PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Stony Brook softball team (10-14, 2-6 CAA) swept the Drexel Dragons (5-15, 2-3 CAA) on March 26 to secure its first CAA wins in program history. The Seawolves shutout the Dragons 4-0 in game one and the squad’s hot hitting powered them to a 9-4 victory in game two.
The Seawolves were led by an outstanding performance from senior pitcher Ashton Melaas who tossed a complete game shutout. The 7.0 inning shutout marked the second outing this season and third in her career that the senior has tossed a complete game shutout.
Stony Brook’s offense was paced by freshman infielder Naiah Ackerman and junior infielder Ashley Jacobson. Ackerman smashed her first career home run to give the squad a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth. Jacobson went 3-3 at the plate with a solo home run which gave the Seawolves a 4-0 lead in the top of the sixth.
The bats were on fire for the Seawolves in game two. The squad’s hot hitting propelled them to a 9-4 victory over Drexel. Sophomore outfielder Alyssa Costello led the offensive attack with a two RBI double and a three RBI home run, totaling five RBI on the day.
Junior utility Catherine Anne Kupinski got Stony Brook on the board first with a solo homer in the top of the second. Ackerman followed behind Kupinski and added to her standout performance with a RBI single to give the Seawolves an early 2-0 lead. Costello brough in five more runs and Sanzone plated Jacobson to help the squad run away with the 9-4 win. GAME 1: STONY BROOK – 4, DREXEL – 0
Melaas went the distance to toss a complete game shutout, marking her second of the season and third in her career. The senior recorded five punchouts and only allowed five hits.
Ackerman went 2-3 at the plate and got the Seawolves on the board first with a three-run home run in the top of the fourth. The home run marked the freshman’s first career homer.
Jacobson hit a perfect 3-3 at the dish including a solo home run to give Stony Brook a 4-0 lead at the top of the sixth inning. The outing marked the junior’s second perfect appearance at the plate this season (3-3 vs. Loyola Chicago on Feb. 12) and fifth in her career.
Junior outfielder Julianna Sanzone registered a hit and a run scored in the contest.
GAME 2: STONY BROOK – 9, DREXEL – 4
Costello went 2-4 and led the offensive attack with a two RBI double and a three RBI home run, totaling five RBI on the day. The sophomore also added a run scored.
Kupinski also went 2-4 at the plate with two RBI and three runs scored, including a solo homer in the second inning to get Stony Brook on the board first. The solo home run marked the junior’s fourth homer of the season.
Ackerman followed behind Kupinski and added to her standout performance with a RBI single to give the Seawolves an early 2-0 lead in the second.
Sanzone tallied her second RBI on the day with a SAC fly in the fifth to bring home Jacobson and give Stony Brook a 6-0 lead.
Junior outfielder Alicia Orosco went 2-4 at the dish with a run scored while senior catcher Corinne Badger went 1-4 and also added a run scored.
Jacobson added a hit and two runs scored in the second contest.
“We came out today with a great mindset and approach, and wanted to be strong in all three facets of our game. Ashton and Mia were tough in the circle, we had offensive contributions from so many hitters and for most of the afternoon played outstanding defense, coming up with big plays. We competed at a high level and came away with two important conference wins,” said head coach Megan T. Bryant.
NEXT UP
The Seawolves return home to University Field to host Seton Hall for a mid-week matchup on Wednesday, March 29. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
CUTENESS OVERLOAD Benner's Farm hosts three Bunny Blast workshops on April 1.
PROGRAMS
Free Planetarium show
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a Thankful Thursday event on March 30 at 7 p.m. Enjoy a FREE family-friendly planetarium show, STARS: The Powerhouses of the Universe narrated by Mark Hamill, and then look through a telescope at the night sky (weather permitting). Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Bunny Blast workshop
Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket hosts a Bunny Blast workshop for children ages 3 to 10 on April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and again from 3 to 5 p.m. Children will get to see some of the farm’s new baby bunnies, learn about the care and feeding of rabbits, make a bunny craft, tour the farm, and more! $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.
