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Yearly Archives: 2024

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Trustee candidates Kyle Hill, Marie Parziale, and Xena Ugrinsky sit before the audience at the Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday, June 11. Photo by Aidan Johnson

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

This Tuesday, I went to a Meet the Candidates night in Port Jefferson Village. I left, some two hours later, feeling proud — proud of being an American and proud of my neighbors. 

The Village will hold its election for trustees next week, and this was an attempt by those residents who are running for office to inform the voting public about their positions and qualifications. It was jointly sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Association in the Village Center. 

There are a number of villages along the North Shore, where our newspapers service the communities, that hold local elections, and I would like to think my experience was typical of all of them. The occasion was an example of representative democracy, in which a candidates who best reflects one’s beliefs earns that person’s vote. The winner in a subsequent free and supervised election then becomes the elected official. 

That’s America.

I was also proud because the audience, of some 75 people I would guess, listened politely, applauded spontaneously if a candidate’s words touched a nerve, then broke into small groups to chat with each other at the end. In this case, there are two trustee vacancies with three residents running. And while there was mention throughout the speeches of clearly different positions with acknowledgement of much passion throughout the village, information at this forum was the order of the day. There were no invectives thrown, no voices raised or denigrating asides. The candidates smiled and shook hands at the end.

That does not mean there are no serious problems for Port Jefferson and that residents here are less caring. Quite the contrary. Problems like erosion, development, environmental sustainability, flooding, government transparency, municipal services, parking, and safety are common to villages and hamlets throughout the North Shore and Long Island. And not surprisingly, they excite passionate response, but the response does not have to be insulting or threatening if we see each other as neighbors, not colors.

We, of course, care deeply about the places in which we live. It’s not only a matter of economics, where development could impact property values, for example, but also our pride of place that comes into play during meetings. But insults and put downs are not necessary and would even be a hindrance during attempts to work together toward solutions.

And that is the key: working together. The candidates all got that.

I have great respect for neighbors who are willing to put themselves out there to run for office. Perhaps they are interested in the glory of office, but it takes an enormous amount of time and energy to stump for election. And in this day, candidates not only open themselves up for scrutiny, they bring their families to the forefront also to be evaluated. Privacy vanishes, and often, so does respect. They are fair game as targets for everyone’s freedom of speech. Libel law does not much protect candidates who become public figures.

The format of the Port Jefferson meeting was somewhat restrictive. Candidates were each given short intervals to speak—one to three minutes per question or summation. And the questions from the audience were written on 3×5 cards and passed along to a three-person panel before asked by the moderator, with an eye toward relevance and civility.

Candidates were prepped in advance, not given the actual question but with a heads up as to the likely issues to be covered. The two women and a man who were running probably knew what some of those issues were, but a little planning can help keep things calm and on track.

Did the informational meeting sway voters in any way? My guess is that most came already knowing whom they would vote for, but perhaps some were undecided. Even for those who knew, confirmation was helpful. It’s nice to see who will be the faces of the Village and how they comport themselves.

I hope, during this election season for villages and primaries, you, too, feel proud. 

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Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

It’s so easy to take each other for granted. Of course mom is going to drop everything at work, where she has an incredibly important job, and race to watch you play clarinet with your dad during a day-time concert because that’s what she does and that’s who she is.

And, of course, grandma is going to bring the entire family together for various holidays, welcoming us with hugs and kisses and ensuring that the house has the specific foods each of us needs for the days we share.

But these moments are not a given, any more than sunshine during a picnic or a last minute, life-saving reaction that avoids a traffic accident is.

Recently, my wife and I attended a service for my late mother-in-law. In a small ceremony at the cemetery, almost the entire extended family came.

My wife and I, our children and father-in-law arrived together over 90 minutes early. We sat in the car, waiting for everyone else to arrive and for the ceremony to begin. Other cars slowly glided past us, as other families and friends came to pay respects and to honor those whom they were fortunate enough to know but had lost.

Our children and I climbed out of the car and walked up and down the road, looking at the significant life-defining dates — when someone was born and when they died. We calculated how old each person was. A child died at the age of two in 1931, while a grandmother lived well into her 90’s.

