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Yearly Archives: 2025

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Coconut Butternut Squash Soup

By Heidi Sutton

As the temperature drops and the snow falls, warm up with a creamy butternut squash soup or a comforting bowl of roasted vegetable soup, courtesy of McCormick Spices.

Coconut Butternut Squash Soup
Coconut Butternut Squash Soup

YIELD: Makes 6 one cup servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 tablespoons olive oil

3/4 cup chopped onion

4 cups peeled butternut squash chunks, (1-inch pieces)

1 medium green apple, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1/3 cup orange juice

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup chicken stock

1 can (13.66 ounces) lite coconut milk

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in large saucepan on medium-low heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes or until slightly softened. Add squash, apple and pecans. Cook on medium heat 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in orange juice, turmeric, nutmeg and stock. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 25 minutes or until squash is tender, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.

With center part of cover removed to let steam escape, puree soup in batches in blender on high speed until smooth. Return pureed mixture to saucepan. Stir in coconut milk. Simmer for 5 minutes. 

Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with additional turmeric and finely chopped apples, if desired.

Roasted Vegetable Soup
Roasted Vegetable Soup

YIELD: Makes 6 one cup servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound (about 5 large) plum tomatoes, quartered

1 pound (about 6 cups) fresh oyster or portobello mushrooms, trimmed

1 medium sweet onion, quartered

4 teaspoons olive oil, divided

2 teaspoons  sea salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried sage

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided

2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into 3/4-inch chunks

1 1/2 cups unsalted vegetable stock

1 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 450°F. Place tomatoes, mushrooms and onion in large bowl. Add 3 teaspoons of the olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sea salt, thyme, sage and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper; toss to coat well. In separate small bowl, gently toss avocado with remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place tomato and mushroom mixture on one side of foil-lined shallow baking pan. Place avocado on other side of pan. Roast 35 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender and golden brown.

Meanwhile, bring stock and water to boil in small saucepan on medium heat. Cover. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to use. Add the warm stock mixture and roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and onion into blender container, while keeping the roasted avocados on the baking pan. With center part of blender cover removed to let steam escape, puree on high speed until smooth. Pour soup into serving bowls or mugs and top with roasted avocado. Drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.

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Repeat shoplifters will face harsher penalties in the new year. Stock photo

By Shannon L. Malone, Esq.

Shannon L. Malone Esq.

As we enter the new year, it’s essential to understand the significant changes in New York’s criminal laws. The 2023-2024 legislative session introduced several noteworthy reforms to enhance public safety, address emerging crimes, and improve judicial processes. This column outlines three major areas of legislative focus: judicial and juror security, organized retail theft, and deed theft criminalization.

Strengthening protections for judges and jurors

In response to increasing threats against the judiciary, the New York State Legislature enacted the Judicial Security Act. This law empowers judges and former judges to request the removal of personal information—such as home addresses, phone numbers, and the identities of minor children—from public platforms. The impetus for this law was a tragic 2020 incident in New Jersey, where a federal judge’s family members were attacked in their home.¹

Additionally, new criminal statutes were introduced to address threats and violence against judges. The existing felony of assault on a judge has been revised, eliminating the need to prove intent to cause “serious physical injury.” Prosecutors must now establish only that the assault aimed to prevent the judge from fulfilling judicial duties. Further, two new crimes—aggravated assault on a judge (a Class B felony) and aggravated harassment of a judge (a Class E felony)—were created to penalize acts of violence or harassment against judges or their immediate families.²

Jurors also gained new protections. Courts can now issue protective orders to withhold juror identities when concerns arise regarding tampering, harassment, or pretrial publicity. Such measures aim to preserve impartiality while ensuring jurors’ safety.³

Combating organized retail theft

Retail theft has evolved into an organized and costly phenomenon, prompting legislative action. Previously, a thief could only face petit larceny charges for individual thefts under $1,000, even if part of a larger scheme. Under the new law, if the aggregate value of property stolen from multiple locations exceeds $1,000, the offender can now be charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. Higher aggregate values can lead to more severe felony charges.⁴

Further protections were added for retail workers. A new Class E felony, assault on a retail worker, criminalizes acts of violence committed to hinder retail employees from performing their duties.⁵

