Yearly Archives: 2024

Person utilizing coding software on a computer. Pixabay photo

By Aramis Khosronejad

With the rise of artificial intelligence and the seemingly ever-changing technological world, the main question coming from educators and parents is how the new generation is going to adapt and thrive in the dawn of this new era. Stony Brook University’s new summer camp aims to prepare them.

Located in the university’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology, the program is a collaboration between Stony Brook and Sunrise Technology.

The program has yielded extremely impressive results and received international attention, attracting students from as far as Hong Kong. This largely has to do with the outreach program managed by Rong Zhao, the director of Stony Brook’s CEWIT, which strives to engage students from local high schools on Long Island. Zhao said that the “demonstration” of the self-driving car models “is the biggest attraction.”

The camp is important, according to Zhao, because it shows students that such advanced technology such as self-driving cars and AI isn’t something to fear. “[It isn’t] this mystical, futuristic thing … it’s tangible … [the students] think, ‘Wow, I can code this.’ It is, in the end, the future generation that we’re helping.”

By teaching students to understand that advanced technologies such as AI aren’t something far off into the future but is our current reality, the camp aims to prepare the new generations to adapt to this inevitable future.

According to a report in Forbes by MIT and Boston University, AI will replace as many as 2 million manufacturing workers by 2025. With such rapidly approaching change, preparing the new generation to adapt to this future is paramount. This kind of preparation is exactly what this interactive AI summer camp aims to do, according to Zhao.

Yu Sun, founder and CEO of Sunrise Technology, explained in an interview with TBR News Media how the camp works. It consists of three main activities for students: Lectures where students will listen to a professor speak on the coding process; computer labs where students will be able to apply what they learned from the lectures; and lastly, a project where students will develop and deploy their own self-driving car models.

The program will “give the students an idea of how these self-driving programs work using their own unique design, which also keeps them engaged,” Sun said. She believes that, regardless of whether parents or students are interested in STEM, “AI is such an up-and-coming buzz and parents want students to be exposed to this field.”

“How can we turn this into an educational opportunity which will have a real impact?” Zhao asked. The future is here already, and teaching students how to thrive and adapt to it is essential.

The program spans over two sessions: The first consisted of two weeks from July 8 to 19, and the second session will consist of another two weeks from Aug. 5 to 16. Students from 9th to 12th grade are eligible for the summer camp.

There are very few prerequisites for this program. The second session of the program is still available for any interested high school students.

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Martin Stromsten. Courtesy of the Stromsten family

Prepared by the Stromsten family

Martin “Marty” L. Stromsten, 88, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday,  July 16.  He was born in Port Jefferson, on Jan. 31, 1936 and was the son of Norwegian immigrants, the late Endre and Karen Gard Stromsten.  

Marty was a graduate of Earl L.Vandermeulen High School where he first discovered his love of music.  At the age of 14 he took up the trumpet and by 18 he had been accepted to the Crane School of Music in Potsdam. He received his master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he met many titans of music.  

In the United States Army, he continued pursuing his passion by playing in the Army Band, serving honorably from 1959 to 1961. Later, he worked as an elementary band music teacher, passing on his talents to many eager students and creating an elementary jazz band.  He was always looking for new and innovative ways to teach his students how to understand and love music.  His last place of employment was in the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District. 

Every community Marty lived in benefitted from his musical talent.  He was constantly forming, conducting or playing in different musical groups from Dixieland bands to big band jazz, and classical quintets to community orchestras.  

Marty was a longtime resident of Port Jefferson and Riverhead.  Outdoors, he loved walking on the beautiful beaches of Long Island and sailing in his sailboat on the Long Island Sound. Politics, books and music were his favorite topics of discussion. Even though he would tell you he was a “terrible student”, he was very well-read and could talk on just about any topic.  Many who have met him would consider him a brilliant, generous, and friendly person.  Marty settled in Port Jefferson and was very proud of the family that he and his then wife, Joan, created.      

Marty is survived by Helen Jones, his life partner of 28 years; Joan Stromsten, the mother of his children; daughters Pamela Fetcho and Suzanne Hennigan; his grandchildren, Nicholas Fetcho, Jesse Fetcho, Trevor Hennigan and Taylor Hennigan; and his great grandchildren, Aiden Fetcho, Atlas Fetcho and Ava Pickett. He was predeceased by his cherished son, Erik Stromsten and his brother, Edvin Stromsten.

Marty lived a life on his terms, and it was a life well lived.

