This week’s featured shelter pet is Mr. Ed, an eight year-old Male Domestic Shorthair who was previously adopted from the Smithtown Animal Shelter as a timid kitten. He was returned to the Shelter after his old family had to move and could no longer care for him. Mr. Ed is still a shy guy who will hide constantly, but with a little bit of time for him to learn to trust, he can be very sweet and affectionate. He’ll never turn down getting petted and some TLC. Mr. Ed would do best in a quiet and calm home that will have patience and give him the space he needs to flourish
If you are interested in meeting Mr. Ed, call to schedule time to properly interact with him in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room.
The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently 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.
Finn Brown as JoJo
and Jae Hughes as the Cat in the Hat in a scene from the show. Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Finn Brown as JoJo and Jae Hughes at the Cat in the Hat perform 'It's Possible'. Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Sour Kangaroo (Suzanne Mason). Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
The Wickersham Brothers - Justin Autz and Terrence Sheldon. Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and Mayzie (Jillian Sharpe). Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes). Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes). Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes). Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Bird Girls (Jessica Mae Murphy, Michelle Shapiro and Rachel Zulawski). Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater Mayzie (Jillian Sharpe) and Gertrude McFuzz (Michaela Vivona)
Jillian Sharpe as Mayzie. Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
Michaela Vivona as Gertrude McFuzz sings 'All for You' to Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen). Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
The cast of 'Seussical the Musical'. Photo from The John W.
Engeman Theater
‘Oh the thinks you can think … when you think about Seuss!’
By Heidi Sutton
Families with young children packed into the Engeman Theater last Saturday morning to witness a most beautiful tribute to the imaginative world of Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss in Seussical the Musical. The children book author’s favorite characters come to life in this colorful and magical show, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and JoJo, a little boy with a big imagination.
Written in 2000 by Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the musical is now one of the most performed shows in the United States and it’s easy to see why. A trip down memory lane for many generations, it is based primarily on the Dr. Seuss children books, “Horton Hears a Who,” “Horton Hatches an Egg” and “Gertrude McFuzz,” but also incorporates references to other Dr. Seuss stories including “McElligot’s Pool” and “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!”
Directed by Andrew McCluskey with choreography by Jillian Sharpe, the colorful cast of characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. The Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes) guides us through the magical journey with the help of Jojo the Mayor’s son (Finn Brown at last Saturday’s performance), who occasionally jumps into the scene when warranted.
The show opens as Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) hears a cry for help and discovers a floating speck of dust containing the town of Whoville. After safely placing it on a clover flower, Horton is tricked into sitting on lazy Mayzie La Bird’s (Jillian Sharpe) egg for 51 weeks, is captured by hunters and eventually sold to the circus. When he is finally rescued by Gertrude McFuzz (Michaela Vivona), he is put on trial by Sour Kangaroo (Suzanne Mason) for “sitting on an egg and talking to a speck.” Will the faithful pachyderm be exonerated or will he be sentenced to a mental institution by Judge Yertle the Turtle?
The fast-paced show keeps the young audience wide-eyed and on the edge of their seats. One of the most exciting scenes is when the Wickersham Brothers (Justin Autz and Terrence Sheldon) steal the clover and are chased through the theater by Horton. The dance numbers are terrific with special props and audience participation is encouraged as Horton and Mayzie’s egg are auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The incredible songs are the heart of the show, from the fun intro “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” to the sweet “Horton Hears a Who” (where a person’s a person no matter how small), the enduring “Notice Me Horton,” and a personal favorite, “It’s Possible.” Horton and Jojo’s duet, “Alone in the Universe,” will give you goosebumps and the group’s upbeat finale is a fitting rendition of “Green Eggs and Ham.”
Costumes and wigs by Laura McGauley along with the cartoonish set mimic the original Seuss illustrations perfectly.
In the end, the show leaves us with the inspiring message that anything is possible when you let your imagination fly. Don’t miss this one.
Pick up a clover-shaped flashlight souvenir before the show and stay after for a meet and greet with the cast in the lobby for photos and autographs. An autograph page is conveniently located at the back of the program.
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. Up next is The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley from May 27 to July 2. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Photographer Steven Zaitz won second place in the Best Picture Story category for his coverage of the Town of Smithtown’s Memorial Day Parade.
By Heidi Sutton
From news articles and feature stories to photography, special supplements, ad projects and classifieds, TBR News Mediatook home 11 awards from the New York Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest this year. The winners were announced during NYPA’s annual Spring Conference and Trade Show in Albany on March 31 and April 1.
