For the first time, I am trying acupuncture. I hope it will help my sore knee, which suffers from osteoarthritis. A fair number of people have suggested I try this ancient Chinese medical technique for relieving pain, some with great enthusiasm from their own experience. Now I know this won’t cure my problem, which is the result of my having used up the cartilage that separates the bones, and in fact, I have been diagnosed as having bone-on-bone in my knee. That feels just as unpleasant as it sounds. In short, when I walk, it hurts.
So if I can’t fix the ailment, perhaps I can fix the pain.
I wore a shirt and shorts, so he could get to my knee easily and went to a local acupuncturist, who was highly recommended, and was directed to one of several small rooms in his office. In the room was an examining table covered by a white cloth and pillow, and as I lay down, he asked after my general health. Finding nothing of particular interest, he proceeded to take out a series of short metal needles, each individually wrapped like a toothpick and explained that he was going to insert them around the knee.
I had done some research and read that acupuncture was devised in China around 2500 BC and can even act as an anesthetic during surgery. Needles no thicker than a human hair are pressed into the skin and underlying tissues, usually for 0.1 to 0.4 inches at precise points. They may have a slight arrowhead or an extremely fine tip, and they may be twisted to cause a tiny wound and thus stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. While there is little to no discomfort as the needles are applied, especially in areas of thicker skin and muscle, the insertion causes enough damage to make the cells release pain-killing chemicals that are picked up by adenosine receptors on nearby nerves, which in turn react by damping down pain.
The doctor probably applied 15 needles in and around the knee, then left me to doze on the table for 20 minutes or so. When he returned, he carefully removed each needle. One, on my shin, caused a bit of bleeding, to which he applied pressure and then an ointment. He next energetically massaged the knee for about ten minutes, making the area feel wonderful. I had read that massage after acupuncture enhances the effectiveness of each and results in a more complete treatment.
I also read that acupuncture can be used to relieve discomfort from chemotherapy, dental pain, fibromyalgia, headaches (tension and migraine), labor, lower back, neck and … osteoarthritis. BINGO!
It seems effective in reducing inflammation, which happens when chemicals from the body’s protective army of white cells enter the blood or tissue. This raises the blood flow to areas of injury or infection, causing redness and warmth. Fluid leaking into the tissues causes swelling, which I have.
The effects from an acupuncture session generally last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. I was advised by the doctor to come twice a week for the first 2-4 weeks, then once a week, then once every other week, followed by once a month and then as often as needed.
When he finished, and as he was leaving the room, the doctor cautioned that I should get up slowly and take my time coming out. I did feel a bit lightheaded but was cheered that my knee felt, if not pain free, at least numb as I walked. He also advised that I avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. There could be side effects, like bleeding, nausea, skin rash, infections or allergic reactions, I had read. Fortunately, I experienced none of those except the momentary bit of blood at the end.
What I especially like about this therapy is that it urges the body to cure itself. That’s far different than turning to surgery. If it works. So far, it’s too soon to tell.
HELLO FALL! Create this fun scarecrow painting at The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James on Sept. 10. Photo from The Atelier at Flowerfield
PROGRAMS
Fall Crafternoons
Drop by the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor through the month of September to enjoy seasonal, self-serve crafts in their workshop. Free with admission of $6 adults, $5 kids and seniors. Call 367-3418.
Fall Painting Workshop
The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James hosts an in-studio painting workshop on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. Join Miss Linda in some autumn fun as she teaches you how to make a Hello Fall! scarecrow painting. $50 includes an 11″x14″ canvas and all art supplies. To register, call 250-9009 or visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.
Family Hour Sunday
The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents Family Hour Sunday on Sept. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 through 10 are invited for a family-friendly art experience with Museum Educator Tami Wood. Explore works of art in the Museum and create fun art projects! $10 per child, adults free. Limited to one adult per family group Advance registration recommended by visiting www.heckscher.org. Walk-ins welcome as space allows. Call 380-3230.
