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Yearly Archives: 2023

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From left to right: Department of Music Chair Christina (Tina) Dahl, Dr. Brian Margolis, Dr. Rachel Bergeson, scholarship recipient Owen Dodds and Katherine and Bob Bayer (Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Advancement)

By Christine McGrath/ Stony Brook News

When Drs. Rachel Bergeson and Brian Margolis became friends with new neighbors Katherine and Bob Bayer, they had no idea they would participate in a tradition spanning 40 years. Rachel and Brian began attending frequent in-house recitals in the Bayers’ home in St. James, where Stony Brook Department of Music graduate students put their talents on display. The Bayers’ special showcase of Stony Brook talent eventually inspired Drs. Bergeson and Margolis to recognize the impact their friends have had on generations of Stony Brook musicians by establishing an endowed scholarship in the Bayers’ name.

The Katherine and Bob Bayer Endowed Scholarship will now be available to graduate students in the Department of Music, with a focus on those studying piano or string instruments. With this scholarship, these close friends will add their impact to the generous way the Bayers have left their imprint on the Department of Music over the years through those recitals.

Rachel and Katherine have strong ties to Stony Brook: Rachel has spent 40 years working as director of the university’s Student Health Services, while Katherine graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a music degree. So, what led to this nearly lifelong connection, and how did this scholarship come to be?

Supporting Students Through Music Concerts

While Katherine studied at Juilliard’s Preparatory Division as a young child, it was not until many years later that she completed her undergraduate degree in music. After she earned her associate degree after high school, she and Bob got married and had a child. Katherine then began working office jobs and helping Bob with his business. Several years later, she decided that she would love to go back to school. “I enrolled in a part-time bachelor’s degree program in music at Stony Brook. It took me five years to graduate!” she said. Each semester, she was required to take lessons with graduate students. “I learned so much from them and how much pressure they were under to prepare for their recitals at the Staller Center,” she said. “They didn’t have many opportunities to prepare.”

Wanting to give back to the Stony Brook Department of Music after she graduated, Katherine asked Bob if he would be open to hosting concerts in their own home, and he was completely on board. “I wanted to give graduate students an opportunity to play through their programs prior to their recital — a sort of practice performance,” said Katherine.

The in-house recitals started small, with just a few neighbors, including Rachel and Brian, attending, and they have grown to about 30 attendees. The couple hosts up to 10 concerts a year, and at the beginning of the fall semester, Katherine will send a letter to Stony Brook’s music department inviting piano and string students to play. “Usually, within minutes, we get a bunch of bios from the musicians,” said Bob. They sort through the bios and choose students based on availability and the music they will play. Those who play piano can perform on the couple’s restored 1876 Steinway concert grand piano.

The Bayers' restored 1876 Steinway concert grand piano.
The Bayers’ restored 1876 Steinway concert grand piano. (Photo courtesy of Katherine and Bob Bayer)

An Invitation Leads to a Scholarship

Rachel said she and Brian have been attending concerts for years. “We are privileged to have been part of this unique audience at their home for such a long time,” she said. In fact, a discussion at one of these performances is what led them to create their scholarship. “We heard there was little funding for the music department and that they were losing interested students to other institutions that provided scholarships,” Rachel said. “We decided to name it after Bob and Katherine simply because of their generosity and spirit that’s always been out there.”

The Bayers were honored and thrilled for the support when they received the news. “We were shocked! It was so generous of them to do this to support graduate students,” said Katherine.

Students perform an in-house recital at the home of Katherine and Bob Bayer.
Students perform an in-house recital at the home of Katherine and Bob Bayer. (Photo courtesy of Katherine and Bob Bayer)

True Music Appreciation

Both couples’ love of music runs beyond the concerts at the Bayers’ home. They often enjoy shows together at the Staller Center. Bob has loved seeing the Emerson String Quartet perform over the years, while some of Katherine’s favorite memories are seeing the recitals of the students who performed in their home. Rachel said she and her husband enjoy the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra shows. “Brian and I grew up with classical music. My mother was an organist, and I sang in the Messiah choir in college,” said Rachel. “Music has always been something that I’ve enjoyed.”

Both couples met the first scholarship recipient, Owen Dodds, who is working on getting his doctorate in music, earlier this year. “Owen is just delightful,” said Rachel. After receiving the scholarship, he performed his recital in the Bayers’ home — on the restored 1876 Steinway piano. “We were very impressed with him,” said Katherine. “He gave a beautiful performance.”

Owen, who not only performs classical music but also composes it, said the scholarship is helping to pay for his tuition. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support from Rachel and Brian,” he said. “It really makes it possible for me to do what I’m doing.” He added that he can’t wait to perform again at the Bayers’ home. “It was such a wonderful experience, and I hope to keep playing there even after I graduate.”