Open Play at the Explorium
Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson for Open Play during Spring Break on April 1 to 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. with hands-on activities, crafts, and more. Admission is $5 per person.
Edna the Egg
Spring is here! Come join the Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank onan adventure with Edna the Egg on April 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. Learn what is happening inside her egg until she emerges to a baby chick. Children will enjoy a short story by author Kim Feliciano and get to observe the chickens who live on the farm as well as a wagon ride. Craft included as well. Great for ages 3 to 8. $15 per child. Registration required. Call 631-852-4600 for more information.
Spring Discovery Days
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown offers daily natural science programs for children ages 6 to 11 over the school breaks for elementary school children from April 3 to April 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each day will be a different natural science theme chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week. Visit www.sweetbriarnc.org or call 631-979-6344.
Family Drop-in Day
The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook welcomes families to drop by to stroll the museum grounds and visit the Art Museum on the hill on April 4 between 1 and 3 p.m. Create like Romare Bearden and make your own collage! Take inspiration from the galleries or use your own imagination to design a work of paper-art. Materials are supplied by the museum at no charge. Free admission. For more information, call 631-751-0066.
Environmental Explorations
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor and the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road Centerport have partnered to offer a fun, intriguing joint program, Environmental Exploration, on April 5 and 6, for children in grades 1 to 5.
On April 5, explore the Vanderbilt Museum’s natural history collections and learn how global warming affects the planet’s ecosystems. Use a 3D-printed coral polyp to demonstrate coral bleaching, examine preserved marine life, and make a shark tooth necklace.
On April 6, roll up your sleeves at The Whaling Museum and explore how to help keep Long Island Sound clean! Discover the dangerous effects of oil spills and water run-off through an educator-led watershed model demonstration. Decorate your own fabric tote bag to reuse again and again. $40 per child for two-day workshop, $30 members.To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Who’s Hatching?
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program titled Who’s Hatching? on April 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 and their parents will connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com. Questions? call 631-269-4333.
THEATER
‘Finding Nemo Jr.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. daily from April 1 to 8. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Seussical the Musical’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical from April 1 to 30. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off spring with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 with a sensory sensitive performance on April 16 at 11 a.m. Join Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Mrs. Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the McGregors in this delightful adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter, a Theatre Three tradition for spring break. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
FILM
‘All Dogs Go To Heaven’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! Series with a screening of All Dogs Go To Heaven on April 2 at noon. In this animated feature, a canine angel, Charlie, sneaks back to earth from heaven but ends up befriending an orphan girl who can speak to animals. In the process, Charlie learns that friendship is the most heavenly gift of all. Rated G. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
SUNDAY STREET CONCERT The Kennedys return to the Long Island Museum for a concert on April 2. Photo by Michael Stahl
Thursday March 30
Avalon Astronomy Night
Avalon Nature Preserve hosts an Astronomy Night at its Skylab off Shep Jones Lane, Stony Brook from 8 to 10 p.m. Take part in a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on Venus, Mars, the Moon and various deep sky objects. Free. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, call 631-689-0619.
Friday March 31
Wintertide concert
The Wintertide concert series concludes at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with a concert by Coppers & Brass, Hallockville musicians performing springtime tunes, from 7 to 8 p.m in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 631-473-4778.
Robert Hansen heads to T3
Psychic medium, author and lecturer Robert E. Hansen returns to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. Join Hansen as he takes you on a journey through the other side of the veil. Messages of love will be randomly demonstrated to the audience. Tickets are $35 per person. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Friday Night Face-Off
Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. Call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Saturday April 1
Birdwatch-Architecture Tours
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will offer an early morning Birdwatch and Architecture Tour with the Vanderbilt’s director of curatorial affairs at 8 a.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate in the early dawn hours, when the grounds are still closed but the birds are active. Sturdy hiking footwear is strongly suggested. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars. Tickets are $12 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Spring Craft & Gift Fair
Spring shopping time is here! Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive Selden hosts a Spring Craft & Gift Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with 100 vendors! The indoor event will benefit the Newfield High School Leaders Club. Free admission. For more info, call 631-846-1459.
