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Yearly Archives: 2024

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PREHISTORIC FUN Come see dinosaurs roar at the Dino Safari Festival in Huntington Station.
PROGRAMS

Dino Safari Festival

Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station will host its 5th annual LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival, featuring exhibits,animatronics with light art, an interaCtive recreation zone and more, now through Sept. 22. Featuring more than 70  life-size dinosaur displays, food, and an educational area with a safari dig and dino fossil hunt. The show runs Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. For tickets, visit luminocityfestival.com or purchase onsite.

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Sept. 6 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station  continues its Art in the Barn series for children in Pre-K to 3rd Grade and their parent/guardian with a family portrait workshop on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Taught by Lena Massari Sawyer.  $25 per child and guardian, $20 second child. Pre-registration is required by visiting  waltwhitman.org.

Sky Scavengers

As part of its Sunday Funday series, Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Sky Scavengers on Sept. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Come meet the Center’s turkey vultures for Turkey Vulture awareness weekend. Participants will meet some of their friends and learn all about these local birds through games and activities. Create a cool turkey vulture craft to take home. $15 per child, $5 per adult. Register at sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

My Grown-Up & Me Tiny Explorers

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents an eight-week program, My Grown-up & Me Tiny Explorers for children 2–4 years old with a guardian on Mondays, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 21, 28, and Nov. 4 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Spend the morning together encouraging curiosity and appreciation for nature. Through the fusion of science and art, children and their grown-ups will explore the world around them with instructors Elisavet Loukaidou and Katie Bloodgood. Fee is $150. To register, visitlongislandmuseum.org. 

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

THEATER

‘Rapunzel’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. Rapunzel’s sixteenth birthday has come, meaning that she’ll be able to see the outside world for the first time, just as her “mother” promised. Scared to let her go, though, the witch reneges. Lucky for Rapunzel a young Prince happens across her tower and calls out to her, as he’s seen the witch do: “Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your hair!” Before the Prince and Rapunzel have their inevitable “happily ever after,” though, they’re going to have to face the wrath of the witch and a few other hilarious obstacles. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.

‘Kooky Spooky Halloween’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theatre season with A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to 19 with a sensory sensitive performance on Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. 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. Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation highlight this Halloween-inspired musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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MUSIC FOR THE SOUL Join All Souls Church in Stony Brook for an evening of classical guitar music with virtuoso Francisco Roldán on Sept. 7. Photo courtesy of All Souls Church
Thursday Sept. 5

Volunteer Fair

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook hosts a Volunteer Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet with representatives from over 10 local organizations who are looking for assistance. 631-588-5024.

Purple Party

In recognition of the Town of Brookhaven going purple for National Recovery Month, the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host a Purple Party at the Train Car, 1 Rose Ave., Port Jefferson Station at 7 p.m. Come help light the train car purple with snacks, guest speakers, Narcan training and more. Free. 631-821-1313, PJSTChamber.com

Friday Sept. 6

East Northport Festival

East Northport Chamber of Commerce presents the 29th annual East Northport Festival at John J. Walsh Memorial Park, 190 Larkfield Road, East Northport tonight from 6 to 11 p.m., Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring rides, games, live music, international food truck festival, craft vendors (on Sept. 7 and 8), beer garden and more. Free admission. 631-261-3573, eastnorthport.com

Psychic Night Fundraiser

Centereach Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. 9 South Washington Ave., Centereach will host a Psychic Night with the Psychic Sisters Linda West and Joline Paterson at 6 p.m. $45 includes light refreshments with basket raffles 50/50 and a door prize. For tickets, call 631-738-0722.

Saturday Sept. 7

East Northport Festival

See Sept. 6 listing.

