A Kings Park pole vaulter competes in the Port Jeff Steeple fest track meet on Saturday, April 9. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson pole vaulter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson pole vaulter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson triple jumper. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson triple jumper. Photo by Bill Landon
A Smithtown East distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Smithtown East distance runner competes in the Port Jeff 2000-meter Steeple chase event. Photo by Bill Landon
A Shoreham-Wading River distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Comsewogue distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Smithtown East distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Comsewogue distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River’s Anna Minetti takes first place in the frosh 2000-meter steeple-chase event. Photo by Bill Landon
A Smithtown East distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Smithtown East distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A sprinter competes in the 100-meter dash event. Photo by Bill Landon
The Port Jeff Steeple fest track meet. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jeff sprinter competes in the 100-meter dash. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson high jumper. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson high jumper. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson high jumper. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson high jumper. Photo by Bill Landon
Photo by Bill Landon
A Mt. Sinai distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Shoreham-Wading River distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter competes. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Smithtown East distance runner. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter. Photo by Bill Landon
A Port Jefferson shot-puter. Photo by Bill Landon
Distance runners compete in the Port Jeff 2000-meter Steeple chase event. Photo by Bill Landon
The Port Jeff Steeplefest event Saturday April 9. Bill Landon photo
By Bill Landon
The Port Jefferson Steeplefest invitational took place on Saturday, April 9, at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, attracting schools from all over Suffolk County.
Mt. Sinai senior Kate Del Gandio won the girls 100-meter hurdle event with a time of 14.68. Senior Hugo Onghai placed first for Port Jeff in the boys 100-meter hurdles, clocking in at 16.36. In the 2000-meter steeplechase Frosh finals, Shoreham-Wading River’s Anna Minetti finished first with a time of 8:20.82. In the Frosh boys Steeplechase, Patrick Shea of Shoreham-Wading River clocked in at 7:07.36. Del Gandio also placed first in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.56. Mt. Sinai senior Kyra Franks took the top spot in the 200-meter dash event, besting the field with a 26.09. Port Jeff senior Annie Maier took top honors in the long jump event by traveling 15-11.50. Mt. Sinai’s Kelly Hughes and Casey Campo placed second and third respectively. Julia Sue-Kim-Ling of Smithtown East proved she was the class of the field in the triple jump when she leapt 34-5.25. Kings Park senior Emily Stritzl also placed first in the pole-vault event, clearing 8-0.
Wasn’t it fun coloring Easter eggs? And aren’t they pretty? But then what do you do when you’re stuck with all those eggs? Egg salad, of course! Try a curried egg salad on croissants or an egg salad tartine with fresh herbs, and if you still have left over Easter eggs, think about a nice big salad Nicoise or an iceberg wedge with gribiche. They all will take those hard-boiled eggs to new places on your palate.
Curried Egg Salad on Croissants
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
Salt and white pepper to taste
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
1/4 cup finely minced celery
1/2 roasted red pepper, finely minced
Dash cayenne pepper
4 croissants, halved
DIRECTIONS: In a medium bowl combine the eggs, curry powder, salt and pepper, mayonnaise, chives; celery, red pepper and cayenne. Spread on 4 croissant bottoms, then top with croissant tops; cut each croissant in two. Serve with mango chutney.
Egg Salad Tartines with Fresh Herb Topping
YIELD: Makes 6 tartines
INGREDIENTS:
8 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
teaspoon prepared Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 slices 12-grain bread, toasted
2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/4 cup torn basil leaves
1/4 cup snipped chives
1/4 cup chopped chervil
1/4 cup chopped dill
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon orange juice
DIRECTIONS: In a medium bowl combine the eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread mixture on toasted bread. In a small bowl gently toss together the scallions, basil, chives, chervil, dill, olive oil, orange juice, and salt and pepper; then sprinkle over egg salad. Serve warm or at room temperature with bread and butter pickles and crudités.
