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Yearly Archives: 2025

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The northern dusky salamander in Anita Lago’s hand when she found it on Sept. 1, 2024. Photo courtesy Anita Lago

By Sabrina Artusa

Anita Lago was walking along a stream leading to the emptied Stony Brook Mill Pond on Sept 1, overturned earth and strewn twigs littering her path, when she spotted a black object. Thinking it was a fishing lure she picked it up.  

“It was not a fishing lure, it had legs,” she said. 

Lago put it back and showed a picture of the salamander to John Turner of the Seatuck Environmental Association, who shared it with Smithtown High School East senior and Four Harbors Audubon Society board member Gabe Finger. Finger and Turner identified the salamander as a northern dusky salamander.

A light form of the northern dusky salamander. Photo courtesy John Turner

The northern dusky salamander isn’t known to live on Long Island — the only traces of it having existed on the island are nearly a century old. One of the only samples was secured by Long Island naturalist Roy Latham. 

Finger and Turner returned to the pond. Finger overturned a rock and found another. Wading in the stream, Turner and Finger found four more salamanders of two different morphs: two salamanders were darker gray and two were a lighter, sandier color. The genetic expression of the salamander allows for wide varying appearances, Turner said, just like people. 

The finding was pure “serendipity,” according to Turner. “No one was looking for it.” 

“It is remarkable for a species that is thought to be gone for almost a century and to still be here and to be here in a fairly suburban part of Long Island,” Turner said. “I would not think of Stony Brook as where you would find it. I would think it would be further out east, maybe by the pine barrens, and it is hiding in plain sight.”

Gabe Finger presenting the discovery of the salamander at the Long Island Natural History Conference at Stony Brook University on March 21. Photo courtesy SCSD

Finger, who will be attending Cornell University to study sustainability and wildlife biology. gave a presentation about the finding at a Long Island Natural History Conference at Stony Brook University on March 21. “Since I was very, very little I’ve always been just fascinated with animals and I knew from a very young age that all I wanted to do with my life was study animals,” he said. 

Since the salamanders found at the Stony Brook Mill Pond have likely been geographically separated from their ancestors for tens of thousands of years, it is possible that they evolved into a new species —an offshoot of the northern dusky salamander.

The northern dusky salamander resides in cold, trickling waters. The small, fast flowing tributaries of the North Shore fit these criteria: the streams aren’t in the sun long enough to get warm and are fast-flowing enough for a quick turnover of water. The salamander also lurks in the muddy stream banks, maybe hiding under a rock or log. 

Turner and Finger can’t pursue their studies further until they have permission to take a small toe clip of the salamander to study its DNA. “There’s been a lot of red tape to go through,” Finger said. 

Once they have a DNA sample and the salamanders become more active in the warmer weather, researchers can begin employing environmental DNA collection techniques to detect the presence of salamanders by simply testing the water of streams in which they potentially reside. 

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Mary Beth Launders-Hydo

Mary Beth Launders-Hydo, of East Northport passed away on March 18 at 63 years of age. She was the beloved wife of William Hydo and loving mother of Stephanie Hydo; dear sister of William Launders; and devoted aunt of William Launders Jr.

Visiting hours will be held at Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport on Saturday, March 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m. Cremation will be private.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

An opportunity to build trust

It was heartening to read Daniel Dunaief’s interview with the new Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina [“New Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina discusses highway, school safety,” March 9] discussing school and road safety, adoption of body cameras and the importance of recruiting new officers from underrepresented communities.

Of some concern, though, is the comment that Catalina and the Suffolk County Sheriff traveled to El Salvador to learn police recruitment ideas. Since 2019 El Salvador has become a single-party dictatorship that has suspended the rule of law, civil rights and human rights in order to suppress gang violence. And the current U.S. federal administration is paying El Salvador to imprison Venezuelan deportees without due process. Probably not the best place to learn about good policing.

Notably absent from the article was any query about whether the SCPD intends to continue spending taxpayer money to fight the 2022 Newsday/New York Civil Liberties Union lawsuit against them. In 2020, New York State repealed the 50-A law that allowed departments to keep police complaint and disciplinary records secret. Since 2020, Newsday and the NYCLU have filed 10 Freedom of Information Law requests to SCPD that have still not been satisfied, even after a lower court and an appellate panel ruled against them. This February, New York’s highest court issued a ruling on the same kind of case (against the Rochester PD) requiring full disclosure of all records, regardless of outcome or when the complaint was made. Why continue spending money on a legal fight they will certainly lose?

