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Yearly Archives: 2025

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A scene from 'Elio.' Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

In the cinematic landscape, Pixar Studios created many of the most memorable animated features. These include Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, and Inside Out, along with their extensive line of sequels. Founded in 1979, Pixar became a cultural juggernaut of fiscal and critical success, in many ways redefining expectations in family entertainment.

In Elio, orphaned Elio Solis lives with his Aunt Olga, an Air Force major. Olga gave up her aspirations to be an astronaut to raise the lonely boy. One day, Elio sneaks into a closed exhibit of the Voyager 1 NASA space probe. The possibility of life on other planets fascinates the boy. Each night, he sprawls on the beach, staring up into the stars, hoping to be abducted by aliens.

A scene from ‘Elio.’ Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Meanwhile, conspiracy theorist Gunther Melmac claims there is evidence of extra-terrestrials responding to the Voyager 1, transmitting a message to Earth. Elio uses Melmac’s invention to send a message into space. Eventually, Elio is transported into a spaceship where aliens of the Communiverse mistake him for the Earth’s leader and ambassador. Elio becomes embroiled in their negotiations with a warlord, Lord Grigon, who threatens a takeover of the Communiverse. Through various machinations, including the introduction of cloning, among other science fiction devices, Elio befriends Grigon’s son, the gentle Glordon, who does not want to become part of his father’s violent coalition. 

The story follows a predictable path. The film introduces elements of bullying on Earth and in the far reaches of the galaxy. After an altercation, Elio receives an eye wound, forcing him to wear a patch. Elio has moments of introspection, questioning whether the difficulty is in the world or within himself. “I thought Earth was the problem, but what if it’s me?” 

The film swings at big concepts and grand scope: The statement “Are we alone?” plays on two levels. But, for all this reflection, the film feels shallow, never fully realizing its ambitions. Children’s films have effectively tackled challenging issues. Up, Coco, and both Inside Out films, not to mention the majority of the Toy Story universe, manage to address large topics with integrity and resonance. It’s not that Elio doesn’t try. It’s just that it never quite reaches the targeted feelings.

Like many animated features, this might be a case of too many cooks. Three directors (Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina) worked from a script by three screenwriters (Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, and Mike Jones). Elio possesses an excess of ideas, but nothing is quite finished. Too many on-the-nose statements—“A father always knows” and “I may not always understand you, but I love you”—are presented but not necessarily earned. 

The voice talent does fine with the material. Yonas Kibreab and Zoe Saldaña, as Elio and Olga, respectively, are real and nuanced. Remy Edgerly is sweet as Glordon, with Brad Garrett’s gravelly intonations suitable for the villainous Grigon. Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson, Matthias Schweighöfer, Brandon Moon, and Naomi Watanabe bring warmth and humor to the assortment of alien ambassadors. Brendan Hunt captures Melmac’s manic energy.

Elio is populated with a range of creatures that seem Happy-Meal-precious, but they are truly fun and wholly benign. The film’s strength lies in the extraordinary production design (Harley Jessup) in tandem with the visual effects (supervised by Claudia Chung-Sani), which have created the joyous Communiverse, a striking and vibrant rainbow pulsing with life. Sadly, these surrounding elements contain more drive than the story itself, resulting in a case of style over substance. 

The film’s climax shamelessly borrows shades of E.T. Needless to say, everything works out for everyone. Elio probably seemed good, if not great, on paper. And, in truth, the outlines, structure, and themes of a more satisfying film are there. But, in the end, Elio is an interstellar movie that remains earthbound.

Rated PG, the film is now playing in local theaters.

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On the final day of the New York State Assembly’s 2025 session, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s bill A8560A, the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act,” passed. The justification section of the bill reads as follows:
The expansion and modernization of public rail infrastructure in Suffolk County is essential to addressing the region’s long-term transportation needs. This legislation facilitates such development by directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to grant a permanent access and construction easement to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The easement will allow the MTA to and utilize a portion of DOT-owned land currently designated as the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway for the potential development of a railyard, thereby enhancing the capacity, efficiency, and connectivity of public transit in the region. The easement is also necessary to further New York State’s green transit goals, better allowing for the electrification of the LIRR’s Port Jefferson branch.To ensure that this easement does not interfere with existing transportation priorities, the bill expressly preserves the DOT’s retained rights to carry out any future realignment of New York State Route 25A, including through the construction of a bridge over the Greenway. It further mandates cooperation between the DOT and the MTA to enable both projects to proceed concurrently without operational conflict. By establishing clear terms for coexistence and requiring timely execution of the easement agreement, the legislation provides a structured legal framework that advances public transit objectives while maintaining the integrity of state infrastructure planning.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “I became aware of the importance of this project when I was serving as a Port Jefferson Village Trustee. I was compelled to serve from a higher office in part to help overcome bureaucratic stalemates like this one. The economic, environmental, and community benefits of this project can not be understated and I am very proud to have introduced, sponsored, and passed this legislation that delivers a key solution to moving forward with the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line.”

