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SIGN OF SPRING: Antiques and Garden Weekend returns to Port Jefferson

by Tara Mae - April 28, 2022

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By Tara Mae

The Antiques and Garden Weekend show, a fundraiser for the Port Jefferson Historical Society, returns after a two-year COVID delay to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transformed into an organized maze of goods and greenery, all three floors of the Village Center will be utilized to host approximately 25 vendors from across Long Island as well as a café. In conjunction with the society, the Suwassett Garden Club of Belle Terre will host a bake sale and provide a verdant trellis of plants, flowers, annuals, and herbs.

Many of the vendors are annual participants who set up shop to sell their wares, including but not limited to rare books, linens, vintage handbags, prints, garden tools and “every kind of jewelry, from costume through the real McCoy,” according to event co-chair Catherine Quinlan.

New vendors are recruited by word of mouth. “Dealers recommended other dealers for the show; a lot of them helped me find vendors for this show. They want the show to maintain its quality,” Quinlan said. Buyers and sellers alike are drawn to the show’s unique setup. Situated along the water, with views that overlook the harbor, the Village Center offers a singular experience for both vendors and attendees alike. “Vendors are able to set up their stands so that the scenic views are their backdrop, which both they and the patrons enjoy. I want people to come and enjoy the lovely setting — the building on the water is so beautiful,” added Quinlan.

Quinlan and fellow co-chair Sandra Swenk, both members of the Port Jefferson Historical Society, connected 14 years ago to raise money for the upkeep of the Mather House Museum, the society’s historic property on Prospect Street.

“Year round maintenance of the Mather estate is a costly undertaking so this show as well as a fall auction are key functions that enable the Society to maintain the buildings and grounds, keep the Museum open for exhibits, and offer tours as well as a consignment shop that is open during the Museum season which begins Memorial Day weekend,” said Swenk.

The women drew inspiration from touring other antique and garden shows on Long Island and observing their practices. “We visited shows scheduled on Long Island and made contacts with vendors who presented a variety of interesting antiques and collectibles that would be appealing to visitors and buyers. We arranged with the Village to hold the show at the Village Center each April,” Swenk said.

Truly a community event, in addition to the support of the garden club and village, the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company has special rates for ferry riders traveling to the show. “Fred Hall, general manager of the ferry, hangs a banner in Bridgeport to advertise the show and offers discounts to people who are coming for the show: 2 for 1 deals for same day passengers. Mayor Margot Garant is very supportive. I like working with everyone from the village,” she said. “The event is a lot of work, but a lot of fun. It’s about the community coming together and helping us raise money.”

Tickets are $6 per person, $5 if a member of a party presents the event postcard or online ad. Children 16 years or younger, accompanied by an adult, are free of charge. For more information, or visit www.portjeff-antiques-garden.net.

Times … dates: April 28 to May 5, 2022

by Heidi Sutton - April 28, 2022

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A MUSICAL TREAT “An elegant mix of passion, ferocity and feathery delicacy” (Washington Post). The Euclid Quartet heads to All Souls Church in Stony Brook Village on Saturday and Huntington Jewish Center on Sunday.

Thursday April 28

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer Ric Statler, the free workshop seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798 for more information.

Atelier lecture

The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will host a free webinar with instructor Oksana Danziger as she introduces the community to her work and talents as a textile artist via Zoom from 7 to 9 p.m. Oksana will be joining the Atelier as an instructor this upcoming Spring III session and summer. Keep an eye out for in-studio workshops and a new textile design class! To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org. For more info, call 250-9009.

Friday April 29

Potluck Dinner Fundraiser

American Legion Post 833 James Ely Miller, 51 Juniper Ave., Smithtown invites the community to a Potluck Dinner Fundraiser from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with lasagne, penne alla vodka, spaghetti and meatballs and much more. $10 per person. Proceeds will go towards a new roof for the post. Call 724-1804 or email [email protected].

An evening of beer tasting

St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James hosts an evening of beer tasting with St. James Brewery offering of a sampling of their finest brews from 7 to 9 p.m. Donation of $20 adults, $15 seniors. To RSVP, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.

Poets in Port

The Northport Arts Coalition continues its Poets in Port series at First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St., Northport at 7:30 p.m. Featured poet will be Brian Geraghty who will read some of his work and speak to the audience about his process followed by an open reading. All ages are encouraged to attend and participate. Free tickets available through Eventbrite, For more information, email [email protected].

