Yearly Archives: 2023

A scene from the 2020 Harry Chapin documentary

By Melissa Arnold

Throughout the 1970s, singer-songwriter Harry Chapin built a high-profile music career that included more than a dozen hit singles, 11 albums and a host of awards, including two Grammys. Despite his sudden death in 1981 at only 38 years old, Chapin left behind a massive legacy through both his music and a profoundly generous spirit.

Most people know Harry Chapin for his prolific contributions to the world of folk and rock music, but the “Cat’s in the Cradle” singer was also involved in a variety of charity efforts. He was especially passionate about ending hunger around the world. In 1975, he co-founded Why Hunger, a non-profit that supports grassroots organizations in 35 countries. He was also committed to making a difference in his backyard on Long Island, and in 1980, he founded Long Island Cares, which runs food pantries throughout the area.

The documentary Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something will be screened on Saturday, May 6.

On Saturday, May 6, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook will host a charity food drive and film screening of Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something.

“Like many people, my earliest memory of Harry Chapin is when my dad would have our family listen carefully to ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ on the AM radio in our family station wagon,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF’s vice chairman and host of the Sounds of Film radio show on 90.1 WUSB-FM. “Harry wrote songs about everyday people and their struggles, and he had a way of connecting with his audience on a personal level. His life and career serve as a testament to the ability of music and advocacy to bring about positive change in the world.”

The documentary, released in 2020, follows Chapin from a young boy in the shadows of his jazz musician father to finding his own success. When in Doubt, Do Something paints a new picture of the singer-songwriter who used his fame as a launching point to help others and influence politics. It also features testimonials from Chapin’s family, along with fellow musicians including Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Rogers, Pat Benatar and many more.

“I always believed that at some time in our history that there would be a documentary film made about Harry’s life and dedication towards ending hunger,” said Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares. “Half of his annual concert [revenue] was used to raise funds to address food insecurity, and many schools reference Harry when discussing hunger, poverty, and social justice. I was honored to be a part of the film to discuss the founding of Long Island Cares and how we work to continue his legacy.”

According to Long Island Cares media relations specialist Peter Crescenti, there are 230,000 food-insecure individuals on Long Island today, including 68,000 children. The organization’s food pantries have seen significant increases in visitors over the past several years, a trend they anticipate will continue. But Crescenti said they are continuing to expand their reach and programs to meet the growing need.

“In addition to providing millions of pounds of food a year to more than 325 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, we also run a pantry for pet supplies and a variety of programs for young people, veterans, the homeless and others seeking support,” he said. “We are dedicated to being the voice of those who have no voice, and addressing why poverty, immigration status, racial discrimination and other root causes of hunger still exist.”

Following the film screening, Tom Needham will lead a Q&A session with members of Harry Chapin’s family and staff from LI Cares.

The event will be held at 2 p.m. May 6 at the LIMEHOF Museum, 97 Main Street, Stony Brook. Tickets are $19.50 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, veterans and children at www.limusichalloffame.org. Each ticket also includes admission to the museum. Food donations are strongly encouraged.

LIMEHOF is a not-for-profit organization — ticket sales support scholarships for high schoolers and music programs in local places of need, including hospitals and senior centers. For more information and upcoming events, visit www.limusichalloffame.org/museum. To learn more about LI Cares and how to support their mission, visit www.licares.org.

Sweetbriar Nature Center hosts a baby shower for wildlife on May 7.
PROGRAMS

Family Hour Sunday

Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington hosts a Family Hour Sunday on May 7 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. Registration is recommended by visiting www.heckscher.org.

A Baby Shower for Wildlife

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to a Baby Shower for Wildlife on May 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. Help them prepare for the busy spring baby season by bringing a gift to ensure the smallest animals who need our help — from squirrels and bunnies to hummingbirds and ducklings — get the nourishment and medical care they need to thrive. At the event you will meet some ambassador animals and learn about why they are permanent residents at the center. Tickets ($10 per child, $5 adults) plus wish list are at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Spring Bling

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport continues its Kids Craft Series with Spring Bling on May 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. Welcome Spring with three fun crafting stations: Card Making, Lima Bean Growing and Flower Pot Decorating. Children will leave with their completed craft that they can keep or gift to a special someone in their lives. $8 per child includes a $5 gift certificate to Einstein’s Attic. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.

