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Yearly Archives: 2024

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Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University men’s track and field program finished seventh at the 2024 CAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Elon N.C. on May 12. 

Collin Gilstrap won the 1,500-meter, finishing with a time of 3:44.33. He was Stony Brook’s lone event winner. George Franks took second place in the 400-meter, setting a new school record with a time of 45.88. He also finished seventh in the 200-meter. 

Evan Brennan placed second in the 10,000-meter with a time of 30:39.11. Michael Fama finished fourth in the 10K (31:19.09). Carlos Santos produced podium finishes in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (2nd, 8:55.79) and 5,000-meter (3rd, 14:42.22). Shane Henderson and Brennan also notched top-eight finishes in the 5,000-meter to earn points.

The Stony Brook University women’s track and field program finished 11th at the championships. Fiona McLoughlin completed the 10K in 35:55.39, placing second and earning a silver medal. She also finished seventh in the 5,000-meter (16:44.30). Grace Weigele placed fourth in the 5K, running it in 16:16.06 to pace a quartet of Seawolves competing in the event. Rebecca Clackett took fifth in the 1,500-meter with a time of 4:34.05. Danella Dawkins earned a seventh-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (14.33). The women’s 4×100 relay quartet took seventh and the 4×400 relay quartet finished in eighth place.

“Really pleased with the effort our teams gave over the two days. The majority of our group that were expected to make the finals did; those that were seeded high in their particular event also got the job done. Obviously Collin and George were outstanding, showed great competitiveness and maturity for freshmen. Evan and Fiona battled hard in the 10,000m then came back on day two to score in the 5K’s,” head coach Andy Ronan noted. “Carlos produced two podium performances in the steeplechase and 5000m, again showing his determination to produce quality results for his team.”

“Our team placings are not where we want to be; we are in a very competitive conference, but with time and support we can build with George and Collin to be more competitive as an overall team,” Ronan added.

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Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook baseball team fell to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens, 10-5, in the final home game of the season for the Seawolves at Joe Nathan Field on May 12.

Prior to the game, the Seawolves honored their 2024 senior class (Evan Fox, Ryan Micheli, Matt Brown-Eiring, Quinlan Montgomery, and Brendan Pattermann) who have made lasting impacts on the program over the course of their careers. Their hard work, dedication, and contributions have and always will be greatly appreciated. 

Graduate student Ty Saunders (2-5) got the ball to start for Stony Brook (24-25, 12-12) and took the loss after allowing five runs on four hits over his 3.0 innings of work. Freshman Nicholas Rizzo allowed four runs over his 5.0 innings of work, while Montgomery allowed one run in the final inning of play. 

In the batter’s box, the Seawolves were led by Fox, who went 1-for-4 on the day with a home run and three RBI. The home run for Fox marked his 200th career hit and third bomb of the season. Brown-Eiring compiled a standout day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Johnny Pilla also contributed for Stony Brook, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate. 

Saunders and the Seawolves kept the Fightin’ Blue Hens off the scoreboard in the first two innings of play. The right-hander stranded two runners in the first inning and followed with a 1-2-3 second inning for Stony Brook. However, Delaware got to Saunders in the third by tallying four runs, including a three-run shot from Loynd to give the road team a 4-0 advantage. 

Delaware kept the offensive attack on Stony Brook by scoring a run in the fourth inning and three more in the fifth inning to go up 8-0. After Rizzo held Delaware scoreless in the sixth and seventh inning, the Fightin’ Blue Hens would score a run in the eighth to take a 9-0 lead. But, the Seawolves offense would get to work in their half of the eighth inning by tallying five runs in the inning to cut the deficit to 9-5. 

Beginning the charge in the eighth inning rally was Matt Miceli and Cam Santerre reaching on a hit by pitch and drawing a walk. With two runners on base, Fox mashed his 200th career hit by leaving the left field fence, making the score 9-3. Following the single from Pilla, Brown-Eiring would come up with his team-high sixth home run of the season that cut the Delaware lead to 9-5. 