Salade Nicoise
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced shallot
1 1/2 tablespoons prepared Dijon mustard
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 head Boston lettuce, washed drained and leaves separated
1 pound creamer potatoes, scrubbed, boiled and halved
1/2 pound haricots verts, trimmed and steamed till al dente
8 radishes, thinly sliced 8 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
10 ounces Italian olive oil -packed ventresca tuna
1/2 cup Kalamata or Nicoise olives
DIRECTIONS: In a medium bowl whisk together the vinegar, shallot, mustard, oil and salt and pepper. Line a large salad bowl with the lettuce, then the potatoes and drizzle 1/3 of the oil and vinegar mixture over it; add the haricots verts and radishes and drizzle another 1/3 of the mixture over them, and finally arrange the tomatoes, eggs, tuna and olives on top and drizzle the remaining 1/3 of the mixture over them. Serve at room temperature with crusty bread and unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil and a chilled dry white wine.
Iceberg Wedge with Gribiche
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
4 wedges iceberg lettuce, washed and drained
2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
6 cornichons, chopped
1/4 cup chopped chives
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon prepared Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
DIRECTIONS: Arrange lettuce wedges on plates or a platter. Place eggs, cornichons, chives, garlic, capers, mustard, lemon juice, oil and salt and pepper in jar of electric blender; puree until smooth, then pour evenly over wedges and sprinkle with parsley. Serve at room temperature with ham and scalloped potatoes.
Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth, Huntington American Legion Post #360 and the Halesite Fire Department will hold back-to-back blood drives with New York Blood Center on Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22 in response to the emergency blood shortage.
“Our hospitals need the public’s help with the emergency blood shortage we are facing,” said Supervisor Ed Smyth. “One blood donation can save up to three lives — please donate share this life-saving gift.”
“Donating the American Legion to host a blood drive is just one element of our national mission statement, we are happy to do what we can for our community,” said Glenn Rodriguez of the Huntington American Legion Post #360.
“Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for blood donations is at an all-time high,” said Halesite Fire Department Chief Dom Spada. “The Halesite Fire Department will be holding an additional blood drive on Friday, April 22nd — please register online and donate the gift of life.”
Appointments are preferred however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits. Please remember to eat, drink and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo. Masks are required for all donors regardless of vaccination status. For full list of COVID-19 safety protocols, please visit nybc.org/coronavirus.
Thursday, April 21
Supervisor Ed Smyth, the Town of Huntington and Huntington American Legion Post #360 will host a blood drive at the American Legion, 1 Mill Dam Road, Halesite on Thursday, April 21 3:30 to 8 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact: Ryen Hendricks at [email protected] or register online at: https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/292863
Friday, April 22
Halesite Fire Department will host a blood drive at the Halesite Fire House in the large meeting room upstairs at 1 N. New York Avenue, Halesite on Friday, April 22 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. All donors are asked to park in the municipal parking lot behind the fire department building, not in the area immediately around the building, as those spots are needed for fire department members, and enter through the back door of the building. To make an appointment, please register online at: https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/299416
EASTER BUNNY SIGHTING
Come meet the Easter Bunny at the Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River on April 16. Photo courtesy of East Wind
Thursday April 14
Vanderbilt lecture
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will welcome Heather J. Lynch for the inaugural lecture in museum’s “Ecology and Climate Change Lecture Series” titled Mapping Penguins, with Satellites, Drones, and Other Technologies at 7 p.m. Professor Lynch will share insights from her innovative research into the population dynamics of penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula due to climate change, tourism, and fishing. Tickets are $6 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Friday April 15
Sunset Yoga Flow
Start your weekend with the first Sunset Yoga Flow of the season at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport on the Great Lawn overlooking Northport Harbor at 6:30 p.m., courtesy of Pop Up Prana Yoga. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. Mats will be provided upon request. Tickets are $30 adults, $15 children. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Part Jefferson continues its Wintertide concert series with a concert by singer-songwriter Cassandra House from 7:30 to 9 p.m. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 802-2160.
Saturday April 16
Grist Mill tours
The Stony Brook Grist Mill, Harbor Road, Stony Brook reopens for the season today from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about the inner workings of the mill as it crushes grain into flour and hear about its 323 year history on a guided tour will a miller during guided tours and a visit the Country Store. Tours continue on April 23 and 24 and then every Sunday after through October. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. Cash only. For more information on the Stony Brook Grist Mill and for programs and large group tours, call The Ward Melville Heritage Organization at 751-2244.