Historic North Fork Tales
Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead presents Historic North Fork Tales: Food Sovereignty, Food Sustainability, and Cultural Sustainability from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Josephine Smith, noted educator from the Shinnecock Nation, will discuss food sustainability and food sovereignty along with Native American arts, crafts, and historic food preparation. This class will include a food demonstration. Tickets are $30, $20 members at www.hallockvillemuseum.org.
Whaleboat Chats
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Whale Boat Chat surrounding the star of the museum’s permanent collection, the 19th century whaleboat Daisy, today at 11:30 a.m. and again at 12:30p.m. as well as April 5 at 12:30 pm. These educator-led gallery talks will share the story of whaling on Long Island and in Cold Spring Harbor specifically. Visitors will learn that people have been hunting whales here on Long Island for thousands of years. Free with admission to the museum of $6 adults, $5 children and seniors. Call 631-367-3418.
All Souls Concert
All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook, hosts a Saturdays at Six concert featuringThe Voyageur Reed Quintet, a group of music graduate students from Stony Brook and Rutgers University, at 6 p.m. Their repertoire includes 21st century works with a strong emphasis on rhythmic patterns and grooves as well as arrangements of classical pieces. Free. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.
An Evening of Comedy
Theatre Three, 412 Main St.. Port Jefferson presents Chris Roach Live!, a special Comedy Show and TV Pilot premiere featuring comedians Chris Road and Chris Monty at 8 p.m. Don’t miss a night of laughter and fun with two of the top comedians plus the premiere screening of Chris Roach’s new TV pilot, Jiggle the Handle! Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Sunday April 2
Intro to Wilderness Survival
Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for an Introduction to Wilderness Survival program from 9:45 a.m. to noon. In this hands-on program geared for the average adult, learn how to find food, start a fire, and build a shelter. Approximately 1 mile. For reasons of safety, no children under 18 years old of age will be permitted to attend. $4 per person. Reservations are required by calling 631-423–1770.
Port Jefferson Farmers Market
The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 30. Featuring over 20 vendors. Call 631-473-4778.
Toby Tobias Ensemble in concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by the Toby Tobias Ensemble from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Sunday Street Concert
The Kennedys return to the Long Island Museum for a WUSB Sunday Street concert in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room at 5 p.m. You can expect the usual musical brilliance of an early evening with Pete and Maura as well as songs from a new studio album of original songs. Advance sale tickets are $25 at www.sundaystreet.org. Tickets at the door (if available) are $30 cash only.
Rock ‘N’ Roll at the Vanderbilt
The popular Long Island band “History of Rock n Roll” will be performing in the Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium theater, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport at 6 p.m. The band takes the audience on a 90-minute, multi-media musical journey from the inception of Rock ‘n’ Roll from Elvis Presley and The Beatles to the sounds of Disco and Billy Joel with planetarium special effects for an unforgettable evening. Tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org are $30 adults, $25 members, $25 children 15 and under; at the door $35 adults, $25 members, $30 children 15 and under.
A Night of Trivia
In honor of the 370th anniversary of Huntington’s founding on April 2, 1653, the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor will hosta special Trivia Night about All Things Huntington at 7 p.m. Questions will be about local history, nature, stores, beaches, celebrities, streets, and more within the Town, from Cold Spring Harbor to Northport to Dix Hills. Prizes for top winners! $10 per participant. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org to register.
Monday April 3
Movie Trivia Night at the CAC
Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $10 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday April 4
An evening of Swing Dance
Swing Dance Long Island, a non-profit social dance club, holds weekly dances every Tuesday evening at theHuntington 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-DJ night,$20-band night on the third Tuesday of the month. Call 516-521-1410.
