Authors Posts by Heidi Sutton

Heidi Sutton

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Pineapple Upside Down Cake

By Heidi Sutton

Imagine an old-fashioned dessert that is reminiscent of a simpler time … an airy, buttery vanilla cake with a beautiful caramelized brown sugar topping sweetened with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. Of course I’m referring to the classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake, the bright flavored spring and summer dessert perfect for casual family dinners and special occasions.

The cake became popular in the United States in the mid-1920s after Dole Pineapple Company sponsored a contest for pineapple recipes and received over 2,500 submissions. The winner was a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe submitted by Mrs. Robert Davis from Norfolk, Virginia. Dole published the recipe in an advertisement, which increased the cake’s popularity.

In honor of National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day on April 20, here is a recipe for the retro classic dessert that is as delicious today as it was decades ago. The directions call for a large cast-iron skillet. However, you can use any non-stick baking round pan. The cake can be served warm or cold.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup margarine, divided

2/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided

1 can (20 ounces) Dole Pineapple Slices

10 maraschino cherries

3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

2 eggs, separated

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350° F. In 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt 1/3 cup margarine. Remove from heat. Add brown sugar and stir until blended.

Drain pineapple slices; reserve 2 tablespoons syrup. Arrange pineapple slices in sugar mixture. Place cherry in center of each slice.

Beat remaining 1/3 cup margarine with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, lemon peel, lemon juice and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Blend into creamed mixture alternately with sour cream and reserved pineapple syrup.

Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar to make stiff meringue. Fold into batter. Pour over pineapple in skillet.

Bake 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes, then invert onto serving plate.

Catch a screening of 'Shrek' at Heritage Park in Mount Sinai on June 28.
PROGRAMS

Wetlands Legacies

In honor of Earth Day, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host a family program, Wetlands Legacies, at the Dr. Erwin Ernst Marine Conservation Center at West Meadow Preserve in Stony Brook on April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Explore the legacy of world-renowned naturalist and ornithologist Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy with interactive hands-on exhibits led by the WMHO’s Youth Corps, a never-before-seen drone video of West Meadow Creek habitats, and guest speakers and experts in the fields of marine biology, ecology and the environment. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 children. To register, call 631-751-2244.

Earth Day at Celebrate Park

Join Celebrate St. James for a free Kids Community Earth Day Event at Celebrate Park on Lake Ave. in St. James on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  featuring a garden tour with Paul LI Landscaping, animals from Sweetbriar Nature Center, crafts, henna art, storytelling, plant sale, live music and more.  To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Earth Day at Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to an Earth Day is Every Day celebration on April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate the wonders of the natural world and living things that share the planet with us. Children will meet resident animals, enjoy the natural world through their senses, and go on a scavenger hunt to find out some of the things they can do to help the natural world. Come away with a green craft to help reduce your impact on the Earth. Best for families with children over 4 years old. $10 per child, $5 per adults. age of 4. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more info, call 631-979-6344.

Earth Day at the Explorium

Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson and the  Brookhaven Town NAACP for a special Earth Day presentation on April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society will be on hand to provide a talk about local marine life and conservation efforts and then lead a beach clean-up outside of the Explorium. This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is strongly encouraged by visiting www.longislandexplorium.org. Call 631-331-3277 for more info.

Earth Day Drop-In

Stop by the Sunken Meadow Nature Center, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park any time on April 23 between noon and 2 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day! Learn a bit about Earth Day and make a fun craft to take home! All are welcome. No reservations required. Free. Questions? Call 631-269-4333.

Books in the Barn

Smithtown Historical Society’s new Books in the Barn program for ages 3 to 5 with parent/caregiver continues on April 24 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Meet at the newly refurbished Franklin O. Arthur Farm, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown to listen to stories about farms, barns and animals. Then visit with the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies and barn cats that call the farm home. Free. Open to all. To register, visit www.smithlib.org/children. For more information, call 631-360-2480, ext. 140.

THEATER

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through April 30. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off spring with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29. Join Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Mrs. Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the McGregors in this delightful adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

FILM

‘Shrek’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Shrek on April 23 at noon. Shrek (Mike Myers) goes on a quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from the tallest tower of the Dragon’s Keep with the help of his loveable Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and win back the deed to his swamp from the ever-scheming Lord Farquaad in the greatest fairy tale of them all. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

A RETURN ENGAGEMENT Sheléa returns to the Staller Center for the Arts in concert on April 22. Photo by Courtney Baron
Ongoing

Flip Circus heads to Lake Grove

The circus is coming to town! As part of its 2023 national tour, FL!P Circus will put down stakes at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove from April 14 to 24. Ringmaster Arthur Figueroa serves as host of this new circus adventure which will feature audience favorites Stiv and Roni Bello, Italy’s “siblings of silliness”; a trapeze act by Carolina Vazquez; and the Duo Vanegas on the rotating Wheel of Steel. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and  1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $25 for children and $40 adults with senior/military/handicap discounts available. For tickets and additional information, visit www.FlipCircus.com. Tickets will also be available in person at the box office during each engagement. For more information, call 877-829-7839.

Thursday April 20

Gallery North reception

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket hosts an opening reception for its latest exhibit,  Tell Me Something Back: Abstractions by Tom Brydelsky, a selection of recent works by Tom Brydelsky, from 6 to 8 p.m. The show is on view from April 13 to May 21 with an ArTalk on April 29 and a collage and painting workshop on May 7. Details can be found at www. gallerynorth.org. For more information, call 751-2676.

