Events

The Whaling Museum and Education Center is announcing a first-time end of year fundraising event celebrating the rowdy history of Cold Spring Harbor’s Main Street through food, drink, and other activities in the lively event, Bedlam Street Bash. 

Calling back to the 1850s when Main Street (Route 25a) was nicknamed “Bedlam Street,” this event will take place on Thursday, December 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Museum at 301 Main Street and is for adults age 21+. Inspired by the rambunctious spirit of the village during its whaling heyday, guests will travel through the museum to enjoy delicious bites from local restaurants, rum tastings, historic then & now presentations, craft-making, and live music. 

 “A whaleship arriving home to our coastal village could generate a commotion, and was cause for a community celebration,” says Nomi Dayan, Executive Director of the museum. “The blast of a cannon would first alert locals, who would watch Main Street fill with whalers who had not been home for 2-4 years. Local merchants would prepare to serve men who dreamed of a good meal. Cold Spring Harbor was, for a time, a rowdy place! We invite locals today to fall into this story and enjoy the evening with us in support of our museum.”

The museum is collaborating with Cold Spring Harbor Village eateries to offer guests delicious tastings throughout the evening. Participating eateries include Sandbar, Harbor Mist, Sweetie Pies on Main, Cold Spring Harbor Plaza Deli and Grasso’s Restaurant. In addition, guests will enjoy live music, activities, a folk-art craft, raffles, and special “Then & Now” presentations.  

Special guest and Town Historian, Robert Hughes, will transport visitors back to the waterside village in the 1800’s with his “Then & Now” presentations of Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. He will focus on the history of the locations for the five eateries that are offering tasting for this event; Sandbar, Harbor Mist, Sweetie Pies on Main, Cold Spring Harbor Plaza Deli and Grasso’s Restaurant.

Special guest Dr. Jennifer Anderson will present a session about the history of rum during her informational and fascinating chat, “Get Your Grog On.” Tastings of different island-style rums, the “true sailor’s drink,” will also be served courtesy of Bottles and Cases in Huntington. 

Participants can gather details about historic Main Street in a special scavenger hunt, which culminates in cracking a code to receive a prize from our treasure chest. 

Guests will get creative when trying their hands at the signature craft of whalers, scrimshaw, also known as one of America’s first folk art crafts.  Guests will sketch and carve their designs into scrimshaw-style keepsake boxes.

Throughout the night, guests will hear live sea shanties, high-spirited and bawdy work-songs of sailors performed by Scuttlebutt Stu. Guests can join in these repetitious renditions.

The Whaling Museum & Education Center is selling advance tickets to the event at cshwhalingmuseum.org/bedlamstreetbash. Advance tickets are $40 per person, $20 for museum members. A limited number of advance tickets will be offered. At the door tickets will be $50 per person, $25 for museum members. Tickets are offered first come, first served. All evening activities are included in admission.    

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About The Whaling Museum & Education Center

The Whaling Museum & Education Center is the only museum in the world open year-round which explores the whaling history of the Long Island region. The Museum engages the community in exploring the diversity of our whaling heritage and its impacts to enrich and inform our lives. The museum is located at 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. Visit cshwhalingmuseum.org and follow The Whaling Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @cshwhalingmuseum

Time to start your holiday shopping! The Brick Clay Studio & Gallery, 2 Flowerfield, St. James hosts a Holiday Pottery Sale on Saturday, Nov 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.   Besides one of a kind hand-made pottery by members, they will have raffles, live music and light refreshments.  The Gallery Shop will also be open  to browse and purchase unique handmade pottery made on the premises.  Join them in reconnecting with our artist community and to shop local. Gift certificates available.Visit  www.thebrickstudio.org for future events and classes or call 833-THE-BRICK.

Postman Pete stamps a letter to Santa. Photo by Bob Savage

A Visit with Postman Pete

The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society presents A Visit with Postman Pete on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Children are invited to bring their pre-written letters for Santa to the old Miller Place Post Office at 75 North Country Road where Postman Pete will bundle the letters for the North Pole! Then  visit a vintage fire truck and enjoy crafts, story time, raffles and refreshments inside the William Miller House (c. 1720). $12 per child. Pre-registration is required by visiting PostmanPete2022.eventbrite.com by Nov. 30. For additional information, please contact the Society at 631-476-5742.