The road team would capture another run in the top of the ninth and left a Seawolf runner on base in the final inning to ultimately  secure the 10-5 victory. 

Up next, the team returns to the diamond on May 16 as they head to Boston to battle Northeastern in a three game set. First pitch for the final CAA series of the season is slated for 2  p.m. and can be streamed live on FloBaseball.

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METRO photo

By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

It’s hard to believe that we are in the midst of another college graduation season. As an educator, I have valued my time teaching college and graduate students.

Since the pandemic, educating college students has changed radically. Their academic skills could be stronger, as well as their critical thinking and analytical writing skills. However, I have still found them open to new ideas and broader perspectives on their view of the world. Like many of my colleagues, I am concerned about their tendency towards isolation and their disconnectedness from their peers.

This graduation season has been challenging with the college student protests around the country. Unfortunately, these protests have further polarized our nation.

The right to protest is every American’s right, whether we support the issue or not. What is important for those who protest to know and practice is peace and nonviolence at all costs. Hateful speech is not nonviolent; provocative speech often spurs on violence. In my Social Science classes and Graduate School classes we discussed the war in the Middle East and the senseless loss of innocent life, among the Israelis and the Palestinians. War never resolves conflict; it only perpetuates more violence and hate. 

Teaching Social Science and Graduate School Social Work provided a forum at the end of the semester to begin this important conversation. As always, I urged my students to be sociologically mindful and when it comes to this very sensitive issue to respond, not to react.

Graduates, as you continue your journey, do not let the social filters of our time enable bigotry, exclusivity and social injustice. Always speak up and work for human rights. Try to realize that being human and sensitive to others is more important than any successful academic record. Try showing compassion and understanding rooted in justice. 

May a kind word, a reassuring touch and a warm smile be yours every day of your life. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending. Teach love to those who only know hate. And let that love embrace you as you continue in the world.

Don’t be blinded by those who tend to use shame, blame, guilt and religion to shackle people down and divide them. Set people free with your respect and non-judgmental way.

May your moral compass be grounded in respect for all human beings no matter what their color, their race, their creed or sexual orientation. May this compass guide you on a path that is committed to working for peace and social justice. As Gandhi once said, “be the change you hope for the world.”

Congratulations college graduates of 2024. Thank you for making the world a little richer, a little brighter, and a little bit more hopeful.

Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

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Emerald Magic and Old Town
Emerald Magic and Old Town Blooms at the May the fourth event. Photo courtesty Joan Nickeson

Craig den Hartog, of Emerald Magic Lawn Care and Planter of Old Town Blooms, a local community beautification project, had great success Saturday, May 4 with an early Great Brookhaven Clean Up event. This community right-of-way and sidewalk clearing on Old Town Road between Pagnotta Drive and Old Town Road connects residents of Comsewogue and Middle Country School districts.

Thanks go to the many volunteers who pre-registered and those who saw the street side set up arriving with rakes, cases of water and financial donations. T-shirts, cotton gloves and leaf bags were provided by Brookhaven Town with the assistance of Christine Hoffmann, Associate Administrator of their Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials.

The sidewalk overgrowth was cleared. Eight full garbage bags of litter were removed from the site by Craig and his team. He used his ride-on lawn mower to mulch dozens of wheelbarrows of leaves in order to clear the sidewalk. They even managed to plant native creepers in the to help mitigate the invasive poison ivy. In Autumn, daffodil and tulip bulbs will be planted in the right-of-way.

“There are projects everywhere you look. We can take it upon ourselves to be the change to have a more beautiful community,” says Craig. 

If you would like to “Be a Bloomer” and participate in community beautification near you send a DM to Old Town Blooms on Facebook or contact [email protected].

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Catch a screening of 'The Last Unicorn' at the Cinema Arts Centre on May 19.

PROGRAMS

Museum Day at the MCPL

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach hosts its annual Museum Day at the Museum Corner on May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. with 30 local organizations participating. Geared for children and their families, the event will feature science experiments, arts and crafts, live animal visits, and interaction with museum displays and artifacts. The event is free and no registration is required. 