In 2023, the Suffolk County Landbank Corporation and the MTA entered into a contract to transfer a portion of the site to the MTA for $10—a strategic move to support LIRR modernization. In early June 2025, Assemblywoman Kassay gathered with elected officials at all levels of government, government agencies, and community organizations to call upon New York State to resolve the ongoing bureaucratic impasse. A disagreement between these two state agencies threatened to derail a critical component of the community-backed redevelopment plan.

Following this press conference, the DOT reached out to Assemblywoman Kassay to discuss the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act”. In a race against the clock, with the Assembly and Senate session concluding mid-June, Assemblywoman Kassay worked swiftly to move the bill along with the DOT, MTA, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Governor Hochul’s staff, Senator Anthony Palumbo, Senator Monica Martinez, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and county staff.

This bipartisan coalition is driven by the regional and state-wide significance of the redevelopment of the Lawrence Aviation site. The Port Jefferson Branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which serves approximately 30% of Suffolk County’s population—including faculty and students at SUNY Stony Brook, the county’s largest employer—has long needed modernization. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every $1 invested in public transportation yields a $5 economic return.

In Albany, various legislation and policies have been adopted in an effort to reduce carbon emissions throughout New York. Since taking office in January, Assemblywoman Kassay has highlighted the importance of this local opportunity to ensure future electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch, shifting its trains off of diesel fuel. transformative investments in regional transit infrastructure, improvements to service on one of Suffolk County’s most heavily used diesel rail lines, and relief from traffic congestion by offering better commuter rail options for residents.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “As a freshman member in the New York State legislature, I applaud the groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly for over a decade to clean up the former Lawrence Aviation Industries (LAI) site in Port Jefferson Station and engage the community in a vision and plan for its future. I  join Suffolk County government officials and the county’s Department of Economic Development and Planning in their work to prioritize public input over profit in the reimagining of the former superfund site.”

“For many years two state agencies ─ the Department of Transportation and the Long Island Rail Road ─ have not been able to agree to accept Suffolk County’s generous offer of land that would eliminate the dangerous at-grade rail crossing on New York State Route 25A in Upper Port and eliminate unhealthy locomotive fumes by relocating the terminus of the railroad and ultimately enabling its electrification. Although this inaction has paralyzed regional transportation planning and suppressed the economic vitality of every community served by the North Line, Assemblywoman Kassay’s legislation appears to have turned the corner on this morass. Her problem-solving skill is a breakthrough that has profound positive potential to improve the quality of life and health of everyone who lives here.” Suffolk County Legislator Steven C. Englebright (D-Setauket)

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “The passage of this legislation is critically important for Suffolk County residents and would remove an obstacle in our efforts to make Lawrence Aviation a transportation hub for our region. The redevelopment of this site is the key to electrifying lines to eastern Suffolk and will ensure a more reliable and cleaner transportation system, helping to reduce traffic congestion, especially in the busy summer months. I am proud of our work in getting this bill through the legislature and the continued efforts of the local community to move this project forward.”

“This legislation is a significant public victory,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “This is the best $10 the government has ever spent. The easement will allow us to modernize the LIRR, reduce truck traffic, and reduce harmful air pollution. We are extremely appreciative of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Senator Anthony Palumbo for their hard work and dedication in getting it through the legislature. Now, we need the Governor to sign the bill so we can meet our transportation challenges for the future.”

Carmine Inserra, President of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce shared, “The Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act (A8560A) passing is a huge win for the north shore of Long Island! It paves the way for cleaner, more frequent transportation for all communities along the MTA’s Port Jefferson Branch. It will also offer better public access to the Three Village Historic area and New York State’s flagship university, SUNY Stony Brook (which is also the largest employer on Long Island). Thank you to all the local governmental officials and both business & civic leaders for your support!  We appreciate everyone working together on something that benefits us all!”

Assemblywoman Kassay will continue working with fellow stakeholders and her colleagues in Albany to finalize the easement agreement, and clear the path for the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line—ensuring that the full potential of the former Lawrence Aviation site can be realized in the service of public benefit and regional progress.

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Pictured from left, Past Commodore and Treasurer Eileen Kelly, Past Commodore Bill Dick Jr., Rear Commodore Bill Dick III, Commodore Peter Parks, Vice Commodore Janet Rossi, Father Patrick Riegger, MSYC Chaplin Charles Glover, and Councilwoman Jane Bonner.
On Sunday, June 22nd, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined members of the Mount Sinai Yacht Club and the local maritime community for the 20th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, a yearly tradition honoring Long Island’s boating community.
The event was held at the Mount Sinai Yacht Club, and included club members, clergy, and residents to celebrate the start of the boating season. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which has become a tradition of the Mount Sinai community’s summer calendar.
“It is always a pleasure to take part in this community tradition,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “The Blessing of the Fleet is not only a celebration of our coastal way of life, but a reminder of the importance of safety, community, and stewardship of our waterways.”
Councilwoman Bonner commended the Mount Sinai Yacht Club for two decades of dedication to the event and expressed her appreciation to all who make the Blessing of the Fleet a special occasion year after year.