Back by popular demand, second year promises to be bigger and brighter with new features

Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, presented by Catholic Health, returns for its second year on  Friday, November 25. Back by popular demand, this holiday themed light show offers visitors the opportunity to behold a series of magical light displays as they walk along the beautiful meandering paths through Old Westbury Gardens’ Walled Garden, Rose Garden, South Lawn, and Allée.

“This walkthrough light show is uniquely designed specifically for Old Westbury Gardens, a beautiful long
island landmark” said Nancy Costopulos, President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens. “It offers a one-
of-a-kind experience which is now becoming a new holiday tradition.”

This year, even more beautiful visuals have been added including a re-designed interactive area
featuring three new exhibits that will engage adults and children alike; seasonal music throughout the
expanded illuminated event path, a new illuminated water feature on the West Pond, and the Garden of Appreciation will be turned into a lively warming area with a concession stand for seasonal snacks and
drinks.

Shimmering Solstice is a completely custom-built show by Lightswitch, a collective of internationally
recognized lighting, media, and visual designers that has been uniquely designed to highlight the
features of Old Westbury Gardens. The goal was to turn the gardens into a visitor location that can be
enjoyed during the fall and winter holiday season and that would remain consistent with the mission of
Old Westbury Gardens.

“Shimmering Solstice was designed to be a celebration of our space,” said Maura Brush, Director of
Horticulture at Old Westbury Gardens. “The features that define Old Westbury Gardens such as the
formal allées, ponds, and statuary are all illuminated so visitors can view them in a completely different
light.”

This walk-through show is a family friendly experience people of all ages can enjoy and is designed for
visitors to explore at their own pace. For the exciting finale, visitors will once again be dazzled to see the
south facade of Westbury House come alive with magical lights and seasonal sounds—this year with an
exciting twist!

Tickets are on sale now. The show runs on select dates from November 25, 2022 and runs through
January 1, 2023. The admission time starts at 5:30 p.m. Check website for available dates and times.
For more information and to see a video preview of the event, visit https://shimmeringsolstice.com/.

About Old Westbury Gardens:
Built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former
home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps, and their children. Today, as a not-for-profit
organization, Old Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors of all ages for a wide range of historical, cultural,
artistic, educational, horticultural events. Old Westbury Gardens seeks to inspire appreciation of the
early 20 th  century American country estate through faithful preservation and interpretation of its
landscape, gardens, architecture and collections. For more information,
visit  https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/

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Right before the St. James Veterans Day Parade began on Nov. 11, the rain began. However, veterans, Scouts, fire department volunteers and school marching bands weren’t going to let that stop them from heading down Lake Avenue.

The marchers started at Woodlawn Avenue and continued down Lake until St. James Elementary School. 

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Despite weather forecasters calling for rain, Setauket residents showed up for veterans on Friday, Nov. 11. 

In an abbreviated ceremony to avoid the pending bad weather, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3054 hosted its annual recognition service at the Setauket Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of Shore Road and Route 25A in East Setauket.

Scouts and veterans laid wreaths at the memorial that recognizes the various wars American soldiers have fought in. 

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ANYTHING BUT SILENT The Cinema Arts Centre will screen King Vidor's 'The Crowd' with live organ accompaniment by Ben Model on Nov. 15.
Thursday Nov. 10

Sip & Paint Nite

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St. Northport hosts a Sip & Paint Nite from 7 to 9 p.m. Learn how to paint the Eaton’s Neck Lighthouse with Northport Historical Society Director and local artist, Caitlyn Shea. Ticket price includes canvas, paint, refreshments and lots of 80’s music! Cost is $30/person. Ages 21 and over only. Registration is required by visiting www.northporthistorical.org.