Teen Driver Safety Program

The Brookhaven Highway Department will offer a Teen Driver Safety Program at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on May 16 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Teenagers 15 and older and their parents are invited to participate in an interactive experience exhibiting the dangers of texting or drinking and driving. Teens will then use electric cars to complete obstacle courses designed to simulate driving while texting and impaired. Free but by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot.

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Superheroes for children ages 2 to 4 on May 17 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

Astronomy Day at the Vanderbilt

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport in celebrating  Astronomy Day 2024 on May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This Vanderbilt STEM education event will include exciting science, take-home materials, and engaging discussion about science and society. Participants will create nebula spin art, investigate constellations, explore craters, and much more! Members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island will display telescopes and give short presentations on how to use them. Activities are free to all visitors who pay general admission. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on May 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

THEATER

‘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.

‘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. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of doubters while guarding an abandoned egg, left to his care. 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.

FILM

‘The Last Unicorn’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Last Unicorn on May  19 at noon. In this animated musical, the villainous King Haggard plots to destroy all the world’s unicorns. When a young unicorn learns that she’s in danger and that she may soon be the last of her kind, she enlists the help of Schmendrick the sorcerer. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB DYLAN! The Kennedys will join Bob Dylan's 83rd Birthday Celebration at the Long Island Museum on May 19. Photo by Suzy Allman
Ongoing

Flip Circus at Whitman Shops

Flip Circus heads to the Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station from May 17 to May 29. Experience the magical moments under red and white big top with trapeze artists, acrobats, jugglers and more! Showtimes are Monday to Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets visit www.flipcircus.com.

Bald Hill Fair

Dreamland Amusements brings the Bald Hill Fair to the Catholic Health Amphitheater, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville from May 9 to 19 with whimsical kiddie rides, state-of-the-art thrill rides, entertaining midway games, and carnival eats. Grucci fireworks on May 18. Hours are Mondays to Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. For tickets, visit www.baldhillfair.com.

Thursday May 16

Museum Day at the MCPL

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach will hold its annual Museum Day celebration at the Museum Corner from  4 to 7 p.m. Representatives from 30 local museums, historical societies, science and nature centers will be on hand to share information regarding their collections, programs and exhibits. Free. 631-585-9393

Healing Haven fundraiser

Revival By Toast, 242 East Main St., Port Jefferson hosts a Spring Into Health for Your Dog Celebration with Dr. Lynda Loudon from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dr. Loudon will be speaking on the top 5 ways to increase your dog’s longevity and meet local canine business owners and professionals. Tickets are $28.52 per person and includes dinner, drinks and raffle tickets. All proceeds support the mission of Healing Haven Animal Foundation. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com or call 202-422-6782.

Friday May 17

Older Americans Month Dance

Town of Brookhaven hosts its annual Older Americans Month dance at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai from 1 to 3 p.m. with music by DJ Louis DelPrete. Cake will be served. This event is open to Town of Brookhaven residents ages 60 and older. To reserve a seat, call 631-451-5312. 

Living History Lecture

Celebrate St. James continues its Living History Lecture series with Around St. James the Ghosts are Talking! at the St. James Community Cultural Art Center, 176 Second St., St. James at 7 p.m. Unlock the mysteries of St. James as Joe Giaquinto, a seasoned paranormal investigator, invites you to hear the whispers of the past. Enjoy an evening filled with spine-chilling tales and ghostly encounters. Dive deep into Long Island’s haunted history and gain insight into the lives of its spectral inhabitants. Tickets are $25, $20 members at www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

Greek Heritage Night

Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, RJO Middle School, 101 Church St., Kings Park presents a Greek Heritage Night at 7 p.m. Featuring traditional dancers and song, live Greek choirs and bands and traditional foods and customs. Free admission. 631-269-3305

Art Reception at the Reboli Center

The Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook will host an art reception for its Setauket Artists Exhibition form 6 to 8 p.m. With over 30 participating artists, this vibrant show filled with local scenes and beyond will inspire visitors of all ages. 631-751-7707