Tribute to Tina Turner

Cinema Art Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Rock Legends Live! series with a Tina Turner Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Join for an evening of rare and thrilling performance films of the musical legend who is often referred to as “The Queen of Rock and Roll.” Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Friday April 21

Vanderbilt Evening Birdwatch

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for an Evening Birdwatch and Architecture Tour with the Museum’s director of curatorial affairs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate at dusk, when the grounds are closed but the birds are active. Sturdy hiking footwear is strongly suggested, and participants are asked to bring their own binoculars. Walks will also be held on April 7 and 21, and May 5 and 19. Tickets are $12, free for members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Viking Auction

Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge #25 hosts a Viking Auction at the St. James Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 230 Second Ave., St. James at 6:30 p.m. $10 admission includes 25 tickets, coffee, tea and cake. Second level, third level and 50/50 tickets available for purchase. Questions? Call 229-395-6390.

Saturday April 22

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Comsewogue HS Craft Fair

Comsewogue High School, 565 Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Community Connections Craft Fair fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 50 vendors offering baked goods, hot food, candy, homemade crafts and more. Free admission. For more information, call 428-2530.

Health & Wellness Fest

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce presents its 14th annual Health & Wellness Fest at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get important information to meet your health and wellness needs. Over 50 health and wellness professionals will be participating including St. Charles, Mather Hospital–Northwell Health, and Stony Brook Medicine with a food court, music, rowing, electric bikes, painting and lots of free giveaways. Free admission. Call 473-1414 or visit www.portjeffhealth.com for more information.

Antiques in April

Huntington Historical Society presents its annual multi-vendor antiques & collectibles sale, Antiques in April, at the Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington today and April 23 from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Browse beautiful antiques from dealers all across Long Island along with furniture, books, and smalls from the Kissam barn. The Society’s Antiques and Collectibles Shop will also be open for fabulous finds. Free admission. Held rain or shine. Call 427-7045 for more information.

Spring Festival & Street Fair

Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber presents its 2nd annual Spring Festival & Street Fair at 175 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date April 23). This free family-friendly event will celebrate the arrival of spring and will feature vendors, fun games and activities, and lots of great food. For more information, visit www.rpsbchamber.org.

A visit from Chief Joseph

Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson welcomes back Maasai Chief Joseph Ole Tipanko and his delegation from Kenya from noon to 4 p.m. Learn about Maasai daily life, traditions, family responsibilities and enjoy a traditional dance and song performance. Handmade jewelry and other art items will be for sale. Free. Call 835-1520 for further info.

Wet Paints exhibit reception

The Wet Paints Studio hosts an artists’ reception for its group exhibit at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from 1 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit is on view on the second floor of the Center through April 27. For more info, call 513-2675.

Premiere of ‘We Are Guardians’ 

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will premiere a new show, We Are Guardians: How Satellites Help Us To Save the Planet, at 3 p.m. Find out how, with the help of satellites and scientific study, we can understand the links between human activities and climate change, and what we can do to work together to improve the health of our shared home. Best suited for ages 8 and up. Tickets are $15 adults, $13 seniors and students, $13 children ages 12 and under. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Sheléa in concert

Back by popular demand! After bringing down the house in 2021, Sheléa returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center Recital Hall, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 8 p.m.  With a voice that stirs the soul and hands that glide effortlessly over the keys, Sheléa represents a return to true artistry that has garnered attention and adoration from legends throughout the music industry as she brings a contemporary edge to classics and a classic touch to contemporary pop standards. Tickets range from $42 to $58. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Sunday April 23

Antiques in April

See April 22 listing.

Car Show fundraiser

The Fabulous 50s & 60s Nostalgia Car Club presents its annual judged car show fundraiser at The Maples, 10 Ryerson Ave., Manorville from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 50/50 raffles, vendors and more. Rain date April 30. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities and Judy’s Run Stroke Awareness. For more information, call 463-4983.

Cars & Guitars fundraiser

Miller’s Ale House, 88 Veterans Highway, Commack hosts the 7th annual Hope for Warriors Cars & Guitars classic car show fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $15 car registration day of event, first 100 cars will receive gift bags. Free for spectators with live music. No rain date. Call 493-2370.

Open House brunch fundraiser

Celebrate St. James invites the community to a Sunday Brunch at the St. James Community and Cultural Center, 176 Second St., St. James hosted by NYS Senator Mario Mattera to save the historic Calderone Theatre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Suggested minimum donation of $20 per person. For tickets, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Jazz & Art at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents Cool Rhythms: Intersections of Jazz & Art at 2 p.m. The creative cross pollination between modern visual art and jazz music is a vital American story. Through artist talks and a jazz performance, the Museum will explore these crosscurrents between music and art with The National Jazz Museum in Harlem and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. This Smithsonian Affiliate program is inspired by two LIM exhibitions: Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary and Creative Haven: Black Artists of Sag Harbor. Tickets are $10, free for members at www.longislandmuseum.org.

WLIR Radio Day at the LIMEHOF

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will present WLIR Radio Day at 3 p.m. Scheduled to appear is LIMEHoF Inductee Denis McNamara, Larry “the Duck” Dunn, Donna Donna and Max “the Mighty Maxximizer” Leinwand. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Fashion Show in Port Jeff

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce & Fedora Lounge Boutique Hair Salon presents the Vogue in the Village Fashion show at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from 6 to 9 p.m. Local vendors will be showing clothing, jewelry, and so much fashion. Come early at 6 p.m. to check out vendors at the Market Place before the show at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. Questions? Call 473-1414. 