If Commissioner Catalina would genuinely like to turn the page, and build community trust through transparency, now would be a good time to simply comply with the law.

John Hover

East Setauket

When is enough enough?

I want to thank Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) for his article in The Port Times Record [March 13, “Your Turn: Overdevelopment will not solve the affordable housing crisis”].  

The article supports my ongoing concern that Port Jefferson village should stop approving permits to build new apartment buildings. 

I recently tried to obtain the number of apartments and the number of residential homes currently in Port Jefferson village and was told that the village does not have this information. I must ask how the planning board and the Building and Planning Department can make educated rulings if they don’t even know how many exist and what the Village Master Plan considers the maximum that should be allowed. If there are no limits, the trend will just continue until Port Jefferson has lost all the charm of a small, historic village.

From my research, the Village of Port Jefferson already has over 1,100 apartments located in apartment buildings. This doesn’t include the three apartment buildings now being discussed in the Building and Planning Department and all the apartments that exist above the stores in our downtown and uptown. 

We are a small village and 1,100+ apartments is more than the village can hold and still maintain its history and charm. I imagine that compared to other villages and hamlets in the area, Port Jefferson village outshines them in trying to meet the needs of people who find home ownership unobtainable.

I believe that the residents of Port Jefferson village need to decide if they want to maintain what’s left of the village’s history and charm or continue the trend of building massive apartment buildings and maybe one day being the new “Queens or Brooklyn” of Long Island. 

We will only be able to stop this trend by ensuring that we elect village officials who will determine the number of apartments existing and the number that is acceptable. I believe something is lacking when no official in the village can easily obtain this information nor provide a number that a master plan states is acceptable. 

Rob Grimm

Port Jefferson 

BESS implications

In a recent letter to the TBR News Media, Peter Bond took issue with a previous letter from me regarding the capability of a battery energy storage system lithium-ion battery unit to power homes. In my calculation, I used 5,000 W as an estimate of the power used by a typical home, which was characterized by Bond as unjustifiably high.

To derive this number, I consulted my PSEG electrical energy bill from Aug, 20, 2024, which stated that my home energy from July 12 to Aug. 12 of 2024 was 1,978 kWh for the 720-hour period, or an average of 2,747 W during each day. However, as we know, the energy used during the hot summer is not even nearly constant during each day, and the hottest 4-hour period of the day can easily utilize twice as much energy as the average value for that day. In this case, therefore, the average power used in my home during this hot 4-hour period was calculated to be 5,494 W.

The PSEG report also provides the consumed energy during this period for an “average home,” which is 1,355 kWh. Using this number in a similar calculation provides an average 4-hour hot weather power utilization of 3,764 W. In my letter, I tried to use a realistic measure of the required power consumption, and I selected 5,000 W as a convenient number for an illustrative example. If we use these PSEG energy values instead, we find that the 8.75 MW BESS, during a 4-hour period with active air conditioning, can be expected to power 1,593 homes similar to my home (1,978 kWh), or 2,325 “average homes” (1,355 kWh). In any case, both of these options result in the number of homes being far fewer than the 8,500 homes claimed by New Leaf Energy in their presentation.

As was stated at the recent Sterling Woods meeting, the eventual goal is to retire the present “fossil fuel” system and replace it with solar arrays and lithium-ion batteries. The big problem with this approach, which is never mentioned at these meetings, is the likelihood that extended periods of reduced sunshine levels, e.g., 2 or 3 or 4 or more consecutive overcast days, are likely to cause power blackouts, comparable to the New York City blackout in 1977. The only remedy for this problem will be the addition of one set of very large installations of solar arrays and BESS units for each anticipated day of overcast weather. If additional overcast days do occur, a blackout will be the inevitable result.

George Altemose

Setauket

LaLota and Garbarino must oppose cuts to Medicaid and SNAP 

On March 7 hundreds gathered at the New York State Office Building in Hauppauge to advocate for a 7.8% targeted increase in Medicaid rates for disability services to address rising costs, ensure fair pay for staff and stabilize the care system for individuals with disabilities.

 As a father of an adult child with disabilities who relies on Medicaid-supported services, I feel an overwhelming responsibility to advocate for the protection and support of staff, whose roles are crucial in caring for individuals with disabilities. These significant issues have profound personal and far-reaching effects on families like mine.

 For over 25 years, my son Bobby has received exceptional care from the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI). The dedication and compassion of their staff have greatly enriched his life, helping him accomplish daily tasks. Their work is more than just a job; it is a calling driven by empathy and a commitment to improving lives. These critical services deserve fair compensation and job security.

