Authors Posts by Heidi Sutton

Heidi Sutton

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Irish Apple Cake

By Heidi Sutton

Whether your shamrock spirit leads you out for a local St. Patrick’s Day parade or you’re more of a stay-at-home leprechaun, there is one tradition all can agree on: delicious Irish food. 

Serve with Sweet Irish Soda Bread and share a sweet way to complete the meal in style with Irish Apple Cake, a classic dessert to top off a filling celebration. This version is easy enough to prepare with a handful of everyday ingredients for the cake, a crumbly topping and homemade custard for the finishing touch, courtesy of Family Features.

Sweet Irish Soda Bread

Sweet Irish Soda Bread

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

4 tablespoons butter melted

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

4 cups self-rising flour

1 cup currants or raisins

2 tablespoons sanding sugar optional

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 375 F. Mix melted butter and sugar then add buttermilk. Mix in flour and currants (or raisins). Flour hands and counter. Add sanding sugar to dough, if desired, and knead into ball. Grease small Dutch oven or pie plate and bake 40 minutes. 

Irish Apple Cake

Irish Apple Cake

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Cake:

3 cups self-rising flour

1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1 stick butter cubed

3/4 cup sugar

4 apples of choice peeled and cubed

2 eggs

1 cup half-and-half

Topping:

1/2 stick butter

3/4 cup flour

1 cup brown sugar

Custard:

6 large egg yolks

6 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

2 teaspoons vanilla 

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease and flour 9-inch round springform pan. In large bowl, sift flour with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger. Using fork, cut butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Add sugar and apples; mix well. Stir in eggs and half-and-half until mixture reaches thick, dough-like batter. Pour batter into prepared pan.

To make topping: In bowl, mix butter, flour and sugar to create crumbled mixture. Sprinkle on top of batter in pan. Bake 1 hour. Check with toothpick to make sure middle is completely done. If not, bake 5-10 minutes. Let cool on rack.

To make custard: Whisk egg yolks and sugar. In saucepan, bring half-and-half to boil. Add one spoonful half-and-half at a time to egg mixture, whisking while adding. Once whisked together, return to saucepan and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla. Serve custard over cake.

Make a work of art out of recycled materials at Emma Clark Library's Crafternoon on March 15.
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 14, 21 and 28 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

Growing Up Wild

Town of Brookhaven continues its Spring nature programs with Growing Up Wild at Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai on March 15 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Children ages 3 to 6 along with a parent/caregiver will explore nature through stories and activities. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].

Wildlife Wonders

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Wildlife Wonders: Clever Creatures for ages 2 to 4 on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt on March 15, 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complete a scavenger hunt by exploring the Hatchery and solving the riddles. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Little Artists Workshop 

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents a Little Artists Workshop on March 15 at 11:30 a.m. Artist Robert Stenzel will guide young creators in exporing the magic of geometry in art. Using treats and toothpicks, children will build their own Buckminster Fuller-inspired structures from decahedrons to domes! For children in Pre-K through 4th grade. Cost is $20, $15 for members. To register, visit www.waltwhitman.org

Luck O’ The Dolphins Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Luck O’ The Dolphins Workshop on March 15 at noon and again at 2 p.m. Discover the heartwarming story of Fungie, a wild dolphin who became the lucky mascot of a small village in Ireland. Design a lucky dolphin shrink-art keychain charm. No registration required. Admission fee plus $10 per participant.

Crafternoon at the LIbrary

Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on March 15 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Create a work of art using recycled materials. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected].

Sunday Funday: Ssssensational Ssssnakes

Slither on over to Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown to see a selection of several ssssensational serpents on March 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will meet several snakes and learn about their unique adaptations through games and other participatory activities. Create a cool snake craft to take home. Best for families with children ages 3 to 10. Fee is $15 per child, $5 for adults. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its  Storytime Under the Stars series on March 16 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 17 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Spring Rock Painting

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket presents a Spring Rock Painting workshop on March 18 for children ages 3 to 12 with a grown-up. Stop in anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. to decorate rocks to jazz up your garden this spring. No registration required. Bring a friend! Questions? Email [email protected].

Stormy Weather

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Stormy Weather on March 19 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Celebrate Spring!

Celebrate the Spring Equinox with the Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society at Cold Spring Harbor Library, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor on March 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come learn about what our local birds and other native animals do in springtime. Make a fun craft and go for a walk in the woods, weather permitting. For ages 5 to 10 with a caregiver. Free but registration is a must by calling Tess at 631-896-2872.