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a lecture on print culture, newsboys, and the labor practices of the press with historian Vincent DiGirolamo at 7 p.m. Titled Crying the News: Child Labor and Print Culture, DiGirolamo’s lecture will draw heavily from his acclaimed 2019 book Crying the News: A History of America’s Newsboys. Tickets are $10 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Starry Nights concert at SBU

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents a Starry Nights concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. With the combined talent of Stony Brook’s established artists and its rising stars, Artist-in-Residence Colin Carr and company will present Tchaikovsky Piano Trio op 50 with Jennifer Frautschi and Ji Na Kim, and jazz selections with masters Ray Anderson, Tom Manuel and friends. Tickets range from $44 to $48. To order, call 632-2787  or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Friday Nov. 11

Made in Italy, Made for America

The Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a memorial conference in honor of its founder, Mario Mignone (1940-2019), at the Wang Center, Lecture Hall 1, today from 9 a.m. to 5:25 p.m. and Nov. 12 at the Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library, Room E-4340, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. .Presentations will be made by his family, friends, colleagues, scholars, University associates, and government officials. All are welcome. Call 632-7423.

Winter Lantern Festival

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Nov. 12 and 13 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Be ready for photo ops with friends and family, as this will be an unforgettable experience! Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolk-winter-lantern-festival. For more information, call 265-6768.

Audubon and Friends fundraiser

The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket hosts an Audubon and Friends art sale and silent auction tonight from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with a special presentation from Craig Turner titled “A History of Bird Illustration” at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Four Harbors Audubon Society, Frank Melville Memorial Park, The Safina Center and Seatuck Environmental. The event is free to attend. For more information, call 689-7054.

An Evening of Opera

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts an Open Mic Night by Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. Featuring performances by Darlene Bennett, Pamela Cirasole, Erica Fletcher, Henry Horstman, Kimberly Iannuzzi and more. $10 donation. Visit www.operanight.org.

Saturday Nov. 12

Made in Italy, Made for America

See Nov. 11 listing.

Winter Lantern Festival

See Nov. 11 listing.

Audubon and Friends fundraiser

See Nov. 11 listing.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Knights of Columbus of Sts. Philip and James R.C. Parish will hold its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive at King Kullen, 472 Lake Ave., St. James on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be collection non-perishable food and dry goods at the entrance to the grocery store. All donations will go to local food pantries. 

Hauppauge Craft & Gift Fair

Time to shop! Hauppauge High School, 500 Lincoln Blvd., Hauppauge will host its annual Hauppauge Craft & Gift Fair today and Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 100 exhibitors with arts, crafts and gift items — the perfect opportunity to spend a day shopping with Christmas just around the corner. Free admission. Call 846-1459.

Holiday Craft Fair

St. James Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 230 Second Ave., St. James will hold a Holiday Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring 50 quality craft dealers, handmade and needle crafts, folk art, wood items and baked goods. Call 584-5212 or visit www.stjlc.com.

Siena Village Bazaar

Siena Village, 2000 Bishops Road, Smithtown hosts its annual Autumn Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Center. Join them for a fun day with vendors, food, raffles and a Chinese auction. Call 360-4309 for more info.

Caleb Smith Hike

Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for a Tail Less Traveled Hike from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy some refreshing autumn air as you embark on the red trail. This trail will take you all the way to the northeastern edge of the park, and offers beautiful woodland scenery. This is a moderate level hike with some hills. Bring water and good walking shoes/boots. Adult s only. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 265-1054.

Second Saturdays Poetry Reading

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays Poetry Reading series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Joan Magiet. An open-reading will follow. All are welcome to read one of their own poems. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/. For more information, call 655-7798.  

‘Résonances Boréales’ 

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents Résonances Boréales, a 360° dome show described as a dialogue between a single piano and the northern lights featuring pianist Roman Zavada performing live in the planetarium theater at 5:30 p.m. and again at 7 pm. Tickets are $30, $25 members online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org; $35, $25 members at the door.