Criminalizing deed theft

Deed theft, a predatory crime targeting vulnerable homeowners—often in minority communities—has now been explicitly criminalized under the larceny statute. Fraudulently obtaining a deed through forged signatures or deceptive practices can result in felony charges. Moreover, the attorney general is now authorized to prosecute these cases, adding significant enforcement power to this initiative.⁶

Additional reforms

The legislative session also addressed hate crimes, identity theft, and outdated laws. Twenty-two new offenses were added to the list of hate crimes, including crimes targeting individuals’ religious attire, such as the desecration of religious symbols or the disruption of religious services.⁷ In another modernizing move, the long-dormant crime of adultery was repealed, reflecting evolving societal norms.⁸

Finally, the legalization of jaywalking in New York City marks a shift in enforcement priorities. Motivated by concerns over racial disparities in summonses, this decision allows pedestrians to cross streets outside crosswalks without penalty.⁹

Conclusion

These legislative changes reflect New York’s commitment to addressing modern challenges while safeguarding fairness and justice. Whether enhancing protections for the judiciary or targeting organized theft, the state is adapting its legal framework to meet the needs of its citizens. Consulting the full legislative texts or speaking with an attorney can provide additional insights for readers seeking more information on these laws.

References:

1. 2024 N.Y. Laws, Ch. 56, Part F (adding Judiciary Law article 22-c), eff July 19, 2024; 2. 2024 N.Y. Laws, Ch. 55, Part FF (amending P.L. §§ 120.09-a, 240.33), eff July 19, 2024; 3. A. 7495, awaiting the signature of the governor; 4. 2024 N.Y. Laws, Ch. 55, Part FF (amending P.L. §§ 155.36, 155.40, and 155.42), eff July 19, 2024; 5. 2024 N.Y. Laws, Ch. 55, Part A (adding P.L. § 120.19), eff July 19, 2024; 6. 2024 N.Y. Laws, Ch. 56, Part O (amending P.L. § 155.00), eff July 19, 2024; 7. 2024 N.Y. Laws, Ch. 55, Part C (amending P.L. § 485.05), eff June 19, 2024; 8 A. 4714, awaiting the signature of the governor; 9. Int. No. 346-A, eff February 23, 2025.

Shannon L. Malone, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket. She graduated from Touro Law, where she wrote and served as an editor of the Touro Law Review. Ms. Malone is a proud Stony Brook University alumna.

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Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two women on Jan. 9 for alleged prostitution, criminal nuisance and unauthorized practice of a profession during a massage parlor raid in Smithtown.

In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers and Fourth Squad detectives, in conjunction with the Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal, conducted an investigation into Yan Yang Spa, located at 172 Terry Road, at 4:35 p.m.

Fen Xu, 46, of Flushing, was charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony, Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree, and Prostitution, both misdemeanors.

Le Wang, 30, of Farmingville, was charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony, Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree, and Prostitution, both misdemeanors. The Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal issued multiple violations to the business and deemed the location unsafe for occupancy.

Xu and Wang were both issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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Catch a screening of the original 'Jumanji' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Jan. 12.
PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Jan. 10 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

Adaptations, Hibernation, and Migration

Children ages 7 to 12 are invited to join The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability for Adaptations, Hibernations and Migration, at the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Participants will learn about the incredible adaptations animals use to find food, protect themselves, and endure seasonal changes while observing a variety of species like lemurs, zebras, capybaras, and playful goats. $40 per child. To register, visit www.longislandgamefarm.com. 631-878-6644

My Grown Up and Me

Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington  & PJ Library present My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on Jan. 12 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children and a parent or caregiver will enjoy a craft, snacks and storytime. $20 per child. For more info or to RSVP, email: [email protected]. 631-425-5835

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its  Storytime Under the Stars series on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. Between stories, an astronomy educator will explore seasonal constellations visible from here on Long Island. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Amazing Amphibians

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Amazing Amphibians on Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an indoor activity, craft, story and then head outside (weather permitting) to feed trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Moon Myths

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Moon Myths, on Jan. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts with a parent/caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Hansel and Gretel’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the new year with Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8 with a sensory friendly performance on Jan. 26. Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother-and-sister team, Hansel and Gretel. A feeble father, a wicked stepmother, and a well-meaning if misguided witch add up to hilarious hijinx. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Jumanji’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Jumanji on Jan. 12 at noon. When young Alan Parrish discovers a mysterious board game, he doesn’t realize its unimaginable powers, until he is magically transported before the startled eyes of his friend, Sarah, into the untamed jungles of Jumanji! Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Goldie. Photo from the Smithtown Animal Shelter
Kate. Photo from the Smithtown Animal Shelter
Goldie and Kate. Photo from the Smithtown Animal Shelter

MEET GOLDIE AND KATE!