Wildlife Diversity program
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will present a Wildlife Diversity program at 9 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. Join Biologist Ranger Eric Powers as he introduces you to his Animal Ambassadors! Discover where in the world they come from, their special adaptations and more. You could meet exotic animals such as bugs, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals! You never know what animal is coming out next. Tickets are $15 per person. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Caleb Smith Hike
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents an adult program titled What’s Doing the Blooming? Spring Edition from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Join a nature educator to explore the grounds of the park in search of early blooming wildflowers. See if you can identify these spring treasures with the help of a field guide. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 265-1054.
Easter Celebration at the Shoppes
The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River hosts an Easter Celebration today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride the Easter Bunny on the Carousel, enjoy a bounce house, face painting, craft vendors, shopping and a free photo with the Easter Bunny. Call 929-3500 x 708.
Sunday April 17
Port Jeff Winter Farmers Market
The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson through April 25. This year’s vendors include Brownies N’ Stuff, Joann’s Desserts, Farm Fresh Potions, Mello Munch Awesome Granola, O Honey Bee Farm, Sweet Melissa Dip, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.
Caumsett Hike
Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a 6-mile, hilly, moderately paced walk in the eastern section from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to observe the parks beauty. For reasons of safety no children under 18 years of age are permitted to attend. Bring drinking water. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.
Port Jefferson Easter Parade
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual old-fashioned “Easter Bonnet” Walking Parade along Main Street in Port Jefferson wat noon. Kick off is in front of Theatre Three and will end at the Port Jefferson Village Center at Harborfront Park for an Easter Egg Hunt for ages 2 to 8 at 12:15 p.m. . All walkers welcome — Wear your Easter best. No rain date. For more information, call 473-1414.
Monday April 18
TVHS lecture
The Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series via Zoom with A New York Experience — A Constant Affair at 7 p.m. New York is the place where all the aspirations of the western world converge. This PowerPoint presentation, in concert with an illuminating lecture, offers a visual survey of America’s greatest city between 1800 and 1950. You will enjoy the artists who devoted their talents to depicting the streets, parks, bridges, skyscrapers, as well as the daily escapades of the people. Presented by art historian Louise Cella Caruso and moderated by TVHS Director Mari Irizarry. $5 suggested donation, free for members. To register, visit www.tvhs.org.
Tuesday April 19
No events listed for this day. Wednesday 20 Jazz Loft Trio in concert The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents The Jazz Loft Trio in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 from 7 to 8 p.m., $5 after 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.
Thursday April 21
Stony Brook Walking Tour
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for a Secrets of Stony Brook Village walking tour at 11:50 a.m. and again at 3:50 p.m. Hear some newly uncovered stories while strolling through the historic village. $10 per person. Reservations required by call 751-2244.
Vanderbilt lecture
Rescheduled from April 7 — Best-selling author and historian Betsy Prioleau will speak about her latest book, Diamonds and Deadlines: A Tale of Greed, Deceit, and a Female Tycoon in the Gilded Age, the first major biography of the glamorous and scandalous Miriam Leslie – a titan of publishing and an unsung hero of women’s suffrage, at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport at 6 p.m. The event will be followed by a book signing. Tickets are $20, members free. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Carol Wincenc in concert
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will welcome Carol Wincenc in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Hailed “Queen of the Flute” at the outset of her 50-year career, flutist Carol Wincenc delights audiences with her signature charismatic, high virtuosity and deeply heartfelt musicality and has performed with Jessye Norman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma. Tickets range from $44 to 48. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
An evening of jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes the Big Little Bad Band in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring vocalist Madeline Kole and original compositions and arrangements by bandleader and pianist Rich Iacona. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under age 5 free. Visit www.thejazzloft.org to order.
Theater
‘Steel Magnolias’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Steel Magnolias from April 9 to May 7. Come on down to Truvy’s Louisiana beauty shop where six strong women share their hopes and dreams. Beginning on the day of debutante Shelby’s wedding, the play traces this eccentric and lovable cast of characters as they support each other through life’s many challenges. Stop by for some great laughs and unforgettable friendship. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.