From left to right: Department of Music Chair Christina (Tina) Dahl, Dr. Brian Margolis, Dr. Rachel Bergeson, scholarship recipient Owen Dodds and Katherine and Bob Bayer
From left to right: Department of Music Chair Christina (Tina) Dahl, Dr. Brian Margolis, Dr. Rachel Bergeson, scholarship recipient Owen Dodds and Katherine and Bob Bayer (Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Advancement)

Inspiring Music

The Stony Brook Department of Music is able to attract talented students due to its extraordinary faculty, including Gilbert Kalish, leading professor of piano and head of performance activities, and Department of Music Chair Christina (Tina) Dahl. “Our graduate students go on to have successful music careers — we’ve had quite a few students win a Fulbright,” Tina said. “Stony Brook has a great history of placing music students in good academic jobs. Some graduates joined music faculties at Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music and Yale.”

Tina is grateful to have performed at the Bayers’ home herself as a music student, saying, “We recruit some of the most talented artists to Stony Brook because of student scholarships. Scholarship support not only allows the students to pursue their musical aspirations but also allows the music department to continue growing into a thriving musical community.”

Once students start studying music, being around other musicians is important. “Stony Brook is great because Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) students are all around you,” Owen said. “Being in the music community is so important to growing personally and professionally. We inspire each other.”

Rachel said she and Brian truly believe in the importance of music and the arts in the community. The couple is already considering supporting another scholarship or a Staller Center award in the future.

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Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

We have friends who live close to us who are pregnant. Okay, that sounds weird, right? She’s pregnant, and he looks sheepish, like he’s not sure what’s coming.

That’s not entirely fair. He was socially awkward before he brought his small package of genetic material to the pregnancy party. Why would anyone imagine he would be any different in the months before he makes a head first dive down the rabbit hole into the wonders and challenges of parenthood?

Now, if their families are anything like others I’ve known, they are bound to have a wide range of pre and post delivery discussions.

“Are you going to name the baby after my side of the family?”

“Make sure you put sugar, spice and everything nice in the crib or the baby will become colicky like your Aunt Michelle. She was one of the most miserable babies we’ve ever seen and that’s because her mother forgot about the sugar and spice under the crib.”

One of the most fascinating and sometimes confounding parts of the baby discussion, which can extend well into the years that follow, is the family credit for various traits.

To wit, “He’s incredibly serious and focused just like his Uncle Oswald. That Oswald was a man with a purpose from the time he was born, just like your little baby Joey.”

Or maybe, “Morgan has the same broad smile, laugh or sense of humor as her Aunt Carol.”

Each family can dig in, sharing ways that the developing child has characteristics they are convinced come from one side of the family, often from the speaker who has a proprietary interest in propagating the enduring myth of a family heritage.

Such talk suggests somehow that heredity is much more important than environment. The credit can go beyond physical characteristics such as long eyelashes, rounded shoulders, or sparkling eyes: they can include artistic talent, an ability to relate to other people, or a proficiency for languages.

That somehow seems un-American. After all, we the people generally believe that hard work can help people become proficient in any area, developing the kind of talent that differentiates them in their field and allowing them to control their destiny.

Such strong genetic links, while providing an appealing way to connect to ancestors and to those who aren’t around to smile and play with their descendants, is akin, if you’ll pardon the pun, to linking someone’s last name to their profession.

“Oh, the Jones family? Sure, they all became teachers. The Berringtons went into the clothing business, while the Shimmers all became dentists. They all have such gifted dental hands.”

Such blanket statements about where someone’s exceptionalism originated also throws the other sides of the family into the shadows, as if their only role were to ensure the ongoing survival of the dominant and more important family tree.

Family trees, however, like the trees that people decorate around this time of year, have bilateral symmetry, with people decorating each side in popcorn, cranberries and/or holiday lights.

Rarely does anyone do a deep dive into the other side of a family, learning whether the Jones family had faster legs, a quicker wit, better grades or a stronger work ethic.

Then again, the point of these claims isn’t to be scientific, thorough or even fair. It’s a way to connect the children of today with those who came before. Even if people don’t believe in reincarnation, focus on genes, or contemplate the enduring qualities of any family culture, they might feel tremendous joy and comfort hoping that this person’s unwritten life includes future chapters that reflect a familial past that need not be exclusive to one branch, one side or one person.

Story weaving may help give a developing life context and meaning. Ideally, those attributes and connections may remind the family and this new person about the kind of strong and accomplished roots that can help him or her develop into the kind of person he or she chooses to be, which would be a win for everyone.