Growing Green

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Growing Green, on March 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts with a parent/caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on www.eventbrite.com.

THEATER

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Catch a performance of ‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’ at Theatre Three this weekend. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc

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

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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TAPPING INTO TOWN The Syncopated Ladies bring their fierce footwork to the Staller Center at Stony Brook University on March 14
Thursday March 13

Nina Et Cetera in Concert

Northport Arts Coalition presents Nina Et Cetera in concert at the Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport at 7 p.m. The band celebrates traditional American music while performing songs by Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, Hank Williams, Lead Belly, and Patsy Cline as well as original tunes. Open to all. To register, call 631-261-6930.

RP Historical Society Lecture

The Rocky Point Historical Society will present a talk by Christopher Verga at the VFW, 109 King Road, Rocky Point from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Verga is the author of seven books on Long Island history topics, including “Civil Rights on Long Island.” All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. 

The Parlor of Mystery

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents an evening of magic and wonder with The Parlor of Mystery at 8 p.m. This captivating show promises an unparalleled experience that combines mind-bending illusions, jaw-dropping magic, and side-splitting comedy. Featuring Jim Vines, TJ Tana and host Mike Maione. Tickets are $40. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Friday March 14

Brain Injury Awareness Presentation

In conjunction with Brain Injury Awareness Day, New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Road, Centereach will  host a presentation by The Social Brain from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come hear from Traumatic Brain Injury survivors, caregivers and professions in the field along with special presentations. Light refreshments will be served. Free. For more information, call 631-793-4311.

Port Jefferson Free Library’s Teen Center grand opening

Port Jefferson Free Library’s staff and Board of Trustees invites the community to visit the new Teen Center located at 205 East Main Street in Port Jefferson (the former Scented Cottage store) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tour the renovated 1812 Bayles House, meet the staff and learn about the programs, services and collections housed in their new space. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. Activities and refreshments will be ongoing throughout the night, and through the open house on Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-509-5707.

WinterTide Concert 

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Paddy Cullivan in concert from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of its WinterTide series. A unique one-man show direct from Ireland, Paddy presents political and aesthetic narratives from past and present in a new and exciting way, incorporating songs, imagery and a unique, passionate insight. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.gpac.org or at the door if available. Sponsored by St. Charles Hospital and Greater Port Jeff-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council. 631-473-5220

Sip & Paint: Starry Night

Experience a night of creativity and relaxation at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station with Sip & Paint: Starry Night Edition a 7 p.m. Under the guidance of Director Caitlyn Shea, you’ll paint your own version of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” on a margarita glass. $35 per person,, $30 members. To RSVP, visit www.waltwhitman.org.

Symphony Orchestra Concert

The Northport Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Eric Mahl, will present the second concert of its 2024-2025 season at Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport at 8 p.m.. The concert will feature Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, Jubilee, from the Symphonic Sketches by George Chadwick, the Montgomery Variations by Margaret Bonds, and the Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven. Tickets are $15 at the door. www.northportsymphony.org.

‘One Lucky Night’ Fundraiser

Melville Lions Club invites the community to their 4th annual “One Lucky Night” fundraiser at the American Legion, 1 Mill Dam Road, Huntington from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $75 per person and includes a buffet dinner, wine, beer, soda, $200 in player chips and raffle prizes. Proceeds will benefit local charities and families in need. For advanced tickets, call 631-885-2536.

Grounds and Sounds Concert

Grounds and Sounds Cafe, UUFSB, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts a concert featuring Mike Meehan and the Lucky Ones! at 8:15 p.m. The show begins with an Open Mic at 7:30 p.m. (signup at 7 p.m.); the main act goes on at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, available in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door. For more information, call 631-751-0297.

Syncopated Ladies head to SBU

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents a Main Stage performance by the Syncopated Ladies at 8 p.m. featuring cutting-edge choreography and inspiring stories — a celebration of sisterhood through the power of tap! Tickets range from $47 to $66. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Saturday March 15

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Winter Water Walk from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Observe winter waterfowl, explore the beach, and also learn about ponds on this 4 mile walk to and from the water. Bring binoculars! Adults only. $4 per person. Pre-registration required by calling 631-423-1770.

