This week’s shelter pet is Haley, an 8-year-old female/spayed Pit/terrier mix waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for her furever home.
Sweet Haley lost both of her parents within a few weeks of each other. Despite that trauma, she seeks love (and food) from anyone she meets. Haley is an affectionate dog, but she can be a bit protective, so her ideal home is one without children. She lived with a cat and had a smaller dog best friend she loved to play with. With the exception of a small weight problem, Haley is a healthy girl and would love a happy home to spend her golden years in.
She comes spayed, microchipped and up to date on her shots.
If you are interested in meeting Haley, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a dog run and a Meet and Greet Room.
The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating 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.smithtownanimalshelter.com.
The cast of 'Spookley the Square Pumpkin'. Photo by Jordan Hue
By Heidi Sutton
Travel down any country road on Long Island this October and you are sure to come upon a farmstand overflowing with round pumpkins. But there’s only one place where you can find a square pumpkin by the name of Spookley who has an important message for all of us.
In partnership with the Smithtown Historical Society, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents an outdoor production of Spookley the Square Pumpkin The Musical on the society’s grounds through Oct. 31.
The cast sings ‘The Boo Song’ during the Sept. 25 performance. Photo from SPAC
Complete with pumpkins, scarecrows, friendly ghosts, bats, spiders, bugs and a pair of watermelons, with lots of singing and dancing, the show is a great way for young children to celebrate autumn and get excited for Halloween. Based on the popular book series by Joe Troiano, it tells the story of a square pumpkin living in a round pumpkin patch and his struggle to fit in.
It’s Halloween on Holiday Hill Farm and that means it’s time for Farmer Hill to choose a pumpkin to be the Pick of the Patch. We meet the top contenders — Bobo the perfectly round pumpkin whose ego “grows and grows” (“I’m so pretty I glow!”) and Big Tom and Little Tom who are attached by a vine.
When Spookley appears, he is teased by Little Tom who tells him that he doesn’t belong because he looks different. Spookley’s new friends, spiders Edgar, Allen and Poe and Scarecrow Jack, try to convince him to run for the Pick of the Patch contest, but his confidence has been shaken. When a strong storm rolls all of the round pumpkins towards the river, the square pumpkin discovers the chance to prove his own worth and save the day.
Kieran Brown stars as Spookley. Photo from SPAC
Directed by Jordan Hue, with musical direction by Melissa Coyle, choreography by Courtney Braun and costumes by Ronnie Green, the talented cast of 13 give a flawless performance and succeed in bringing this important story to life during National Bullying Prevention Month with the ultimate message that was makes you different makes you special.
Kieran Brown returns to reprise his role as Spookley and does an excellent job. Never breaking out of his square character, he has the audience rooting for him from the beginning. And wait until you hear him sing! Brown’s rendition of “If I Was Round” and “I’m Gonna Try” leaves you wanting more.
Gabrielle Arroyo, last seen as the bus driver in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” shines in “She’s Bobo” and “The Transylvania Twist” and the whole cast has fun with “The Boo Song.”
As Big Tom and Little Tom, Kenny Arroyo and Max Lamberg are hilarious and Stephanie Nigro, Adrienne Porti and Justin Walsh Weiner as Edgar, Allan and Poe are terrific as no-nonsense spiders. Ari Spiegel, as Boris the Bat with a vivacious appetite is always interrupted from snacking on a spider or bug by his vegan friend, Bella the Bat played by Gabby Blum, a nice touch.
Ari Spiegel, Kieran Brown and Gabby Blum in a scene from ‘Spookley’. Photo from SPAC
Emerson Lebrecht and Ava Bernardo return as cute watermelons Mimi and Lala (how did they end up in a pumpkin patch?). Savannah Shaw sparkles as Bug and newcomer Tristan Prin as Jack Scarecrow and Farmer Hill tackles the dual role with ease.
The special effects, beautiful set, and adorable costumes pull it all together for a spooktacular Halloween show your kids will love.
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents Spookley the Square Pumpkin the Musical on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on various dates and times through Oct. 31. Running time is one hour with no intermission. While folding chairs are available, theatergoers are welcome to bring blankets or chairs for seating and bathrooms are available on the premises. Tickets are $18 per person. To order, call 631-724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Robert Gitto of The Gitto Group cuts the ribbon with members of the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Photo from PJCC
Robert Gitto with son Ryan and wife Kerry. Photo from The Gitto Group
Robert Gitto with mother Meryle Gitto and son Ryan. Photo from The Gitto Group
Peter Capobianco and his wife Marlene. Photo from The Gitto Group
From left, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Rob Gitto, Tony Gitto, Peter Capobianco and Mayor Margot Garant. Photo from The Gitto Group
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Rob Gitto, Tony Gitto, Peter Capobianco and Mayor Margot Garant. Photo from The Gitto Group
The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of The Brookport on Tuesday, Sept. 28.