This week’s featured shelter pets are a bonded mother/daughter duo, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. These  sweet and stunning ladies both have FIV and Goldie is diabetic. Goldie is beyond affectionate with everyone she meets while Kate takes a little time to warm up to new people, but follows mom’s lead in all things. 

If you are interested in meeting these two dolls, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.

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 www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

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CARPE DIEM Seize the day and catch a screening of ‘Dead Poets Society’ at the Walt Whitman Birthplace in Huntington on Jan. 16.

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station kicks off 2025 with a Movie Night featuring a screening of Dead Poet’s Society on Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Bring your own blankets. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. This is the perfect event for poetry lovers, movie buffs and anyone looking to unwind with a great film. Come embrace the spirit of “Carpe Diem”!

Free admission, $10 suggested donation. To RSVP, visit www.waltwhitman.org. For more information, call 631-427-5240.

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MUSIC FOR THE SOUL Internationally award-winning clarinetist Kathryn Vetter will present a free concert at All Souls Church in Stony Brook on Jan. 11.
Thursday Jan. 9

Crafts & Cocktails

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor continues its Crafts & Cocktails series with Tranquili-TEA at 6:30 p.m. ​Cozy up with us this winter to explore the thrilling history and surprising uses of tea! Discover how this drink changed the world and learn how drinking — or bathing — in tea may offer surprising benefits. Enjoy a Hot Toddy as you create your own tea-infused bath salts and body scrub to take home with you. $35 per person, $25 member. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Inside the CIA

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station presents Inside the CIA from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s not like the movies! Join former CIA officer Lester Paldy to learn about the Central Intelligence Agency’s mission, organization, and more. Open to all. To register, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.

Michael Serraino in concert

Northport Arts Coalition presents Michael Serraino in concert at the Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport at 7 p.m. The pianist and vocalist trained in jazz, pop, and blues stylings will present his musical interpretations of the Great American Songbook as well as pop artists and singer-songwriter greats like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Barry Manilow. To register, call 631-261-6930.

Friday Jan. 10

HAC Art Reception – This event has been rescheduled to Jan. 17. 

Huntington Arts Council invites the community to its Master’s Showcase artist reception at the Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 631-271-8423.

Adult Game Night

Celebrate St. James hosts a game night for adults at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a fun night out with board games, card games, pizza, light refreshments and a hot chocolate bar. $15 donation. For tickets and more information, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

Grounds and Sounds Concert

Grounds and Sounds Cafe at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket welcomes singer-songwriter Sam Robbins in concert at 8:15 p.m. Sam Robbins is often described as an “old soul singer-songwriter,” adding a modern, upbeat edge to the troubadour persona. Doors open at 7 p.m. with an open mic at 7:30 p.m.   Open mic starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org, by calling 631-751-0297. Tickets are also available at the door on the evening of the event.  Snacks and soft drinks available for purchase; please bring your own wine for uncorking at the snack bar.

An Evening of Opera

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts a concert by Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the Fireside Lounge. $10 donation, students free. 631-261-8808

Saturday Jan. 11

Winter Wonderland Walks

It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy the beach! The Town of Brookhaven will hold a Winter Wonderland Walk at the West Meadow Beach Pavilion in Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and at the Cedar Beach Nature Center in Mount Sinai at 2 p.m. Participants will discuss and observe the stark beauty of the beach and salt marsh in the cold season, discuss wildlife adaptations, identify plants and observe active winter wetlands. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Second Saturdays Poetry Reading