Polar Plunge and Breakfast

Time to take the plunge! Hope House Ministries presents the 2nd annual Polar Bear Plunge and Breakfast fundraiser at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 11 a.m. followed by a hot breakfast, photo booth and fellowship at 11:30 a.m. Check-in is at 10 a.m.  Registration fee is $50. Sign up at www.hhm.org.

Irish Luck on the Farm

Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown presents its annual Irish Luck on the Farm from noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate Irish heritage with an afternoon on the farm! Activities include Irish step-dancing, live music, a bonfire, food and craft vendors, children’s activities and more! Rain date is March 16. Tickets are $7 per person (children under the age of 3 are free) at www.eventbrite.com or at the door. 631-265-6768

St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. James Chamber of Commerce presents the 40th annual St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. The parade will step off along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn Avenue to the viewing stand in front of the gazebo ending just before St James Elementary School, rain or shine. Featuring scouts, dance troupes, pipe bands, school bands, floats, fire trucks and more. The grand marshal will be Robert J. Murphy. Rain date is March 22. 631-584-8510

Wilderness Survival Workshop

The Vanderbilt Museum 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Wilderness Survival Series with Ranger Eric Powers and Mike Evans today at 2 p.m. and runs  once a month through July 12. Each workshop focuses on specific skills such as making cordage, shelter building, purifying water, and toolmaking. Perfect for those starting their survival skills journey or looking to deepen existing skills. $50 per person, $45 members. To reserve your spot, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Honey Harvest Get-Together

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead will host an afternoon of honeybee education and honey harvesting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Master Beekeeper Chris Kelly of Promise Land Apiaries will explain the wondrous work of honeybees and will harvest and bottle honey taken directly from Hallockville’s hives. Participants will be invited to assist with the process and get to take home a four-ounce jar of honey. Light refreshments will be served. $50 per person, $40 members. To register, visit www.hallockville.org.

Basket Auction Fundraiser

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 315 Lake Shore Road, Lake Ronkonkoma hosts a Basket Auction fundraiser for its Playtime Preschool Program at 5 p.m. Drawing starts at 7 p.m. $10 admission includes one sheet of tickets. Food and snacks available. For more information, call 631-588-1888.

Line Dancing Fundraiser

Join the Northport Chorale for their annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Line Dancing!” at Christ Lutheran Church, 189 Burr Road, East Northport from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a hot and cold buffet, dessert table, raffles,“Baskets-By-Rachel’,” 50/50, line dancing and a pre-St. Patty’s Day old fashioned Irish sing-a-long to finish the evening. Tickets are $35 per person. To order, please call 631-754-3144.

Night at the Races

Moose Lodge #1379, 37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mt. Sinai will hold a Night At the Races benefit from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring real races and bets, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, big money wheel, cash bar and a corned beef and cabbage dinner. $25 per person. Proceeds benefit Mather Hospital’s Fortunato Breast Health Center. For tickets, call Pat at 631-639-0482.

Irish Comedy Night

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown in partnership with Governor’s Comedy Clubs presents an Irish Comedy Night at 8 p.m. Featuring Sean Donnelly, Terry McNeely, Debbie D’Amore and Nick Maloney. Tickets are $40 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Sunday March 16

The Women of Music

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a free concert, The Women of Music, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mary Sollitto and Jim Kanellos will delight you with show stopping hits by musical artists you know and love including  songs by Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Carole King, and more. Open to all. To reserve your seat, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.

MP-RP St. Pat’s Parade

The Friends of St. Patrick will host the  73rd annual  Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. sharp. The 2.8-mile parade starts at Harrison Avenue and Route 25A in Miller Place and then finishes at Broadway in Rocky Point. This year’s Co-Grand Marshals will be John and Raymond O’Sullivan. www.thefriendsofstpatrick.com

Northport Walking Tour

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Historic Main Street Walking Tour at 1:30 p.m. Travel back in time with historian Dan Sheehan as you hear the stories of the people and landmarks that helped shape Northport, including Jack Kerouac, the Northport Oyster Barons, Rum Runners and the Trolley. Tickets are $15, $12 members at www.northporthistorical.org.

Center Moriches St. Pat’s Parade

Center Moriches’ 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Center Moriches at 2 p.m. The parade begins on Lake Avenue and ends at Railroad Avenue. This year’s Grand Marshal is Mark Danowski. www.moricheschamber.org. 

