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Yearly Archives: 2023

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'Rest in Peace'

Reviewed By Melissa Arnold

No matter how old you are, there’s something fun about celebrating all things weird and spooky on Halloween. To get into the spirit with your family, consider Rest in Peace (Scoot Comics), an adorable rhyming picture book from debut author Tyler Ham. 

‘Rest in Peace’

The story centers around Ghoul who just wants to do is go to sleep after a long Halloween but his monster pals  — Dracula, the Werewolf, the Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Blob — want to keep the party going.  

Raised in California, Ham was not one for horror, but he loved Halloween and “slightly spooky” entertainment. Now a father of two, Ham has embraced that lighthearted spookiness with a cast of funny monsters and a positive message of friendship that even the youngest kids can enjoy. 

Tell me about your childhood. I assume that you loved horror movies.

I was a very timid child, but I loved Halloween, so “spooky” has always been my go-to genre. It’s funny how much I love horror movies now, because when I was a kid, they scared the heck out of me! I wanted nothing to do with it. But at the same time, I always loved Halloween and mildly spooky things. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video was about as far as I could go.

I read something in a book once about the array of emotions we can experience in life that really stuck with me. Basically, you can feel happy, sad, excited in the real world, but those emotions typically come from a place of safety. On the other hand, when you’re scared, it’s because you don’t feel safe. That’s not a feeling that you want. But when you watch a scary movie, you can tap into the experience of being scared in a safe way, and there’s something fun about that.

So did you do a lot of writing in that ‘spooky’ genre as a kid?

I was a creative kid, though more artistic – more into drawing, painting, papier mache, that sort of thing – but never writing. 

I wasn’t a great student.  I did the work but didn’t particularly enjoy it. And I didn’t like English class, either. But in high school, I had two really great English teachers who actually loved my writing assignments. They said I was a good storyteller and would even read my stuff in front of the class. 

When I graduated, I went to film school at California University of Monterey Bay wanting to direct, and the same thing happened. I wasn’t interested in the writing aspect, but was often praised in classes for my screenwriting so it was clearly an ability I had.

After college, I moved back home with my parents and was looking for work. My mom met someone at a charity event who had just opened a new school for 3-D art. I was always curious about that, but didn’t know how to begin learning about it. And then this opportunity came along. I took a tour and enrolled for the next semester, which was only six days away. That experience ultimately took me into the visual effects industry.  I spent about 16 years working in the digital effects industry as a 3-D artist for film studios, and then I switched over to the toys and collectibles industry. Writing was something I did for fun.

When did you start thinking about writing a children’s book?

My oldest daughter was one of those babies that just wouldn’t go to bed. She loved to be read to, so we would sit in our chair and read book after book. Over time, I learned that while some kids’ books are great, others are honestly just bad. I knew I wasn’t going to write anything legendary, but I figured I could at least do better than some of the books I’d seen.

So one night, I put my daughter to bed and went into my office. I knew I wanted to write about Halloween, since it’s my favorite holiday and it’s a fun time for kids, and I knew I wanted to have different kinds of monsters. As I wrote, I’d read it to myself and make sure the rhymes felt natural and not clunky. 

Did you pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing? What was the process like?

The first draft was actually completed nine years ago. I shopped it around, but no one was biting. I’d get discouraged and leave it for a while, rewrite parts and try again. Eventually I was working for a publishing company in product development, and they would occasionally have employee submissions. The woman who was reading the manuscripts contacted me and said that while my book wasn’t the right fit for our company, it was really good, and she invited me to join a writing group. She was my first mentor, and the book went through many revisions until it was really polished.

Ultimately, a friend of mine wrote a comic book, and his company was starting a children’s book division. I submitted my original Halloween story, along with ideas for other holiday concepts featuring this cast of monsters, like Valentine’s Day and the Fourth of July. They liked the ideas and agreed to publish me.

Do you relate to Ghoul, the main character of ‘Rest in Peace’?

Yeah! It doesn’t make me look great, but I share a little bit of that lighthearted grumpiness — my kids tease me and say “Hey, you’re grumpy like Ghoul is!” But he has good intentions, just like I do.