Monday April 24

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday April 25

An evening of Swing Dance

Swing Dance Long Island, a non-profit social dance club, holds weekly dances every Tuesday evening at the  Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Rd. Greenlawn with beginner swing lessons at 7:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Singles and beginners are welcome.  No partner necessary. Admission is $15 on DJ night,  $20 on band night on the third Tuesday of the month. Call 516-521-1410.

A Band Called Honalee in concert

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a concert featuring A Band Called Honalee at 8 p.m. The modern-day folk trio is inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary. Musically accomplished, interactive, and energetic, their shows allow audiences to experience this timeless music live onstage once again. Satisfying diehard Peter, Paul & Mary lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, the band’s shows feature all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.” Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday April 26

Long Island Guitar Festival

Setauket Presbyterian Church, 5 Caroline Ave., Setauket kicks off the 31st annual Long Island Guitar Festival tonight at 7:30 p.m. and runs through April 30.  Scheduled performers include Berta Rojas, Laura Snowden, João Luiz & Friends Quartets, Boyd Meets Girl, Harris Becker, James Erickson, Laura Lessard, Octavio Deluchi, Gabriele Leite, Eduardo Gutterres, Penelope Shvarts, The Hofstra University Chamber Choir and many more. Master Classes will be given by Laura Snowden and João Luiz and luthier Brian Itzkin will lead a discussion/Q&A on Guitar Building in Granada, Spain. For a full schedule of events and tickets, visit www.ligfest.net.

Seed Saving Workshop

Huntington Historical Society presents a Seed Saving Workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8 p.m. This class will introduce basic seed saving concepts and techniques, identifies what seeds can be easily saved, and how to plan your garden for optimal results. A hands-on component of the class will provide you with the opportunity to clean seeds for to take home. $15 per person, $10 members. Visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or call 427-7045 to register.

Thursday April 27

Long Island Guitar Festival 

See April 26 listing.

Bobby Collins

Comedy fundraiser at the LIM

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook hosts a Laugh Till You Give! comedy fundraiser in the History Museum featuring comedy legend Bobby Collins at 6:30 p.m. $100 per ticket includes wine, beer, refreshments and appetizers. Proceeds support the LIM’s education programs and exhibitions. To order, visit www.longiwlandmuseum.org. For more info, call 751-0066, ext. 247.

Theater

‘Pride@Prejudice’

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, presents the Long Island premiere of Pride @ Prejudice from April 7 through May 6. Watch Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy fall in love all over again — this time filtered through the world of the internet. Five actors play nearly two dozen roles in this hilarious and moving homage to Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’

The swashbuckling musical adventure The Scarlet Pimpernel heads to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport from March 16 to April 30. Percy Blakeney, a proper Englishman, takes on a sword fighting and dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-hungry guillotine. His exploits soon become the talk of Paris, however, the fanatical Agent Chauvelin will stop at nothing to catch the Pimpernel and send him to the guillotine. For ticket info, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Comedy of Errors’

The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare in the Shea Theatre in the Islip Arts Building on April 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $15. For tickets, call 451-4163. See review on page B15.

Film

‘In the Heart of the Sea’

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a screening of  In the Heart of the Sea starring Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy on April 27 at 2 p.m. This film is part of the Long Island Reads Film Series. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat. 

A scene from last year's Earth Day festivities at Manor Farm Park. Photo by Media Origin

Whether you choose to participate in a beach cleanup, bird walk or a fun festival, there are plenty of ways to show your love for the planet this weekend for Earth Day.. 

Huntington

Family Earth Day Celebration

Join the Town of Huntington for a family-friendly Earth Day celebration at Manor Farm Park, 210 Manor Road, Huntington on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with arts and crafts, a beekeeping demonstration, e-waste disposal, composting info, paper shredding, an electric vehicle display, food, music, and free activities. For more information, call 631-351-3173.

Kings Park

Earth Day Drop-In

Stop by the Sunken Meadow Nature Center, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park any time on April 23 between noon and 2 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day! Learn a bit about Earth Day and make a fun craft to take home! All are welcome. No reservations required. Free. Questions? Call 631-269-4333.

Port Jefferson

Earth Day at the Explorium

Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson and the  Brookhaven Town NAACP for a special Earth Day presentation on April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society will be on hand to provide a talk about local marine life and conservation efforts and then lead a beach clean-up outside of the Explorium. This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is strongly encouraged by visiting www.longislandexplorium.org. Call 631-331-3277 for more info.

Port Jefferson Station

Train Car Park Cleaup

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosts an Earth Day  Community & Train Car Park Cleanup at the corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Saturday, April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. Grab a pair of gloves and a bag to pitch in. Community service hours given. Call 631-821-1313.

Greenway Trail Clean Up

Three Village Community Trust hosts a cleanup of the Setauket and Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail on Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m. Meet up with Friends of the Greenway volunteers at trailhead at Hallock Ave. and Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station. For more info, email [email protected].

Shred Recycle Dispose event

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Shred Recycle Dispose event on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Town of Brookhaven residents may bring paper documents for secure shredding, electronic devices for recycling, and old prescription drugs for safe disposal in the library’s parking lot. Questions? Call 631-928-1212.

Northport

Beach Clean-up

New York Marine hosts a beach clean-up at Crab Meadow Beach, Waterview Street West, Fort Salonga on Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Come join them in their effort to eradicate marine debris and save wildlife. To participate, register at www.nymarinerescue.org.