Over 150 newspapers in New York State took part in the annual event celebrating newspaper excellence with 2,657 entries competing for 380 awards in 73 categories covering the editorial, advertising and circulation efforts of the state’s dailies and weeklies. Members of the Colorado Press Association were tasked with judging this year’s contest.
“Newspapers create a brand-new product on a daily or weekly basis, 52 weeks a year,” said New York Press Association Executive Director Michelle Rea in a press release. “They work on tight deadlines with small staffs, covering local government, breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, and more. Receiving recognition from their peers in another state is affirming and energizing. We salute them for the top quality, important work they do.”
TBR News Media’s weekly opinion piece, D. None of the Above by Daniel Dunaief, captured first place for Best Column. In reviewing the three submissions — “The complexities of plural nouns and words for animal groups,” “From Suffolk, UK, to Suffolk, NY, a family reflects on the late queen,” and “Seeing teachers through the eyes of an appreciative child” — the judge wrote, “Imaginative and compelling. Fun storytelling that makes for an easy read.”
Editor Raymond Janis won second place in the Coverage of Local Government category. Regarding his submissions of the articles “Uptown Port Jeff undergoes transformation” and “On the edge: Port Jeff Village weighs the fate of its country club,” the judge commented, “This reporter delves deep into a complicated story about a town landmark and development pressures and how a community can approach preserving a delicate area in the face of continued deterioration. Nicely written, well-sourced and clearly a story that is of deep interest to this community. This kind of coverage is the hallmark of strong local reporting.”
Janis also received an Honorable Mention in the Best News or Feature Series category for covering the Town of Brookhaven’s redistricting process.
TBR News Media was honored with second place in the Best Local Business Support Campaign category for its annual People of the Year feature which honors community members who have shared their time and talents to enhance the place they live for the benefit of all. “Nice program,” wrote the judge. “Shows involvement in the community. And involves the community.”
Managing editor Rita J. Egan received an Honorable Mention in the Best Feature Story category for her article titled “Town to move Roe Tavern back to North Country Road in East Setauket.” The judge wrote, “I like the way this combined current and historic information.”
Cartoon by Kyle Horne
The paper’s resident cartoonist Kyle Horne also received an Honorable Mention in the Best Editorial Cartoon category for an illustration related to the Town of Brookhaven’s redistricting process with the judge commenting, “I like the local angle this takes, even though it could be a cartoon drawn for any place in the country, following redistricting.”
Photographer Steven Zaitz won second place in the Best Picture Story category for his coverage of the Town of Smithtown’s Memorial Day Parade. “Good variety of parade photos. Clear photos, good composition and lots of expression!” wrote the judge.
TBR News Media’s annual supplement Harvest Times by editor Heidi Sutton received two third place awards — one for Best Special Section Cover and another for Best Special Sections/Niche Publications in Newsprint — with the judge commenting, “Love the entire fall theme, from festivals, farms to seasonal soup and pie recipes. Creative use of color. Layout is very readable.”
Art/Production Director Beth Heller Mason received an Honorable Mention for Best Small Space Ad for the design of the Pazzo Ristorante and Wood Fired Pizza ad in TBR’s Arts & Eats supplement. “The flames and brick in the background tell you that this is brick oven pizza without ever saying it in words. The ad tells me this is no ordinary pizza!” wrote the judge.
Rounding out the awards, Classifieds Director Sheila Murray won second place in the Classified Advertising category. “I like the way the designer used different line weights to separate sections. Also, the use of white space above and below the line ads makes the pages not feel so cluttered and makes it easier to read the ads. Sometimes designing in black and white can be challenging, but this layout is an example of how to do it right. This was very close between first and second places,” wrote the judge.
“I’m tremendously proud of our staff and grateful for their commitment to excellent journalism. I’m delighted that the awards represent the breadth of our talent, from writing to advertising to art,” said TBR News Media publisher Leah Dunaief. “In addition to it being our job, it is our pleasure to serve our communities.” For a full list of winners, visit nynewspapers.com/nypa.
1 package (12 ounces) white confectionary coating wafers
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
1 box (16 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon Sunflower color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional)
48 unfrosted mini yellow cupcakes, baked in white paper liners
sprinkles (optional)
additional McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
To make broken egg shell pieces: melt coating wafers as directed on package. Spread on large foil-lined baking sheet to 1/4-inch thickness. Refrigerate about 10 minutes, or until firm. Break into small, irregular pieces. Set aside.