What was it like seeing the finished product after all those years?

It was just surreal getting those first copies of the book, especially after nine years of work. This story was meant for my first daughter, and it took so long that now I’m reading it to my second daughter’s kindergarten class. She wasn’t even in the picture when this all began!

How did you find the illustrator, Firulas Ilustra? 

I found Sâmara, who along with her illustration partner Thaís form Firulas Ilustra, on the social media platform reddit. She lives in Brazil — she had some pictures up and I really liked her style. I could tell right away that she really understood what I was envisioning and connected to the idea. 

Do you have plans for future books?

I have plans to publish several holiday-themed books with this cast of monsters! The next book in the series, The Yule Ghoul (available now!) continues the story of Rest In Peace, and has the Ghoul throwing his first Christmas party! He is very excited but is afraid none of his monster friends will come. The follow up Valentine’s day book is written, and a few more are in various stages of completion. 

What’s the target age group for ‘Rest in Peace’?

It’s interesting — originally the target age was 3 to 7. But then I read it to my daughter’s 5th grade class and they really loved it. The publisher also suggested that there are 9- and 10-year-olds that would get a kick out of it as well.

Is there a message you hope kids take away from reading this?

Ghoul has this difficulty where he gets so frustrated with his friends being in his space after a long Halloween, but they really just want to spend more time [with him]. It’s about accepting people into your life and being patient with them, even when they do things that you don’t understand. All of our friends have their own little quirks. And I also hope that people see that monsters can be fun!

‘Rest in Peace’ is available now through your favorite online booksellers. Follow Tyler Ham at his official website, www.tylerham.com.

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Take part in the annual Costumed Dog Parade on East Main Street on Oct. 21. File photo by Bob Savage

By Heidi Sutton

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend? Then head down to the Village of Port Jefferson as it transforms into the annual Oktober Harvest Fest on Oct. 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year the event will be sponsored by the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson. The two-day festival will feature a pumpkin decorating contest, a cherry pie eating contest, a pumpkin harvest maze and patch (fee), a self-guided art walk, cornhole games, a scarecrow meet and greet, strolling musicians, a pirate scavenger hunt (fee), horse and wagon rides (fee), ten-foot Tall Walkers, a scarecrow walk, a harvest photo op and much more.

Barbara Ransome, Director of Operations at the Port Jefferson Chamber, is looking forward to seeing the fun unfold. 

“There will be events throughout the whole village so its very walkable, very accessible and very family friendly. You can park your car and choose from a large selection of activities,” she said.

Highlights this year include the annual Halloween costumed dog parade sponsored by Fetch Doggy Boutique along East Main Street on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., and a village-wide Chowder Crawl on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. According to Ransome, in the case of torrential rain, the parade and Chowder Crawl will be pushed to Sunday.

This year many of the businesses in the village will host activities in front of or in their shops. Fall Fun kids crafts will be offered at Kilwins, a B&B Paranormal Investigations Tour sign up sheet will be at the Port Jeff Brewing Company (fee), and Oktober Fest Tastings will be offered at Port Jeff Liquor, Whiskey Barrel, Spycoast and Pindar for adults, just to name a few. For a full schedule of events, visit www.portjeffchamber.com.

Up next in the Village is the Santa Parade on Nov. 26, the Festival of Trees at the Port Jefferson Village Center from Dec. 1 to Jan. 2 and the 27th annual Charles Dickens Festival on Dec. 2 and 3. For more information, call 631-473-1414.

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Catch a screening of 'Edward Scissorhands' at the Cinema Arts Centre this Sunday.
PROGRAMS

Pizza and Pumpkin Painting

Celebrate St. James will host a Pizza & Pumpkin Painting event at the former Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James on Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children will enjoy an afternoon of fun eating pizza and creating an awesome painted pumpkin to take home. $20 first child and adult, $10 additional child/adult. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

Growing Up Wild

Town of Brookhaven offers a fall nature program for ages 3 to 6, Growing Up Wild, at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, Harbor Beach Road Mt. Sinai on Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Come celebrate Halloween as you learn about some of the holiday’s most mysterious critters. Costumes encouraged. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Ghosts & Goblins Day – This event has been cancelled.