The Great American Jazz Songbook
John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a concert celebrating the Great American Jazz Songbook at 8 p.m. Join Ken Kresge, Eric Haft and Marcus McLaurine with special guest artist Jerry Weldon as they take you on a musical journey through the history of America’s greatest jazz songs. Music from Gershwin and Porter, to Broadway and beyond. Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday April 5
Whaleboat Chat
See April 1 listing.
Job Fair – just added!
South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road Huntington Station will host a Job Fair by the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center in its Community Room on Wednesday April 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet representatives from Altice, NYS Solar, SightMD, Northwell Health, NY Community Bank, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, Maximum Security and many more. Bring multiple copies of your resume and dress for success! For more information, call 631-549-4411.
Lake Ronkonkoma Trivia Night – just added!
Back by popular demand, the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society, 328 Hawkins Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma hosts a Trivia Night at 7 p.m. How well do. you know the history of Lake Ronkonkoma? Coffee and cake will be served. Free. All are welcome. Call 631-467-3152.
Thursday April 6
An Evening of Jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by The Jazz Loft Big Band, a 26-piece Jazz Orchestra directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel, titled Stan Kenton’s Cuban Fire Suite tonight, April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. For more info call 631-751-1895.
Theater
Pride@Prejudice. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
‘Pride@Prejudice’
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, presents 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. Modern voices interject and build on this classic love story in the form of blog posts, chat room discussions, quotes from film adaptations, and even letters from Ms. Austen herself to create a delightfully postmodern view of 19th century England. 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 theatrethree.com.
‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’
The swashbuckling musical adventure The Scarlet Pimpernel heads to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport from March 16 to April 30. Percy Blakeney, a proper Englishman, takes on a sword fighting and dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-hungry guillotine. His exploits soon become the talk of Paris, however, the fanatical Agent Chauvelin will stop at nothing to catch the Pimpernel and send him to the guillotine. With a rousing and passionate score by Frank Wildhorn,The Scarlet Pimpernel is a thrilling musical! For ticket info, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘The Comedy of Errors’
The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare in the Shea Theatre in the Islip Arts Building on April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $15. For tickets, call 631-451-4163.
‘(Mostly) True Things’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St, Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Stories With A Twist “A Rough Start,” a game wrapped in a storytelling show that features true stories, with a twist, on April 15 at 7 p.m. This show features 4 true stories but 3 of them include subtle little lies. In the second act, the audience questions the storytellers, then votes for the person they think told it straight. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the evening. It is a combination of comedy, heart and community that is truly a unique experience. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, performers will include Nina Lesiga and David Lawson. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only). Visit www.mostlytruethings.com.
Film
‘Concert for George’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington invites the community to celebrate the 80th birthday of George Harrison with a screening of Concert for George on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. featuring an exclusive introduction from Olivia and Dhani Harrison. On November 29, 2002, one year after the passing of George Harrison, Olivia Harrison and longtime friend Eric Clapton organized a performance tribute in his honor. Held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the momentous evening featured George’s songs, and music he loved, performed by a lineup that included Clapton, Joe Brown, Dhani Harrison, Jools Holland, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Monty Python, Tom Petty, Billy Preston, Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, Ringo Starr and many more. Tickets are $15, $10 members. To order, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Autism Paints’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen the premiere of Autism Paints, a documentary by filmmaker David Stagnari about the formation of The Spirit of Huntington by Erich Preis.on April 2 at 2 p.m. Followed by a panel discussion and reception. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $5 children 12 and under at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
The Suffolk County Police Department Impound Section will hold an auction on April 1 at 9 a.m. at the Suffolk County Police Department Impound Facility, located at 100 Old Country Road in Westhampton. The auction begins at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. There will be a preview of the vehicles on March 30 and March 31 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the impound yard. Vehicles will also be available for preview one hour prior to the start of the auction.
Approximately 120 lots will be auctioned off including sedans, SUVs, and motorcycles. All vehicles will start with a minimum bid of $300 and are sold as-is. For a full list of vehicles, registration information and terms and conditions for the auction, visit suffolkpd.org under Precinct and Specialized Units, click Impound Section followed by Upcoming Auctions and Events or click here.