Small raindrops started to fall, sending us scampering back into the car just before a sudden and surprisingly strong downpour.

My wife checked the forecast, which suggested that the rain would stop before the ceremony. Sure enough, 20 minutes before we had to get out of the car, the rain eased up and the sun peaked through the clouds, as the mixed weather served as a backdrop for moments of appreciation and an awareness of the keen loss.

We greeted other family members, who hugged us, shook our hands, or, in some cases, ignored us, carrying grudges or standing on principle for slights real or imagined long ago.

We saw an extended relative and her fiancée whom we hadn’t seen in person since their engagement. We congratulated them on their upcoming wedding, asked about the planning for the big day, and enjoyed the reality of a multi-year relationship transitioning into an upcoming marriage.

The officiant called everyone over, causing almost every other conversation to stop. After some somber words, he urged us to reflect on the person we were so fortunate to know and on the valuable time we shared.

After he expressed awe at the incredible long-term marriage between my father-in-law and mother-in-law, he asked if anyone wanted to speak. In a soft voice, my father-in-law celebrated the relationship he had with his wife, recalling the first time he met her and the bond they formed over 66 years of marriage.

When the officiant asked if anyone else wanted to speak, he turned to the grandchildren. Our son, who is the youngest grandchild and who gravitated towards his mother to offer his support, nodded.

He remembered the way his grandmother called him over whenever we arrived, smiling broadly and signaling with her index finger for him to come kiss her, which he and all the next generation readily did.

He also remembered how grandma, who was among the smallest people in any room, was always the cake cutter for birthdays. He described how her tiny arms worked their way through each cake, even frozen ice cream cakes, as she made sure everyone got a piece.

With each word, he reflected the love she gave to all her grandchildren back out into the world. In that moment, when he so eloquently captured his grandmother’s dedication to family, he made it clear that he didn’t take her for granted, any more than my wife and I took him for granted.

Without any preparation, he rose to the occasion, helping us see her through his grateful eyes.

There was no “of course” that day for grandma or for her grandchildren, just gratitude.

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ONCE UPON A FAIRYTALE Catch the final performance of 'The Mystery of the Missing Ever After' at Theatre Three on June 15. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Wonderful Wildlife for children ages 2 to 4 on June 14 at 9:30 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Wildlife Wonders

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor hosts a visit by the Wildlife Center of Long Island on June 15 at 10 a.m. Learn about the different classes of animals and their characteristics. Meet cold-blooded reptiles, furry mammals, and feathered birds. Come and meet some local animal rescues and find out ways to help the wildlife in our area. For ages 5 and up. $10 per person. To register, visit  www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on June 17 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Hatchery Scavenger Hunt

Join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Scavenger Hunt on June 19 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Explore the Hatchery and Aquarium and find the animal that completes the rhyme. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors and children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Sailing to Freedom

Did you know that whaling was America’s first integrated industry? On June 19 (Juneteenth), drop by the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor to celebrate the resistance and resilience of African Americans in the whaling industry at noon and again at 2 p.m. Discover the stories of trailblazing captains, ingenious inventors, and celebrated craftsmen. Enjoy a special scavenger hunt around the museum’s special exhibit and construct your own boat model using a variety of wooden materials and a bit of imagination. Admission fee + $10 participant. 631-367-3418

Dino Discoveries

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program, Dino Discoveries, on June 20 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, stories, dances, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Advance registration required by calling 631-269-4333.

THEATER

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater with Seussical the Musical from June 1 to June 30. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, imagination, loyalty, and community are challenged and emerge victorious. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B23.

‘The Mystery of the Missing Ever After’

“Where in the world is our happy ending?” Stories collide and mysteries abound as three great princesses come together to solve The Mystery of the Missing Ever After at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from May 25 to June 15. A slipper, a spinning wheel, and a red, red rose are all clues in this hilarious new musical! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘Field of Dreams’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Field of Dreams on June 16 at noon. Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can’t ignore and builds a baseball diamond on his land. Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

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Suffolk County police car. File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two women during a raid at a massage parlor in Selden on June 12. In response to numerous community complaints, Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven Building Inspector, Town Fire Marshal and Town Investigator, conducted an investigation into Jixiang Spa, located at 721 Middle Country Road.