 In addition, the proposed $800 billion cuts to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are deeply troubling. These programs serve as lifelines, supporting individuals like my son and often the staff caring for him and his peers, many of whom seek supplemental food support because of their low-wage status. Cutting funds for these programs is more than an economic decision; it is a moral one that will have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.

 I urge our local congressional representatives, including Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, to oppose these cuts. I encourage them to advocate for sustainable funding that prioritizes the well-being of those who depend on these critical support services. An investment now will secure the present and safeguard the future for people like my son.

Joseph W. Schmidt, Esq.

Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI)

Tipping servers

Leah Dunaief recently wrote an editorial about tipping and American’s obsession with this practice. In New York servers do not make $16.50, more like $11. Since she seems to be comparing the United States with European countries, where people leave a few coins for excellent service. Let’s look at Europe. Servers get paid a regular livable salary. Servers are part of the national health care system. Europeans believe health care is a right not a privilege. No one in Europe goes through health care bankruptcy, as more than 300,000 Americans did in 2024. Servers are part of the national pension system, to which they contribute, for a livable pension. American servers have none of these benefits, therefore we should know that tipping is vital to their economic well-being. I for one am proud of those Americans who tip generously.

Stuart Bernstein

Setauket

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 debate. Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

Do you want to know the honest truth?

No, do me a favor. Lie to me. In fact, come up with something so outrageous that I might crack a broad smile and even allow a chuckle to bubble out of my mouth. 

Whenever anyone asks if you’d like them to share the honest truth, it’s often not particularly positive or flattering and is a way of giving them the opportunity to say that you asked for it, whatever the “it” happens to be.

Here’s the honest truth: you didn’t do all that well in the debate. You said your name correctly and your political party, but after that, you kind of lost the thread of what you were saying, particularly when you forgot where you were and starting picking your nose. Not a good look.

Or, perhaps, the honest truth? I don’t like Chinese food and you always ask if we can go to a Chinese restaurant. I know you like the Peking duck and the moo shu pork, which makes you think of the small funny character from Disney’s “Mulan” voiced by Eddie Murphy, but I’m not a fan and I’d prefer to go somewhere else.

People often use phrases that are a big set up or, despite being unnecessary, have become a part of the way we speak.

Take the phrase “going forward,” as in, we are going to institute a policy in which everyone has to come to the office four days a week going forward. Can we go backwards? Does the going forward part suggest now, as opposed to something that might start in two weeks, two months or two years?

Or, how about “at the end of the day?” People will ask if some change brings any value at the end of the day. How about at the end of a meal or at the end of a sentence?

Then there’s the word “literally,” as in I literally laughed my head off. No, actually, you didn’t, because you’re speaking to me and your head still seems to be attached.

I “literally” dropped my fork on the floor. Can you figuratively drop a fork on the floor? I suppose in the “Matrix” world of Keanu Reeves, where there is no fork, you might figuratively drop it on the floor as a part of some epistemological challenge, but most of us live in a world where the utensil we hold in our hands is made of matter and makes a sound when we drop it, even if we’re in a forest and no one is there to hear it.

Then there are all the extra words that delay the punchline. People regularly say, “do you want to know my all time favorite food?”

No, actually, I’d rather know the food you preferred when you were a toddler. Do you remember that one? Was it peas, carrots, or sweet potato? We gave our daughter so much sweet potato when she was young — she seemed to like it and made happy noises when she ate it — that it turned her face orange. And that was the color without any make up.

I might want to know your all time favorite movie, as opposed to your favorite movie for this year or from the 1980’s. I will reluctantly admit that the phrase in such a discussion has merit.

While we’re delving into the language of today, I would like to share a few cliches that, if you’ll pardon the cliche, sound like nails on a chalkboard to me. 

By the way, we should probably retire that because, if you want to know the honest truth, not many people are using chalkboards anymore.

Cliches, yes, cliches, like beating a dead horse, are non specific and overused.

The phrase, “it is what it is,” which is fun to say when people are complaining about the food, the service, the poor play of your favorite baseball team, or the weather, is a logical shrug.

We might as well write, or say, A is A, eh? It’s a tautology. Of course, it is what it is. Maybe we should change it to, “it isn’t what it isn’t,” or, perhaps, “it can’t be what it couldn’t be.”

So, if you want to know the honest truth at the end of the day, I prefer to avoid words going forward that act like fog in front of my all time favorite painting, which, after all, is what it is.

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METRO photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

Getting enough sleep is one of the tenets of staying healthy and aging well. But what to do when you get into bed and can’t fall asleep? The Science Times section of The New York Times this past Tuesday offered an interesting solution from Emergency Physician, Joe Whittington.