The Second Saturdays poetry series returns to historic All Souls Church in Stony Brook via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon.  Jay Jii will be the featured poet followed by an open reading; all are welcome to read one of their own poems.  For more information, please call 631-655-7798.  Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Wilderness Survival Workshop

The Vanderbilt Museum 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport kicks off a 7-part Wilderness Survival Series with Ranger Eric Powers and Mike Evans today at 2 p.m.  and runs  once a month through July 12. Each workshop focuses on specific skills such as making cordage, shelter building, purifying water, and toolmaking. Perfect for those starting their survival skills journey or looking to deepen existing skills, these workshops offer a platform to learn, share experiences, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. $50 per person, $45 members. To reserve your spot, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Saturdays at Six Concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with Stony Brook University doctorate alumnus Kathryn Vetter (clarinet/bass clarinet) at 6 p.m. The concert will feature works by living composers with a variety of musical styles, ranging from traditional classical music to contemporary classical works. Free. Please bring a can of food to donate if you want to help feed the hungry in our community. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Sunday Jan. 12

Homegrown String Band Concert

The Homegrown String Band will be celebrating their 28th anniversary performing as a family with a concert on Sunday, Jan. 12 at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main Street, Setauket at 2 p.m. Enjoy songs by the likes of the Carter Family, the Delmore Brothers, and Jimmie Rodgers, along with a tasty sprinkling of original material inspired by the rural American string band and folk traditions of the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries. Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, please call 631-941-4080.

Hokis Pokis in concert

The magic’s in the music! Long Island recording artists Hokis Pokis hit the stage with their incredible live performances of doo-wop, disco, Motown, and soul at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station from 1:30 p.m to 3 p.m. Seating is limited. To register, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.

Take 2 in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Take 2 from 3 to 4 p.m.   Candice Baranello and James O’Malley present contemporary acoustic, originals and folk music. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org 

Astronomy Night at Avalon

Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook will host an Astronomy Night at its Skylab at Avalon Barn off Shep Jones Lane (Access is only available from 25A / North Country due to the Harbor Road closure) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, and many wintertime nebulae . Free. No registration necessary. 631-689-0619

Monday Jan. 13

Book Launch Party

The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills will host a book launch event with author Yakov Saacks at 7 p.m. Join them for an insightful conversation with the author on his new book, Prescription for the Peace of Mind and enjoy a dessert bar. Autographed books will be available for sale. The event is free. RSVP requested here.

Tuesday Jan. 14

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday Jan. 15

Lonesome Traveler Musical

Lonesome Traveler, a narrative musical about legendary folk groups The Weavers and The Almanac Singers and featuring the songs of iconic folk singers Lee Hays, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger will be performed by Ira Perlman and Denise Romas during the monthly Hard Luck Café concert series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington in the Cinema’s Sky Room from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Singer and guitarist Bill Lauter will open for the show.  An open mic, for which sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m., precedes the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $20, $15 for Cinema Arts Centre/FMSH members and may be purchased online at cinemaartscentre.org or at the box office.

Thursday Jan. 16

Lunch & Learn

Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with A 1920’s “Evening at the Theatre” with Marsha Collock, curator at the Village of Babylon Historical Society at Red Restaurant, 417 New York Ave., Huntington from noon to 2 p.m. Attention all flappers and sheiks! Travel back in time to 1923 for a night out at the theatre in Huntington. Gentlemen, grab your fedora and ladies, straighten your seams for a little history, a little vaudeville, a few films and a grand afternoon out. It will be the cat’s meow! Tickets are $55, $45 members and includes  a gourmet two-course meal and dessert. Cash bar available. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

James Cagney Lecture

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport presents The Versatile James Cagney at 2 p.m.  James Cagney is best remembered as a tough guy and gangster in films such as The Public Enemy and Angels with Dirty Faces. Critics and audiences alike have considered his Academy Award-winning performance as George M. Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy to be his best film. His career spanned from vaudeville, musicals, and revues on Broadway in the 1920s, to a forty-year career in films. Join lecturer Marc Courtade for a special remembrance of this unique and versatile performer. To register, call 631-261-6930.

Atelier Art Reception

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James invites the community to an opening reception for its limited Artist Studio Clean-Out Exhibition from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This show will include accessible artworks by the Atelier & students and instructors. All pieces on display will be priced under $500 and sized 18×24 or smaller. Coffee, cupcakes and cookies will be served. The show runs through Feb. 6. For more information, call 631-250-9009.

