Volunteers at a previous Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson line up for the Giant Puppet Parade. Photo by Heidi Sutton
Port Jefferson will host its 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival today and Dec. 5 starting at 10 a.m. The village will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps.
Featuring concerts, train display, magic shows, theater, Festival of Trees, ice skating and much more with a Grand East Main Street opening parade on Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. and a Pickwick’s Puppet closing parade on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Most attractions are free of charge, so everyone – from the very young to the young at heart – can join in the fun.
The Huntington Historical Society invites the community to an opening reception for its newest exhibit titled Holiday House Tour in Miniature: Dollhouses from 1920 to 2020 at the Huntington History & Decorative Arts Museum in the Soldiers and Sailors Building, 228 Main St., Huntington on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. Also on view is an exhibit titled Remembering a Huntington Hero: Peter H. Fleury. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 631-351-3244.
Above, a light display at the drive-thru Smith Point Light Show
By Tara Mae
Suffolk County’s festive light shows have returned to illuminate the holiday season. Whether you prefer a starlit stroll or a cozy car trip, the unique displays at the Vanderbilt Museum, Smith Point County Park, Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, and Splish Splash Water Park offer peaceful reprieves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Bright Lights
A scene from Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt Museum.
Now in its second year, Bright Lights, a magical holiday celebration, returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road in Centerport.
A collaboration with Redmax Events, the display is openform 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays to Sundays through Dec. 19, and Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 22 and 23. The event features holiday lights, wandering carolers, festive music, tasty treats, and themed light-up displays.
Santa Claus and his friends, including reindeer, snow people, gingerbread people, nutcrackers, and elves, will all be there, portrayed by costumed actors. The Posey School of Dance will perform The Nutcracker on Dec. 17, 18 and 19.
“We’re thrilled to invite everyone to kick off the holiday season and celebrate with us. The decorated Estate grounds will become a winter wonderland,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan. “As you walk through the estate at night, it’s as if you’re entering a magical children’s book.”
Admission for members of the museum is $20 per adult, $10 per child age 12 and younger, children under the age of 3 are free. For nonmembers of the museum, admission is $25 per adult, $15 per child age 12 and younger, children under the age of 3 are free. Tickets may only be purchased online. For more information, visit https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/events/bright-lights.
Smith Point Light Show
Above, a light display at the drive-thru Smith Point Light Show
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s annual holiday drive-thru display, the Smith Point Light Show, will be held daily (except Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1) through January 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. Located at Smith Point County Park Campground 1, William Floyd Parkway in Shirley, it features 1.5 miles of lights on the beachfront land that is part of Fire Island.
“It’s the 18th annual show at Smith Point. The Girl Scouts partner with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone to put it together. Many of the lights and displays were designed by girl scouts who won a special contest and then assembled by Girl Scout staff. The show benefits the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, including funding for programs, campgrounds’ maintenance, stewardship system, and community outreach,” Multimedia Designer for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Elena Rios said.
Tickets are sold online or in person. Via the website, tickets are $22 per car and $25 per car at the gate. No cash transactions will be accepted. For more information, visit www.smithpointlightshow.com or call 631-543-6622.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank first appeared in 2020, and offers a self-guided walking tour through the grounds of the interactive, educational, working farm, which is a Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Above, a holiday scene from walk-thru Winter Wonderland at the Suffolk County Farm
Visitors may enjoy the light show, farm animals, and photo opportunities as well as hay rides, hot chocolate, and alantern craft to take home. The event will take place on Dec. 4, 11, and 18, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Experiencing the farm at night is super unique and special as we [normally] close at 3 p.m. daily. The farm is magical at night,” said Director of the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center Vicki Fleming.
To attend the show, pre-registration is required. Tickets are $15 per person for people age 3 and older; children under the age of 3 have free admission. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://suffolkcountyfarm.campbrainregistration.com. The event ends at 7 p.m.; the last admitted entry is at 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-727-7850.
Located at 350 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank the farm provide hands-on, research-based learning to participants in its immersive programs, with a focus on agriculture, animal sciences, STEM history, healthy living, and life skills.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Above, a light display at the drive-thru Riverhead Holiday Light Show.
