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Yearly Archives: 2022

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Pixabay photo

By Warren Strugatch

Warren Strugatch

My late wife Cindy and I made the jazz scene at Harmony Vineyards in the mid-2010s. The venue was marvelous, the music superb. We really dug young Zach, the man-bun styled bassist who held forth from Harmony’s tiny proscenium most weekends.  

Zach — first name, Keenan — stood out as both musician and band leader. Still in his 20s, his solid time evoking the legendary Ray Brown, Zach’s star was clearly on the rise. We’d walk in from the cold and listening from outside the room we’d know, from just a few notes, that Zach was on bass. 

The Harmony series ended, alas, but we kept running into this bass-playing prodigy around the North Shore. Tom Manuel, artistic director and Jazz Loft founder, entrusted him with the Loft’s Wednesday Night jam sessions. Week after week, Zach organized walk-on musicians into tight, expectation-defying ensembles. Under his direction, the guys on stage sounded like they work together all the time. On any given Wednesday night, you’d hear some of the finest jazz on Long Island. In fact, you still can.

Back in those pre-Covid days we attended delightful concerts put on by the Three Village Chamber Players. Here again was Zach playing Bach, Handel, and Teleman alongside oboes, harpsichords, and theremins.

Soon thereafter, we attended an outdoor concert by Taylor Ackley and the Deep Roots Ensemble, playing Taylor’s unique hybrid brand of prairie swing. Once more, it was Zach on bass.

By now, the man-bun was history.

Between sets, Zach mentioned he’d enrolled at Stony Brook University’s doctoral program in music performance. He said his studies were weaning him from his long-time need for audience approval; he felt now he could more readily play from what he called his authentic self and feel the music was going over with audiences. Clearly, his performances continued to blossom. 

As for getting a doctorate, he felt that would help hone his performances in all genres, while expanding his career options.

As Graduation Day approached, Zach reflected that his enrollment was a wise choice, having raised his appreciation for the nuances of chamber music even as it’s propelled him forward as a jazzman. 

“It’s all music,” he explained in a recent conversation. “I love jazz and I love chamber music. At this point in life and musical progress, I don’t feel there is all that much difference between musical styles. It’s not like jazz is pure improvisation and classical music is entirely written out. There’s substantial structure in jazz and much room for improvisation in chamber music.

He continued, “In fact, jazz really is a kind of chamber music. Musicians listen to each other and improvise together, whether it’s a jam session or a chamber recital.”

At age 34, the Miller Place native finds himself at a musical and personal crossroads.

“I really am at a precipice,” he says. “I face so many transitions. I ask myself: What comes next? Do I move further west and compete for more gigs and opportunities in jazz? Do I get more involved in classical bass playing? Do I pursue a faculty position at a university and maybe relocate to a rural area?”

The self-questioning brings him back to a comment he’s heard at SBU more than once from Ray Anderson, the jazz trombonist, teacher, and philosopher: “Let’s play, let’s have fun and maybe, just maybe, we’ll learn something.”

Zach smiles. “That’s the essence of jazz. Right there.” 

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Photo from Town of Brookhaven

On May 27, the Town of Brookhaven hosted the 2022 Eid al-Fitr celebration with members of the Muslim community at Town Hall. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. The celebration comes after a month of abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. 

During the event, which included guest speakers, presentations, traditional music and refreshments, the Town honored college and high school students with Certificates of Congratulations for their academic excellence and community service. 

The student honorees (pictured from left) are Zayd Tirmizi; Tasnim Moawad; Ramazan Abir Rahman; Farihah Chowdhury; Rehnuma Khan; Areeba Ashraf; Moe Jeh Khan; Safiy Khan; Amr Ali and Mohammed Sharif Bin Iqbal Hussin.

Pictured with the student honorees are (back row, from left) Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez; Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg; Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Kevin LaValle; and Nayyar Imam, Leader of the Muslim Alliance of Long Island, Muslim Chaplain for the Suffolk County Police Department and one of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Chaplains.

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Living Trust. METRO photo

By Nancy Burner, Esq.

Nancy Burner, Esq.

