SANTA SIGHTING!
Michael Boren of Setauket spotted Santa Claus on his way to get bagels for all of his elves and reindeer on North Country Road in St. James on Dec. 19.
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Yearly Archives: 2023
Letters to the Editor: December 21, 2023
Fire station relocation in Port Jeff
There has been a lot of discussion about moving the fire station because of flooding. A site often mentioned is the Maryhaven building or site. Several issues arise from these suggestions.
One is that of distribution and circulation. Fire stations are typically central to the area that they serve to get fair access to all in the fire district. If a fire station were to be built on the east side of a fire district, another would probably have to be built on another side of the fire district, i.e., make two districts or more. Therefore a careful study of circulation routes and population density would precede site selection.
Secondly, fire stations are very expensive. If you look online a small one runs about $6 million and the average seem to be around $15 million. This would presumably be paid for by the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson with a bond and tax increase.
We are working on a village grant to study stormwater flooding in the village to find a solution to flooding in the village (this preliminary work was presented at Village Hall on April 5 and is available as a village podcast). A most important area is the fire station and its surroundings because it was once the location of Crystal Lake. We believe that a real effort should be put into a solution for this before it is deemed necessary to retreat.
Similar discussions have arisen about moving Village Hall to Maryhaven. Not sure why because it is an important symbol of community and it’s central placement at the harbor seems important to this meaning.
Michael Schwarting
Campani and Schwarting Architects
Port Jefferson
Will Hochul be a transit Santa or Scrooge?
The next opportunity for MTA to commit funding to advance the Port Jefferson Branch electrification would be within 12 months when the 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan is adopted (Editorial, “Long Island’s wish list for Gov. Hochul: Port Jeff Branch electrification,” Dec. 14). This will be followed by the 2030-2034, 2035-2039 and 2040-2044 Five Year Capital Plans. Funding needs to be programmed in increments. First, for preliminary design, engineering and the National Environmental Policy Act review. Following NEPA is necessary to preserve Federal Transit Administration funding eligibility.
Next, Hochul must instruct MTA Chairman Janno Lieber to request permission from FTA to enter the Capital Investment Grant New Starts/Core Capacity program. Then comes final design and engineering, property easements, land acquisition and utility relocation. This would be followed by $1.5-$2 billion in local MTA funding to leverage a similar amount in federal funding under a future FTA CIG Full Funding Grant Agreement. These actions would be spread out over several MTA Five Year Capital programs. As each new Five Year Capital program comes and goes without any dedicated project funding, it will delay any hope of seeing Port Jefferson Branch electrification in your lifetime. A completion date of 2040 continues to be a moving target.
You will know in December 2024 if Hochul and Lieber will be Scrooge and leave coal in your transit stocking or be Santa and leave some real cash under your transit tree.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
An issue of education vs. ignorance
In the past few weeks there have been the past few weeks there have been several antisemitic incidents in schools in Smithtown, Commack and Port Jefferson. Like most Jews I am appalled and disgusted by the spike in such incidents, and fearful about what the future holds for our community and our country. Demons we thought were laid to rest after World War II appear to be rising again, zombie-like. In truth antisemitism is a centuries-old scourge. It’s not so easy to eradicate. Even so, we must now redouble our efforts to oppose it. History has taught us where it leads.
Some may dismiss the appearance of a swastika in a school as a crude juvenile prank, in poor taste but essentially harmless. That’s wrong. Regardless if it was placed out of hateful malice, or out of simple ignorance or stupidity, to a Jewish person the message is the same: “You should be eliminated.” Not because of anything you do, say, or believe, but just because of who you are. A Jew. Over 180,000 American servicemen were killed in Europe in World War II fighting Nazism. Does “Never again” mean anything or is it just an empty slogan? As the war against Nazism passes from living memory are we doomed to just forget what it was?
The proliferation of antisemitic graffiti in schools is symptomatic of gross ignorance about the Holocaust among young people. A recent survey found that among Americans aged 18-39 one in 10 believe it never happened. Another 23% thought it was a myth or that the number of Jews murdered was greatly exaggerated and 12% never even heard of the Holocaust. You might think these numbers reflect ignorance elsewhere in the country, but you’d be wrong. One of the most disturbing findings was that 19% of New Yorkers in this age group think it was the Jews who caused the Holocaust. More than in any other state. The next generation is now in our elementary, middle, and high schools. Is this going to get worse or better?