The funeral will be held on Friday, July 26, at 3:30 p.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home in Clifton Park. Calling hours will be from 1:30 to 3:30 pm on Friday prior to the service. Interment will be in the Jonesville Cemetery, Clifton Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Latham. For online condolences please visit gordoncemerickfuneralhome.com

Alex Kelly competes in the long jump for Princeton University. Photos courtesy Rich Acritelli

By Rich Acritelli

“The goal is always to work the hardest.” Track and  field standout – Jasmine Moore

Rocky Point resident Alexandra “Alex” Kelly, a gifted, 20-year-old athlete, had the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Olympic Trials June 21. There, she was placed 21st in the Women’s Long Jump Qualification – Group 1. She has gained valuable knowledge watching the preparation of other top athletes on the national stage.

Reuben Jones, assistant women’s track and field coach at Princeton University, said, “Alex is one of the all-time most physically-gifted athletes I have ever coached in my 14 years in the Ivy League and the last eight with Princeton. Alex can raise her game to meet the level of any competition. Before she graduates, she can surpass the 22-foot mark in the long jump and the 45-foot mark for the triple jump.”

In 2022, Kelly graduated from Rocky Point High School as an honor student, with a 101 GPA, who enjoyed singing in the chorus and working as lifeguard at her local beach.

As an eighth grader, she was still somewhat new to athletics but still broke the long and triple jump records at the high school.

During COVID-19, every athlete was stopped in their tracks. But, being the positive individual she is, Kelly took this period in stride, and realized that it could be an opportunity for growth. She prioritized her leg health, and never stopped training.

For a time, Kelly ran the 4×100 meter relay, and while she liked this event with her teammates, she stopped running this discipline to devote more time to jumping. To stay in shape, she ran sprints and had a strenuous lifting regimen. All of this training paid dividends as Kelly kept establishing new jumping records, and finished first in New York State championships in the triple jump during the 2021-22 winter and spring track seasons.

Right before high school graduation, Kelly was New Balance Nationals champion in the triple jump, held at the University of Pennsylvania.

As this remarkable athlete successfully competed at the highest levels of track and field in high school, Kelly was aggressively recruited by Columbia, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Stanford and both the Air Force and Naval academies.

For Kelly, Princeton University was the perfect distance away from home. She is majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology, and minoring in the history of science technology and medicine. Kelly is equally as dedicated to her academics.

During her freshman season, Kelly quickly cemented her presence on the Princeton team, as she helped the school earn three Ivy League titles.

This special athlete has some current time to see her family and friends, but she looks forward to her junior season when she will return to Princeton as a captain.

A goal-oriented student-athlete who has her eyes set on attaining her education and the pursuit of athletics brilliance, she will keep being a role model to other younger women and will surely continue to make the North Shore proud of her accomplishments.

Herbed Olive Chicken Pasta

By Heidi Sutton

I don’t know about other gardeners out there, but my raised beds are already overflowing with red cherry tomatoes and orange and yellow grape tomatoes (Thank you bees!!) and big, bushy basil plants. When harvesting this summer bounty I always think of how to incorporate these two ingredients into a delicious pasta dish. Garden fresh tomatoes and herbs tossed with mozzarella and garlic over pasta delivers a burst of flavor everyone will love. Here are some recipes to try including my all-time favorite, Rotelle alla Caprese.

Herbed Olive Chicken Pasta

Herbed Olive Chicken Pasta

YIELD: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces rotini or rotelle pasta

1 cup cooked chicken breast meat, cut into bite-size pieces

1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

24 pitted olives, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup chopped, fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)

DIRECTIONS:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente. Remove pot from heat. Place chicken in a colander; pour pasta over chicken and shake off excess liquid. Return pasta and chicken to pot. Stir in remaining ingredients, except feta. Divide into bowls and top with feta before serving.

Cellentani Caprese Pasta Salad

Cellentani Caprese Salad

YIELD: Serves 7

INGREDIENTS: 

1 16 oz. box cellentani (double elbow) pasta

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 pints grape tomatoes, mixed color, halved

4 tablespoons lemon juice

8 basil leaves, julienned

2 cups small mozzarella cheese balls, halved

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Bring large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Drizzle pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place on sheet tray to cool. Set aside. In large bowl, combine tomatoes, lemon juice, basil, remaining olive oil, cheese, salt and pepper. Add pasta and stir. 

Rotelle alla Caprese

Rotelle alla Caprese

YIELD: Serves 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS: 

2 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes

8 ounces mozzarella cheese (not fresh)

1 cup sliced fresh basil

6 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons minced garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

12 ounces rotelle pasta

DIRECTIONS:

Cut tomatoes in half and cheese into 1/2 inch cubes and place in large bowl. Mix in chopped basil, oil, vinegar and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bring large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta, drain and return to the same pot. 

Immediately add tomato mixture and toss until cheese begins to melt. Transfer pasta to bowls and serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.

Keynote speaker was Holocaust survivor Rosalie Simon with music by Toby Tobias

Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, in conjunction with the Suffolk YJCC, hosted the Town of Huntington’s 13th Annual Anne Frank Memorial Ceremony on July 19. The event took place at Arboretum Park in Melville, home of the Anne Frank Memorial Garden.

