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.
Since we were thinking of all we are grateful for this Thanksgiving, I can now add one more item to the list. It seems that government officials have finally noticed how important newspapers and media, especially local news media, are, and they want to help us survive. In fact, attitudes on the part of media members toward government have also changed in the last couple of years, thanks strangely to the coronavirus pandemic.
The grim numbers tell the story. According to an article in this past Monday’s issue of The New York Times, there are now 200 counties in the United States without a newspaper. These are being referred to as newspaper deserts. More than 2100 have shut down since 2004. This is in part due to the rise in digital media that has broken the business model of advertising support for local newspapers, with the final blow delivered by COVID-19. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of journalists at newspapers fell to 31,000 last year from 71,000 in 2008.
At the same time, in order to stay afloat, many newspapers have accepted help from the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program with forgivable loans, assuaging fears of publishers of an inherent conflict of interest in accepting federal help. After all, newspapers are considered the watchdogs of the powerful, including government, on behalf of the people. We have been leery of any quid pro quo by accepting government help until now. But there have been no restrictions or demands put on news gatherers in this program, proving that such support can work if properly administered, and those loans have doubtlessly saved the number of shuttered newspapers from being greater.
“I don’t think we’d be having this conversation [about government support for local media] if it were not for the impact of Covid and the role that it played in accelerating challenges the [news] sector has faced,” said Damian Radcliff, a professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications in The Times.
A tax credit for local newspapers was one of the main items in the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, a bipartisan bill that appeared before Congress in 2020 and was reintroduced this year. Among its supporters was local U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY1). When it stalled, it was then put into the latest $2.2 trillion package, as a payroll tax credit, the giant bill having passed the House and now awaits its fate at the hands of the Senate.
Why should the government help newspapers?
For starters, there is early precedent in United States history. The Postal Act of 1792 gave newspapers significantly cheaper mail rates. The maxim about an informed public being the cornerstone of democracy still holds. A free press is enshrined in the First Amendment, and the way to help pay for it was, and still is, by reduced postage. To this day, newspapers that are so designated because they carry a significant percentage of news, as opposed to only advertising, move at the rate of first class mail.
As for local news that most directly affects everyday life, who but the local news outlets would routinely cover local school board, town board and civics meetings? It is in the local news where births, deaths. graduations and weddings are noted. Local student sports teams, student musicians and academic accomplishments are proudly published, as are local cultural events, exhibitions and fairs. In addition to holding local officials accountable, local newspapers define the boundaries of a community and strengthen its bonds.
Other ways that government can help news outlets include placing advertising from their various agencies. Such a program helped newspapers in New York City this past year for a total of some $10 million, at the behest of Mayor de Blasio. Although counties already advertise legal notices in newspapers, those are not usually equitably placed but rather are saved for the partisan papers by the party in control. A legislator in New Jersey suggested giving residents a $250 deduction on their taxes if they subscribed to a local news outlet.
I can tell you that were we to receive any sort of financial help from the government, it would go directly toward publishing more local news for you.
Just in time for the holidays, Theatre Three in Port Jefferson hosts its 2nd annual Toy and Gift Drive for Open Cupboard at Infant Jesus R.C. Church on Sunday, Dec. 5. Please note new drop off location! They will be collecting unwrapped toys and gifts at the old Infant Jesus Convent Building at 110 Hawkins Street, Port Jefferson from 9 a.m. to noon. Examples of needed items include puzzles, board games, dolls (baby, Barbie, Frozen), soccer balls, basketballs, arts and crafts, Legos, Paw Patrol, LOL Surprise, jewelry making kits and Beyblades. Call 631-938-6464 for further details.
(Culinary.net) Sweet treats are a favorite food, especially when they have a unique or unusual twist that makes them stand out from the crowd. When a dessert isn’t the classic chocolate or vanilla flavor, it can pique eaters’ interest. Cupcakes, macaroons and even pies have some intense flavors, however, it’s hard to top the delightful taste of these Fresh Ginger Cookies.
They are sweet and sugary with the perfect amount of ginger. Baked until golden brown, this dessert is a showstopper for family events and celebrations alike. Even the little ones will love to munch on this sweet treat with fresh, appealing flavor.