An Evening of Jazz

Jazz vocalist Jamile Steevie Ayres with the Miki Yamanaka Trio will perform in concert at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook at 7 p.m. Originally from Brazil, Jamile is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after vocalists in the New York scene, captivating audiences with her unique phrasing and heartfelt tone influenced by the vocal jazz tradition, united with her unique Brazilian roots. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under age 5 free. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday Night Face Off

Long Island’s longest running improv comedy show heads to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown tonight and May 24 at 8 p.m. Join them for a “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” style improv competition between the performers. Tickets are $28. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Saturday May 18

Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will hold an Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot. Shop for household items and fun treasures. Proceeds will benefit the wildlife center. For questions or to donate items, call 631-901-5911.

Friends of the Greenway Cleanup

In conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven’s 2024 Great Brookhaven Cleanup, join the Friends of the Greenway for a trail cleanup removing litter, tree limbs and debris at the Port Jefferson Station Trailhead off Route 112 at 9 a.m.  

TVHS Yard & Antique Sale

Time to shop! The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road Setauket will host its  annual Community Wide Yard & Antiques Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. packed full of hidden treasures for the seasoned weekend shopper. 631-751-3730

CSHL Walking Tour

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor will host a guided walking tour of the campus from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about the historic and modern architecture, the Nobel legacy, and the advanced cancer, neuroscience, and plant research taking place at the lab. Fee is $7.18 per person. To register, visit www.cshl.edu. 516-367-8844.

Rotary Family Fun Day of Service

Three Village Rotary invites the community to take part in its first annual Family Fun Day of Service with a cleanup of Sand Street Beach and the Rotary Memorial Garden along with kids crafts and a scavenger hunt at the Stony Brook Village docks from 10 a.m. to noon. Coffee and bagels will be served and all attendees under the age of 12 receive a free ice cream coupon courtesy of Sweet Mama’s at the Stony Brook Village Center. Questions? Call 631-988-9564

Fleece & Fiber Festival

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead presents its annual Fleece & Fiber Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring  fiber artisans sharing handmade and authentic works for sale, shearing demonstrations, four-legged guests, and special fiber-focused tours of the Hallock Homestead. Rain date is May 19. Admission is $10. www.hallockville.org

Paint & Sip Fundraiser

Good Shepherd Hall at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 4 Trescott Path, Northport will hold a Paint & Sip fundraiser to support the Northport Pride Fest from 7 to 9 p.m. $45 includes wine/beer (2 servings), soft drinks, canvas, paint supplies and snacks. For ages 21 and over. To register, visit www.abidingpresencechurch.org.

LISCA Concert

St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket will host a concert by the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association at 8 p.m. Titled An Evening of French & American Music, the program will feature works by Poulenc, Debussy, Lauridsen, Whitacre, Tallis, Barber, various spirituals and a performance by the group’s scholarship winner. A reception with refreshments will follow. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors, students free, $10 livestream available at the door or at www.lisca.org.

Sunday May 19

Northwell Health Walk

Join Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson for the annual Northwell Health Walk at Port Jefferson to support the Fortunato Breast Health Center. Presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the Walk brings together family, friends and team members for a five-mile walk through the scenic villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The day includes music, raffles, photo props, a walker warm up session, and a Pink Your Pooch contest for the best “pinked” pup! Registration opens at 8 a.m and the Walk steps-off at 10 a.m. For more information or to register in advance, visit www.northwellhealthwalk.com.

Rocky Point Farmers Market opens

Rocky Point Farmers and Artisans Market at Old Depot Park, 115 Prince Road, Rocky Point kicks off its season today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held every Sunday through Nov. 10. Shop for local produce, baked goods, jewelry, soap, candles, lotions, organic wine and more. 631-729-0699

Rocky Point Day

The Rocky Point School District invites the community to its first annual Rocky Point Day at the High School track, 82 Rocky Point Yaphank Road, Rocky Point from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take part in a variety of activities that include vendor and craft booths, food trucks and food vendors, school clubs, fun with art booths, music performances from school groups, local community groups, IM(P)ACT awards, youth sports and more. Take part in a 5K run or just support the runners. Free admission and free parking at both the High School and Middle School parking lots. Any questions call 631-744-1600.