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Bridal Shower, Pixabay photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

This past weekend we traveled to Boston for a remarkable bridal shower. While I have been to many bridal showers before, this one was in honor of my first grandchild’s fiancee. Life is made up of firsts, of course, and we enjoy each of them in a special way. So up to Massachusetts we went for a new adventure.

I thought about my oldest grandson on the drive north. I still keenly remember the thrill of becoming a grandmother, of witnessing the beginning of the next generation. How lucky we grandparents are to reach that moment. I cherish a particular memory of having this adorable toddler running toward me as he entered the room, arms out for a hug, yelling “Grandma! Grandma!” on his arrival with his parents for a visit. Yes, I really was a grandma, I marveled then to myself, before scooping him up in my arms for a proper welcome. 

After all, it’s a rarefied club one can aspire to but one is powerless to join on one’s own.

And that little person, grown up now to a handsome man who gives bear hugs, is extending the family with a new chapter, and I was going to celebrate with his soon-to-be wife.

It’s a phenomenon, this marriage bit, when you think about it. Two people meet, they fall in love, decide they want to spend the rest of their lives together, and the next thing you know, a small army of strangers rush to hug you and welcome you to the family. That’s what happens at a bridal shower, even as the avowed purpose is to help the newly weds set up their home with small gifts. 

In addition, though, the two sides of the family get a chance to meet before the wedding, check each other out under joyful circumstances, then, no longer strangers, look forward to seeing each other at the nuptials. Maybe it’s not an accident that the shower is a women’s only affair. We have been known as the more critical of the sexes. If we have met and enjoyed the prospective extension of the family, the wedding will most likely go smoothly. Or so history might suggest.

Speaking of history, where did the idea of a bridal shower come from? 

Here are two stories. The first dates back to 16th century Holland, where gifts were given to the bride to prepare her for her new life as a married woman if either she was too poor to buy them herself or her father didn’t approve of the marriage and wouldn’t provide a dowry. One such instance involved a father who wanted his daughter to marry a wealthy pig farmer, but she insisted on marrying a miller, who was from a lower class. The girl’s friends then supplied gifts to help her start a home.

The second story is from the Victorian Era. Ladies in those days would gather to wish the bride well, bringing small gifts like notes and home goods. These would be put in an open parasol, and they would “shower” them over her.

Today the bride’s friends and female relatives gather to wish the new bride well and help prepare the home, and that is exactly what happened in the lovely club setting on the water that we attended. My grand daughter-in-law’s shower was organized by her friend since early childhood. The day was bright and sunny on the outside, and so was the mood inside. We met some of her friends, her immediate family, her aunts and cousins, and enjoyed a delicious brunch together. We traded stories of how some of the women had found their husbands, where they now lived, how many children they had, what sort of work they did, in short the usual conversations when strangers first meet. The hit of the day was the clever 1 1/2 year-old son of the hostess who roamed among us and tried to put his sneaker on my foot. Gifts were opened by the bride, pictures were taken, and then slowly we dispersed, promising to see each other at the wedding, now an extended family.

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The 2023 Double Helix Medals Dinner was once again held under the American Museum of Natural History's iconic blue whale model. Photo from CSHL

By Nick Wurm

On November 15, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) held its 18th annual Double Helix Medals dinner (DHMD) at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. CBS journalist Lesley Stahl returned to emcee the awards dinner, which honored Neri Oxman & William Ackman and 2018 Nobel laureate Jim Allison. Thanks to the event chairs and donors, the event raised more than $10 million. After receiving the Double Helix Medal, Oxman and Ackman announced an extraordinary gift, further breaking the event’s fundraising record to support scientific research and education at CSHL.

William Ackman & Neri Oxman

Neri Oxman & William Ackman are co-trustees of the Pershing Square Foundation. The organization empowers scientists to take on important social causes, including the environment, cancer, and cognitive health. Ackman is also the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management and chairman of the Howard Hughes Corporation. Oxman is an innovative designer whose fusions of technology and biology have been featured in museums around the world. Her work has yielded over 150 scientific publications and inventions.

“Something we continue to this day is backing young, talented entrepreneurs who are on a mission to solve an important societal problem,” Ackman says. “We believe in taking risks with incredible scientists who have the ability to tackle these complex problems,” Oxman adds.

Dr. Jim Allison

Dr. Jim Allison is regental professor and chair of the MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Department of Immunology. He won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for pioneering the field of cancer immunotherapy. Since then, his research has led to the development of ipilimumab, an FDA-approved therapy for metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer.

“The perception of immunology has shifted,” Dr. Allison says. “People used to say, ‘Will immunotherapy ever work?’ We now know it works. Immunotherapy is going to be a part of all cancer therapies for almost every kind of cancer.”