Our Home: An Earth & Art Adventure

In collaboration with the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents Our Home: An Earth & Art Adventure on May 7 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Begin your adventure at The Heckscher exploring the exhibitions and create a masterpiece inspired by your home and the place we all call home — Earth! Then, meet at the Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a live lecture of the night sky using the planetarium theater’s amazing star projection system and then watch the fulldome film “We Are Guardians.” Look through one of the Vanderbilt Observatory telescopes and create an earth-themed craft. For families with children ages 6 and up. $15 per person. To register, visit www.heckscher.org.

THEATER

‘Flat Stanley’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley from May 27 to July 2. Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill, ten-year-old. For Stanley, life is too normal. He longs to travel the world, do something amazing! Careful what you wish for, Stanley! One morning, Stanley wakes up really, REALLY flat! In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted and mailed from Hollywood to Honolulu and beyond hoping to once again become three dimensional. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Cinderella’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its children’s theatre season with its original retelling of the poor waif Cinderella from May 27 to June 17 with a sensory sensitive performance on June 4 at 11 a.m. The classic love story finds its power in a pumpkin, a palace, a prince – and a young girl whose belief in herself can overcome any obstacle. When her Fairy Godmother adds a dash of excitement, the magical possibilities are endless. Don’t miss this musical enchantment for the entire family. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

FILM

‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on May 7 at noon. After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., to his brother and his little sister, and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

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MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC The Whitman String Quartet (clockwise from left, Manaka Matsumoto, Dr. Joenne Dumitrascu, Dr. Stephen Gorgone and Wei-An Hung) present a free concert at All Souls Church in Stony Brook on May 6.
Thursday May 4

SCCC Spring Concert

Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden invites the community to a free spring concert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring orchestra, guitar ensemble, Suffolk Singers and college choir. No tickets required.

Friday May 5

First Friday at the Heckscher

Celebrate First Friday at The Heckscher Museum of Art from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Explore the exhibitions including the Museum’s annual high school juried exhibition Long Island’s Best during extended viewing hours and enjoy a special performance by Huntington High School student musicians at 7 p.m. Free admission. Questions? Call 631-380-3230.

Vanderbilt Evening Birdwatch

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for an Evening Birdwatch and Architecture Tour with the Museum’s director of curatorial affairs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate at dusk, when the grounds are closed but the birds are active. Bring binoculars. Walks will also be held on April 7 and 21, and May 5 and 19. Tickets are $12, free for members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

SCCC Spring Concert

Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden invites the community to a free spring concert in the Shea Theatre of the Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring a contemporary music ensemble, jazz ensemble and symphonic band. No tickets required.

Saturday May 6

Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale

Rescheduled from April 29. Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale fundraiser from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. around the double garage in the Sweetbriar parking lot. Featuring household items, bric-a-brac, antiques, collectibles and other treasures! Money goes back into the wildlife center. Call 631-979-6344.

Tree Fest in Setauket

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for its 2nd annual Tree Fest on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Educational activities, face painting, live animal presentations, native plant sale and more. Rain date is May 7.  Free. For more info, visit www.4has.org.

Tag, Bake and Plant Sale

Stony Brook Community Church, 216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook hosts a Tag, Bake and Plant Sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for gently used items and crafts from local vendors, pick up a baked item for dessert and choose a plant for your garden. Call 631-751-0574.

Spring Festival at the Hatchery 

Rescheduled from April 29. Join Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Spring Festival fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy music, games, kid’s fishing, food, environmental exhibitors and live animal encounters. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. Call 516-631-692-6768 for more information.

I Love My Park Day

Drop by Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for I Love My Park Day from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at Nature Museum. The project is placing wood chips on the walking trails. Bring work gloves and wear long pants and socks. Call 631-265-1054.