Culper Spy Day

Three Village Historical Society and Tri-Spy Tours, in collaboration with local historical and cultural organizations, present the 10th annual Culper Spy Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Begin at the TVHS, 93 North Country Road, Setauket. Come learn about the Culper Spy Ring from costumed docents along with colonial cooking and invisible ink demonstrations, military encampment, historic house and church tours, and much more. Most activities free. 631-751-3730, tvhs.org 

Village Cup Regatta

The 15th annual Village Cup Regatta, a fundraising sailing competition between teams from the Village of Port Jefferson and Mather Hospital, kicks off with festivities at Harborfront Park, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 10 a.m. and a Memorial Parade of Boats at 11 a.m. portjeffersonyachtclub.com

Friends of MCPL Garage Sale

Time to shop! Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach will host a Friends Garage Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. in the parking lot. Lots of bargains and treasures. Outdoor games for kids. Rain date is Sept. 14. 631-585-9393

Harbor Day 2024

The Village of Nissequogue and The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor will host  a Harbor Day event to raise awareness of Stony Brook Harbor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Long Beach Boat Launch, 555 Long Beach in Nissequogue. The day will include presentations by environmental and marine science experts, carnival games, face painting, bounce house, a beach cleanup, boat building craft, food trucks, and music. Kayak rentals will also be available. Rain date is Sept. 8. Free admission. 631-862-7400

Saturdays at Six Concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook will feature classical Colombian guitarist Francisco Roldán in a free concert at 6 p.m. Roldán has performed as a soloist and with chamber ensembles and orchestras in Portugal, Greece, Russia, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Lithuania, and Paraguay as well as throughout the U.S. Please bring a can of food to donate to a local food pantry.  631-655-7798

An Evening of Comedy

The Comedy Club @ Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson returns for another load of laughter tonight at 8 p.m. Comedic line-up includes Peter Bales, Scott Schendlinger and Matt Burke with special guest Chris Roacht. Tickets are $40. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.

Sunday Sept. 8

East Northport Festival

See Sept. 6 listing.

Car Show and Swap Meet

Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville, hosts a Car Show and Swap Meet by Long Island Cars on from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Street rods, classics, muscle cars, antiques, exotics, imports and collectible cars on display with vendors selling parts and accessories, food and entertainment. Admission is $10, under 12 years are free. 631-567-5898, LongIslandCars.com

Fall Craft Fair 

4 Corners Nursery, 284 Boyle Road, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Fall Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with fall decor, pumpkins and live country music by Casey Wayne from noon to 4 p.m. 631-331-2737

Dix Hills Car & Bike Show

Dix Hills Fire Department, 115 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills presents its 10th annual Car and Motorcycle Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with raffles, live music, food. Free for spectators. 516-521-9145

Fiddle and Folk Festival

Three stages, great music, dance, food and fun awaits you at the 12th annual Fiddle and Folk Festival at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring performances by The Roger Street Friedman Band, Claudia Jacobs, Toby Tobias, Brian Chabza, Bill Ayasse, Suzanne Ernst, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason along with Pick of the Crop contestants, fiddle workshops, open mic and more. Tickets in advance are $22 adults, $18 seniors and $10 for children; tickets at the door are $25 adults, $22 seniors and $12 for children. Bring seating. 631-689-8172, fiddleandfolk.com, 

James O’Malley in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by James O’Malley from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, limusichalloffame.org. 

Monday Sept. 9

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 $11 per person, $7 members at cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7610.

Tuesday Sept. 10

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a concert by George Maselli, a one-man band, singer, and guitarist in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Standard Flower Show

The Three Village Garden Club will hold a Standard Flower Show titled “Seasonal Wonders” at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket from 2 to 7 p.m. The juried show which will feature one of a kind  artistic designs of floral arrangements created by Garden Club members and will also include horticulture and botanical arts including photography. Free to the public. threevillagegardenclub.org

Stand-up Comedy at the CAC

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Stand-Up/Sit-Down live comedy series with an appearance by Eddie Brill, who among other things, was the warm up comedian for the Late Show with David Letterman for 17 years, at 8 p.m. Brill will “Sit-Down” with host Steven Taub to share stories about his career and time on Letterman after the show. Tickets are $35, $25 members at cinemaartscentre.org.

Wednesday Sept. 11

Cruise Night at The Shoppes

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show every Wednesday through October from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic cars in the parking lot. 631-929-3500

Thursday Sept. 12

Goat & Alpaca Yoga

Join the Smithtown Historical Society, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown for a 45 minute session of yoga with friendly, interactive goats and alpaca from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m courtesy of  by Steppin’ Out Ponies and Petting Zoo. Tickets are $35 per person. Please bring a mat & towel. Registration required via Eventbrite. For more information, call 631-265-6768.