The Town of Smithtown Recreation Department will host their annual Ghosts and Goblins Day event on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. The event will take place at Brady Park, Maple Ave.,  Smithtown and will feature a variety of fun entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including pony rides, music, games, prizes, and a balloon artist. Costumes are encouraged. Free admission, 631-360-7644.

Dual Language Family Hour

Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents a special Dual Language Family Hour Sundays in both Spanish and English on Oct. 22 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 and guest educator Karina Giménez. Explore works of art in the Museum and create fun art projects! $10 per child, adults free. To register, visit www.heckscher.org.

THEATER

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Children’s theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with The Wizard of Oz through Nov. 5. After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman, and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who can send her home. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘A Kooky Spooky Halloween’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Kooky Spooky Halloween, a merry musical about a ghost who’s afraid of the dark, from Oct. 7 to 21. Recently graduated spirit Abner Perkins is assigned to the Aberdeen Boarding House — known for its spectral sightings and terrific toast. Here, Abner finds himself cast into a company of its wacky residents. When his secret is revealed, he is forced to leave his haunted home and set-off on a quest with his newly found friends. All tickets are $12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

A Halloween Princess Party

You are invited to a special Halloween Princess Party at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown Performances will be held on Oct. 21 at 2 p.m., Oct. 22 at 11 a.m., Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 11 a.m.  Learn about Halloween traditions from different kingdoms and meet new friends. Be sure to wear your best princess attire OR your Halloween costume — this non-scary experience is a royal trick-or-treat! *Please note that this is a theatrical experience and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $16 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org or call 1-800-595-4849.

FILM

‘Edward Scissorhands’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Edward Scissorhands on Oct. 22 at noon. Johnny Depp shines as an android teen orphaned by the death of his creator. Taken in by a suburban family, Edward’s scissor hands make him a hit in hair-styling and horticulture, but trouble arises when he falls for beautiful Kim. Rated PG-13. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

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SPOOKY WHEELS Long Island Cars will present the Fall Harvest Car Show and Swap Meet on the scenic lawn of Flowerfield Fairgrounds in Saint James on Oct. 22.
Ongoing

Dark Night Halloween World

Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville hosts the 3rd annual Dark Night Halloween World, an outdoor extravaganza combining moderate scares with comedy that at the same time celebrates the nostalgia of vintage haunted trails through a post-modern twist on inspired characters from pop culture and horror movies of the 1990s, on multiple days through Oct. 31. Tickets are $35 per person, $50 VIP front of the line. www.DarkNightLI.com

Thursday 19

Garden Club Flower Show

Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn will host the Centerport Garden Club’s Small Standard Flower Show “Bewitched” to celebrate the season today from 2 to 8 p.m. and Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suggested donation is $5. 516-527-0517

Friday 20

Garden Club Flower Show

See Oct. 19 listing.

(Not So Scary) Halloween

The community is invited to join Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty in Stony Brook (1061 Route 25A) for a night of tricks, treats, and everything in-between from 5 to 7 p.m. Featuring costumes, arts & crafts, giveaways, raffles, (not so) scary stories, and so much more! Geared for children ages 10 and under. 631-689-6980

Spooky Lantern Walking Tour

The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society presents its annual Spooky Lantern Tour, a not-too-scary walking tour of the haunted history of Miller Place, tonight, Oct. 21, 27 & 28 at 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. Walk the Miller Place Historic District with a guide from the MPMS Historical Society who will regale you with all the spooky stories surrounding this pre-Revolutionary War town. Bring a lantern or flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. For ages 10 and up. Tickets are $17 per person. www.mpmshistoricalsociety.eventbrite.com

Harbor Haunts

​Explore Cold Spring Harbor’s ghostly side with fascinating tales of mishaps and historic hauntings on Main Street, courtesy of the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor, tonight and Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 and 28 at 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Held rain or shine. Tickets are ​$15. 631-367-3418, www.cshwhalingmuseum.org

Saturday 21

Spooky Lantern Walking Tour

See Oct. 20 listing.