Civil War Encampment

Farmingville Historical Society invites the community to a Civil War Encampment at the Bald Hill School House, 507 Horseblock Road, Farmingville from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with soldiers from the 9th Virginia Infantry, Co. C; 30th Virginia Infantry Co. B; and 67th NY Co. K. See how life was during the Civil War at the one-room school house with drills and musket firing, period food demonstrations and much more. Free. Visit www.farmingvillehistoricalsociety.org.

Fiber Days at Benner’s Farm

Join Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket for Fiber Days today and May 7 from noon to 4 p.m. Watch the sheep being sheared for the summer on Saturday only and enjoy demonstrations on how to clean and card the freshly sheared fleeces, how to spin those fibers into yarn, how to knit and weave the yarn to make clothing. Walk around the farm to meet the many farm animals and take part in a Baby Animal Circle. Garden plants will be available for sale. $10 adults, $8 children and seniors. Call 631-689-8172.

Little Shelter Anniversary Party

Rescheduled from April 29. Join Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road, Huntington in celebrating its 96th anniversary with a sweet-treat extravaganza and Garden Party at 3 p.m. Held rain or shine. Call 631-368-8770.

Whitman String Quartet in concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main St. Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with a performance by the Whitman String Quartet, doctoral music students and graduates from Stony Brook University, at 6 p.m. Program will include works by Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Piazzolla, and Borodin. Free. Please bring a can of food to be donated to a local food pantry. Call 631-655-7798.

Huntington Men’s Chorus concert

St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church, 29 Clay Pitts Road Greenlawn hosts a concert by the Huntington Mens Chorus at 7 p.m. Conducted by Henry McDonagh III, the program will include a tribute to Frank Sinatra. Tickets are $18 adults, $16 seniors and students in advance at www.huntingtonmenschorus.org/$20 at the door. 

Sunday May 7

Fiber Days at Benner’s Farm

See May 6 listing.

Car Show & Swap Meet

The “Long Island Cars” Car Show & Swap Meet returns to the LICH Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane in Farmingville form 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hundreds of classic and collectible automobiles including street rods, muscle cars, antiques, exotics and imports will be on display along with a vendor swap meet, cars for sale, food and more. Admission is $10 per person, children under 12 years of age are free. Free parking. Call 631-567-5898 or visit www.LongIslandCars.com.

Spring Village Craft Fair

Rescheduled from April 30. Smithtown Historical Society, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown hosts a Spring Village Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 100 vendors featuring crafts, home décor, jewelry and more with festival food and live music. Free admission. Call 631-846-1459.

Spring Craft & Vendor Fair

The Polish American Independent Club Ladies Auxiliary will host a Spring Craft & Vendor Fair at the Polish Hall, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 30 vendors, Polish food, raffles and more. Something for everyone. Free admission. Questions? Call 516-383-3456.

Sheep to Shawl Festival

Join the Huntington Historical Society for its annual Sheep to Shawl Festival at the Dr. Daniel Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington from noon to 4 p.m. with live sheep shearing demonstrations, carding, spinning, weaving, knitting, food, games, music and crafts. Free admission. For more information, call 631-427-7045.

Muster Day at the Arsenal

Step back in history for a day in 1775 as the Huntington Militia hosts a Muster Day at the Arsenal and Village Green, 425 Park Ave., Huntington in conjunction with the Sheep to Shawl Festival from noon to 4:30 p.m.  Featuring a Men-at-Arms drill, firing of muskets, firing of canon, and cooking over an open campfire. The Arsenal will be open for tours on a schedule through the day. Free. Questions? Call 631-223-8017.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Stony Brook University’s Wang Center, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents its annual Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Welcome spring to Long Island with the blooming of sakura (cherry blossoms), the sounds of taiko drums, Koto plays, Japanese traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy workshops, ikebana flower arrangement, tea workshops, manga drawing, origami paper folding, kimono dress-ups, and cosplay for all ages. Held rain or shine. Admission of $30, $20 students/seniors, $10 children ages 6 to 12 includes all film viewings, workshops, and theater presentations. For tickets, visit www.thewangcenter.org/events.