Farmingdale St. Pat’s Parade

Farmingdale presents its 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 2 p.m. The parade steps off at Northside Elementary School and proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. This year’s Grand Marshal is Cheryl Parisi. 516-286-7800 

LITMA Contradance

Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 East Main St., Smithtown will host a LITMA Contradance at 2 p.m. Basic instruction will be held at 1:45 p.m. Bob Isaacs will call and the band for the dance will be The LITMA Contra Band featuring a mix of Scottish, Irish, English and American tunes. $15 general admission, $10 members, $7.50 students, children under 16 free with paid adult, 631-369-7854

Chuck Silverstein in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Chuck Silverstein and His Fertile Imagination from 3 to 4 p.m. self-described as Quasi Pseudo Psycho Ragtime Americana Folk Rap with just a little bit of Dime-store Philosophy in every song. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org

Monday March 17

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday March 18

Community Blood Drive

Local Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville will host a community blood drive from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. by the New York Blood Center. To make an appointment at donate.nybc.org or just drop in. For more information, call 631-256-7532.

Swing Into Spring Jazz Festival

The Jazz Loft’s Swing Into Swing Festival 2025 kicks off today and runs through March 22 with opportunities to hear live Jazz music throughout the community at five local restaurants in the Stony Brook/East Setauket area. Local restaurants featuring live jazz include: Bliss, located at 766 Route 25A in East Setauket; Elaine’s, located at 316 Main Street in East Setauket; The Country House, located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook; Madiran, located at 209 Route 25A in East Setauket; and Schnitzels, located at 77 Main Street in Stony Brook. The five-day music festival will also feature concert performances at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook including a Community Jazz Night with Carl Safina, Rod Borrie and John Ronconi on March 18; Bakithi Kumalo Ensemble on March 20;  the Mitch Marcus Quintet on March 21 and Frank Vignola and his Birdland Quintet on March 22.  For the full festival schedule, visit www.thejazzloft.org.

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a concert by singer/guitarist Alex Alexander at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Travel Presentation Club meeting

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will host a meeting of the Travel Presentation Club at 7 p.m. Dr. Frank Shih will make a presentation entitled “ The Singapore Success Story: From Underdevelopment to Economic Prosperity.” All are welcome. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Wednesday March 19

Swing Into Spring Jazz Festival

See March 18 listing.

Hard Luck Cafe Concert

The Hard Luck Café concert series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre (423 Park Avenue, Huntington) continues tonight in the Cinema’s Sky Room from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A multimedia Tribute to Those We’ve Lost, the concert will feature two-dozen Long Island-based artists who will perform songs by/popularized by notable songwriters and recording artists who left our world over the past year. Tickets are $20 ($15 for CAC/FMSH members) and may be purchased at cinemaartscentre.org or at the box office.

Thursday March 20

Swing Into Spring Jazz Festival

See March 18 listing.

Lunch and Learn

Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch and Learn series at Red Restaurant, 417 New York Ave., Huntington from noon to 2 p.m. as Tara Rider will present “The Witchcraft Trial of Goody Garlick.” The most famous American witch-hunt began in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts. Yet, more than three decades before that notorious event, Long Island had its very own witchcraft trial — the trial of Goody Garlick! $55 per person, $45 members includes a gourmet two-course meal and dessert. Cash bar available. For tickets, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Spring Bingo

The Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai will hold a free bingo event sponsored by The Bristal of Mt. Sinai from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bingo cards will be provided. Open to Town of Brookhaven residents age 60 and older. Free. To register, call 631-451-5312.

Film

‘Every Little Thing’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with Every Little Thing at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson on March 13 at 7 p.m. Filmmaker Sally Aiken profiles bird rehabilitator Terry Masear, who has devoted her life to saving and protecting hummingbirds in the Los Angeles area. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Terry Masear, Dr. Carl Safina, Patricia Paladines, and Dr. Maria Bowling. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only) or in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

‘Here’

Join Comsewogue Public LIbrary, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a screening of Here starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright on March 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. To reserve your spot, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.

‘A Man with Sole’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson on March 20 at 7 p.m. which chronicles the rise of renowned fashion entrepreneur, Kenneth Cole, from his scrappy start selling shoes through to his current day success. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Director Dori Berinstein. 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. See review on page B12.

‘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. See what more than 15 million women and fans worldwide have been laughing about for over 20 years. 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.

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

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

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

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

CALENDAR DEADLINE  is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.

 

Photo courtesy of Avelo Airlines

By Heidi Sutton

Beginning in May, Long Islanders will have even more options to fly the friendly skies.