Waterfront Festival

Set sail for fun as the Greater Huntington Boating Council presents the 9th annual Waterfront Festival at Mill Dam Park, 19 Mill Dam Road, Huntington from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring Peruse a vast array of booths showcasing the talents of local artisans. Find one-of-a-kind pieces from professional artists, photographers, and crafters, handmade jewelry, clothing, antiques, and gift items and vendors offering recreational equipment, boats, and a variety of boating supplies. Free admission. www.huntingtonsafeboatingweek.com.

Spring Auction

Join St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 800 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma for its annual Spring Auction with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. and raffles called at 2 p.m. $10 admission includes 25 tickets, coffee and cake. 631-737-4388

LITMA Contradance

Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown will host a LITMA Contradance at 2 p.m. with basic instruction at 1:45 p.m. Sunny Lawrence will be calling with the LITMA Contra Band. The event will also be a fundraiser for Twin Oaks Horse Sanctuary with many raffle prizes and all the proceeds will go to support the horses. $15 adults, $10 members, $7.50 students, children under 16 free with paid adult. 631-369-7854

Gene Casey in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Gene Casey from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org. 

Sunday Street Concert

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents a Sunday Street concert, Bob Dylan’s 83rd Birthday Celebration, in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room at 7 p.m. The celebration will focus on one of  Dylan’s greatest albums, Blood on the Tracks, and will feature The Kennedys, Rod MacDonald, Russ Seeger, Steve Kaplan, Tom Ryan and Mark Mancini with special guest Mary Lee Kortes. Advance tickets are $35 at www.sundaystreet.org, $40 at the door (cash only).

Monday May 20

TVHS Family Lecture/Book Launch

Three Village Historical Society will host a family lecture and book launch of Spy Ring with local author Sarah Beth Durst at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. The book follows two modern-day kids who discover the truth about an American Revolutionary War-era female spy through a treasure-hunt adventure in their hometown of Setauket.  Books will be available for purchase at the event with a meet and greet and book signings with the author. Free, pre-registration encouraged by visiting www.tvhs.org. See more on page B20.

Tuesday May 21

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a special screening of Golden Age of Second Avenue, a documentary of the Yiddish Theater, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Come reminisce, sit back and enjoy! Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Travel Club Meeting

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will host a meeting by the Travel Club at 7 p.m. Helmut Norpoth will make a presentation titled “Key West: Southernmost Point of the Continental United States.” Free and open to all. [email protected]

Wednesday May 22

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 May 23

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. 631-655-7798

Hangoutology at The Jazz Loft

It’s ‘Hangoutology and Mixology’ as the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook explores the science of sound and cocktails at the Loft’s Coal Bin speakeasy at 7 p.m. Jazz lovers can enjoy some crafty cocktails and vintage music from the 1930’s to 1960’s. Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel will be spinning rare unreleased, master acetates and shaking up some extraordinary libations. For ages 21 and older. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895.

Film

‘Confessions of a Good Samaritan’’

Port Jefferson Documentary Series Spring line-up closes with a screening of Confessions of a Good Samaritan at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on May 20 at 7 p.m. Director Penny Lane’s decision to become a “good Samaritan” by giving one of her kidneys to a stranger turns into a funny and moving personal quest to understand the nature of altruism. Followed by a Q&A with Penny Lane. Tickets are $10 in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door (cash only). 

‘Next Goal Wins’

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a viewing of Next Goal Wins, directed by Taika Waititi and starring Michael Fassbender and Elisabeth Moss, on May 23 at 2 p.m. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.

Theater 

‘Antigone’

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport kicks off the 35th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Antigone by Sophocles from May 3 to June 2. One of the finest examples of Greek Tragedy, Antigone follows the events of the Oedipus legend, wherein the title character displays great strength as she disobeys King Creon in an attempt to bury her brother in consecrated ground. 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.