Silver Chords concert

The Silver Chords presents a free concert, The Times They Are A-Changin’, A Journey Through the Changing World of Music and Culture, at the  Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket at 2 p.m. The program features  Amazing Grace, The Music of MGM, This Land Is Your Land, Sumer Is Icumen In, Louder Than Words, and many more. With fabulous gift basket raffles/handicap accessible. Call 631-235-3593 for details.

Sip & Shop For a Cause 

The Gino Macchio Foundation hosts a Sip & Shop event at the Port Jefferson Moose Lodge, 37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai from 3 to 7 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping with creative vendors, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, plus DJ & dancing. Tickets are $60 per person. Funds raised will support the foundation’s Recovery to Work Program and Oyster Project. To purchase tickets, visit www.ginomacchiofoundation.com. For more information, call 631-496-6179.

Dance Theatre of Harlem at SBU

One of the premier companies performing today, Dance Theatre of Harlem comes to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Art’s Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook to captivate the hearts and minds of audiences with their incredible performances at 7 p.m. Its signature company of 18 dancers performs a forward-thinking repertoire of traditional works and contemporary pieces. Tickets range from $42 to $75. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Monday May 8

Rocky Point BOE Forum

The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a forum for Board of Education candidates in the Rocky Point School District at the Sound Beach firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 8 p.m.  Doors will open at 7 p.m. to give everyone the chance to submit questions. All are welcome. For more information, call 631-744-6952.

Tuesday May 9

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes licensed private investigator Don Longo for a presentation titled “Scam Alert: Don’t Be A Victim” at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 631-928-3737 for more information.

Civil War presentation

The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket hosts a presentation by Cliff Eastman and Rob Walker on the equipment and uniforms of the Union soldiers during the Civil War along with the history of Company H of the 119th New York, organized in the Town of Hempstead at 7 p.m. Eastman and Walker are members of Company H, 119th New York Volunteers, “Willis Company,” based out of Old Bethpage Village Restoration. $10 per person. To register, visit www.frankmelvillepark.org.

An evening of Swing Dance

Swing Dance Long Island, a non-profit social dance club, holds weekly dances every Tuesday evening at the  Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Rd. Greenlawn with beginner swing lessons at 7:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Singles and beginners are welcome.  No partner necessary. Admission is $15 on DJ night,  $20 on band night on the third Tuesday of the month. Call 516-521-1410.

Miller Place BOE Forum

The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a forum for Board of Education candidates in the Miller Place School District at the Sound Beach firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m. to give everyone the chance to submit questions. All are welcome. For more information, call 631-744-6952.

Wednesday May 10

No events listed for this day.

Thursday May 11

Lunch & Learn

Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with a presentation by Bill Bleyer titled The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring at Matteo’s Restaurant, 300 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington from noon to 2 p.m. $55, $50 members includes a gourmet three-course meal, dessert and house wine. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or call 631-427-7045.

Theater

Summer Shakespeare Festival

The Carriage House Players kick off the 34th annual Summer Shakespeare Festival in the mansion courtyard of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) on May 5, 12 13 and 26 at 8 p.m. and May 7, 14 and 21 at 7 p.m. Three Shakespeare enthusiasts attempt to do the impossible: Act their way through all of The Bard’s 37 plays in one night. They comedically stumble their way through in a hilarious race against the clock, and what they don’t remember, they simply make up on the spot! Tickets are $20, $15 children under 12. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Pride@Prejudice’

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, presents the Long Island premiere of Pride @ Prejudice from April 7 through May 6. Watch Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy fall in love all over again — this time filtered through the world of the internet. Five actors play nearly two dozen roles in this hilarious and moving homage to Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘The Sound of Music’

Up next for the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is The Sound of Music from May 18 to July 2. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music has won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Something Rotten!’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage productions with Something Rotten! from May 20 to June 24.  Living in the shadow of Renaissance rock star The Bard, two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being to thine own self be true—and all that jazz! Contains adult humor and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Film

‘Soul of the Ocean’

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for movie night screening of Soul of the Ocean at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown on May 5 at 6:30 p.m. The film explores the complexity of ocean ecosystems and highlights the critical role biodiversity plays in maintaining a healthy ocean. Free and open to all.  Reservations required by calling 631-766-3075 or 631-360-2480, ext. 232.