Two employees, Jiangnan Tong, 46, of Flushing, and Wenjing Guo, 39, of Flushing, were both charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony under the New York State Education Law. Tong and Guo were both issued Field Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date. The Town of Brookhaven issued several violations to the business.

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WE WERE GOOD FELLAS Catch a screening of Martin Scorcese’s Goodfellas at the Cinema Arts Centre on June 18. FPhoto courtesy of CAC
Thursday June 13

LIM Alzheimer’s Conference

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents its 8th Annual Arts and Alzheimer’s Conference from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the vast and enriching opportunities available for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. This daylong conference is intended for those who work in healthcare facilities, professional & family care partners, as well as the staff of cultural organizations who are looking to find meaningful ways to further connect with those living with dementia through the arts. Available in person or on Zoom at no charge. Preregistration is required by visiting www.longislandmuseum.org.

Community Blood Drive

A blood drive by New York Blood Center in memory of  NYPD Detective Anastasios Tsakos will be held at Saint Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church, 1 Shrine Place, Greenlawn from 1 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 631-261-7272 or call 800-933-BLOOD.

St. Philip St. James Family Festival 

Saints Philip & James Roman Catholic Church, 1 Carow Place, St. James will host their annual Family Festival today, June 14 and 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. and June 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. This family friendly annual festival features exciting carnival rides for all ages by Newton Shows, delicious festival eats and carnival treats, games and  prizes, and fun for the entire family. Free admission, pay-one-price rides or individual rides. 631-584-5454

Friday June 14

St. Philip St. James Family Festival

See June 13 listing.

HAC Members Showcase Reception

Join the Huntington Arts Council for an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Members Showcase, at the Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington from 5 to 8 p.m. The annual exhibit is an opportunity exclusively for artist members to showcase a piece of their work in the Gallery along with their member peers. The exhibit will be on view through July 14. 631-271-8423

Grounds & Sounds Concert

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Grounds and Sounds Cafe concert featuring O’Malley’s Motley Musical Revue with doors opening at 7:30 p.m., open mic at 8 p.m. James O’Malley graces the stage with a cast of musical friends, including 3 of Hearts, Femmes Enchantees, Take 2, and Mountain Maidens. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door. 631-751-0297.

Sounds on the Sound

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Sounds on the Sound, a sunset cruise on the Port Jefferson Ferry from 7:45 to 10:45 p.m. Dance all night long with the Amber Ferrari Band playing music of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Tickets are $40 per person and include 1 drink ticket for wine or beer. *Deadline to register is June 14 at noon. 631-473-1414, www.portjeffchamber.com

Saturday June 15

St. Philip St. James Family Festival

See June 13 listing.

Foodie Fest and Craft Fair

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai presents its first annual Foodie Fest and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  with food trucks, artisan gifts, specialty vendors and North Shore Youth Council art show. Free admission. 631-403-4846

Greenway Trail Clean Up

Three Village Community Trust hosts a cleanup of the Setauket and Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail at 9 a.m. Meet up with Friends of the Greenway volunteers at trailhead at Hallock Ave. and Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station. For more info, email [email protected].

Garage Sale Fundraiser

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will hold an Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Center’s parking lot. Proceeds benefit the wildlife center’s mission. Come shop for treasures and support a great cause! 631-979-6344

Rocky Point Garden Tour

The 12th annual Rocky Point Garden Tour, a self-guided walk through the community’s best home gardens, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with garden goods for sale and raffle. $20 per person. Tickets are available at Heritage Paint, 637 Route 25A, Rocky Point and Flowers on Broadway, 43 Broadway, Rocky Point. All proceeds benefit the Rocky Point Civic Association. For more information, call 631-521-5726.