Avelo Airlines announced on March 11 that the Houston-based airline will begin offering non-stop flights from Islip’s MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma to Charlotte, North Carolina (Concord-Padgett Regional Airport) beginning May 22; and to Wilmington, North Carolina (Coastal Carolina Wilmington International Airport) beginning June 12 with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays.

The airline also announced that it will offer non-stop flights from MacArthur Airport to Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida starting June 12 also with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays.

One-way introductory fares start at $59*,  according to the press release. Avelo will operate these routes utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircrafts. Travelers can book at AveloAir.com.

“We are so excited to welcome Avelo Airlines and value their focus on serving smaller, more convenient airports like Islip’s Long Island MacArthur Airport,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter in a statement. “Avelo will fly from hassle-free ISP to other easy airport alternatives in Charlotte, Central Florida, and Wilmington, NC. Long Island residents love the convenience of their hometown airport and now they will enjoy a similar customer experience traveling on Avelo to popular destinations while skipping large airports,” she said.

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “We’re excited to bring our reliable, convenient, and affordable service to New York and Long Island. Traveling to Central Florida, Charlotte and Wilmington will never be easier, convenient or more affordable. We also look forward to welcoming travelers from these three popular destinations to the New York-Long Island region. We are very proud of the presence Avelo has established in the Northeast and we are very excited about the addition of ISP to this important region.”

“We’ve been working hard for several years to bring Avelo to Long Island MacArthur Airport as we felt we met their key criteria of providing a smoother, easier, and more enjoyable air travel experience without the crowds, congestion and long waits at larger airports,” said Long Island MacArthur Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken.

Since taking flight in April 2021, Avelo has flown more than 6.3 million Customers on over 50,000 flights. Today Avelo serves 56 cities spanning 23 states and Puerto Rico, as well as four international destinations: Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

With a motto to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money, “Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice, and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Most Avelo routes have at least one small, easy to use airport. This makes traveling with Avelo a smoother, easier and more enjoyable experience than contending with the crowds, congestion and long walks at larger airports,” read the release.

In 2024, Avelo ranked #1 in on-time performance and achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry. The airline offers an abundance of advanced seating options. One third of its aircraft seats (Avelo Premium and Premium Economy) offer extra leg room — ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches of pitch.

“Customers can also purchase window and aisle seats in advance of their flight. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 14 and under will be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost,” read the release.

In 2024, Long Island MacArthur Airport, which is already home to Southwest, JetBlue, Breeze Airways and Frontier Airlines, enjoyed significant growth. Through July 2025, ISP seats are scheduled to grow 14% versus 2024, indicating how carriers are investing in ISP and its customers.

“The year 2025 is shaping up to be even better,” said Deputy Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider. “Our terminal, airfield, and team provide a faster and friendlier experience than NYC airports, and we look forward to continuing our work in the year ahead as we extend a warm “Hello!” to Avelo and their customers.”

 

Irish coffee Cheesecake

By Heidi Sutton

If St. Patrick’s Day inspires feelings of hearth and home rather than leprechauns and green beer, you can celebrate tradition with warm, filling meals that harken back to Irish heritage. Irish stews are certain to conjure up some nostalgia while a delicious cheesecake is a perfect way to honor tradition regardless of your ancestry.

Irish Sláinte Stew

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

This Irish Sláinte Stew offers a warm welcome to guests with your own way of toasting to the holiday – Sláinte is “cheers” in Gaelic. This hearty meal is perfect for a crowd with traditional stew meat slow-cooked in a Dutch oven with beef broth, spices, carrots, potatoes, herbs and an Irish draught beer. Serve alongside crusty bread that’s ideal for soaking up each delicious drop.

INGREDIENTS:

Irish Sláinte Stew

Oil for drizzling

1 pound stew meat

1-2 pinches salt plus additional to taste, divided

1-2 pinches pepper

3 tablespoons flour

48 ounces beef broth

1 cup carrots diced

1 cup celery diced

3 cups potatoes diced

1/2 onion diced

2 tablespoons garlic pepper

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon dried chives

1 bottle Irish draught beer of choice

crusty bread for serving

DIRECTIONS

In Dutch oven over medium heat, drizzle oil and brown stew meat with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over meat. Add beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, garlic pepper, thyme, rosemary and chives. Add Irish draught beer. Bring to boil, stirring, 5 minutes. Simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with crusty bread.