‘Harry Chapin’

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will hold a special film screening of the documentary Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something which celebrates the extraordinary life and activism of LIMEHOF inductee singer songwriter Harry Chapin from Huntington Bay on May 6 at 2 p.m. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for Long Island Cares. The screening is free with admission to the museum. To order, visit www.LIMEHOF.org.

Class Reunions

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

METRO photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

The clock didn’t care about COVID-19.

Time marched forward at the same pace that it always has, and yet, the pandemic, which altered so much about our experiences, seemed to alter the fourth dimension.

Initially stuck in homes, we developed new routines, worked at kitchen tables or desks and spent considerably more time with family members and our pets throughout the day than anticipated.

For students, the pandemic altered opportunities and created challenges unseen for a century.

And yet, each year, as in this one for our daughter, the annual rite of passage of a graduation following an amalgam of typical and unique experiences awaits.

As these students march to “Pomp and Circumstance,” listen, or half-listen, to graduation speakers and glance at their supportive families who are thrilled to mark the milestone, celebrate their achievement and come together, what will be going through the minds of these new graduates?

Some may reflect on the typical academic stresses and achievements that helped them earn their diploma. They will consider the hours spent on lab experiments, the late-night workouts at the gym before a big game, and the endless rehearsals for shows and performances. They may bask in the attention of friends they made from around the country or around the corner.

They also might consider the parts they missed or the sudden change from their expected pathways.

Students, who were studying abroad, suddenly needed to return home as quickly as possible. They had to make sure they had their passports and visas, booked flights, and cleared out of rooms that might have just started to feel like home.

Others, like our daughter, raced back to their dorms from spring break, packed everything up and drove home.

As the weeks and months of uncertainty caused by a pandemic that gripped the country for more than two years progressed, some students recognized that they would not have some opportunities, like studying abroad. They might have filled out forms, learned important words in a different language, and chosen classes carefully that they couldn’t take.

Student-athletes, actors and artists, many of whom worked hard for months or longer together, were on their own as fields and stands stood empty.

These students may recognize, more than others, that plans may need to change in response to uncertainty caused by health concerns, storms or other issues.

Amid these disruptions and changes in routine, students and their families needed to pivot. They connected with friends online, entertained themselves at home, often on electronic devices, and tried to learn online.

Undoubtedly, they missed learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. I heard from numerous students about lowered expectations and abridged syllabi, with American History classes designed to go to 2016 that stopped in 1945, at the end of World War II.

It will be up to students to fill those holes and to recognize the opportunities to become lifelong learners.

Indeed, as people search for a label for these graduates, perhaps the list will include the pivot generation, the empty stadium generation, and the virtual learning generation.

Historically, commencement speakers have exhorted graduates to embrace the opportunity to learn, to question the world around them and to seek out whatever they need.

After the pandemic adversely affected some of the students, perhaps some of them will learn and develop a stronger and more determined resilience, enabling them to keep their goals in sight even amid future uncertainties.

In the meantime, they and we can embrace the normalcy of a routine that allows them to watch the familiar clock as it slowly moves through the minutes of a commencement address.

Bel Powley stars as Miep Gies in 'A Small Light' now streaming on Hulu and Disney +

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

A limited series, “A Small Light,” now streaming on Hulu and on Disney+, tells of Miep Gies and her husband, Jan, the Dutch couple who risked their lives hiding the family of Otto Frank from the murderous Nazis during WWII. We know of them from his younger daughter, Anne Frank’s diary that she kept while in their “annex” above the Frank’s business in Amsterdam. This film marks what would have been Miep’s 114 birthday and relates the familiar story from a different perspective, that of Otto Frank’s courageous secretary and would-be savior.

While I have read “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and seen the play, I was riveted by an email I received from a friend, Steve North, who is both a broadcast journalist with CBS and a member by marriage of my extended family. He contacted me to urge that I watch the film, which I will as soon as I can figure out how to get onto Hulu. Meanwhile, I would like to reproduce an abridged version of what he wrote.