Symphony Orchestra concert

The Northport Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Richard Hyman, presents a spring concert at Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport at 8 p.m. The concert will feature guest artist Oda Voltersvik, who will perform the Piano Concerto in A Minor by Edvard Grieg. The program will also include Symphony No. 6 (the Pastoral), by Ludwig van Beethoven and Song of the Waters by James Cohn. Tickets are $10 per person at the door. For more information, visit www.northportsymphony.org.

Saturday April 30

Spring Seasonal Stroll

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Spring Seasonal Stroll adult program from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. On this short stroll (approx. 1.5 miles), one of a series designed to observe seasonal changes, you’ll savor nature’s spring rebirth, highlighting bird nesting. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

Antiques and Garden Weekend

The Port Jefferson Historical Society presents its 14th annual Antiques and Garden Weekend fundraiser at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson today and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop for antiques, collectibles, retro items, artwork, jewelry, vintage linens, folk art, plants and homemade baked goods. $6 admission. For more information, visit www.portjeff-antiques-garden.net.

Northport Art & Craft Fair

Time to shop for Mother’s Day! Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport will host its annual Spring Art & Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The outdoor event (indoor in case of rain) will feature over 100 vendors and admission is free. Questions? Call 846-1459.

Spring Fair & Music Festival

Join the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce for a Spring Community Fair & Music Festival at the Centereach Turf Field, Elks Club Lodge parking lot and surrounding areas along Horseblock Road in Centereach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy musical entertainment featuring SouthBound and The Band Easy Street, country line dancing, over 70 craft and business vendor tables, food trucks, beer garden, children’s activities and much more. Admission for ages 12 and over is $5. For more information, call 681-8708.

Community Art Crawl

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts and Michael Ardolino/Realty Connect USA present a free Community Art Crawl today from noon to 5 p.m. Discover the arts in your neighborhood as organizations from Stony Brook to Port Jefferson come together for this unique collaboration filled with instagrammable moments, raffles, food, giveaways, activities and much more! Participating venues include Zuccaire Gallery, Wang Center, Reboli Center, The Jazz Loft, Gallery North, and the Long Island Explorium. To register and for further details, visit www.stallercenter.com/communityartcrawl.

SachemCon

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook invites the community to an in-person SachemCon event from noon to 4 p.m. Get your cosplay on and share your love of all things anime, manga, and comics. Play TCGs, make crafts, complete trivia challenges, watch animation demonstrations, meet special guests and shop for unique art and collectibles. Call 588-5024 for further information.

Blooms & Bites Spring Food Crawl

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the 5,000 daffodil bulbs planted this past fall in the village with a “Bloom and Bites” food crawl featuring a selection of small dessert bites and beverages at 15 restaurants and shops from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants can choose to walk in any order. Each ticket holder is permitted to one tasting per location, and it is required to get their ticket stamped at each participating vendor. Rain date is May 1. Tickets are $25 per person at Eventbrite.com. Pick up your tickets at the Port Jefferson Chamber office, 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson to receive the map for this event. *Bring in your Eventbrite receipt or e-ticket receipt. For more information, call 473-1414 or visit www.portjeffchamber.com.

Arbor Day Walk

The Town of Brookhaven hosts an Arbor Day Walk at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, 200 Harbor Beach Road, Mount Sinai at 2 p.m. Come take a closer look at the trees that shape the landscape and support the ecosystem on this beautiful north shore peninsula. Bring binoculars to better see the birds and animals that live in or visit these trees. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

From Italy to America

The Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport will host a lecture titled From Italy to America from 6 to 8 p.m. Guest speaker Adele Montecalvo, will take participants on a delicious journey while exploring Italy’s culinary traditions handed down through the twentieth century and its transformation in America. Her expertise comes from sourcing wines for the Italian diplomatic mission to the United Nations in New York City. Light fare and refreshments will be served. $70 per person. To register, call 757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.

Saturdays at Six concert

Historic All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its free Saturdays at Six concert series with a performance by the Euclid String Quartet (violinist Jameson Cooper, violinist Aviva Hakanoglu, violist Luis Enrique Vargas, and cellist Chris Wild. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Please bring a can of food to donate to a local food pantry. Call 655-7798 for more information.

Sunday May 1

Antiques and Garden Weekend

See April 30 listing.