For the Birds
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, King Park presents a Tiny Tots program titled For the Birds on Sept. 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their parents will learn about birds and connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. For ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Call 269-4333 to register.
FILM
‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema For Kids series with a screening ofKiki’s Delivery Service on Sept. 11 at noon. A resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt.Don’t miss this delightfully imaginative and timeless story of a young girl finding her way in the world, featuring the voices of Kirsten Dunst, Janeane Garofalo, Phil Hartman, and Debbie Reynolds. Rated G. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children. Call 423-7610 or visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
THEATER
‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’
John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater season with Disney’s Beauty and the BeastJr. on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Sept. 24 to Oct. 30. This Disney love story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the hideous Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved the curse will end. If he does not learn his lesson before the last enchanted rose petal falls, he and his household of enchanted objects will be doomed for all eternity. Enjoy the songs we all love such as “Be Our Guest” and “Tale as Old as Time.” All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘A Kooky Spooky Halloween’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 2022-2023 children’s theater season with A Kooky Spooky Halloween, a merry musical about a ghost who’s afraid of the dark, from Oct. 8 to 22 with a sensory sensitive performance on Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. Recently graduated spirit Abner Perkins is assigned to the Aberdeen Boarding House — known for its spectral sightings and terrific toast. Here, Abner finds himself cast into a company of its wacky residents. When his secret is revealed, he is forced to leave his haunted home and set-off on a quest with his newly found friends. On this journey to find spook-tacular promise, Abner and company learn the power of helping others. Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation highlight this delightful musical for the entire family. All tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
THE WAY WE REMEMBER
The St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James will host an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Remembering 9/11, a tribute to the tragedy of September 11, 2001, on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m Pictured: 9/11 Miracle Flag by Jack Ade
Ongoing
Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch
Every evening through Oct. 6, from 5:30 p.m. until dusk, the Four Harbors Audubon Society will be tallying migrating Common Nighthawks to better understand nighthawk population trends. Join them at the stone bridge at Frank Melville Memorial Park, One Old Field Road, Setauket to witness nighthawks as they pass over during their migratory journey to their wintering grounds in Brazil and Argentina. Visit www.4has.org for further details.
Thursday Sept. 8
Atelier at Flowerfield art reception
Join the Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James for an opening reception of its latest exhibit, Neill Slaughter: 50 Year Retrospective, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The show runs Sept. 8 to Oct. 27. Call 250-9009 or visit wwwtheatelieratflowerfield.org for further information.
Huntington Walking Tour
The Huntington Historical Society will host a Centers of Controversy guided walking tour from 6 to 9 p.m. Visits sites in central Huntington that gave rise over the centuries to scandals, lawsuits, and other controversies. Tour ends at Six Harbors Brewing Company. Tickets are $25, $20 members (drinks not included). Tours will begin at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main Street,Huntington. Reservations are required. Call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org
Fly Me to the Moon event
The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington in collaboration with the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport present Fly Me to the Moon: An Evening of Art, Music, and Celestial Happenings from 7 to 11 p.m. Begin the evening at The Heckscher exploring the exhibition Moonstruck: Lunar Art from the Collection. Join author and radio host Tom Ryan as he explores how the moon and outer space have inspired musicians since the beginning of recorded history. Next, head to the Vanderbilt Planetarium where telescopes will be available to take in fantastic views of the Moon, the planet Saturn, and other celestial objects in the night’s sky! Enjoy a live, 45-minute talk about the night sky, stars, planets, constellations, and moon in the 60-foot domed planetarium theater, housing one of the finest star projection systems in the world. End the night with an amazing Pink Floyd light show, “Laser Dark Side of the Moon.” Tickets are $35 per person. To register, visit www.heckscher.org.
Friday Sept. 9
East Northport Festival
The East Northport Chamber of Commerce presents the 27th annual East Northport Festival at John J. Walsh Memorial Park, 190 Larkfield Road, East Northport tonightfrom 6 to 11 p.m., Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring games, rides, craft fair (on Sept. 10 and 11), live music, international food court, sidewalk sales and exhibits, costumed characters, donut eating contest, craft wine and beer garden and more. Free admission. 631-261-3573, www.eastnorthport.com.
