Sneaky leprechauns visited Mt. Pleasant Elementary School kindergartners in Smithtown on St. Patrick’s Day. Students found a trail of gold dust, a bit of a mess and shiny gold coins along with a special message. Unfortunately, students found their leprechaun traps empty as they were unable to catch one. Better luck next year.
By Julianne Mosher
The Engeman’s latest production is as sweet as, well, pie.
Now on the main stage of the Northport-based theater, Waitress, written by Jessie Nelson with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, is based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 indie movie of the same name.
This production, however, was directed by Marc Tumminelli and stars an all-star cast that creates an atmosphere that will surely have you dancing in your seat.
The show starts off with Joe’s Diner. Three waitresses, Dawn (Kalea Leverette), Becky (Laraisha Dievelyn Dionne) and Jenna (Chessa Metz) slave away at the local joint off a highway in a small town. Dawn is a nerdy hopeless romantic who soon falls for Ogie (Matthew Dengler), while Becky is a strong-willed independent woman who has a secret (spoiler alert: it involves Cal (Adam Du Plessis), their boss).
But the biggest secret of all is that Jenna is pregnant by her terrible, deadbeat and abusive husband, Earl (Trevor St. John-Gilbert). Devastated, and unhappy, Jenna finds solace in making pies, just like she did with her late mother (Ashely Margaret Morton). And she’s good at it, even winning over old Joe (Gregory North), the diner’s owner, who is not a fan of much else.
Jenna heads to the OBGYN to confirm the pregnancy and there she meets Dr. Pomatter (Jack Cahill-Lemme) who she soon falls in love with. The two start an affair. From then on, we see the ups and downs of Jenna’s life as she tries to navigate her friendships, her unhappy marriage and the few things that bring her joy: sneaking around with Dr. Pomatter and imagining new, exotic pies, and planning her escape from this small town.
Each actor does a phenomenal job of bringing Shelley’s characters to life on the big stage. From the set design, which is made up to look like an old-school diner, to the costumes, you’ll truly believe you’re watching drama (with a dash of music and choreography mixed in) unfold over your own breakfast.
Metz shines bright as Jenna, with an amazing voice that literally wowed the audience as she held extended notes. The supporting cast, too, brings their own fun flair to the show like Dionne and Du Plessis’ hilarious, and surprising, chemistry and Leverette’s adorable quirkiness (that’s then matched by Dengler’s Ogie). You’ll even love to hate Earl. Even though he’s a bad guy, St. John-Gilbert’s portrayal of him is outstanding. Joe, who seems like you’d dislike the old man for his attitude, actually becomes a special character who makes your heart melt by the end of the show thanks to North’s talent.
But what was most fun to watch, though, was the fun Metz and Cahill-Lemme had together on stage. As Jenna and Dr. Pomatter, they were a perfect match.
So, let the theater whisk you away to a story that will make your heart feel good. Just like a warm piece of pie, Waitress is a sweet one.
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Waitress through April 27. The season continues with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific from May 15 to June 29 and Footloose the Musical from July 10 to August 24. For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
The U.S. Postal Service dedicated its latest Freshwater Fishing Lures stamps on March 13 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, MO.. The stamps showcase five popular lure designs through striking close-up photographs. Each has a unique history and has played a significant role in the evolution of fishing as a sport. From the earliest handmade wooden lures to swimbaits made of modern materials, there are countless freshwater lures available, each designed to meet the specific needs of the angler.
“With these stamps, the Postal Service celebrates the beauty and ingenuity behind some of America’s most successful lures,” said John DiPeri, USPS Western Region vice president. “As our design team would tell you, fitting subjects in such a tiny frame is no small feat. However, with their miniature size and design flourishes, fishing lures make ideal stamp subjects. Fish find each of these designs irresistible … and we think you will too.”
DiPeri was joined by representatives from the Johnny Morris Foundation, Bass Pro Shops and the fishing and conservation communities.
“We are truly honored to host this special stamp dedication at Wonders of Wildlife, celebrating the timeless tradition of fishing and the artistry behind these iconic lures,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation education at the Johnny Morris Foundation. “This event with the USPS is a wonderful way to showcase the legacy of angling to enthusiasts of all ages.”
“Fishing lures are more than just tools — they represent tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the great outdoors,” said Lee Beasley, campus director at Bass Pro Shops. “We’re thrilled to share this moment with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across the country.”
The lures “symbolize craftsmanship and sportsmanship — values we strive to instill in the next generation of anglers,” said JP Sell, director of the National Youth Fishing Association.
