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The concert featured a lecture about Charlie Parker and a tour of The Jazz Loft’s new exhibit. Photo from The Jazz Loft
Chris Donohue holds an example of the saxophone Charlie Parker played at the Feb. 22 event.  Photo from The Jazz Loft

It was all things Charlie “The Bird” Parker recently as The Jazz Loft presented “Charlie Parker 101”, a lecture, followed by a concert and tour of the Loft’s new Charlie Parker exhibit on Feb. 22.

The “all things Charlie Parker” celebration included a lecture by Dr. Darrell Smith, who spoke about the amazing achievements and highlights of the jazz saxophonist’s career, while surrounded by actual artifacts from his life.

The new exhibit at The Jazz Loft, which includes more than 50 memorabilia items from Parker, was recently procured by founder Tom Manuel, who traveled to London, England for an auction of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watt’s extensive jazz collection.

A concert of Parker’s music was presented by Tom Manual on trumpet; Darrell Smith on drums; Mala Waldron on piano; Dean Johnson on bass and Chris Donohue on alto saxophone.

This kickoff event will be followed by two performances of “Charlie Parker with Strings,” on April 4 & 6, 2024 and a special performance at The Staller Center on April 5. For more information about the exhibit visit: https://tbrnewsmedia.com/the-jazz-loft-acquires-charlie-bird-parker-memorabilia-collection/

'Labyrinth' heads to local theaters on March 6 and 10

Fathom Events and The Jim Henson Company in collaboration with Sony Pictures brings the 1986 fantasy epic “Labyrinth” to select theaters nationwide on Wednesday, March 6 and Sunday, March 10.

Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King (David Bowie). 

Guarding his castle is the labyrinth itself, a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers. To get through it in time to save Toby, Sarah befriends inhabitants of the Labyrinth, in hopes that their loyalty isn’t just another illusion in a place where nothing is as it seems.

The film is executive produced by the visionary George Lucas and boasts breathtaking sets and the signature puppetry and effects from director Jim Henson, as well as original music written and performed for the film by David Bowie.

Each screening includes an exclusive introduction by renowned film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, exploring the enduring appeal of Labyrinth, which has helped cement the film as a true cult classic.

Locally the film will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17 on March 6 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Island 16 Cinema de Lux in Holtsville on March 6 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 4 p.m.; Showcase Cinema de lux in Farmingdale on March 6 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 4 p.m.; and Regal UA Farmingdale on March 6 at 7:10 p.m. and March 10 at 4:10 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. 

To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria has announced its acquisition of Wading River Pizza in Wading River.

“As we reflect on the past six years we are filled with gratitude for the support and friendship you have shown us at Wading River Pizza,” said owner and pizzaiolo Steven LaBarbera. “It has been an incredible journey serving you and we are truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community.”

Wading River Pizza owner and pizzaiolo Steven LaBarbera will retire in March 2024.

“As we pass the torch to the team at Uncle Joe’s, we do so with confidence that they will continue to uphold the standards of delicious food and courteous service that you have come to expect,” said Wading River Pizza co-owner Kristen LaBarbera. “We trust that they will treat you all like family, just as we have strived to do.”

Led by Tana Gerber and Scott Gerber, Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria will become the new steward of Wading River Pizza.

“We are excited to introduce the Wading River, East Shoreham and Rocky Point communities to some of the specialties that have made us a trusted, family-friendly brand for over 50 years,” said Scott Gerber. “Rest assured, we will preserve the culinary excellence and customer service that Wading River Pizza’s regulars, fans and locals have come to know and love.”

Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria serves Original Long Island Panko pizzas, Classic New York Style pizzas, and Italian specialties, such as Uncle Joe’s Famous Alla Vodka sauce dishes, Parms, Original Sauce Wings and signature Dolci Doughknots.

Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria in Wading River is located at 6324 Route 25A in the Little Bay Shopping Center. The full transition to Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria will occur by spring.

Other Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria locations in Suffolk County include Hampton Bays (42E Montauk Highway) and Miller Place (691 Route 25A). Uncle Joe’s Hampton Bays and Miller Place locations are anticipated to re-open from renovation in March 2024.

“It’s our distinctive honor to offer Long Island pizzeria owners the opportunity to join the Uncle Joe’s family,” said Tana Gerber. “Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria intends to announce additional acquisitions in the weeks and months ahead.”

For more information, please visit UncleJoes.com or call 631-929-9222.

From left, Jefferson’s Ferry’s President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Caulfield, Director of Admissions Dawn Flowers-Leib, Director of Housekeeping Patti Gallagher, Culinary Manager Heidi Vargas, Assistant Director of Nursing Kathy Koutouvidis, Director of Nursing Richelle Rugolo, and Vice President of Health Services Anthony Comerford. Photo courtesy of Jefferson's Ferry

Resident survey scores Jefferson’s Ferry in top 15% nationwide in skilled nursing care

For the sixth year running, the Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community in South Setauket has received the Pinnacle Quality Insight Customer Experience Award for outstanding resident satisfaction and overall achievement in skilled nursing care. 