The 2023 DHMD was chaired by Ms. Jamie Nicholls and Mr. O. Francis Biondi, Ms. Barbara Amonson and Dr. Vincent Della Pietra, Drs. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra and Stephen Della Pietra, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Desmarais, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey E. Kelter, Dr. and Mrs. Tomislav Kundic, Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Lindsay, Ms. Ivana Stolnik-Lourie and Dr. Robert Lourie, Dr. Marcia Kramer Mayer, Dr. and Mrs. Howard L. Morgan, Drs. Marilyn and James Simons, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Taubman.

Since the inaugural gala in 2006 honoring Muhammed Ali, the DHMD has raised over $60 million to support CSHL’s biological research and education programs.

Author Nick Wurm is a Communications Specialist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

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A SIGHT TO BEHOLD Celebrate the season with a visit to the Port Jefferson Village Center to view the beautiful Festival of Trees on the second floor. Photo courtesy of PJCC
Ongoing

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton runs through Dec. 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be purchased online at www.holidaylightshow.com.

Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County presents its 20th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show at Southaven County Park in Yaphank through December 30. This year, the light show will be a fully immersive, walk-through Enchanted Forest, which features 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays along with photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games for visitors to enjoy. For tickets, visit www.gssclightshow.com.

Holiday Illuminations

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown presents Holiday Illuminations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Explore the Society’s grounds illuminated for the holiday season! Every half hour, the historical buildings will be brought to life with stunning visuals and animations, telling enchanting holiday tales. Food trucks, vendors, live music and a visit from Santa will add to the festive atmosphere. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2024 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 473-4778

Holiday Spectacular

Town of Brookhaven’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, returns to Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Dec. 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18; hours on Fridays and Saturdays are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Photos available with Santa for an additional fee; credit cards only, no cash accepted. Tickets must be purchased in advance at BrookhavenNY.gov/Holiday. 631-451-5330.

Garden of Lights

Sachem Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents it’s Garden of Lights: A Sky Full of Stars on Dec. 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Experience a community-built walk-through light show for all ages. Free. 631-588-5024

Thursday Dec. 7

SHS Holiday Luncheon

Join the Smithtown Historical Society for a Holiday Luncheon in the Frank Brush Barn, 211 East Main St., Smithtown at 11:45 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. Indulge in a traditional country lunch complete with a tossed salad, roll, wine, dessert and coffee. Festive holiday wreaths will be raffled off as well. Tickets are $25 per person. Reservations required by calling 631-265-6768.

Port Jefferson Station Menorah Lighting

The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Menorah Lighting at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station from 4 to 5 p.m. 631-821-1313.

St. James Menorah Lighting

The community is invited to the St. James Menorah Lighting Ceremony at The Triangle, Route 25A and Lake Ave., St. James on Dec. 7 at 5 p.m., Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 9 to 14 at 5 p.m. Includes light refreshments. Nonperishable food donations accepted for the local food pantries. 631-584-8510

Huntington Menorah Lighting

Chabad of Huntington Village will host a Grand Menorah Lighting at the Huntington Village Winter Wonderland at Main Street and Wall Street at 4:30 p.m.

Farmingville Menorah Lighting

Join the Town of Brookhaven for a Menorah Lighting at Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment, hot latkes and donuts. 631-451-6100

Crafts and Cocktails

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor kicks off its Crafts & Cocktails series with felting workshop at 6:30 p.m. Design and created a needle-felted whale ornament. Sip a festive mulled wine cocktail as you work. Tickets are $30, $20 members at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Centereach Tree Lighting

The Centereach Civic Association invites the community to its annual holiday tree lighting and inaugural Dickens Festival on the lawn of Capital One Bank, 2100 Middle Country Road, Centereach at 7 p.m. Enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, candy canes and a visit from Santa. Rain/snow date is Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

Lake Ronkonkoma Menorah Lighting

Take part in a Menorah Lighting at Raynor Park, 174 Ronkonkoma Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce. 631-963-2796

Vanderbilt Lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will present a lecture,  American Rascal: How Jay Gould Built Massive Wall Street Fortune, at 7 p.m. Greg Steinmetz recounts the gripping life of Jay Gould, one of the nineteenth century’s most infamous robber barons, whose brilliance, greed, and bare-knuckled tactics made him wealthier than Rockefeller and led Wall Street to institute its first reforms. Tickets are $10, members free, To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Friday Dec. 8

Victorian Holiday Walking Tour

Cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and join the staff at The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a walk through the quaint, waterside village to explore the surprising Victorian origins of many modern holiday traditions tonight at 5 p.m. or Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. View historic buildings along Main Street and discover how local families gathered for Thanksgiving, made merry at Christmas, and rang in the New Year — and how those celebrations would have been very different for whalers out at sea! Recommended for ages 12 and over. Tickets are $15 per person at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418

Drive Through Live Nativity

Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will hold its annual Drive Through Live Nativity tonight and Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. Take a trip back in time to experience the magic and mystery of the first Christmas. This is a free event. No tickets or registration required. 631-689-1127

Holiday Concert

Bring your Ho! Ho! Ho! and your Fa! La! La! to an evening of festive music by the North Shore Community Band’s Holiday Concert at St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River at 7:30 p.m. Free admission. www.nscbli.org

Grounds and Sounds Concert

Grounds and Sounds Cafe at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket welcomes Quarter Horse in concert with doors opening and open mic sign-up at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15  per person and can be purchased online at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door on the night of the event.  631-751-0297.

