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Comsewogue Warriors cage Rocky Point Eagles

by Bill Landon - December 16, 2022

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The Rocky Point Eagles had their hands full, facing a stout defense in a road game against Comsewogue.

In this Div. IV matchup on Thursday, Dec. 15, the Warriors broke out early, taking a 22-point lead going into the halftime break. The Eagles managed to outscore Comsewogue in the third quarter, but the Warriors slammed the door in the fourth, putting the game away, 49-29.

Leela Smith led the Eagles with 13 points, Julia Koprowski scored six and teammate McKenzie Moeller netted five.

Danielle McGuire topped the scoring chart for the Warriors with four triples and a field goal for 14 points. Hannah Ellis notched 11 and Lalynn Kirschenheuter banked 10.

The win lifts the Warriors to 3-1 in their division. They return to action on Monday, Dec. 19, with a road game against Westhampton. The Eagles travel to Port Jefferson Tuesday, Dec. 20. Game times are 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.

Suffolk County motorcycle club raises $6,000 for Ronald McDonald House

by Press Release - December 15, 2022

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Approximately 200 members of the Suffolk County “HOG” (Harley Owners Group) made the 40 mile ride from Oakdale to New Hyde Park on their 4^th Annual Holiday Motorcycle Ride to bring toys and cheer to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House on Dec. 12.

The ride delivered dozens of toys that were given out by Santa Claus and raised more than $6,000 for the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House to be located in Suffolk County to serve families there.

The event is the biggest of the year for the Suffolk County HOG group.

“These kids in the hospital are very sick and their families are under a lot of stress,” said Nicholas Nigro, Organizer of the Annual HOG ride. “They should be able to celebrate for a day. If it brings a smile to their face for one day, that’s all we want to do.”

The event started with a gathering of the riders at the Suffolk County Harley Davidson, located at 4020 Sunrise Hwy, Oakdale. Members packed the toys on a three-wheeled motorcycle “sleigh” and in a group of Jeeps and the convoy of riders departed at approximately 11 a.m.

The group traveled along Sunrise Highway and Ocean Parkway, with a scenic view of the beach, before turning north toward the Ronald McDonald House, located at 267-07 76th Ave, Queens, arriving at approximately noon.

Riders disembarked and distributed toys to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

“Events like today put smiles on the faces of the families that stay here and it’s just so special,” said Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM. “We will collect enough toys in the last 30 days of the year to last us all of next year. Every time a child comes back to their room there’s something waiting for them.”

Centereach Cougars overcome Rocky Point Eagles during non-league contest

by Bill Landon - December 15, 2022

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After dropping their season opener to Bayport, the Cougars of Centereach looked to get into the win column during a road game against Rocky Point. They did just that, winning 46-28 in the non-league contest Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The Eagles, fresh off their win over Babylon the day before, struggled against the Centereach defensive press.

The underclassmen led the way for the Cougars, with sophomore Meaghan Grieco hitting five field goals and a free throw. Freshman Hayley Torres nailed three triples and a pair of free throws. Grieco and Torres matched one another in scoring, with 11 points apiece.

Rocky Point senior Leela Smith scored seven points for the Eagles. Sarah May added five and McKenzie Moeller netted four points.

Centereach had another non-league contest before beginning league play with a road game against Smithtown East on Dec. 12.

The Eagles retook the court on Dec. 13 with a road game against Westhampton, opening their league season play.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Menorah lighting ceremonies on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - December 15, 2022

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Menorah Lighting 0260 w — Children hold up menorahs they made at the Chanukah on Main Street event Dec. 3. Photo by Seth Berman

Happy Hanukkah! Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the following events:

Commack

Multiple synagogues in the area and the Suffolk Y JCC will sponsor a community menorah lighting event at the Commack Corner Shopping Center parking lot, southeast corner of Jericho Turnpike and Commack Road, in Commack on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. There will be entertainment, live music, dreidels, chocolate gelt, latkes and giveaways. 631-462-9800

Dix Hills

The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills will hold its annual outdoor grand menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Enjoy latkes, donuts, dreidels, chocolate gelt, music and more. RSVP by calling 631-351-8672.

Farmingville

Join the Town of Brookhaven for a menorah lighting at Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment, hot latkes and donuts. 631-451-6100

Greenlawn

The Greenlawn Civic Association will host a Menorah lighting ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. www.greenlawncivic.org

Huntington

Grand Menorah Lighting by Chabad of Huntington Village will host a Grand Menorah Lighting at the Huntington Village Winter Wonderland at Main Street and Wall Street on Monday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. with juggling and fire entertainment.