Now in its fourth year, for the first time the Riverhead Holiday Light Show will be held at Splish Splash Water Park, 2549 Splish Splash Drive in Calverton. The display runs at 5 p.m. on select dates through Dec. 30.
“We’ve got dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family! The show is entirely new this year, so returning guests and new visitors alike will be amazed. Visitors are welcomed to bundle up in their car and tune their radio to enjoy the synced light performance as they travel the more than 1 mile route through the Holiday Light Show™,” Marketing Director of Bold Media Madeline Oliveira said. Bold Media produces the event and puts on other holiday light shows throughout the country.
The Riverhead Holiday Light Show syncs to the holiday music playing on participants radios and the displays dance along to the music. And as the largest water park in New York, with over 95 acres to its name, Splish Splash offers plenty of space for a melodious, merry drive.
Tickets are available at http://holidaylightshow.com/riverheadticketcard. General admission is $23 per vehicle and allows admittance for a certain date and time slot. VIP admission is $35 per vehicle and allows admittance for anytime the show is open. For more info, call 631-210-6711.
IN PERFECT HARMONY
The Harbormen Chorus will perform a free Holiday Concert at the First Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson on Dec. 5 from 1 to 3:20 p.m. (20 minute sets with 20 minutes in between) during the 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival. Photo from Harbormen Chorus
Thursday Dec. 2
Virtual Lunch & Learn
The Huntington Historical Society continues its virtual Lunch & Learn series with a presentation by Jeff Richman titled Building the Brooklyn Bridge at noon. The historian at Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery since 2007, Richman will discuss his fifth and latest book, Building the Brooklyn Bridge, 1869-1883: An Illustrated History with Images in 3D. Presentation will last 45 minutes with time for commentary and Q&A from participants. Suggested donation of $10. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Friday Dec. 3
An evening with Mick Moloney
Celebrate St. James welcomes award-winning musician, recording artist and author Mick Moloney to the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. Jameson Friday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Moloney will present an informative talk titled Exploring Our Roots — Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley on the wonderful Irish and Jewish collaborations that contribute to the history of musical theater. Donation of $25, $20 seniors. Refreshments will be served. For reservations, call 631-984-0201.
Saturday Dec. 4
Christmas Fair & Wreath Sale
The First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn will hold a Christmas Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Christmas decor, wreathes, poinsettias and gift items – something for everyone. Call 261-2150.
Holiday Boutique
The Rocky Point PTA will hold its annual Holiday Boutique at Rocky Point Middle School, 76 Rocky Point-Yaphank Road, Rocky Point from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lots of vendors, kids shopping at Candy Cane Lane, gift wrapping station, kids craft table and story time, photo ops with Santa Claus ($10) and more. Free admission. Visit www.rockypointpta.com.
Charles Dickens Festival
Port Jefferson will host its 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival today and Dec. 5 starting at 10 a.m. The village will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps. Featuring concerts, train display, magic shows, theater, Festival of Trees, ice skating and much more with a Grand East Main Street opening parade on Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. and a Pickwick’s Puppet closing parade on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Most attractions are free of charge, so everyone – from the very young to the young at heart can join in the fun. Visit www.dickens.portjeff.com for schedule of events.
Country Parlor Holiday Show
Join Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead for a Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art & Gift Show today and Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held in the historic Naugles Barn, all items are handmade by local artisans and craftspeople including rustic Santas and tree ornaments, holiday home decor and gifts, baskets, jewelry and fine gifts including handmade pottery pieces, plus stocking stuffers for everyone on your list including local jams and preserves, hand made all-natural soaps and so much more. For more information, call 298-5292 or visit www.hallockville.org.
Smithtown Craft & Gift Fair
Smithtown East High School, 1 School St.. St. James presents its 8th annual Smithtown Craft & Gift Fair today and Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 75 vendors present predominantly hand crafted work with a few select gift items.Expect to see some exquisite jewelry, (artisanal, vintage and new), decorative wreaths, homemade candies, organic soaps, Xmas décor and much more during this indoor event. Refreshments served by the Smithtown College Scholarship Committee. Call 846-1459.
The Holiday Market
The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket and Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket and WUSB continue with The Holiday Market, a series of outdoor holiday shopping events, today, Dec. 11 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature over 40 vendors offering original paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glassware, artisan created jewelry, handmade crafts, decorations, and clothing along with music, children’s activities and food trucks. Call 751-3730 or 751-2676.