Saturday Dec. 9

Victorian Holiday Walking Tour

See Dec. 8 listing.

Drive Through Live Nativity

See Dec. 8 listing.

Christmas Fair

The First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road Greenlawn presents a Christmas Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring Christmas decor, gift items, poinsettias and more! 631-261-2150

Holiday Gift Fair

Farmingville Residents Association will hold their annual Holiday Gift Fair at Gambino Catering Hall, 2005 Route 112, Medford from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 50 vendors, Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, and a visit from Santa. Free admission. 631-260-7411

Northport Winter Craft Fair 

Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport hosts the 27th annual Winter Craft Fair today and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Long Island’s largest indoor craft fair showcases over 200 exhibitors featuring original art, photography, one of a kind crafted jewelry, woodcraft, textiles, apparel, personalized ornaments, organic specialties as olive oils, soaps, bath & body butters, jellies, chocolates and bakery delicacies, teas and local honey,  and much more. Free admission. 631-846-1459.

Comsewogue Craft Fair

Comsewogue High School, 565 North Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station will host the Comsewogue Community Connections annual Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 75 vendors with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 631-974-5668

All Souls Saturdays Poetry Reading

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturday Poetry Series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Paula Curci will be the featured poet. An open-reading will follow; 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/ 631-655-7798.  

Holiday Gift Bazaar

During the exhibition, Deck the Halls, Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket will host a Holiday Gift Bazaar, an indoor, holiday gift market in the Gallery and Studio, featuring some of the area’s finest jewelry, textiles, pottery, and more from noon to 7 p.m. Holiday shoppers will find a diverse selection of affordable, exciting, original paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glassware, artisan created jewelry, handmade crafts, decorations, and clothing — perfect gifts for everyone on your list. 631-751-2676

Atelier Open House 

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 9, St. James invites the community to an Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Come and see demos from resident instructors, such as Bill Graf, Denis Ponsot and Jonathan Horn, tour the facilities, and get the chance to peek into ongoing classes. There will also be refreshments and the opportunity to purchase hand-crafted jewelry, cards, ornaments, prints, and original artworks and raffle baskets. 631-250-9009.

Dickens in the Carriage Museum

In celebration of the 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson Village, stop by the Long Island Museum’s Carriage Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook to meet roaming costumed street characters from the Dickensian era as they magically transform the galleries into a London of a bygone century from 2 to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission. In collaboration with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council. www.longislandmuseum.org.

St. James Night Market

St. James Lutheran Church, 230 Second Ave., St. James will host a Night Market Holiday Wonderland from 3 to 8 p.m. with 50 vendors in heated holiday tent, hot food, live nativity with petting outside, bonfire with marshmallows, carolers, character visits, hot cocoa and cider, and so much more!

Centereach Tree Lighting

Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach presents Light the Night, a tree lighting and live nativity in memory of Matt Lewis from 3:30 to 5 p.m. 631-774-1556

St. James Tree Lighting

The St. James Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Deepwells Farm County Park, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James at 4 p.m. with holiday music, kids crafts, pictures with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate. 631-584-8510

Heritage Country Christmas

Join the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown for their annual Heritage Country Christmas Fair from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy holiday music, s’mores, kids crafts, tree lighting, a Holiday Illumination light show a winter hayride, and a visit with Santa Claus! $5 for an hour time slot. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 children available at the gate or at www.smithtownhistorical .org. Rain date is Dec. 10. 631-265-6768

Sounds of the Season tours

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will present special evening tours of the decorated Mansion tonight and Dec. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. Titled Sounds of the Seasons, Explore the festively adorned mansion and be serenaded by timeless Bing Crosby melodies, relive President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Christmas Eve commemorations, and be captivated by special holiday episodes of Suspense Radio. This holiday celebration masterfully captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending festive cheer with nostalgic charm. The Vanderbilt Mansion’s halls were decked by the Museum’s curators in collaboration with the Dix Hills, Centerport, Three Village, Asharoken, and Nathan Hale garden clubs. Tickets, which are $15 per person, can be purchased on the Vanderbilt website, www.vanderbiltmuseum.org, for specific 30-minute tour times.