Harbor Haunts

See Oct. 20 listing.

Sweetbriar Thrift Sale

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will hold a Thrift Sale fundraiser in front of the red double garage doors in the parking lot from 9:30 to 3 p.m. Antiques, small treasures, knick knacks and more! 631-979-6344

Christmas in October Craft Fair – This event has been cancelled.

Rescheduled from Oct. 14. The annual Christmas in October Village Craft Fair will be held on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 100d craft vendors, live music, food trucks, pumpkins, mums, hot cider and donuts. Free admission. 631-846-1459

Harvest Fair

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Main Street, Huntington invites the community to a Harvest Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring holiday boutiques, silent auction, baked goods, raffle baskets, white elephant, antiques and fabulous finds, casual and professional thrift shop, handcrafted items. 631-427-1752, stjohnshuntington.org

Oktober Harvest Fest 

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Port Jeff BID hosts a Oktober Harvest Fest today and Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Events will be held throughout the village with live music, children’s activities, costumed dog parade, pumpkin carving, horse and wagon rides, pie eating contest and much more. 631-473-1414 See more on page B3.

Fall Festival at The Shoppes – This event has been postponed to Oct. 28 & 29

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River, hosts a Fall Festival today and Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a mix of seasonal festivities, from face painting to visiting Beyond Crafting Boutique for Daily workshops to create your own Halloween decorations, local craft vendors, scarecrow contest, bounce house, carousel and live music. www.eastwindlongisland.com

Blessing of the Animals

First Presbyterian Church of Port Jefferson, 107 South Street, Port Jefferson will hold a Blessing of the Animals during the Port Jefferson Harvest Fest from noon to 2 p.m.  Pastor Mark Applewhite will bless your pets on the front lawn. Please bring pets on leashes or in carriers. 631-473-0147

TVHS Spirits Tour

Ah, October. The perfect time of year to grab a light jacket, sip a hot drink, and go for a casual walk through a cemetery, right?! Join the Three Village Historical Society for its 29th annual Spirits Cemetery Tour tonight! Guests will be guided to 10 locations in two of Setauket’s historic cemeteries — Caroline Episcopal Church of Setauket and the Setauket Presbyterian Church Cemetery — to walk-in on conversations between local spirits from Chicken Hill. ​ Tours, which last 1 1/2 hours, leave from the Setauket Presbyterian Church, 5 Caroline Ave., Setauket every 15 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. with the last tour leaving at 7:30 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 28. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 631-751-3730, www.tvhs.org

Sip Make Play Workshop

Join Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket for a Sip Make Play event from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests will have all the supplies they need to create fun Halloween accessories! Have some well deserved fun and allow yourself to play with art materials! $45 includes all materials, snacks & drinks. Adults only please. To register, visit www.gallerynorth.org.

Owl Prowl at the Vanderbilt

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts an Owl Prowl at 6 p.m. After a presentation on the owls of Long Island, biologist and ranger Eric Powers, co-founder of the Center for Environmental Education & Discovery (CEED), will lead a walk on the estate grounds, during which he will attempt to call in nearby owls. Flashlights are not permitted. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the hiking trail is uneven and it will be dark. $12 per person, members free. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Costumes & Cocktails Fundraiser

Join the Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook for a Halloween-themed presentation and cocktail party fundraiser with Victoria Wyeth from 7 to 9 p.m. Wyeth will share spooky, seasonal stories and a slide presentation of works of art inspired by the autumn by her famous grandfather, Andrew Wyeth, as well as her uncle, artist Jamie Wyeth. Costumes are optional. Tickets are $100. To order, visit www.rebolicenter.org. 631-751-7707

Ballet Hispanico at SBU

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road Stony Brook welcomes Ballet Hispanico to the Main Stage at 8 p.m. One of America’s cultural treasures and ambassadors of Latinx Dance for over 50 years, Ballet Hispánico is known for stunning dancers, daring routines by Latinx choreographers, and a fusion of Latin dance with classical and contemporary techniques, creating a new style of concert dance where theatricality and passion are at the core. Tickets range from $41 to $52. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com

Sunday 22

Oktober Harvest Fest 

See Oct. 21 listing.