LITMA Contradance
The Smithtown Historical Society’s Brush Barn will host a contradance by the Long Island Traditional Music Association at 7:30 p.m. with basic instruction at 7:15 p.m. Featuring Ridge Kennedy calling with music by The Huntingtones. $15 general admission, $10 LITMA members, students $7.50, children under 16 free with paid adult. Visit www.litma.org.
An evening of comedy
Back by popular demand, Fran Capo, the Guinness Book of World Records’Fastest Talking Woman, returns to the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second Street, St. James for an evening of “Love,Laughter & Light” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This fast paced one woman show combines Capo’s stand-up comedy, daring stories of worldwide adventures and her TEDx brand motivational messaging that is sure to have you laughing, crying and inspired. Followed by a Q&A and book signing. Each guest will receive a special gift to take home. Tickets are $25, $20 seniors. To register, call 631-984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.
Saturday Sept. 10
East Northport Festival
See Sept. 9 listing.
Village Cup Regatta
The 13th annual Village Cup Regatta, a fundraising sailing competition between teams from the Village of Port Jefferson and Mather Hospital, will kick off with festivities at Harborfront Park, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 10 a.m. and a Memorial Parade of Boats at 11 a.m. Visit www.portjeffersonyachtclub.com.
Basket Auction fundraiser
Lake Ronkonkoma Fire Department, 505 Hawkins Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma hosts a Basket Auction for Chippy’s Angels to the Rescue at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. $10 entrance fee includes a sheet of raffle tickets and light refreshments. Proceeds will be used to provide food, medical care and support for families with pets in need. Call 905-6126.
Culper Spy Day
In collaboration with more than 30 historical and cultural organizations, Tri-Spy Tours and the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket present the 8th annual Culper Spy Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit 10 locations in Setauket, Port Jefferson and Stony Brook to learn about America’s first spy ring, the Culper Spies, who risked their lives to provide General George Washington the information he needed to turn the tide of the American Revolution. Featuring tours of historic homes, museums and churches, Revolutionary War encampment, colonial cooking, crafts for children and much more. Most events are free. Rain date is Sept. 11. For a full schedule of events, visit www.tvhs.org or call 751-3730 .
Long Island Garlic Festival
You don’t have to be a vampire to enjoy garlic. Garden of Eve, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead will host the 19th annual Long Island Garlic Festival today, Sept. 11 and Sept. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate the wonders of “Garliciana,” with festival vendors featuring a wide variety of garlic inspired foods, hayrides, crafts, music and just plain garlic to eat and plant. Junior Iron Garlic Chef competitions at 1 p.m. and garlic eating contest at 3 p.m. each day. Admission is $10 ages 12 and up, $5 seniors, children under 2 free. Purchase tickets online at www.gardenofevefarm.com. Call722-8777 for more information.
Watercolor class at the Vanderbilt
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts awatercolor class for ages 16 and older in the museum’s Marine Museum Hall of Fishes from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will sketch and paint from specimens of the collection of William K. Vanderbilt II’s worldwide expeditions. Fee is $20 per person, $18 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Yard Sale and Craft Fair
Davis Town Meeting House Society will hold its annual Yard Sale and Craft Fair on at the Davis House, 263 Middle Country Rd., Coram from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Shop for treasures, enjoy music by The Harbormen Chorus, a Revolutionary War presentation by the NYS 3rd Regiment, free autumn crafts for children and a visit from Ozzie the Miniature Horse. Free admission. Rain date is Sept. 11. For more info, call 804-2256.
Second Saturdays Poetry
All Souls Church in Stony Brook hosts a Second Saturdays Poetry Reading from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoo. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Gloria Murray. An open-reading will follow the featured poet; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/ Call 655-7798 for more information.