“I am so excited that the most participated in sport in America is getting a stamp,” said fishing guide Mike Webb, owner of Webb’s Guide Service.
Crankbaits, or plugs, are popular among anglers because they are relatively easy to use. They attract a variety of fish, including bass, walleye and pike. Their unique swimming action is generated by a plastic lip and curved body, which make the lures dive and wiggle just by reeling them in. Anglers tend to run these lures along the bottom, bouncing them off rocks, logs or other submerged structures.
An in-line spinner lure is made to mimic the movement of a swimming baitfish, attracting predator fish with a spinning blade and a weighted body that create vibration in the water. They often have tails dressed with feathers, animal hair or rubber skirting to attract bass, trout, pike and other species in shallow streams, deeper rivers and lakes.
Spoon lures have been around since the 1800s and are named for their concave shape. It is believed that a blacksmith in Vermont created the first spoon lure by sawing off the handle of a spoon and attaching a hook. Spoons have remained popular because their unique movement and glimmer under water are so effective at catching fish, especially bass, pike and trout.
Topwater lures are extremely popular and are designed to be fished on the surface of the water: Wakebaits use metal or plastic wings to create a commotion like the wake of a boat as they skim the surface. A popper has a concave face that creates a popping sound when it is pulled across the water.
Given the many choices open to anglers, there is truly a fishing lure for any occasion. Whether in lakes, streams or rivers, an angler can catch just about any fish if they have the right tools.
Every freshwater fishing lure has a unique history, and each has played a significant role in the evolution of fishing as a sport. From the earliest handmade wooden lures to swimbaits made of modern materials, there are countless freshwater lures available, each designed to meet the specific needs of the angler.
Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using original photographs by Sarah Cramer Shields.
The Freshwater Fishing Lures stamps come in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1 ounce price. News of the stamps are being shared with the hashtag #FishingLuresStamps.
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.
By Beverly C. Tyler
Just before the turn of the 20th century, the Three Village area presented a vastly different appearance than it does now. The shipbuilding era ended three decades before and the industries that manufactured pianos and rubber goods had come and gone. The community had only the tourist trade and some coastwise shipping and fishing to supplement the farming that had been its backbone since 1655.
The roads through the villages were unpaved and in the late winter the narrow streets would be rutted and muddy. When it rained it was sometimes difficult, often impossible, for a horse and carriage to travel the loam and clay roads. Where the roadway passed near an underground spring it was also often flooded. Traveling by foot was more common than today and a necessity when the roads were impassable.
The local area had fewer homes and they were often unpainted. The older shingle-covered houses presented a light gray, somewhat drab appearance as they stood alongside the uneven winding roadways.
Farms dominated the landscape through the early years of the 20th century and the fields were occasionally broken by small areas of woodland or meadow and by orchards of apple trees.
Throughout the 19th century trees were cut to be used as firewood. Most of this wood was cut into cords and shipped to New York City to heat the many homes there. The areas where the trees were cut down were cleared of stumps, plowed and planted. Some fields were left as meadow for grazing or to recover from too many years of farming. In most places you could look from wherever you stood to where the field disappeared over a hill. The view would be broken only by a house or a small stand of trees.
The hamlet of East Setauket consisted of a group of small stores and a few homes. Surrounding the small village were fields and meadows sloping gently down to the harbor. The creek that still runs under the road divided the little commercial area almost in half and was crossed by a narrow wooden bridge that provided an unobstructed view of the stream below.
At the east end of the village, on the south side of the road, were three homes belonging to members of the Jones family. Two of the homes, still standing in their original locations just east of the Three Village Church, belonged to Captain Benjamin Jones and his brother, Walter Jones, Jr., sons of Walter Jones, Sr. and Charity Smith Jones.
Benjamin had been master of many ships including the “Mary and Louisa” which was built in Setauket and which sailed on a three-year voyage to China and Japan while he was her captain. Walter and Charity’s home, known as Old Shinglesides, was built in 1754 and was bought in 1760 by Ebenezer Jones, Walter’s father. Walter lived there from the time he was married on Jan. 28, 1824 until he died on March 23, 1877. As detailed in the Three Village Guidebook, “the house was called the Mansion House by members of the Jones family because it was the home of Walter, Sr., the then patriarch of the clan.”