Fall Festival at The Shoppes

See Oct. 21 listing.

Car Show and Swap Meet

Flowerfield Fairgrounds, Route 25A, St. James hosts a Fall Harvest Car Show and Swap Meet by Long Island Cars from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Street rods, classics, muscle cars, antiques, exotics, imports and collectible cars on display. Vendors selling parts and accessories, plus a variety of cars for sale by owners. Admission is $10, under 12 years free. Rain date is Oct 29. 631-567-5898, www.longislandcars.com

Dog Days at the Farm

Calling all dog lovers! Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank hosts Dog Days at the Farm from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet dog rescues, try out a variety of dog sports (agility, rally, scentwork, etc), learn about therapy dogs, canine good citizen, trick and farm dog certifications, play games, pick a pumpkin, costume contest, take a wagon ride and do barks and crafts. Fun for all! Dogs must be up to date on their rabies vaccination (proof required at entrance) and leashed Admission is $15 per person. Call 631-852-4600 for more information.

Sheriff’s Office Open House

In honor of New York State’s Sheriff’s Week, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. is encouraging the public to come out to the Sheriff’s Annual Open House and Family Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yaphank Correctional Facility, 200 Glover Drive, Yaphank from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event features jail tours throughout the day for residents ages 12 and up, exciting demonstrations by the Sheriff’s Office departments including the Emergency Response Team and K9 unit, Sheriff’s Office vehicle displays, food trucks, music, and free activities all day long. Held rain or shine. www.suffolksheriff.com

Whitman String Quartet in concert

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket presents a classical concert from 2 to 3 p.m. Joenne Dumitrascu and Stephen Gorgone of the Whitman String Quartet will present string solos and duos in the stunning, historic 1892 section of the library. The public is invited to stroll in, relax and listen to the music while taking in the gorgeous historic scenery. No registration necessary. 631-941-4080

RPHS Anniversary Tea

The Rocky Point Historical Society will hold a 25th anniversary Tea at the North Shore Beach Clubhouse, 55 Clubhouse Drive, Rocky Point at 3 p.m. Debra Scala Giokas, author of Ladies First: Common Threads will speak at the event. $35 per person includes program, sandwiches and cookies and raffle baskets. To order, call 631-744-1776 

Monday 23

SHS Fall Lecture

Join the Smithtown Historical Society for a Fall Lecture titled Long Island Railroad and Smithtown at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 7 p.m. David D. Morrison, founder and past president of the Long Island Rail Road Historical Society, will share with the audience photographs, history and interesting anecdotes about the LIRR, especially relating to our area. Light refreshments to be served. Free. 631-265-6768

Tuesday 24

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to join them for a health lecture in the Social Hall at 11 a.m.  Roy Franks, personal trainer, member of the NSJC Men’s Club, and owner of “Fitness 4 You,” will discuss the perfect couple: Exercise and Nutrition. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Wednesday 25

Autumn Sip & Paint Party

Join  the Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 main St., Stony Brook for its annual Autumn Sip & Paint Party from 6:30 to  9 p.m. For this paint party, the subject matter will be Joseph Reboli’s Pumpkins. Linda Davison Matheus will instruct participants through recreating the beautiful still life by Reboli, one step at a time. Participants over the age of 21 will be offered their choice of white or red wine. No previous experience is required to attend, suitable for all levels.

$45 registration fee includes materials. Register by calling 631-751-7707 or by emailing [email protected].

Author Talk

Three Village Historical Society presents a special book talk and signing with Scott R. Ferrara titled A Discovery of Witches at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. Ferrara will speak about his book, Accused of Witchcraft in New York, presenting harrowing narratives of those who were accused of witchcraft, the feverish community dramas that resulted, and the lives of those who faced their community as an outsider. Free. To register, visit www.tvhs.org.