A key tool in the estate planner’s toolbox is a living trust. The term “living trust” refers to a document created during life that establishes a legal entity which can own certain assets.  The term differentiates a living trust from a “testamentary trust,” which is created after death. A further distinction to be made is whether the trust is Revocable or Irrevocable. Regardless of the title of the trust, the terms of the document will dictate the rules of how the assets in trust are managed and what control is retained by the trust creator.

A revocable trust leaves the creator with complete control over trust assets. The creator can be named as trustee with the power to revoke, amend, and restate the trust. Further, the creator’s Social Security number is used for the trust’s estate and income tax reporting. The main purpose of creating a revocable trust is to avoid court involvement after death. 

Assets that are not in a trust, do not have a joint owner, and do not name a beneficiary, require a court process after death. For those assets, the New York State Surrogate’s Court process is called probate, if the deceased person had a will, and administration, if they died without a will. There are several reasons to avoid the court after death, varying from disinheriting family members or not knowing your family, to owning property in multiple states or having disabled beneficiaries. For these and other purposes, the creation of a trust is often recommended.  

Beyond revocable trusts, circumstances may dictate the creation of an irrevocable trust. Irrevocable trusts are those that are written in a way to limit the creator of the trust in some fashion. The exact limitations will depend on the goals of the trust.  Common reasons to create an irrevocable trust are for Medicaid planning purposes or estate tax planning.  

For estate tax planning, two such trusts are an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (“IDGT”) and a Spousal Limited Access Trust (“SLAT”). Assets owned by an IDGT are removed from the creator’s estate, placing the growth outside of their taxable estate while taxing the income to the creator.  A SLAT is an irrevocable trust created by one spouse for the benefit of the other. The SLAT can provide income and principal distributions to the spouse and other beneficiaries. While the contributing spouse makes an irrevocable gift to the trust and gives up any right to the funds, the beneficiary spouse and other beneficiaries are provided immediate access to the gifted funds. Both the IDGT and SLAT are tools for claiming the benefit of the current Federal estate tax exemption ($12.06 million in 2022) before it expires.

Most people do not realize that the death benefit of life insurance is taxable in your estate. Creating an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (“ILIT”) and transferring policy ownership to the trust removes the death benefit from the taxable estate. This also provides liquidity to pay any taxes imposed on the balance of the estate.

If the goal is to protect assets while obtaining eligibility for Medicaid benefits, it may be prudent to create a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”).  Under this type of trust, the creator should not be the trustee.  While the creator can receive income distributions, they are restricted from accessing principal of the trust.  

All trusts, whether revocable or irrevocable, can avoid court process after death so long as the document is drafted and funded properly. The type of trust and exact terms can be determined by an estate planning attorney to ensure the client’s specific circumstances and goals are considered. 

Nancy Burner, Esq. is the founder and managing partner at Burner Law Group, P.C with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, New York City and East Hampton.

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Photos from Long Island Music Hall of Fame

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMHoF) recently announced the winners of its 2022 Music Scholarships. This year, four Distinction in Music Award Scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to study music in college and pursue a career in this endeavor.

This year’s winners are Gioianna DiGiorgio and Andrew Arloro, both from Half Hollow Hills High School; Emily Wei from Great Neck North High School; and Stephanie Massimo from Syosset High School. Every year, students from Brooklyn, Nassau, Queens, Suffolk, and Brooklyn are encouraged toapply for the scholarships. This program one of several education acknowledgements that are sponsored by LIMHoF, which include the Music Educator of Note and the High School Recognition Awards.

LIMHoF is honored to celebrate each recipient’s dedication to music in addition to supporting his or her college plans. LIMHoF is able to provide these annual scholarships thanks to the support of the Long Island music community.

“The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is honored to have the opportunity to support and acknowledge accomplished high school seniors who are pursuing a future in music,” said Tom Needham, LIMHoF Education Chairman. “The talent that exists on Long Island is something we at LIMHoF want to celebrate. In addition to following their own dreams, we believe these students will encourage and inspire others.”

2022 LIHMOF Scholarship Winners:

Gioianna DiGiorgio from Dix Hills (Half Hollow Hills High School West)

When she was only a few months old, Gioianna would stroll around her home in her walker singing tunes she made up. Gioianna believes that music is a connection to nature and other people and a beautiful way to tell a story and to express yourself and your emotions.