Irish Coffee Cheesecake

Recipe courtesy of National Honey Board

Share a sweet way to complete the meal in style with a delicious Irish Coffee Cheesecake. For a fun St. Patrick’s Day twist, drizzle green crème de menthe over whipped cream just before serving.

Irish coffee Cheesecake

YIELD: Makes 8 to 10 servings

INGREDIENTS:

For Crust:

2 1/3 cups (about 10 oz.) – shortbread cookies, crushed

2/3 cup – oatmeal

2 T – honey

1/2 cup – butter, melted

For Filling:

2 (8 oz.) packages – cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup – honey

2 T – Irish whiskey, or milk

1/4 cup – powdered French Vanilla coffee drink mix

2 T – flour

4 – eggs

For Topping:

1 cup – heavy whipping cream

2 T – honey

1 T – Irish whiskey, optional

1 T – powdered French Vanilla coffee drink mix

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Combine crust ingredients (crushed cookies, oatmeal, honey, butter) in a large bowl, mix well and pat into bottom, and halfway up sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup honey, whiskey, 1/4 cup coffee powder, and flour; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time and beat just until blended. Pour mixture into crust.

Place cheesecake on a cookie sheet, and bake 40 to 45 minutes until cheesecake is puffed and center is set. Turn oven off, and allow cheesecake to cool for 15 minutes with door ajar.

Remove cheesecake to a cooling rack and cool 15 minutes. Run a thin knife around sides and remove the pan. Allow cheesecake to cool 30 minutes more; then place in refrigerator to chill.

Meanwhile, make topping by whipping cream until thickened. Add 2 T honey, 1 T whiskey, and 1 T powdered coffee, and whip until peaks form. Pipe or spread on chilled cheesecake and serve.

 

Photo from County Executive Romaine's Facebook

By Heidi Sutton

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Saturday, March 8 after multiple fire departments and emergency services battled three major brush fires in the Pine Barrens. The first fire started in Center Moriches around 1 p.m. and then spread very quickly to East Moriches, Eastport and Westhampton just north of Gabreski Airport. The National Guard was also involved in water drops. As of 8:30 p.m., portions of Sunrise Highway remained closed past exit 58 and the fire was 50% controlled. One firefighter was injured with burns and was flown to Stony Brook University for treatment.

Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Executive Facebook

“The fire is now two miles wide and two miles long. Part of the problem is the wind. …We stop this fire from spreading, and then we try to contain it,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said at a press conference Saturday evening. “It is not under control, as I speak, and probably will not be for several hours, if not probably tomorrow as well, because the winds will keep the embers alive, and we have to worry every day that this fire will start up again.”

“This is a coordinated effort to make sure that this does not turn into 1995 as well,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, referring to the August 1995 Sunrise Fire that burned 4,500 acres of pine barrens and took four days to contain. “I have authorized all of the heavy equipment from the landfill, from our highway department, our parks department — we are here to assist any fire department {in their efforts}. We are in this together …. and I pray for everyone’s safety.”

“Suffolk County continues to work with our partners in the Town of Southampton, New York State, Nassau County and the federal government to manage the active brushfires in Southampton. Thank you to Representative Nick LaLotta, Senator Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Southampton Supervisor Maria Z. Moore, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the Southampton Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department, state Representative Tommy John Schiavoni, state Senator Anthony Palumbo, NYC Mayor Eric Adams – who has offered us assistance – and volunteers from over 80 fire departments and emergency service agencies for their work in helping to combat the fires,” added Romaine in a statement.

“I spoke with County Executive Ed Romaine [this afternoon] about the brush fire in the Pine Barrens and informed him that the State of New York is here to provide any resources and support he needs. The New York National Guard has already begun providing air support by helicopter and is coordinating with local law enforcement,” said Gov. Hochul in a press release. “I have also deployed personnel from the Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, State Parks and the New York State Police to assist Suffolk County’s response to this crisis. Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe.”

 

By Heidi Sutton

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” So begins Theatre Three’s latest offering, Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show, a fitting tribute to the life and music of the Man in Black. The show opened to a full house last  Saturday night and did not disappoint. 

Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, with orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby, the musical opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2006 for a limited run before heading to community theaters. 

Expertly directed by Christine Boehm, the show at Theatre Three features over 30 of Cash’s most popular songs including Jackson, Ring of Fire, If I Were a Carpenter, Get Rhythm, and I Walk the Line, sung in quick succession over two hours by an incredibly talented cast — Tina Ann Aurora, Kyle M. Breitenbach, Jeffrey Hoffman, Michael Mandato, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Dan Schindlar and Ryan Van Nostrand — as the singer’s story is told.