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Suffolk County D.A. Raymond Tierney

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on June 26 that Robert Cortese, 37, of Huntington, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, for allegedly presenting a forged Town of Islip building permit to a customer in 2021. At the time, Cortese, the owner of Tool Time Construction, Inc., did not have a valid license to operate the business.

“Unlicensed contractors have no safe haven in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We continually work with the Department of Consumer Affairs to warn homeowners against hiring unlicensed contractors to work on their homes and caution unsuspecting owners to always check with the Department before signing a contract so they can be assured they are contracting with licensed home improvement contractors on whom they can depend.”

According to the investigation, in May of 2021 a client contracted with Cortese for a construction project at the client’s home in Great River. The work Cortese was contracted to complete involved installing a pool and building a pool house at the client’s home.

Cortese allegedly assured the homeowner that he would obtain all the necessary permits from the Town of Islip in order to comply with the town’s building code.

In October 2021, Cortese allegedly presented the homeowner with what he claimed was a legitimate Town of Islip building permit after the homeowner repeatedly requested Cortese to provide a copy of the permit to show compliance.

The homeowner reached out to the Town of Islip Building Department after questioning some of the work completed on the project and he allegedly learned that the permit Cortese gave him was fraudulent and not issued by the town. In addition, the client also allegedly learned that no applications for a building permit were ever filed for his pool project. Subsequently, the permit Cortese presented was allegedly fraudulent, and it was revealed Cortese had allegedly never filed any permits with the Town of Islip. In addition, it was discovered that Cortese not have a valid license to engage in a business as a home improvement contractor in Suffolk County.

On June 25, 2025, Cortese surrendered to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and he was placed under arrest. He was arraigned on the arrest charges before District Court Judge Steven Weissbard, for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a Class D felony. Judge Weissbard ordered Cortese released from jail without bail because his charge is considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail.

Cortese is due back in court on August 6, 2025, and faces up to 2 1/3 years to 7 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Marc Gann, Esq.

If you believe you have been victimized by Cortese, please call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 631-853-5602.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Miller of the Financial Crimes Bureau and the investigation was conducted by Deputy Sheriff Investigator Brandon Clark, of the District Attorney’s Financial Crime Bureau, with assistance from investigators from the Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs.

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Suffolk County Police are advising motorists of road closures for the annual Lt. Michael Murphy Run Around the Lake in Lake Ronkonkoma on June 28.

The run will travel around Lake Ronkonkoma and road closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to noon.
Rosevale Avenue will be closed between Pond Road and Smithtown Boulevard. Lakeshore Road and Pond
Road will be closed between Portion Road and Church Street. Smithtown Boulevard/Lakeshore
Road/Portion Road will be closed from Rosevale Avenue to Ronkonkoma Avenue.

Additionally, Ocean Avenue and parts of Rosevale Avenue will be closed from Express Drive North to
Motor Parkway between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Local community paper should cover community events

I’m irritated by the coverage of the No Kings protest by the Port Times Record in the June 19 issue. Why this “community” newspaper continues to give attention to left-leaning causes rankles me. Right there on the front page side-bar were two other stories that merited much greater attention because of their community interest: The PJ mayoral results in a hotly contested election and the nationally ranked rowing teams celebrating the accomplishments of our hard-working teens. Instead, the main focus was on a totally ineffectual protest that accomplished nothing.

Why must the Port Times Record give voice to misguided individuals. For example, the article quotes the protest organizer claiming, “We don’t do dictator parades.” The parade celebrating the founding of the US Army had been planned under the Biden administration for two years.

The irony should not be lost on clear-thinking people that the real dictatorship was the government that required and demanded that we wear masks, stay quarantined, prevented us from worshipping in our churches and synagogues, mandated vaccines, closed businesses, made sure that the elderly died alone, kept us social distant at an arbitrary 6-feet apart and closed schools setting back the education of our children. Who were the real dictators? Where were these antidictatorship protesters then? Yet, the Port Times Record thinks No Kings is front-page news.

Perhaps the Port Times Record should focus on community news and leave its bias to the op-ed page.

Rick Ceo

Port Jefferson Village

Response to Gene Sprouse’s June 12th letter

I am responding ONLY as a longstanding resident of the community, not as a Setuaket Neighborhood House Board member.

