. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” Pascale said, adding, “Tommy, you always made us feel very special. Rest in peace, brother.”

State Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James) suggested Muratore brought to county government a commonsense outlook and an approach guided by practical wisdom. 

“It was commonsense government, that’s what it was when you were with Tom Muratore,” Mattera said. “He cared about a decent wage, a decent health care [plan], a decent pension for all, so that we can live here on the Island.” Sharing his expectations for the park, the state senator added, “We have 107 acres here and when anybody walks these 107 acres at Tom Muratore Park, you’re always going to remember this name. This is an absolutely beautiful park and to have a name like Tom Muratore, I am just blessed to say I knew him.”

State Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) emphasized Muratore’s authenticity. “Every time he would talk to you, he was never texting or doing anything like that,” Smith said. “He would be in the moment. I think more of us should live in the moment and genuinely care about each other.” The assemblyman also highlighted Muratore’s creative strategies to solve problems and get work done. “And I really appreciate that kind of relentless attitude. I just loved that about Tom and about how he always wanted to go to bat for people.”

Michael Wentz, president of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce, presents a proclamation to Linda Muratore. Photo by Raymond Janis

Michael Wentz, founder and president of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce, presented Muratore’s wife Linda with a proclamation that the chamber had prepared with Sachem Public Library of Holbrook. It reads: “On behalf of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce, we present this proclamation in recognition of Thomas Muratore, whose never-ending support of his community and local businesses will forever live on, and be remembered for generations to come.”

The presentations were concluded with a short speech prepared by Linda Muratore, who used her time to honor Caracappa’s mother, the late county Legislator Rose Caracappa: “I don’t know if Legislator Caracappa knows, but Tom was very fond of his mom, Legislator Rose Caracappa. Every time he saw her name on a building, he said, ‘That must be the greatest honor.’” Linda Muratore added, “Today his dream has come true because of all of you. Thank you again for honoring my husband. I truly know that it was his honor to serve all of you.”

'Kayaks at Bay' by Holly Gordon

Contestants will be eligible to receive prizes, including a free Family Event aboard the historic Oyster Sloop Priscilla. Additional prizes provided by Long Island Aquarium, Long Island Ducks & Splish Splash

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced April 29 the launch of the 2022 Reclaim Our Water Poster Contest, for fifth grade students in the County, to encourage artistic expression and increase awareness of our most treasured natural resource — water. As a part of Reclaim Our Water (ROW), the County’s over-arching water quality improvement initiative, poster contest entrants are to create original artwork depicting their favorite water-related activities in Suffolk County with family and friends, such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, gardening and more, by May 20.

Oyster Sloop Priscilla

Contestants are encouraged to use their creativity, making posters that are humorous or serious, as long as they focus on the contest theme and direct viewers to the Reclaim Our Water website, www.ReclaimOurWater.info. Prizes will be awarded for first place, as well as for up to four other finalists. The first place winner will receive a free afternoon with family aboard the historic sailboat, Oyster Sloop Priscilla, of the Long Island Maritime Museum. Additional prizes will be provided by the Long Island Aquarium, the Long Island Ducks and Splish Splash. For more information, including rules, guidelines, and entry forms , please visit www.ReclaimOurWater.info.

“It is so important to involve our students in the work that we are doing now to create a cleaner, safer environment for them and future generations,”  said County Executive Bellone. “Coupling art with environmental awareness does that, in a unique way, to not only achieve our goal of increasing water quality awareness today, but also to pique their interest in protecting water quality for decades to come.”

To stop and reverse nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems, improve water quality and protect natural storm barriers, County Executive Bellone launched the Reclaim Our Water initiative in 2017, which includes connection to sewers in some areas, and the installation of Innovative Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (IAOWTS) where sewers are not a practical or cost-effective solution. A featured aspect of the program includes the provision of up to $30,000 in state and county grants to eligible homeowners for the installation of Innovative and Alternatively nitrogen removal septic systems. As of March 2022, more than 1,030 Suffolk homeowners have utilized the program to install such systems.

File photo

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a man in Ronkonkoma on Friday, April 29.

Fourth Precinct police officers responded to a 911 call of shots fired in front of 385 Wildwood Road at approximately 8:50 a.m. Upon arrival, it was determined Terry Long, 32, a resident of the home, had been shot outside the residence.