Holiday Night Market

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook will host its annual Holiday Night Market from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Shop for unique items sold by local vendors and bring a new/unwrapped toy for the Town of Brookhaven’s INTERFACE Toy Drive. 631-588-5024

Lessons & Carols Christmas Concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook invites the community to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as it joins with eleven other faith communities to present its annual Lessons and Carols Christmas concert at 6 p.m. The free concert will feature Stony Brook University soprano Heidi Schneider and tell the story of the Nativity in scripture and song.   Refreshments will be served. 631-655-7798

Miller Place Tree Lighting

The 15th annual Tree Lighting and Polar Express will be held at the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place at 7 p.m. Enjoy performance from the Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center, as well as Miller Place students, and a visit from Santa Claus before the tree lighting. Free coffee, hot chocolate, soup, pizza, and donuts will be served.

LI Baroque Concert

St. James Episcopal Church, 490 North Country Road, St. James will welcome the Long Island Baroque Ensemble featuring the ALBA Consort for a holiday concert, Peace on Earth, at 7 p.m. The evening will celebrate Christmas, Chanukah and Solstice traditions with Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque melodies from around the world in original languages. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors, $15 students at www.libaroque.org or at the door.

LISCA Winter Concert

The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association under the direction of Richard Foley will present its annual Winter Concert at St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket at 8 p.m. Program will feature Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, and seasonal works by Gabrieli, Gjeilo, Holst, and Rutter. A reception will follow. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors, students free at www.lisca.org and at the door. For further information, call 631-897-8520.

LIGMC Holiday Concert

Join the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus for their annual holiday concert, Peace on Earth: A Holiday Journey Around the World at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road Stony Brook tonight at 8 p.m. and at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. To order, visit www.ligmc.org.

Sunday Dec. 10

Northport Winter Craft Fair

See Dec. 9 listing.

LIGMC Holiday Concert

See Dec. 9 listing.

Huntington Polar Plunge

The Town of Huntington will hold its 3rd annual Polar Plunge event at Crab Meadow Beach, Waterview Street, Northport from 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. The event will raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics and its athletes. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. and run until 9:30 a.m. 631-386-8038

Winter Holiday Market

Three Village Historical Society will hold a Winter Holiday Market at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The indoor event will feature something to shop for everyone on your gift giving list with artists, woodworkers, makers, bakers, florists, felters, and creators of all kinds. 631-751-3730

Holiday Party for Wildlife

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Holiday Party for Wildlife from 1 to 3 p.m. Come enjoy short animal presentations, photo opportunities, crafts and story times for kids. Small gifts from the Center’s Wildlife wish list (found on their website) appreciated. No need to wrap, just place under the tree at the event.  Tickets are $15 per child $5 per adult at www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Silver Chords Holiday Concert

Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts a classic holiday concert by the Silver Chords Chorus titled Celebrations at 2 p.m. Featuring music tot celebrate all the holidays of the season from Veteran’s Day to Christmas and New Year’s with raffle baskets. Free admission. Call 631-235-3593.

Winter Concert

The North Shore Chamber Choir will present a Winter Concert at St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River at 3 p.m. Program will include selections from Handel’s Messiah along with Selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio sung in German.Suggested donation $20 per person.

Messiah Sing-Along

Stony Brook University will present its annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along at the Staller Center’s Recital Hall, 100 Nicolls Road Stony Brook at 4 p.m. Featuring chamber orchestra from the University Orchestra with vocal soloists, guest conductors and the audience as the chorus! A short preconcert will bew held at 3:45 p.m. Free admission. Vocal scores will be available for purchase for $10 cash at the door. 631-632-7330

Ridotto Concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington will present a Ridotto Concert, concerts with a touch of theatre, at 4 p.m. featuring pianist Soyeon Kate Lee. Program will feature works by Gubaidulina, Chopin, Schumann, Caroline Shaw, Gustav le Gray, and the monumental La Valse by Ravel. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors $25 members, $12 students. To order, call 631-385-0373.

Chanukah Car Parade

Village Chabad, 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a Chanukah Car Parade and Grand Menorah Lighting with a Chocolate Gelt Drop starting at 4 p.m. with latkes, donuts, music, Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix dog show and more. $10 per person in advance at MyVillageChabad.com/LightOverDark, $15 at the door. 631-585-0521

Three Village Holiday Electric Parade

The Rotary Club of Stony Brook presents the Three Village Holiday Electric Parade along Main Street and Route 25A (from Setauket Elementary School to Setauket Pond Park) in Setauket from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Held rain or shine.