“As soon as I was old enough to understand the concept of theater, I was enamored with the idea of being on stage, and wanted to be a part of that world,” said Gioianna in her application essay. “My life-long passion for theater inspires me to push through the challenges so that I can pursue my passion.”

Since age 7, Gioianna has performed in local community theater productions and has developed her singing talents as a soprano singer and is interested in a career in musical theater.

“I am extremely grateful to the Long Island Music Hall of Fame for this prestigious scholarship!” said Gioianna. “I am excited to receive this scholarship, as music has always been such an important part ofmy life.”

Gioianna’s career aspiration is to become a performer for the stage and screen.

“I hope to entertain audiences in a variety of venues from regional theater, national tours, cruise ships to film, TV and Broadway,” Gioianna said. “More importantly, I want to tell stories to elicit emotions and perhaps even change perspectives. While some may see performing arts as a frivolous pursuit, during the pandemic, I believe the world finally understood how important the performing arts are to our lives.”

Gioianna DiGiorgio will be attending Baldwin Wallace University, where she will major in its BFA Acting program and also minor in Music at its prestigious music conservatory.

“I am excited to learn music theory and continue to study voice at such a prestigious music school,” Gioianna said. “I am also really looking forward to learning all that I can to build a strong skillset to aid me in my professional life after college. I can’t wait to go to get started on my BFA!

Andrew Arloro from Dix Hills (Half Hollow Hills High School East)

 Andrew Arloro is a 17-year-old musician who lives on Long Island, New York. He is a recent graduate of Juilliard Pre-College and a current student atHalf Hollow Hills High School East.

He has studied the French Horn under Jen Montone, Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra; Jeff Lang, Associate Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra; and other renowned musicians from top ensembles. Likewise, he currently studies with Erik Ralske, Principal Horn of the Metropolitan Opera; and Brad Gemeinhardt, Acting Principal Horn of the Metropolitan Opera.

Last year, Andrew won the Discovery Competition for Children’s Orchestra Society. He has performed solos at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center over adozen times.

Andrew has had the honor of musically touring China, Spain, and Italy. He has been awarded the title of Principal Horn in various ensembles, including Juilliard Pre-College, All-State, SCMEA, Children’s Orchestra Society, Gemini Youth Orchestras’ Festival Winds and Symphony, and Cross Campus Wind Ensemble.

Next year, he will continue his studies with Erik Ralske at The Juilliard School, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance on the French Horn.

“I would like to thank the Long Island Music Hall of Fame for the amazing opportunity to work with them, create with them, and share with the world the Joy of Music,” Andrew said.

Tiantian “Emily” Wei from Manhasset (Great Neck North High School)

 Tiantian “Emily” Wei is a graduating Senior at Great Neck North High School. She has been playing both the piano and violin from age 5.

Starting in elementary school, Emily has won numerous awards for her music talents and has participated in a wide range of performances with various music organizations, including the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra, NYSSMA, All County and All State Symphony Orchestras and more. Emily plans to attend Mannes School of Music in the fall.

“As the German poet E.T.A. Hoffmann said: ‘Where the language stops, the music begins.’ Emily said. “Music has no boundaries. It has unlimited possibilities and tremendous potential to be created and performed to express one’s unique understanding of music and sentiments, and to be shared with other people who may relate and empathize. I think that is the soul, and one of the missions of music is that it inspires and attracts people. It is an honor to be a LIMHoF recipient, I appreciate the recognition from Long Island Music Hall of Fame.”

In 2021 she went to the Fete De L’ Alto LaSalle Summer Festival (France) and had master classes with Christophe Giovaninetti. In 2022, she performed as the Concertmaster with Great Neck North High School Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and also played a lot of violin recitals atOprea America Music Hall and Episcopal Church. She also played chamber music of Vivaldi Concerto at Salmagundi Club for two nights and has volunteered to perform in local hospitals, nursing homes and retirement homes. She has also served as a NYSSMA monitor every year when Great Neck hosted the NYSSMA Piano Festival and helped at the annual Faculty Recital.