Long was transported by ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

The Town of Brookhaven has announced a series of upcoming spring and summer programs at its three recreation centers:

New Village Recreation Center
20 Wireless Road, Centereach, NY 11720
631-732-2338

Watercolor Art

Dates: Wednesdays, April, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15

Times: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Fee: $45.00 per 8-week session

 

Ping Pong Tournament
Doubles elimination tournament. Ages 18 years and older. Awards given to 1st
& 2nd place in each Division. Bring your own paddles. Balls will be provided.
T-shirt & refreshments included. No Walk-ins.

Dates: Singles – Saturday, May 14th
Doubles – Saturday, May 21st
Times: 9:00AM start time
(8:30AM check-in)
Fee: $15.00 per participant/per event
(T-shirt and refreshments included)
Pre-register: by Thursday, May 19
More information: Call 631-451-6112 to register.

Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center
Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
631-744-2601

DIY Paint Class
A variety of DIY Craft Classes hosted by The Crafty Bean Boutique. Participants will create a vertical “hello” sign in either a sunflowers or daisy pattern. Finished sign measures 15”L x 5”W. Must pre-register.
Date: Monday, May 23
Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Fee: $40.00
Pre-Register: by Wednesday, May 18

Tai Chi
In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise class, you will learn how you can heal your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone. It reduces stress, calms the mind, invigorates the spirit, & tones the body.
Dates: Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1
Time: 12:00PM – 12:45PM
Fee: $45.00/8-week session
Pre-Register: Thursday, June 2

Skoblicki Scientists
Join Miss Michelle in this interactive science program as we explore an exciting new topic each week in our summer series. Register for one or all. This class is open to school age students entering Grade K through Grade 5.
Time: 10:00AM – 10:45AM
Fee: $10.00 per child, per class
Beautiful Butterflies
Date: Wednesday, July 6
Pre-Register: by Friday, July 1
Growing a Garden
Date: Wednesday, July 13
Pre-Register: by Friday, July 8
Terrific Turtles
Date: Wednesday, July 20
Pre-Register: by Friday, July 15
Boats that Float
Date: Wednesday, July 27
Pre-Register: by Friday, July 22
Penguin Party
Date: Wednesday, August 3
Pre-Register: by Friday, July 29
Protect the Planet
Date: Wednesday, August 10
Pre-Register: by Friday, August 5

Belly Dancing
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers. Ages 18+.
Dates: Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $45.00/8-week session
Pre-Register: by Friday, July 1

Jump Bunch
Learn a new sport each week. Includes sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, volleyball and basketball. No equipment necessary. Just bring water.
3-5 years of age
Dates: Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12
Times: 4:00PM – 5:00Pm
Fee: $60.00 per 6-week session
Pre-Register: by, Tuesday, July 5
6-12 years of age
Dates: Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12
Times: 5:15PM – 5:00Pm
Fee: $60.00 per 6-week session
Pre-Register: by, Tuesday, July 5

 

Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
631-363-5193

Total Body Fit
The class will promote overall strength and cardiovascular endurance while helping build muscle. Please bring your own workout/yoga mat, no other equipment necessary. This is an outdoor exercise class. Weather permitting.
Location: Blue Point Nature Preserve, 31 Maple St, Blue Point, NY 11715
Dates: Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6, 13
Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Fee: $40.00/6-week session
Pre-Register: by Wednesday, April 27

 

Jump Bunch Jr. (Ages 3-5)
Learn a new sport each week. Includes sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, volleyball and basketball. No equipment necessary. Just bring water.

Dates: Fridays, May 6. 13. 20, 27, June 3, 10
Friday, June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22
Time: 9:30AM – 10:30AM
Fee: $60.00/6-week session
Pre-Register: by Tuesday, July 5

Koga Lite
These classes are a unique workout combination of kickboxing and yoga and are designed as a gentle introduction to exercise/weight loss without the intimidation.
Dates: Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10
Time: 11:30AM – 12:15PM
Fees: $50.00/8-week session

Belly Dancing 
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers. Ages 18+
Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 August 1
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $45.00/8-week session
Pre-register: by Wednesday, June 1

Watercolor Art
Dates: Tuesdays, May 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21 & 28
Times: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Fee: $35.00 per 6-week session
Pre-Register: by May 20, 2022

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police.

Centerport

■ A resident on Lakeside Drive in Centerport called the police to report that a wallet containing credit cards was removed from a vehicle parked in front of the home on April 20. Charges were later made on the card.

Commack

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported a shoplifter on April 22. A woman allegedly attempted to steal 44 assorted home goods valued at $828. She was arrested at the door.