I purchased a home on Lake Street in 1976 directly across the Setauket Mill Pond from the Setauket Neighborhood House. Before that, I lived in the B Section of Strathmore for 7 years. A total of 56 years in the community, compared to Mr. Sprouse’s 55 claimed years, is pretty equal local tenure. However, as a person living so close to the SNHfor 49 years, I do have a pretty good sense of the daily activities there.

While living on Lake Street, I used the SNH many times for my children’s birthday parties and for two of my own birthday celebrations. 

The Lake Street ladies, led by Eva Glaser, Liz Tyler and Marylu Mills assembled to do the first major redecorating of the house back in 1980. It was the first Three Village Historical Society Candlelight House Tour featuring some homes around the Setauket Mill Pond to raise money to refresh the interior of the Setauket Neighborhood House. I was part of that effort, yet those three ladies deserve all the credit.

I offer the above simply to show my longstanding involvement with the SNH.

I have been a member of the SNH Board for 10+ years now, but this letter is NOT from the board. It is from a local Lake Street resident who happens to be on the board. It is NOT an official SNH Board response, just my thoughts.

The cameras were installed in the SNH as a safety issue, not to monitor or to spy on any groups using the house. 

While it IS posted everywhere that NO SMOKING is allowed inside or on the porches, people using the house continue to smoke there. As a member of the Three Village Garden Club, I have planted and maintained the flowering annuals in front of the house for many, many years. I check them twice weekly and pick up the cigarette and cigar butts (along with cups, plates, napkins and other trash) thrown from the porches into the bushes and flowers. Other board members do so as well.

The house is open most days with little or limited supervision. Recently, a group left a kettle on the stove to burn dry, a major fire hazard. People frequently use the house as a bathroom stop. Significant damage has occurred over the years, and it has become worse of late. Items are stolen and damage occurs. We have had groups from other LI communities using the house for fundraisers that are of no benefit to the local community. While the house is available until 11 p.m., some groups illegally stay longer.

For example, two summers ago I heard loud noises from both inside the house and in the parking lot at 11:30 p.m., well beyond closing time. A fight broke out in the parking lot, and I called the Suffolk County Police at 11:45 p.m. An officer arrived at 12:30 a.m. after I made a second call asking the 911 operator why it was taking so long to arrive at the scene of this fight. The operator told me that the police officer did not know where the SNH was even though I explained its location in my original call. Incredible! At 8 a.m. the next morning SNH Board President Tim O’Leary and I were at the house picking up all sorts of garbage left behind by this group. Needless to say, we are both volunteers.

So, yes, Mr. Sprouse, the SHN DOES need cameras for security and safety. I disagree that, “There is little need for this internal surveillance to protect the House….” It is NOT just “our neighbors” who use the house. People from communities 45-50 minutes away rent space there as well. I am not certain they will “value and protect this great community resource.”

As for privacy issues, the house was never meant to be used for secret private political meetings. If privacy is an issue, then such groups should find another place to meet.

No board member is spending time spying on meetings or ogling yoga classes, but when damage occurs (and it certainly has!), we do have a video of the damage done and the responsible party. At one recent meeting, one of the group disabled the camera. Do you support such actions? I do not. 

Although groups are told they may NOT tape banners to the walls, just a few weeks ago, a group from outside the Three Village community did so, damaging the paint on a wall that had been painted just months before. We have proof and can assess the responsible group for repairs. Video proof was essential.

Please understand that we have numerous groups who use the house for its intended purpose and deserve credit for their tender care of as Mr. Sprouse asserts, “a wonderful community resource.”

I believe, as a neighbor living near this historic building, that video monitoring is essential to the safety and security of the house. If a group finds that offensive, I am sure they can meet elsewhere or in private homes.

With grateful appreciation to all who use and support the house for its intended purpose from the Constitution and By-Laws –”To promote moral, intellectual, recreational and social welfare of the residents of Setauket, New York and vicinity.”

Julie Robinson Parmegiani

Setauket

The opinions of 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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A scene from 'The Court Jester'

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

My uncle was mad and probably a bit disappointed with the rest of the family. He had gallantly, I suppose in his mind, volunteered to drive our family from the funeral home to the cemetery where my father was going to be buried.

There my brothers and I were, laughing in the back as if we were on a normal family retreat. No, scratch that, we were probably laughing even more forcefully. It was our coping mechanism, which my uncle, who spent little time with us growing up and, in particular, during my father’s illness, wouldn’t and didn’t understand.

One of the many things that we observed and shared with each other from the back of that vehicle of loss was the impressive collection of fancy cars that were trailing behind us.

Our father was a big fan of test driving cars but not as much of a fan of buying them. We’re pretty sure there were car salesman who went on break immediately as soon as they saw him turn into their lot, desperate to get away from the bearded guy who seemed so earnest and excited about the cars, but almost never did anything other than ask about them, drive them, and return to his aging Buick LeSabre, promising to “think about it.”