‘A Bronx Tale’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents A Bronx Tale from March 24 to May 8. Based on Chazz Palminteri’s classic movie, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a doo-wop score, A Bronx Tale is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents Henry V by Shakespeare at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building on April 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and April 24 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $14, students 16 years of age or younger $9.75, veterans and Suffolk students with current ID receive one free ticket. To order, call 451-4163.
‘Kinky Boots’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Kinky Boots from May 19 to July 3. With songs by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this dazzling, sassy and uplifting musical celebrates a joyous story, inspired by true life events, taking you from the factory floor of a men’s shoe factory to the glamorous catwalks of Milan! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Mamma Mia!’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its 2021-2022 with Mamma Mia! from May 21 to June 25. ABBA’s timeless hits tell the enchanting story! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited twenty years ago. Featuring such chart toppers as “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and “Dancing Queen,” this is a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Contains adult themes and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.
Film
TAKE ON ME Relive the 1980’s with a movie about the boy band a-ha at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson on April 18 at 7 p.m., part of the award-winning Port Jefferson Documentary Series spring line-up. Photo from PJDS
‘A-HA: THE MOVIE’
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its Spring season with a screening of ‘A-HA: THE MOVIE’ at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson on April 18 at 7 p.m. The music of Queen and the Velvet Underground instilled a sense of destiny in three teenagers living in a small town in 1970s Norway. That dream led to A-ha: the synth-pop trio featuring keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, vocalist Morten Harket, and guitarist Pål Waktaar-Savoy who burst onto the international scene with 1985’s “Take on Me,” buoyed by an iconic sketch-animation video by Irish-British director Steve Barron. Featuring new interviews with the band and previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage. Preceded by a special concert with singer-songwriter Bryan Gallo at 6 p.m. and followed by a Q&A via Zoom with Director Thomas Robsahm. Tickets are $10 at the door or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
Italian Film Series
The Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University, Room E-4340, Melville Library, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a series of film screenings of Alice Rorwacher movies introduced and discussed by Graduate Fellow Antonio Fideleo including Le Meraviglie (2014) on April 18, Lazzaro Felice (2018) on April 25 and Omelia Contadina (2020) on May 2. Films are in Italian with English subtitles. All screenings begin at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 632-7444.
Vendors Wanted
◆ Calling all makers, artisans and crafters! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket welcomes vendors for its annual Easter Egg Hunts on April 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $50 per day or $80 both days for a 10’ by 10’ spot. Call 631-689-8172 or email [email protected] for further info.
◆ Huntington Historical Society will hold its annual “Antiques in April” sale on the grounds of the Daniel Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington on April 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $100 registration fee for vendors. Visit www.huntingthistoricalsociety.org for an application or call 631-427-7045, ext. 401.
◆ The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor seeks antique vendors for its outdoor Spring Antique Sale on May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For an application, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. For more information, call 631-367-3418.
◆ Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach seeks vendors for its Spring Craft Fair on May 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date May 22). $50 for a 10X10 spot. Food trucks also wanted. For more information, email Alex at [email protected].
◆ Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown seeks vendors for its Spring Farm Festival on May 15 from noon to 4 p.m. Call 631-265-6768 for more information.
◆ Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn is looking for craft vendors for its annual outdoor Friends of the Library Craft & Flea Market on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. The non-refundable fee for a 10X10 space is $35. To apply, visit www.harborfieldslibrary.org/friends.
◆ East End Arts, 133 E. Main St., Riverhead will host the 26th annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival in Downtown Riverhead on May 29 from noon to 5 p.m. Craft/artisan vendors and food/beverage vendors may visit www.eastendarts.org for an application or call 631-727-0900.
◆ The Yaphank Historical Society seeks vendors for its annual Spring Yard Sale on the grounds of the Hawkins House, 4 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is May 22. Vendor fee is $10 per spot. Call 631-924-4803 or visit www.yaphankhistorical.org.
◆ Commack United Methodist Church, 486 Townline Road, Commack seeks vendors for its Community Yard Sale on June 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $25 per space. Tables are not supplied and the event is held rain or shine. Outdoor spaces are 10’ by 10’; indoor spaces 6’ by 6’. For additional information, call 631-499-7310 or email [email protected].