One of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide, Cash drew inspiration from his life experiences and embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel, earning him the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas in 1932, Johnny Cash was the fourth child of Carrie and Ray Cash. As the show progresses, we learn that he and his six siblings worked alongside their parents picking cotton on their farm. Tragedy strikes when his older brother Jack dies after been injured at work, an event that deeply affected Cash for the rest of his life.

We witness the first time the singer meets June Carter at the Grand Ole Opry and is instantly smitten. Several stints in jail inspire a series of “prison” songs including Folsom Prison Blues and Orleans Parish Prison and his struggles with drugs spur him to write Cocaine Blues.

Every song is executed beautifully and with gusto and each actor has a chance to shine, taking turns to sing the lead. Highlights include Breitenbach’s version of Delia’s Gone, Van Nostrand’s hilarious rendition of Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart and Man in Black by Mandato.

Special mention must be made of Schindlar’s A Boy Named Sue which tells the story of a young man’s quest for revenge on his father for naming him Sue before abandoning him. During the performance, Schindlar comes down from the stage to look for his “father” in the audience. A nice touch. 

As with any production, it takes a village to make it all come together perfectly.

While each cast member plays multiple instruments including guitar, violin, ukulele, piano, tambourine and flute, they are accompanied on stage by a backup band featuring Marni Harris on fiddle, John Dericco on guitar and mandolin, Dave Grudzinski and Ethan Mascarenas on bass and Don Larsen on drums.

The costumes, designed by Boehm, feature modest and demure country dresses, jeans and overalls in Act I but switch to sparkly and shiny new digs in Act II to reflect the progression of Cash’s career. Even the boots glitter! 

The impressive set, designed by Randall Parsons, resembles the inside of a barn with hints of the Grand Ole Opry. Each side of the stage features a lighted porch for seating and stained glass windows illuminate the background.

Don’t miss this wonderful show. You’ll be clapping along and tapping your feet and going home with a deeper appreciation of the legendary singer/songwriter and his impact on the world of music. The standing ovation at the end of the opening performance was most deserved. 

See trailer here.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show through March 30. Come early for a cocktail and snacks at Griswold’s Cafe. Proceeds benefit the refurbishment of the historic theater.

Mainstage performances continue with Wait Until Dark from April 18 to May 11 and the Long Island premiere of Half Time from May 24 to June. 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. 

Coming up at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage is the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays featuring the world premieres of seven  plays up close and personal from March 8 through April 5. Tickets are $25. 

To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie

By Heidi Sutton

Everyone has corned beef and cabbage on the brain come St. Patrick’s Day. But these other flavorful dishes might appeal to a greater number of people with Irish roots.

Shepherd’s Pie is a savory dish made of minced lamb that originated in England but also made the jump to Ireland, where it became a popular comfort food. While Shepherd’s Pie can be made with freshly cooked ground meat, it also is a fine way to use leftovers from a previous meal. 

Many families have their own ancestral recipes for Shepherd’s Pie, but for those looking to cook the dish for the first time, try the recipe below, courtesy of Alton Brown, which appeared in Season 12 of his hit show “Good Eats.”

A hearty home-cooked meal loaded with flavor and sure to fill you with cheer, Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie is made piping hot to warm up any St. Patrick’s Day party.  Full of hashbrowns, carrots, peas and beef, it’s a twist on tradition served with puff pastry topping the tasty stew. A cup of your favorite stout beer, of course, will come in handy for deglazing the skillet to ensure you enjoy every bit of beefy flavor.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

1 1⁄2 pounds russet potatoes

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 carrots, peeled and finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1⁄2 pounds ground lamb

1 3⁄4 teaspoons kosher salt

3⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 cup chicken broth

2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1⁄4 cup half-and-half

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large egg yolk

1⁄2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

1⁄2 cup English peas, fresh or frozen

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 400 F. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1⁄2-inch dice. Put them in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, drop the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat the oil in an 11-inch saute pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and carrots and saute just until they begin to take on color, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the meat, salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Sprinkle the meat with the flour, toss to coat, and continue to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover, and simmer slowly until the sauce is thickened slightly, 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the half-and-half and butter in a microwave-safe container and nuke until warmed through, about 35 seconds. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes (a masher is an excellent tool for this, though a hand mixer will do), then add the hot half-and-half mixture, as well as the salt and pepper. Mash to smoothness, then stir in the egg yolk.