“This experience also promoted a clearer vision of my future music career,” Emily said in her application essay. “I envision myself entering the New York Symphony Orchestra or forming my own chamber music group, performing in concert halls all over the world to show the beauty of music andexpressing my unique understanding of music. I am full of passion for music, all this experience makes me more sure of my goals to continue my music career. If I am honored to receive this scholarship, it will be the greatest recognition and encouragement to my four years of high school and my music career. I will cherish all the time spent with music and keep being passionate about music.”

Stephanie Massimo from Woodbury (Syosset High School)

Stephanie Massimo is a graduating senior at Syosset High School. She started playing the Trombone in second grade. She also plays the bass trombone and baritone horn. Throughout the years, she’s participated in ensembles in Syosset, Nassau Suffolk, All-County, All-State, All National, and various summer camps.

“I genuinely loved performing with these groups and meeting new people,” Stephanie said in her application essay. “Music has always been an important part of my life. It wasn’t until recently, though, that I decided to study music in college.”

In the fall, Stephanie plans to attend the University of Tampa (UT) as a Music major in the Trombone, pursing a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Her eventual goal to return to NY and possibly get a job with a Broadway pit orchestra. Allowing her to use everything I learn in college while enjoying the music she likes best.

“I am extremely honored to have received this scholarship from the Long Island Music Hall of Fame,” Stephanie said. “I hope to further advance my skills in both music and performance. I plan to participate in many of the bands/ensembles that UT has to offer.”

About LIMHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music in all its forms. To date, the organization has inducted more than 100 musicians and music industry executives, and also offers education programs and scholarships to Long Island students, sponsors the Long Island Sound Award, and features traveling educational exhibits, including a state-of-the-art mobile museum. Visit their website at http://www.limusichalloffame.org/.

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Lemon Chiffon Pie. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

When I think of summer desserts, the word “chiffon” immediately comes to mind and conjures up visions of airy cakes and pies light as summer frocks or curtains riffled by summer breezes. Fruit lends them their pastel colors … raspberry and strawberry pinks, lime greens, lemon yellows and blackberry lavenders, while egg whites and/or gelatin give them their voluminous substance.  

Lemon Chiffon Cake

YIELD: Makes 10 to 12 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 1/4 cups cake four

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

5 egg yolks

3/4 cup cold water

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

7 – 8 egg whites

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 F. Into a large bowl sift the cake flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in oil, egg yolks, cold water and zest. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed, until very smooth.  In a separate large bowl beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. With a rubber spatula, fold first mixture, a little at a time, into egg whites until completely blended. Do not beat or stir. Pour into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.  

Bake 50 minutes, then raise heat to 350 F and about bake another 15 minutes, until top springs back when you dent it with your finger. Remove from oven, turn pan upside down on a wire cake rack and let cool completely. Gently loosen cake from sides of pan with a spatula or knife and remove from pan; turn right side up and serve with lemon sorbet.

Lime Chiffon Pie

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

One  9” baked pie shell

1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin

1 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold water

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

4 eggs, separated

1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl combine the gelatin, half a cup of the sugar, salt, water and lime juice; add egg yolks and beat on medium speed until well blended; transfer to large saucepan and, stirring constantly, cook over low heat until gelatin dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stir in lime zest, cover and chill until mixture starts to thicken, about 30 minutes. In a large bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until foamy, add remaining half cup of sugar gradually until egg whites form stiff peaks. With a spatula, gently fold in gelatin mixture, a little at a time, until completely blended; transfer to pie shell and chill. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve with mango sorbet.

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 graham cracker pie crust

One 1/4-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin

2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled (local, if available)

3 large eggs, separated

3/4 cup sugar

Generous pinch salt

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare pie crust according to package directions. Soften gelatin in one cup cold water. In a food processor or blender puree one cup of the strawberries until smooth.  Beat egg yolks lightly, then combine with half a cup of the sugar, salt and lemon juice in top of a double boiler. Stirring frequently, cook over simmering water until mixture thickens enough to coat a metal spoon, about 5 minutes; remove from heat. Add softened gelatin to yolk mixture, stir until dissolved, stir in pureed strawberries, then set aside to cool. 