Riverhead

Earth Day Cleanup

Help make the Town of Riverhead a cleaner and more beautiful place. Join the Riverhead Litter Committee  for a cleanup on Saturday, April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. in honor of Earth Day. Supplies can be picked up at Town Hall, and volunteers can register for a location to clean. Community service credits are available. Sign up online as an individual or a team by emailing [email protected].

Ronkonkoma

Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup at Lily Pond County Park, Smithtown Blvd., Lake Ronkonkoma on Saturday, April 22 at 8 a.m.  in celebration of Earth Day and in memory of Diane Spitz, who spent many years as unofficial caretaker of the Park. Please bring gloves and bags. Email [email protected] to register.

Beach Cleanup at Lake Ronkonkoma

Join the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group for a beach cleanup at Lake Ronkonkoma on Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. Meet at Larry’s Landing on Shore Road. Bring pruners,gloves and tools for fence installation. Will be doing some planting, pruning, installing a fence and cleaning shore line. Service hours available.

St. James

Earth Day at Celebrate Park

Join Celebrate St. James for a free Kids Community Earth Day Event at Celebrate Park on Lake Ave. in St. James on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  featuring a garden tour with Paul LI Landscaping, animals from Sweetbriar Nature Center, crafts, henna art, storytelling, plant sale, live music and more.  To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Smithtown

Earth Day at Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to an Earth Day is Every Day celebration on April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate the wonders of the natural world and living things that share the planet with us. Children will meet resident animals, enjoy the natural world through their senses, and go on a scavenger hunt to find out some of the things they can do to help the natural world. Come away with a green craft to help reduce your impact on the Earth. Best for families with children over 4 years old. $10 per child, $5 per adults. age of 4. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more info, call 631-979-6344.

Stony Brook

Lee Koppelman Preserve Cleanup

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and ‘S’ Section circle of friends invite the community to join them for the 2nd annual Lee Koppelman Preserve Cleanup on Friday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the entrance to the Preserve at the end of Sage Lane intersecting with Sheppard Lane in Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-451-6963.

Earthstock Festival at SBU

The signature Earthstock Festival returns to Stony Brook University’s West campus, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, presenters and tables from various departments on the SAC Plaza, with the Green Pledge and other speakers taking the main stage at the Mall fountain at noon. Student performances will be held on a second stage by the SAC from 1 pm to 3 pm. The annual Duck Race will take place at 2 pm. Free and open to all. Visit www.stonybrook.edu/earthstock.

Wetlands Legacies

In honor of Earth Day, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host a family program, Wetlands Legacies, at the Dr. Erwin Ernst Marine Conservation Center at West Meadow Preserve in Stony Brook on April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Explore the legacy of world-renowned naturalist and ornithologist Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy with interactive hands-on exhibits led by the WMHO’s Youth Corps, a never-before-seen drone video of West Meadow Creek habitats, and guest speakers and experts in the fields of marine biology, ecology and the environment. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 children. To register, call 631-751-2244.

 

 

Pixabay photo

Earth Day is an annual holiday that was started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to promote environmental policies on a national scale. Following the first Earth Day, Congress authorized the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Earth Day also led to the passage of the Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

In 1990, Earth Day went global and mobilized 141 countries to participate in protecting the environment. The date April 22nd was chosen for Earth Day to maximize the number of university (and K-12) students that could participate in celebrating the holiday. 

The theme for Earth Day 2023 is “Invest In Our Planet.” This year’s theme focuses on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part — “everyone accounted for, everyone accountable.”

The following are some ways to celebrate the planet this April.

Leave the car at home. Winter weather is a distant memory by late April in many places, making Earth Day an ideal time to travel by foot or by bicycle instead of by car. That’s not only fun, but also a great opportunity to learn about carbon emissions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions. A car-free Earth Day can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.

Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change. Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.

Get your hands dirty and plant. The National Forest Foundation notes that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet. According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests to sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change. The NFF estimates that 100 mature trees can remove 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and 430 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere. Even if you can’t work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.

Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change. Today’s adults likely won’t be the ones forced to confront the more challenging consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the future of the planet could very well be in their hands. Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable. This year the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.

Attend an Earth Day event. Being in community with other climate activists and Earth-lovers is the best way to spend Earth Day. There are many events in our area this weekend. See the list in this week’s Arts & Lifestyles.

 

Carrots

Welcome to the 16th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home! 

Penny

Meet Penny

”See a Penny, pick it up, then all day you’ll have good luck.” A ten-year-old Yorkie mix, this bright and shiny little girl is hoping to find her forever home and become part of your family. A happy and amusing companion, she’ll keep you entertained on your walks, sharing all the “gossip” from the small dog kennel, adding her own delightful spin. Enjoying proximity to her favorite humans, she’s also the perfect one to welcome you home at the end of the day, so be sure to stop by Little Shelter in Huntington to meet this tiny talisman of good fortune! “Share the Penny with a friend and your luck will never end.” Call 631-368-8770, ext 21

Ben

Meet Ben

It has been said that the Pekingese is a sophisticated dog of undying loyalty and many subtle delights, who bonds very closely with his humans. This gentle fellow is Ben, clocking in at ten-years-old, ten being the new five! Active and outgoing, he’s always ready for a walk around the grounds, meeting and greeting friends along the way. Incredibly charming, clever and confident, he knows how to use that to his advantage. Opinionated when it comes to matters of the heart, he’s hoping to find his perfect match and a forever home, settle in and live happily ever after. If you have a similar plan, stop by Little Shelter in Huntington to take a Peke at a boy named Ben! Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.