‘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 16. 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. 

‘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,” The Producers is a side-splitting musical bliss. 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.

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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Paws in Puddles ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On May 3, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (holding scissors) joined in celebrating the grand opening of Paws in Puddles, a small, family owned and operated self-service dog wash and grooming salon located at 1844E Route 112 in Coram with a ribbon cutting.

The new business, owned and operated by Eduardo Fernandez (center left) and his wife, Christine Fernandez (center right), is equipped with multiple tubs for self-service dog washing, or you can entrust your pet with the “Paws in Puddles” staff to wash for you. If you are interested in their staff grooming services, bring in your dog ahead of time for a fair and accurate quote in person. 

For more information, please call 631-846-6096 or visit their website at www.PawsInPuddles.com. 

Front row, pictured left to right are Brett Davenport (Senior VP at Island Federal Bank); Joan Nickeson (Port Jefferson Station (PJST) Chamber of Commerce Community Liaison); Kayla Fernandez, Eduardo Fernandez, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Jennifer Dzvonar, president of PJST Chamber of Commerce; Eduardo Fernandez (owner), Christine Fernandez (owner), Cheryl Goodall (groomer), Jennifer Sanchez (groomer), Tabatha Fajardo (Town Legislative Aide), Stephanie Quiroga (PNC), Paul Perrone (VP of PJST Chamber).

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Anthony S. Fauci, MD, addressing the RSOM graduating Class of 2024. Credit: Arthur Fredericks

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

Speaking in a front of a receptive, appreciative and celebratory audience of 125 graduates of the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University who gave him a standing ovation before and after his commencement address, Dr Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, shared some thoughts on the hard lessons learned from the last four years.

“I speak not only of lessons we have learned that can help us prepare for the next public health challenge, but, more importantly, of lessons that will apply to your future professional and personal experiences that are far removed from pandemic outbreaks,” Fauci said, after complimenting the class on persevering in their training despite the challenges and losses.

To start with, he suggested these new doctors expect the unexpected. In the early phase of the pandemic, the virus revealed multiple secrets, “some of which caught us somewhat by surprise,” Fauci said. “As well prepared as we thought we were, we learned that SARS-Cov2 is often transmitted from people who are infected but have no symptoms.”

Additionally, the virus continually mutated, forming more transmissable variants that caused illness even in those who had already contracted the virus.

“Each revelation not only humbled us, but served as a stark reminder that, when facing novel and unanticipated challenges in life, as you all will I promise, any predictions we might make about what will happen next or how the situation will unfold must always be provisional,” Fauci said.

Dealing with these challenges requires being open-minded and flexible in assessing situations as new information emerges.

He cautioned the new doctors and scientists to beware of the insidious nature of anti science.

Even as doctors have used data and evidence learning to gain new insights and as the stepping stones of science, anti science became “louder and more entrenched over time. This phenomenon is deeply disturbing” as it undermines evidence-based medicine and sends the foundation of the social order down a slippery slope.

Even as science was under attack, so, too, were scientists. “During the past four years, we have witnessed an alarming increase in the mischaracterization, distortion and even vilification of solid evidence-based findings and even of scientists themselves,” Fauci continued.

Mixing with these anti science notions were conspiracy theories, which created public confusion and eroded trust in evidence-based public health principals.

“This became crystal clear as we fought to overcome false rumors about the mRNA Covid vaccines during the roll out” of vaccines which Dr. Peter Igarashi, Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine estimated in his introduction for Dr. Fauci saved more than 20 million lives in their first year of availability.

“I can confirm today that Bill Gates [the former CEO of Microsoft] and I did not put chips in the Covid vaccines,” Fauci said. “And, no, Covid vaccines are not responsible for more deaths than Covid.”

The worldwide disparagement of scientific evidence is threatening other aspects of public health, he said, as parents are opting out of immunizing their children, which is leading to the recent clusters of measles cases, he added.

Elements of society are “driven by a cacophony of falsehoods, lies and conspiracy theories that get repeated often enough that after a while, they become unchallenged,” he said. That leads to what he described as a “normalization of untruths.”