West Meadow Beach Clean Up

Anchor East hosts a beach clean up and fundraiser to support Sunshine Prevention Center at West Meadow Beach, West Meadow Beach Road, Stony Brook from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great for individuals, families, groups and organizations all working together to make a difference. Community service hours available.

Antiques & More!

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor presents its biannual event, Antiques & More, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop with local antique vendors, who will host a variety of 19th-20th century antiques and collectibles including jewelry, glassware, tools, small furniture, pottery, textiles, coins, badges, vintage advertising and more; explore museum exhibitions; take part in an 1850 Historic Village walking tour through Cold Spring Harbor at noon and a Women’s History walking tour at 2 p.m. ($12 adults/$8 children); and try hand-dipped candlemaking from 11 a.m. and noon and 1 to 2 p.m. ($5 participant). For more information, call 367-3418 or visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Craft Extravaganza

St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James hosts an afternoon showcasing the talents of 20 local crafters with demonstrations and sales including carvings, soap, jewelry, quilting, ceramics, painted glass, yarn crafts and more from noon to 4 p.m. $5 admission. For more information, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Grist Mill tours

The Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook will be open today and every Sunday through October from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about the inner workings of the mill as it crushes grain into flour and hear about its 323 year history on a guided tour will a miller during guided tours and a visit the Country Store. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. Cash only. For more information on the Stony Brook Grist Mill and for large group tours, call The Ward Melville Heritage Organization at 751-2244.

Ridotto concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Ridotto concert featuring the Euclid String Quartet at 4 p.m. Program includes the recently discovered String Quartet in A Major by Amanda Maier, Dvorak’s fabled ‘American’ Quartet Op.96 and the String Quartet by Debussy. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 members and $12 students. To order, call 385-0373 or email [email protected].

Monday May 2

This Place is ‘For the Birds!’ lecture

Four Harbors Audubon Society hosts a free presentation of This Place is ‘For the Birds!’ at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn how to become a good environmental steward by planting sustainable, eco-friendly and attractive environmentally functional landscapes. To register, call 766-3075.

Virtual Movie Trivia Night

Do you know a lot about movies? Well here’s your chance to prove it! Join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for a virtual Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Hosted by Dan French, the winning team will get up to four CAC Gift Cards (1 per team member) and bragging rights. Tickets are $10 per team, $7 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org to register. Questions? Email [email protected].

Tuesday May 3

University Orchestra concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will present a concert by the University Orchestra on the Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. Conducted by Susan Deaver, the program will include Liszt’s Totentanz, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Valerie Coleman’s “Umoja”, Jessie Montgomery’s “Starburst” with featured pianist Yi0Nung Jessie Su. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Wednesday May 4

Cruise Night Car Show

It’s back! The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show every Wednesday through Oct. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic cars in the parking lot. For more info, call 929-3500.

Jazz Loft Trio in concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by the Jazz Loft Trio from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $10 at the door at 7 p.m., $5 after 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more info, call 751-1895.

Thursday May 5

Strictly Business vendor fair

The Miller Business Center, Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce and the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition present Strictly Business, a business to business networking event, in the Middle Country Public Library parking lot, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual event helps promote and build businesses in Brookhaven and the surrounding areas. Free admission, door prizes and more! Rain date is May 12. For more information, call 585-9393.

Vanderbilt lecture

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a lecture titled Tectonic Problems: Why the Foundations of Modern Geology Remain Elusive at 7 p.m. Marine seismologist Dr. William Bythewood Hawley will introduce participants to contemporary debates in geology and the theory of plate tectonics. Tickets are $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Theater

‘Steel Magnolias’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Steel Magnolias from April 9 to May 7. Come on down to Truvy’s Louisiana beauty shop where six strong women share their hopes and dreams. Beginning on the day of debutante Shelby’s wedding, the play traces this eccentric and lovable cast of characters as they support each other through life’s many challenges. Stop by for some great laughs and unforgettable friendship. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. Toorder, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.

‘A Bronx Tale’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents A Bronx Tale from March 24 to May 8. Based on Chazz Palminteri’s classic movie, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a doo-wop score, A Bronx Tale is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘It Shoulda Been You’

Star Playhouse at Stage 74, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents It Shoulda Been You, Broadway’s wild musical farce with blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing moms, unexpected guests and plenty of crazy twists and turns, on May 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. and May 15 and May 22 at 2 p.m. It’s wedding season and you’re invited to a wedding like no other! Get ready for a good time filled with music, mayhem, comedy, and a real bunch of characters! Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.