Located at 52 Barnum Avenue in Port Jefferson Village, the complex features 44 apartments (100% leased) and two retail stores, one of which will be Southdown Coffee. Located at the former site of Cappy Carpets, the mixed-use project by The Gitto Group has won the Vision Long Island Smart Growth Award and features amenities including a fitness center, parking garage and furnished rooftop.
A second ribbon cutting for the community was held on Wednesday, Sept. 29 and was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Rob and Tony Gitto, Peter Capobianco of Cappy’s Carpets, and members of the community.
It’s that time of year again! Get your flu shot at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station on Tuesday, Oct. 5 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or Tuesday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a copy of your ID and your insurance card. Open to ages 18 and older. For more information, please call 928-1212, option #3.
Gerard Romano of Port Jefferson Station spied these beautiful geraniums during a drive in Port Jefferson on Oct. 4 and snapped this photo. He writes, ‘My favorite flowers have bloomed again in today’s soft rain. They live in a raised planter at the driveway entrance to a handsome home at the end of Crystal Brook Hollow Road.
New York City Artist Joseph Cavalieri at work. Credit: Chris Kendig
The Long Island Museum (LIM) is pleased to announce that New York City artist and educator Joseph Cavalieri will be presenting a talk and demonstration entitled “Pop Stained Glass” on October 3 at 2 p.m. in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room.
Helen Hayes; 15 x 15 x 1 inch; Silk-screened and air brushed (kiln fired) enamels on glass, set into a steel frame with LED lights; 2019
The lecture, which will include some of his artwork that is currently on view at the LIM’s Fire & Form: New Directions in Glass exhibition, will explain the processes, highlight some of his favorite stained glass works, public art work, speak about the international art residencies he has attended. A silk screening on glass demonstration will follow the lecture.
“I’m very excited to share my work with friends, family, and the Long Island community,” said Joseph Cavalieri. “This collaboration with the Long Island Museum is a great step for my career. I’ve been working with the age old technique of painting on stained glass for about 15 years, and feel that the public easily relates to my ‘pop’ style and imagery, since it features modern designs and current personalities.”
During the last ten years Cavalieri has taught over 90 stained glass classes in 50 different domestic and international locations. He has been invited to 13 art residencies, has exhibited internationally, and has produced many private and public art commissions including a MTA Arts for Transit public art installation at the Philipse Manor Station, NY.
The program is free with museum admission. Pre-registration is required due to capacity limitations. Based upon current health determinations, the program may switch to virtual format if needed. For more information on the program and to register: Register Here
This week’s shelter pet is Buddy, a 7-year-old domestic shorthair, neutered male up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
Buddy’s mom passed away and he lost the only home and family he has ever known. This handsome man is outgoing and adventurous. He loves meeting new people, being petted and wandering around figuring out the new world around him.
Buddy has been around children as young as 3 years old and did well with them. He has always been an only pet, but with time will likely adjust to new furry siblings. If you are interested in meeting Buddy, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting.
The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating 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.smithtownanimalshelter.com.
Looking for a fun fall activity with the kids? May I recommend Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale, a musical adventure complete with “wicked witches, heroic princes, kings, magic and the longest hair in the world.” Written by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, creators of the hit TV show Friends, with music by Michael Skloff, the children’s show opened at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport this past weekend and runs through Oct. 31.
The cast of ‘Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale’. Photo from Engeman Theater
While the story has lots of modern twists and turns, it still retains much of the beloved fairy tale we all know and love. A cobbler and his wife live next door to a witch who has a beautiful garden. One day the cobbler sneaks into the garden to steal some vegetables and is caught by the witch who cons him into giving her the couple’s firstborn. She names the child Rapunzel and raises her as her own in a tower. Fast forward 16 years and Rapunzel’s only wish on her birthday is to leave the tower and see the world below. Her “mother” at first promises to grant her wish but then changes her mind and instead tries to bribe her with fudge, flowers, a bird and birthday cake.
Meanwhile, Prince Brian has run away from the castle. He feels that he is a failure, having reached the age of seventeen without doing one heroic deed, and vows only to return once he has slain a dragon, captured an ogre or rescued a maiden. “As a hero, I’m a zero,” he groans. When the prince comes upon Rapunzel in the tower, he hatches a plan to have his valet Simon distract the witch while he rescues the girl. What follows is a magical morning of live theater the whole family will enjoy.
Danny Meglio directs a seasoned cast of four who play multiple characters in the retelling of this hairy tale. A wonderful Joanna Sanges returns to the Engeman to reprise her role as the naive Rapunzel who has never seen a cow or a carriage but quickly learns to stand up to anyone standing in her way. Her strong-willed determination and confidence is a perfect role model for the children in the audience.