This is not a political issue. It’s an issue of truth vs. lies. It’s an issue of moral clarity vs moral confusion. It’s an issue of critical thinking vs. uncritical acceptance of propaganda spewed forth from social media. And it’s certainly is an issue of education vs. ignorance. Not just the education children receive in school, although that’s real important. But even more important is what children are learning at home, from their parents. Even the best and most intelligently designed lessons children learn at school will be ineffective if children are taught bigotry, lies and hateful stereotypes at home. Words matter. It’s up to every single one of us to teach our children empathy, compassion, kindness and the value of life. Toward everyone.
David Friedman
St James
Editorial: Forging futures from fading facades
The global pandemic has cast a long shadow, obscuring the charm and dimming the collective spirit of our communities. Yet, within the confines lies a treasure trove of stories, traditions and a unique character that deserves not just protection but revival. Investing in community revitalization isn’t merely a budgetary line item but a strategic investment in the soul of the community.
The Suffolk County JumpSMART program is not a charity but a catalyst. The grants provided through the American Rescue Plan Act will inject much-needed resources into neighborhoods that may have been overlooked or bypassed by progress. This translates into restored facades, rejuvenated public spaces and the return of thriving businesses, but the true transformation lies deeper. It’s the rekindled pride in local heritage, the buzz of opportunity replacing the din of despair and the emergence of resilient communities.
We often see deterioration and neglect of history and community within our coverage area such as across Thatch Meadow Farm in St. James, according to Preservation Long Island’s recent declaration of several of the island’s historical landmarks to be endangered and in need of careful and conscientious TLC. Once again, Flowerfield Fairgrounds — also in St. James — is another community staple faced with the danger of being lost to development.
Preserving historic sites and buildings isn’t about mere nostalgia but reclaiming a collective narrative, each restored landmark inspires tales of resilience and the paths of those who came before us. In revitalized communities, stories aren’t confined to dusty archives but instead sung in bustling marketplaces and etched in the smiles of returning residents. These revitalized landscapes will aid in the preservation of our cultural tapestry for future generations to explore and embrace.
Beyond the historical benefits, revitalization ignites economic engines, with improved infrastructure and a flourishing atmosphere, businesses return, drawing investment and creating jobs. Local talents find fertile ground for innovation, generating entrepreneurship and injecting newfound vitality into the economy.
History isn’t something inherited, it’s something actively cultivated. Investing in community revitalization isn’t just about bricks and mortar but investing in a brighter future. It’s about revitalizing fading facades, restoring historic buildings and artifacts — and cultivating communities. We urge our readers to write us letters in support of the movement, as these actions are worthy goals in the coming year.
Wanted for Melville Robbery
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who robbed a Melville store in August.
A man entered 7-Eleven, located at 613 Broadhollow Road, at 11:16 p.m. on August 5, displayed a handgun and demanded employees open the register and lay on the floor. The man took between $700 and $800 before fleeing the store.
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.
Suffolk D.A.: Two Suffolk County Corrections Officers arrested for allegedly fraudulently taking leave from work under the FMLA
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney on Dec. 21 announced the arrests of Tyler J. Grauer, 34, of Blue Point, and Cheri Burke, 53, of Smithtown, both are Corrections Officers with the Corrections Division of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Each are separately accused of multiple counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree and Official Misconduct, for allegedly taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) by falsely claiming that they needed to miss scheduled work shifts to care for sick relatives.
“The Family and Medical Leave Act is intended to help hard working families as they navigate difficult health situations. The allegations here are that these defendants selfishly abused this law to gain extra time off from their jobs to the detriment of their colleagues and the public,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I want to thank Sheriff Toulon for his assistance in this investigation, and for his continuing commitment to fighting public corruption.”
“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has no tolerance for people taking advantage of the system and swindling taxpayers,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “Family medical leave is designed for employees in need due to serious family illness, and those who attempt to scam us for their own benefit will be held accountable. Make no mistake, this is not typical behavior of the hardworking men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and I want to thank the District Attorney’s Office for working with us on this investigation to hold these officers responsible for their actions.”
According to the investigation, both Grauer and Burke took leave under the FMLA on multiple occasions, each claiming that they needed to care for a close family member. However, the investigation revealed that on the dates in question, neither Grauer nor Burke were taking care of their sick relatives, but rather were engaged in other activities. For example, on certain dates that Grauer took FMLA leave, he was allegedly in New York while his sick relative was in Florida.