Fauci sees this happening on a daily basis, propagated by information platforms, social media and enterprises passing themselves off as news organizations. With doctors entering a field in which evidence and data-driven conclusions inform their decisions, they need to “push back on these distortions of truth and reality.”

He appealed to the graduates to accept a collective responsibility not to accept the normalization of untruths passively, which enables propaganda and the core principals of a just social order to begin to erode.

Fauci exhorted students to “seek and listen to opinions that differ from your own” and to analyze information which they have learned to do in medical school.

“Our collective future truly is in your hands,” Fauci said.

Fauci also urged these doctors and scientists to take care of their patients and to advance knowledge for the “good of humankind.”

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Pictured above, from left to right: Simons Foundation President David Spergel, Jim and Marilyn Simon, Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis and Governor Kathy Hochul. Photo by John Griffin/Stony Brook University

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

“What can I do? I’m only one person.”

How many times have we heard that lament? People excuse themselves from doing what they could, since everyone has some skills, to rectify a situation or help a cause by falling back on that one-liner. Elsewhere in these papers, we tell you about one man (and woman) who made an enormous difference in the world. Of course, it helps if you are a genius. 

Jim Simons was a genius. I knew him a little. He lived in Old Field and was a self-deprecating genius, except for the time he referred to himself during a talk he was giving to a small group as “Midas.” And he was right; he turned his understanding of mathematics into investments that made unprecedented amounts of money in much the same way King Midas, in Greek mythology, turned everything he touched into pure gold.

I remember, years ago, when I was traveling in Australia and I walked by a newsstand. Some magazines were propped up with their front pages displayed. I had to stop and stare for a moment because there was Jim’s face above the headline, “Highest income earner in the world” that year. It seems he had grossed four billion dollars, if I recall correctly. That was after he founded Renaissance Technologies in, of all places, beautiful downtown East Setauket.

If you want to make the world a better place, it helps to be a genius and to have fabulous sums of money. But that’s just the beginning of the story. 

As Jim once said, “It’s really hard giving away money…well.” He spent the last third of his adult life figuring out how and to whom he and his wife, Marilyn, should be donating funds.

The philanthropy I am most familiar with is Math for America. Being a mathematician, it’s not a surprise Jim was most concerned early on about how math was taught in the schools. Data revealed that the answer was “not very well,” or at least, not as well as it could be taught.

How to proceed?

Jim got his arms around the problem by starting with math teachers. He founded a nonprofit organization to support NYC public school teachers that eventually turned into a four-year fellowship program to increase math and science teachers’ skills.

“MfA’s role is valuing excellence in teaching and doing everything we can to keep great teachers in the classroom,” Jim explained. Part of the problem was the low pay. Math teachers often got hired away by business and industry, leaving a void in the classrooms.

He outlined the five core beliefs of his organization.

First was that teaching is a true profession, giving teachers enormous respect and financing.

Second was that great teachers are always learning. They strive to improve their depth of content knowledge, their expertise in teaching, and their ability to teach to the strengths of every student in their classroom.

Third is the necessity for deep collaboration within  a community of fellow experts to achieve ongoing growth.

Fourth is that regular evaluation of teachers is required to advance the profession.

And finally, fifth is by honoring greatness in the profession. That is achieved by celebrating, promoting and advocating for the best teachers, which raises prestige and attracts the best possible candidates to a career in the classroom.

Here are some impressive numbers that have resulted from that single organization, Math for America, founded 2004.

There are 1078 total teachers that have participated across NYC. Some 125 professional development courses have been offered by MfA in 2022-2023 that are focused on topics of equity and inclusion in the classrooms.

82 percent of MfA teachers have led professional development for their school colleagues.

400+ high quality STEM-focused courses have resulted each semester of which 75 percent have been led by MfA teachers.

60 percent of MfA teachers in NYC said they might have left teaching during 2022-2023 if not for their fellowships.

MfA has been recognized by the legislature of NYS and the U.S.Congress.

Thank you, Jim Simons.

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