◆ Calling all artists and fine crafters! Art League of Long Island will present its 53rd annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair at Heckscher Park in Huntington on June 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications for the juried fair will be accepted at www.artleague.org through May 20. For more information, call 631-462-5400.
All phone numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
Home for Spring Break? Come visit the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport on Wednesday April 20 from noon to 2 p.m. for a fun afternoon painting session with 50% of the proceeds going to help those in need in Ukraine. Each child and adult will paint their own canvas with Sunflowers on a Starry Night background. Step-by-step painting instructions will be provided by artist Caitlyn Shea.
$40 covers 2 canvases and all materials. This event is open to ages 8+ with a parent or guardian. To register, call 631-757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.
TIME TO GO TO THE WILD! Catch a performance of 'Madagascar: A Musical Adventure' at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport for Spring Break. Photo by Christine Carrion.Engeman Theater
Programs
Recycled Crafts
Drop by The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on April 15 to 17, 20 to 21, and 23 to 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to create some fun, ocean-friendly crafts using recycled materials and your imagination! Free with admission of $6 adults, $5 kids/seniors. Call 367-3418.
Earth, Yay!
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway and Route 25A, Kings Park hosts a children program titled Earth, Yay! on April 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Earth Day is just around the corner! Children ages 3 to 5 and a caregiver are invited to join the staff in exploring nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Spring Discovery Days
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown offers Spring Discovery Days from April 18 to 22 for children ages 5 to 11. Each day will be a different natural science theme chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with the non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week. $85/day, $375/week, For more information, call 979-6344 or visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Spring Break on the Farm
Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will host a Spring Break Camp for ages 4 to 14 from April 18 to 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register for the full week or by the day. Children will start seeds for their own gardens, watch chicks hatch from eggs, help with farm chores and care for the new barnyard animals. There will be lots of crafts, games, tractor rides and trips to the BIG SWING! Call 689-8172.
Vanderbilt workshops
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will present a series of workshops for children in grades K through 4 for spring break including Pollinators & Plants on April 18, Butterflies & Lifecycle Mobile on April 19 and Invertebrates & Bug Portrait on April 20. All workshops are held from 10 a.m. to noon with a fee of $20 per child. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Earth Scientists
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a drop in program, Earth Scientists, on April 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Cleaning up Earth has never been more fun! Explore the dangerous effects of oil-spills and water run-off through an educator-led watershed model demonstration. Decorate your own fabric tote bag to reuse again and again. Fee is admission + $10 participant. Call 367-3418.
Scrimshaw Detectives
Calling private investigators! For the month of April, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Scrimshaw Detectives! Spy around the museum and look for clues to uncover secret meanings hidden in scrimshaw art. When you complete your tasks, design and etch your own scrimshaw box to take home. For ages 5 and up. Admission plus $10 per participant.
Theater
‘Madagascar’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Dreamworks’ Madagascar: A Musical Adventure from April 2 to May 8. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Disney’s ‘High School Musical Jr.’
We’re all in this together! Disney Channel’s smash hit musical comes to life at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown in Disney’s High School Musical Jr. from April 15 to May 15. Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs will have you dancing in your seats! All seats are $25. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’
The Adventures of Peter Rabbit hops over to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from April 16 to May 7 (sensory sensitive performance on April 24). Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Benjamin Bunny, the McGregors and all their friends come to life in this delightful musical adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter. Fun for the entire family and a Theatre Three tradition for spring break! $10 per person. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
A Royal Princess Party
Come one, come all to a Royal Princess Party at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown from April 18 to 22 at 11 a.m. Everyone’s favorite princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and celebrate their stories. Join Royal Historians as they guide you through meeting each of the princesses, teaching the morals behind each of their stories and singing along to their favorite songs in this immersive play. Princesses, princes, and royal families of all ages are welcome to attend but must be with an adult at all times. The special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! All seats are $16. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
As spring blooms on the North Shore, creativity blooms five-fold at the Smithtown Township Arts Council’s Mills Pond Gallery in St. James with a new exhibit titled Five Creative Visions. The show opens April 16. The exhibit will feature five artists — David P. Doran, Terence McManus, Jim Minet, Rob Roehrig and Melissa Vultaggio — each sharing their creative voice through a different medium including acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor and photography.