And on certain dates that Burke took FMLA leave, her sick relative was allegedly in North Carolina, while she was in either New York or Colorado. In each instance, the defendants wrongfully received the benefit of taking time off from their respective jobs whenever they chose, and often with the consequence that another corrections officer would be required to work overtime to cover their shifts.
On December 21, 2023, Grauer and Burke were both arrested for the charges of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, a Class E felony and Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor. Both defendants were given a desk appearance ticket to appear in court for arraignment on a future date, as required by current New York State law. Grauer’s next court date is scheduled for January 10, 2024, in Suffolk County First District Court in Central Islip and he is being represented by Edward Palermo, Esq. Burke’s next court date is scheduled for January 9, 2024, in Southampton Town Justice Court in Hampton Bays and she is being represented by John Ray, Esq.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stuart P. Levy of the Public Corruption Bureau, with investigative assistance from Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff Investigators Michele Bishop and Matthew Matz.
D. None of the Above: I could make real money if I could figure out how to profit each time…
By Daniel Dunaief
Here we are, poised on the precipice of 2024, or, if you’d prefer, at the bottom of the mountain, looking up at the year ahead.
What a privilege to start 2024 together, to share the same air, to enjoy or brace for the same weather, to root for or against the same teams and to revel in the miracle of our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and neighbors.
As we venture into the days, weeks and months ahead, we can all see certain patterns continuing because, let’s face it, we know the familiar playbook people use. I would love to figure out how to capitalize on some coming certainties. If, for example, we had a dime for every time the song “Jingle Bells” came on in department stores around the country in the last few weeks of each year, we’d have enough money to buy our own one-horse open sleigh and fill it with presents. With that in mind, I’d like to consider certainties or near certainties in various realms.
Political:
Let’s start with former president Donald Trump. A dime for every time he insulted someone could pay for an enjoyable and deluxe vacation to Europe or, if you prefer, a week or more at a Disney resort.
A dime for each time he uttered the words “rigged,” “witch hunt,” or “socialist,” would also net some nice cash.
Collecting money when he referred to himself in the third person, as in “only Donald Trump can fix that” would also prove profitable.
President Biden, of course, has his go-to approaches and idiosyncrasies as well. Collecting money when he misspoke or stepped in the wrong direction would turn gaffes into cash.
Or, perhaps, adding money each time he became angry or annoyed with someone would also provide considerably more change than the typical back of the couch.
Collecting cash each day that goes by without the president taking questions from the Press Corps or reacting to unscripted moments would also build wealth.
A dime for each time Chris Christie insults Trump would help build a college fund.
Oh, and some change for each time Jim Jordan (R-OH) takes off his coat, MTG scowls, Ron DeSantis uses the word “woke” or attacks Disney, AOC insults NYC, or Nikki Haley smiles when she’s insulted would also make real money.
Sports:
Ah, yes, the world of sports not only is filled with cliches, but also has predictable patterns.
Fans and sports talk radio hosts always know better. Monday morning quarterbacking has become something between a religion and a profession.
The next day, everyone else always claims to have known exactly when to take a pitcher out of a ballgame, when to run the ball and when to take a time out.
The pundits on the sidelines always know better about the Big Game than the people who are paid to make the decisions.
And, of course, with the Olympics coming in Paris this year, we can anticipate the back stories about athletes who are competing in memory of a cherished dead relative who inspired them. If we the viewers had a dime for every tear shed during these serious and melodramatic moments, we’d be able to afford the plane ticket to Paris to watch the Games in person.
I’m not minimizing the inspiration these athletes take from their relatives, coaches and friends. I’m reflecting on the types of stories, with their sad, moving slow guitar background music, these networks share, combining loss and grief with determination and the quest for glory.
Random but predictable moments:
As a coach for many teams, I am sure parents throughout the country are convinced that their children are being short changed. A dime for each parent complaint could provide a down payment for a new field.
I’d also like to collect money each time someone who talks all the time “breaks their silence” on something. It’s amusing when headline writers suggest that, say, Britney Spears or one of the Kardashians breaks their silence on anything. I thought these non-stop celebrities shared every thought in their heads. Ah yes, a dime for each deep internal secret of people who would do well to be more discrete would also build wealth.
SBU Sports: Billy Cosh joins SBU as head football coach
Stony Brook University Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron and Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis have named Billy Cosh the third head coach in Stony Brook football’s Division I era, as announced on Dec. 13.