“Now I Lay Me Down to Play,” written by Christina Caron, explains the doctor’s technique. It’s called cognitive shuffling, and it is designed to calm a busy brain sufficiently to allow sleep. While he had tried deep breathing, meditation and melatonin, to no avail, the following strategy works for him. Incidentally, he has 750,000 followers on Instagram.

“Cognitive shuffling,” according to the Times, “is a mental exercise that involves focusing your mind on words that have no association with one another, as a way of signaling to your brain that it’s time to fall asleep. The task is meant to be engaging enough to distract you from the thoughts that may be impeding sleep, but not so interesting that your brain perks up.” 

So how do you do cognitive shuffling?

Take a random word, any word, like “adobe.” Then think of all the words that you can, beginning with that same first letter, like apple, arrow, across, attire. Visualize each word, then move on to the next. When you no longer can think of any more words beginning with “a” go on to the next letter, “d” and do the same thing: dog, depart, done, dope, detritus, and so forth. Again, visualize each word before moving on.

Luc P. Beaudoin, a cognitive scientist at Simon Fraser University in Canada, developed the cognitive shuffling strategy, and he suggests that as people drift off to sleep their minds have distant thoughts or vivid images. This technique is intended to mimic that process.

“These images don’t create a clear story line and may help your brain to disengage from problem solving or worry loops,” said Dr. Beaudoin, who conducted a study in 2016 using various sleep inducing techniques. He himself suffered from insomnia. The study was then discussed at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies conference in Denver, written up in Forbes magazine, then circulated widely online.

It can’t hurt to try cognitive shuffling.

I can tell you what I do to fall asleep. First, with full disclosure, I confess not to often having a problem falling asleep. In fact, I’m like a teapot. Just tip me over and pour me out. Usually, all I need is to get horizontal on a mattress and doze off. However, lately I have been waking up around 4 a.m., feeling rested and not able to resume sleeping. But I know if I get up and start my day at that hour, I will pay for the remaining lack of sleep in the late afternoon. I’m an 8 1/2 hour a night sleeper. So here’s what I do after 20 minutes of tossing and turning. 

I get out of bed, put on a lamp that offers dim light and read until my eyes get tired. I am selective in my reading choice: not a page turner. Then I shut off the light, get back into bed and usually fall right back to sleep.

It’s not a researched and tested technique but for me, it works. I enjoy sleeping and require the restorative effects in order to enjoy my waking hours. Hope these strategies work for you.

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STEEPED IN TRADITION East of the River returns to Huntington on March 30 with a program of Sephardic Music. Photo by Isabella Pagel
Thursday March 27

Music Bingo Fundraiser

Smithtown Children’s Foundation will hold a Music Bingo fundraiser at the Elks Lodge, 120 Edgewood Ave., Smithtown at 6 p.m. Join them for dinner and dancing to benefit the Smithtown Central School Districts’ Business School scholarships. Tickets are $50 per person. To register, visit www.smithtownchildrensfoundation.com.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook presents an evening of Native American Drumming Meditations from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. 631-655-7798

Avalon Astronomy Night

The Observatories at Avalon Nature Preserve, Shep Jones Lane, Stony Brook invite the community to a live observing session (weather permitting) to view Jupiter, Mars and beyond from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free. No registration required. Access is only available from 25A / North Country due to the Harbor Road closure. 631-689-0619

Friday March 28 

WinterTide Concert 

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson closes its WinterTide series with a concert by Andie Juliette Fortier from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the singer as she releases a new album accompanied by family and friends in an intimate cafe setting. Free will donation at the door. Sponsored by St. Charles Hospital and GPJAC. 631-473-5220

Caroline Church Concert

The free concert series at Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket returns at 7 p.m. with a piano recital in the Parish House featuring pianist and composer George Kostopoulous. 631-941-4245

St. Patrick’s Coffee House

Celebrate St. James continues its Coffee House concert series with Floot 4 at 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of Irish tunes performed by this renowned flute quartet along with your choice of coffees and teas and traditional Irish baked goods. Tickets are $20 in advance at www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

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 March 29

Train Car Clean Up

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will hold a Train Car Cleanup at the corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station from 8 a.m. to noon. Plans are for garbage pick up, flower bed clean up and edging, mulch spreading, and window washing! Coffee and bagels will be served. 631-821-1313

Spring Craft Fair

Time to shop! Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden will host a Selden Craft and Gift Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop for handmade crafts, art, jewelry, chocolates, candles, holiday decor, soaps, clothing and crochet items from over 100 vendors during this indoor event presented by Island Fairs. Free admission. 631-885-1267

Birding by the Beach

Town of Brookhaven continues its free spring nature programs with Birding by the Beach at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and Cedar Beach Nature Center in Mt. Sinai at 2 p.m. Observe and identify the birds of our shorelines and coastal wetlands during this free program. Pre-registration required by emailing [email protected].