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining quarter cup of sugar, then continue beating until stiff peaks form; with a rubber spatula carefully fold into cooled berry mixture, then pour into crust and smooth with spatula. Halve the remaining cup strawberries and arrange, cut side down, in pattern over mixture. Chill until firm and serve with iced coffee or iced tea.

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'Red Flower Rain' by Hung Liu, mixed media on panel, from the collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer will be on view at the Heckscher Museum through Sept. 18. Image courtesy of The Heckscher Museum

The Heckscher Museum of Art’s latest offering features a vibrant and timely exhibition on contemporary Asian and Asian American art. Drawn from the multifaceted collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, the exhibit, titled Global Asias,  examines the cosmopolitan, exuberant, and subtly subversive works of 15 artists of Asian heritage who are adept at crossing borders — not only physical ones, but also those in media, styles, genre, and materials. The show opened June 4 and runs through Sept. 18.

Global Asias invites viewers to think about Asia not in singular but plural terms — encouraging audiences to understand Asia as a site of meaning across the globe. The artists in Global Asias were born in Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Argentina, and the United States. The exhibition provides an opportunity to move away from considering Asia as a geographical location and instead invites viewers to think broadly about how “Asia” has long served as an imaginative construct.

Featured artists include Kwang Young Chun, Hung Liu, Do Ho Suh, Jacob Hashimoto, Mariko Mori, Akio Takamor, Manabu Ikeda, Hiroki Morinoue, Barbara Takenaga, Jun Keneko, Takashi Murakami, Rirkrit Tirayanija, Dinh Q. Lê, Roger Shimomra and Patti Warashina.

The exhibition was curated by Chang Tan, Assistant Professor of Art History and Asian Studies, Penn State. 

“The artists included in this exhibition open our eyes to what it is like to cross boundaries both real and cultural,” said collector Jordan Schnitzer, whose family has a longstanding history of championing Asian art and culture. “I hope each viewer is as moved as I am by this exhibition and is challenged and inspired by the art. The power of this exhibition will influence all of us for years to come.”

“Global Asias is brimming with fascinating work by internationally renowned artists. As the only East Coast venue for the exhibition, The Heckscher Museum has a unique opportunity to share this timely art with communities across Long Island and beyond,” added curator Karli Wurzelbacher.

Organized by the Palmer Museum of Art, the 45 works in Global Asias are presented through three themes: Exuberant Forms, Moving Stories, and Asias Reinvented. The artists include New York based artists Jacob Hashimoto and Barbara Takenaga.  

Exuberant Forms features works that reshape and challenge conventional views of abstract art by exploring new materials, techniques, and metaphors. Kwang Young Chun (b. 1944) exploits the texture of handmade papers in his somber monochromes, while Jacob Hashimoto (b. 1973) mimics the effect of collage in his tour-de-force prints. Jun Kaneko (b. 1942) “flattens” traditional raku ware into explosive two-dimensionality. Hiroki Morinoue (b. 1947) and Barbara Takenaga (b. 1949) create intricate geometric patterns to evoke natural formations. 

Moving Stories brings together powerful works that reflect on the experiences of migration, both within Asia and beyond.  Dinh Q. Lê (b.1968) appropriates and masks iconic images of the Vietnam War. Hung Liu (1948-2021) finds inspiration in historical photographs, reinterpreting the genre of portraiture through the lens of displaced and voluntary immigrants. Roger Shimomura (b. 1939) borrows the visual language of Japanese woodblock prints and Pop art to render the lives of Japanese Americans incarcerated in internment camps during World War II.  Do Ho Suh (b. 1962) and Rirkrit Tiravanjia (b. 1961) map their own diasporic trajectories, literally and metaphorically.

Asias Reinvented highlights two- and three-dimensional works that transform styles and motifs of traditional Asian art to engage, probe, and critique contemporary popular culture and politics. The Pop- and manga-inflected fantasies of Takashi Murakami (b. 1962) and Mariko Mori (b. 1967) are rooted in both the artisanal heritages and the consumerist trends of Japan. Akio Takamori (1950–2017) and Patti Warashina (b. 1940) turn seemingly innocent motifs into uncanny portrayals of life, love, and death. Manabu Ikeda (b. 1973) evokes Hokusai’s famous waves to create a surreal scene of planetary apocalypse.