‘Green Flower Girl’ by Jim Minet will be on view at the Mills Pond Gallery through May 13. Photo from STAC
Bellmore artist David P. Doran is a light film photographer using both 35mm and roll film cameras. A former member of the Camera Club of New York, his exhibit focuses on street photography influenced by Gary Winogrand (1928-1984). Most were taken in New York City, the capital of this genre. In recent years, street photography has been looked upon in some corners as somewhat shopworn. Doran adamantly disagrees stating, “The street is a river of life and such photos are to be considered as part of the tradition of social documentary photography.”
Mt. Sinai artist Terence McManus has always been fascinated by the human face. Primarily a self-taught artist, McManus’s art has been exhibited in hundreds of exhibitions in the New York metropolitan area, winning more than sixty awards in prestigious shows including The Butler Institute of American Art and The Pastel Society of America, among many others. “No two people are alike and what a person experienced in life is often written on the face. When I do a portrait I strive to capture the past, the present and to use a cliché, the soul of the person.”
Nesconset artist Jim Minet works mostly in oil, watercolor, and acrylic. He has exhibited his work across Long Island and in NYC and teaches at numerous spaces across Long Island. “My work is representational in nature but still very eclectic, I like to experiment with different mediums and styles. As people, we are fluid, dynamic, ever changing. My art will change because I will change. Ultimately I believe that whatever creative expression you give to the world — it is, and can only be, a reflection of yourself.”
Primarily a realist painter, Rob Roehrig of East Setauket focuses his creations mainly on landscapes and seascapes. He is especially attracted to scenes that highlight the contrast between sun and shadow. After raising a family and retiring from teaching, Roehrig took up oil painting and his new “career” as an artist took over. “Many of my paintings try to capture the beauty of the natural world. I feel fortunate to live in an area with scenic beaches, coves, wetlands and farms.”
Melissa Vultaggio of Massapequa art reflects her interest in theology, symbolism and synchronicity. She juxtaposes elements of reality with abstraction and surrealism using acrylic paint and mixed media. Her rhythmic compositions convey feelings of whimsy with elements of surprise inspired by visions she acquires in her dreams. Vultaggio’s enthusiasm for art education comes from her belief that young children’s creativity is at its peak, when young minds are free to imagine and explore, given the right motivation, artistic mediums and skills to experiment.
The Mills Pond Gallery, 660 Route 25A, St. James presents Five Creative Visions through May 13. The public is invited to an opening reception on April 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet these talented artists and view their work. For more information, call 631-862-6575 or visit www.millspondgallery.org.
When our children were young, we tried the Ferber method to encourage them to put themselves to sleep.
No, we didn’t abandon them in their room and return six hours later with a smile and a wink. We walked out of the room, told them to go to bed, and slowly extended the time before we returned.
It worked, although the complaints sometimes frayed our nerves to the point where we would argue about who drank the last of the milk, and I can’t even drink milk.
When the children got sick, all bets were off. Walking out of the room when they couldn’t breathe, when they had toxic sludge coming out of one or both ends, and when they had a fever was not an option for us, no matter how little sleep we’d had the night, week, or month before.
Once they recovered from their illness, however, we had to go back to the gradual Ferber method again, as they seemed to have forgotten that they might not need anything from us and that they should just close their eyes and go to sleep.
Parenting in the wake of the pandemic is a little like trying to figure out what role to play after the world has been sick for a few years and when we had to adapt whatever parenting rules we had established.
Do we tell them to “suck it up,” to “fend for themselves,” and to “tough it out,” or do we continue to offer support after they, and we, endured a new set of rules designed to keep us safe in the long term, but that caused all kinds of frustration in the shorter term?
Parenting always seems to have more questions than answers, but the number of questions and the frequency with which we ask them seems to have increased.
Indeed, even as our children have reached the age when we no longer have to strain our backs to make sure they don’t walk too close to the edge of a pool or to a rough surf, we still wonder what role, and how aggressively and consistently, we should play after the pandemic.