Vietnam War Anniversary event

Join the community for the 50th anniversary celebration marking the end of the Vietnam War at the H. Lee Dennison Building, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge at 11:30 a.m. Featuring a military ceremony, musical entertainment, tributes, military/veterans exhibit and food trucks. Bring seating. Rain date is April 5. Call 631-853-8387 for more information.

SachemCon

Get your cosplay on and share your love of all things anime, manga and comics at the annual SachemCon at Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook from noon to 4 p.m. Play TCGs, make crafts, watch animation demonstrations and performances, join a cosplay fashion show and shop for unique art and collectibles. Open to all. No registration necessary. 631-588-5024.

Pop-up exhibit heads to Middle Country Public LIbrary

The Middle Country Public Library will host “Dazzling Lights: A pop-up exhibit,” today and March 30, from 1 to 4 p.m., at its Selden location, 575 Middle Country Road. Attendees can experience an innovative, immersive environment featuring local historic photos, artwork and animations. Upon entering the space, one will immediately observe dazzling visuals that utilize site-specific projection mapping, video and light.  The creative duo Eric Hurnyak and Michael Zinn have brought this marvelous exhibit consisting of stunning 360 visuals that will morph and change into other images. Visitors will listen to coordinated audio as they are immersed in the “Dazzling Lights” exhibit.  All are invited to enjoy this free event. No registration required. For more information, please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org or call at 631-585-9393.

Cabaret for a Cause

Join Temple Isaiah, 1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook for Cabaret for a Cause — A Night of Broadway at 6:30 p.m. Come enjoy a variety of Broadway hits performed by our talented community. $25 per person includes popcorn and a drink. To RSVP, visit www.tisbny.org.

SBU Symphony Orchestra Concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents a concert by the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Program will include Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, Ibert’s Flute Concerto, and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte. Come early for a pre-concert lecture in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors, $10 students (with SBU ID). To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Sunday March 30

Pop-up exhibit heads to Middle Country Public LIbrary

See March 29 listing.

Car Show & Swap Meet

Long Island Cars presents its first car show of 2025 at Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run, Farmingville from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with classic and collectible cars, custom vehicles, street rods, antiques, muscle cars, exotics, and imports; a swap meet; and cars for sale. $10 adults, free for children 12 years and under. Free parking.  Call 631-567-5898.

History of Caumsett HIke

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a History of Caumsett hike from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On this hilly 2 mile long walk you will study the park’s social, economic, architectural and political history. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 631-423- 1770.

Stories in Stone

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Stories in Stone: Celebrating Women’s History at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. Join the staff for a spring walking tour through St. John’s Memorial Cemetery. Get acquainted with some of cemetery’s permanent residents with a focus on Women’s History. For adults and kids ages 12 and over. $15 per person, $10 members. Registration required by visiting www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418.

Le Petit Salon de Musique concert

Back by popular demand! Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket presents a Le Petit Salon de Musique concert featuring virtuoso vocalists Ron and Julie Anne Meixsell, with pianist Doris Anne McMullen at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 students with ID, $10 children under 12 at the door (cash only) or in  advance at http://www.lepetitsalon.org/.  631-751-0297

Hallockville Museum Farm lecture

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead hosts a special Women’s History Month presentation, “Carrie’s Letters,” about the life of an East End farm wife and mother between the years of 1880 and 1910 at 2 p.m. Author Debby Warner Anderson will explain how the discovery of a shoebox of letters written by her great grandmother Carrie Warner of Baiting Hollow launched Debby on a journey through local history, family genealogy and a woman’s life on Long Island around the turn of the 19th century. Admission is free, but reservations are required at www.hallockville.org. 631-298-5292

Janice Buckner in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a “Seekers and Dreamers” concert by Janice Buckner at 3 p.m. Her cabaret performances feature original songs and poems, and interpretive renditions of a wide pallet of genres. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org

Ridotto Concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington presents a Ridotto concert featuring the East of the River Ensemble at 4 p.m. Titled Ija Mia: Music of the Sephardic People ‘Daughter of Mine’, the concert is a journey braiding the rich musical traditions of the Sephardic diaspora through North Africa and the Ottoman Empire. Infectious Eastern rhythms mix with the unique timbres of the instruments. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 members, $12 students. For reservations, call 631-385-0373, or email [email protected].