Yard Sale Fundraiser

Miller Place Historical Society hosts a Yard Sale Fundraiser at the Daniel Hawkins House, 111 North Country Road, Miller Place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come shop for treasures. Street parking only. 631-476-5742

Rocky Point Strawberry Festival 

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point presents their annual Strawberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with craft vendors, delicious food and desserts, bake sale, HUGE Tag Sale, gift basket raffles, and children’s activities. 631-744-9355

Kings Park Day

Kings Park Chamber of Commerce presents the 46th annual Kings Park Day Town Fair along Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 250 vendors, music, craft fair, games, rides, live performances and entertainment, international food court, sidewalk dining, raffles, giveaways and much more. Fun for the whole family. Free admission. 631-269-7678

Northport Pridefest

The Village of Northport hosts the 2024 Northport Pridefest at Northport Village Park from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with featured performances by the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus, Emmet Hughes Band, Memory Lane Trio and the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Company. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the music, stroll among the vendor tents, picnic in the park, explore Northport’s many specialty shops, galleries, antique stores, restaurants, wine stores, brewery, the museum and enjoy all that Northport has to offer. www.northportpridefest.com

Pride on the Farm

Celebrate Pride Month  with a free family event at the Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy wagon rides, crafts, dancing, rainbow treats, a unicorn story time and educational resources from Stony Brook Medicine.  631-852-4600

Sunday June 16

St. Philip St. James Family Festival

See June 13 listing.

Father’s Day Hike

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association will host a guided hike with WWBA Tour Guide and Educator, Jack Canfora, to Jayne’s Hill, the highest point on Long Island, at 11 a.m. Participants will follow the hike Walt Whitman took when visiting his childhood home. Meet in West Hills County Park parking lot, Sweet Hollow Road, Melville. $10 suggested donation. 631-427-5240

LITMA Contradance

Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 215 Main St., Smithtown will host a contradance by the Long Island Traditional Music Association at 2 p.m.  with basic instruction at 1:45 p.m. Tod Whittemore will be calling with music by John Kalinowski & Mickey Koth. $15 adults, $10 members, $7.50 students, children under 16 free with paid adult. 631-369-7854

Benner’s Farm Concert

Good Earth Soundstage at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket welcomes Buddy Merriam in concert from 3 to 5 p.m. $15 donation at the door. Bring seating. Proceeds will benefit the artists and Homestead Arts for this year’s Fiddle & Folk Festival. 631-689-8172

The Phil Firetog Trio in concert

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

Monday June 17

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket with The History of Magic and the Magic of History with Judge Gary Brown at 7 p.m. Learn about the colorful history of stage magic, including the work of magicians on Long Island and in the Three Villages over the past century. Free. First 25 guests receive a free magic trick to take home. Pre-registration encouraged by visiting www.tvhs.org.

Tuesday June 18

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a workshop on Retirement Strategies by Chris Buzzanca in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Tea with a Spot of History

Three Village Historical Society continues its Tea with a Spot of History with a presentation titled The Wanderer:The Last American Slave Ship​ at the Stony Brook Yacht Club, 21 Shore Road, Stony Brook at 1 p.m. Join historian Bev Tyler as he presents his decades long research on The Wanderer, a slave ship that was built in East Setauket a half-century after Congress banned the slave trade. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 members and includes a tea party with scones. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730

Fourth of July Garland Workshop

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Fourth of July Garland workshop from 4 to 5 p.m. and again from 7 to 8 p.m. Create a patriotic-themed garland using decorative fabric with Theresa Maritato. Nonrefundable materials cost is $5. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.

Summer Swap Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will host a series of “Summer Stage With a Purpose” (Summer SWAP) concerts on its front lawn kicking off tonight with a performance by Skye Hamilton-Carranza from 6 to 8 p.m. The series continues on July 9 and  July 23. Guests may purchase refreshments in the Basie Garden beside the venue. Sponsored by Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses.  Bring seating. Free. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org

Travel Presentation Club

The Travel Presentation Club will meet at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St.,  Setauket at 7 p.m. Dr. Marianne McNamara, one of CRESLI’s (The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island’s) naturalists and Professor of Biology at SCCC, will make a presentation entitled “Highway to Heaven: A Road Trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Wind Cave, Badlands, and Custer (State) Parks.” Free and open to all. [email protected]

Owl Prowl

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Owl Prowl Tuesday from 8 to 10 p.m. Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight just in case. $15 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Anthony Nunziata in Concert

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro presents Anthony Nunziata in concert at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport at 8 p.m. Emceed by Joy Mangano, the event will feature an opening performance by American Idol contestant Leah Laurenti. Tickets are $95 per person. Proceeds benefit the future Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Call 516-775-5683 for more information. 