How many times have we wanted to agree with them in the last few years when they complained that “this isn’t fair?” Offering the reply, “who said life was fair,” didn’t seem appropriate, sympathetic or understanding. That response would only reinforce the reality that a year without graduation, proms, or downtime that didn’t involve a phone or a Monopoly board was definitely not fair.
Recently, I chatted with a parent in my neighborhood whom I haven’t seen in months. Within seconds, she shared her son’s recent tale of woe. Returning to the soccer field, he injured his leg badly enough that he’ll likely be out of action for soccer and several other sports for the next six months.
That, she said, is heartbreaking on top of all the time he missed on the field.
Amid all the concern for his physical well-being, she shared her worry about his mental health. She reached out to psychiatrist and psychologist friends, hoping to find someone with whom he might talk about yet another interruption in his plans to enjoy participating in a team sport.
To her dismay, she found that the mental health care system is as overburdened as the physical one was during the worst of the pandemic. Concerned about the context for her son’s life, she has dialed back her urge to encourage him to return to school on crutches, standing at the ready to bring him home whenever he feels physically and emotionally overwhelmed.
I completely understand that. At the same time, I wonder if and when we might deploy a safe Ferber-style approach after all the disruption of the last few years.
Another year has rolled by and we again marvel at another anniversary this week of the news group now known as TBR News Media. It started with the lowly Village Times 46 years ago, and actually there was nothing lowly about that first issue. It was 52 pages, mailed to every house in Setauket, Stony Brook and Old Field, and carried some pretty interesting news and graphics.
I guess the biggest news in the April 8th issue, although we didn’t say so, was that there was a second newspaper in town, coming out every Thursday, a day later than the first newspaper, The Three Village Herald. We planned it that way so we could carry most of the week’s news that same week. For example, school board meetings, one of our most important beats, ended late on Tuesday nights and often their agenda didn’t make the other paper until the following week, there being no internet or website in those days, of course. But by coming out on Thursday, while we could report the school news, we couldn’t capture the local supermarket specials, a rich, full page or even two sometimes, because those ads traditionally ran on Wednesday “to give the lady of the house a chance to plan her weekly shopping for the family’s weekends.” Yes, I am quoting the supermarket managers.
This might not strike you as being a particularly significant decision for the newspaper, but it was symbolic of how we viewed our product: news first, advertising second. If we could get the readers, we strategized, the advertising would follow. And history proves us right. We were always something of an upstart. In the beginning, we stopped mailing to every house after the first couple of issues and gave the paper away from news racks in the local stores. Ten months in, we put coin tubes on our newsstands and started to charge a dime, the same as our competition. I can’t tell you, in powerful enough words, how satisfying it was that first day when the dimes rolled out of the tubes and into our palms. Residents were willing to pay, even if only 10 cents, for our efforts.
A couple of years later, we raised the newsstand price to 25 cents, then the industry standard. We were asking a pretty brash question: Were we 21/2 times better than our competition? Yes, there was some tongue clucking about “who did we think we were!” To our relief, our readership grew. Readers put quarters in our tubes and gratification in our hearts. We vowed to work even harder.
What is a community newspaper, really?
We asked ourselves that as we read every other hometown paper we could get our hands on in order to better answer that question. Joining the New York Press Association, which we did two years after we started, helped us network with other publishers across the state for pointers.
We knew that we wanted to be non-partisan, meaning that we would be without party affiliation and completely independent. It was vital that village government news and town board news reach our readers. We particularly favored bragging about our young people, their academic, musical and sports accomplishments. And we created a second section in the paper for cultural events, science and medicine, giving space to local artists and columnists.
We were eager to hear what our readers had to say and made sure we had clearly marked opinion pages for that purpose. Our opinions were there, too. And we thought of the paper as a mirror that was held up to reflect the community we served, providing future historians with the chronology and sentiments of the day.
Most especially, we believed in fairness. And facts. In a controversial situation, we wanted all sides to be heard and heard accurately. We left it to our readers to judge. They were intelligent beings and we never dumbed down the stories for them. Further, we saw as part of our job to protect our communities and their natural beauty from those who would cause harm. Come to think of it, in our six papers, on our website and our social media platforms, that’s about what we still do.