Jazz Rising Stars concert

Join St. John’s Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington for a Jazz Rising Stars — Next Generation Jazz Showcase celebrating live music and young artists at 5 p.m. featuring short sets of innovative jazz music by trombonist Sam Margolis and saxophonist Gabriel Nekrutman and their respective bands. Free tickets are available with registration at https://www.stjohnshuntington.org/concerts.

Monday March 31

Community Blood Drive

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, 50 Route 25A, Smithtown will hold a New York Blood Center blood drive in the Medical Office Building, Lower Level, from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. To make an appointment, visit www.nybc.org or call 631-469-0989.

Tuesday April 1

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a presentation by Saul Fathi who will talk about Nostradamus, the 16 th century
astrologer, physician, and reputed seer at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Healthy Cooking Class

St. Gerard Majella R.C. Church Parish Hall, 300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a free Healthy Cooking Class from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to make healthy spring meals with Cornell Cooperative Extention’s nutritionist Melek Baba. To register, call 631-473-2900.

Tap Into Soul at the Engeman

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with Tap Into Soul at 8 p.m. Solomon Jaye combines multi-octave vocals and world-class tap dancing with a soulful setlist of classic and contemporary hits. From James Brown to Al Green to Bruno Mars and  Ed Sheeran, this high-energy show blends music, dance, and surprise instrumental solos, transporting audiences from the 1950s to today. Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday April 2

Barnes & Noble Grand Opening

(Rescheduled from March 26) Join Barnes & Noble, 301 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station for a grand opening and ribbon cutting with special guest New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey at 9 a.m. followed by a book signing. For more information, call 631-350-5503.

Healthcare Enrollment Assistance

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Healthcare Enrollment Assistance event on Wednesday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Health & Welfare Council of Long Island’s certified Navigators will help you apply for health insurance. Includes Medicare Savings Program and Medicaid Application Assistance for the 65+, blind and disabled population. To make an appointment, call 516-505-4426. 

Starry Nights at SBU

The beloved Starry Nights concert series returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts’ Recital Hall 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 7 p.m., where the enchanting world of chamber music comes alive under the vision of artistic director Colin Carr, along with world-class musicians from the Stony Brook University Department of Music. The program will include works by Schubert, Schoenberg and Schulhoff and feature Colin Carr, cello, Jennifer Frautschi, violin and Matthew Lipman, viola. Tickets range from $49 to $56. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Thursday April 3

Game Night at the LIM

As a companion program to its Voices and Votes exhibition, the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents an American Experiments Game Night from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a series of games developed by the Smithsonian Institution. Drop in to view the exhibition and participate in meaningful discussions about ideas that are critical to our democracy, all in a fun and engaging format. Adults and children are welcome to stop by and play! Free admission.No registration required. 631-751-0066

Gallery North Art Reception

Gallery North , 90 North Country Road, Setauket invites the community to an opening reception for Lori Horowitz: Undergrowth from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition, which runs through May 11, features mixed media sculptures, reliefs, and photographs inspired by the study of the pristine and precious environment surrounding the artist’s home, and the cycles of nature and the social complexities that threaten the delicate balance. For more info, call 631-751-2676.

Audubon Society Lecture

Join Four Harbors Audubon Society for a Spring presentation, Paved Paradise: The Ecological Impacts of America’s Road System with guest speaker Ben Goldfarb,  via Zoom at 7 p.m. In his talk, Goldfarb will discuss the ecological harms wrought by transportation and the movement to redress them — and how we can create a better, safer world for all living beings. To register, visit www.4has.org.

Film

‘Facing the Wind’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with Facing the Wind at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson on March 27 at 7 p.m. The film examines the connection forged between two women as they care for their spouses stricken with Lewy Body dementia. Director Deirdre Fishel will join the post-film discussion in person with Cindy Morris of the Benson Agency. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only) or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

‘Home Court’

In partnership with Independent Lens, the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council will host an Indie Lens Pop-Up screening of the documentary Home Court by Erica Tanamachi at the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on April 1 at 7 p.m. The film traces the ascent of Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball prodigy whose life intensifies amid recruitment, injury, and triumph throughout her high school career. The screening will be followed by a panel of SBU and local high school athletes and coaches. Free but registration is required by visiting www.gpjac.org.