In the first half of 1929, two baby girls were born to Jewish families living in and near Frankfurt, Germany. One, sweet and dark-haired, had an older sister; the other, a smiling redhead, was an only child. As they turned 4 years old, the safe worlds their parents had created for them began to crumble. Hitler had come to power, and life for every German Jew was rife with danger. The dark-haired girl’s father decided to flee the country with his wife and children to Amsterdam. Some time later, the red-haired child’s parents made the same decision, eventually making their way to New York.

The dark-haired girl was Anne Frank, whose extraordinary diary, written in the years before her death at age 15 in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, has made her the single most recognizable victim of the Holocaust.

The red-haired girl is my mother, Brunhilde Bachenheimer, and when I climbed the narrow stairs to Anne Frank’s hiding place 35 years ago, I was overcome with the realization that my own family had so narrowly escaped a similar fate.

On a return trip to Amsterdam in 1998, I felt an intense need to connect with Anne’s life and story on a deeper level. I wrote a note to Miep Gies, who had become an employee and friend of Anne’s father, Otto, in 1933. Back then, Miep took an immediate liking to the vivacious and intelligent Anne, thinking, “This is the kind of child I’d like to have someday.”

In 1942, the brutal oppression of Dutch Jews by the Nazi occupiers of Holland escalated, with an increase in deportations. After Anne’s sister was ordered sent to Germany, Otto Frank approached his loyal bookkeeper and asked if she and her husband, Jan, would be willing to risk their lives by hiding the Franks and four other Jews. Miep’s immediate reply: “Of course.”

The rest of the overall story is well-known. Miep found and hid the diary until she could give it to Anne’s grieving father, the only survivor of the eight hidden Jews. Steve connected with Miep some 50 years after the war and, delighted to have met her, wrote his interview shortly before she died.  

While I have yet to see the drama, which has received excellent reviews, it surely poses the question to the viewers: What would you have done? 

John P. Mastacciuola. Photo courtesy of Gurwin

Gurwin Healthcare System has announced the appointment of John P. Mastacciuola as Executive Director of Fountaingate Gardens, Gurwin’s new 129-apartment luxury Independent Living Community located on its 36-acre Commack campus. Mr. Mastacciuola will manage all day-to-day operations for the unique senior living Life Plan Community, which is designed for active adults age 62 and older.

Prior to joining Fountaingate Gardens, Mr. Mastacciuola served as Regional Director of Operations at Unidine, part of the Compass Group, where he oversaw dining and hospitality services for Gurwin’s nursing and rehabilitation center, assisted living and independent living communities.  A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Mr. Mastacciuola brings to his new role more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality sector. 

“John’s extensive background in hospitality and dedication to providing exceptional member-centered services perfectly aligns with Fountaingate Gardens’ mission to provide a rich, vibrant lifestyle for active older adults. We look forward to seeing our community flourish with John at the helm,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gurwin Healthcare System,

“I am very pleased to be part of such an innovative community, providing Long Islanders with an opportunity for active retirement living,” said Mr. Mastacciuola. “I look forward to leading our team in providing distinctive service that will enrich our Fountaingate Gardens community members’ lives and create memorable moments.”  

Fountaingate Gardens is the final piece of Gurwin’s senior living offering. Within the community are two residential buildings — The Parkview and The Terraces — that consist of one- and two-bedroom elegant apartment homes. Both four-story buildings are connected to the community’s 20,000+ square-foot Clubhouse which features an array of wellness-focused amenities, a heated saltwater pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, salon, library, a variety of dining venue options and more. 

The Huntington girls spring track and field team traveled to powerhouse Connetquot on Tuesday, May 2. 

The Lady Thunderbirds, who had a team with twice as many competitors as visiting Huntington, beat the Lady Blue Devils, 105-34. Despite the score, Huntington had some standout performances. 

Long Distance runner Sophie Bradford, a senior, finished in third place in both the 1500-meter and 400-meter runs, while freshman sprinter Dana Saramago set a personal best in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 19 seconds flat. She placed third in this race.

The Lady Devils are now 2-2 in dual meets this spring and are tied for third in Suffolk League II. 