While most understand the value of investing in education, there’s more to learning than going to class and doing homework.
We must give all children an equal chance of receiving a proper education, and one way to do so is by ensuring that all students are adequately nourished, navigating the school day on a full stomach.
Last Friday, New York state elected officials joined school administrators and advocates in Huntington to call upon Gov. Kathy Hocul (D) to include fully funded school meals for all students in the 2024 state budget. The call comes after federal waivers that enabled schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students during the COVID-19 pandemic ended before the start of the 2022-23 academic year.
The universal free school meals initiative may make some pause at first. While New Yorkers understand that there are countless people among us — many right here in our own towns — suffering from food insecurity, they are aware that some of our residents can easily afford to feed their children breakfast and lunch.
However, advocates for the Healthy School Meals for All program contend that many families are eligible for the supplement but do not apply because they are embarrassed to ask for help. Some make slightly more than the income requirements to receive nutrition assistance but could desperately use the help.
In an era when most families need both parents to work to make ends meet, and as salaries and wages increases have lagged behind inflation, ensuring free meals for all children can keep our students healthy while easing household budgets. In addition to helping households, the program would eliminate unpaid meal debt for school districts, which increased after the federal waivers expired.
According to the speakers at the March 24 press conference at Jefferson Primary School in Huntington, including the program in the state budget could help nearly a quarter million students on Long Island alone. The initiative is one that state legislators have gotten behind with $280 million in funding included in their budget proposals.
Now it’s time for Hochul to support it.
With states such as California, Colorado, Nevada, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut already implementing the Healthy School Meals for All program, it’s time for New York to embrace this initiative.
Research indicates that well-nourished students perform better on tests, are more present in school and retain information better. Advocates hope the program provides all children the opportunity to be fully prepared to take on a day of learning, something every student deserves.
We remind our readers that New York taxpayers are currently subsidizing a football stadium in Buffalo to the tune of $600 million — a deal brokered by the Hochul administration. Meanwhile, many of our school children here on Long Island are inadequately nourished.
The proposed school nutrition program is less than half the cost of the football stadium yet would go much further in advancing the interests of ordinary citizens. To our governor and state officials in Albany: The Buffalo Bills should never trump the health of our children.
Doing what’s right for our kids, and paving the way for a brighter future for all, starts with a solid breakfast and lunch. Our state officials are fighting for this. It is time for our governor to do the same.
They’ll win some, they’ll lose some, and it’ll rain, and they’ll have to play some other day.
No, I’m not going to predict anything about the on field action this year as the “boys of summer” take the field this week for the start of the 2023 baseball season.
Instead, I’m going to make some predictions about the action in the stands. After all, the number of people and stories from the stands far exceeds the paltry size of the teams, umpires, grounds crew and everyone else involved with “The Show.” So, without further delay, here are a few predictions for the upcoming season.
Someone will walk into one of the local stadiums and be too awestruck to speak. He may have been to other games, but returning to his favorite stadium and looking at the shimmering green grass, the bright foul lines, and the oversized baseball bag will take his breath away, even if only for a moment and even if no one notices the goose flesh on his arms despite the warm temperature.
Someone will share some of their favorite lines from baseball movies, suggesting that the team is a “bunch of lollygaggers,” or that, in as deep a James Earl Jones voice as they can muster, “the one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball.”
During long day games, fans, clad in T-shirts, jerseys or tank tops, will forget sunscreen and will develop a sunburn. For some, that sunburn will be a reminder of the game. For others, it might provide sore or red skin.
Debates that border on arguments will occur in every part of the stadium. Some disagreements will arise over whether the umpire made the right call, while others will reach into history. Who was the best left fielder? Should Pete Rose be in the Hall of Fame?
Fans will celebrate birthdays, waiting for that fleeting moment when their name appears on the screen with best wishes from Joe, Mo, Mary and the rest of the crew.
People will propose marriage. Most will say “yes” and will cover their mouths in astonishment. Some will storm off, throw the ring back, or yell something, leaving others to wonder whether the scene was real or staged.