In 1895, Charity Smith Jones, then in her 90th year, was still living in the home where she raised her family. The Mansion House was still an impressive structure both inside and out. The kitchen included a brick oven and a black settle. The dining room and sitting room were both lined with wainscoting. The sitting room included deep window seats, a number of cozy chairs and a big fireplace. The parlor, across the entry hall from the sitting room, was elegantly paneled on the ceiling and three walls with a large fireplace on the west wall. Sitting in this parlor, Charity Jones was described in an article in Popular Monthly as, “a sweet-faced old lady who is the pink of antique perfection from her spotless black cloth slippers to the white handkerchief over her head.” In the article she talked about her life. “I was born in 1806, and Captain Jones brought me to this house when I was a bride of eighteen. That was in 1824, and the house was just as old then as it is now. Yes,” she adds, with a snap of pride in the faded eyes, “I have lived in this house bride, wife and widow for seventy years, and when Captain Jones died he left it all to me.”
The Mansion House stood on its original site until 1962 when it was moved to make room for the construction of the post office (now Elaines restaurant). Restored by Ward Melville, the house now sits comfortably along Gnarled Hollow Road overlooking a small pond. Charity Jones died on Aug. 11, 1897 in the 92nd year of her life. She is buried in the Setauket Presbyterian Church graveyard in company with many other, even older, local residents.
Beverly Tyler is Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket, NY 11733. Tel: 631-751-3730. www.TVHS.org
By Benjamin William Stephens
Children and adults at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson came together on March 17 to shave their heads as part of an annual St. Baldrick’s event to raise money to donate to cancer research.
Kyle Martin, 17, a student at the high school had been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 7. While he was lucky enough that his cancer went into remission within a year of his diagnosis, the experience was very impactful for him. His mother, Melissa Martin, said that they didn’t really know how significant St. Baldrick’s was until one of his friends shaved their head in his honor while he had been sick with cancer. Eventually, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation reached out to Kyle Martin during his battle with cancer marking the start of their relationship.
Inspired by his clash with cancer, Kyle approached John Ruggero, the principal, in 2022 with the idea of creating an annual St. Baldrick’s event at the school where students and teachers could volunteer to have their heads shaved to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
Since then, the school has held a St. Baldrick’s event every year. “Our first year was like $2,000, at this point today we’re at 21 grand so it’s pretty amazing. Every year we try and make it bigger and bigger” Melissa Martin said. Kyle said “it’s sad to see how many people have a relationship with cancer . . . I think it’s great that younger kids are being able to understand what cancer is because when I had cancer I had almost no clue what it was.”
Robert Farenga, a Spanish and computer science teacher who had his head shaved at the event said what he thinks it means for children with cancer. “I want them to know that we support them and that they’re not alone.”
Kathleen Starke, a second-grade elementary school teacher at Andrew Muller Primary School in Miller Place who had been Kyle’s teacher while he had cancer, was also present at the event. Starke spoke of how when Kyle had been too sick to go to school she would go to his house every day after school to teach him one on one. “He’d meet me at the front door with a smile.” she said. “It makes me so proud of him like it just shows the kind of character he has, just such strength to go through everything he’s gone through and to come out this smiling happy brave little boy,” she said.
Benjamin William Stephens is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
By David Dunaief, M.D.
As I wrote last week, exercise is not the sole solution for weight loss. However, it can improve our outcomes with diseases and other health issues. It may also play a significant role in altering how our genes express themselves. The list of conditions it can improve includes diabetes, kidney stones, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and breast, colorectal and endometrial cancers (1).
Even knowing all the positive impacts, motivating yourself to exercise can be difficult. There are some simple ways to motivate yourself during exercise. One study showed that those who repeated positive mantras to themselves during exercise were able to continue for longer periods (2).
Why is this so important? Because we are too sedentary. According to data from the 2017-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, New York had among the highest levels of physical inactivity in the U.S., at 25.9 percent of the population (3).
Can exercise alter your genes?
While it may not change our genes, exercise may change how our genes express themselves.
One study’s results showed that, when participants exercised for six months, many thousands of genes in fat cells were affected (4). During the study, previously sedentary men took a one-hour spin class twice a week. According to the researchers, this exercise affected genes involved in storing fat and in risk for subsequent diabetes and obesity development. The participants also improved other important health metrics, including cholesterol, blood-pressure, fat percent and, over time, waist circumferences.
Epigenetics is when lifestyle changes ultimately lead to changes in how genes express themselves, turning genes on and off. While this effect has been shown with dietary changes, this is one of the first studies to show that exercise also impacts our genes. It took only six months to see these numerous gene changes with a modest amount of cardiovascular exercise.