Owl Prowl at the Vanderbilt

Biologist and ranger Eric Powers, co-founder of the Center for Environmental Education & Discovery (CEED), will lead an Owl Prowl on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Estate and Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport at 6 p.m. After a presentation on the owls of Long Island, Powers will lead a walk on the estate grounds, during which he will attempt to call in nearby owls. Flashlights are not permitted. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the trail is uneven and it will be dark. Tickets are $12, members free. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

An evening of comedy

In partnership with Governor’s Comedy Club, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Giving Thanks for Comedy, an night of laughs featuring Michael Loftus, Michael Keegan, Debbie D’Amore and MC Carla Oakerson. Tickets are $45, $40 members and includes an open bar of beer and wine. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Sunday Nov. 13

Winter Lantern Festival

See Nov. 11 listing.

Audubon and Friends fundraiser

See Nov. 11 listing.

Hauppauge Craft & Gift Fair

See Nov. 12 listing.

LITMA Contradance 

The Long Island Traditional Music Association hosts a contradance at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 2 p.m. with basic instruction at 1:45  p.m. Featuring Dave Harvey calling with the LITMA Contra Band. $15 general admission, $10 LITMA members, $7.50 students, children under 16 free with paid adult. For more information, visit www.litma.org.

Monday Nov. 14

Parkinson Therapy fundraiser

The Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown will host a fundraiser for the Smithtown Parkinson Therapy Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Featuring a musical tribute to Neil Diamond, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets are $35 per person at www.eventbrite.com. Questions? Call 265-6621.

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series with a presentation by authors Katherine Kirkpatrick and Vivian Nicholson-Mueller titled “William Sidney Mount’s Long Island and the People of Color” at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket or via Zoom at 7 p.m. Kirkpatrick and Nicholson-Mueller will talk about the research for their new book The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color and Canvas. RSVP by visiting www.tvhs.org.

Tuesday Nov. 15

Garden Club Meeting

Three Village Garden Club will hold its monthly membership meeting at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket at 10 a.m. The program will be “Holiday Decorating with Fresh Greens and Dried Botanicals.” New members welcome. For information call 751-2743.

Civic Association meeting – just added

The Port Jeff. Station Terryville Civic Association will hold a meeting at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station at 7 p.m. Civic business, reports, and the planned Retirement Community (40 units) at corner of Old Town Rd. & Terryville Rd. (the woods just west of the new family dollar/Dollar tree)  will be discussed and they will hear your concerns.

Wednesday Nov. 16

Weaving with Wine

Join the Huntington Historical Society for an evening of Weaving with Wine at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. ​In the era before the advent of factories, skilled weavers spun flax and wool into yarn for clothing. This fun program offers a chance to learn to weave using a traditional manual table loom. At the end of class, you will have a piece of fabric to bring home! You supply the wine, the Society will provide the weaving, glasses and light refreshments. $40/member and $45/non-member. Advance registration required by calling 427-7045 x 404 or email [email protected].

TVCT Fall Gala

Three Village Community Trust holds its 18th annual Fall Gala at the Old Field Club, 86 West Meadow Road, East Setauket at 7 p.m. Special honoree for the evening will be noted author and lecturer John Turner. Enjoy live music by Carl Safina and Moment’s Notice, a light buffet, an art raffle for a Christian White painting, raffle baskets, and much more. Tickets to the event, which are $75 per person, can be purchased on the Trust’s website, www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org. For more information, call 631-942-4558, or email [email protected].

Thursday Nov.  17

Dreamcatcher Workshop 

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor invites adults and teens to a Dreamcatcher Workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. Discover the history behind the most enduring and widespread symbol of Native American culture, the dreamcatcher, with special guest and member of the Shinnecock and Hassanamisco Nations, Denise Silva-Dennis. Learn the meaning and significance behind these beautiful artworks and create a traditional dreamcatcher of your own. $16 participant; $8 members. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org to reserve your spot.

Film

‘American Pain’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. with a screening of American Pain at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson. A jaw-dropping true crime documentary, American Pain tells the story of twin brothers and bodybuilders Chris and Jeff George, who operated a franchise of pain clinics in Florida where they handed out pain pills like candy. Director Darren Foster offers an incredibly compelling and shocking story that exposes the tower of corruption that made the George’s enterprise so massively successful. Followed by a Q&A with guest speaker producer Carolyn Hepburn. Tickets are $10 at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door. 