The Pinnacle Award process examines “Best in Class” service in skilled nursing over a 12-month period of study by surveying residents and their families about the quality of 14 target areas: Nursing care, activities, dining services/food quality, cleanliness, laundry services, therapy services, response to problems, dignity and respect, individual needs, would they recommend to others, the overall customer experience and satisfaction by residents or family members. The survey placed the health center in the top 15% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide. 

“For more than 20 years, Jefferson’s Ferry, Long Island’s first Life Plan Retirement Community, has set a high bar for extraordinary care,” said Jefferson’s Ferry President and CEO Bob Caulfield. “We strive every day to provide the highest quality care experience in a community setting that respects individuality and promotes dignity, privacy, and independence for every resident. The Pinnacle Award is a direct reflection of our families’ recognition of the outstanding work that our staff performs on a daily basis and a vote of confidence that all of us take very seriously.” 

The survey sampling of Vincent Bove Health Center residents and their families takes place over the course of a year with monthly telephone interviews that ask the participants open-ended questions to rate their experiences in the specific categories. Jefferson’s Ferry staff receive that feedback each month to gain a better understanding of emerging resident needs and make improvements when necessary. 

“The Pinnacle Award is especially meaningful to our caregivers and other staff, as the results come directly from the people they help on a daily basis,” explained Anthony Comerford, Vice President of Health Service at Jefferson’s Ferry. 

“It is important to know that we are consistently hitting the mark, meeting or exceeding the best standards or practices within our industry. Our goal is always to provide residents with the peace of mind to live their best life here. The staff and residents form close relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and quality care,” he said.

From left, Patricia Snyder and Melinda Novak. Photo courtesy of LI Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. has announced their launch in partnership with the Long Island Game Farm to engage, educate, and encourage the public to foster an understanding and respect for wildlife, and inspire action to protect wildlife for a healthy ecosystem. 

Founded in February 2023, FWS gained nonprofit status this past October. Helmed by executive director Patricia Snyder, the organization is formally launching cultural, educational, and wellness programming this month, with much more planned for the year, ensuring the longevity of the Manorville game farm.

“The Long Island Game Farm has benefitted so many people and animals over its nearly 55-year history, it’s important to ensure its future,” said Snyder. 

“The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences that support and complement the work of the game farm. We have programs scheduled for learners of all ages, summer camps, art classes, music classes, and more, as well as the return of the popular Senior Social Club. Volunteer and fundraising opportunities will also be a priority to advance our mission,” she said.

The foundation’s education team includes education coordinator Shannon Swanson, a learning specialist at Peconic Community School, educator James Carey, who has also worked at the game farm since 2021, and educator Jenna Culbertson, a music facilitator at Peconic Community School. Swanson will also serve as director of Camp Zoo, a summer program that introduces and immerses children ages 5 to10 in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities.

To date, the foundation has coordinated a number of initiatives at the game farm, including the dedication of Woodland Hall in memory of late Sergeant Paul Ferrara, a memorial bench program, volunteer corps program, and an inaugural yearly fundraiser. The foundation also worked with the game farm to secure critical funding through Suffolk County’s JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program to renovate the game farm amphitheater and create a universal access woodland trail.

“2024 is going to be an exciting year,” said game farm president Melinda Novak. “Having a supporting non-profit is an important step in keeping the game farm sustainable. I’m so happy to see this long-held idea come to fruition.”

The foundation is also preparing to celebrate the Long Island Game Farm’s 55th anniversary in 2025. More information on how the community can get involved will become available in the coming weeks. Learn more at the foundation’s new website at wildlifesustainability.org.

Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University men’s basketball team defeated William & Mary, 75-62, on Feb. 24 at Island Federal Arena. Four Seawolves posted double-digit points in the win, with Aaron Clarke and Tyler Stephenson-Moore leading the way with 18 points apiece.

Stony Brook started hot early, opening the game on an 11-2 run. The Tribe responded with several jumpers from Trey Moss to cut the deficit to six. The Seawolves immediately answered back with buckets from Keenan Fitzmorris and Clarke to regain momentum.

A pair of free throws from Clarke with four seconds left gave Stony Brook a 12-point advantage heading into the half. Stony Brook closed the half on a 15-9 run, highlighted by several big plays by Clarke and Fitzmorris.

Both teams traded buckets back and forth early in the second half as William & Mary cut its deficit to nine. The Seawolves responded quickly with tough shots from Jared Frey and Stephenson-Moore. Stony Brook pushed its advantage to 16 points, its largest of the afternoon, following a three from Stephenson-Moore.

After the Tribe again narrowed the deficit to eight points, the Seawolves put the game away with eight consecutive makes from the free-throw line to close out their 12th win at Island Federal Arena, defeating William & Mary for the second time this season.

“Good win for us … Happy to win at home [with] a good crowd on a Saturday afternoon,” said head coach Geno Ford after the game. “[If] you win by double figures at home in a conference game you’re going to take that any day of the week,” he added.