The ceremony was held mid-way between Anne Frank’s June 12th birthday and the August 4th date of her capture. Frank would have been 94 this year. Frank died in 1945 at the age of 15 in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany.

This year’s event featured Holocaust survivor Rosalie Simon, and students, Alexa Nissenbaum and Chloe Swartz, who participated in Suffolk Y JCC’s Names, Not Numbers program, a unique program where students learn to combine research, journalism, and video production to capture and share the stories of Holocaust survivors so that they are never forgotten. 

The ceremony also featured special musical guest, South African-born guitarist, and composer Toby Tobias. Tobias shared his stories of hope through music, during a time of war and upheaval across three continents, from Johannesburg to Jerusalem — then here in the United States.

Commander Harry Arlin and members of Jewish War Veterans Post #488 provided a color guard to present the colors for the ceremony while Rabbi Jeff Clopper of Temple Beth El in Huntington led the prayers.

“Every year, we strive to make this event memorable and thought provoking. This year is no different. What happened to Anne Frank, her family, and all victims and survivors of the Holocaust could have happened to anyone, at any point in time,” said Superviser Smyth. 

“Abroad today, in places like Ukraine. At home, with targeted attacks against different groups and the population at large. We must counter the voices that seek to divide us. We can teach love, acceptance, and unity. We can and should resolve ignorance with education,” Smyth added.

The Anne Frank Memorial Garden, was unveiled by the Town in June 2010 at Arboretum Park. The park symbolically captures the journey of Anne Frank’s life. It features a circular pathway that surrounds a garden, which leads to the sculpture of a young girl’s dress. 

The Memorial Garden serves as tribute to Anne’s legacy of wisdom and genuine belief in the goodness of mankind and human nature, despite the ugliness of war and discrimination.

Celebrate Star Wars Day at Emma Clark Library on July 27. Photo courtesy of Emma Clark Library
PROGRAMS

Drop-In Art Workshops

Children ages five through ten are invited to the Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington to create fun works of art in a variety of materials inspired by artwork in the Museum’s exhibitions on July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. Each week’s project will be exciting and different! Programs will be held both in the Museum and in Heckscher Park, weather-permitting. $10 per child includes all art supplies and admission to the museum. No advance registration required. www.heckscher.org

Shark Adventures

For Shark Week, join The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor in celebrating these incredible apex predators with Shark Adventures on July 25 at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. Touch a real shark jaw and a Megalodon tooth. Learn to identify different shark teeth and excavate a real shark tooth fossil. Design and create a necklace or keychain featuring your fossil treasure. ​​Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 members. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Magic Show on the Harbor

The Village of Port Jefferson presents a magic show with Magic of Amore at the Jill Nees-Russell Performance Stage at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-473-4724

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on July 26 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 www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Luminous Lighthouses

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a drop-in program, Luminous Lighthouses, on July 26 between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore the radiant world of lighthouses in this creative design workshop. Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own — complete with a battery-powered tea light! Admission + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Shark Discovery

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents Shark Discovery on July 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about the sharks native to New York, and how sharks are different from other fish. Even create your very own shark species! Wear shark-y attire to celebrate! For ages 10 and up. $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Pop-Up Saturday

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) continues its Pop-Up Saturdays series at the Stony Brook Village Center’s Inner Court by Crazy Beans, 97 Main St., Stony Brook on July 27 with the Pixie Dust Storytellers,  entertainment from fairytale characters, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 631-751-2244

Star Wars Day

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket invites families with children up to Grade 6 to Star Wars Day on July 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy carnival games with a Star Wars twist and enter a raffle contest. Children are welcome to wear a Star Wars or space-themed costume, but not necessary. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Happy Birthday Harry Potter

Drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St. Setauket on July 30 from 2 to 4 p.m, to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday with themed activities. For families with children up to Grade 6. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Touch-A-Truck event

Families with children up to Grade 6 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket to check out vehicles from different community organizations during the library’s Touch-A-Truck event on July 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. No registration required. 631-941-4080

Fantastical Sea Beasts

Fire-breathing beasts! Galloping unicorns! Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for Fantastical Sea Beasts and Where to Find Them on Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. Did you know that many mythic creatures featured in the Harry Potter world started their stories in the sea? Discover the myths and legends surrounding these fantastical creatures and create your own dragon egg with gilded seashells. Admission fee + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-36-3418.