King Vidor’s ‘The Crowd’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Anything But Silent series with a screening of King Vidor’s The Crowd on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Picture, King Vidor’s silent masterpiece follows a couple trying to survive in a large, impersonal metropolis through their hopes, struggles and downfalls. With live accompaniment by Ben Model. Tickets are $17, $12 members. Call 423-7610.

Theater

‘Sister Act’

Stage 74 @SYJCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents Sister Act on Nov. 12 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Based on the hit 1992 film, the show follows disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, who witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to rejoice! Tickets are $32, $25 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.

‘Noises Off’

The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College presents Noises Off by Michael Frayn at the Shea Theater, Islip Arts Building, 533 College Road, Selden on Nov. 16, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. Called the funniest farce ever written, Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. *Mature Content* General admission: $14, Veterans and students 16 years of age or younger: $10, Suffolk students with current ID: One FREE ticket. To order, visit https://sunysuffolk.edu/spotlight or call 451-4163.

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. $20 tickets in November; December tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘A Christmas Story’

The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas – an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

Vendors Wanted

Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport seeks vendors for its annual St. Nicholas Bazaar on Dec. 3. Call 631-261-7670 for further details.

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook seeks craft vendors for its Holiday Night Market on Dec. 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 631-588-5024.

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road,  Setauket seeks vendors for its first annual Three Village Winter Market, an outdoor holiday shopping experience,  on Dec. 10 and 11 from 11 to 4 p.m. $100 for one day or $150 for both. Call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

 

Birdlovers art sale to support local environmental groups

By Melissa Arnold

Birds have long fascinated nature enthusiasts of all ages, and it’s easy to understand why. Their wide variety, brilliant colors, seasonal travel and flight skills provide a lot to admire. Those same qualities have made birds a frequent subject in art for generations as well.

On the weekend of Nov. 11, the historic Bates House in Setauket will host a special 3-day art sale and silent auction entitled “Audubon and Friends.” All proceeds from the weekend will be split equally among four local organizations dedicated to protecting Long Island’s wildlife and environment: The Seatuck Environmental Association, the Four Harbors Audubon Society (4HAS), The Safina Center, and Frank Melville Memorial Park.

The idea for the event came from conservationist John Turner and his brother Craig, who shared a love for nature from their early years.

John, who is conservation chair at Seatuck and serves on the board of 4HAS, developed a passion for birding as he watched his father feed the birds as a young boy.

“I was pretty active in conservation even as a teen — when you fall in love with something, you want to see it protected and have the ability to flourish,” said the Setauket resident. “I was really affected by stories of pollution, fires and disasters on the news, and I wanted to do whatever I could to help.”

Craig Turner’s interest in birdwatching developed later, thanks to an old friend from his time in the Air Force.

“He fed all sorts of birds at his home, and whenever I would visit I would become completely captivated by watching them stop to eat,” Craig recalled. “It became a wonderful excuse for me to get outside and see what I could find, and it was a great window into exploring natural history as well.”

Craig would go on to befriend a man who lived near him in Maryland who ran an Audubon magazine and also collected an array of bird depictions, many of them made by early natural history artists. Craig found the prints beautiful and desired to start a collection of his own.

“I thought the prints would look great at home, and then eBay came along, which gave me the ability to acquire things that would otherwise be very expensive, like prints made by John James Audubon in the 1840s,” he said.

By 2012, he had amassed so many prints that he decided to open his own shop in Annapolis, Md. The Audubon and Friends Gallery sold a variety of natural history prints as well as glassware and wood carvings before its closing in 2015.

As much as he treasured each piece, it didn’t make sense for one person to have so many, Craig said to John some time afterward. Why not continue to find ways to share beautiful work with others?

And John had another thought: Why not make it for a good cause as well?

“I wanted to do whatever I could to support the hard work of environmental conservation and protection, and I thought it would be fun to explore the history of natural history art in a talk,” said Craig.