Following The Heckscher Museum of Art, this national touring show will travel to Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings, Montana, Oct. 13, 2022 through Jan. 15, 2023; and USC Pacific Asia Art Museum, Pasadena, California, March 10 through June 25, 2023. A catalog accompanies the exhibition and includes 73 color images, and a collector’s statement published by the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.

The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Avenue, Huntington presents Global Asias: Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art from the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation through Sept. 18.  Viewing hours are Thursday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-380-3230 or visit wwww.heckscher.org.    

RELATED PROGRAMS

Art in Bloom

June 11 and 12 from noon to 5 p.m.

The Heckscher Museum announces the third annual Art in Bloom program. Twelve floral arrangements will be featured that draw inspiration from artworks on view in Moonstruck: Lunar Art from the Collection and Global Asias: Contemporary Asian & Asian American Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. These exhibitions provide a diverse array of artworks to inspire designers from the Museum’s four garden club partners: North Country Garden Club (Oyster Bay), North Suffolk Garden Club (Stony Brook), South Side Garden Club (Bay Shore), and Three Harbors Garden Club (Cold Spring Harbor).

Woodblock Printing with BIG INK

Free Community Event

July 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BIG INK, Inc. and The Heckscher Museum team up to host two days of large-scale woodblock printing at the Museum. In addition to their oversized printing press Big Tuna, there will be fun print activities for kids and families throughout the weekend. 

Saturday participants include Paul Farinacci, Sueey Gutierrez, Eve Hammer, Joan Kim Suzuki, Janet Lust Ganes, Maureen Palmieri, Han Qin and Constance Sloggatt Wolf. Sunday participants include Leila Atkinson, Mei Fung Elizabeth Chan, Nicholas Frizalone, Michael Krasowitz, Crisoula Lazaridis, Cara Lynch, Jessica Struzinski, Amanda Vollers. The program has been organized in coordination with the exhibition Global Asias: Contemporary Asian & Asian American Art from the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation.

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The Three Village Artisan and Farmers Market kicked off the 2022 season with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo from Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich's office

In the latest hopeful sign that things are returning to normal, the community came out to celebrate the re-opening of the Three Village Artisan and Farmers Market on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket on Friday, June 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Market manager Linda Johnson from Chocology Unlimited (with scissor) was joined by Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, members of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, the Three Village Historical Society and vendors in cutting the ribbon. 

The market featured an incredible roster of farmers, chefs, craft-makers and many other interesting and enticing vendors, including live music. 

In addition to providing space for vendors, the market made room for exhibits from local community organizations such as the Four Harbors Audubon Society, Town of Brookhaven Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management and Cornell Cooperative Extension to round out the experience for visitors. 

“I encourage residents to stop down any Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Three Village Historical Society at 93 North Country Road in Setauket. The market is open until October, and you’ll definitely find something to make your day more delicious,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

For more information, call 631-901-7151 or visit www.tvmobilemarket.com.

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Flag Day. METRO photo

On June 14, National Flag Day honors Old Glory and commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.

The American flag is a symbol of the country’s history, pride and success in overcoming political oppression. Through its many incarnations and variations, the Stars and Stripes has waved over government buildings, schools and private residences. 

According to History.com, in 1775, the Second Continental Army led to the creation of the first “American” flag. However, that flag was too similar to the British Union Jack flag, George Washington requested a revision. In 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that the “flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white.” Furthermore, the “union” was represented by 13 stars of white in a blue field, “representing a new constellation.”

More than a century later, a small-town Wisconsin teacher named Bernard Cigrand came up with the idea for an annual flag day in 1885. Even though the Fourth of July, a holiday in which the flag is prominently and proudly displayed, had long been celebrated as the birthday of the United States, Cigrand wanted a holiday that would focus specifically on the flag in all its glory. June 14 was selected because it marked the anniversary of the official adoption of the first flag. Cigrand led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday, and throughout his life continued to advocate for respect of the flag.