Add the corn and peas to the meat mixture and spread evenly in an 11 by 7-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling over, and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Place on a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooking rack and let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound ground beef

1 cup stout beer

3 tablespoons flour

1 can tomato puree 15 ounces

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 cup beef broth

1 bag hashbrowns with peppers and onions 28 ounces

1 can carrots 14 ounces, drained

1 can peas 14 ounces, drained

salt to taste

pepper to taste

1 sheet puff pastry thawed

1 egg

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 400 F. In large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef; drain and set aside. Over medium heat, deglaze skillet with beer and whisk in flour. After thickening, whisk in tomato puree and add Worcestershire sauce. Mix in ground beef, garlic powder and beef broth. Add hashbrowns, carrots and peas. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place puff pastry sheet on cookie sheet. Beat egg and brush over pastry. Bake 10 minutes. Place hot puff pastry on top of beef mixture and serve.

 

A scene from last year's Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Greg Catalano/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

Whether or not your ancestors hail from the Emerald Isle, everyone is guaranteed to enjoy a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) St. Patrick’s Day parade. While Kings Park held its parade last week, there are still plenty of celebrations to attend on the North Shore. And don’t forget to wear shamrock green!

Center Moriches

Center Moriches’ 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Center Moriches on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. The parade begins on Lake Avenue and ends at Railroad Avenue. This year’s Grand Marshal is Mark Danowski. For more information, visit www.moricheschamber.org. 

Farmingdale

Farmingdale presents its 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. The parade steps off at Northside Elementary School and proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. This year’s Grand Marshal is Cheryl Parisi. Call 516-286-7800 for more information.

Huntington

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) invites the community to its 91st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Huntington on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Grand Marshal New York State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown will lead the procession down New York Avenue to Main Street before ending at The Church of St. Patrick. Long Island’s oldest and largest, the parade will feature dozens of pipe bands. For more information, visit www.huntingtonhibernian.com.

Miller Place-Rocky Point

The Friends of St. Patrick will host the  73rd annual  Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 at 1 p.m. sharp. The 2.8-mile parade starts at Harrison Avenue and Route 25A in Miller Place and then finishes at Broadway in Rocky Point. This year’s Co-Grand Marshals will be John and Raymond O’Sullivan. For further information, visit www.thefriendsofstpatrick.com or call 631-473-5100.

Ronkonkoma

The 35th annual Ronkonkoma St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Grand Marshal Dan Moloney will lead the parade from Amvets Post 48, 660 Hawkins Ave. at School Street, south down Hawkins Ave. ending at Thorne Street. Call 631-304-6303 or visit www.ronkonkomaparade.org.

St. James

St. James Chamber of Commerce presents the 41st annual St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 at 1 p.m. The parade will step off along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn Avenue to the viewing stand in front of the gazebo ending just before St James Elementary School, rain or shine. Featuring scouts, dance troupes, pipe bands, school bands, floats, fire trucks and more. The grand marshal will be Robert J. Murphy. Rain date is March 22. 631-584-8510

Igor

ADOPT IGOR!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Igor, a black, domestic short-haired male cat up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Approximately seven years old, this enchanting boy arrived at shelter as part of the Town’s Trap, Neuter, Release program (TNR). Sadly, he was found covered in scars, which reveal what an incredibly rough and heartbreaking life he lived on the streets. Despite his hardships, Igor remains sweet and gentle, with a heart full of love just waiting to be embraced by a special human companion who can bring him joy and happiness.

Igor

While Igor takes some time to trust people and is a little shy when meeting new faces, he is loving and affectionate with his caretakers. Once you meet Igor, he’ll happily spend endless hours by your side, soaking up all the love and affection you have to offer. He is an endearing fella who will effortlessly pull on your heartstrings by purring through every stroke, pet and snuggle one lucky family can dish out, making up for years of neglect during his time living on the streets. Igor deserves his happily ever after and will make a wonderful addition to an adoring family’s heart and home.

The Smithtown Animal Shelter believes Igor would do best in a quiet home. However, a home with older children, calm dogs, and possibly cats would be okay as well.

All of the felines at the Shelter are current on vaccines and have received a full workup (blood work, Feline HIV & Leukemia tested, physical exam etc.) by a board certified veterinarian.

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

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.