Open House at the Atelier
The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 15, St. James invites the community to an Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy live instructor demos, raffled art baskets, art books for sale, tour of studios and light refreshments. Call 250-9009.
Candlelight House Tour
The Three Village Historical Society presents its 42nd annual Candlelight House Tour, Along the Brook: The Story of Stony Brook, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour four private homes and the historic All Souls Church, Reboli Center and Stony Brook Chapel. Each location will be presented in full holiday decor with attention to architectural features and historic details. Tickets are $55 per person. To order, call 751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.
Holiday Gift & Toy Drive-Thru
The St. James Fire Department Engine Company No. 1 will hold its 2nd annual St. James Community Holiday Gift & Toy Drive-Thru at Gyrodyne/Flowerfield in St. James from noon to 4 p.m.Visitors will enter via the entrance on Route 25A.Donations of an unwrapped toy or gift card are requested. Live holiday music will be performed by John Zollo, lead singer of The Dedications, as well as performances by the Smithtown High School East Chamber Choir. Santa will make an appearance on a Fire Engine with a mailbox handy for children to drop off their letters. All donations will be distributed by the Smithtown Township Emergency Food Pantry to families and children in the community. Rain date is Dec. 5. Have a question? Email [email protected].
St. Nicholas Bazaar
Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport will host a St. Nicholas Bazaar from 1 to 5 p.m. The outdoor event will feature Christmas wreaths, homemade cookies, chili and cornbread, Christmas Carols and more. Call 261-7670.
Victorian Christmas Tea
First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn will host a Victorian Christmas Tea from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy scones, finger sandwiches and desserts for $25. Formal attire (hats and gloves) optional. Preregistration required by calling 261-2150.
Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
Join The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook from 2 to 4 p.m. as the 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band performs Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. Blues and jazz singer Allan Harris joins the band for other holiday music.Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
Ice Skating in Smithtown
Do you like to ice skate? The Smithtown Chamber of Commerce set up an ice skating rink on Main Street in the Fresh Market/LA Fitness Center from 2 to 7 p.m. with photos with Santa, food trucks and holiday carolers. Half hour skate time is $15 adults, $10 children under 12 by reservation only at www.smithtownchamber.com.
Holiday Party for Wildlife
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a Holiday Party for Wildlife and Craft Night Market from 3 to 9 p.m. The outdoor event will feature local handmade craft and artist vendors, short animal presentations, photo opportunities and story times for kids. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Rain date Dec. 5. Free but donations welcome. Call 979-6344.
Heritage Country Christmas
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown presents a Heritage Country Christmas from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy holiday caroling, tree lighting, s’mores on a stick, a winter hay ride, holiday craft, community wreath contest and photos with Santa. Rain date is Dec. 5. Tickets are $5 per person through Eventbrite. Call 265-6768 for additional information.
Art Show fundraiser
Studio 268, 268 Main St. Setauket invites the community to an openingreception for its latest art show featuring a collection of fine art by local artists (available for purchase) from 4 to 7 p.m. The show will also be on view Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Proceeds from an art raffle and a percentage from art sales will be donated to The Three Village Central School District food pantries.
Drive-Thru Santa
The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosts a Drive-Thru Santa event at the chamber car (corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway) from 6 to 8 p.m. Come visit Santa while in the comforts of your car! Great photo op from SnapShot LI. Enjoy Holiday Light displays and bring a Toy or Food to support the local drives. Don’t forget your Letter to Santa for the special North Pole Mailbox. Free admission. Call 821-1313.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Drive-Thru Live Nativity today, Dec. 5, 10 and 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. See the Christmas story come to life with costumed characters and live animals. Free. Call 689-1127.
Sunday Dec. 5
Charles Dickens Festival
See Dec. 4 listing.
Country Parlor Holiday Show
See Dec. 4 listing.
Smithtown Craft & Gift Fair
See Dec. 4 listing.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
See Dec. 4 listing.
Christmas Craft Fair
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 800 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma presents its annual Christmas Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Parish Hall with crafts, gifts, Christmas items, raffles and refreshments. Come start your Christmas shopping! Call 737-4388.