Kings Park

The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce will host a menorah lighting at Veterans Plaza, 1 Church St., Kings Park on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. Enjoy holiday music selections followed by Rabbi Abe as he retells the story of the meaning of Hanukkah. Gelt and dreidels for the kids. www.kingsparkli.com

Lake Ronkonkoma

Take part in a menorah lighting at Raynor Park, 174 Ronkonkoma Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma at Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce. 631-963-2796

Port Jefferson Station

The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual menorah lighting at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. Rabbi Aaron Benson of North Shore Jewish Center will perform the blessings/prayer for the first night of Hanukkah. 631-821-1313.

St. James

The community is invited to the St. James menorah lighting ceremony at The Triangle, Route 25A and Lake Ave., St. James on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. 631-584-8510

Setauket

Village Chabad, 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a Grand Menorah Lighting and Chocolate Gelt Drop on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. with latkes, donuts, music, a fire juggling show and more. $5 per person in advance at MyVillageChabad.com/NightOne, $10 at the door. 631-585-0521

Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown will hold its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall, 99 West Main St., Smithtown on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. with music, latkes, donuts and a special gelt drop. 631-360-7512

Seiskaya’s Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ dances over to the Staller Center this weekend

by Press Release - December 14, 2022

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The Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island, returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for a five-performance run from Dec. 17 to 19. This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.

Hailed as Long Island’s most lavish “Nutcracker,” the Seiskaya Ballet production of the classic holiday ballet is truly an international collaboration beginning with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most famous score. Sets and several costumes were designed by Poland’s Margaret Piotrowska whose highly respected work in Polish television and stage productions has garnered wide praise.

Directed by founder Joseph Forbes, scenery was executed by Scenic Art Studios which has been credited with painting over 300 Broadway shows. The imaginative and unusual sculptures utilized in the Seiskaya Ballet’s production were the brainchild of creative artist Matt Targon. Choreographed by celebrated Russian-born Valia Seiskaya, this acclaimed production is imbued with bravura dancing, energy and endearing charisma.

The cast will be led by leading dancer of Orlando’s United Ballet Theatre and Butler University graduate standout, guest artist, Max Lippman (Cavalier) and Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning principal dancers Maya Butkevich, Vivian Ye and Madeleine Martufi plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Diana Atoian and Eva Pyrros.

Performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 children and seniors. To order, call 631-632-ARTS (2787) or visit www.nutcrackerballet.com.

Kids Korner: December 15 to 22, 2022

by Heidi Sutton - December 14, 2022

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coraline_1 — 'Coraline' heads to the Cinema Arts Centre on Dec. 18.

PROGRAMS

Gingerbread Houses Galore

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket hosts a its last children’s workshop of the year, Gingerbread Houses Galore on the Farm, on Dec. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Mix in some gingerbread, some candy, some yummy icing, and some creativity, and this workshop is a hit! The program will consist of several gingerbread activities that incorporate the spirit of the farm during the holidays. Each child will go home with a gingerbread house as well as many other crafts. For ages 4 to 9. $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Take a Bird to Lunch

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Take a Bird to Lunch, on Dec. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. With the cold months here, many birds have either been migrating south, or bulking up for the long winter ahead. Using natural materials, you will make bird feeders to hang in your yard to give the migrating birds, as well as the year-long residents an extra boost! $4 per child. Please call 265-1054 for reservations.

Crafternoons at the library

Stop by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Dec. 17 anytime between 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for a holiday-themed “Crafternoon”! Children ages 3 to 12 welcome (younger kids may need supervision). No registration required. Questions? Call 941-4080.

Elf Workshops

The Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Elf Workshops in December from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to make a gift for someone special in your life including Dec. 17 (create a snow globe). Each workshop is designed so that students learn the science behind their wonderful creations. For children in grades 2 to 6. $30 per child per workshop includes all supplies. To register, call 331-3277 or visit www.longislandexplorium.org.

Pinecone Pals

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a family program, Pinecone Pals on Dec. 18 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Winter is a great time to find pine cones! Come collect some at the park, explore their structure, and create fun pine cone animal crafts to take home! $4 per person. To register, visit EventBrite.com & search #NatureEdventure.

FILM

‘Coraline’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Coraline on Dec. 18 at noon. Coraline is a wondrous, thrilling, fun and suspenseful adventure. A young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life – only much better. But when this wondrously off-kilter, fantastical adventure turns dangerous and her counterfeit parents try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to save her family and get back home. The voice cast includes Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French. Rated PG. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children ages 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents the holiday musical Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our 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. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holiday season with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. from Nov. 19 to Jan. 22. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Frosty’

A perennial favorite, Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24 and daily from Dec. 26 to 31. 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! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Editorial: Putting age before youth — Caught in COVID’s crosshairs

by TBR Staff - December 14, 2022

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unforeseen challenges for nearly everyone in our nation and world.