The team  heads on the road to take on Drexel on Feb. 29. The Seawolves and Dragons tip off at 7 p.m. from Philadelphia, with the contest streaming on FloHoops and NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Debby Mastrodima, above, teamed up with Cornelia Bruu-Syversen to win 6-3 on Saturday. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook tennis won its first match in the CAA in the 2024 spring season, taking a 6-1 victory at Monmouth to close a weekend swing in West Long Branch, New Jersey on Feb. 24.

Stony Brook improved to 2-5 overall and 1-0 in conference play, as head coach Thiago Dualiby recorded his first conference win leading the Seawolves.

The Seawolves took two of three doubles games to record the point, with freshmen Mia Palladino and Darian Perfiliev teaming up for a win, before sophomore Debby Mastrodima and freshman Cornelia Bruu-Syversen won the clinching game.

Stony Brook then took five of the six singles matches, with Palladino, freshman Elena Lobo-Corral, Perfiliev, Bruu-Syversen, and junior Sara Annamaria Medved winning their matches.

DOUBLES

Brezanin/Mills (MON) def. Boro/Lobo-Corral (SBU), 6-4; Palladino/Perfiliev (SBU) def. Girish/McKinney (MON), 6-0; Bruu-Syversen/Mastrodima (SBU) def. Jamir/Landstrom (MON), 6-3 – clinching game

SINGLES

Palladino (SBU) def. Brezanin (MON), 6-3, 6-2; Lobo-Corral (SBU) def. McKinney (MON), 6-3, 6-2; Girish (MON) def. Boro (SBU), 2-6, 6-0, WR*; Perfiliev (SBU) def. Jamir (MON), 6-3, 6-4; Bruu-Syversen (SBU) def. Landstrom (MON), 6-1, 6-4; Medved (SBU) def. Mills (MON), 6-4, 7-6

“I’m really proud of the team. We set controllable adjustments after yesterday’s play and everyone executed them really well,” said head coach Thiago Dualiby. “We were able to set the right tone from the start today and executed positive behaviors throughout the match.”

The team heads to Rhode Island for two matches next weekend, first with a matchup against Bryant on March 1. First serve between the Seawolves and Bulldogs is set for 12:45 p.m.

Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, PJFD Chief Anthony Barton, PJFD Commissioners David Gumbus, Charles Russo, and David Oakes (on the rig). Photo courtesy Mayor Lauren Sheprow

Supervisor Dan Panico held a press conference at Brookhaven Town Hall to announce that the Town of Brookhaven will transfer two Stewart & Stevenson LMTV Highwater Rescue Vehicles to the Port Jefferson and Mastic Beach Fire Districts. Supervisor Panico’s action comes shortly after the north shore and south shore of Brookhaven Town experienced extensive flood damage from heavy rainstorms in January. Mastic Beach and the Village of Port Jefferson experienced considerable rain and flooding, which made it extremely difficult to make rescues in the affected areas. Since the responsibility of water rescues was transferred from the Town to local fire districts, the trucks were no longer needed by the Town of Brookhaven. 

The resolution was unanimously adopted at the Feb. 1 Town Board meeting. The Highwater Rescue Vehicle donated to the Port Jefferson Fire District also includes an Inmar Hull, 4.3-meter inflatable boat with trailer.

There is no fiscal impact to the Town as the vehicles will be transferred to the Fire Districts per section 72-h of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York to provide emergency water rescue and returned to the Town if not needed in the future. It was also indicated that the Port Jefferson and Mastic Beach Fire Departments agree to use the vehicles for Mutual Aid for other Fire Districts within the Town of Brookhaven for water rescues. In the event that the Mastic Beach or Port Jefferson Fire Districts, should decide to sell either of the vehicles, the Town of Brookhaven shall have the right to request the vehicles be returned to the Town.

Supervisor Panico said, “The marked increase in the frequency of these significant rain and flooding events present challenges for local fire departments. Two of our most vulnerable coastal communities are Mastic Beach and Port Jefferson, and their fire departments need the right tools to help keep residents safe. Accordingly, we are pleased to be able to help them do their job with the donation of these Highwater rescue vehicles.”

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Have you seen Darryl? Photo from SCPD

UPDATE: Darryl Clark has been found unharmed and safe.

Suffolk County Police have issued a Silver Alert for a missing Central Islip man who suffers from Alzheimer’s.

Darryl Clark, 68, was last seen leaving South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore at approximately 12:30 p.m. on February 26. Clark resides at 79101 Circle Drive, Central Islip.

Clark is Black, 6 feet 1 inch tall and 140 pounds. He has short black hair and was last seen wearing a gray and burgundy sweat suit with a blue coat and black sneakers. 

Detectives are asking anyone with information on Clark’s location to call 911 or Third Squad detectives at 631-854-8352.

Silver Alert is a program implemented in Suffolk County that allows local law enforcement to share information with media outlets about individuals with special needs who have been reported missing.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate three people who allegedly stole ice cream from a convenience store in Huntington this month.

Three people allegedly stole approximately $640 worth of Haagen-Dazs ice cream from 7-Eleven, located at 247 Broadway, on February 12 at approximately 8:20 p.m. They fled in a silver Nissan Rogue.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online atwww.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.