Need more inspiration? Another study showed considerable gene changes in muscle cells after one stationary bike workout (5). Yet another introduced six weeks of endurance exercise to healthy, but sedentary, young men and identified an abundance of genetic changes to skeletal muscle, which broadly affects physical and cognitive health (6).
How does exercise affect cardiovascular disease?
One meta-analysis examined 57 studies that involved drugs and exercise. It showed similar mortality benefits with statins and exercise for patients who already have coronary heart disease (7). Both statins and exercise reduced the risk of mortality by similar amounts. The same study also showed that, for those with pre-diabetes, it didn’t matter whether they took metformin or exercised — each had the same effect.
While these results are exciting, don’t change your medication without consulting your physician.
Exercise and kidney stone prevention
Passing a kidney stone can be excruciating. Most treatments involve taking pain medication and fluids and just waiting for the stone to pass. Honestly, the best way to treat kidney stones is to prevent them.
The Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study involved 84,000 postmenopausal women, the population most likely to suffer from kidney stones. It found exercise reduced kidney stone risk by as much as 31 percent (8). Even better, exercise intensity did not alter its beneficial effect. What mattered more was exercise quantity. One hour of jogging or three hours of walking got the top results; however, lesser amounts of exercise also saw substantial reductions.
Exercise can have strong influences on the way you feel; however, it may also influence your genes’ expression and, ultimately, affect the development and prevention of disease. In certain circumstances, it may be as powerful as medications and, in combination, can pack a powerful punch.
References:
(1) JAMA. 2009;301(19):2024. (2) Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013 Oct 10. (3) cdc.gov. (4) PLoS Genet. 2013 Jun;9(6):e1003572. (5) Cell Metab. 2012 Mar 7;15(3):405-11. (6) Mol Metab. 2021 Nov;53:101290. (7) BMJ. 2013; 347. (8) JASN. 2013;24(3):p 487-497.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.
The Middle Country Public Library has announced it will host “Dazzling Lights: A pop-up exhibit,” on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, from 1 p.m. 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.
Harry & David, the gourmet food brand known for its premium products and artisanal gift baskets, opened a new brick and mortar retail store in Huntington Station on March 6.
Located at 37 West Jericho Turnpike, next to the store operated by its parent company, 1-800-Flowers.com, the boutique storefront is the only one on Long Island and is committed to offering customers “a one-of-a-kind, in-person shopping experience and last-minute gifting options,” according to a press release.
Cheryl’s Cookies, renowned for their buttercream frosted cookies, will also be featured at the shop. This marks the first time Cheryl’s will have a retail store presence on the East Coast.
The Huntington location will feature a curated selection of Harry & David and Cheryl’s Cookies signature items, including Royal Riviera® pears and other premium fruit, gourmet food and wine, Moose Munch® premium popcorn, Scharffen Berger® chocolates, English muffins from Wolferman’s Bakery, seafood from Vital Choice and an assortment of gift baskets.
In addition to offering fan favorites, the store will host a variety of special events throughout the year, including exclusive product tastings, seasonal promotions, and interactive experiences designed to delight food lovers of all ages. The company also offers in-store discounts for AAA members, veterans and their families, and Senior Tuesdays.
“We are thrilled to open a community store on the east coast and especially in Long Island,” Jim McCann, CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com, said in a statement.
“This store embodies the legacy and spirit of our brand allowing us to foster connections with our customers in a more personal and meaningful way, creating shared experiences that bring the community together,” he said.
Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-485-8970 or visit www.harryanddavid.com.
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
“Have a nice death. See you tomorrow.” This single line captures the plot, theme, and tone of Mickey 17, writer-director Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up to his award-winning film Parasite.
Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7 was among NPR’s Best Sci-Fi Books of 2022 and was nominated for Best Science Fiction Book by Goodreads. Now, Bong Joon Ho brings the novel to the big screen in an epic adaptation titled Mickey 17. The first-rate cast features Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
In the year 2054, sad sack Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) and his friend, the opportunist Timo (Yeun), are pursued by a vicious loan shark. The pair decide to escape Earth, signing up for a four-and-a-half-year voyage to Niflheim, a planet colonizing under the rule of the failed multi-millionaire politician Kenneth Marshall (Ruffalo). The unskilled Timo finagles a position as a shuttle pilot. Conversely, the doubt-plagued Mickey signs on as an “Expendable.”