Audubon Society Lecture

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for its winter presentation, Birding to Change the World, via Zoom at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Trish O’Kane, author of Birding to Change the World: A Memoir, will share what birds can teach us about life, social change, and protecting the environment. To register, visit www.4has.org.

Film

All Night Horror Marathon

The CAC Screen Society presents a new all-night horror movie marathon at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Jan. 11 starting at 9:30 p.m. The marathon will feature screenings of 5 horror classics: The Toxic Avenger (1984), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), Society (1989), Phantasm (1979) & a bonus mystery film. Tickets are $50, $40 members. To order in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Dead Poet’s Society’

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station kicks off 2025 with a Movie Night featuring a screening of Dead Poet’s Society on Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. Free admission, $10 suggested donation. To RSVP, visit www.waltwhitman.org.

‘The Sixth Sense’

“I see dead people!” Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of The Sixth Sense on Jan. 17 at 9:30 p.m. When Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a distinguished child psychologist, meets Cole Sear, a frightened, confused, eight-year-old, Dr. Crowe is completely unprepared to face the truth of what haunts Cole. Dr. Crowe soon discovers that Cole has incredible sixth, he is visited by ghosts. The breakout film from director M. Night Shyamalan earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Tickets are $16, $10 members. To purchase in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘Forbidden Broadway’

Productions Over the Rainbow presents a mainstage production of Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits at Seneca Middle School, 850 Main At., Holbrook on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and includes coffee, tea and dessert during intermission. To order, visit https://potr.ludus.com.

‘Crossing Delancey’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its 54th season with Susan Sandler’s Crossing Delancey from Jan. 18 to Feb. 9. Isabel is an independent young woman living alone and working in a book shop. When not pining after a handsome author, she visits her grandmother in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This spunky granny and her friend the matchmaker have found a “good catch” for Izzy, whose initial reluctance gives way to a blossoming romance when she finally meets Sam, the pickle vendor. A sincere, delightful, and loving comedy — fresh, timeless, and heart-warming.  Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, and $25 for children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Heartbreak Hotel’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Heartbreak Hotel from Jan. 16 to March 2. The tribute to Elvis takes a closer look at the musical icon whose impact shaped the history of rock and roll as well as popular culture following him from his early days to his rise to become “The King of Rock and Roll.” Featuring over 40 Elvis hits and iconic songs including “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jail- house Rock,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” Tickets start at $80. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Festival of One Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre on the Second Stage from March 8 to April 5. Featuring the world premieres of 7 one act plays. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘(Mostly) True Things’

(Mostly) True Things Storytelling show kicks off Valentine’s Day month with an all-comedy line-up of storytellers sharing true tales on the theme Bad Romance at The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Featuring Ivy Eisenberg, Bryan Berlin, Brian Grossi, Sean Brown, and host Jude Treder-Wolff. Tickets are $20 online at www.mostlytruethings.com, $25 at the door (cash only).

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Jan. 5 through April 27. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Jan. 12 to the end of April. 631-802-216

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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File photo by Raymond Janis

LIRR funding shortfall

LIRR commuters should be concerned about insufficient funds being programmed to bring bridges, viaducts, tunnels and other basic infrastructure that are in poor or marginal condition up to a state of good repair in the proposed MTA $68.4 billion 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan.  This also applies to Metro North Rail Road and NYC Transit.  It is questionable if $600 million is sufficient funding for LIRR critical infrastructure projects under the proposed next Five Year Capital Plan. Can this eliminate the growing backlog of critical infrastructure repair.  Too many critical capital assets remain in daily service beyond their anticipated useful life. There is still a $33 billion shortfall to fully fund the proposed upcoming Five Year Capital Plan.