In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar, beating until well blended after each addition, frequently scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Beat in marshmallow creme until well blended. In small bowl, stir food color into milk until dissolved. Add colored milk to frosting; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in additional milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency.
To decorate cupcakes: spoon frosting into large pastry bag fitted with large round tip. Pipe two dollops of frosting on top of each other to form baby chick. If desired, insert sprinkles into face for eyes and beak. Or tint any remaining frosting with food colors to pipe out eyes and beak.
Place coating wafer pieces around bottom of baby chick to resemble broken egg shell.
TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN OF SOUL
CeCe Teneal celebrates the music and enduring legacy of Aretha Franklin at the John W. Engeman Theater on April 11.
Thursday April 6
Atelier lecture
The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will present an online lecture at 7 p.m. with artist Kirk Larsen who will tell you why you’ve “gotta” see his upcoming exhibition, “WOW!” You’ve Gotta See This”, which opens April 13. To register, go to https://theatelieratflowerfield.org/lectures or call 631-250-9009.
An Evening of Jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by The Jazz Loft Big Band, a 26-piece Jazz Orchestra directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel, titled Stan Kenton’s Cuban Fire Suite tonight, April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. For more info call 631-751-1895.
Friday April 7
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.
Saturday April 8
Birding by the Beach
Town of Brookhaven presents a free environmental program, Birding by the Beach, at West Meadow Beach, Trustees Road, Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and again at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai at 2 p.m. Long Island is a popular stop over and nesting area for many avian species. Join the group in observing and identifying the birds that spend time on our coast. Please wear closed comfortable shoes, bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].
Second Saturdays Poetry Reading
All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays Poetry Reading series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Greg Alexander. An open-reading will follow;all are welcome to read one of their own poems.For more information, call 631-655-7798.Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/
Sunday April 9
Port Jefferson Farmers Market
The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 30. Featuring over 20 vendors. Call 473-4778.
Port Jefferson Easter Parade
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts the Port Jefferson Easter Parade in the Village of Port Jefferson at noon. Enjoy an old-fashioned “Easter Bonnet” walking parade from Theatre Three to the Port Jefferson Village Center (all are welcome to wear their Easter best and march) followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on Harborfront Park’s Great Lawn at 12:15 p.m. for children ages 2 to 8. Call 631-473-1414 for more info.
Monday April 10
Civic Association Meeting
The Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Ave., Sound Beach will host a meeting by the Sound Beach Civic Association at 7:30 p.m.On the agenda is narcan training. Registration is required for anyone who wants a certificate of completion and an emergency resuscitation kit that includes nasal naloxone. Open to all. For more information call 631-744-6952.
Tuesday April 11
TV Garden Club Meeting
The Three Village Garden Club invites the community to attend its general membership meeting at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket at 11 a.m. Guest speaker Kimberly Simmen of KMS Native Plants in Lake Grove will present a program titled “Insect Friends and Foes.” For further information, call 631-751-2743.
Stirring Up History
The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket presents Stirring Up History: The Timeline of Food with resident historic cook and educator Diane Schwindt from the Ketcham Inn museum at 7 p.m. From caveman to fast food and a lot in between…. explore moments in time that changed the course of food history. A display of authentic historic hearth ware will be discussed, concluding with food samples. A fun-filled evening of surprising facts that will leave you hungry for more! Tickets are $15 per person at www.frankmelvilllpark.org.
An evening of Swing Dance
Swing Dance Long Island, a non-profit social dance club, holds weekly dances every Tuesday evening at theHuntington 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.
Portrait of Aretha
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a concert titled Portrait of Aretha at 8 p.m. CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Award-winning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady,” and “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do).” Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday April 12
Jam Session at the Jazz Loft
Join The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a Jam Session featuring The Jazz Loft Trio lead by Keenan Zach from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at 7 p.m., $5 after 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.
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 will host 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.
Theater
DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS? The Long Island premiere of Pride@Prejudice opens at Theatre Three this Friday night at 8 p.m. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
‘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
‘Legacy’
Four Harbors Audubon Society presents a viewing of the documentary Legacy at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road Smithtown on April 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Narrated by Sting, photographer and directorYann Arthus-Bertrand looks back on his life and fifty years of commitment to his photographic art and the planet’s plight. Free and open to all but reservations required by calling 631-766-3075 or 631-360-2480 ext. 232.