THEATER

‘Raggedy Ann & Andy’

“Be a buddy, be a pal, be a friend …”  Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Raggedy Ann & Andy from July 5 to July 27. The world’s favorite and most famous rag dolls come to life in a heart-warming adventure about friendship and loyalty as the toys save the Tiwilliger Toy Workshop for Extra-Special Friends. A captivating tale of the power of love and cooperation. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Summer fun continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with Finding Nemo Jr. from July 20 to Aug. 25. In this musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie, Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as Dory, Crush, and the Tank Gang, Marlin, and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘The Parent Trap’

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai continues its Movies in the Moonlight series with a screening of The Parent Trap on July 26 at dusk. Presented by the North Shore Youth Council and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. Bring seating. 631-403-4846

‘Wonka’

The 7th annual Farmingville Flicks outdoor movie series kicks off at Local Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville with Wonka on July 29 at dusk, courtesy of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce and Sachem Public Library. Bring seating. 631-317-1738

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Catch a performance of ‘Newsies’ at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center this weekend. Photo by Michelle Demetillo/SPAC
Ongoing

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

The 59th annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival returns to Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington from June 21 to Aug. 24, Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. The 10-week festival will feature over 40 live performances including dance, theater and music. Bring seating. Held rain or shine. Free. For a list of scheduled performers, visit www.huntingtonarts.org. 631-271-8423

Thursday July 25

Terryville Carnival

Terryville Fire Department, 19 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station invites the community to its annual family carnival tonight to July 27 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and July 28 from 5 to 10 p.m. Enjoy rides, games and carnival food. $25 entry fee includes all rides. Fireworks on July 26. 631-473-1224

Harborside Concerts

Harborside concerts continue at the Show Mobile at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson tonight at 7 p.m. with the Elo Tribute Band. Bring seating. 631-473-4724, www.portjeff.com

LIM Summer Thursday

Join the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook for a special after hours  screening Melissa Levine’s Babygirl followed by a performance by Rosie Kelly at 5:30 p.m. Then head over to the Art Museum to view Fire Island: The Art of Liberation. Free admission. 631-751-0066

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation workshop 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. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series continues at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with Boardwalk Nights (Jersey Shore tribute) tonight at 7:30 p.m. No registration required. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Community Band Concert

The Northport Community Band will host concerts at the Robert W. Krueger Bandshell in Northport Village Park tonight and Aug. 1 starting at 8:30 p.m. Free. Bring seating. Rain location is Northport High School. www.ncb59.org

Friday July 26

Terryville Carnival

See July 25 listing.

Island Idol

Join the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach for its 20th annual outdoor music competition, Island Idol, in the parking lot at 6 p.m. Talented Middle Country teens will perform for the audience and a panel of judges, and the library’s Teen Advisory Council will sell refreshments and offer crafts for all ages. Bring seating. 631-585-9393

Happenings on Main Street

Northport Arts Coalition presents Happenings on Main Street, free concerts at the Northport Village Park Gazebo at the harbor Friday evenings at 7 p.m. through Aug. 30. Tonight’s performance will feature Jasmine Goare. Bring seating. 631-261-1872

Eagles Tribute Concert

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its summer concert series with Eagles Tribute Band The Fast Lane at 8 p.m. From the incredible guitar lines of “Hotel California” to the beautiful vocal harmonies of “Lying Eyes” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” one listen to The Fast Lane will make everyone who sees them a huge fan! Tickets are $65. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Friday Night Face Off

Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, Friday Night Face Off, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door, cash only. 631-928-9100

Saturday July 27

Terryville Carnival

See July 25 listing.

Deuces Wild Car & Truck Show

The Maples, 10 Ryerson Ave., Manorville hosts the Deuces Wild Car & Truck Show & Sock Hop today and July 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, vendors, bbq, contests, raffles and more. Proceeds benefit the NFCK Animal Rescue. $5 admission for spectators. www.northforkcountrykids.org

Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will hold an outdoor thrift garage sale in its parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Shop for household items and fun treasures! Money goes back into the wildlife center. 631-901-5911

Pollinator Garden Talk

Grab your favorite beach chair and come on down to scenic grounds of The Reboli Center, 64 Main St., Stony Brook a Magic Pollinator Garden Talk Cornell Master Gardener, Valerie Doyle from 10 a.m. to noon. Doyle, creator of The Reboli Center’s first ever pollinator sensory garden, will discuss how to build a pollinator garden. Activities will include a group reading, a garden watercolor painting demonstration, book signing and a garden stained glass exhibit. Free. Rain date is July 28. 631-751-7707

Architecture & Collections Tour

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents an Architecture & Collections Tour from noon to 1 p.m Take an intriguing walking tour of the Vanderbilt Estate with knowledgeable Museum educators. Learn about the history of the Eagle’s Nest estate; Warren & Wetmore’s design and exterior architectural details of the 24-room Spanish Revival mansion; the striking ironwork of Samuel Yellin; and visit the marine, natural history, and cultural artifact collections. Tickets, which include general admission, are available for purchase ONLY at the door: Adults $16; seniors/students $15; children under 12, $14. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Chicken BBQ Fundraiser

Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, UCC, 233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai will host a Chicken BBQ from 3 to 6 p.m.  Catered by Tuscany Market, the meal includes 1/2 chicken, corn salad, potato salad, and corn bread for $19.99. Popular, traditional, and some original music will provided by Eddie & Bob, Bluegrass Buddies, and Hunter Caiazzo along with vendors and raffles. Bring seating. For more information, call 631-331-2535. 