Bagels and Baseball
Cardboard Memories, 6401 Jericho Turnpike, Commack hosts Bagels and Baseball from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Talk hot stove baseball with four authors who combined have published 20 baseball books. Learn the stories behind the stories in A.J. Carter, Mark Rosenman, Erik Sherman and Brett Topel’s works, hear what they have in the pipeline and chew the fat, as well as a bagel or two, over what the Mets and Yankees have and have not been doing in this off-season. The authors will have books available for purchase and signing. Free. For more information, call 462-1919.
Snowflake Craft Fair
Christ Lutheran Church, 189 Burr Road, E. Northport will host its 41st annual Snowflake Craft Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with handmade crafts by church members, bake shop, lunch and decorated fresh wreaths. Call 499-4655.
PUPPETS ON PARADE The Legends & Spies Puppet Procession is back for the 42nd annual Holiday Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center on Dec. 5. File photo
Stony Brook Holiday Festival
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents its 42nd annual Holiday Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook from noon to 6 p.m. Vote for your favorite tree in the 42nd Annual Holiday Tree Competition, enjoy a Legends & Spies Puppet Procession and Holiday Train display at Wiggs Opticians, carolers, live music and visit from Santa before the Holiday Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. on the Village Green. Call 751-2244.
Holiday concert
The Silver Chords will give a free concert, Hope for the Holidays, at St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St. James at 2 p.m. The afternoon will feature “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” “Beethoven’s Ode To Joy”, “Beautiful City” and more with gift basket raffles. Call 379-7066.
Motown Christmas
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station presents an online concert titled Motown Christmas at 2 p.m. Enjoy renditions of holiday hits by Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 performance by Rhonda Denet. To register, visit www.cplib.org or call 928-1212, option 3.
Monday Dec. 6
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 Dec. 7
No events listed for this day.
Wednesday Dec. 8
Author Talk with Erica Cirino
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts a lecture and book signing with author Erica Cirino at 7 p.m. Cirino will discuss her new book, Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis. $10 per person. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Thursday Dec. 9
Whaling Museum lecture
The Whaling Museum. 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a virtual lecture titled Christmas on a Whaleship – Or Not! At 7 p.m. How did whalers historically celebrate Christmas at sea – if at all? Find out what an 19th century American whaler could expect while away from home in this online presentation with a variety of quotes, images, and diary entries. Free; donations of $10 appreciated. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Film
‘Leave it to the Beavers’
Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a screening of Nature’s Leave it to the Beavers at the Smithtown Library Main Branch, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown on Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Discover why this curious animal is so important to our landscapes and ecosystems. Followed by a discussion. Free. To register, call 766-3075.
Theater
‘White Christmas’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its MainStage seasonwith White Christmas from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2, 2022. Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming adaptation follows vaudeville stars and veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they head to Vermont to pursue romance with a duo of beautiful singing sisters. This family classic features beloved songs by Irving Berlin including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is The Ocean” and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. Tickets range from $75 to $80 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘A Christmas Carol’
Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for the 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol from Nov. 13 to Dec. 26. Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition and broadwayworld.com winner for Best Play. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. A complimentary sensory sensitive abridged performance will be held on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. $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.
‘Elf the Musical’
The Argyle Theater, 34 Main St., Babylon presents Elf the Musical through Jan. 2. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Tickets are priced from $40 to $79. Use Code: TIMES for $10 OFF* For more information, call 230-3500 or visit www.argyletheatre.com.
Vendors wanted
» Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its Holiday Market Fairs on Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. $75 for one market, $125 for two, $150 for three and $200 for four. To reserve a booth, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676.
Emily LaRosa greets a lacrosse player. Photo by Rita J. Egan
On the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, Three Village community members and athletes from surrounding areas came together to remember a former Ward Melville High School athlete and raise funds for his namesake scholarship.
JoJo LaRosa’s mom, second from left, is joined by friend Kathy Whelan, sister Rose Mastrantoni and friend and one of the jamboree organizers Dawn Gibbons. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The inaugural JoJo Strong Jamboree took place Nov. 27 on three of the WMHS fields with more than 230 lacrosse players from 12 teams competing, some from areas outside of the Three Village community such as Smithtown and Adelphi alumni.