From parties to picnics, these cookies can be a hit. They are simple to make, don’t take much time to bake and are unique enough to bring along to nearly any occasion. With ground and fresh ginger, these cookies are equally as appetizing as they are satisfying and sure to turn heads in the kitchen.
Fresh Ginger Cookies
Yield: Serves 24
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup, plus 3 tablespoons, sugar, divided
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. In stand mixer, beat butter, 1 cup sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and fresh ginger; beat until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to mixer until combined. In small bowl, add remaining sugar. Using spoon, portion out dough, roll into balls then roll in sugar. Arrange balls on baking sheet at least 1 inch apart. Bake 14 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Transfer cookies to cooling rack and cool completely
Veterans featured in the film arrive on the red carpet before the screening
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Werheim with Veteran Walter Zawol
A Veteran and his family at the screening.
Veteran Anthony Romano with his family
Veterans featured in the film arrive on the red carpet before the screening
Supervisor Ed Wehrheim greets a Veteran before the screening.
Veterans featured in the film arrive on the red carpet before the screening
The Theatre was filled with family members of the 22 Veterans, as well as members of the community.
On Nov. 21 the Town of Smithtown premiered War Stories, a documentary film devoted to the local heroes who served in combat throughout the various conflicts, at the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts. The production documenting the stories of local residents who enlisted to serve in the US Armed Forces during war time; from World War II to present day, will be available via Smithtown GTV and YouTube.
“This documentary is our way of saying ‘Thank You for Your Service.’ We hope that over time, we can build on this documentary, as a catalogue of stories from the story tellers themselves,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “There’s an old saying that a soldier dies twice: once when he takes his last breath and again when he or she has been forgotten. Well this documentary is our oath to our veterans, our debt of honor, that you will never be forgotten.”
The theatre was filled with family members of the 22 veterans, as well as members of the community, who wanted to show their support and gratitude for the men and women within our community who served to protect our nation’s freedoms. Residents filled two large boxes with non-perishable items for donation, which were delivered to the United Veterans Beacon House Food Pantry.
War Stories Cast (In order of appearance)
Bernard Nagel [ aviation machinist mate ] WWII
Jim “Red” Dowling [ 2nd lieutenant, 8th Army Air Corps ] WWII
Eddy Reddy [ 2nd lieutenant, 8th Army Air Corps ] WWII
Howard Laderwager [ US Navy hospital corpsman ] WWII
Anthony Romano [ US Army PFC ] Korean War | WWII Occupation
John R Steele [ US Navy Seaman ] Korean War
Robert Creighton [ US Navy Aerographer’s mate 3rd class ] Korean War
Nick Balducci [ United States Army 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team ] [ 82nd Airborne Regimental Combat Team ] Korean War
Salvatore Scarlato [ B Company, 1st Shore Party Battalion, 1st Marine Division – private ] Korean War
William Harnaiz US Army [ Fifth Regimental Combat Team ] Korean War
Frank D’Aversa [ United States Navy Lieutenant ] Vietnam War
Jack Toomey [ United States Army | Specialist 4 ] Vietnam War
Ed Wehrheim [ US Navy Aviation Director 3 ] Vietnam War
Walter Zawol [ United States Marines Corporal ] Vietnam War
Kevin O’Hare [ United States Army 25th Infantry ] Vietnam War
Victor Noce [ US Marine Corps Private First Class ] Vietnam War
Jack Stevens [ US Navy Electronic Technician 2nd Class ] Vietnam War
Bill Ponce [ US Army Full Bird Colonel ] Kosovo, Iraq War
Grace Mehl [ Commander United States Navy ] Kosovo
Joseph Zawol [ United States Marines | Sergeant ] Iraq War | Afghanistan War
Megan Shutka [United States Navy | Lieutenant commander ] Iraq War | Afghanistan War
Eric Ryan [ United States Marines | Sergeant ] Iraq War | Afghanistan War
The Town began production of the veterans documentary, interviewing service members from World War II, through to modern day conflicts in 2019. The film was directed, edited and produced by Smithtown Public Information Officer Nicole Garguilo, and co-produced by Brian Farrell and Margo Gordon. Smithtown Public Safety Park Ranger Charles Kang was instrumental in orchestrating the interview process of Korean War Veterans.