Safety, state of good repair, reliable on time performance with a minimum of service disruptions at a fair price should be a higher priority than system expansion projects.  The $7.7 billion Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, $5.5 billion Queens Brooklyn Light Rail Inter Boro Express and $3.1 billion Metro North Bronx East Penn Station Access projects all need to be put on hold.  Funding for all three would be better spent on critical infrastructure projects benefiting over 4 million NYC Transit subway, 200,000 plus LIRR and 200,000 plus Metro North daily commuters.  MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and MTA Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of riders and taxpayers.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

Keep those letters coming…

Congratulations to my fellow 2024 Letter to the Editor writers.  Surveys reveal that “Letters To The Editor” is one of the most widely read and popular sections of newspapers.   

Most newspapers will print letters submitted by any writer regardless of where they live so long as the topic is relevant to readers.  

It helps to have a snappy introduction, good hook, be timely, precise, have an interesting or different viewpoint to increase your odds of publication. Papers welcome letters commenting on their own editorials, articles or previously published letters to the editor.

I’m grateful that TBR News Media affords both me and my fellow letter writers the opportunity to express our views, as well as differing opinions on issues of the day.  

Please join me along with your neighbors in reading TBR News Media.  Patronize their advertisers; they provide the revenues necessary to keep them in business. This helps pay to provide space for your favorite or not so favorite letter writers.

Larry Penner

Long Time Reader 

and Frequent Letter Writer

Great Neck

Armed guards aren’t the answer

As has become the norm in the Three Village Central School District members of the community have discovered a cause to champion that needn’t be raised.  Now that the start time phenomenon has become a budget-contingent coming attraction, armed guards in our schools are the latest call to action.  A knee-jerk reaction to an unfortunate, yet thankfully harmless, incident at Ward Melville High School this past fall, has been the demand to arm our security guards.  The reasoning behind this charge is the all too familiar claim that “the only way to fight a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

Decades of research by the highest and most well-trained law enforcement agencies in the country have debunked this “theory” and proven that many times the presence of armed guards in school settings has invited and/or intensified the violence committed.  Anyone with recollection of the atrocities in Uvalde and Parkland knows firsthand that armed security did nothing to deter the perpetrator and no lives were saved.  As a mother and an educator there is nothing more important than safety in school buildings and I would never begrudge any parent the feeling of security when a child is in an academic setting.  However, there are myriad other approaches to avoiding threats to our children today and they do not include arming security guards. 

The pushback will of course be the previously noted adage about fighting a bad guy with a good guy gun, especially since many of the guards are former law enforcement officers.  None of the crusaders of this battle are willing to note the fact that we are actually very lucky.  Long Island has fortuitously been spared any instances of mass gun violence in our schools.  And the one scary instance that Three Village experienced was handled responsibly and transparently.  Yes, a gun entered our high school.  Yes, there was a chance something horrific could have occurred, but it didn’t.  The true concern is that a weapon came through the doors.  The best defense against a repeat situation is a system of detection (and not metal detectors) not an addition of guns.  

At this juncture we need to trust that our district security experts have the best interests of our children at heart and will continue to keep them safe.  Guns in and/or around our schools is not the answer.

Stefanie Werner

East Setauket

The opinions of columnists and letter writers are their own. They do not speak for the newspaper.

WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL We welcome your letters, especially those responding to our local coverage, replying to other letter writers’ comments and speaking mainly to local themes. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style, good taste and uncivil language. They will also be published on our website. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include an address and phone number for confirmation. 

Email letters to: [email protected] or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733

 

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2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Ava DeMarco and Sandra Clarke try to corral loose ball on Dec. 30. Photo by Steve Zaitz
2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Claire Fitpatrick wrestles for ball with Westhampton Beach star Sandra Clarke on Saturday, Jan. 4. Photo by Steve Zaitz
2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Claire Fitpatrick drives to the basket vs. Sachem East on Saturday, Jan. 4. Photo by Steve Zaitz
2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Meg Ronan turns the corner vs. Sachem East on Saturday, Jan. 4. Photo by Steve Zaitz

By Steve Zaitz

Northport High School rang out the old and rang in the new, by hosting the week-long 2024 Suffolk County Holiday Tournament.

Westhampton Beach survived and advanced to win the tournament championship, and in what may be a preview of the 2024 county final, they beat reigning Suffolk champs Walt Whitman by a score of 48-38 on Jan. 4.