Carrots

Meet Carrots

This very handsome boy arrived at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter after being found injured on the road by an Animal Control Officer. His arm has since healed and now he is waiting for his furever home. Carrots is sweet, adorable, sometimes playful and sometimes lazy kitty who is looking for a family to love. He is a relaxed guy who loves to get pet and those cheeks will just make you melt. Estimated to be 3 to 5 years old, 9.13 pounds, he is up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and FELV/FIV negative. Fill out a Matchmaker application online at www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-6950.

Mara

Meet Mara

A woman of mystery, meet Mara, a ten-year-old Collie mix up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Retired from government work, she’s enjoying her free time and the ability to take up new hobbies and explore her interests. Busily clipping coupons when she’s not looking for her glasses, she a savvy shopper, always finding the best deals on toys, treats, and comfortable bedding. Happy to accompany you on a leisurely stroll, she’ll nod in agreement with your opinions, supportive of all your endeavors, while reminding you that seniors have a lot of wisdom, experience and ideas to contribute. Stop by to meet Mara and help write her next chapter…we guarantee a happy ending! Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.

*Mara is not housebroken.

Prince

Meet Prince

Prince arrived at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter because his family was moving and they were unable to take him. Upon arrival he was a bit confused as to what happened to his people and how he ended up homeless, alone and in the animal shelter. Prince is one of those dogs that needed some extra time, after all he was with his family since he was a pup and he will be 8 years old in June. 

His previous owner describes him as an outgoing guy who is playful, high energy, friendly, an amazing partner who loves to show affection and be with you. Prince is hoping to get a second chance at a good life with a human to love and a place to call his own. He just needs a chance. He is housebroken, crate trained, loves his bed, knows sit and is very treat motivated. He is great at catching his treats mid air. He will need a home with children over 10 years old and he will do best as the only pet. He is about 76 pounds, 7.5 years young, up to date on vaccinations, neutered, micro-chipped and heartworm negative. 

If you are interested in meeting Prince and making him part of your family, fill out a Matchmaker application online at www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-6950 to arrange a meet and greet.

Free rabies clinic

The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven will hold a free Rabies Clinic on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic is open to all Town residents and offers free rabies vaccinations for all dogs, cats and ferrets and free cat/dog FVRCP or DAPPCV vaccine. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier. No appointment necessary. For more information, call 631-451-6950.

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop!

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of May 11.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

 

Sweet Potato Power Salad

By Heidi Sutton

Bright, beautiful spring days often call for fresh, delicious meals that give you energy to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re hitting the pavement for a run, powering up for an afternoon at the office or picnicking with loved ones, nutrition and flavor can go hand in hand with an easy-to-make salad.

For your next springtime meal, lean on a versatile ingredient like sweet potatoes as a key ingredient in this Sweet Potato Power Salad, a light yet filling solution that can feed the whole family. Easy to add to a variety of recipes to enhance flavor and nutrition content, sweet potatoes can be used in sweet, savory, simple or elevated recipes. Plus, they can be prepared on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled or slow cooked to fit your favorite dishes as a natural sweetener without added sugar.

According to the American Diabetes Association, sweet potatoes are a “diabetes superfood” because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health. They are also an ideal option for athletes before and after exercising with complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.

Sweet Potato Power Salad

Recipe courtesy of Carol Brown on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

 INGREDIENTS: 

4 to 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

2 teaspoons, plus 1 tablespoon, olive oil, divided

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 bunches curly kale, rinsed and chopped (7-8 cups)

1/2 large lemon, juice only

1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1 large avocado, pitted and diced

1/2 cup cranberries

1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1/2 to 3/4 cup feta or goat cheese

Dressing:

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic or white vinegar 

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place sweet potatoes in large bowl. In small bowl, lightly whisk 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Toss on sweet potatoes and place potatoes on large sheet pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until tender, flipping once during baking. 

Place chopped kale in large bowl. In small bowl, lightly whisk remaining olive oil, remaining salt and lemon juice. Pour over kale and mix for about 1 minute.

To make dressing: In bowl, whisk syrup, olive oil and vinegar.

In bowl with kale, add garbanzo beans, avocado, cranberries, almonds, red onion, sweet potatoes and cheese. Toss with salad dressing and serve. 

Note: Sweet potatoes can be baked and refrigerated 1 day in advance.

See video here.

 

FIEVEL'S ADVENTURE Catch a screening of 'An American Tail' at the Cinema Arts Centre on April 16.
PROGRAMS

Nature Detectives

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor celebrates spring break with Nature Detectives on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Become a detective by identifying seeds, learn what plants need to grow and then make your very own seed bombs to take home and plant in your garden. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. For more info, call 516-692-6768.

Live Animal Encounters

Join Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for Live Animal Encounters on April 14 at 2 p.m. Come see some of the Hatchery’s turtles, frogs and salamanders up close and learn about these amazing creatures that call Long Island home. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. For more info, call 516-692-6768.

Books in the Barn

Smithtown Historical Society’s new Books in the Barn program for ages 3 to 5 with parent/caregiver continues on April 17 and 24  from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Meet at the newly refurbished Franklin O. Arthur Farm, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown to listen to stories about farms, barns and animals. Then visit with the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies and barn cats that call the farm home. Free. Open to all. To register, visit www.smithlib.org/children. For more information, call 631-360-2480, ext. 140.