‘Kinky Boots’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Kinky Boots from May 19 to July 3. With songs by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this dazzling, sassy and uplifting musical celebrates a joyous story, inspired by true life events, taking you from the factory floor of a men’s shoe factory to the glamorous catwalks of Milan! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Mamma Mia!’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its 2021-2022 with Mamma Mia! from May 21 to June 25. ABBA’s timeless hits tell the enchanting story! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited twenty years ago. Featuring such chart toppers as “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and “Dancing Queen,” this is a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Contains adult themes and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Film

Italian Film Series

The Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University, Room E-4340, Melville Library, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook concludes its Italian Film Series of Alice Rorwacher movies introduced and discussed by Graduate Fellow Antonio Fideleo with Omelia Contadina (2020) on May 2 at 5:30 p.m. The film is in Italian with English subtitles. For more information, call 632-7444.

‘Zero Gravity’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with a screening of “Zero Gravity” at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on May 2 at 7 p.m. The documentary follows a diverse group of middle-school students from San Jose, CA, who compete in a nationwide tournament to code satellites aboard the International Space Station. Seen through the wondrous eyes of three young students and their first-time coach, they each take an intimate and personal journey to space as their team grows from amateur coders to representing California in the ISS Finals Tournament — the culmination of a summer-long adventure that sees their incredible accomplishment performed by astronauts in orbit. Followed by a live Zoom Q&A with director Thomas Verrette. Tickets are $10 per person at the door (cash only) or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

— Compiled by Heidi Sutton

SBU celebrates Earth Day all week long

by Rita J. Egan - April 26, 2022

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The Stony Brook University community had Planet Earth on their minds all last week.

Earthstock 2022 took place on campus and virtually from April 18 to April 22. The student-focused event included lectures, panels, demonstrations, educational events and more.

The mission was to focus on the need to understand issues such as climate change and rising seas as well as the need to develop clean, renewable and energy and to comprehend how humans affect earth from damaging practices to ways to nurture the environment.

Speakers included Erica Cirino, author of “Thicker than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis” and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket).

“Earthstock is a week-long, campus-wide tradition that celebrates Earth Day and raises awareness about climate change and sustainability,” said Richard Gatteau, vice president for student affairs. “On Friday, April 22, the Stony Brook campus was full of excitement as environmental organizations and clubs, student groups, and members of the community participated in the Earthstock Festival. It was great to see students, faculty and staff together once again celebrating this annual campus tradition with an earth-friendly inspirational message.”

In addition to educational displays and exhibits, Friday’s activities included live music, rubber duck races and a Green Pledge, where students promise to make a commitment to improve and sustain the natural world and resources around me.

To end the week-long celebration, the SBU police department partnered with Student Engagement and Activities to host the sixth annual Spring Fest. The afternoon activities provided an opportunity for students and campus police to enjoy field games, snacks and music together.

SBU’s police officer Joseph Bica said it was a great day for the police department.

“It was a great day for our police department,” he said. “Our officers conversed, played games and got to know our students while everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Annual car show draws hundreds

by Rita J. Egan - April 26, 2022

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East to West Classic Cars hosted its sixth annual Cars and Guitars Classic Car Show and Fundraiser on April 24 at Miller’s Ale House in Commack.

The outdoor car show and concert featured hundreds of cars of all varieties, live music, raffle prizes and more.

The goal of the event is to raise awareness for PTSD and funds for Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit that provides comprehensive services that support the well-being of post- 9/11 veterans and active- duty, military families and caregivers and families of the fallen.

“Each year, we’re blown away with the support of the East to West Classic Cars volunteers and the entire Long Island community,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization in a statement. “Last year’s event was larger than ever coming off the heels of the pandemic, everyone was in great spirits.”

Huntington councilmembers host Earth Day event

by TBR Staff - April 25, 2022

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Huntington councilmembers Joan Cergol and Sal Ferro, shown above on the right, hosted free Earth Day festivities at Manor Farm Park April 23 along with co-sponsors the Town of Huntington, Covanta and not-for-profit Starflower Experiences.