Hallockville Barn Dance 

Break out your dancing boots and head over to Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead for a Barn Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dance the night away as famed caller Chart Guthrie will lead the group through traditional country dancing in the historic Naugles Barn. $30 adults and teens, $10 ages 5 to 12, under age 5 free. To purchase tickets, visit www.hallockville.org. 631-298-5292

Concert on the Lawn

The North Shore Community Band continues its annual Summer Concert Series with an outdoor concert at St. Mark’s Church, 105 Randall Road, Shoreham at 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites. Bring seating. www.northshorecommunityband.org

Tribute to ABBA

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson welcomes ABBA tribute band Dancing Dream to the Main Stage at 8 p.m. The show will electrify audiences of all ages with top hits including “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance,” “Fernando,” and many more. Tickets are $65. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Avalon Astronomy Night

The Observatories at Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook will be hosting a live observing session (weather permitting) from 9 to 11 p.m. Using telescopes, they will be providing both digital and visual views of a variety of popular summertime targets. Meet at Avalon Barn off Shep Jones Lane. Free. No registration required. 631-689-0619

Sunday July 28

Terryville Carnival

See July 25 listing.

Deuces Wild Car & Truck Show

See July 27 listing.

Beatles on the Balcony Concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will hold a free concert titled “Beatles on the Balcony” featuring The Liverpool Shuffle at 2 p.m. This is the first free concert from the LIMEHOF balcony and will be viewable from the parking lot. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. For more information, call  631-689-5888 or visit  www.limusichalloffame.org.

Fire Island Pines lecture

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents a lecture titled The History of Fire Island Pines at 2 p.m. Join Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society President Bobby Bonanno for a unique and informative talk about the history of the Fire Island Pines and its place as a symbol of freedom of expression. Free with admission to the museum. 631-751-0066

Wind Down Sundays

The popular summer concert series returns to Hap’s historic Red Barn at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket with a performance by The Whiskey Crows at 5:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-689-6146, www.frankmelvillepark.org

Celebrate St. James Concert Series

Celebrate St. James continues its summer concert series at Celebrate Park, 369 Lake Ave., St. James with The Band Easy Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The series continues every Sunday through Aug. 18. Free. Bring seating. 631-984-0201, www.celebratestjames.org

Village Green Summer Concert

Summer concerts return to the Stony Brook Village Center every Sunday at 7 p.m. in front of the Stony Brook Post Office, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook through Aug. 18. Tonight’s performance will feature The Equity Brass Band. Bring seating. In the case of rain, the concerts will be cancelled. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org

Monday July 29

Outdoor Hula Hooping

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts an evening of outdoor hula hooping from 6 to 7 p.m. Get a great workout while you hoop it up with instructor Jeannie Pendergrass on the library lawn. Open to all. To reserve your spot, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org

Tuesday July 30

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a performance by the amazing Mulvihill Lynch Irish Dancers  with a demonstration of classic Irish dancing in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Owls in Our Yard

Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket continues its free community summer programs with Owls in Our Yard with Patricia Paladines at Hap’s Red Barn at 11 a.m. Learn about the story of Alfie the Screech Owl. 631-689-6146

Summer Concert in the Courtyard

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport continues its Summer Concerts in the Library Courtyard series with The Rustlers at 7 p.m. This talented country band takes the stage to deliver an unforgettable evening of the best classic and contemporary country music. Rain date is July 31. No registration required. 631-261-6930

Concerts at The Gazebo 

Enjoy Tuesday night concerts at The Gazebo, 127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset at 7 p.m. through Aug. 27. Tonight’s performance will feature Bon Journey. Rain date is July 31. 631-672-5197, www.nesconsetchamber.org

Create Your Resumé

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will present a Resumé Workshop from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn how to use Microsoft Word to create, style, and format a resumé, as well as how to email or upload your document in this hands-on class. Open to all. To reserve your seat, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.

Rocky Point Concert series

The North Shore Youth Council and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon presents a  summer concert featuring the Swingtime Big Band at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 614 Route 25A, Rocky Point at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-854-1600

Smithtown Community Band

The Smithtown Historical Society hosts the 38th annual Smithtown Community Band concert series, Starry Nights, on the grounds of the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 7:30 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-265-6768

Wednesday July 31

Port Jefferson Sunset Concert

Port Jefferson Arts Council continues its Sunset Concerts at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson with a performance by the Mick Hargreaves Band from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free. Bring seating. Held rain or shine. 631-473-5220, www.gpjac.org

Summer Sip and Paint

The Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St. Stony Brook presents a Summer Sip and Paint Party from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Join returning instructor Linda Davison Mathues in completing a painting in the style of Joseph Reboli. The subject matter for this event will be Reboli’s ‘Still Life with Beets.” $45 per person includes all materials. Refreshments will be served. To register, visit www.rebolicenter.org or call 631-751-7707.