Various other organizations liked the idea of a day to honor the flag, including the State Board of Education of New York, the Betsy Ross House and the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution. Yet, it wasn’t until May 30, 1916, that Flag Day was officially established by presidential proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson. Still, it would take another 33 years for President Truman to sign an Act of Congress designating June 14 as the official National Flag Day, which he did on August 3, 1949.

Americans can honor the flag by displaying it on Flag Day. Here’s how to display the flag properly, courtesy of Military.com:

• The flag should be free of any obstructions, such as power lines or tree limbs.

• Flags should only be displayed in public from sunrise to sunset, unless the flag can be properly illuminated during darkness. In this instance, it may be displayed at all times.

• When displayed with other flags, such as on a single staff or lanyard, the U.S. flag should be above all other flags. If flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left.

• State and local flags are traditionally flown lower than the American flag.

• During marching ceremonies or parades with other flags, the U.S. flag should be to the observer’s left.

• The flag should be displayed at every public institution and at schools during school days.

• The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

• The flag is often displayed at half-staff on days of mourning, including Memorial Day. The flag should first be hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to half-staff position, which is half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

• On a vehicle, the U.S. flag should be displayed from a staff firmly fixed to the chassis. It should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle.

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it.

• When displayed vertically and not on a staff, the union should be on the left when observed. It should be suspended so its folds fall freely as though the flag were staffed.

• Flags can be repaired. However, a flag in poor condition should be destroyed with dignity, preferably by burning. Most American Legion posts and local Boy Scouts troops will have the resources to retire flags accordingly. Many will host annual flag retirement ceremonies on Flag Day. 

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From left, Richard Risi, Sabrina Lopez and Michael John Ruggiere in a scene from the show. Photo by NanMagna/The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island

The Mikado: A Long Island Fantasy, a new approach to the classic comic opera, will appear for one night only in Commack when the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island brings its 2022 production of the beloved show to Suffolk Y-JCC on June 17.

Directed by Tony Tambasco and with the orchestra conducted by music director Stuart Watarz, this all-new Mikado recasts the most famous of the Gilbert & Sullivan operas to be set on Long Island’s Gold Coast in the 1920s, the era of Prohibition, the flappers, silent movies and The Great Gatsby.

“I have attempted to recover the spirit of Gilbert & Sullivan’s intentions with a production that holds a mirror up to the present day, while also engaging in light-hearted fairy-tale-telling,” Tambasco said. 

“Setting The Mikado on a fantasy Long Island of 100 years ago allows us to activate the `Gatsby’ mythology that is a part of the cultural heritage of Long Island in the service of telling Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic fairy tale of a community overcoming the nonsensical cruelty imposed on its people.”

The score is packed with famous songs, including the lovely ballad “The Sun, Whose Rats Are All Ablaze,” the rattling patter song “I’ve Got a Little List,” the ingenious trio “I Am So Proud” and the wistful “Titwillow.”  The story is a merry farce that’s as funny now as it was in 1885 when the show premiered, and virtually defines the idea of “fun for the whole family.”

The cast includes more than a dozen of the company’s finest singers and dancers, more than meeting the challenge of  the production. 

Richard Risi plays Nanki-Poo, the wandering minstrel who’s secretly the son of the all-powerful Mikado (Lloyd Baum).  Sabrina Lopez is Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo’s secret love, with Michael John Ruggiere as her guardian Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner.  Tamara Shyngle and Delaney R. Page play Yum-Yum’s schoolmates Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo, with Kenneth Kopolovicz as the pompous Pooh-Bah and Jordan Breslow as the wily Pish-Tush. Patricia Gallagher plays the fearsome aristocrat Katisha, who claims Nanki-Poo in marriage and won’t take “No” as an answer.

The most popular comic opera ever written, the only one of the Gilbert & Sullivan operas popular even in non-English-speaking countries and the first ever to be made into a movie, the show has been a hit on Broadway as The Hot Mikado (1939), and has even had a movie—“Topsy Turvy” (1999)—made about its creation. It remains arguably the most popular work of music theater ever.

The Mikado: A Long Island Fantasy will be presented on Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. at Suffolk Y/JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road in Commack. Admission is $30, seniors and students $25. For further information, call 516-619-7415 or visit www.gaslocoli.org.