The inaugural champions, the Ward Melville women’s team comprised of Team Hannah/Team Madison, beat the Adelphi women’s team, 7-6, in an incredible come from behind victory, including a last second save by Samantha Tarpey. The Adelphi men’s team beat the Ward Melville 2015/16 team.
The event was held in memory of Joseph “JoJo” LaRosa who graduated from WMHS in 2017 and was part of the state champion lacrosse team that same year. This past August, LaRosa passed away during surgery. He went in for a procedure that would have involved a full abdominal transplant due to complications caused by radiation treatment he had received during his battle with the cancer desmoplastic small round cell tumor sarcoma. The Stony Brook resident had beaten the cancer that started soon after he graduated from WMHS.
David Ratner, one of the event organizers, said while a count has not yet been finalized, thousands of dollars were raised for the Joseph “JoJo” LaRosa Memorial Scholarship Foundation at the first annual event. The goal of the jamboree and scholarship is to assist scholar-athletes for years to come, according to Ratner.
The Nov. 27 event included clinics for young athletes, Ward Melville alumni competing against teams from Adelphi University and Smithtown, an Old Skool men’s tournament and fastest shot competition. After the games on Nov. 27, an awards ceremony was held at The Bench Bar & Grill in Stony Brook.
The hope is for the lacrosse jamboree to become an annual event and next year’s is scheduled for Nov. 26, according to Ratner.
LaRosa’s mother Gina Mastrantoni described the event as “spectacular.”
“It was an amazing show of love, and it was humbling,” the mother said. “It was bittersweet. I didn’t really have much of a dry eye.”
She added her son is her hero and was a warrior.
“He had the highest level of determination, grit, perseverance,” the mother said.
Players hit the field during the JoJo Strong Jamboree. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Mastrantoni attended the event with her daughter Emily, who played on traveling lacrosse teams, husband Bruce Latham, sister Rose Mastrantoni, best friend Dawn Gibbons, who was a jamboree organizer, as well as other friends and family members.
Throughout the day, she saw friends of LaRosa’s that he made during his semester at Adelphi studying and playing lacrosse, and those he had been friends with since his early days in the Three Village school district. Mastrantoni said a group of about a dozen-and-a-half kids from the neighborhood was called the Sluggers.
Among those Sluggers was Dylan Maggio, who played lacrosse for a few years. While Maggio stopped playing in ninth grade, he said on Saturday he played with the 2017 team and even scored a goal.
Maggio described the day as well organized with everyone excited to play. He was impressed with the number of people who attended and said they made the day a rewarding experience.
“We were just surprised with how many people have come to know JoJo where they wouldn’t have before, and how many people he has inspired just by persevering through the things that he was forced to confront,” he said.
LaRosa’s father Joseph LaRosa attended with his wife Gianna and their 12-year-old son James. The younger LaRosa was excited to play with members of the 2017 WMHS team who played with his brother. During the jamboree, Emily LaRosa also played as well as some of JoJo LaRosa’s cousins.
“It was great to see everybody come out and see how many people JoJo touched through his journey and what he has been through,” Joseph LaRosa said.
The father said the organizers “put their hearts and souls into planning this jamboree.”
Dave Purdy, one of the organizers who coached JoJo LaRosa in youth lacrosse for a few years, was on hand Nov. 27 and played in the Old Skool game. He described the lacrosse community as a close-knit one. He added that while the Ward Melville alum only played at Adelphi for a semester due to cancer, the team and coaches always made him feel as if he was a part of them by having him sit on the sidelines with the team during games and fundraising so he can join them on a trip to Tampa, Florida. So, it was no surprise to organizers that former lacrosse players from Adelphi took part in the jamboree.
“It was just a great day to remember JoJo for the game that he loved so much, and see it all come together,” Purdy said.
He added, “Just seeing old friends down there, community members who used to go to travel tournaments together and maybe had not kept in as close contact, they get to see each other down there at Ward Melville High School and The Bench afterward.”
At The Bench at the end of the day, Maggio’s band SWIM played for the attendees. LaRosa’s friend sang the song “Everybody” by rapper Mac Miller. The song is a remake of Love’s “Everybody’s Gotta Live.” LaRosa told Maggio he liked the song during a trip to Vermont with friends. It was just the two of them in the car at the time.