Flower Power

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Flower Power, on April 20 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. For ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. To register, visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. Questions? Call 631-269-4333.

THEATER

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through April 30 with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 15.”Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off spring with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 with a sensory sensitive performance on April 16 at 11 a.m. Join Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Mrs. Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the McGregors in this delightful adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter, a Theatre Three tradition for spring break. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. See review on page B23.

FILM

‘Ice Age’

Join the Farmingville Chamber of Commerce for an indoor matinee movie screening of the Disney classic Ice Age at Local Church, 1070 Portion Road Farmingville on April 15 at 1 p.m. Admission for the event is $3 per person at the door or at localchurchli.com/events. Proceeds will benefit Angela’s House. For more info, call 631-317-1738.

‘An American Tail’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of An American Tail on April 16 at noon. A young mouse named Fievel Mousekewitz and his family emigrate from Russia to the United States by boat after their home is destroyed by cats. During the trip, a fierce storm throws Fievel from the ship, and he loses contact with his family. Luckily, he manages to sail to New York in a bottle. There, he meets new friends who help him search for his loved ones. Rated G. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

ART IN BLOOM Four garden clubs will participate in this year’s Art in Bloom event at the Hecksher Museum of Art in Huntington on April 15 and 16. Above, a North Suffolk Garden Club display from 2022. Photo courtesy of Heckscher Museum
Ongoing

Flip Circus heads to Lake Grove

The circus is coming to town! As part of its 2023 national tour, FL!P Circus will put down stakes at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove from April 14 to 24. Ringmaster Arthur Figueroa serves as host of this new circus adventure which will feature audience favorites Stiv and Roni Bello, Italy’s “siblings of silliness”; a trapeze act by Carolina Vazquez; and the Duo Vanegas on the rotating Wheel of Steel. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and  1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $25 for children and $40 adults with senior/military/handicap discounts available. For tickets and additional information, visit www.FlipCircus.com. Tickets will also be available in person at the box office during each engagement. For more information, call 877-829-7839.

Thursday April 13

Atelier art reception

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield,  Suite #9, St. James hosts an opening reception for its’ latest exhibit, WOW! You’ve Got to See This!  by Kirk Larsen in Atelier Hall at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 25. For more info, call 631-250-9009.

Vanderbilt Planetarium lecture

At 7 p.m. the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport welcomes Dr. David Munns, professor of history at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, for an evening lecture on the diverse technical systems needed to support life in space. Munns’s lecture will draw heavily from his 2021 book Far Beyond the Moon: A History of Life Support Systems in the Space Age. Tickets are $10, free for members, at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Avalon Astronomy event

The Observatories at Avalon Nature Preserve, Shep Jones Lane, Stony Brook will be hosting a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on Venus, Mars, and various deep sky objects from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Outdoor event, dress for weather. Free. Call 631-689-0619 for more information.

Friday April 14

Fling Into Spring Carnival

Kick off Spring at the annual Fling into Spring Carnival at Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai tonight from 6 to 10:30 p.m., April 15 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and April 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Come out for a weekend of fun featuring exciting rides for all ages by Newton Shows, plenty of mouth watering eats and treats, carnival games & prizes, children’s magic shows on Saturday and Sunday, and so much more! Admission to the carnival is free. Pay one Price ride wristbands, good for unlimited rides on the day of purchase, are $40 at the door, or $32 in advance at www.newtownshows.com.

Third Friday at the Reboli

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook hosts a free art history lecture with award-winning artist Kevin McEvoy from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. as part of its Third Friday series. Light refreshments will be served, no reservations are required to attend. Call 631-751-7707.

A Night of Opera

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts a concert by Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an entertaining assortment of vocal excerpts from famous and beloved operas. Refreshments will be served. $10 donation, students free. Visit www.operanight.org.

Grounds and Sounds Concert

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts a Grounds and Sounds concert  featuring James O’Malley with special guests The Mountain Maidens and 3 of Hearts at 8:45 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with an open mic at 8 p.m. Light refreshments for sale. Tickets are $15 per person, available in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door. Questions? Call 631-751-0297.

Saturday April 15

Fling Into Spring Carnival

See April 14 listing.

Birdwatch-Architecture Tours

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will offer an early morning Birdwatch and Architecture Tour with the Vanderbilt’s director of curatorial affairs at 8 a.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate in the early dawn hours, when the grounds are still closed but the birds are active. Sturdy hiking footwear is strongly suggested. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars. Tickets are $12 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Art in Bloom

The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents its 4th annual Art in Bloom today and April 16 from noon to 5 p.m. The event features 12 floral arrangements from the museum’s four garden club partners — Asharoken Garden Club, Dix Hills Garden Club, North Suffolk Garden Club (Stony Brook), and South Side Garden Club (Bay Shore), that draw inspiration from artworks on view in Viewfinders: Photographers Frame Nature and Raise the Roof: The Home in Art. Visit www.heckscher.org.

Sunday April 16

Fling Into Spring Carnival

See April 14 listing.

Art in Bloom

See April 15 listing.

Car Show & Swap Meet

Long Island Cars will present their “Super Swap Sunday” Car Show and Swap Meet at Flowerfield Fairgrounds off Route 25A in Saint James from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..  with classic and collectible automobiles including show cars from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, one-of-a-kind custom cars, antiques, exotics, street rods, muscle cars and imports, live music by The Fugitives, fun fair food and more. Rain date is April 23. Admission is $10, children 12 and under are free. Call 631-567-5898 or visit www.LongIslandCars.com.