Farmingville Tree Lighting

Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce and Farmingville Residents Association hosts a tree lighting at Triangle Park at the Town Clock, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive at 5 p.m.  (event starts at 3 p.m.) with a visit from Santa and music by the Helping Hands Ministry children’s choir.  Refreshments at the Farmingville Fire Department will follow. 631-260-7411

Sunday Street Concert at the LIM

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook closes this season’s Sunday Street series with a concert by Toby Walker and Pat Wictor in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance at www.sundaystreet.org, $30 (cash only) at the door. 

Grand Menorah Parade

Chabad of Mid-Suffolk, 318 Veterans Hwy., Commack presents a Grand Menorah Parade to The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. The grand menorah lighting and Chanukah Party will follow at The Chai Center with doughnuts and latkes. RSVP at ChabadMidSuffolk.com/parade

Monday Dec. 11

Book Swap

Visit Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryvile Road, Port Jefferson Station  to swap out one or two of your own books and find a few books to take home that are new to you! Reserve your spot in the 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. session by calling 631-928-1212 or visiting www.cplib.org

Greenlawn Menorah Lighting

The Greenlawn Civic Association will host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn at 6 p.m. www.greenlawncivic.org

Smithtown Menorah Lighting

The Town of Smithtown and Chabad of Mid-Suffolk will hold its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall, 99 West Main St., Smithtown at 5 p.m. 631-360-7512

Tuesday Dec. 12

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a screening of the film Anti-Semitism in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Celebrating 60 Years of Port Jefferson Village
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson presents An Event to Remember – Celebrating 60 Years of Port Jefferson Village from 5:30 to 9 p.m.  Long Island Seaport & Eco Center will be featuring their exciting whaleboat build in construction form with photos, video, great conversation, food and wine as well as live panel discussions to commemorate the 1963 Incorporation of the Village of Port Jefferson. Free but registration is required by visiting eventbrite.com.

CAC Comedy Night

Comedian John Ziegler heads to the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a night of laughs at 8 p.m. Enjoy a laughter filled and storied evening. Hosted by Steven Taub. Tickets are $45, $35 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Wednesday Dec. 13

Commack Menorah Lighting

Join the Suffolk Y JCCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack for a Menorah Lighting and Shine a Light on Anti-Semitism event o at 7 p.m. 631-462-9800

Thursday Dec. 14

Winter Secrets Walking Tour

Bundle up and enjoy the historical spirit of Stony Brook this winter with a Winter Secrets Walking Tour today at 9:50 a.m. and Dec. 15 at 1:50 p.m. Participants stroll Stony Brook Village to discover multiple wintry stories of Stony Brook Village. Learn about Arctic fever and the icy dramas surrounding Stony Brook Village artifact, the Polaris whaleboat; hear of turn-of-the-century holiday parties hosted by “upstairs” elite socialite Alida Chandler Emmet; discover the extraordinary history of Stony Brook Village’s fire department, and more! $25 per person. Participants receive a bottle of wine from Lakeside Wine Emotion with their purchase of ticket. Registration is required by calling 631-751-2244.

Nutcracker Holiday Show

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present its Nutcracker Holiday Show at 7 p.m. Enjoy a Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed Jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

Theater

‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $32 adults, $30 seniors, $28 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Join them for the  38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. All seats are $25 in November. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children in December. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Beauty and the Beast’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast now through Jan. 7. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

Join the Minstrel Players at Houghton Hall,  Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport for their annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults $15 seniors and students. To order, email [email protected].

Dance

Nutcracker Ballet  

Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. 631-632-ARTS, www.nutcrackerballet.com

Vendors Wanted 

■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.

Class Reunion

•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

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Suffolk District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 6 that Douglas Valente, 57, of Florida, formerly the principal attorney at the Valente Law Group based in Stony Brook, pleaded guilty to three counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, after stealing over $800,000 from three of his former clients by taking their money from his escrow account.

“Over more than two years, this defendant used his attorney escrow account as his own personal slush fund when he took money belonging to his clients and used it for personal and business expenses,” said District Attorney Tierney. “No one is above the law, and my office will continue to prosecute attorneys and other professionals who choose to steal from their clients.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, from April 14, 2020, to May 31, 2020, Valente stole proceeds from the sale of an elderly client’s home in the amount $181,201. Valente represented the elderly victim during the sale of her home and the proceeds of the sale were put into Valente’s escrow account. Valente was required to send half of the proceeds to his client and the other half was to be sent to her matrimonial attorney to be held in escrow until her divorce was finalized.

Although Valente did send half of the proceeds to his client, he failed to send the remaining half of the proceeds to the attorney representing her in the matrimonial proceedings. As a result, when his client’s divorce was finalized, she was unable to obtain the remaining proceeds from the sale of her home.