The eight-team interconference extravaganza spanned three weekends and featured 12 thrilling games between Northport, Whitman, Sachem East, Huntington, Longwood, Westhampton Beach, Commack and Bay Shore. Despite winning two games, Northport lost in the north bracket final Dec. 30 to the eventual champion Hurricanes in overtime when WBH star guard Sandra Clarke hit a long three-point shot at the buzzer to end the game. The final score was 52-49.

On Dec. 27, the Lady Tigers beat Bay Shore in the opening round 53-41 as senior forward Claire Fitzpatrick poured in 22 points and sophomore point guard Ava DeMarco scored 16. That same evening, Westhampton knocked off Commack 49-43 to earn a chance to play — and beat — the hometown Tigers when Clarke made her buzzer beater.

In the south bracket, Whitman beat Sachem East 47-40, and then Huntington in the second round 50-41, but were dealt their first loss of the year in the tournament championship game, as Clarke had 19 points and 7 steals against the Lady Wildcats. Westhampton improved to 8-1 overall, while Whitman dropped to 9-1.

In the consolation games also Jan. 4, Huntington beat Commack 44-38 to improve to 8-3 overall under first-year head coach Perry Marinelli, who was an assistant coach at Northport for many years. Commack, who lost to Whitman in the Suffolk championship game in 2023, falls to 6-3. Bay Shore outscored Longwood 8-2 in overtime and won 56-50 in their consolation match, and after a slow start Northport cruised to a 54-41 victory over Sachem East. Fitzpatrick had 25 points as of the week ending Jan. 5 and is seventh in the league in scoring with 18.1 points a game. Clarke is 10th at 16.9.

Conference play will resume Jan. 10 for Northport when they travel to Newfield. Their remaining nine games will all be Conference III matchups, except for their annual Coaches vs. Cancer game against Whitman to be held Jan. 25. Huntington resumed their season at home against Newfield, winning 68-32.  

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Audra Weiss

Prepared by the Weiss family

Audra Weiss, 57, a resident of Mill Valley, California, passed away on Dec. 31, 2024, with her husband and children by her side. The wife of Jim Weiss and mother of Ethan, 23, and Emily, 20, Audra was a quiet yet powerful force who walked through life exuding grace, strength and class.

As the matriarch and CEO of the Weiss family, Audra will be sorely missed by family, friends, neighbors and her community at large. She was a devoted “Mama Bear,” loyal friend and passionate advocate for those who suffered, especially those living with cancer.

Born and raised in Coram, New York, Audra graduated from the Whitman School at Syracuse University and forged a career in healthcare communications. She met her husband Jim through a mutual friend and found they had been living parallel lives. He also went to Syracuse and worked in the same field, but they had never met. Like When Harry Met Sally, they built a strong friendship that led to an unbreakably strong marriage of nearly 25 years.

She knew from the start that she would happily trade in her stellar professional career for a lifelong role in motherhood. She welcomed Ethan and Emily into the world and devoted herself to her calling.

Audra’s intellect and brilliance shone in the backdrop of Jim’s entrepreneurial quest to build a leading global communications firm. As an advisor and confidante, Audra made her mark on the business that would become Real Chemistry. To her, success was a vehicle to do good—giving back through the Weiss Family Office.

When she was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, she turned her journey into advocacy, crossing paths with The Dempsey Center and recently joining their board. She was a staunch ally who always demonstrated kindness, courage, integrity and care.

Even in the later stages of her disease, she prioritized others—especially those who had recently received a cancer diagnosis. In her words: “No one can do this alone.” Selfless to the end, Audra was committed to sharing her wisdom about the cancer journey and her vision for providing free holistic medical care to patients in need.

Audra will be remembered by her family, friends, colleagues and her Syracuse Color War crew as a brave warrior who believed, with every part of her being, that she could defy the odds. For two years, she did, until the burden of her disease became too great.

In addition to her husband and children, Audra is survived by her parents, Ronni and Mark Nass; her brother, Eric Nass, and his wife, Lisa; her uncle and aunt, Steve and Honey Schwartz; her brother-in-law, Harry Weiss; and sisters-in-law, Beth Weiss and Cindy Weiss. She also leaves her longtime furry companion, Kona.

Services were held at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. Donations in Audra’s memory can be made to The Dempsey Center, Family Reach, Hope Lodge and the Cancer Research Institute.

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