Using a cloning technique banned on Earth, Mickey is subjected to experiments and fatal assignments to make the new planet habitable. After he dies, he is literally reprinted, including uploading his memories and personality traits. (The visual printing is one of the film’s most memorable visuals.) Along the way, Mickey develops a relationship with Nasha Barridge (Ackie), a strong-willed, free-spirited security agent.
The complications come when Timo erroneously reports Mickey 17’s death, unaware that the planet’s indigenous lifeforms, Creepers, rescued Mickey 17. Unknowingly, the scientists generate Mickey 18, the brashest and most aggressive Mickey. This mistake generates the forbidden “Multiples” situation. The dual Mickeys introduce an element of farce into this hybrid of dark comedy, science fiction, horror, and satire.
Robert Pattinson departs from his usual leading man persona for Mickey 17. The fatally passive titular clone is the definition of the little man lost in society, almost blithely accepting his fate. He is a man who signed away his life without reading the contract. Mickey 18 is closer to Pattinson’s usual undertakings, the curled, lipped, sexually charged bad boy. Pattinson adeptly creates two visually identical but wholly contrasting characters.
At the center of the film is the buffoonish but appallingly dangerous leader, the egomaniacal and photo-op-obsessed Marshall. Easily manipulated by his underlings and his diabolical wife (Collette), Ruffalo embodies the danger and idiocy of an oligarchical politician with too much power and money and very little brain power. The performance is a hilarious horror, as the fascist clown spews white supremacist hate speech aimed specifically at Niflheim’s resident Creepers. Collette matches Ruffalo, all blazing eyes and sharpened talons, whispering in his ear like a demented Lady MacB.
The entire cast is effective, alternating the comedic with the callous. Ackie exudes a rough charm as the daring and audacious Barridge. Yeun brings an off-handed charm to the morally bankrupt Timo. Even Patsy Ferran, as scientist Dorothy, creates dimension in one of the few caring team members.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji and production designer Fiona Crombie perfectly complement each other, capturing the overdeveloped Earth, the dark, cramped spaceship and colony quarters, and the bleak tundra of Niflheim. Bong and his frequent collaborator, Jang Hee-chul, designed the Creepers, which are simultaneously adorable and repellent.
Bong makes clear commentary with Marshall’s pejorative orations on a white master race, the eradication of the native Creepers, and acceptable scientific experimentation on people who are “expendable.” The presence of Marshall’s followers in their red baseball caps is a pointed statement; depending on one’s leanings, this is either the film’s strength or flaw. Mickey 17’s lack of subtlety often pushes the film from social satire into spoof.
Like with Parasite, Bong proves he is a master of bold cinematic strokes and unusual and exceptional focus. However, unlike its Academy Award-winning predecessor, Mickey 17 has excess in both grotesquerie and running time. If Bong did not surpass his masterpiece, Mickey 17 offers a bleak, often brutally funny, and ultimately engaging film.
Rated R, the film is now playing in local theaters.
By Sabrina Artusa
Veterans and members of the American Federation of Government Employees assembled Friday, March 14, in front of the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center to protest cuts to the federal workforce, particularly in relation to veteran services.
According to a March 5 video statement from the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, the department aims to decrease staff by 15%. Currently, the department employs 470,000 people, according to Collins, which he aims to get down to the 2019 level of 399,957. “The federal government does not exist to employ people. It exists to serve people,” Collins said.
“In response to President Trump’s (R) Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative, VA is conducting a department-wide review of its organization, operations and structure,” he said. This includes eliminating “not mission critical” contracts.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits and health care through VA medical centers in addition to access to housing loans and grants, educational programs and support the transition back to civilian life.
The VA centers cater to the unique needs of veterans, both mentally and physically. AFGE Local 1843 President Bob Dennis attended the rally, “The doctors are familiar with their cases, They love coming to the place because they know they will get the care they deserve.”
AFGE represents some of the employees of the VA center. He said for years the medical experts have endured long hours and short staffing. In fact, he said in the past, the goal was to grow and advertise the services of the VA.
“Our big goal was to grow,” he said. “We used to send out a medical unit that could be driven … so we would go to other places and the veterans would know we are coming to support them with patient care.”
In his statement, Dennis asserted that cuts would not diminish veteran care but eradicate unnecessities.
Dennis has spoken with some officials, like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) whom he says recognized the threat embedded in cuts.
“We are trying to get the best thing we can possibly get for our nation’s heroes,” Dennis said. “We protect the people that deserve to be protected. We want to honor our veterans. And that is one thing we won’t change.”
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