It was the first time the event was held at the park and included hands-on activities, raffles and giveaways. Activities included a marine touch tank operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County; an exhibit of formerly wild animals hosted by Volunteers for Wildlife; water chemistry and conservation demonstrations by the Town of Huntington Maritime Department; garden planting, composting, and beekeeping demonstrations by Starflower Experiences, and face painting and arts and crafts booths

All participants received a raffle ticket with the chance to win electric-powered landscaping equipment courtesy of a $2,500 donation from Covanta, including a string trimmer/leaf blower combo kit, a compost tumbler with a cart, a lawn mower, and a pressure washer. Several event attendees also took home a birdhouse courtesy of Love of Learning Montessori School in Centerport.

The town’s Planning Department distributed bare root tree saplings, provided by the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, to everyone in attendance, and volunteers from the Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Town Garden gave away vegetable and flower seedlings.

The event also provided free paper shredding, e-waste and medical pill disposal services.

Veterans resource event heads to Hauppauge April 30

by Press Release - April 24, 2022

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Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced that the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency will host its third annual Drive-thru Resource and Stand Down Event on Saturday, April 30 in the north parking lot of the H. Lee Dennison Building located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

This year, 22 organizations and county agencies will participate, offering a variety of resources free-of-charge.

“Suffolk County is home to the largest veterans’ population in New York State and we must do all that we can to support our nations heroes,” said County Executive Bellone. “As part of the event, our local veterans will have access to critical information about services currently available to them, along with a host of supplies, including COVID-19 test kits.”

Attending veterans and their families will have an opportunity to receive clothing, fresh produce, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift cards, blankets, and much more. Information on various nonprofit veteran services, including for physical and mental health, will also be available. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register, click here.

Over the last two years, more than 200 veteran attendees have received resources from the various organizations and county agencies at the Drive-thru Resource and Stand Down Event. The County anticipates 200 to 300 veterans will attend this year.

Organizations participating in this year’s event include:

o Suffolk County Veteran’s Services Agency

o Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency

o Suffolk County Department of Labor

o Suffolk County Community College

o American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244

o Catholic Health Services

o Covanta

o Dominican Village

o Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc.

o General Needs

o Here to Help Veterans and Families

o Home Depot

o Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project

o Long Island Cares, Inc.

o New Ground

o Phoenix House LI/NY

o Project9line

o St. Joseph’s College NY

o Treehouse Group

o United Veterans Beacon House

o United Way of Long Island

o US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

For more information, call 631-853-4000.

Port Jeff Chamber hosts 27th annual Easter Parade

by Raymond Janis - April 22, 2022

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On April 17, Easter Sunday, the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted its 27th annual Easter parade.

Led by the Easter Bunny, dozens of children, parents and community members marched through the village streets. Starting from Theatre Three on Main Street, the parade route cut through East Main, and finally ended at the Port Jefferson Village Center.

The event was concluded by a massive egg hunt in Harborfront Park, where participants scaled fences and sprinted long distances in pursuit of the precious hidden eggs.

Autism Awareness Month championed by small businesses

by TBR Staff - April 21, 2022

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Bean's Bagels_Rainbow Bagel — Businesses across Suffolk County are donating proceeds from the sale of food items to raise money for Autism Awareness. Businesses include Bean Bagels in St. James with its rainbow bagels. Photo from Joe Conlon

By Chris Melllides

Spring is upon us and in times like these the importance of community is paramount. April is National Autism Awareness Month and with it Long Island’s small businesses are partnering to benefit Catholic Health and St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson in helping to brighten the lives of children and adults living with autism.

Spearheaded by Joe Conlon businesses across Suffolk County are donating proceeds from the sale of food items to raise money for Autism Awareness. Photo from Joe Conlon

An estimated 5,437,988 or 2.21% of adults and 1 in 44 children in the United States have autism and are somewhere on the spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The condition can be debilitating, though this is rare and otherwise manageable. Autism occurs in children when they are between 12-to-18 months of age and in adolescents. Despite its commonality, experts say that individuals with autism and their families can sometimes deal with stigma. It’s important to recognize this and move forward with a sense of solidarity within our local communities.

United under one cause, seven Long Island businesses are helping to combat the stigma associated with autism. The observance of Autism Awareness this month shows strength in community, with proceeds from the sale of food items going directly toward benefiting Catholic Health and St. Charles Hospital.