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Ave., Huntington for an adult hike, Nature on the Move, from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Enjoy a slow to moderate pace for 4 miles while you observe and discuss the fields and woods in Caumsett. $4 per person. Reservations are required by calling 631-423–1770.

St. Baldrick’s fundraiser

Join the Three Village Dads Foundation for a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser to conquer children’s cancer at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3054, 8 Jones St., Setauket from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rockabilly Barbers East will be shaving the heads of the brave volunteers raising money, food, raffles, comedy, music and much more. $25 per person at the door. For more information, call 631-371-3239 or visit 3vdfoundation.org.

Spring Appreciation Day

Spring Appreciation Day returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 97 Main St., Stony Brook with live music, a car show, a petting zoo and scavenger hunts with prizes from noon to 3 p.m. Featuring a petting zoo, Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island car show, music by Brenda and Burke, scavenger hunts and more. The Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook will also be open for tours ($4 for adults, $2 for children, cash only) from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-751-2244.

Living History lecture

Celebrate St. James continues its Living History series at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James with a visit from Richard Smith, Mayor of Nissequogue and 10th generation descendant of Richard “Bull” Smith at 1 p.m. Explore what life was like in Smithtown during the time of the Revolutionary War and hear the real “bull” story. Tickets are $25, $20 members at www.celebratestjames.org. Call 631-984-0201 for more information.

Northport Walking Tour

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for Parading Down Main Street, a lively and informative walking tour of Northport’s historic Main Street business district led by Dan Sheehan, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Tickets are $7 per person at www.northporthistorical.org.

LITMA Contradance

Long Island Traditional Music Association will host a Contradance at the Frank Brush Barn, 215 E. Main St., Smithtown at 2 p.m. with basic instruction at 1:45 p.m. With caller Bob Isaacs and live music by Torrent playing a lively mix of Irish, Scottish, French Canadian and traditional New England tunes. $15 general admission, $10 LITMA members, students half price, children under 16 free with paid adult. Call 631-369-7854 for further information.

The Como Brothers in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by The Como Brothers from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Ridotto concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Ridotto concert, Capriccio, at 4 p.m.  A program inspired by the Capriccios of Tiepolo and Goya. Natasha Farny, violoncello solo plays Capricci by Abaco, Bach’s Cello Suite No. 2, and music by Shaw. Kinga Augustyn, violin solo, in music by Biber and Capriccios by Grazyna Bacewicz. Francisco Roldan, guitar, plays Tarrega and Albeniz. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors, $25 members, $12 students. For reservations, call 631-385-0373, or email [email protected].

Monday April 17

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket or via Zoom with Born in Brookhaven with Brookhaven Town Historian Barbara M. Russell at 7 p.m. Born in Brookhaven features people who were born in the Town of Brookhaven and are renown nationally or internationally for their contributions. Attendees will be able, at the conclusion, to suggest additional names for consideration. Suggested donation, free for members. To register, visit www.tvhs.org.

Tuesday April 18

Long Island Graveyards lecture

Frank Melville Memorial Park hosts a lecture at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket titled Long Island Graveyards & Cemeteries at 7 p.m. Join Park Manager Robert von Bernewitz in learning about Setauket area gravesites, notable people buried on Long Island, different types of cemeteries, types of burial markers and more. Tickets are $10 per person at www.frankmelvillepark.org.

An evening of Swing Dance

Swing Dance Long Island, a non-profit social dance club, holds weekly dances every Tuesday evening at the  Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Rd. Greenlawn with beginner swing lessons at 7:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Singles and beginners are welcome.  No partner necessary. Admission is $15 on DJ night,  $20 on band night on the third Tuesday of the month. Call 516-521-1410.

The Prodigals in concert

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a concert featuring The Prodigals at 8 p.m. The band combines original lyrics and melody with a genuine passion for the traditional music of Ireland and a funky energy that is pure New York. The roots of the music are unmistakably traditional Irish; the branches that shoot off delve into rock, worldbeat, jazz and punk, and the result has been called “the best Irish trad-rock band. Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday April 19

Garden Club program

Wading River Congregational Church, 2057 North Country Rd, Wading River will host a meeting by the Shoreham-Wading River Garden Club at 7 p.m. Club member Annika Shapiro will speak on the fascinating topic of medicinal plants. Admission is free, light refreshments will be served and all are welcome. For more information, call 631-987-3733.

Eco Printing workshop

Huntington Historical Society continues its adult workshop series at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington with Eco Printing workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Using natural sources of dye, make a scarf using an eco print of leaves and flowers. $55 per person, $50 members. Register at www.huntingtonhistorialsociety.org or call 631-427-7045.

MP-MS Historical Society seminar

Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society presents a seminar titled Enrico Fermi: Voyage to a New World at the Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai at 7 p.m. Presenter Edward A. Sierra will discuss the life and work of Nobel Prize winner physicist Enrico Fermi. Free and open to all. Call 631-476-5742.

Miller Place Homemakers Auction

Miller Place High School, 15 Memorial Drive, Miller Place hosts the Miller Place Homemakers annual auction at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Entrance fee is $5 and a food pantry item and includes a door prize ticket and 25 auction tickets. Raffle baskets, refreshments and 50/50 raffle also. Proceeds benefit community service projects. 