Music Under the Stars

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach celebrates summer with its Music Under the Stars concert series in its parking lot featuring The Longhorns (Country) at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-585-9393

Summerfest Concert

The Northport Chamber of Commerce kicks off its Summerfest Concert series on Wednesday nights at the Robert Krueger Bandshell in Northport Village Park with the Liverpool Shuffle from 7:30 to 9 p.m.. Bring seating. 631-754-3905

Summer Concert Wednesdays

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce continues its Summer Concert Wednesdays at the Train Car Park, 1 Rose Ave. (corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway), Port Jefferson Station with a performance School of Rock and a  BMX Stunt Show from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring seating. 631-821-1313, www.pjstchamber.com

Thursday August 1

Community Band Concert

See July 25 listing.

Art of the Guitar Festival

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents the 4th annual Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival tonight to Aug. 3 with performances by Laurence Juber, Anthony Wilson Organ Trio, Frank Vignolo and Vinny Raniolo and Martin Taylor and Alison Burns; opening reception tonight at 6 p.m.; and a workshop with John Monteleone and Steve Salerno on Aug. 3 at noon. Visit www.thejazzloft.org/monteleone for more information. 631-751-1895

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series continues at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with New York’s Finest (Police/Sting tribute) tonight at 7:30 p.m. No registration required. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Paranormal Cirque III 

Paranormal Cirque III arrives at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove from August 1 to 4 featuring a brand new show for mature audiences. The circus will once again be under the big tent in the mall’s parking lot. According to the press release, the show is not for the faint of heart, featuring “Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all the elements that make one think of a “normal” Circus but that of normal has very little,” all under a black and red Clown Castle tent. A few of the circus arts on display in this new production include the Wheel of Death, mystifying MAGIC, and more. Tickets range from $20 to $60 depending on availability. No one under age 13 will be admitted to the show. Guests aged 13 – 17 must be accompanied by an adult. This show has adult language and material. The box office opens on-site on Tuesday the week of the show. Box office hours on non-show days is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and on show days, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. To order, click here or visit www.paranormalcirque.com.

Film

Stony Brook Film Festival

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook  returns for its 29th year from July 18 to July 27.  This year’s lineup boasts 36 full-length feature films and shorts from 19 countries. Tickets are $15 adults, $13.50 seniors. For more information, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stonybrookfilmfestival.com. 

‘Resistance: They Fought Back’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen Resistance – They Fought Back on Thursday, July 25 at 7:15 p.m. with filmmaker Paula S. Apsell in person followed by discussion with moderator Dr. Jud Newborn. Tickets are $18 at www.cinemaartscentre.org.  631-423-7610 See more online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com

Theater

‘Newsies’

Stop the presses! This Disney film turned Tony-winning Broadway hit Newsies heads to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown from July 13 to Aug. 18. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’

The Carriage House Players at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in  Centerport continue their 35th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with The Merry Wives of Windsor from July 12 to Aug. 9. 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 www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. 

‘Legally Blonde The Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Legally Blonde The Musical from July 11 to Aug. 25. An award-winning musical based on the adored movie, the show follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Tickets range from $80 to  $95. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Boeing Boeing’

The Minstrel Players, Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport presents Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti on July 20 and 27 at 8 p.m. and July 21 and 28 at 3 p.m. Set in the 1960s, the play centers on bachelor Bernard, who has a flat in Paris and three airline stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. Bernard’s life gets bumpy, though, when his friend Robert comes to stay, and complications such as weather and a new, speedier Boeing jet disrupt his careful planning. Tickets $20 adults, $15 seniors and adults. To order, call 516-361-7232

‘Guys and Dolls’

Celebrate St. James presents a production of the musical Guys and Dolls at St. James Episcopal Church (Mills Hall), 490 North Country Road, St. James on Aug. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. The show takes us from the bustle of Times Square to the dance clubs of Havana to the sewers of New York City as it demonstrates the great lengths to which a guy will go when he truly falls in love with a “doll.” Tickets, which include refreshments and dessert, are $35 adults, $30 seniors. To order, call 516-272-6597 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

CALENDAR DEADLINE  is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.

 

Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

When we don’t know how to reprogram our remote control for our garage, search engines like Google can not only offer a written explanation, but can also provide videos with step by step guides that make even the least mechanical people — okay, me —barely competent.