“It just reminds me of that drive with him,” Maggio said. “It just reminds me of hanging out with him one-on-one. I really cherished those times.”
Attendees wait for the lighting of the 20-foot menorah at Village Chabad. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Rabbi Motti Grossbaum addresses attendees at the menorah lighting. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Children wait for the dropping of chocolate gelt at the Village Chabad menorah lighting. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Clovis Outdoor Service’s bucket truck was a big help in lighting the 20-foot menorah. Photo by Rita J. Egan
On Sunday, Nov. 28, members of the Village Chabad kicked off the Festival of Lights with a joyous celebration.
Rabbi Motti Grossbaum said more than 250 attendees attended the menorah lighting on the first night of Hanukkah at the Village Chabad’s center in East Setauket. In addition to lighting the first candle of the 20-foot menorah with help from landscaping company Clovis Outdoor Service’sbucket truck, there was a juggling show by Jester Jim, a chocolate gelt drop as well as latkes, doughnuts and hot chocolate being served.
Village Chabad has erected public menorahs in the Three Village community for 35 years, including at the Smith Haven Mall and on the lawn of Stony Brookside Bed & Bike Inn, as well as setting up menorahs in local supermarkets and additional public intersections in the area, according to Grossbaum.
At the event, the rabbi encouraged everyone to go home and light their own menorah.
“We should put our menorahs by the window, and if people ask you, say, ‘Yes, I am Jewish, and tonight we are celebrating Hanukkah. I would love to tell you more about it. I would love to give you a latke or a doughnut, and Hanukkah is so much fun,’” he said. “So, tonight is about our rededication. It’s about our education and our commitment to our Jewish pride tonight, for the next eight nights and throughout the year.”
Last year the Chabad was unable to hold a formal gathering due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It was incredibly encouraging and inspiring to come together safely as a community, young and old, after the challenging time we’ve all been through,” Grossbaum said after the event. “It is clear that the message of Hanukkah is alive today as it ever was … that light, goodness, kindness, unity and hope will always prevail.”
A puppet of businessman and philanthropist Ward Melville at the Stony Brook Village Holiday Festival's Legends & Spies Puppets Processional. Photo by Heidi Sutton
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s 42nd Annual Holiday Festival will return on Sunday, December 5th from noon to 6 p.m. at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook with Santa, performances, displays, activities and more. This is an entirely free event.
Photo from WMHO
The festival will feature music from WALK 97.5 throughout the day, Wiggs Optician’s Holiday Train Display, carolers, a performance from Roseland Dance Studio and a petting zoo. The Bethel AME Choir will be returning to help brighten spirits with a performance.
Children can write letters to Santa and mail them at the Stony Brook Post Office in the red “Mail for Santa” mailbox as soon as November 22. Letters can be mailed to Santa through the season.
WMHO’s Youth Corps Santa Fund fundraiser will include a scavenger hunt with the chance to win Stony Brook Village Center gift certificates, Discovery Cruise tickets and other prizes. All proceeds will be donated to Long Island Adolescent to benefit children in need over the holidays.
Photo from WMHO
While the festivities are in full swing, festival goers can participate in the Holiday Tree Festival by voting for their favorite trees as they will be decorated that day. Ballots can be found in all establishments in Stony Brook Village. Voting will take place from December 5 to December 20.
At 5:30pm, Santa will arrive on a holiday float, and with some children from the community, will light the holiday tree on the Village Green.
The sponsors of the 42nd Annual Holiday Festival and the 42nd Annual Holiday Tree Competition are Roosevelt Investments, Damianos Realty Group, GSE Dynamics, LIDL, Central Semiconductor Corp., The Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy and Armor Corporation.
For more information about the Holiday Festival, the WMHO Youth Corps Santa Fund or the WMHO, call (631) 751-2244.
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Founded in 1939, WMHO is a not-for-profit corporation that develops and fosters community enrichment through cultural and educational experiences. WMHO accomplishes this by enhancing and interpreting its historic and environmentally sensitive properties and by utilizing state-of-the-art technology. For more information, please visit www.wmho.org
The St. James Fire Department Engine Company No. 1 will hold its 2nd annual St. James Community Holiday Gift & Toy Drive-Thru on Saturday, December 4 at Gyrodyne/Flowerfield in St. James from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors will enter via the entrance on Route 25A. Donations of an unwrapped toy or gift card are requested.