We were amazed at the Jaguars, the Mercedes and the host of other cars that people who wanted to pay their respects drove to his funeral.

“Oooh, there’s a BMW,” one of us said. “Wow, dad would love that car, but maybe not in that color.”

My uncle shook his head slightly and frowned at us in the mirror. I guess he wanted us to behave more properly or respectfully during this somber moment.

But laughter is not only the best medicine, as it turned out for us, but has been a way my family connects with each other and with many of the people in our lives.

I must have watched the movie “The Court Jester” starring Danny Kaye at least a dozen times with my father. Each time, I knew when the dialog that made him laugh so hard was coming. His breath came in high pitched squeals as he bent over double trying to get air into lungs that were too busy laughing spasmodically. 

“The pellet with the poison is in the vessel from the pestle. The chalice from the palace has the brew that is true,” Kaye would say.

Those lines, and the bumbled repetition with nonsense word variations, always hit their mark, forcing him to find a tissue to wipe the tears from his cheeks.

I remember the laughter, and what triggered it, from friends and family members who have either passed or with whom I have had little contact over the years.

Shared laughter, as sitcom producers understand, creates a positive and encouraging atmosphere, telling us that we can return and enjoy these light-hearted and peaceful moments with unseen strangers or with others in the room.

The hit show M*A*S*H combined macabre humor in the midst of a war zone with antics that helped talented but stir crazy doctors manage through difficult circumstances.

My aunt Maxine used to find it both surprisingly annoying and oddly funny when I rolled my sleeves up into strange positions or turned parts of my collar inside out.

“Don’t be silly!” she’d laugh, which, of course, only encouraged me. “What are you doing, Daniel?”

She’d come over and, with the soft small fingers of someone who had Down syndrome, would unfurl the sleeves of my shirt and would adjust my collar.

My grandmother, meanwhile, giggled at the absurdity of her grandchildren.

My brothers and I would sometimes say or do something unusual and, rather than get upset, she would find our behavior so ridiculous as to be laughable. When she giggled, her entire upper body shook, as those quaking motions had an epicenter around her stomach. Her laughter made her seem so much younger.

My wife and I recently attended a live musical show that poked fun at everyone from politicians to sports figures to crazy neighborhood text messages.

The show not only hit home for many, but it also caused people to chuckle so hard that their laughter became a part of the show.

These days, with uncertainty around the world and hovering heat and humidity squeezing sweat out of us like a dish rag, the laughter of those we know or have known can serve as a soothing salve. Life is messy and frustrating and seemingly beyond our ability to control. Laughter may be just what we need, offering the kind of cooling shade that dials down the temperature.

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Photo by Josh Willink/Pexels

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

Whew! That was blistering heat we just endured for the last few days. When it gets that hot, I have two reactions. I need some ice cream, preferably a cone filled with coffee ice cream dotted with chocolate chips. And I have to switch to wearing shorts.

So it gave me a chuckle to read an inquiry by a reader of the New York Times Style Questions column asking about wearing shorts to work. Now I’m supposing that she works in a large city office, where there is a formal or informal dress code, and like me, she wants to beat the heat by donning shorts. 

Her question amuses me because it reminds me of how far wearing shorts has come, and also how lucky we are.

First the shorts evolution. It must have been a slow news day back in 1960, when The New York Times ran a front page story about Barnard students wearing Bermuda shorts as they meandered through the Columbia campus. Imagine the scandal. It seems President Grayson Kirk of Columbia was offended by the casual dress and asked Barnard President Millicent McIntosh to clamp down on her students. Only skirts were to be worn, came the directive, with some sort of appropriate blouse.

Well, we students protested, with petitions and rallies, until the ban was rescinded to a “request” to wear a coat or slacks over the shorts when on the Columbia campus, which was across Broadway from Barnard. Think how innocent the uproar when measured against today’s protests on the same campuses.

Clearly President McIntosh wasn’t similarly offended because she advised us during an ensuing assembly of the entire college “to turn over your book covers when you are riding the subway (some two-thirds of students were commuters then) so no one knows you are from Barnard.” And any ban would not take place until September, which was one way of kicking the can-or ban-down the road.

Other women’s colleges treated the issue of showing knees differently. Radcliffe, adjacent to Harvard, only permitted shorts for athletic activities. Vassar College allowed shorts both on campus and in town (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.). Smith College, in Northampton, Mass., allowed shorts on campus and in class, but no shorter than two inches above the knee. All that was researched by The NYT reporter for the 1960 article.

Today’s reporter, Vanessa Friedman, answered the reader this way. “Shorts are often longer than skirts these days and often more conservative. There is no reason a woman shouldn’t wear them to the office.” She goes on to say that any hesitation might stem from the association of shorts with play and summer weekends rather than work. As such they are not considered professional garb.