Summer Thursdays at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Summer Thursdays series at 5:30 p.m. with a free talk and performance by musicians Erik McIntyre and Jonathan Stout about the century-long history and acoustic aspects of the archtop guitar, like the ones crafted by John Monteleone in the LIM’s Musical Masterworks exhibition. Learn about the guitar’s importance in jazz, blues, and rockabilly. Includes free admission to the Musical Masterworks exhibition. 631-751-0066, longislandmuseum.org

Theater

‘King Lear’

The Carriage House Players at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in  Centerport closes their 35th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with King Lear from Aug. 16 to Sept. 8. Performances are held on the Vanderbilt mansion courtyard stage on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children under age 12 at vanderbiltmuseum.org. 

‘Clue’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is the hilarious musical Clue from Sept. 12 to Oct. 27. Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, the farce-meets-murder mystery begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave you in stitches as they try to figure out…who did it, where, and with what! Tickets range from $85 to $95. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.

‘Matilda’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 54th season with Roald Dahl’s Matilda from Sept. 14 to Oct. 20. Matilda is a courageous little girl with astonishing wit, a vivid imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, the unique and unforgettable Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl on an extraordinary journey! Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12, $25 Wednesday matinees. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit  theatrethree.com.

‘(Mostly) True Things

(Mostly) True Things, a game wrapped in a storytelling show that features true stories and a game celebrates 10 years of performances at The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St. Port Jefferson on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. with stories on the theme Trips — stories about experiences of being “tripped up” by life, tripping and falling, road trips and traveling. Featured performers include Marc L Abbott,  Jean Candiotte, Nina Lesiga,  Dawn Borchers and Jude Treder-Wolff, host and creator of the show. Tickets are $20 online, $25 at the door (cash only). 

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon’

Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden presents The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, a hilarious, crazy fairy-tale extravaganza, on Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. in Theatre 119 in the Islip Arts Building. Two narrators attempt to recreate all 209 of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm in a wild, fast-paced extravaganza. To make it more difficult, they attempt to combine them into one gigantic fable using Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and other more obscure stories like Lean Lisa and The Devil’s Grandmother. General admission is $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. SCCC students with current ID get one free ticket. To order, call 631-451-4163

‘Night of the Living Dead’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Night of the Living Dead from Oct. 5 to 27. Fall out from a satellite probe shot to Venus returns to Earth carrying a mysterious radiation that transforms the unburied dead into flesh-eating zombies. Seven people trapped in an isolated farmhouse, held hostage by the ravenous ghouls, begin to turn on each other as the dead encroach. A gripping terror-filled monochromatic play that brings all the fright of the cult classic to life. *This production is recommended for audiences high school age and up. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors and $25 students. To order, visit smithtownpac.org.

Film

‘One Person, One Vote?’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its Fall 2024 season with a screening of One Person, One Vote? at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. At a time when many Americans question democratic institutions, the film unveils the complexities of the Electoral College, the uniquely American and often misunderstood mechanism for electing a president. Followed by a panel discussion with director Maximina Juson and Nancy Marr from the League of Women Voters. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students. portjeffdocumentaryseries.com. 

‘Invisible Threads’

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of Invisible Threads – From Wireless to War  on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Joseph Sikorski and Marc Alessi, Executive Director of the Tesla Science Center in Shoreham. Tickets are $25, $20 members at cinemaartscentre.org.

Class Reunions

— The 50s classes of Port Jefferson High School will hold a gathering at Detmer Farm, Ridgeway Ave., Setauket on Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. BYOB. To RSVP, call 631-924-4817 or 631-941-4186. 

— Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. Members of the Class of 1963 are invited to join them. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected]. 

— Ward Melville High School Class of 2014 will hold its 10 year reunion at The Waterview, 44 Fairway Drive, Port Jefferson  on Nov. 30 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are  $100 — plus ones allowed. Includes open bar, passed appetizers, and dinner. Please email [email protected] for the link to purchase tickets. 

Vendors Wanted

◆ The Yaphank Historical Society seeks vendors for its annual Fall Yard Sale on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Hawkins House,  4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank.  (Rain date is Sept 15). Vendor fee only $10 per spot. Call 631-924-4803.