Remembering 9/11 Art Exhibit
The St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. james invites the community to an opening reception of its latest juried exhibit, Remembering 9/11, a tribute to the tragedy of September 11, 2001, as depicted by local artists, at 1 p.m. The exhibit will remain on view through Oct. 2. Enjoy refreshments, music and a 50/50 raffle. Tours of the historic Calderone Theater will be given from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Call 984-0201.
The Jazz Loft interactive tour
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will be presenting two opportunities to take a tour through jazz history, with its What is JAZZ? interactive tour tonight starting at 6 p.m. and October 21 at 7 p.m.The tour is comprised of seven stops within the Jazz Loft’s museum and performance space. Each stop in Jazz history is about four minutes, during which patrons will be treated to a brief performance and historical reflection. The entire live music, interactive experience will take about 30 minutes. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, free for ages 5 and under. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
Concert at All Souls
All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with soprano Heidi Schneider singing the complete collection of “24 Italian Art Songs and Arias.”Ms. Schneider has been praised for her “incredibly wide range and ease of production” (Brett Alan, WYRK).She most recently performed with Stony Brook Opera in their annual Opera Scenes program as Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro and Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier. The program will begin promptly at 6:00pm. Please bring a can of food to donate to a local food pantry. Call 655-7798 for more information.
An evening of comedy
The Comedy Club returns to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with another outrageous night of comedy starting at 8 p.m.Enjoy stand-up comedy on the Second Stage with John Santo, Richie Byrne, Michelle Fox and more. Ticket are $35. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Sunday Sept.11
East Northport Festival
See Sept. 9 listing.
Long Island Garlic Festival
See Sept. 10 listing.
Car Show and Swap Meet
Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville, hosts a Car Show and Swap Meet by Long Island Cars from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Street rods, classics, muscle cars, antiques, exotics, imports and collectible cars on display with vendors selling parts and accessories, food and entertainment. Admission is $10, under 12 years are free. 631-567-5898, www.LongIslandCars.com
Jaguar Car Show
The Jaguar Drivers Club of Long Island will hold its annual Concours d’Elegance, a show of vintage and modern Jaguars and other British and international makes on the Great Lawn at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport overlooking Northport Harbor from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date: September 18). Visitors pay only the Vanderbilt’s general admission cost: adults $10; seniors (age 62 and up) $9; students (with ID) $9; children 12 and under $7; Members, active military, and children under 2 are FREE. www.jdcli.com.
Fiddle & Folk Festival
Three stages, great music, dance, food and fun awaits you at the annual Fiddle and Folk Festival at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring lots of local bands, fiddle workshops, sing-alongs, kids zone, contra dancing and more. Visit www.fiddleandfolk.com for this year’s musical line-up and for tickets. Questions? Call 689-8172.
Monday Sept. 12
Movie Trivia Night at the CAC
After a long hiatus, Movie Trivia Night is back in-person at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington at 8 p.m. Hosted by Daniel French, the event is an opportunity to show off your film knowledge and get a change to win a cash prize! There will be 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo, or join a team. 1st Prize is$100 cash to the winning team!, 2nd Prize – Up to 4 CAC gift cards! (a value of $24 each), $10 per person, $7 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday Sept. 13
Garden Club Meeting
The Three Village Garden Club welcomes new members to attend its monthly meeting at The Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket at 10 a.m. The program is “Autumn Accents: Designing Your Containers with Seasonal Plants.” For more information,call 751-2743.
Wednesday Sept. 14
Book Signing at Smith Haven Mall
Can you imagine signing up for a triathlon without knowing how to swim, bike or run? Hilary Topper, a three-time author, business owner, and now endurance athlete, recently wrote her third book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete – A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete and will be appearing at Barnes & Noble in Lake Grove at 6:30 p.m. for a book signing. Topper will also read an excerpt from the book and answer questions. All attendees will receive a bookmark from Sumarpo, a 100 percent Eco-Friendly wetsuit company. Call 724-0341.
Thursday Sept. 15
Lunch & Learn
The Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with a presentation titled Historic Sammis Houses of West Neck with Toby Kissam and Robert Hughes at Matteo’s Trattoria of Huntington, 300 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington from noon to 2 p.m. Fee is $55 per person, $50 members includes a gourmet three-course meal, house wine and dessert. To register, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety .org.