So the event took shape — the beautiful Bates House in Frank Melville Memorial Park would host more than 100 prints from some of the earliest natural history artists, including John James Audubon, Mark Catesby and Alexander Wilson. Depending on value, some pieces will be for sale, while other, rarer pieces will be available in a silent auction held throughout the weekend.

“Audubon wanted to catalogue all the North American birds in life-size prints, and his work became the pinnacle of bird engraving,” Craig explained. “The idea of owning an original natural history print appeals to a lot of people as an important part of Americana, regardless of whether or not they’re birders themselves.” 

Among the pieces included at the fundraiser are many first edition, hand-colored prints from John James Audubon’s Royal Octavo edition of “Birds of America,” a foundational work in the field. 

Visitors to the show will enjoy light refreshments throughout the weekend, and on Friday, Nov. 11, Craig Turner will offer a special presentation on the history of bird illustration.

It’s a win-win situation for natural history enthusiasts, art lovers and the organizations who will benefit.

“When John Turner approached us about the fundraiser, we thought it was a splendid idea. The art is exquisite and classic,” said Carl Safina, founder of the Safina Center in Setauket. “Birds make the world livable. They are the most beautifully obvious living things in our world and they connect everything, everywhere. It’s truly a tragedy that most people barely notice them, nor do they understand that nearly 200 species can be seen on and around Long Island in the course of a year.”

The Safina Center inspires awareness and action in the community through art, literature and other creative outlets. Safina said that their portion of the funds raised would likely benefit their fellowship program for young, up-and-coming creators.

“Henry David Thoreau said that in wilderness is the preservation of the world, and it’s never been more important to do the work of preservation,” John Turner said. “The biggest thing we can all do is think about the planet in our everyday choices. Some people don’t realize how much of an impact they can make in what they eat, what they buy, and what they reuse.”

The “Audubon and Friends” art sale and silent auction will be held at The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket on Friday, Nov. 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with a special presentation from Craig Turner titled “A History of Bird Illustration” at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to attend. For more information, call the Bates House at 631-689-7054.

Three Village Historical Society presents Candlelight House Tour Dec. 2 & 3

By Cayla Rosenhagen

With its waterside, windy roads lined with old-growth forests and historic homes bedecked in twinkling lights, ribbons, and garland, a visit to Old Field is nothing short of stepping into a holiday Hallmark movie crossed with a Norman Rockwell illustration making it the perfect place to be featured during this year’s Three Village Historical Society Candlelight House Tour in December. Explore the village by candlelight and learn about its historic properties, all the while soaking up the enchanting beauty of the holiday season.

The fundraiser event was first held in 1979, and since then, has been centered around a different Three Village locale every year. Currently, the Tour is led by co-chairs Patty Cain and Patty Yantz. According to Yantz, the first House Tour was led by Eva Glaser and Liz Tyler to raise money for the restoration of the Setauket Neighborhood House, which at the time housed the Three Village Historical Society. 

“Today the Candlelight House Tour is the Society’s largest fundraiser and has become a greatly anticipated community event … The Three Village community, serving as our classroom, has given us the ability to teach about architecture, art, and various designs and period styles. However, more importantly, we have gained insight and learned about the people who came before us that have helped shape our shared community,” said Yantz.

This year, they chose to showcase the scenic, residential village of Old Field as it celebrates 95 years since its founding. Participants can look forward to tours of several historic properties in addition to an optional meal and reception at the stately Old Field Club. 

The featured properties consist of four residential homes, the Widewater barn on the Pius Estate, and finally, the Keeper’s Cottage at the Old Field Point Lighthouse, all professionally decorated for the holidays. The Gothic-Revival lighthouse is quite possibly the most famous landmark of Old Field and was built in 1869 atop the cliffs overlooking the Long Island Sound.

Hosted for two days, Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, the Candlelight House Tour offers guests multiple ticket options to choose from. On Friday, all tours begin at 6 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. The first ticket option, which includes only the tour, costs $75 for members of the TVHS and $90 for non-members. For participants 21 and over, Friday’s Tour and Reception package includes a buffet meal at the Old Field Club with wine, beer, entertainment, and a raffle of one-of-a-kind items. This all-inclusive ticket is $145 for members, and $175 for non-members. 