Thursday 26

Stony Brook Walking Tour

Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for a Spooky Walking Tour throughout Stony Brook Village today and Oct. 27. Titled Hidden Beneath the Floorboards, the tour leads you through a spooky walking tour of the history filled Grist Mill and Long Island’s beloved coastal village. Discover Ghost Ships, Spirit Photography, the Long Island Witch Trials, John Winthrop’s Alchemy, Star-Crossed Lovers, The ghostly apparition at the Country House Restaurant, and William Sidney Mount’s spirit filled paintings plus Women Mediums and the Suffrage Movement. Tours take place at 10:45 a.m. and 3:50 p.m. and start at the Grist Mill. Tickets are $15 per person. Reservations are required by calling 631-751-2244.

Film

‘Israel Swings for Gold’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues with a screening of Israel Swings for Gold at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. In 2021, Israel’s baseball team competed in the Olympics for the first time. With no media allowed in Tokyo’s Olympic Village, the players recorded their own experiences.Mostly newly minted Israelis, they log unexpected battles against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. Followed by a Q&A with guest speaker Jeremy Newberger, Co-Director. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only) or at www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com.

Theater

‘Motherhood Out Loud’

Township Theatre Group presents Motherhood Out Loud at Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington on Oct. 26 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. A lively collection of scenes and stories celebrating the joys and terrors of being a mother is presented as a staged reading.  In a series of heartwarming, moving and hilarious monologues and choral pieces, Motherhood Out Loud shatters traditional notions about parenthood, unveils its inherent comedy and celebrates the deeply personal truths that span and unite generations.   For everyone who has a mother, is a mother, knows or loves a mother, this play is for you. Tickets are $20 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6146151 via credit card; cash/check only a door. 631-213-9832

‘The Prom’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 53rd season with The Prom from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. As the lights dim on four fading Broadway stars, they wildly seek the spotlight. Courting the controversy surrounding a small-town Indiana prom, the quartet invades a community that wants to keep the party straight. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors, $20 students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Rent’ 

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Jonathan Larson’s Rent from Sept. 16 to Oct. 22. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, the groundbreaking musical follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians — Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny and Mark — struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $28 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

‘Beautiful’

Main stage theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical now extended to Nov. 5. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing success with Tapestry, the show takes you back to where it all began–and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” and many more. This Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning show is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget. Tickets start at $80. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘An Inspector Calls’

Minstrel Players, Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport presents J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls from Oct. 14 to 22. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, call 516-361-7232 or email [email protected].

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Cleanup efforts are underway at the Art League of Long Island

Last month’s unprecedented rainstorm wreaked havoc on Long Island and the Art League of Long Island was not spared from the wrath of Mother Nature. The heavy rains on the night of September 29 led to extensive rain damage within the Art League of Long Island’s two-story art center, located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. 

As a result, the organization has been compelled to temporarily close its doors, including all exhibits, programs, and classes, for an estimated duration of four weeks or more, according to Marianne Della Croce, the non-profit’s Executive Director.  The rainstorm caused substantial damage to the gallery, studios, hallways, and office space, resulting in significant harm to floors and walls, while only minimal damage was incurred by two wall murals created by our Resident Artists Program. 

Cleanup efforts are underway at the Art League of Long Island

In response, the Art League promptly engaged the services of ServePro to commence the abatement process, which was successfully completed in under two weeks. Following this phase, the Art League will embark on the reconstruction of its facility, “presenting a unique opportunity to deliver a fresh and enhanced Art League experience to the vibrant community of Long Island upon reopening,” said Della Croce.

The Art League is also working with other local nonprofits and community partners to temporarily host some of our upcoming events and classes.  The Executive Director and Education & Program Manager, Ersule Metelus, have spent the last week visiting these alternate sites to determine the best fit for each one of our unique programs.

The Long Island Craft Guild, originally scheduled to host a month-long exhibition at the Art League titled “Seeing the Other,” featuring local artists’ work, had to cancel its opening reception planned for the day after the storm.  In response to the unforeseen circumstances, the Craft Guild artists have retrieved their artworks, including glass mosaics, sculptures, wood designs, and pottery, all of which fortunately remained unscathed. The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery at the Art League of Long Island is a highly sought-after exhibition space, often reserved a year in advance. The Art League has offered the group gallery space for the year 2025, allowing them ample time to determine their way forward.