There is also the question of what kind of shorts, she advises. Very short shorts are not any more acceptable than very short skirts. To professionalize the look, a blazer, a belted T-shirt and conservative shoes — platform shoes or even pumps — might complete the outfit, or an oversize button-up shirt.

So now I come to the point of our being lucky. First, most of us are not in a large city office but rather a suburban environment, which, culturally, is more relaxed. We live in the land of the sweatsuits.

Furthermore, times have so radically changed that no one, for example, expects a doctor or lawyer, the epitome of professional, I guess, to appear in a suit. Not even a tie. A button-up Oxford shirt is pretty dressed up these days, and we often see professionals thusly outfitted: men in golf shirts and trousers, and women in short sun dresses.

Finally, we, as journalists, are allowed to look casually dressed. Few people would expect to be interviewed by someone in a suit. It might even make them nervous. Yippee!

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Catch a screening of 'Moana 2' at Heritage Park in Mt. Sinai on June 27 at dusk.

PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on June 27 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Aquarium Celebration

In honor of National Zoo and Aquarium Month, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold an Aquarium Celebration on June 28 with Animal Encounters at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; a Hatchery Tour at 11 a.m.; Turtle Feed & Talk at noon, Longnose Gar Feeding Demo at 2 p.m. and crafts all day. Included with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Growing Up Wild

Town of Brookhaven offers a nature program at Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai on June 28 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.  Children ages 3 to 6 with a parent/caregiver are invited to explore nature with story time, live animals and an activity. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].

Mommy, Me & Monet

Celebrate St. James hosts a Mommy, Me & Monet: Garden Tees and Tiny Masterpieces  art class at the St. James Cultural Center, 176 2nd St., St. James on June 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Led by artist Rhoda Angelier, children ages 4 to 6 will paint side by side with a parent/caregiver to make a garden designed one of a kind t-shirt masterpiece. $40 per child. To register, visit celebratestjames.org. 

BNL Family Fun

Explore Brookhaven National Lab, Upton at a Family Fun Open House Summer Sunday on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy interactive exhibits, STEM Live! shows, demonstrations, lectures, tours and meet Spot, the robot dog. Free. Guests 18 and older must bring REAL ID-compliant identification. bnl.gov/sundays/2025/

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 30 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

FILM

‘Happy Feet’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen Happy Feet on June 29 at noon. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 

‘Moana 2’

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai kicks off its Movies in the Moonlight series with a screening of Moana 2 on June 27 at dusk. Free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Presented by the North Shore Youth Council and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. 631-403-4846

THEATER

‘The Fantasmix’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theater with The Fantasmix: A Superhero Journey Begins! from July 11 to July 26 with a sensory friendly performance on July 13 at 11 a.m. Come help the world’s newest superheroes Lightning and Bolt as they embark on an epic journey to save our planet — and all its water! The electrifying brother-and-sister duo discovers that together, they have what it takes to save the world. Tickets are $15. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘The Little Mermaid Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. from July 12 to Aug. 17. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking. Tickets are $26.50. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Madagascar: A Musical Adventure’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Madagascar: A Musical Adventure from July 19 to Aug. 24. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime.  Follow all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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SUMMER THURSDAY AT THE LIM Eastline Theater presents an outdoor performance of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ at the Long Island Museum on June 26. Photo from LIM
Thursday June 26

Summer Thursday at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook kicks off their Summer Thursdays series with an outdoor performance of Jane Austen’s Emma by the EastLine Theater at 5:30 p.m. Bring a picnic, seating and celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th year! Free. www.longislandmuseum.org.

St. Anthony’s Family Festival

Fr. Thomas Judge Knights of Columbus celebrates its 32nd annual St. Anthony’s Family Feast and Festival  at Trinity Regional School, 1025 Fifth Ave., East Northport tonight, June 27 from 6 to 11 p.m. and June 28 from 3 to 11 p.m. Featuring rides, games, food, craft beer, live entertainment by Cirque Cyber, live music nightly. Fireworks on June 28. Free admission, pay-one-price rides or individual rides. 631-262-1891

Native American Drumming

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

SPIRITUS Festival

The SPIRITUS Chamber Festival, titled “Tales of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket today at 7 p.m.; the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on June 28 at 2 p.m.; and Setauket Presbyterian Church, 5 Caroline Ave., Setauket on June 29 at 7:30 p.m. All concerts will be followed by a reception. Tickets range from $15 to $35 at www.spiritusfestival.org.

Friday June 27

St. Anthony’s Family Festival

See June 26 listing.

Audubon Lecture

Four Harbors Audubon Society invites the community to a free lecture titled Birder by Day, Moth-er By Night: Discovering the Nocturnal Ecosystem with David LaMagna at Avalon Barn, 60 Shep Jones Lane, St. James at 8 p.m. A short presentation will be followed by observing moths and other creatures that show up at bait stations. Rain date is June 28. Registration required by emailing [email protected].