Tasked with rescuing fair maidens, Justin Autz is terrific as the handsome Prince Brian. While he spends the first part of the show riding horses and climbing towers, Autz spends the second act trying to find his way back to the castle wearing dark glasses that are stuck to his face (the witch has cast a spell to make him blind) and tripping over Rapunzel’s long hair.
Joanna Sanges as Rapunzel and Justin Autz as Prince Brian star in ‘Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale’. Photo from Engeman Theater
Brilliantly played by Jillian Sharpe, Gretta the witch, “with a twist of her wrist and a turn of her ring,” can be best described as a sour patch kid (first she’s sour but then she’s sweet) who sounds just like the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. While she does some pretty crummy things, she is not scary and the children in the audience are not frightened.
The multi-talented Jae Hughes plays multiple roles throughout the show including the storyteller, Simon, the king (who is always mispronouncing Rapunzel’s name), the innkeeper, and the cow and knocks each one out of the kingdom. The ability to switch roles so quickly, with different voices and demeanors, is no easy feat, but Hughes makes it seem effortless.
The script is clever and funny, with much of the dialogue in rhyme, and the songs are energetic and catchy with special mention to “Wooing a Witch,” The First Step is the Hardest” and the quartet’s “Tonight’s the Night.” The costumes, excellent sound effects and lighting tie it all together for a happily ever after.
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport, will present Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through Oct. 31. Running time is one hour with a 15 minute intermission. Boosters seats are available and costumes are encouraged. And if it’s your birthday, the cast will serenade you. (Happy Birthday Emma!)
Children’s theater continues with the theater’s annual production of Frosty from Nov. 20 toJan. 2 and Disney’s Frozen Jr. from Jan. 29 to Feb. 27, 2022. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Outstanding Work on Paper-Watercolor: Scott Hartman
Outstanding Wood craft: Michael Josiah
Honorable Mention: Marlene Weinstein
Outstanding Painting in Oil and Acrylic: William Low
Outstanding Photography: Madison Muehl
Outstanding Fiber Art: Kate Ackerman
Outstanding Jewelry: Jessica Randall
Outstanding Work on Paper: Gerard Lehner
Outstanding Glass Art: Gail Applebaum
Honorable Mention: Eric Giles
Honorable Mention: Cassandra Voulo
Outstanding Ceramics and Pottery: Bebe Federmann
Gallery North in Setauket hosted its 55th annual Outdoor Art Show & Music Festival on Sept. 11 and 12. The two day event showcased the work of over 90 artists and artisans and featured live music, kids activities and food and attracted thousands of visitors.
Juried by Karen Levitov, Director and Curator of the Zuccaire Gallery at Stony Brook University; artist Nancy Bueti-Randall; and Lorraine Walsh, Art Director and Curator of the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics, awards were granted for each art category, including wood craft, ceramics and pottery, fiber art, works on paper, photography, glass art, jewelry, and painting. Gallery North’s Executive Director Ned Puchner had the honor of presenting the awards. The winning artists will be featured in Gallery North’s Winners Circle Exhibition in 2022.
And the awards go to:
Best in Show: Chloe Wang
Outstanding Wood craft: Michael Josiah
Outstanding Fiber Art: Kate Ackerman
Outstanding Glass Art: Gail Applebaum
Outstanding Jewelry: Jessica Randall
Outstanding Painting in Oil and Acrylic: William Low
Outstanding Ceramics and Pottery: Bebe Federmann
Outstanding Work on Paper: Gerard Lehner
Outstanding Work on Paper-Watercolor: Scott Hartman
Outstanding Photography: Madison Muehl
Honorable Mentions: Marlene Weinstein, Eric Giles
and Cassandra Voulo
Gallery North is located at 90 North Country Road, Setauket. For more information, call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.
This week’s shelter pet is Zeus, a 3-year-old male Golden Retriever. This handsome boy was rescued from a Florida shelter by a local family and then surrendered to the Smithtown Animal Shelter. He is a sweet and affectionate dog that craves human contact and company.
Zeus clearly lacked proper socialization in his early years. He is a timid and jumpy and needs a strong, loving and experienced leader to help him gain confidence so he may enjoy the world around him. Because of his fears, the shelter would prefer him to go to a home with no children or other pets.
Zeus is also currently being treated for heartworm disease. He will only be available for foster or foster to adopt until his treatment is complete and he is cleared to be neutered.
This poor boy has been failed in the past; let’s write him the happy ending he deserves!
If you are interested in meeting Zeus, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting, which includes a dog run and a Meet and Greet Room.
The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating 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.smithtownanimalshelter.com.
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