Wednesday June 19

Juneteenth Poetry Reading

The Caribbean American Poetry Association (CAPA) will host a Poetry Reading  from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at ELIJA Farm, 43 Foxhurst Road, Huntington Station. The event will be a jubilant gathering of poets from the Caribbean and Long Island, as well as poetry enthusiasts from this region.  Featured poets will perform, followed by an open mic and light refreshments.  Special guests include the poet laureate of Suffolk County, Nassau County, and the Town of Hempstead.  For event details and to RSVP, go to to https://www.elijafarm.org/events/view/Caribbean-American-Poetry-Association-2024-06-19/. Free. 631-423-2379

Cruise Night Car Show

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 June 20

Lunch and Learn

Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch and Learn series with a presentation titled The Lloyds & Jupiter Hammon at Harbor Mist Restaurant, 105 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor from noon to 2 p.m. Presenter Andrew Tharler, Education and Engagement Director, Preservation Long Island, will discuss the life and writing of Jupiter Hammon, the first published Black American poet who was enslaved by the Lloyd family on Long Island in the 18th century. $55 per person, $45 members includes a two-course gourmet meal and dessert. Cash bar available. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. 631-427-7045

Juneteenth Fashion Show

In celebration of Juneteenth, Rhonda Gooden of Chez Lâa Reine Boutique on New York Avenue in Huntington, will host a “fabulous” fashion show on the Great Lawn of the Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station from 5 to 9 p.m.  The event will feature a dozen models showcasing African American styles from today and yesteryear along with a poetry reading, cultural exhibit and bbq (fee). Free admission. 631-427-5240

Summer Thursday at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook kicks off its 2024 Summer Thursdays series with a free screening of The Chisels Are Calling followed by a Q&A with director Trevor Laurence and John Monteleone, as well as a performance by Chico Pinheiro from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The special event also includes free admission to the museum’s latest exhibit,  Musical Masterworks. A unique way to experience the LIM after hours. 631-751-0066

Vanderbilt Lecture

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a lecture titled The Mummy and the Obelisk: The Vanderbilts and Ancient Egypt at 7 p.m. Roberta Casagrande-Kim, an archaeologist and curator of ancient art, will give a lecture on the Vanderbilt family’s fascination with ancient Egypt. Ticket are $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Film

‘Goodfellas’

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of Goodfellas on June 18 at 7:30 p.m. Martin Scorsese’s mob masterpiece exposes the fascinating, mysterious and violent underworld of New York’s Mafia families through the life of insider Henry Hill. With an introduction by film historian Philip Harwood. Tickets are $16, $10 members. To order in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater 

‘The Producers’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Mel Brooks’ The Producers from May 18 to June 22. With something to offend everyone, the hilarious show-biz hit follows the antics of a pair of scheming Broadway producers with a plan to put on the biggest flop of all time. Featuring “If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It,” That Face,” “Keep It Gay,” and the outrageous “Springtime for Hitler.” Contains adult humor and situations. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Jersey Boys’

Extended! John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Jersey Boys, the story of Franki Valli & The Four Seasons, from March 14 to June 30. They were just 4 guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note–a sound the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage was a different story ­— a story that has made them a sensation all over again. Winner of the 2006 Tony© Award for “Best Musical,” Jersey Boys features the top ten hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Romeo and Juliet’

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its 35th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Romeo and Juliet from June 7 to July 5 (No performance June 19 & 21). Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of star crossed lovers follows two families locked in an ancient rivalry. When two children from opposing sides fall in love, they challenge the imposed norms of the time and set both families on a path to ruin. Presented by the Carriage House Players, the show will take place in the mansion’s Spanish Revival Courtyard on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘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.