Yes, I can change most light bulbs. Let me rephrase that: I can change most conventional light bulbs. For whatever reason, the fluorescent ones that require turning them at exactly the right angle befuddle me.

Google can also help us find ways to improve our daughter’s softball swing, can explain the Pythagorean Theorem, and can give us quizzes to help us prepare for important exams in school.

When we don’t know the history of an important event, when we want to find some information about someone before we go to a job interview, or when we are curious about what other movies someone who looks vaguely familiar in a streaming show has also been in, we can type their names and find instant answers.

And yet, shockingly, Google and other search engines have their limitations.

Search engines connect the words we’re looking for to the information, or misinformation, available online. These engines don’t have a fact filter, a scientifically proven filter, or an incontrovertible truth filter. It’s up to us to decide whether what we see or read is valid.

In fact, I would advocate for a high school class on information vs. misinformation, giving students a chance to think for themselves to spot online fakes. Most teenagers and 20-somethings, for example, can spot an altered photograph based on the unusual shape of an arm, different shading patterns, or, perhaps, a turn in a shoulder that defies our normal biological range of motion.

When people are in panic mode about a rash, the sudden onset of vague symptoms — a high fever, fatigue and muscle aches, perhaps — they sometimes race to plug those symptoms in to a search engine in the hopes of self diagnosing.

While that might save them the trouble of going to an emergency room in the middle of the night, where they could have to wait hours to see a medical professional, the use of a search engine can also create unnecessary anxiety and frustration or provide a false sense of security.

A search engine diagnosis that indicates you or your loved one might have some horrific disease likely raises your blood pressure and may cause you to drive erratically to a hospital.

A friend of ours once received a horrific call that his daughter was injured at school. During a long and excruciatingly painful drive through the night, he set his cruise control to the speed limit, despite his urge to drive 100 miles per hour. He recognized that he wouldn’t do himself, his family or his daughter any good by getting into a car accident or endangering the lives of others on the road during that painful trip. Fortunately, his daughter made a complete recovery.

Such rational thinking on the part of someone in intense distress, however, may not apply when people make a search engine diagnosis.

Recently, I spoke with Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, about several different viruses. I suggested to her that the symptoms for different conditions seemed remarkably similar, with the kinds of general physical discomfort, fever, and aches dominating the list, making it difficult to come up with an accurate diagnosis. 

“That’s why Dr. Google is not the right answer,” Dr. Nachman said.

For illnesses or symptoms that rise to the level of genuine concern, people should consult physicians who can test for a range of potential problems, ruling out conditions until they come up with an informed diagnosis.

In some cases, time is of the essence, with drugs like Paxlovid providing effective relief for Covid-19 within a limited time window, or Ttaamiflu offering the most effective benefit for people with the flu within 48 hours of the beginning of symptoms.

And, while Google may help with your science homework, the search engine may prove especially useful in directing you to experts at hospitals or urgent care centers who can interpret your symptoms and offer an informed diagnosis.

Photo from Staller Center Facebook

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

It may be summer, but the livin’ certainly hasn’t been easy. Events have been like rapid tidal waves breaking against the news shore. First came the fumbling performance by President Biden in his televised debate with ex-President Trump. Just as we were coming to some sort of terms with that, there was an assassination attempt on Trump’s life, with a bullet from a high powered rifle nicking his right earlobe as he began his speech at a rally in Pennsylvania. Millions of dollars then poured into his campaign chest. 

Next came Biden’s withdrawal, after his adamant refusal to do so, from running for re-election. That was quickly followed by Vice President Kamala Harris announcing her bid for the presidency a mere 105 days before the vote. She immediately garnered support from many other Dems and a rapid accumulation of millions of campaign dollars. Speculation about who her vice presidential choice might be now dominates the news. Somewhere in the midst of those events was the GOP National Convention and the announcement of JD Vance as Trump’s running mate.

It’s been a remarkable past month, and as the news has see-sawed between the parties, many have reacted with anxiety. I can suggest an antidote.

Go see the nightly selection of movies at the Stony Brook Film Festival at the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University. This year is the 29th such offering, and you can judge what Alan Inkles, the director, and his talented staff call “the best in new and independent films.” It is a contest, and we, the audience, decide the winners. There were initially over 2000 entries that the staffers pared down, and until it ends Saturday night, there is still time for enjoying the program. Tonight and tomorrow will feature two movies, each preceded by a short. Saturday, July 27, the closing night, there will be one short, one full length movie and then a presentation of awards to the winners.

To me, movies are magic carpets that take us away from our lives to other worlds. We meet new people in different situations, whose stories may make us laugh or tear up, and we go back home somehow aired out. One we saw was “The Strangers’ Case,” a moving story about the terrified society enduring the Syrian Civil War, as Assad’s forces want to squelch the rebels, and the desperate people who try to flee. We view their plight as they become refugees in another country, strangers in a strange land, risking their lives on rubber rafts over open ocean to get there.