Theater
‘Henry V’
The Carriage House Players continues its annual Shakespeare Festival at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with Henry V from Aug. 26 to Sept. 18 on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Performances take place outdoors on stage in the courtyard, where the Spanish-Mediterranean architecture adds a touch of timeless charm and magic. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before the show and bring your own lawn chair. Inclement weather cancels. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children ages 12 and under. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
‘Guys and Dolls’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 52nd season with Guys and Dolls from Sept. 17 to Oct. 22. Considered the perfect musical of Broadway’s Golden Age, this delightful romp gambles in luck and love from Times Square to Havana. High rollers and low characters from Damon Runyon’s mythical New York are joyously presented in Frank Loesser’s bold and brassy score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” An award-winning classic for the entire family! Tickets are $35 adults, $28 senior and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Mystic Pizza’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is the new musical comedy, Mystic Pizza, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30. Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT. Add in some of the best pop songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Addicted To Love,” “Small Town,” “Hold On,” and “Take My Breath Away,” and you have all the ingredients for a romantic comedy–with the works! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘The Lightning Thief’
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” Tickets are $40, $35 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Film
EXPLORING THE WORLD The Long Island Museum hosts a screening of Leaning Into the Wind on Sept. 8.
Movie night at the LIM
The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook hosts a Movie Night in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room on Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a screening of Leaning Into The Wind, which follows artist Andy Goldsworthy on his exploration of the world and himself through ephemeral and permanent workings on the landscape, cities and with his own body. Admission is $10, free for LIMarts members. Refreshments will be available for a small fee. Tickets will be sold at the door. No reservations needed. For more info, call 751-0066, ext. 285.
Class Reunions
✴Port Jefferson (ELVHS) Class of 1972’s 50th reunion is planned for September 9 and 10. Please spread the word, and visit Facebook page “Port Jefferson(ELVHS) Class of 1972 50th Reunion” for details or e-mail [email protected].
✴Ward Melville High School Class of 1972’s50th reunion is Oct 1. Please spread the word and visit Facebook page “Ward Melville High School Class 72 50th Reunion” for more information and purchasing tickets. For more information, email [email protected] or call 631-928-5684 and leave your name and contact information for any questions.
Now available at a doctor’s office or pharmacy near you: the latest COVID-19 booster.
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration gave Pfizer and Moderna Emergency Use Authorization to start distributing their newest COVID booster, which includes protection against the highly infectious Ba.4 and Ba.5 strains of omicron.
A few days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the administration of the booster.
Area doctors welcomed the news and suggested the newest booster would be helpful for certain groups.
“I suspect that, at a minimum, those who needed to get a fourth booster (elderly, comorbidity, immune issues) should get” it, explained Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, in an email. “I believe that its approval will include all individuals over age 12.”
Dr. Adrian Popp, chair of Infection Control at Huntington Hospital/ Northwell Health, agreed that senior citizens and immunocompromised people should consider the latest booster.
With other shots available until now, residents may need to consider how much time to wait between boosters.
People are eligible for another booster two months after a previous COVID vaccine, according to the FDA website.
The FDA authorized single doses of Moderna’s booster for people 18 and over and Pfizer’s booster for those 12 and older.
The incidence of hospitalizations among people who have COVID at area hospitals has remained fairly stable during the summer. Stony Brook University Hospital has about 50 COVID inpatients each day, while Huntington Hospital has about 11.
Doctors cautioned, however, that those numbers include people who are hospitalized for other procedures or treatments and who test positive as a part of the hospital’s effort to monitor the pandemic.
“The vaccines, to a large extent (primary series plus a booster-protection) are working quite well” at preventing the need for hospitalizations, Nachman wrote.
Doctors urged people to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities against contracting the virus.
“With the virus changing, it’s even more important to keep yourself and your family safe from getting COVID again and remain vigilant about taking precautions, i.e. hand washing, social distancing, mask wearing,” Nachman added.