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.

 

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Pepé Le Pew
Pepé Le Pew
Pepé Le Pew

Adopt Pepé Le Pew!

Meet Pepé Le Pew, a charming pint sized two year old, black & white, male boxer mix up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. Pepé is small in stature for his breed, but his ability to capture the hearts of dog loving humans is tremendous. This sweet boy was found as a stray, and sadly never claimed.
Upon arriving at the shelter Pepé was initially shy, but once he realized that he was in a safe and friendly environment he began to show what an affectionate and loving pup he truly is. He has the most irresistible and gentle way of leaning up against one’s leg while gazing into your eyes as gentle persuasion for attention and play time in kind. This young and beautiful boy has a lifetime of unconditional love, laughter and memories to give one lucky family. Pepé would thrive in a home with children over the age of ten, doggy siblings, and possibly cats.
Name note: When Pepé Le Pew was found, he had the distinct odor of being recently “skunked” as in sprayed by a skunk. Coupled with his tuxedo coloring and flirtatious nature the team at the shelter named him after the Looney Toons animated cartoon character.
If you are interested in meeting Pepé Le Pew  please fill out an application  and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.
The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com 

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From left, Bryan Hynes, executive creative director at Austin Williams; Rick Chiorando, chief creative officer for Austin Williams. Photo courtesy of Austin Williams

Leading advertising and public relations agency Austin Williams (AW) announced that its HOPE makes it happen campaign for Hope Credit Union (HOPE) won 13 awards, including four gold, three silver, and six bronze at the 45th Annual Telly Awards, honoring excellence in video and television across all screens.

Most notably, HOPE makes it happen won the People’s Telly Gold Award, where the public can vote for their favorite entries, underscoring its impact and widespread audience acclaim. The campaign seeks to empower individuals and business owners in unbanked and underserved communities and has won awards in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Social Impact, Branding, Art Direction, and other categories.

“A Telly Award is the top prize in our industry, and we’re so proud of our work for HOPE makes it happen,” said Rick Chiorando, chief executive officer for Austin Williams. “Everyone who worked on this campaign – from research to production, knew this would be special. Of course, none of this would be possible without Hope Credit Union, and the work truly reflects the transformational change HOPE’s mission provides.”

Since 1994, Hope Credit Union of Jackson, MS, has provided critical financial resources to more than 2 million people across the Deep South in some of the nation’s most economically distressed regions. With 23 branches throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, HOPE gives neighbors and businesses access to affordable financial services, personal support, and life-changing economic opportunities they may not otherwise have access to.

Launched in August 2023, HOPE makes it happen is a multichannel marketing campaign that brings the credit union’s mission to life and shares it with those who can benefit from it most. AW partnered with award-winning director Abraham Felix and New Orleans’ video production company Elephant Quilt to create the campaign, featuring five cinematic commercials that highlight how HOPE makes it happen as a catalyst for good in the lives of its members.

Within just five months of its launch, HOPE makes it happen has generated 5,800 new leads, 4,300 new members, and $16.7 million in new member deposits, making this campaign the most successful one the credit union has produced in its 30-year history.

“After hearing real stories from members, it was so easy to fall in love with HOPE’s mission of bringing financial tools, knowledge, and resources to communities across the Deep South that have been ignored or marginalized by traditional institutions,” said Bryan Hynes, executive creative director at Austin Williams. “For our hard work on HOPE makes it happen to be recognized by the Telly Awards is truly an honor.”

Established in 1979, The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work created in television and video for all screens. Over 12,000 entries were received globally from six continents and all 50 states, and the winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies, and publishers worldwide.