The convenience of attending this festival is top notch. Parking in the adjoining garage is ample and free, and the drive to the Center and back home takes mere minutes and is usually without traffic. Admission is reasonable, and there is pleasure in experiencing the movie with neighbors as a community. And, as in all good movie theaters, snacks are sold in the lobby. I even enjoyed my favorite ice cream pop, an almond-crusted coffee toffee delight, one night during intermission.

Another way to escape the inevitable current events stress is with immersion in a family visit. That, of course, assumes we don’t start talking politics at the dinner table. It just so happens that two of my sons have birthdays two days apart and right around the time the Film Festival opens, and so we get a double distraction from the news. They come, with my daughters-in-law, and we celebrate together.

Each of us has our particular task. One of my daughters-in-law decorates the house with Happy Birthday banners. Another makes her fluffy chocolate-covered cupcakes to host the candles. My job is to provide the food — their favorite dishes, of course — and to fulfill any specific request for a birthday cake. This year’s star selection was a banana cream pie. We happily endured the annual sugar rush that ensued.

As you might guess, after the family leaves, we all go on diets.

Pixabay photo

If you solemnly swear you are up to no good, six museums in the Town of Huntington invite wizards and muggles to celebrate Harry Potter’s summer birthday with exciting events from July 30 to August 11. Highlights include scavenger hunts, crafts, presentations, and Harry Potter-themed treats. Don’t miss out on the fun and magical experiences waiting for you!

Participating museums include the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium in Cold Spring Harbor, the Huntington Historical Society’s Conklin Barn in Huntington, the Northport Historical Society, the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum in Huntington Station, The Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor, and the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport.

Schedule of Events

COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, www.cshfishhatchery.org

August 1 to 4 —  Scavenger Hunt and Craft

Go on a scavenger hunt to find magical creatures. Choose a Hogwarts pet and make a cat, rat or toad craft to take home. Free with admission.

 

HUNTINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S CONKLIN BARN, 2 High Street, Huntington, www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org

July 30 at 10 a.m. — Herbology Exploration

Herbology is the study of magical and mundane plants and fungi, and was a required class taught at Hogwarts by Professor Sprout. Come learn about how herbs similar to the ones in the wizarding world are used in our world, both in the past and the present! For ages 5 to 11. Free, registration required.

August 7 at 10 a.m. — Owl Presentation

We all know about the importance of owls as magical creatures delivering posts and parcels in the wizarding world. Harry’s owl Hedwig and Ron Weasley’s owl Pigwidgeon were great companions to our young wizards. Join us to learn some interesting facts about the owls in our own world! For ages 5 to 11. Free, registration required by visiting www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

 

NORTHPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 215 Main Street, Northport, www.northporthistorical.org

July 31 to August 4 — Harry Potter-Themed Scavenger Hunt:

Visit the Northport Historical Society Wednesdays to Sundays between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pick up a special Main Street scavenger hunt and embark on a magical adventure. Free.

 

WALT WHITMAN BIRTHPLACE STATE HISTORIC SITE, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, www.waltwhitman.org

July 28 to August 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Interactive Tour of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

Test your knowledge on the book that kicked off the Harry Potter series and earn a certificate and a bag of Walt Whitman’s Beans. $5 per participant.

 

THE WHALING MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, www.cshwhalingmuseum.org

July 30 to August 11 — Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt and Wand Craft 

Muggles & wizards alike can enjoy a magical scavenger hunt throughout the museum’s galleries with Huntington’s largest cauldron. Then design and decorate your very own wand craft to take home. Then create a wand to take home.  Free with admission fee to the museum.

August 1 at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. —  Fantastical Beasts & Where to Find Them workshop

Explore the myths and legends surrounding the many mythic creatures featured in the Harry Potter world and create your own dragon egg adorned with gilded seashells. Admission fee +$10 participant. $5 members. No registration required.

 

SUFFOLK COUNTY VANDERBILT MUSEUM, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

July 30 to August 4 — Explore Collections with Harry Potter-themed Map

Visit the museum and explore the collections with a Harry Potter-themed map. Free with admission.

July 30 —  Baby Giant Spider Craft

Visit the education center and create a Baby Giant Spider to take home. Free with admission.

August 4 — Magical Moth Craft 

Visit the education center and create a Magical Moth to take home. Free with admission.

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After or before the events, drop by Sweetie Pies on Main, 181 Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor and Bon Bons Chocolatier, 319 Main Street, Huntington for special Harry Potter-themed treats.

Sweetie Pies on Main will offer Harry Potter-themed drinks for purchase while Bon Bons Chocolatier will offer Chocolate Frogs, Owls and Castles, Bertie Botts and Jelly Slugs, and Golden Snitches. Guests can also enter a raffle to win a Harry Potter Birthday prize.