In addition, from September 28, 2020, through October 13, 2020, Valente stole $248,027 from Guaranteed Rate Inc., a mortgage lender. Valente was the attorney and settlement agent for Guaranteed Rate Inc. in a refinance transaction. Guaranteed Rate Inc. wired money to Valente’s escrow account to be dispersed in the transaction. The defendant was supposed to send a portion of the proceeds of the refinanced mortgage to the prior mortgage company to pay off the existing mortgage, but he did not. Because of this, Guaranteed Rate Inc. had to pay off the existing mortgage in the amount of $248,027.

Between May 14, 2021, through September 30, 2022, Valente stole almost $400,000 from a client who had sold a home due to a pending divorce proceeding. Valente represented the client in the sale of the home, and he was to hold the proceeds of the sale in his escrow account to be dispersed when the divorce was finalized. Instead, Valente used the funds for business and personal expenses.

On May 18, 2022, the New York Grievance Committee for the Tenth Judicial District disbarred Valente, making him ineligible to practice law in New York State.

On December 6, 2023, Valente pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, to three counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Class C felonies. Valente is due back in court on December 11, 2023, and he is being represented by William Keahon, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Donna M. Planty of the Financial Crimes Bureau, with investigative assistance from Deputy Sheriff Investigator Yvonne Decaro, and Detective Investigator Vincent Neefus of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

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Maizee. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

MEET MAIZEE!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Maizee, a beautiful Husky/Jindo mix up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. 

Maizee is a two year-old Female Husky/Jindo Mix who was found as a stray and never claimed. She is a stunning ball of happy energy who enjoys meeting new people and going for runs. Maizee is looking for a family that can keep her active and shower her with love and affection. She needs to work on her leash manners, but is otherwise perfectly well behaved. Maizee would do well in a home with dogs who can match her energy. A potential home should be careful when introducing her to cats and small children, as her strength can be a little overwhelming for them. Stunning Maizee is a total delight, and we know her perfect home will find her soon enough.

If you are interested in meeting Maizee, please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

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Sufganiyot

By Heidi Sutton

The humble donut is a treat beloved all over the world, but it takes on special significance when you make sufganiyot for Hanukkah. These deep-fried delicacies have become popular in Israel as a way to symbolize the miracle of the oil lamps that burned one day’s supply of oil for eight days in the ancient Holy Temple in Jerusalem. 

Sufganiyot are traditionally filled with jelly or jam, but can also be filled with custard, Nutella, pudding, pumpkin butter, apple butter, or dulce de leche and are are also delicious plain. 

Enjoy this recipe for Sufganiyot, courtesy of Martha Stewart, for your next Hanukkah celebration.

Sufganiyot

YIELD: Makes 20 donuts

INGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)

1⁄2 cup warm water (100 to 110 F)

1⁄4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, plus more for rolling

2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1⁄4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

2 teaspoons salt

3 cups vegetable oil, plus more for bowl

1 cup seedless raspberry jam

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Place flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center; add eggs, yeast mixture, 1⁄4 cup sugar, butter, nutmeg, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a sticky dough forms. On a well-floured work surface, knead until dough is smooth, soft, and bounces back when poked with a finger, about 8 minutes (add more flour, if necessary). Place in an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled, 1 to 11⁄2 hours.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to 1⁄4-inch thickness. Using a 21⁄2-inch-round cutter or drinking glass, cut 20 rounds. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise 15 minutes.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-frying thermometer registers 350 F. Using a slotted spoon, carefully slip 4 rounds into oil. Fry until golden, about 40 seconds. Turn donuts over; fry until golden on other side, another 40 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Roll in sugar while warm. Fry all dough, and roll in sugar.

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a #4 tip with jam. Using a wooden skewer or toothpick, make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fit the pastry tip into a hole, pipe about 2 teaspoons jam into doughnut. Repeat with remaining donuts.

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Police car

Suffolk County Police on Dec. 5 arrested a man for allegedly driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and fleeing from a police officer after he drove the wrong way on the Long Island Expressway.

Highway Patrol officers responded to a 911 report of a box truck swerving across the roadway as it traveled eastbound in the westbound lanes of the LIE near Exit 48 at 9:55 p.m. The truck, a 2017 HINO box truck, continued the wrong way for four exits before cutting across the center median in the vicinity of Exit 52, where it continued eastbound in the eastbound lanes.

A Highway Patrol vehicle, with lights and siren activated, followed the truck as it swerved back and forth across all lanes of traffic but did not stop. The truck finally came to a stop at Exit 61 in Holbrook after it rolled over stop sticks that had been set by other responding officers at approximately 10:20 p.m.

The driver, Nicolas Lopez Gomez, 30, of Elmhurst was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd Degree, and Reckless Driving.

 

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