A minority of residents treated with Pfizer’s antiviral therapy Paxlovid have experienced a rebound, testing positive days or even a week or more after receiving the antiviral treatment.
“Viral rebound occurs in about 10%” for those who have taken Paxlovid, with the majority in the older age groups, Nachman wrote. Having said that, the rebound we are seeing has not led to Emergency Department visits or hospitalizations.”
As for mental health issues, residents of Suffolk County, as with other communities, have generally seen an improvement amid a relaxation of restrictions that limited social contact and kept people from their routines.
“Mental health issues were mostly related to the isolation mandates that were required to slow the spread of COVID,” Popp explained. “The reduction in restrictions has improved the mental health issues for many people.”
Monkeypox vigilance
Area hospitals continue to remain on the lookout for potential outbreaks of monkeypox.
“We are aggressively evaluating all suspected cases of monkeypox and have protocols in place for testing as well as treatment,” Nachman wrote. “We will be rolling out a [National institutes of Health] funded clinical trial for treating individuals across the ages with TPOXX.”
Huntington Hospital has had two confirmed cases of monkeypox. Popp expects the virus will “likely continue to spread.”
Several medical facilities continue to administer the limited monkeypox vaccines.
SBUH is working with the Suffolk County Department of Health to provide vaccinations at the Edie Windsor Healthcare Center in Hampton Bays.
On the official Suffolk County website, eligible residents can schedule monkeypox vaccinations through Northwell Health at the Bayshore Mall on Sunrise Highway.
As for the flu, Nachman urged residents to get their vaccines prior to the start of the seasonal flu season, sometime between now and November.
2,809 Sq. ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, family room, dining room, large deck overlooking an in ground pool, and full basement. Close to Nissequogue Golf Club, Short Beach, Long Beach Town Park, Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Hospital.
Expansive kitchen, theater, gym, yoga rooms, sauna, and spa baths. Each Suite is complete with private radiant heated baths. 7000sqft of living space. Private community offers constable service, exclusive beaches, sports courts, walking paths and children’s park.
The Port Jefferson Village Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting Tuesday, Sept. 6, to discuss current plans and issues throughout the village.
The meeting started with a reminder from code enforcement chief Fred Leute to drive carefully down the streets. Now that school is back in session, more wet weather and leaves will likely be on the ground.
Trustee Rebecca Kassay announced that she and Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden have been working together to make the village more walkable and bikeable. These efforts will make it easier to travel around Port Jefferson without using a vehicle.
Kassay also shared that she and Snaden have worked to replace dead street trees this fall with more aesthetically pleasing and ecologically friendly ones.
Kassay said they have been meeting to discuss issues regarding uptown parking. “We’ve been looking at hopefully partnering with some of the medical office space uptown so that we don’t have to pave any additional space uptown — and take it from there,” she said.
After concerns were brought up to the trustees about ticks a few months ago, Kassay has been discussing the issue with the Stony Brook University disease center. The village will be putting information on its website and working with local media to spread awareness about the issue, as well as reaching out to schools to see if they can give the items to nurses and coaches. The village has also been offered tick handbooks, tick identification cards and tick removal kits.
Next meeting, Kassay intends to discuss the timeline and action plan for the village to work on flood mitigation.
Kassay also announced that the Beach Street Community Garden program scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7, has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new date is to be determined.
Trustee Stan Loucks announced that the drought Long Island has faced has started to impact the golf course, which has had 300,000 gallons of water put into it every night.
“Our conditions up there have gotten to the point where some of the fairways were turning brown, so this rain we’re getting today is kind of a godsend,” Loucks said. He added, “All of our water comes out of on-site wells. The wells up at the country club have reached the level where we’ve been put on restricted watering. We’ve only been able to water our greens and tee boxes for the last 10 days or so, so this rain is coming at a perfect time.”
The golf course will be closed this week on Thursday and possibly Friday while the aeration process takes place.
The country club’s early bird program starts on Saturday, Oct. 15. However, the membership rate fees are to be determined.