Additionally, Kings Park resident and Gulf War Veteran Eric Burnett assisted with arranging a number of interviews for the documentary. War Stories has been dedicated in memory of two World War II Veterans; Eddy Reddy and Howard Laderwager, who starred in the documentary, but have since passed away.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Council graciously volunteered their time, space and efforts to premiere the documentary. If you would like to make a donation to help Save the Smithtown Theatre, visit www.gofundme.com/f/save-smithtown-theatre.
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.
This week’s shelter pet is Angel, a 8 to 9-year-old blue nosed pit bull female who has been at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for several years. Angel loves all people and food above all! She is a very dominant dog and cannot be in a home with other animals. Angel is smart and strong willed and needs a strong alpha as well as structure. She loves to meet new people and make them laugh. This tomboy wants a home to call her own this holiday season.
If you would like to meet Angel, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room.
The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). Call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.
The cast, from left, Lizzie Dolce, Matt Rafanelli, Justin Autz, Meaghan McInnes and Jae Hughes. Photo from Engeman Theater
By Heidi Sutton
As the weather outside becomes frightful, the Engeman Theater in Northport invites families inside for a heartwarming production of Frosty. The terrific cast, directed by Jennifer Collester with stage manager Jillian Sharpe, brings the holiday musical to life with catchy sing-alongs and plenty of audience participation.
The narrator (Lizzie Dolce) introduces us to Jenny (Meaghan McInnes), a young girl who lives in Chillsville, “a little town way up north that is always covered with a fresh blanket of snow.” The daughter of the Mayor (Matt Rafanelli), Jenny’s favorite thing to do is to play outside. With help from her father, she builds a snowman and names him Frosty. When Jenny puts a scarf around him, Frosty (Justin Autz) magically comes to life and the two become fast friends.
On the other side of town, Ebenezer Pierpot (Jae Hughes), the president of Pierpot Enterprises (a manufacturer of snow shovels, snowblowers, and ice scrapers), wants to build a bigger factory in the park but can’t do that with all the snow. During a meeting at town hall, Pierpot tricks the Mayor into signing a contract to build a machine that will melt all the snow in the town, putting Frosty’s life in jeopardy.
With Chillsville getting warmer by the minute, will Jenny come up with a plan to save Frosty or will he turn into a large puddle of water with a carrot?
I always look forward to reviewing this show because I love to see the children’s faces light up when they realize that they have been invited to become part of the production. They move to the edge of their seats with eager anticipation as they wait for the next question from the narrator or the cast and the next sing-a-long to join in.
During the performance the audience is asked what Jenny should do today (Build a snowman!), to come up with a plan to save Frosty (Move to another town!), help Jenny write a letter to her dad, and wish for snow (and it works!) They also join the narrator in the fun opening number, “Snow!” and the entire cast in a lively rendition of “Frosty the Snowman.”
With the ultimate message that love “is pretty powerful stuff,” this is the perfect show to introduce a child to live theater and is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Frosty through Jan. 2. Running time is 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Children’s theater continues with Disney’s Frozen Jr. from Jan. 29 to Feb. 27 and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure from March 26 to May 1. All seats are $20. For more information or to order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Families opened their doors to each other during Thanksgiving, eager for a long-awaited reunion and hoping to keep out COVID-19. Stock photo
Despite the desire to relax, remove masks and go on with life, the pandemic, even prior to the emergence of a new, mutation-laden variant, has become a central concern among government and health care officials.
The stock market has felt the effects of concerns over the Omicron variant, hospitals are sending off some positive tests to check for the new variant, and the federal government is restricting travel from several countries in Africa.
While health care officials anticipate the inevitable presence of confirmed cases of Omicron in the United States and New York, they had already seen an increase in confirmed cases and had increased the need for treatment.
At St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown, the hospital provided monoclonal antibody treatment for 32 people the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, according to St. Catherine Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mickel Khlat. That is up from an average of four to five a day just a few weeks earlier.
That increase comes not only from a rise in group activities indoors, but also from a reduction in the immunity conferred by vaccines that are less effective after six months.