On May 8, the girls will host Smithtown East in both teams’ final dual meet of the year.  This meet is in advance of the multi-school invitational circuit that will kick off later this month and will determine county and state qualifiers. 

Illustration by Kyle Horne: @kylehorneart • kylehorneart.com

Last week’s special election for the Town of Brookhaven’s 3rd Council District has both major political parties finding silver linings.

Former Brookhaven Councilman Kevin LaValle (R-Selden) vacated his seat in February following a January special election for town clerk. To fill the vacancy and complete LaValle’s unexpired term ending in December, Republican Neil Manzella — also of Selden — defeated Democrat Alyson Bass from Centereach on Tuesday, April 25, by a 57-43% margin, according to an unofficial tally by the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

Manzella’s win reinforces his party’s stronghold on the town government. Republicans again hold a 6-1 majority on the Town Board and occupy nine of the 10 elected offices townwide. Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (Stony Brook) is the lone Democrat.

“While I wish that there were more people that did vote,” Manzella said, “I am very happy with the decent size turnout for a special election,” which was just over 2,800 ballots cast. “I think both sides did a great job of getting that vote out.”

To Bass, he added, “I think that she should be very proud. They held an incredibly respectable campaign.”

Since the establishment of councilmanic districts in 2002, a Democrat has never held the 3rd District. Despite their historical struggles, there are some positive takeaways for the losing side. 

LaValle won CD3 in 2019 by more than 30 points. Bass cut that margin by more than half.

“Given the fact that my campaign was more of a grassroots campaign, I feel very proud for the level of fundraising that we did and with the outcome,” Bass told TBR News Media. “We were way outspent, we were outmanned. And I think that our numbers were very strong.”

Two-part election

Manzella’s victory celebration will be short-lived as both CD3 candidates are already back on the campaign trail for the general election.

“While I did win now, I will be the acting councilman but only through [December],” Manzella said. “This doesn’t stop. This campaigning continues straight through November.”

Bass also had this understanding, indicating that when she accepted the nomination for the special election, she committed to running in November regardless of its outcome.

“The four-year term was always the goal,” she said, adding that her campaign will continue through November.

Heads of the ticket

The CD3 race provides an early measure of public moods ahead of the townwide elections later this year. As the focus shifts away from the 3rd District, all eyes are on the top of the ticket, where there is an open contest.

Incumbent Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) will not headline the ticket for the first time in over a decade, instead pursuing the county’s top office in the race to succeed Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D), who is term-limited. Romaine’s opponent will be Democratic nominee, Dave Calone.

Brookhaven Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Manorville) and Village of Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant, a Democrat, have each secured their party’s nod for town supervisor.

In separate interviews, both candidates reflected upon the outcome in Middle Country and its implications for their respective quests to succeed Romaine.

“I think Ms. Bass should be extremely proud of herself,” Garant said, referring to the 14% margin of victory. “That’s a pretty significant gain, especially in a special election where you only had about 3 percent voter turnout overall in that district.”

Despite her favored candidate coming up short, Garant said she and her party are “encouraged by that result, and we’re going to continue to work on the messaging and the issues as they exist and continue to make sure we’re knocking on doors, making people aware of what the existing conditions are.”

Panico sang a slightly different tune than his opponent, though also optimistic for November. The deputy supervisor referred to the outcome as “a very strong message for our team” as the party pivots to the general election.

Manzella’s win, Panico said, reflected the strength of the Republican committee’s efforts and the resonance of its platform with Brookhaven voters. He further regarded the outcome as a vote of confidence for the current Town Board.

“When you’re doing the right thing by the residents — and the residents are very aware — they take notice,” Panico said. “The members of the Town Board on my team, I expect, will be reelected as well” in November.

Six months out of the general election, Panico said he has already begun campaigning townwide, expressing confidence that his campaign is registering with Brookhaven residents and forecasting a favorable outcome.

“I expect to be victorious in November and plan on running a vigorous campaign on the issues that matter to the residents of Brookhaven Town,” he said.

Based on recent electoral history, Garant’s campaign faces certain obstacles this election cycle. Her party has not held the supervisor’s chair since 2012 when Mark Lesko resigned mid-term, to be replaced by Romaine. 