Made in Huntington Film Festival

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will host the Made in Huntington Film Festival at various times from April 3 to April 6. Explore 36 selections ranging from a Public Service Announcement, animation, a silent film, bundles of short subjects and multiple feature length films. Tickets are $20, $18 members. For the full schedule, visit www.madeinhuntington.com/screenings.

‘Man From Pretentia’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with Man From Pretentia, a tender portrait of “quirky” art dealer, Paul Bridgewater, who became a fixture of the Downtown NYC art scene, at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson on April 3 at 7 p.m. Followed by a Q&A with the director, Chih Hsuan Liang, and producer, Steve Zehentner. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only) or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

Theater

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. 

‘Menopause the Musical’

It’s back! Menopause the Musical returns to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown from March 15 to April 6. A hilarious celebration of women and The Change, this musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles. Tickets are $61.50, $56.50 seniors. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Ring of Fire’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show from March 1 to March 30. From the heart of the songs of singer-songwriter Johnny Cash  comes a unique musical show about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, home and family. The show captures America’s legendary Man in Black in an exhilarating, tuneful, foot-stomping celebration. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Waitress The Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Waitress The Musical from March 13 to April 27. Based on the 2007 movie, it tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. To order, call 631-261-2900 or go to www.engemantheater.com.

‘Into the Woods’

Lighthouse Theatre Company presents the Tony award-winning musical Into the Woods at St. James Episcopal Church, Mills Hall, 490 North Country Road, St. James on April 4 and April 5 at 8 p.m. and April 6 at 3 p.m. Stephen Sondheim’s masterful score soars in this poignant dark-comedy featuring all your favorite fairytale characters as you’ve never seen them before. Proceeds benefit Celebrate St. James. (CSJ). Tickets are $35 adults $30 seniors/veterans, $25 CSJ members and includes dinner and dessert. To order, visit lighthousetheatrecompany.com/tickets

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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Steven Musgrove

Steven Musgrove, a Prior Convicted Felon, Faces Up to 25 Years to Life in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 26 that Steven Musgrove, 29, of Selden, was found guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, after a jury trial for possessing a loaded and defaced firearm.

“A two-time felon with a loaded and defaced firearm in a bar after midnight is a clear and present danger to the public,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the bartender for quick thinking, as well as the members of the Suffolk County Police Department who recovered the gun and conducted a thorough investigation that led to the defendant’s arrest.”

The evidence at trial established that on March 22, 2024, Musgrove entered Shakers Pub in Oakdale just before it closed for the night and began having a conversation with the bartender. When a Suffolk County Police Department Sergeant entered Shakers Pub to conduct a routine check of the bar’s liquor license, Musgrove went to the other end of the bar and placed a loaded handgun in the trash before exiting the building. After Musgrove left, the bartender looked into the garbage can, saw the firearm, and alerted the Sergeant.

Law enforcement recovered a loaded and defaced black handgun with an extended magazine from inside the trash can.

Video surveillance from the bar showed Musgrove placing the handgun in the trash can. DNA testing also revealed the presence of Musgrove’s DNA on the firearm, the magazine, and an ammunition cartridge.

On March 26, 2025, Musgrove was found guilty of one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony, after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.

Prior to his conviction in this case, Musgrove was previously convicted of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony, in 2014, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, in 2017.

Musgrove was remanded following the verdict and is due back in court for sentencing on April 29, 2025, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Pierre Bazile, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kieran R. Rogers and Patrick J. Mullen of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective David Leath of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad. Significant assistance in the investigation was provided by Jeannie Miller and James Valenti of the Suffolk County Crime Lab and Research Analyst Brooke Baade of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

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Practice the art of weaving at the Walt Whitman Birthplace on March 29. Photo courtesy of Walt Whitman Birthplace
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on March 28, April 4, April 11 and April 18 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Bicycle Rodeo

Town of Brookhaven’s Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville presents a Bicycle Rodeo on March 29 from 8 a.m. to noon. This event encourages children to learn how to safely ride their bikes on our roadways, while in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants of all ages will be evaluated and given feedback on their own bicycle-handling abilities, after proper bicycle safety skills are demonstrated. Bring your bike and helmet. Free but by appointment only. Call 631-451-5335.

Little Artists Workshop 

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents a Little Artists Workshop on March 29 at 11:30 a.m. Artist Robert Stenzel will guide young creators in exploring the art of weaving in the style of the great American textile artist Anni Albers. Children will learn basic weaving techniques and experiment with textures and colors. For children in Pre-K through 4th grade. Cost is $20 per child. To register, visit www.waltwhitman.org.