Thursday April 20

Gallery North reception

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket hosts an opening reception for its latest exhibit,  Tell Me Something Back: Abstractions by Tom Brydelsky, a selection of recent works by Tom Brydelsky, from 6 to 8 p.m. The show is on view from April 13 to May 21 with an ArTalk on April 29 and a collage and painting workshop on May 7. Details can be found at www. gallerynorth.org.

Theater

‘Pride@Prejudice’

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, presents the Long Island premiere of Pride @ Prejudice from April 7 through May 6. Watch Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy fall in love all over again — this time filtered through the world of the internet. Modern voices interject and build on this classic love story in the form of blog posts, chat room discussions, quotes from film adaptations, and even letters from Ms. Austen herself to create a delightfully postmodern view of 19th century England. Five actors play nearly two dozen roles in this hilarious and moving homage to Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.

‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’

The swashbuckling musical adventure The Scarlet Pimpernel heads to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport from March 16 to April 30. Percy Blakeney, a proper Englishman, takes on a sword fighting and dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-hungry guillotine. His exploits soon become the talk of Paris, however, the fanatical Agent Chauvelin will stop at nothing to catch the Pimpernel and send him to the guillotine. For ticket info, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Comedy of Errors’

The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare in the Shea Theatre in the Islip Arts Building on April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $15. For tickets, call 631-451-4163. 

‘(Mostly) True Things’

The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St, Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Stories With A Twist “A Rough Start,” a game wrapped in a storytelling show that features true stories, with a twist, on April 15 at 7 p.m. This show features 4 true stories but 3 of them include subtle little lies. In the second act, the audience questions the storytellers, then votes for the person they think told it straight. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the evening. It is a combination of comedy, heart and community that is truly a unique experience. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, performers will include Nina Lesiga and David Lawson. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only). Visit www.mostlytruethings.com. 

Film

‘All is Lost’

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a screening of All is Lost starring Robert Redford as a man lost at sea on April 13 at 2 p.m. This film is part of the Long Island Reads Film Series. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.

NY Dog Film Festival

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the 7th annual NY Dog Film Festival, a collection of short films celebrating the love between dogs, their people and the animal welfare groups that bring them together, on April 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Long Island Jewish Film Festival

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts its first Long Island Jewish Film Festival from April 14 to 16. The three-day celebration of Jewish cinema and culture will feature documentaries, dramas and historical significant films curated by David Schwartz. For a full line-up, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues on April 17 with a screening of Bobi Wine: The People’s President at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station at 7 p.m. First-time co-directors Christopher Sharp and journalist Moses Bwayo tell the story of Bobi Wine, the musician-turned-politician leading the opposition to the 35-year regime in Uganda. Withstanding arrests, torture, and violence from the government, Bobi Wine and his wife Barbie risk their own lives and the lives of their children to lead their country towards freedom. Guest speakers via Zoom will be Co-Directors Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo. Tickets are $10 at the door or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

On the Waterfront

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Best of the Big Screen series with On the Waterfront on April 18 at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Philip Harwood. Marlon Brando gives the performance of his career as the prizefighter-turned-longshoreman, Terry Malloy, in this masterpiece of urban poetry. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

By Heidi Sutton

You know its officially Spring when Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Mrs. Rabbit and the McGregors arrive at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson for The Adventures of Peter Rabbit. The  adorable show opened last week for spring break and runs through April 29.

Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and the late Brent Erlanson, the original musical is loosely based on one of the best-selling books of all time, The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, and features all of the beloved characters in the story.

The audience is whisked away to the countryside home of Mrs. Rabbit and her four bunnies who live next to Mr. and Mrs. McGregor who spend the day tending to their pride and joy — their garden. 

While Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail listen to their mother by staying inside and doing their chores, Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny sneak out to steal from their neighbor’s garden again and again to satisfy their insatiable appetite for lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley and string beans. The constant marauding finally wears the farmer’s patience thin and he plots his revenge.

Directed by Steven Uihlein, the cast of 8 is excellent and exemplifies the magic of live theater. Sean Amato and Steven Uihlein take on the characters of Peter and Benjamin, two comedic roles that provide quite a workout as they run through the theater to escape the “mean as a bear” farmer.

Samantha Fierro, Danielle Pafundi and Courtney Gilmore as Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail spend most of their time looking for their wayward brother so he won’t get in trouble by their patient mother (Elizabeth Ladd) and often ask the audience if they have seen him. (“He’s right behind you!”)

Peter and Benjamin seem to be especially naughty and persistent this year and audiences will sympathize with the McGregors, wonderfully played by Liam Marsigliano and Alanna Rose Henriquez. 

With choreography by Sari Feldman, the musical numbers, accompanied on piano by Douglas Quattrock, are terrific, with special mention to “One More Time Around,”  “Run, Peter, Run!” and the hip hop number, “Peter’s Socks.” The final number incorporates all of the songs in a super mega-mix extravaganza.

In a brilliant move, the show takes advantage of the three sets of doors from the current mainstage production, Pride @ Prejudice, which, when opened, always reveals a surprise. Costumes by Jason Allyn are absolutely charming and wait until you see the lighting and special effects!

Souvenir bunnies in various colors will be sold before the show and during intermission and the entire cast will be in the lobby after the show for a meet-and-greet and photos.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents The Adventures of Peter Rabbit through April 29 with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 16 at 11 a.m. Children’s theater continues with Cinderella from May 27 to June 1, and Goldilocks & the Showbiz Bears from July 7 to 29. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.