On Saturday, the tours are hosted in the morning and are preceded by an optional breakfast reception at the Club. For guests interested in only the tour, tickets are $55 for members and $70 for non-members. Their tour will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. For guests who purchase the Breakfast and Tour ticket, breakfast at the Club is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the guests get exclusive early access to the House Tour, which begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 4 p.m. This ticket costs $90 for TVHS members and $120 for non-members. 

Tickets may be purchased at the Three Village Historical Society headquarters, 93 North Country Road, Setauket or online at www.tvhs.org. Guests must be 12 years of age and over. All ticket holders can stop by the Reboli Center to pick up a complementary art print while supplies last. 

“The tour would not be possible without our gracious homeowners, generous sponsors, our dedicated volunteers, talented decorators, and of course our wonderful, supportive community,” said Yantz. “Our motivation in co-chairing this event for a decade is appreciating how the Candlelight House Tour has become such a wonderful unifying force connecting so many people together in the spirit of cooperation in our wonderful community.”

 

 

Photo from SCF

After a two-year Covid hiatus, The Smithtown Children’s Foundation Community Table grand tasting event returns to Watermill Caterers, 711 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Proceeds will aid local families in crisis.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses from every hamlet located within the Town of Smithtown. To date, we have over two dozen culinary businesses putting their best food forward at the Community Table event,” said Christine Fitzgerald, co-founder of the Smithtown Children’s Foundation.

Local donations for prizing at the SCF Community Table include a diamond ring donated by Markar Jewelers in Smithtown retailing at $3,850. Smithtown residents Vincenzo Saulle and Rich Albano contributed a wine-making session at Wine U Design (Hicksville) and an overnight stay at Smithtown’s historic Mansion at Ebo Hill, respectively and the Scotto Brothers presented an overnight stay at The Inn at Fox Hollow in Woodbury.  

The Community Table will have over 60 baskets donated by local businesses including LaVida Massage of Smithtown, Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace of Smithtown, Mannino’s Italian Kitchen and Lounge of Commack, Maia Salon Spa & Wellness, Husk and Vine Kitchen and Cocktails, Legends Bar and Grill, Up In Smoke BBQ, Maureen’s Kitchen, Touch of Class Car Wash, Villa Sorrento Restaurant, Florie’s Finales and many more.

The featured silent auction includes several travel packages:  3 to 5 day/ 2 to 4 night stays in Palm Harbor, FL; Palmetto Bluff, SC; Savannah, GA; Pebble Beach, Sonoma, and Los Cabos, CA;  Scottsdale, AZ; Boston, MA; and NYC. Also sports memorabilia will be available for bidding.

“One of our goals this year is to help every business lending a hand in making the Community Table grand tasting a success. This year a significant effort is driven by SCF to build awareness of those businesses through promotion and introducing them to Smithtown high school’s Industry Advisory Board for potential internship and hiring needs. It’s a win for the entire community!” said Nancy Vallarella, SCF board member and event coordinator. 

Tastings will be provided by Osteria Umbra, Nosh, Blue Beans Café, Maria’s Mexican & Latin Cuisine, Big Belly Que, Mema’s Little Italian Kitchen, Pace’s Steak House, The Fresh Market, The Trattoria, Legends Bar & Grill, Kick’n Chicken, Q Sushi & Hibachi, Florie’s Finales, Elegant Eating, Athenian Greek Taverna, Duck Donuts, Felene Vodka, Alpine Bakery, O Sole Mio, Mickey’s Ice Cream, The Whisk Bakery, Husk and Vine, Smiling Chef Catering and Watermill Caterers. Musicology will provide the entertainment along with In the Mood DJ Productions.

Tickets are available online until midnight Saturday,  Nov. 12, for $100 per person. After that, availability will continue online until midnight on Nov. 14 and at the door for $125 per person. Discounts are available for tables of ten. 

To order tickets, please visit https://www.smithtownchildrensfoundation.com/events.