Furthermore, the Latin Heritage Month Celebration, co-hosted by the Art League and Colored Colors and sponsored by Legislator Manuel Esteban, has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023. This event promises to be a vibrant and culturally enriching experience for all attendees, featuring music, dancing, delectable Latin cuisine, and a variety of vendors offering unique cultural products and crafts. The event’s headlining band, Bachatu, will serenade the audience with captivating rhythms. Additionally, children will have the opportunity to participate in a Huichol Mexican Yarn Painting project, providing a hands-on cultural experience.

Their Ceramics Department Fundraiser, “Made with Mud, Kissed by Fire” which was scheduled for October 21st has been postponed to January 27, 2024. The Art League of Long Island looks to bring you ceramic entertainment, raffles, an auction, and hors-d’oeuvres for you to enjoy while helping support one of their dynamic departments. Your ticket to the event entitles you to take home one bowl made by our instructors, staff, and long-term students. Please continue to purchase tickets to this lively event on our website.

The financial implications of the flooding damage are substantial for the Art League of Long Island, an educational center dedicated to the visual arts since its establishment in 1955. While insurance coverage will alleviate a portion of the repair expenses, the Art League seeks the support of the local community during this challenging time. 

The Art League of Long Island has faced significant operational challenges before. The non-profit was forced to put its headquarters on the market due to the closure necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Revenues, primarily derived from tuition, along with donations, memberships, exhibition, and gallery rentals, quickly dwindled. Nonetheless, a local fundraising campaign generated over $100,000 in donations, which aided in steering the Art League away from financial turmoil. Marianne Della Croce remains hopeful that the community will rally around the Art League once again, ensuring its resilience as it progresses toward its 70th Anniversary in less than two years.

For more information or to offer support, please visit the Art League of Long Island’s website at www.artleagueli.org/donate/ or email [email protected] 

About Art League of Long Island: The Art League of Long Island, founded in 1955, is a 501c non-profit visual arts organization committed to enriching the community through fine arts education and exhibitions. Located in Dix Hills, New York, the Art League serves as a hub for artistic expression and cultural appreciation, providing a wide range of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and events for artists and art enthusiasts of all ages.

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Photo from TOB

The Town of Brookhaven has announced that the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center’s Suffolk “Barktoberfest” Howl-o-ween pet parade and costume contest will be held on Sunday, October 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Fireman’s Park, 724 Middle Country Road in Ridge. The parade is co-sponsored by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society and Shirley Feed. Children are encouraged to come in costume, ready for Trick or Treating.

As part of the “Barktoberfest” celebration, there will be free adoptions at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center on October 30 and 31. Free adoptions include free neuter or spay, vaccinations, microchip, license, FIV/FELV tested, flea and fecal.

The Brookhaven Town Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information about the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, please call 631-451-6950 or visit our Animal Shelter page.

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Save the date! The Brookhaven Town Youth Bureau is teaming up with All Suffolk Car Clubs to present their Annual Charity Car Show, Food and Toy Drive on Sunday, November 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine) at Brookhaven Town Hall, located at One Independence Hill in Farmingville. Club members will be displaying their cars in the south parking lot to raise donations for families in need through the Youth Bureau’s INTERFACE Program. There will also be a Silent Auction, raffles and live music.

Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to contribute to the Thanksgiving Food Drive and new, unwrapped toys for children to open during the holiday season. Admission is free and cash donations are accepted. There will be no judging of the vehicles and trophies will not be awarded. Free hot dogs and beverages will be served and there will be live music and entertainment throughout the day. The event is rain or shine. For further information, please call Maxine at 516-658-1977 and Charlie at 631-831-3547.

INTERFACE is a partnership between individuals, good corporate neighbors and the Town of Brookhaven in a common effort to provide help to Brookhaven’s less fortunate residents. It provides goods and services to those in need and addresses local social issues. There are approximately 150 corporations, not-for-profit agencies and community and fraternal organizations that make up INTERFACE. To learn more about the Town’s INTERFACE Program, visit our Community Programs page or call 631-451-8026.

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