The Port Jeff mayor nonetheless remained hopeful about her prospects, viewing her platform as appealing to the centrist wing of the town — a faction she believes will determine the victor.

“We think that we have a good platform,” she said. “We’re going to do our best to make sure that it resonates with the people not on the extremes, but with the majority of people who live here, which are the more moderate voters.”

Assessing political strategies

Anthony Portesy is chair of the Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee. Like Garant and Bass, he regarded the election result in CD3 as promising for the Democratic slate come November. The Brookhaven Town Republican Committee did not respond to requests for comment.

“I’m very, very encouraged” by last week’s outcome, Portesy said. “When you take out the conservative line, their margin of victory was a mere 73 votes. That is incredible for that district, and it shows the quality of the candidate that we put up in Alyson Bass.”

Panico viewed Manzella’s elevation to the Town Board as favorable for Republicans. Citing his party’s sizable majority in town government, he added why he believes Republicans are registering with the electorate.

“There’s no secret recipe,” the Republican supervisor candidate said. “There’s not one thing that I would point to with regard to the electoral edge. With regard to the political composition of the town representatives, it’s simply that the people who are elected do the job they were elected to do.”

He criticized the opposition party’s messaging, stating its recent electoral track record reflects an unpopular platform with voters.

“I think the state of the local Democratic Party is part and parcel of their platform,” he said. “As they embrace a platform that has been rejected by the vast majority of residents — regardless of political affiliation — in the Town of Brookhaven, I think that is going to continue to be a problem for their party, and it shows in their elections.”

Garant rejected this notion entirely, pointing to Bass’ narrowing of the gap in CD3 as a testament to her party’s upward trajectory. The mayor suggested that the current board has not adequately addressed Brookhaven’s multiplying quality-of-life concerns, which may begin cutting into its majority.

“I think there are a lot of people who are very concerned with the declining lifestyle and the declining quality of life and the conditions in their neighborhoods,” she said.

Portesy centered his focus around the town landfill, which constitutes a significant chunk of the town’s overall public revenue and is set to close in the coming years. 

The party leader contended that the current board is ill-prepared for the looming budgetary shortfall precipitating from the facility’s eventual closure.

“The town dropped the ball on replacing the revenue for the landfill,” the Democratic committee chair said. “They love to tell you about the AAA bond rating, but the AAA bond rating doesn’t go into discussing the fact that that’s based on their present finances, not after the landfill closes and we’re losing millions and millions of dollars.”

Still, Portesy committed to recalibrating his party’s messaging over the coming weeks, working on expanding the Democratic get-out-the-vote initiative through additional door-knocking volunteers and other measures to generate voter interest and boost turnout.

“We’re going to be retooling our message over the next couple of months, making sure that we’re hitting the doors that we have to hit and making sure we’re convincing voters that our path is the path forward for Brookhaven Town,” he said.

Though beaten in round one, Bass kept an upbeat attitude for round two. “There are enough Democrats in this district and in this town to make us victorious,” she said. “We need to come across with messaging that resonates, and I think there are some strategic things we need to work on as far as unity and approach.”

She added that the small sample size last week was unreflective of the public will overall, suggesting a larger turnout in November could work in her favor.

Manzella, a former member of the town Republican committee, attributes much of his success to the party operation.

“Getting out there and spreading the word about an election, and then spreading the word of the candidate, is the most crucial part of any campaign,” the councilman-elect said. “Our committee has a lot of volunteers, a lot of people who are passionate about this. It’s that strength, as a unified whole, that is able to get this message out to the voters.”

Portesy viewed Romaine’s run for county executive as a unique opening for town Democrats. Given the scope of the town supervisor’s powers, the party chair maintained that filling that seat with a Democrat would be the committee’s primary objective.

“The vision for the town always comes from the executive,” he said. “Making sure that we get Margot Garant elected in November is going to go a long way,” adding, “Our number one goal is to take back the town supervisor.”

Both parties have just over six months before voters hit the polls on Nov. 7.

Illustration by Kyle Horne

@kylehorneartkylehorneart.com

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