Six weeks ago, unvaccinated patients represented 80% of those who received monoclonal antibody treatments, said Dr. Khlat. Recently, the percentage of vaccinated people who receive antibody treatment has risen to 50%.
“If you got the vaccine six or seven or eight months ago, your immunity is waning,” said Dr. Khlat.
Dr. Gregson Pigott explained that monoclonal antibody treatment could be lifesaving.
“The key is to seek treatment soon after a COVID diagnosis,” Dr. Pigott explained in an email.
The percentage of positive tests in Suffolk County has been rising at a rapid pace, mirroring the positive tests for the nation. The percentage of positive tests on a seven-day average reported on Tuesday, Nov. 29, was 5.3%. That is up from a seven-day average of 3.7% just two weeks earlier and 2.4% a month earlier, according to data from the Suffolk County Department of Health.
Dr. Susan Donelan, medical director of the Healthcare Epidemiology Department at Stony Brook Medicine, explained that this is likely a result of variable acceptance of vaccination opportunities, inconsistent or poor mask usage compliance, increased indoor activity, initiation of indoor heating and general pandemic fatigue.
At the same time, hospitals on Long Island and around the state are preparing and monitoring for the potential arrival of the Omicron variant, which the World Health Organization recently deemed a variant of concern in part because of the number of mutations to the spike protein. These mutations could alter the dynamic in the Stéphane Bancel indicated that vaccines may not be as effective against this variant.
Pigott suggested that too little is known to determine how effective the current vaccines would be against the new variant.
“We will learn more from the World Health Organization and the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] in the weeks to come,” Pigott explained in an email.
Dr. Adrian Popp, chair of Infection Control at Huntington Hospital/Northwell Health, said numerous mutations don’t necessarily mean this variant is any worse.
“It’s important to see what is the effect of these mutations,” Popp explained in an email. The answers to whether the strain is more virulent or if the vaccines are less effective are still unknown. The next few weeks could provide a clearer picture, Popp said.
Doctors urged residents to become vaccinated and, if eligible, get the booster.
“My message to the public is to still get the vaccine,” said Khlat. “I wouldn’t tell people to wait” until companies like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna develop vaccines or boosters for the latest variant. COVID is a “killer. I want everyone vaccinated as soon as possible.”
At the same time, hospitals are actively monitoring positive cases for the potential spread of the Omicron variant into the area.
Since the emergence of the new variant on Nov. 26, “Stony Brook’s labs have been hard at work in pursuit of an answer” to whether any patients have contracted the variant, Donelan explained in an email.
Stony Brook routinely sends 10 random samples of positive COVID swabs each week to the Wadsworth Virology lab for genomic sequencing. The hospital epidemiologist reviews the available electronic medical record of all positives to identify any patient who may have key characteristics, such as traveling in areas in which Omicron is more prevalent.
“Our lab is working directly with Wadsworth to facilitate rapid sequencing of any samples with high suspicion,” Donelan added.
Scientists are also trying to determine whether this variant has different symptoms and outcomes from the original virus.
The mRNA platforms from Pfizer and Moderna have the ability to pivot rapidly in the manufacturing process in response to changes in the genetic sequences of the virus.
Thanksgiving and holiday effects
With families coming together over Thanksgiving, health care professionals anticipate that the number of cases will rise.
“Thanksgiving gatherings, historically, have provided an annual springboard for cross-transmission of all sorts of respiratory viruses,” Donelan wrote. “This year shouldn’t be expected to be different.”
Pigott added that he would anticipate that the number of positive cases
would rise.
As for travel during the December holidays, Pigott advises people to practice prevention strategies that include washing their hands frequently, wearing masks in public indoor settings, keeping their distance as much as possible in public and when people don’t know the vaccination status of others.
Khlat suggested that people didn’t necessarily need to cancel any holiday travel plans because of the new variant. He urged people to “be smart” and make sure they wear masks on airplanes and remain aware of their surroundings.
“We can’t be prisoners,” he said. He also recommended that people stay home if they have symptoms like sniffles or a cough.
Khlat, who is planning to travel in January, will bring along hand sanitizer and may wear an n95 mask.
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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