Friday Night Face Off

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

Saturday June 28

St. Anthony’s Family Festival

See June 26 listing.

SPIRITUS Festival

See June 26 listing.

Farmingdale Craft & Gift Fair

Farmingdale will host a Craft & Gift Fair featuring over 65 vendors selling arts, crafts, gifts, jewelry and food along Main Street and the Village Green today and June 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 516-442-6000

Craft and Vendor Fair

Stepping Stone Support, a nonprofit dedicated to helping local families affected by cancer, will hold a Craft and Vendor Fair fundraiser at A1 Roofing, 16 Platinum Ct., Medford from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring artisan crafts, vendor tables, food trucks, face painting and large Chinese auction. Rain date is June 29. www.steppingstonesupport.org.

Lavender Festival

Hoshyla Farms, 132 Ryerson Ave., Manorville presents its annual Lavender Festival today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and June 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with artisan vendors, pick your own lavender, food trucks, wine and beer, live music, children’s activities and more. $5 admission, free for ages 12 and under. 631-975-2434

Farmers Artisan Marketplace

Farmingville Residents Association will present a Farmers Artisan and Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring local produce, handmade and homemade items, flea market finds, live music and food from over 40 vendors. 631-260-7411

Sherwood-Jayne House Tours

Sherwood-Jayne Farm House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket will be open for tours at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., courtesy of Preservation Long Island. This guided tour explores the first and second floors of the house. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 ages 10 to 18, free for children ages 9 and under. To reserve your spot, visit www.preservationlongisland.org/tours/.

Vintage European Car Show

Stony Brook Community Church, 216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook hosts the 20th annual Vintage European Sports Car & Motorcycle Display on the front lawn from noon to 4 p.m. with live music by The Barking Men and refreshments. Rain date is June 29. Free for spectators. 631-751-1381

Japanese Car Show

Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St.. Stony Brook presents a Japanese Car Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curated by Nelson Medina, the event will feature a dazzling array of classic and contemporary Japanese cars, showcasing the unique designs, performance, and engineering that define Japanese automotive excellence. Free. Rain date is June 29. 631-751-7707

Heavy Metal/Rock Music Festival

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce present Off the Rails, a free Heavy Metal and Rock Music Festival featuring 11 local bands at the Chamber Train Car Park, corner of Route 112 and Route 347, Port Jefferson Station starting at noon. Bring seating. www.pjschamber.com

Hassles Induction at LIMEHOF

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF), 97 Main St., Stony Brook will be inducting Long Island’s own 1960s era seminal rock-soul group, The Hassles — best known as Billy Joel’s first major record label band — including acclaimed drummer-turned-video-director Jon Small. A special celebration event will be held at 8 p.m. The event is open to the public with a special event ticket purchase of $50 (online purchase includes $3.50 fee) and includes access to the LIMEHOF’s current exhibit, Billy Joel My Life: A Piano Man’s Journey which features a section about the Hassles. To purchase tickets, visit www.limusichalloffame.org. 631-689-5888.

Summer Kick-Off Party

Town of Huntington invites the community to a summer events kick-off party with Yellow Brick Joel: The Tribute Concert at Heckscher Park’s Chapin Rainbow Stage, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-351-3000

Pink Floyd Tribute

Us and Floyd return to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport  for a dazzling live performances – in sync with a stunning Pink Floyd laser light show, The Wall, at 9 p.m. Advance tickets online are $35 adults, $30  ages 15 and under and members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. At the door $40 adults, ages 15 and under and members $30.

Sunday June 29

SPIRITUS Festival

See June 26 listing.

Farmingdale Craft & Gift Fair

See June 28 listing.

Lavender Festival

See June 28 listing.

Car Show at Bald Hill

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

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 $9.31 per person. To register, visit www.cshl.edu. 516-367-8844.

Tribute to Billy Joel

Pat Farrell and the Cold Spring Harbor Band present a Billy Joel tribute concert at Fireman’s Park, 15 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Bring seating.