“The movement right now is shifting from autism awareness month to autism acceptance month,” Virtual Therapy for Kids founder Joe Conlon said. “I wanted to be part of that change, I wanted to help shift the movement to acceptance. So, I thought the best way to do it was to get the community involved — and people love these businesses.”

Conlon has been credited with spearheading the month-long fundraiser and those businesses involved are thrilled to help in making this money-raising and morale-boosting movement a reality.

Located in Northport, Robke’s Italian eatery is among the seven participating eateries.

Owner Louis Selvaggio Jr.’s sister, Mia, was approached by Conlon with the idea for the fundraising effort. She said that because she works with “a lot of local brands and businesses,” she was able to help Conlon realize his goal of spreading autism awareness and building a campaign to ultimately raise funds for the pediatric rehabilitation program at St. Charles Hospital.

“So basically, him and I had a couple of conversations, like how we can bring awareness and acceptance to this topic,” Selvaggio said. To do their part, Robke’s has created a unique rainbow mojito to sell to its patrons — 10% from each drink sold will be going toward benefiting the fundraiser.

“A lot of people think of it as autism awareness month but it’s actually autism awareness and acceptance,” she said. “Instead of the color just being blue, it’s blue and rainbow, which a lot of people aren’t aware of until Joe explained this to me.”

Selvaggio has a jewelry business that she said will also be helping the pediatric rehabilitation program.

Bean’s Bagels owner, Michael Budani, who started working in the bagel business since he was an enterprising 15-year-old shop employee, was glad to help Conlon in realizing the fundraising mission — and it all came to fruition with just one Instagram direct message.

“We’re very involved on social media with our crazy bagels and rainbow bagels,” Budani said. “I told [Conlon] I think it would be a great idea because what we’re all about is helping the kids.”

Businesses across Suffolk County are donating proceeds from the sale of food items to raise money for Autism Awareness. Businesses include Robkes in Northport with specially-made mojitos. Photo from Joe Conlon

Bean’s Bagels has only been in operation for four months in St. James, according to the owner, but has already made a significant impact in the community by supporting children’s baseball and softball games.

“When we caught wind of [the fundraiser] we thought it was awesome, it’s a great opportunity to get our name out there and, most importantly, do a good deed for people,” Budani said.

Dr. Ben Birney, a resident physician at St Charles Rehabilitation Center in Port Jefferson, said that he and Conlon were inseparable after becoming best friends in high school. Birney works in the rehabilitation unit doing clinical rotations with patients, among them children with neurological diseases.

Birney’s nephew has autism and so this fundraiser means a lot to him and his family. He acknowledges that there is indeed a stigma associated with autism and that Conlon’s idea to benefit the community and St. Charles Hospital was a good decision.

Speaking of the fundraiser, Birney said, “I think that is huge. It gives people even a couple of seconds out of their day to think about autism awareness.”

The local businesses involved in the community fundraiser, with Robke’s Northport and Bean’s Bagels, are My Olive Oil Cake, ExoticsnacksLI, ENP Nutrition, Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake Co. and Cosenza NYC.

Manor Farm Park in Huntington to host Earth Day festivities April 23

by Press Release - April 21, 2022

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Event to feature raffles, giveaways, plantings, disposal services, and more.

Councilmembers Joan Cergol and Salvatore Ferro, the Town of Huntington, Covanta, and Starflower Experiences are co-sponsoring Huntington’s Earth Day celebration for the first time at Manor Farm Park.

The free event will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 210 Manor Road, Huntington from 10 man, to 2 p.m. This year’s Earth Day will feature raffles, giveaways, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Free paper shredding, e-waste, and medical pill disposal services will be available to residents through Shreduction, the Town’s Environmental Waste Management Department, and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Operation Medicine Cabinet, respectively.

Other activities include a marine touch tank operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County; an exhibit of formerly wild animals hosted by Volunteers for Wildlife; water chemistry and conservation demonstrations by the Town of Huntington Maritime Department; garden planting, composting, and beekeeping demonstrations by Starflower Experiences; and face painting and arts and crafts booths for kids to enjoy.

All participants will receive a raffle ticket with the chance to win electric-powered landscaping equipment courtesy of a $2,500 donation from Covanta, including a string trimmer/leaf blower combo kit, a compost tumbler with a cart, a lawn mower, and a pressure washer. Also, several event attendees will take home a birdhouse courtesy of the Love of Learning Montessori School in Centerport.