■ Four women entered Dick’s Sporting Goods on Jericho Turnpike in Commack on April 22 and allegedly stole numerous Nike clothing worth approximately $2,000.

■ A man entered Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack on April 17, broke a lock on the video game case and allegedly stole 12 SONY PS4 video games worth $586.

■ Two women entered Dick’s Sporting Goods on Jericho Turnpike in Commack on April 22, allegedly removed two backpacks from the shelf, and stuffed them with clothing before walking out of the store. The merchandise was valued at approximately $500.

■ Shoprite on Garet Place in Commack called the police on April 18 to report that a woman allegedly stole 5 Zyrtec and 3 Allegra bottles worth $344.

■ Ulta Beauty, Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack called the police on April 17 to report that a man entered the store, removed 10 Chanel women fragrances from the shelf and allegedly walked out without paying. The merchandise was valued at $1064.

■ A woman shopping at BJ’s Wholesale Club on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack on April 20 reported that a man allegedly stole her wallet from an unattended shopping cart.

East Setauket

■ Kohl’s on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket called the police on April 19 to report that a man and a woman allegedly stole assorted clothing items worth $853.

Huntington Station

■ Target on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station reported a shoplifter on April 19. A woman allegedly stole clothing and groceries and cleaning supplies worth approximately $120.

■ Two men entered Best Buy on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station on April 18 and allegedly stole Wi-Fi routers worth $1,679. 

■ Target on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station called the police on April 21 to report a shoplifter. A woman allegedly stole 16 market items, 5 pharmacy items and one bedding item worth $188.

Kings Park

■ A resident on Main Street in Kings Park called the police on April 20 to report that someone stole their dirt bike from their property on April 20. The vehicle, a yellow 2014 Suzuki DR-Z, was valued at $3,000.

■ A resident on Beaver Drive in Kings Park reported that someone entered their vehicle and stole a wallet with cash on April 20.

Lake Grove

■ Zumiez at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported that two women allegedly stole numerous items of clothing from the store on April 23. The merchandise was valued at $224.

Miller Place

■ Two pocketbooks containing cash, credit cards, and keys along with Ray-Ban sunglasses were stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked at Sylvan Avenue Park in Miller Place on April 18.

Port Jefferson Station

■ An unknown person entered a construction site at Brightview Port Jefferson on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station between April 15 and April 18 and stole $4,700 worth of copper wire.

Rocky Point

■ Kohl’s on Route 25A in Rocky Point reported a shoplifter on April 22. A person allegedly stole a Remington men’s razor valued at $120.

Selden

■ Walgreens on Middle Country Road in Selden reported a shoplifter on April 21. A man allegedly stole 10 cases of Modelo beer worth $160.

■ Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden called the police on April 18 to report that a man allegedly took two DeWalt pressure washers out the store without paying. The items were valued at $999.

Smithtown

■ A resident on Ledgewood Drive in Smithtown called the police to report that his 2017 Nissan Ultima with multiple tools inside was stolen on April 19. The vehicle, which was unlocked and had the keys inside, was valued at $20,000.The tools were valued at $2,000.

South Setauket

■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a shoplifter on April 19. A man allegedly stole a Roomba vacuum worth $580.

Stony Brook

■ A vehicle was broken into on Sand Street in Stony Brook on April 23. A window was smashed and a wallet was removed. A second unlocked vehicle was entered and a a wallet was stolen.

■ Lowe’s Home Improvement on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook reported a petit larceny on April 18. A man allegedly stole 11 Romex white electrical wire at 250 feet each. The items were valued at $1364.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

Smithtown Township Arts Council has announced that the works of East Northport artist M. Ellen Winter will be on view April 26 to June 27 at Apple Bank of Smithtown, 91 Route 111, Smithtown. The exhibition, part of STAC’s Outreach Gallery Program, can be viewed during regular banking hours Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Winter  has been painting and drawing for as long as she can remember and teaching for 30 plus years. She had a studio in Northport for two years, moving to a home studio in 2002. She taught Adult Education art classes for 28 years at Huntington High and now teaching Adult Education at Northport.
Instructing in oils, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel, she focuses on portraits, landscapes and still life. She has exhibited in many shows over the years, receiving awards for her art. Ms. Winter holds the Grumbacher Gold award and award of excellence in portraiture from Nassau County among many others. She is retiring from teaching in her home studio to allow her to focus on her own art. She plans to continue to teach Northport Adult Education.

“The Arts Council 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!” read the press release.

For more information, call 631-862-6585.