Some fans will offer unconditional support for their favorite players, urging them on even after they struck out four times. Others will reserve the right to suggest that they could do better or that the player is a “bum.”
Most fans will stand in salute to veterans, as the public address announcer shares details of a person’s service and awards, and his or her family beams nearby, blinking back tears in a strong sun.
Important people will take important calls, making it tough for them to focus on the game. Some of those people will have to leave the game and go back to the office, while others will talk through a document or deal amid a series of ongoing crises.
Awestruck people will realize their fantasy and will catch a foul ball. They will raise the ball as if it were a trophy, giving the strangers around them a chance to applaud. A generous fan will likely hand a ball over to a nearby child, knowing how valuable that souvenir will be for him or her.
Fans will high-five people sitting next to them during a key moment in a big game, sharing their joy with anyone and everyone.
Someone from an earlier generation will shout “Holy Cow” when a player hits a towering home run, sending his friends into fits of laughter.
Someone will believe that the next pitch will alter the course of the game and, perhaps, that person’s world, regardless of the score and the standings. Play Ball!
A recent article that I saw on the Internet claimed that nine out of 10 graduates had regrets about their college. Wow! That’s almost unanimous discontent. Most regretted the heavy debt they had incurred. Some said the college they chose wasn’t a good fit for them. Others expressed disappointment with their major. I, too, have a regret about college; although I am not one generally to harbor regrets, I will confess that regret now.
I regret that I didn’t study harder when I was lucky enough to be in college. Now, this has nothing to do with my particular college. It is a personal failing. I am sure I would have behaved much the same way wherever I had gone to school. But here is the thing about college. It’s much the same thing as is said about computers: garbage in, garbage out.
Had I applied myself a lot harder, I would have gained a lot more in the way of a splendid education from my college courses and years. After all, I went to a fine college. Instead, I was more interested, especially during the first two years, in dating.
Not to be too hard on myself, I had a lot of catching up to do on that front. The last time I was in a co-ed situation before college was in the sixth grade of my neighborhood elementary school. For junior high and high school, I attended one of the schools in New York City requiring an entrance exam, and it was for all girls.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I loved the school. Many of the teachers had PhDs. I knew I was getting a first-rate education, and I really applied myself to my studies. What else was there to do? I even thrived on the keen competition there, despite the fact that it was considered appropriate to bemoan such a barbaric value.
It was also appropriate to wish the school were co-ed, which we all did, and fervently at the time. Now it is co-ed, and as I look back, I am not so sure that was such a good idea.
But I digress.
My college was also one of what was then regarded as the prestigious Seven Sisters and technically all women, although we certainly didn’t refer to ourselves that way at the time. We were girls, and it was an all-girls college. On the other hand, right across the main avenue that ran in front of the campus was an all-boys undergraduate college.
Needless to say, I crossed the road, both to get to the other side, (as in the old joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road”?) and also to use the library at the all-male school. That library was larger, had more comfortable seats, better lighting, and besides, I rarely returned without having at least one date, sometimes two, and even occasionally three dates for the upcoming weekend. It took the first two years to come to something approaching equilibrium.
Life was good. But for my grades, not so much.
Furthermore, I thought that I didn’t really have an appropriate major. I was pre-med. That wasn’t considered a true major, but it did require many hours of science classes that came with many hours in many labs. I could have spaced out those labs — heavy courses — but thought I should get them out of the way sooner. I did have a faculty advisor those first two years, who was a lovely person, and a famous history professor. She knew little about science requirements, confessed as much, and then signed whatever assortment of subjects I put before her to approve.
“You must pick a major,” I was told. And so I picked English because it provided me with an antidote to all those heavy science classes. Reading was a merciful escape. So was writing. I was casual about that decision, though, because I was sure I was never going to use those skills.
In a message to members of the Smithtown High School East community, school officials notified families that on the afternoon of March 29 the facility was evacuated.