COVID-19 has already claimed the lives of 6.65 million people around the globe, 1.09 million of which are in the U.S. Countless more have been infected, with the illness hitting hardest the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. In this time, however, perhaps no demographic sacrificed more greatly than our youth.

We made a decision: Would we let the kids — who were not nearly as vulnerable to the disease as their older counterparts — continue their lives as usual? Or would we limit their in-person activities and restrict their social gatherings to curb the spread of COVID-19? Given a choice between age and youth, we opted for age.

Many children were shut out from traditional social interactions during those critical early years of their emotional and psychological maturation. Sadly, many high school seniors lost their graduation ceremonies, proms and final sport seasons.

In the absence of interpersonal connections, our young became increasingly dependent upon their technologies. Zoom sessions quickly replaced the classroom. Video games supplanted schoolyards and after-school hangouts. Their relationships with the outer world became mediated through a digital screen.

There is still much to learn about the long-term social and psychological impact of the pandemic on our youth. How will the frequent COVID scares, forced separations, quarantines and widespread social panic affect their developing minds? This remains an open question.

As we transition into the post-COVID era, we know that our young will have difficulty adapting. Right now, they need our help more than ever.

The generation that came out of World War I is often called the “Lost Generation.” A collective malaise defined their age following the shock and violence during that incredible human conflict.

Members of the Lost Generation were often characterized by a tendency to be adrift, disengaged from public life and disconnected from any higher cause or greater purpose. Right now, our youngsters are in jeopardy of seeing a similar fate.

Like the Great War, the COVID-19 pandemic was outside the control of our children, with the lockdowns and mandates precipitating from it. Yet, as is often the case, the young bore more than their share of hardship.

We cannot allow Gen Z to become another Lost Generation. They have suffered much already, and it is time that we repay them for their collective sacrifice. To make up for that lost time, parents and teachers must try to put in that extra effort.

Read with them, keep up with their studies, and apply the necessary balance of support and pressure so that they can be stimulated and engaged in school. Keep them from falling behind.

Remember to limit their use of technology, encouraging instead more face-to-face encounters with their peers. These interactions may be uncomfortable, but they are essential for being a fully realized human being. Devices cannot substitute these vital exchanges.

As it is often said, difficult times foster character and grit. Perhaps these COVID years will make the young among us stronger and wiser. But we must not allow the COVID years to break them either.

Despite their lost years, with a little effort and love they will not become another lost generation.

Miller Place Panthers press, contain Port Jeff Royals offense

by Bill Landon - December 12, 2022

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Competing on their home court, the Port Jefferson Royals struggled to gain traction against the defensive press of Miller Place during a non-league matchup Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Panthers were up seven points going into the halftime break but stretched their lead the rest of the way to win it, 53-37.

Joe Strickland led the way for the Panthers with 12 points, Tristan Stapleton netted 11 and Nick Fusco banked 10. Tyler Cobb topped the scoring chart for the Royals with 14 points, and teammate Luke Dickhuth dropped 11.

The win inks the Panthers’ first win this early season as the loss drops the Royals to 1-2.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Town of Brookhaven to host Holiday Toy Drive

by Press Release - December 10, 2022

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316956166_449758337335343_7851495162600483124_n — Photo from TOB

Many of the popular personalities from My Country 96.1, LI News Radio 103.9, Party 105, La Fiesta 98.5 and Oldies 98.1, will be there to greet the generous “Kris Kringles” who come to donate toys. Those who stop by are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy to help bring joy to a child of a family in need as they open a gift during the holiday season.

Each year, residents donate thousands of toys, ranging from board games and dolls to toy trucks and bicycles. The INTERFACE Toy Drive is sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau and JVC Broadcasting. Through raising donations, they will provide presents for thousands of children in need, ranging in age from infant to 15 years of age. Donations can be dropped off at the following Town locations:

•Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville
•Brookhaven Highway Department, 1140 Old Town Road in Coram
•New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Road in Centereach
•Brookhaven Calabro Airport, 135 Dawn Drive in Shirley
•Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A in Mount Sinai
•Moriches Bay Recreation Center, 313 Frowein Road in Center Moriches
•Brookhaven Town Parks & Recreation, 286 Hawkins Road in Centereach
•Brookhaven Town Vehicle Control, 550 North Ocean Avenue in Patchogue

For more information or to learn about additional drop off locations, please call the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau at 631-451-8044 or visit www.brookhavenny.gov.

Photos of the Week

by Heidi Sutton - December 8, 2022

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TIME TO VOTE

From whimsical to classic, over 60 decorated trees line the walkways of the Stony Brook Village Center for the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s annual Holiday Tree Competition. Voting for the competition is now open to the public through Dec. 21. Ballots for voting can be found in all shops within the Village Center. Photos by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

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