◆ Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East main St., Smithtown seeks vendors for its annual Heritage Country Fair on Sept. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. Fee is $75 for a 10’ X 10’ site. For more information, call 631-265-6768.

◆ Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point welcomes craft vendors for its annual Fall Festival on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 631-744-9355 or 631-521-5770 for more information.

◆ Town of Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari is looking for vendors (essential breast cancer care items, jewelry, clothing, or other products) to participate in the Pink in the Park Breast Cancer Prevention and Education Fair, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 29, at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington from  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also looking for vendors who can contribute to creating a fun and engaging environment for families, with activities for children to enjoy. For a vendor application, call 631-351-3173.

◆ Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach is accepting vendors for its annual Fall Harvest Fair on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $60 donation for a 10’ X 10’ spot. Email [email protected] for more information or an application.

◆ Art League of Long Island 107 East Deer Park Road Dix, Hills seeks artists and craftspeople to show and sell their original fine art and/or fine crafts at the 59th Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair on Dec. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Deadline to apply is Oct. 1. For an application, visit artleagueli.org.

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Tickets are on sale now for Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s acclaimed documentary Super/Man: The Christoper Reeve Story. Via a collaboration between DC Studios and Fathom Events, the film, which DC Studios, HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films acquired out of the Sundance Film Festival this year, the film will debut in select cinemas across the United States on Saturday, Sept. 21. There will be an encore presentation on Sept. 25, Reeve’s birthday.

‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’

The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care — all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family before his death of heart failure in 2004 at the age of 52.

From the directors of McQueen, Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, this film includes never-before-seen intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, as well as the first extended interviews ever filmed with Reeve’s three children about their father, and interviews with the A-list Hollywood actors who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends. The film is a moving and vivid cinematic telling of Reeve’s remarkable story.

Locally, the film will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17 in Stony Brook, Island 16 Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, and AMC Huntington Square 12 in East Northport. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com. 

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Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

September 11th is not just another day.

The country, and the world, stood still for hours, horrified and stunned by the mass murder committed by terrorists in Manhattan, Washington DC and in a field in Western Pennsylvania.

We can focus on the bravery of the first responders that day, on the remarkable effort by the passengers aboard Flight 93 to retake the plane, the loss of 2,977 people, and the passage of time since that horrible day.

We can also consider the incredible generosity and sensitivity of the country in the days, weeks and months afterwards. I know that didn’t apply to everyone and I remember how taxi drivers from mostly Muslim countries put bumper stickers on their cars indicating they were proud Americans. I also recall the unfair and horrific questioning of people who looked different or who might have originally come from Saudi Arabia or any neighboring countries.

Still, in the wake of a day that also lives in infamy, people gave of themselves and their time.

My family, which included our then three-month old daughter and my wife, walked to an upper east side fire station that lost several members when the World Trade Center collapsed.

There, we saw other people in our community who were bringing toys, pies, gifts and money to the department. The members of the fire station, whom we thanked, forced appreciative smiles on their faces and, more often than not, comforted many community members who choked out heartfelt words of thanks to the station’s survivors.

Outside the station, a car from one of those killed that day was barely visible under an enormous collection of flowers.

Prior to 9/11, I had spent considerable time writing about banks and financial services companies. I had a particular and lasting connection with several members of the boutique firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.

KBW provided research and investment banking services for a range of banks. In the months after the attack and the loss of lives, banks made sure to include KBW on investment banking deals, trying to help the survivors and the firm stay in business.

On Long Island, a range of companies donated construction materials to create lasting memorials to the people lost on that day, while offering families a place to go to reflect on the people they were fortunate enough to know.

The frenetic city that never sleeps entered a grieving cycle in which people implicitly knew the rules. A collection of cars passing by with their lights on behind a hearse required people always in a hurry to make way.

Despite the need to do things yesterday, to get somewhere faster than everyone else and to beat people’s own records in traveling from one place to another, people stood by, slowed down and made supportive eye contact with those who were putting up pictures of lost loved ones.

As we drove along the roads around New York City, we saw the efficient removal of debris from the World Trade Center site, with twisted metal and concrete sitting on passing flat bed trucks. Cars made room on highways for these huge trucks and turned on their lights in support and sympathy.