In the message, school officials said, “Late this afternoon it was reported that graffiti was identified in one of our restrooms that could be interpreted as a nonspecific threat. In an abundance of caution and in conjunction with the recommendation of the Suffolk County Police Department, our facility was evacuated.”
Students were released as soon as possible, according to the message, and school activities were canceled. SCPD was evaluating the safety and security of the high school, and students are not permitted to return inside the building until the police department has given the district the appropriate clearance.
According to SCPD, Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers were investigating the incident after receiving a call at 1:17 p.m. about the graffiti.
Later in the day, Principal Robert Rose notified members of the Smithtown High School East community that SCPD determined that there was “no credible or specific threat to our school community at this time.”
“As is always the case, district administration, its security staff and the SCPD have worked together to ensure the collective safety of our school community,” Rose wrote. “While I know some were frustrated by a lack of information at the time of the evacuation, please know that our first priority is the immediate safety of our students and staff and collaborating with the SCPD to ensure that safety. We certainly understand and agree that notification to parents is also a priority and we will look into ways to get information to you quicker in the future.”
Students were instructed to return to school Thursday, March 30, and to return to the classrooms they left their belongings Wednesdays before reporting to their first period.
Rose wrote that if the SCPD determines “that a threat was made, an arrest will be made regardless of the
intention of the person who made the threat.”
Comsewogue senior midfielder Gabby Constant pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Gabby Constant drives past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior attack Taylor Cline uncorks a shot on goal. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior attack Taylor Cline scores while falling down. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Vienna Guzman looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Abigail Hughes turns toward the cage in a road game against Mt. Sinai. Bill Landon photo
Comsewogue sophomore attack Abigail Hughes passes outside. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Alyssa Deacy passes. Photo by Bill Landon
Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Vienna Guzman passes to the outside. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Kamryn McCrary finds a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Gabby Constant looks for an open shot. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Alyssa Deacy pushes past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore defender Ava Schirtzer, right, looks to clear the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai junior Kayli Carannante looks upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai’s Kayli Carannante passes to Lea Flobeck. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior attack Taylor Cline fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior attack Taylor Cline scores. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Olivia Romeo passes. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai’s Lea Flobeck drives towards the crease. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore attack Alexa Spallina scores while falling down. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Marisa Gatz clears the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Cassidy Millen pushes past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Lea Flobeck dishes the ball off. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai freshman attack Sophia Masone drives towards the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior attack Taylor Cline broke the ice for the Mustangs when her shot on goal split the pipes two minutes in, followed up with a goal from teammate Alexa Spallina at the 16-minute mark. Then Cline stretched the net again, putting the Mustangs out front 3-0.
Comsewogue answered back, however, as senior midfielder Gabby Constant scored twice in three minutes, followed by freshman attack Gianna McNulty’s shot on goal assisted by Jackie Riviezzo, tying the game at 3-3 with just under eight minutes left in the half.
Spallina scored again, capped with a pair of goals by senior Lea Flobeck to lead it 6-3. The Warriors fought their way back to make it a one-score game when McNulty’s shot once again found its mark with just under seven minutes left in this Div. II matchup on Monday, March 27.
Spallina would score the insurance goal, firing at the cage while falling to seal the deal for the Mustangs, who won 8-6. Mount Sinai goalie Sara Flobeck had six saves in net.
Both teams are back in action this Friday, March 31, when the Mustangs host Bayport-Blue Point at 4:30 p.m. and the Warriors host Shoreham-Wading River at 5 p.m.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Medford store.
A man allegedly switched price tags on various food items and then utilized the self-checkout to purchase approximately $250 worth of food for $3.96 from Target, located at 2975 Horseblock Road, on March 10 at approximately 1 p.m. The man fled the parking lot in a black SUV, possibly a Lexus.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Edna the Egg
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. daily from April 1 to 8. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical from April 1 to 30. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off spring with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 with a sensory sensitive performance on April 16 at 11 a.m. Join Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Mrs. Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the McGregors in this delightful adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter, a Theatre Three tradition for spring break. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
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