The Town’s Planning Department will be distributing bare root tree saplings, provided by the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, to everyone in attendance, and volunteers from the Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Town Garden will be giving away vegetable and flower seedlings.

“We set the bar high for this year’s Earth Day celebration and I’m proud to say we delivered something really special,” said Councilwoman Joan Cergol. “I’m grateful to Covanta for their generous donation, plus Starflower Experiences and everyone involved that helped make this event so extraordinary.”

“Huntington’s Earth Day celebration proves that education and environmental responsibility can be fun,” said Councilman Salvatore Ferro. “We want everyone to have a great time at Manor Farm and to go home thinking about how we can protect and preserve Long Island’s incredible ecosystem.”

Interested parties can sign up online at www.huntingtonny.gov/earth-day, but registration is not required to attend.

Three Village career exploration fair provides new opportunities for students

by Michael Ardolino - April 21, 2022

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On March 30, 500 students and family members attended the Multi-Industry Career Exploration Fair at Ward Melville High School.

The event was organized by the Three Village Industry Advisory Board with tremendous ongoing support of Alan Baum, Three Village school district executive director for Human Resources and Secondary Curriculum, who along with 3V-IAB oversees the development and implementation of our programs.

As chair of 3V-IAB, I was thrilled to see a terrific turnout.

After the event, Ilene Littman, 3V-IAB co-chair and Ward Melville High School business teacher, and I were pleased to receive positive feedback from many who participated.

The advisory board has hosted the event for students in grades 7 through 12 for four consecutive years. After being held virtually last year, it was satisfying to see the career fair continue and take place in person, providing plenty of opportunities for students to interact with more than 80 businesses and organizations from various industries.

Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich called it a “valuable partnership” for students and community members.

“It was evident that this was a tremendous undertaking involving hours of time and effort,” she said. “However, what was most clear was the enthusiasm and passion that the two of you and your student leaders exemplified in executing the program.”

The number of students who helped organize the event this year was impressive. The committee members and I appreciate the volunteers from Student Government, DECA and the Robotics Department, as well as members of the Business, Family and Consumer Science, and Guidance departments. They played a big part in the career fair’s success.

Kevin Scanlon, assistant superintendent for educational services, said it best after the fair: “The students’ organizational abilities rivaled any Fortune 500 company.”

One of the young people involved was 3V-IAB student liaison Savanna Pineros who said she felt this year’s career fair was a success.

“Many students were able to meet with a diverse array of businesses, representing a wide variety of fields,” she said. “Students were able to ask many questions and explore several career opportunities in a unique way.”

Grace Smrek, 3V-IAB student president for 2021-22, said, “Walking around this event, I could see our community coming together to support the students in discovering potential career paths. As the student president of this board, I am honored to have been a part of the most successful career fair yet.”

Incoming 3V-IAB student president Justin Moore noted that this year’s career exploration fair “doubled any other career fair in the past, making it the largest one yet.”

Since its inception, the 3V-IAB mission is to prepare teenagers for the careers of the future. Career exploration fairs have featured businesses from fields such as technology, finance, engineering, health care, hospitality, government and more. The advisory board feels it’s essential to educate students on all the opportunities available to them to prepare for their futures.

“By bringing together a wide spectrum of industries, we showed the innovators of tomorrow all of the varied opportunities that are possible for them,” said Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn.

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich said, “I appreciate so many local professionals taking the time to help demonstrate the wide variety of options available to our students.”

One of those professionals, Vinny Menten, manager of Gabrielli Truck Sales and 3V-IAB board member, said the career exploration fair is “a huge value to students who are trying to make their way through life and gain the information necessary to make a good personal decision.”

Stan Abrahamsen, Chick-fil-A franchisee, said, “My two GMs really enjoyed all the interaction with the students as well as parents.”

I’m looking forward to the next 3V-IAB event, Money Talks, to be held May 25 during the school day. Colette Frey-Bitzas, director of financial planning for PPS Advisors, and Nicole Sarno, Webster Bank business managing director, will be heading up the presentation and interactive conversation with the students.

Frey-Bitzas describes Money Talks as the “secrets of success.” It’s not so much what you make but what you save.

“‘Save’ means so much more than what is put in the bank,” she said. “It’s understanding taxes and best places to put your money, so it works for you.”

There will be more to come next school year, and the board is looking forward to these events and planning them with the students.

Michael Ardolino is the founder/owner-broker of Realty Connect USA.

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