In a more insular way, many of us checked on our friends and family, setting aside ongoing familial disagreements.

I remember watching the video of President George W. Bush (41), who had lost the popular vote in 2000 to Al Gore but had won the election on the strength of the final recount in Florida. He was sitting in a classroom when the secret service whispered in his ear about the attacks. He seemed to take a long time to process what he heard.

Yes, people wondered where he went and what was happening with the center of government power and yes, some criticized him even as they flocked to the Churchillian resolve of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who somehow symbolized the combination of pain and determination in the days after the attack.

People wanted to help each other, donating, volunteering and coalescing around the notion of a country in need of healing and recovery.

Many of the most helpful and supportive moments reflected the strength of a unified nation with a readiness to set aside political squabbles to defend the country. In our darkest moment, we gave flowers, food, support and respect.

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Pixabay photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

My last birthday, which we celebrated a couple of weeks ago, has been rough. But I am expecting a turn of fortune for the better, because bad things come in threes, and now I’ve experienced all three. Sharing the miseries generally makes one feel better, so here goes.

The first started off happily enough. 

I had been invited to a wedding reception in Maine. Now any excuse to go to Maine is a wonderful happening, in my mind, and it’s not just for the blueberry jam and the lobster rolls. The state is physically beautiful, with a shoreline that has attracted artists over the centuries. To go there in August is to get away from the heavy heat of summer. It is also no cultural sacrifice since summer stock and art galleries are to be found in many of the small towns and cities. Good museums too.

So we packed up the car and left a day early to have some exploratory time before the party. In our roaming, we met people from all over the country who had come with the same idea about vacationing in the northernmost New England State. When we arrived at our destination, we remembered and ate in a couple of our favorite restaurants and also enjoyed socializing with the 140 wedding guests as well as with others at the hotel over the Bacchanal weekend.

So far, so good, right?

When we returned home, as a result of all that socializing, we found we had brought an unwelcome guest back with us: a tenacious microbe that had taken up residence in our upper respiratory anatomy. Whether bacteria or virus, it has so far withstood two different antibiotic assaults and still troubles us with deep seated coughs. This was alarming because the family was arriving immediately upon our return to celebrate my birthday, and we didn’t want to share the bug. But that was just the first of the three miseries.

The morning of my birthday dawned sunny and warm, so we sat on the wooden back deck and ate breakfast. At one point, I had to blow my nose and stepped away from the table, walking the length of the deck to do so. Turning back, I stepped on one of the narrow boards in exactly the right way to cause it to fall through the deck, along with my left leg. It happened, as they say, like a bolt from the blue, and I fell backwards and screamed. It took two family members to extricate me, and I bear the discoloration and contusions on both sides of my lower leg as it heals. If you should see me around town, that explains my limp and wince as I walk.

Somehow, I was most outraged by the fact that it happened on my birthday. “My” day shouldn’t have started off that way.

The irony of the story is that the carpenter was scheduled to come to repair the deck the Monday after my children were to leave. He had offered to do the job the week before, but I didn’t want repairs to mar the family visit, and besides, I was away in Maine so I had put him off. Whoops, bad timing. A further irony is that I had placed a flowerpot on the bad board to prevent anyone stepping there, but it had been moved just before our return from Maine. Was this an accident fated to happen?

As to the third, I was driving to a dinner date last night when I realized a migraine was about to hit me. It always starts with a visual aura, in which zigzagging lines cross my vision much as, in the early days, a television screen used to break up when there was a disturbance overhead. I don’t get them often, but they are most unpleasant when they are triggered, this time perhaps by the medicines I am taking. 

Three and done, now, I hope. Thanks for letting me vent. 

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Enjoy multiple decks, patios, and balconies overlooking natural surroundings and Port Jefferson Harbor. Updated kitchen with water views, new HVAC and CAC systems, a three-season room, a partially finished basement, and more. The Belle Terre community provides private parks, playgrounds, beaches, a community center, and constable services.

$1,680,000

For more information, click here.

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Great Buckingham ranch in the highly sought after “T-Section” development with sidewalks and sewers. Updated kitchen. New bathrooms. All nice sized rooms. Park-like backyard. Convenient to Smithaven Mall, Stony Brook University and Hospital.

$599,900

For more information, click here.

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