The cast of 'Steel Magnolias' at Theatre Three. Photo by Brian Hoerger/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Steel Magnolias'. Photo by Brian Hoerger
By Barbara Anne Kirshner
Mention Steel Magnolias to anyone and the overwhelming response is, “Oh, I love that show!” It’s easy to see how this dramedy continues to be a fan favorite and Theatre Three’s production serves up an inviting dose of southern charm.
Playwright Robert Harling wrote this play as a tribute to his diabetic sister who died way too soon from kidney failure. She had been warned by doctors that childbirth could be dangerous to her health, but she ignored all warnings and gave birth, then died before her son reached school age. Harling first recounted this event in a short story as a catharsis, then adapted it into the play and eventually into the highly successful film.
To make this play shine, just the right actresses must be cast in these demanding roles so director Mary Powers dipped into the treasure trove of Theatre Three regulars to fill some of these roles. This resulted in a gifted ensemble that brings just the right mix of pathos and comedic timing.
Steel Magnolias brims with witty one-liners as it navigates through two years in the lives of six tightly-knit small-town women who share life’s ups and downs together. Set in the fictional Parish of Chinquapin, Louisiana, at flamboyant Truvy’s in-home beauty parlor, this shop doubles as the meeting place for the women of this town.
Truvy (Stephanie Moreau) has just hired shy Annelle, a beauty school graduate, as her assistant. Truvy’s first lesson is, “There is no such thing as natural beauty. Remember that or we’re out of a job.” Moreau’s Truvy exudes sunshine even when offering direction and support to Annelle played by Christine N. Boehm who delivers a dynamic performance as the insecure new kid in town who transforms into a spiritual and secure presence.
It is Shelby’s wedding day and she wants her hair styled in the fashion of Grace Kelly. Michelle LaBozzetta’s Shelby is as optimistic and bubbly as her favorite color pink, or as she likes to call it “blush and bashful,” but with a mind as determined and strong as steel. Nothing will stand in her way of accomplishing her deepest desire of becoming a mother, despite the warnings of her doctor that childbirth could be fatal.
Clairee, the widow of the former mayor, is played with gusto by Marci Bing. Clairee thrives on town gossip at the salon and she has some of the wittiest lines in the show like, “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” That line can only be topped by her declaration, “If you can’t say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me.” Bing is a joy as the outspoken Clairee who flings quips into the air letting them land where they may.
Truvy has given Annelle the task of styling the hair of M’Lynn, the mother of the bride. Linda May’s M’Lynn has her comedic moments like when describing Shelby’s choices for church décor declaring, “That sanctuary looks like it’s been hosed down with Pepto Bismol.” M’Lynn is the voice of reason but gets frustrated by her daughter’s reckless choices. May ultimately tears us apart with her motherly heartbreaking monologue.
Making a booming entrance is Ginger Dalton as Ouiser, the town curmudgeon. From the start, she is ranting, at first over Shelby’s father who has been shooting at birds and has stripped the blossoms from their shared magnolia tree. Dalton is hilarious with one liners like, “I’m not crazy! I’ve just been in a very bad mood for 40 years.”
These six indomitable magnolias show they have the steel that will get them through anything.
Jason Allyn’s costumes give definition to the characters from Truvy’s glitzy smocks to Shelby’s signature pinks to Ouiser’s practical denim. He illuminates the Christmas scene with outfits of reds, greens, whites and sparkles. Lindsay DeFranco’s wig design is reminiscent of 80’s big hair piled high and teased or waste length.
Randall Parsons conveys a nostalgic 1980’s feel to Truvy’s beauty salon with its mint green backdrop and thick white moldings. The three entrances make it easy for the actresses to maneuver effortlessly around the set and creates smooth transitions from one scene into the next. James Taffurelli’s properties compliment Parsons’ set with sheer curtains, beauty salon chairs strategically placed center stage and Truvy’s signature sparkles.
Powers confided that Steel Magnolias was originally set for the spring of 2020 but never opened when the world shut down due to COVID. Luckily, the original cast was able to reunite for this production. Maybe that’s why we believe the poignant friendships of these memorable women.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Steel Magnolias through May 7. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
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