Loucks also asked that nobody walks down to East Beach, due to the Bluff Stabilization project. Still, he assured everyone that considerable progress had been made already. Snaden would later add that drone footage of the progress is available to view, provided by Charmaine Famularo.
Tennis courts 7 and 8 are still open and will stay open through September and possibly through October.
Loucks said there are plans to build a permanent barbecue on the patio behind the scoreboard on the golf course.
Finally, Loucks shared that the annual village golf outing will be taking place on Thursday, Sept. 22. The outing is open to all village residents, along with anyone who works in the school district, is a member of the fire department or a business owner in the village. The cost of the outing is $50.
Trustee Lauren Sheprow announced the first meeting of the Recreation and Parks Committee would take place on Thursday, Sept. 29.
The next meeting of the Country Club Social/Hospitality Task Force will take place Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Port Jefferson Country Club at 6:30 p.m.
Concluding her report, Sheprow shared that the village’s internal communication audit is still underway. She looks forward to meeting with the other trustees individually to discuss it.
Snaden reported that the Port Jefferson high school homecoming game has been moved to Saturday, Oct. 22, due to an issue regarding the number of football players on the team. The parade will now take place on Oct. 21 at night. Instead of floats, the students plan to decorate their vehicles with lights. Due to scheduling conflicts, there will not be the Caroline Field events that have been held in the past, but Snaden hopes to bring them back next year.
Snaden went on to report that code union negotiations are continuing. Also, the Architectural Review Committee is looking into an application for a new “Sea Creations” sign to be put on the front of the Harbor Square Mall on Main Street. Additionally, St. Charles Hospital wants to build a retaining wall in its parking lot for expansion.
Mayor Margot Garant reported that the trustees, with members of the planning and zoning boards, attended a walkthrough of the Port Jefferson Crossing Apartments at 1615 Main St., and were very happy with the amenities that they saw. There is also a 3,000-square-foot retail space.
Station Street is expected to be installed sometime in mid-September. Overall, Garant is happy with the direction Upper Port is taking.
The Village of Nissequogue Planning Board put off a decision about a private dock in the village until Oct. 3. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The Village of Nissequogue Planning Board announced on the village’s website Tuesday that it would be adjourning an application for a private dock at Swan Place in Nissequogue scheduled for Sept. 6 until its Oct. 3 meeting at 7 p.m.
The proposed dock would be adjacent to the Town of Smithtown’s Cordwood Park, which is located in Head of the Harbor. The application has received criticism from neighbors and environmentalists, including state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and John Turner, conservation chair of Four Harbors Audubon Society.
At an Aug. 27 rally at the park, organized by Head of the Harbor resident Lisa Davidson, local residents voiced concerns over the possible construction of the 186-foot dock and the potential of another 200-foot dock a few houses away in the future. The footage includes a combination of permanent and floating docks. Because the harbor is shallow, the dock must meet New York State Department of Environmental Conservation requirements that it stands in 3 1/2 feet of water even at low tide, hence the lengths of the proposed docks.
Protesters and speakers, including Englebright and Turner, cited among their concerns the 186-foot dock spoiling the view of Stony Brook Harbor and restricting access to those walking along the beach or using their canoes and kayaks in the water. Many also feel it may encourage other homeowners to build similar private docks, leading to harbor pollution due to more or large boats.
Davidson, a member of the Joint Village Coastal Management Commission, a waterfront board of the villages of Head of the Harbor and Nissequogue, recused herself from the commission on the matter of private docks. The commission recently concluded that the Swan Place dock is inconsistent with Nissequogue’s waterfront revitalization program.
At a June 6 Nissequogue planning board meeting, George Jacob Turner, an attorney for the dock applicants Andrew and Maria Georgakopoulos, represented them along with a Land Use Ecological Services representative, according to the board’s minutes. During the meeting, representatives stated the proposed dock’s use “is in character due to other docks.” The trustees responded that existing docks were preexisting to the current requirements. The board members also questioned if public access would be impacted due to the applicants indicating “that the only public access will be by going under the dock.”
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