Benner’s Farm Concert

The Good Earth Sound Stage at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket welcomes Linda Sussman and Emily-Sue Sloan for a concert at 4 p.m. Please bring seating for this outdoor event. $15 donation at the door. 631-689-8172

The Dedications in Concert

Celebrate St. James kicks off their summer concert series at Celebrate Park, 369 Lake Ave., St. James with The Dedications (Classic 50s, 60s and 70s Rock & Roll) at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-984-0201

Monday June 30

Country Line Dancing

Celebrate St. James presents Country Line Dance lessons with Natalie at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd St., St. James from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come learn the hottest dances! $15 per person at the door. Please RSVP at  www.celebratestjames.org. 631-601-5109

Tuesday July 1

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 from 6 to 8 p.m. with the Kevin Blanca Big Band. Guests may purchase refreshments in the Basie Garden beside the venue. Sponsored by Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses. Free. Bring seating. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org

Smithtown Community Band

The Smithtown Historical Society hosts the 39th annual Smithtown Community Band concert series, Music from Around the World, on the grounds of the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 7:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-265-6768

Wednesday July 2

Cruise Night at The Shoppes

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show tonight and every Wednesday through October from 5 p.m. 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

Sunset Concerts

Port Jefferson Arts Council kicks off their  Sunset Concert series on the Jill Russell Stage at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with Teddy Kumpel and Nome Sane? Bring seating. In the case of rain, the event will be moved inside the Port Jefferson Village Center. 631-473-5220, www.gpjac.org

One Step Ahead in Concert

PJS/Terrvyille Chamber of Commerce kicks off their Summer Concert Wednesdays at the Chamber Train Car Park, 1 Rose Ave., Port Jefferson Station with One Step Ahead from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. along with food, ice cream, local businesses and more. Bring seating. www.pjstchamber.com

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

The 60th annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival kicks off tonight at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington at 8 p.m. with a performance by The Huntington Community Band and July 3 at 8 p.m. with a production of HMS Pinafore. The 8-week festival will feature over 40 live performances including dance, theater and music from Wednesdays to Sundays through Aug. 24. Bring seating. Free. Visit www.huntingtonarts.org for full schedule.

Thursday July 3

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

See July 2 listing.

Northport Community Band Concert

The Northport Community Band will host concerts at the Robert W. Krueger Bandshell in Northport Village Park on July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24 and July 31 at 8 p.m. Rain location is Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport. www.ncb59.org

Film

‘September 5’

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a screening of September 5 starring Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, and Leonie Benesch on June 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to reserve your seat. 

Theater

‘South Pacific’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Main Stage season with South Pacific from May 15 to June 29. This beloved musical takes place on a South Pacific island during World War II where two love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. With songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Spring-time,” and “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” South Pacific’s lush score contains some of the best songs ever written by Rodgers & Hammerstein. For more information and to order, call 631-261-2900 or go to www.engemantheater.com.

‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’

The Carriage House Players at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in  Centerport continues their 36th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Midsummer Night’s Dream from June 1 to June 29. Performances are held on the Vanderbilt mansion courtyard stage on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children under age 12. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. 516-557-1207

‘H.M.S. Pinafore’

The classic comic opera H.M.S. Pinafore heads to Star Playhouse at Suffolk Y/JCCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack on June 29 at 3 p.m., courtesy of  the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island. The comical plot centers on the love story of Josephine, the Captain’s heart-driven daughter, who is torn between devotion and duty. Admission is $35 for adults at the door (seniors/students $30), $30 for adults in advance (seniors/students $25).  For further information, call 516-619-7415 or visit https://gaslocoli.org/tickets. See more on page B14.

‘Footloose The Musical’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Footloose The Musical from July 10 to Aug. 24. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher. Based on the hit 1984 movie, the musical contains all of the hit songs including “Let’s Hear It For The Boy,” “Almost Paradise,” “Holding Out For A Hero,” and of course “Footloose!” For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Othello’

The Carriage House Players at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in  Centerport continues their 36th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Othello from July 11 to Aug. 3. Performances are held on the Vanderbilt mansion courtyard stage on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children under age 12. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. 516-557-1207

‘Much Ado About Nothing’

The Minstrel Players present William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at Trinity Episcopal Church, Houghton Hall, 130 main St., Northport on July 19 and July 26 at 8 p.m. and July 20 and July 27 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, all 516-361-7232 or visit www.theminstrelplayersinc.org.

Class Reunions

— Rocky Point High School Class of 1975 will hold their 50 year reunion at East Wind in Wading River on September 12 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. $150.00 per person includes  reception, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, open bar and dessert. Contact Andrea at 631-774-2474 or [email protected]

Farmers Markets

Huntington

Elm Street parking lot at 228 Main St., Huntington on Sundays from June 1 through Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 631-944-2661

Lake Grove

Southwestern quadrant of Smith Haven Mall parking lot along Middle Country Road year-round on Saturdays (pickles, honey) and full market with vendors on Sundays. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. 516-444-1280

Northport

Cow Harbor Park parking lot, at the corner of Main Street and Woodbine Ave. in Northport on Saturdays from June 7 through Nov. 22 (except Sept. 20) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 631-662-7244

Port Jefferson 

Harborfront Park, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 18 through Nov. 23. 631-802-2160

St. James

St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St. James hosts a farmers market in its parking lot every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 31 through October 25. 631-403-7711

Setauket

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket on Fridays from May 16 through September (except Sept. 19) from 3 to 7 p.m. and October from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 631-751-3730

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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