This year, Austin Williams took home:

  • Gold Winner: Regional TV – People’s Telly
  • Gold Winner: Branded Content – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Gold Winner: Regional TV – Products & Services
  • Gold Winner: Regional TV – Branding
  • Silver Winner: Campaign – Social Impact
  • Silver Winner: General – B2C: Business-to-Consumer
  • Silver Winner: General – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Bronze Winner: Campaign – B2C: Business-to-Consumer
  • Bronze Winner: Campaign – Products & Services
  • Bronze Winner: Campaign – Commercials
  • Bronze Winner: Campaign – Branding
  • Bronze Winner: Craft – Art Direction
  • Bronze Winner: General – Bank

To watch the video spots and behind-the-scenes footage, visit this link: austinwilliams.com/case-study/hope-credit-union

About Austin Williams

Austin Williams is a full-service advertising, marketing, digital, and public relations firm that creates ideas that inspire action for clients in the healthcare, higher education, financial services, and professional services industries. Certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the State of New York, the Long Island-based firm was founded in 1992 and was named one of the 100 fastest-growing agencies in the nation. In 2023, it was listed as “Best Advertising Agency” by Long Island Business News in their “Reader Ranking Awards,” and in 2020 was named a Newsday “Top Places to Work.”

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Day of Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Supports Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens Not-for-Profits

The Daniel Gale Foundation, the charitable arm of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty will hold its 2nd Annual Outing at the Huntington Country Club, 483 Main Street, Huntington on Monday, June 24 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The outing will offer a day of golf, tennis, and pickleball in support of the Foundation’s mission to benefit charitable causes across Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and the East End. Proceeds from tennis and pickleball will benefit the Drew Hassenbein Foundation.

Paul F. Amoruso

This year’s honoree is Paul F. Amoruso, managing member and founder of Oxford & Simpson Realty Services, which develops shopping centers and office buildings, and Oxford Hospitality, which specializes in the management and development of upscale hotels. Oxford’s hotels on Long Island include Roslyn’s Hilton Garden Inn and two Hiltons in Melville.  A new hotel in Farmingdale will be ready to serve the 2025 Ryder Cup and a boutique hotel is in development for Jericho.  Paul is the co-founder of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society and serves on the board of the Association for a Better Long Island. He is a longtime close friend and supporter of the Daniel Gale family.

The planning for this year’s event is once again in the hands of the advisory board of the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Young Professionals Network (YPN). Led by Kathleen McCarthy, a real estate advisor from the organization’s Garden City office and Melissa Stark, Sales Manager for Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington and Northport offices, this fabulous team is brimming with the ideas and execution skills to make a memorable and fun event. YPN is a group of approximately 80 real estate advisors who meet regularly to share business and personal growth opportunities through networking, mentoring and community outreach. This most recent event is one of several annual fundraisers YPN holds in support of the Foundation.

To register for or to sponsor the outing visit 2nd Annual Daniel Gale Foundation Golf Outing.

The Daniel Gale Foundation was launched in 2022, as part of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s celebration of its centennial year. The Foundation was formed to consolidate and organize the ongoing charitable giving and outreach efforts of the organization’s management, staff and real estate advisors to make a greater impact. In the two years since its formation, the Foundation has donated the equivalent of 100,000 meals to Island Harvest and City Harvest food banks during Hunger Action Month®, supported Pink Aid in its fight against breast cancer, and raised more than $150,000 for local charitable organizations from Brooklyn to the North Fork and the Hamptons.

Throughout its history, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty has made it a priority to make a difference in the communities through donations totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours.

About Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

Consistently achieving among the highest average sales prices nationwide, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is based on Long Island, N.Y. with close to 950 real estate advisors serving New York City’s metropolitan area with 30 sales offices in Brooklyn, Queens,  Nassau and Suffolk counties, the North Fork of Long Island, and Westhampton Beach.  Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to marketing and showing homes in a way that gives prospective buyers and sellers the flexibility and convenience of online 3-D and regular video tours of many listed properties, floor plans, and photography, as well as virtual smart phone tours by request.   Our other services include a full Relocation/Referrals Division, a Rental Division, DGNY Commercial, and Ambassador Abstract Title company. The Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate for Long Island and Queens since 1976, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s has gained national and international recognition, including top honors for sales, marketing and technology worldwide. For more information, visit danielgale.com.

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