Scavenger Hunt at the Hatchery

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents will hold a Scavenger Hunt on March 30 and March 31 form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complete the scavenger hunt by exploring the Fish Hatchery and solving the riddles. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Water Rockets

Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank presents a class on Water Rockets on March 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Learn how rockets fly, build a rocket out of a soda bottle, then go outside and launch it from our custom-built compressed air powered launch pad. You will take your rocket home, along with instructions to build your own launch pad. For ages 6 to 10. $20 per participant. To register, go to https://www.eventcreate.com/e/rockets25. For more information, call 631-852-4600.

Mommy/Daddy and Me

Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North Country Rd., Mount Sinai is sponsoring a Mommy/Daddy and Me program for children ages 0 to 12 months on April 3, April 10, April 17 and April  25 at 10 a.m. Fee is $100 for the four sessions. Please contact Kevin at [email protected] or call 631-473-1582 to register.

FILM

‘A LIttle Princess’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents The Little Princess on March 30 at noon. Sara Crewe is a wealthy, precocious and loving child who was raised in India, but is sent away to a New York boarding school by her beloved father when he must go off to war. But when he is declared “missing in action,” daddy’s little princess, alone and penniless, must use her inner resources of warmth, imagination and principles to overcome hardship. Based on the beloved Victorian-era novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and adapted by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Richard LaGravenese. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion ­as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Diary of  a Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B31.

‘Peter and the Wolf’

Tickets are on sale now for Peter and the Wolf at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook in the Recital Hall on March 30 at noon (3 p.m. performance is sold out). Gather the whole family for an immersive adventure as the Staller Center Outreach Ensemble brings Prokofiev’s beloved children’s classic to life! Conducted by Tommy Wu  and featuring musicians from the Stony Brook Department of Music. Tickets are $31 per person. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com

A Royal Princess Party: A Villainous Tale of Magic!

Tickets are now on sale for A Royal Princess Party: A Villainous Tale of Magic! at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown from April 12 to May 4. Just in time for Spring Break, the princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. We can’t wait to see who will show up – maybe some uninvited guests! Princesses, princes, and royal families of all ages are welcome to attend but must be with an adult at all times. Special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $17.50 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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Photo from Suffolk County Police

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on March 26 for selling cannabis products at a Huntington Station store.

Photo from Suffolk County Police

In response to numerous community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management Enforcement Unit, executed a search warrant at Joe Joe Convenience Store, located at 212 Depot Road, and seized Marijuana, THC Marijuana Vapes, Flavored Vape products, and money.

An employee of the store, Ahmed Fofana, 24, of New York, NY, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Cannabis, Sale of Cannabis without a License, Criminal Possession of Cannabis, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree.

The business was issued violations and was closed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management Enforcement Unit. The Town of Huntington was notified and is investigating. Fofana was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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From left, Deborah Pflieger, President, Board of Directors, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Brian Cabezas, Chief Operating Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Andrew Richards, LIREG; John McGuigan, CEO, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Ayse Bin Csalman; Director of Residential Services, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Christina Goerler, President, AHRC Suffolk Foundation; Mary Fu, Chief Advancement Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk surround Janice, one of nine residents of the Dix Hills home receiving the newly renovated kitchen. Photo courtesy of People's Arc
$25k project donated by the Long Island Real Estate Group
People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26 to celebrate the renovation of the kitchen at their Dix Hills Residence, which will enhance the daily lives of the intellectually and developmentally disabled residents who live there, offering a more functional and welcoming environment.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where people get together to share stories about their day,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “For the nine people who live here, this is where they get together. It’s an integral part of the program for them.”
The renovation took approximately three weeks and saw the installation of new dining room and kitchen floors, new recessed lights, baseboard covers, window moldings, blinds, countertops, cabinets, new refrigerators, paint, and a new flattop stove. The kitchen suffered from decades of wear, including scuffed countertops, uneven floors and aging plumbing.
“This is good because I can get around easier that way,” said Janice, a 30-year resident in the house, as she surveyed the new kitchen from her motorized wheelchair.
The renovation was made possible through the generous support of the Long Island Real Estate Group, which donated $25,000 for the project. The renovation exemplifies the power of community partnerships and the commitment of the Long Island Real Estate Group to making a positive impact.
“To see people in a home, happy, to make them more comfortable, is wonderful,” said Andrew Richards, member of the LI Real Estate Group. “It’s very personal. We care. A lot of us don’t have to deal with the challenges people in this program live with every day. To be able to make this happen is very important to us.”
People’s Arc of Suffolk says the next project is renovating the bathroom, for which they are seeking a similar philanthropic partner.
About People’s Arc of Suffolk
Formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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