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The list of fiber’s health benefits is growing

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

According to the most recent USDA survey data, Americans are woefully deficient in fiber, consuming between 10 and 15 grams per day. Breaking it down further into fiber subgroups, consumption levels for legumes and dark green vegetables are the lowest in comparison to suggested levels (1). This has pretty significant implications for our overall health and weight.

Still, many people worry about getting enough protein. Most of us — except perhaps professional athletes or long-distance runners — get enough protein in our diets. Protein has not prevented or helped treat diseases to the degree that studies illustrate with fiber.

So, how much fiber is enough? USDA guidelines stratify their recommendations based on gender and age. For adult women, they recommend between 22 and 28 grams per day, and for adult men, the targets are between 28 and 35 grams (1). Some argue that even these recommendations are on the low end of the scale for optimal health.

In order to increase our daily intake, several myths need to be dispelled. First, fiber does more than improve bowel movements. Also, fiber doesn’t have to be unpleasant. 

The attitude has long been that to get enough fiber, one needs to eat a cardboard box. With certain sugary cereals, you may be better off eating the box, but on the whole, this is not true. Though fiber comes in supplement form, most of your daily intake should be from diet. It is actually relatively painless to get enough fiber; you just have to become aware of which foods are fiber-rich.

All fiber is not equal

Does the type of fiber make a difference? One of the complexities is that there are a number of different classifications of fiber, from soluble to viscous to fermentable. Within each of the types, there are subtypes of fiber. Not all fiber sources are equal. Some are more effective in preventing or treating certain diseases. 

Take, for instance, one irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) study (2). It was a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials with results showing that soluble psyllium improved symptoms in patients significantly more than insoluble bran.

Reducing disease risk and mortality

Fiber has very powerful effects on our overall health. A very large prospective cohort study showed that fiber may increase longevity by decreasing mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and other infectious diseases (3). Over a nine-year period, those who ate the most fiber, in the highest quintile group, were 22 percent less likely to die than those in lowest group.

Patients who consumed the most fiber also saw a significant decrease in mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases. The authors of the study believe that it may be the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of whole grains that are responsible for the positive results.

A study published in 2019 that performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses on data from 185 prospective studies and 58 clinical trials found that higher intakes of dietary fiber and whole grains provided the greatest benefits in protecting participants from cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal and breast cancers, along with a 15-30 percent decrease in all-cause mortality for those with the highest fiber intakes, compared to those with the lowest (4).

We also see benefit with prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with fiber in a relatively large epidemiologic analysis of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (5). The specific source of fiber was important. Fruit had the most significant effect on preventing COPD, with a 28 percent reduction in risk. Cereal fiber also had a substantial effect but not as great.

Fiber also has powerful effects on breast cancer treatment. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, soluble fiber had a significant impact on breast cancer risk reduction in estrogen negative women (6). Most beneficial studies for breast cancer have shown results in estrogen receptor positive women. This is one of the few studies that has illustrated significant results in estrogen receptor negative women. 

The list of chronic diseases and disorders that fiber prevents and/or treats is continually expanding.

Where is the fiber?

Foods that are high in fiber are part of a plant-rich diet. They are whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds. Overall, beans, as a group, have the highest amount of fiber. Animal products don’t have fiber. These days, it’s easy to increase your fiber by choosing bean-based pastas. Personally, I prefer those based on lentils. Read the labels, though; you want those that are solely made from lentils without rice added.

If you have a chronic disease, the best fiber sources are most likely disease-dependent. However, if you are trying to prevent chronic diseases in general, I recommend getting fiber from a wide array of sources. Make sure to eat meals that contain substantial amounts of fiber, which has several advantages: it helps you avoid processed foods, reduces your risk of chronic disease, and increases your satiety and energy levels.

Certainly, while protein is important, each time you sit down at a meal, rather than asking how much protein is in it, you now know to ask how much fiber is in it. 

References: 

(1) USDA.gov. (2) Aliment Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2004;19(3):245-251. (3) Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(12):1061-1068. (4) Lancet. 2019 Feb 2;393(10170):434-445. (5) Amer J Epidemiology 2008;167(5):570-578. (6) Amer J Clinical Nutrition 2009;90(3):664–671. 

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com.

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