‘Lift’
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues on April 10 at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Lift which shines a spotlight on the invisible story of homelessness in America through the eyes of a group of young homeless and home-insecure ballet dancers in New York City. The story centers around ballet dancer and mentor Steven Melendez, who was a seven-year-old boy living in a Bronx homeless shelter who had his life turned around when he was the recipient of the New York Theater Ballet (NYTB) Project LIFT’s generosity. Guest speakers will be Director David Petersen and Steven Melendez. Tickets are $10 at the door or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
New York Cat Film Festival
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the 5th annual NY Cat Film Festival on April 10 at 7 p.m. This collection of short films from around the world educates, entertains, and help us explore the mystique of the fascinating felines who share our liveswith submissions from Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Iran, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Poland, Spain, Taiwan and the UK. A portion of ticket sales benefit the Golden Paw Society, Inc. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Young Frankenstein’
The Cinema Arts Centre will screenthe comic gem Young Frankenstein on April 12 at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Glenn Andreiev. Part homage and part parody of Universal Pictures 1930s monster movies, Mel Brooks gives the old horror classic a riotous comic twist! Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick (Gene Wilder) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestor as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Rated PG. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Let us talk about Tik Tok. Americans spent over 50 billion hours on this App during 2022. It is perhaps one of the fastest growing businesses in the world today. This company generated $9 billion in revenue last year with analysts projecting more than $14 billion this year. This is a ten fold increase since 2020.
A short tutorial. Tik Tok is a subsidiary of Byte Dance which is China based. Are we getting a little uncomfortable yet?Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew spent 5 hours on the hot seat testifying before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Not a comfortable place to be. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican from Washington State, stated that Tik Tok is “a tool to manipulate America” forcefully declaring it should be banned. During the hearing it was asserted that Chinese President Xi Jinping is the real power behind Tik Tok.
Shockingly, both sides of the aisle don’t believe that Chew’s testimony stating that Tik Tok is not an agent of China rings true. Both Democrats and Republicans see Tik Tok as a geopolitical and social media risk.
Something has to give. It is highly unlikely that the status quo will remain in place. A possibility is that Tik Tok is banned. First Amendment problem? Another is an outright sale. In that case, Meta, Alphabet and Snap could be potential big winners. Just a note: 95 million Americans use Tik Tok daily for an average of 90 minutes a day. No wonder our kids are not outside riding their bikes. This situation should be followed closely by all of us. Banning Tik Tok and other Chinese based apps will certainly lead to retaliation on U.S. companies. However, the Congress sees Tik Tok and other social medias as increasingly dangerous to the mental health of our youth. To be continued.
How about this market!
Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank self-destructed. UBS Group, my former employer, took over Credit Suisse in order to keep it from collapsing. A Swiss Bank, really!
In spite of the banking sector getting pummeled, the Nasdaq had its best quarter since 2020, up 17%. A stock I have been touting, Nvidia is up 101 points in 3 months, not too shabby. Back to the banks. With investors wary about depositing money in banks due to the government selectively choosing which accounts to insure, where do we put our money? Some investors have moved back into the crypto-currency market. UGH, short term memory.
We have witnessed Sam Bankman Frieds FTX exchange crash this past June. Crypto has given us a year full of scams, arrests, bankruptcies and billions in lost value.In spite of these spectacular events, crypto currencies such as Etherium and Bitcoin are up 40% this year, i.e., Bitcoin was at a low of 16,700 early January closing this past Friday at 28,716.For the life of me, I am having trouble calculating these numbers on my abacus … not enough beads.
In closing, let me speak to the tragic loss of Dr. Mark Funt, my daughter Sarah’s father-in-law. Mark was a great presence in our community. A highly skilled physician, loving husband, father, and a special Poppy to his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed. We love you MIF.
Michael E. Russell retired after 40 years working for various Wall Street firms. All recommendations being made here are not guaranteed and may incur a loss of principal. The opinions and investment recommendations expressed in the column are the author’s own. TBR News Media does not endorse any specific investment advice and urges investors to consult with their financial advisor.
3 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons Sunflower color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors, divided
1 teaspoon Berry color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
1/2 teaspoon Sky Blue color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Heat round waffle iron. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix together waffle mix, milk, egg, oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 teaspoon each sunflower and berry colors until blended. Let batter stand 5 minutes to allow color to fully develop.
Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto center of waffle iron. Close lid. Cook about 3 minutes, or until no longer steaming. Carefully remove waffle. Repeat with remaining batter. Cut each waffle into 8 triangles. Set aside.
In another medium bowl, stir sky blue color and remaining sunflower color into cream. Add confectioners’ sugar and remaining vanilla; beat with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spoon into re-sealable plastic bag. Cut piece off one bottom corner.
To decorate and serve waffles, place waffle triangles onto serving plates and pipe green colored cream on wide side of each triangle to resemble carrot tops.
Whether you’re enjoying a spring holiday like Easter or simply embracing the opportunities that the new air brings, food remains the centerpiece. And with citrus, each moment can be a celebration. If you love the smell and taste of lemons, then this Lemon Loaf is the perfect sweet bread to bake for Easter. Serve it up for breakfast, brunch, dessert or an afternoon treat.
Glazed Lemon Loaf
YIELD: Makes one loaf INGREDIENTS: Loaf
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Zest from 2 lemons
Glaze
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Zest from 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 F and line your 8 x 4″ loaf pan with parchment paper. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add in your eggs one at a time and vanilla extract. Into a smaller bowl mix together your flour, salt and baking soda. Alternately add the dry ingredients and your sour cream to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat between each addition until just combined. Fold in fresh lemon juice and zest and mix until well combined.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in oven about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest together until smooth. Remove loaf from oven and let cool completely (about one hour) before topping with lemon glaze.
UNDER THE SEA ART
Create an ocean-inspired origami scene at the Whaling Museum on April 13.
PROGRAMS
Superheroes of the Sky
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky on April 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take part in a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about bald eagles, turkey vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children at www.sweetbriarnc.org. Call 631-979-6344 for more info.
Fossil Finds
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a family program, Fossil Finds, on April 8 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Take a journey through time and explore what kinds of plants and animals lived on Earth in the past. Learn about Earth’s natural history as you observe real fossils and simulate how they form. Explore how fossils are found, and how you can discover clues about the past by comparing them to life today. $4 per person. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. Questions? call 631-269-4333.
Egg Drop Workshop
Hop on over to the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Easter Sunday, April 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m.for an “egg-cellent” adventure in engineering with Stony Brook University’s Biomedical Engineering Society! Kids will have a blast putting their engineering skills to the test as they design and build a structure to protect their eggs from a 10ft drop. The workshop is free with $5 paid admission to the Long Island Explorium but pre-registration is required by visiting www.longislandexplorium.org/events. Questions? Call 631-331-3277.
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 10, 17 and 24from 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.
Spring Break at the Hatchery
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts several programs during spring break including Hatchery Tours (11 am.), Fish Feeding Demonstrations (at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.) and Live Animal Encounters (2 p.m.) on April 10; Natural Art on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Bird Buffet on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Nature Detective on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. For more info, call 516-692-6768.
Teen Creators Comic Club
The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook hosts an 8-week after school Teen Creators Comic Club workshop for teens in middle and high school on Wednesdays April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Students will learn about the art of creating comics by exploring overall concept, character development, setting, and storyline. Drawing skills will be developed, or started from scratch, as students work on backgrounds, faces and figures in motion and leave with their own comic creation. $90 per student. Register at www.longislandmuseum.org. For more information, call 631-751-0066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.
Ocean Origami
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents an Ocean Origami drop-workshop for ages 7 and up on April 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Did you know that in April of 1845, the Long Island whaleship Manhattan became the first American ship to enter Japan’s waters in over 200 years? Celebrate this anniversary and America’s enduring appreciation of Japanese artistry by creating an ocean-inspired origami scene. Admission fee + $10 participant; museum members $5. Call 631-367-3418 or visit www.cshfishhatchery.org.
FILM
‘The Prince of Egypt’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Prince of Egypt on April 9 at noon.The epic adventure tells the tale of two brothers — one born of royal blood, one an orphan with a secret past. As one becomes the ruler of a powerful empire and the other the chosen leader of his people, their final confrontation will forever change the world. Adapted from the story of Exodus. Rated G. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
THEATER
‘Finding Nemo Jr.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. on April 6, 7 and 8. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘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. 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.
A scene from 'Finding Nemo' Jr. at SPAC. Photo by Jackie St. Louis
Just in time for spring break, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. through Saturday, April 8.
Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.
Final performances are on April 6 and 7 at 1 p.m. and April 8 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
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