“This is an incredibly exciting day for Stony Brook and the future of our football program as we welcome Billy Cosh to Long Island as our new head coach,” said Heilbron. “Billy is an innovative coach who will bring energy, intensity and a specific plan for building a championship-level program at Stony Brook. More importantly, he genuinely cares about creating a positive environment for our student-athletes, and I am so happy that he is joining our Seawolves family along with his wife Kelsey and daughter Charli.”
“We’re so thrilled to welcome Coach Cosh and his family to ours here at Stony Brook. As a former accomplished student-athlete himself, he understands the importance of being a coach, as well as a teacher and mentor for his players to excel at the highest levels of competition. During the interview process, it was evident Billy is a dynamic leader and innovative coach who cares deeply about student-athletes contributing on the field as well as in the classroom and in the Stony Brook community. Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in Stony Brook’s football history,” said President McInnis.
Cosh joins Stony Brook for his first career head coaching job after spending the 2023 season at Western Michigan as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
“My family and I are excited for this opportunity to join the Stony Brook family and to lead this football program to new heights moving forward! I want to thank President McInnis, Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron, and the search committee for giving me this tremendous opportunity,” said Cosh. “Great location, academics, athletics and, more importantly, people really excites me about being the head football coach here. Being a FCS coach over the years, I have always admired Stony Brook from afar. I know we will develop these young men the right way and play a brand of football that will return us to the top in a great league in the CAA! I am ready to get to work and build the trust that is needed to have success.”
SBU Sports: Men’s basketball outlasts Army in overtime 78-74
The Stony Brook University men’s basketball team topped Army, 78-74, in overtime on Dec. 17 at Christl Arena at West Point. Aaron Clarke returned to the lineup, pacing a group of four double-digit scorers with 21 points to lead the Seawolves past the Black Knights.
The Seawolves started fast on both ends of the floor, racing out to a 12-1 lead. Army was held without a field goal for nearly eight minutes to open the contest and managed just two points on a pair of trips to the charity stripe before Josh Scovens’ basket at the 12:09 mark of the first half.
Stony Brook extended its lead to 14 points, 23-9, more than halfway through the first half of action, but the Black Knights offense came to life in the final nine minutes of the half. Army ripped off 17 unanswered points in less than five minutes to turn a 14-point deficit into a three-point lead. When the dust settled after the first half, the contest was tied at 36-36 heading into the intermission. The Black Knights ultimately ended the half on a 27-13 run, shooting 10-of-14 from the floor and a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range over the final nine-plus minutes of the opening stanza.
In a back-and-forth second half, Stony Brook led by seven points with 3:29 to play before another surge from Army’s offense that saw the Seawolves squander another lead. The Black Knights used a 9-0 run to grab a 61-59 lead with less than a minute to play, but a pair of late free throws from Clarke and a defensive stand sent the contest into overtime, despite Stony Brook being held without a field goal for the final seven-plus minutes of regulation.
Tyler Stephenson-Moore did not register a field goal made in regulation, notching his only three points at the charity stripe over a 10-second span in the final four minutes of the second half. He made the most of the extra period however, connecting on a pair of trifectas on the opening two possessions and added another basket on Stony Brook’s fourth possession of overtime, putting his squad on top, 69-66. The Seawolves never trailed in overtime, converting on 7-of-8 from the free throw line to earn its first road victory of the season.
“Great win against an Army team that played at a really high level,” head coach Geno Ford noted. “We really appreciated the huge amount of Stony Brook fans that made the drive over for the game today. We’ve put a nice win streak together with some confidence heading into Michigan State.”
The team wraps up road, non-conference action at Michigan State on Dec. 21. Tip-off between the Seawolves and Spartans is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Breslin Arena with the contest streaming live on BTN+. It will be the second-ever meeting between Stony Brook and Michigan State.
Between You and Me: This holiday season starts the path to peace with Viva la Difference!
By Leah S. Dunaief
Peace. That is what religions ask for, what billions of people across all nations pray for. Why in our family of humanity is that goal so elusive?
Perhaps this is a question only for theologians and philosophers to answer. But now, in this glorious holiday season, when we speak and sing of Peace on Earth, we all articulate the ideal.
Many seek, and indeed can find inner peace. But the dream of peace, the kind of peace that is defined as lack of conflict and freedom from fear of violence between individuals and groups, has never been achieved.
When will there be such peace?
The answer, it seems, is when all humans are of good will.
And what does that involve?