This year, multiple St. James organizations are collaborating on the event. The organizations are as follows:
St. James Fire Department Engine Co. 1
Celebrate St. James
Troop 7 Boy Scouts
Smithtown High School East Leadership
Smithtown High School East Chamber Choir
Veterans Recovery Coalition
St. James Girl Scouts Troop
St. James Civic Association
Smithtown Food Pantry
Gyrodyne/Flowerfield
Live holiday music will be performed by John Zollo, lead singer of The Dedications, as well as performances by the Smithtown High School East Chamber Choir.
Santa will make an appearance on a Fire Engine with a mailbox handy for children to drop off their letters. All donations will be distributed by the Smithtown Township Emergency Food Pantry to families and children in the community.
Toy donations can also be dropped off at TD Bank, 621 Lake Avenue, St. James, during business hours. Gift cards can be mailed to: St. James Holiday Gift & Toy Drive, c/o Celebrate St. James, 459 Lake Avenue, St. James, NY 11780. In the event of bad weather, the event will be held on Sunday, December 5th.
Celebrate St. James welcomes award-winning musician, recording artist and author Mick Moloney to the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. Jameson Friday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Moloney will present an informative talk titled Exploring Our Roots — Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley on the wonderful Irish and Jewish collaborations that contribute to the history of musical theater. Donation of $25, $20 seniors. Refreshments will be served. For reservations, call 631-984-0201.
DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN?
'Frozen Jr.' is now playing at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Courtney Braun
Programs
A to Z Scavenger Hunt
The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents an A to Z Scavenger Hunt on Nov. 26 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Hunt around the hatchery and aquarium in search of a different item starting with each letter of the alphabet. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children. Call 516-692-6768.
Polar Express screening
The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host screenings of The Polar Express in the Chamber Train Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Fridays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 6 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 27, Dec. 11 and 18 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. $15 per person includes popcorn, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your tickets, visit www.pjstchamber.com.
Family Wampum Workshop
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a Family Wampum Workshop on Nov. 27 at 1 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. Did you know some of the finest Wampum beads were historically created from the shells often found along Long Island’s coasts? Discover this ancient craft and learn what it continues to mean to Indigenous Long Islanders. Create a wampum-style beaded accessory of your own to keep. Recommended for ages 7+; younger with adult help. Admission plus $10 participant. Call 367-3418.
Crafternoons
Visit the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor during the month of November and December and enjoy seasonal, self-serve crafts in their workshop. Free with admission of $6 adults, $5 kids/seniors. Call 367-3418.
Backpack Adventures
Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a nature experiment adventure on Nov. 28 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. And everything you need will be right on your back! You’ll be loaned a backpack filled with fun, interesting experiments to complete together as you explore the park. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by visiting Eventbrite.com and searching for #NatureEdventures. For more information, call 581-1072.
A Visit with Mailman Mark
Save the date! The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society presents A Visit with Mailman Mark on Dec. 5 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, Miller Place where Mailman Mark will send them to the North Pole. Enjoy refreshments, a vintage fire truck, crafts and story time. Each child will receive a letter from Santa delivered to their home. $12 per child. To register, mail a check to MPMSHS, P.O. Box 723, Miller Place, NY 11764. For more information, call 476-5742.
Theater
‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’
The holidays have arrived at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 20 to Dec. 26 with a sensory sensitive performance on Nov. 21. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As Santa’s littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Frosty’
Tis the season! The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Frosty from Nov. 21 to Jan. 2. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Frozen Jr.’
Do you want to build a snowman? The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present Frozen Jr. from Nov. 20 to Jan. 17. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Port Jefferson will host its 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival today and Dec. 5 starting at 10 a.m. The village will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps.
The Huntington Historical Society invites the community to an opening reception for its newest exhibit titled Holiday House Tour in Miniature: Dollhouses from 1920 to 2020 at the Huntington History & Decorative Arts Museum in the Soldiers and Sailors Building, 228 Main St., Huntington on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. Also on view is an exhibit titled Remembering a Huntington Hero: Peter H. Fleury. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 631-351-3244.
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