For starters, it requires acceptance and respect for the “other.” We need to see each other as humans with the same ambitions and desires and feelings. Rather than look down on and despise people who are simply different, we can be intrigued and interested in those differences and therefore in those who are different.
We can invite into our world those who are different from us in the way of skin color or appearance or beliefs. And if we can do so, we can see them as humans, just like us, and bigotry cannot exist. For we cannot look down on ourselves. If we are to do so, starting now, racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim and every other sort of hatred of our neighbors disappears.
For there to be Peace on Earth, it must start with accepting the stranger, the “other” among us.
Times … and dates: Dec. 21 to Dec. 28, 2023
Ongoing
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton runs through Dec. 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be purchased online at www.holidaylightshow.com.
Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County presents its 20th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show at Southaven County Park in Yaphank through December 30. This year, the light show will be a fully immersive, walk-through Enchanted Forest, which features 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays along with photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games for visitors to enjoy. Tickets are $15 per person, $12.50 for Girl Scouts. To order, visit www.gssclightshow.com.
Holiday Illuminations
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown presents Holiday Illuminations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Explore the Society’s grounds illuminated for the holiday season! Every half hour, the historical buildings will be brought to life with stunning visuals and animations, telling enchanting holiday tales. Food trucks, vendors, live music and a visit from Santa will add to the festive atmosphere. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768
Festival of Trees
Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2024 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 473-4778
Huntington Holiday Spectacular
Stroll through the streets of downtown Huntington to enjoy a Winter Wonderland Tuesdays to Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. now through Jan. 1, 2024. The festivities will include lights, farmers market, live music ice carving, Santa, holiday markets, and other surprises. www.huntingtonholidayspectacular.com/events
Thursday Dec. 21
Sound Healing, Guided Meditation
North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham presents a Sound Healing and Guided Meditation program from 7 to 8 pm. Celebrate the season with tonal balancing using crystal singing bowls that produce powerful vibratory sound waves which resonate deeply within the body. Donna Nesteruk uses multiple instruments to create these meditative sounds that provide you with a restorative and relaxing. To register, please call the library at 631-929-4488.
Jazz Christmas Party
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave, Stony Brook presents Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a 17-piece big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts to celebrate the season. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895
Friday Dec. 22
Tom Manuel’s Egg Nog Romp!
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave, Stony Brook presents Tom Manuel’s Egg Nog Romp from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring Tom Manuel on cornet. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895
‘Season of Light’ at the Vanderbilt
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will show the holiday-themed Season of Light tonight at 8 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. Season of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up their lives during the December holiday season. Tickets range from $14 to $17 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Saturday Dec. 23
‘Season of Light’ at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 22 listing.
Caumsett Hike
Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a History Hike from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Relax and socialize on this hilly, moderately paced 6-mile walk, as you make stops to discuss some spots of historic interest. Adults only. $4 per person. Call 631-423-1770 for reservations.
Sunday Dec. 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
Monday Dec. 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Tuesday Dec. 26
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a Barbershop quartet concert, “Once Upon a Time,” at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
Holiday Train Display
Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today, Dec. 27 through Dec 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free event. 631-924-1820
Wednesday Dec. 27
Holiday Train Display
See Dec. 26 listing.
Thursday Dec. 28
Holiday Train Display
See Dec. 26 listing.
Author Talk
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington welcomes acclaimed author/actress Illeana Douglas at 7 p.m. for enlightening discussion of her new book Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream House to Dark Suburbia as well as a screening of one of the movies featured in her book, The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster. In addition to the film screening and discussion, tickets will include a copy of Connecticut in the Movies and a book signing reception. Tickets are $40, $35 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. 631-655-7798
Film
‘Die Hard’
Cinema Arts Centre presents a special Night Owl Cinema screening of Die Hard on Dec. 22 at 9:30 p.m. We dare you to say it’s not a Christmas movie!! It’s Christmas Eve, and New York Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) is in L.A. visiting his estranged wife and children. At her holiday office party the festivities are interrupted by a group of German terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise and begin taking hostages. McClane is the only one who can save them from criminal mastermind Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Yippee-ki-yay mistletoers! Tickets are $15, $10 members, free for Young Film Fan Members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’
Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $32 adults, $30 seniors, $28 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Celebrate the holidays with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim at Theatre Three’s ‘A Christmas Carol.’ The show runs through Dec. 30. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots.com
‘A Christmas Carol’
“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Join them for the 38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beauty and the Beast’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast now through Jan. 7. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Vendors Wanted
■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.
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