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Pictured, from left, are Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Library Director, Middle Country Public Library; Sal DiVincenzo, Coordinator of Digital Services, Middle Country Public Library; Edward Russo, Mortgage Loan Officer, TD Bank; Tom Kelly, Manager, TD Bank; and Elizabeth Malafi, Coordinator, Miller Business Center, Middle Country Public Library. Photo from MCPL

TD Bank recently provided a generous grant of $5,000 to the Middle Country Library Foundation in support of Strictly Business and the Women’s EXPO. 

As the Strictly Business Enterprise sponsor, TD Bank supports the library’s efforts to bring valuable educational, networking, and tradeshow experience to the local and regional business community. 

Held on May 7, the 16th annual Strictly Business event, a partnership between Middle Country Public Library’s Miller Business Center, the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, and the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition, featured more than 80 local businesses and business organizations and welcomed over 550 attendees. 

The 24th Women’s EXPO, a showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, will be held on Oct. 10 and features more than 80 exhibitors and over 2,500 attendees each year.

Pictured, from left, are Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Library Director, Middle Country Public Library; Sal DiVincenzo, Coordinator of Digital Services, Middle Country Public Library; Edward Russo, Mortgage Loan Officer, TD Bank; Tom Kelly, Manager, TD Bank; and Elizabeth Malafi, Coordinator, Miller Business Center, Middle Country Public Library. 

For more information about the many programs of the Miller Business Center, visit www.millerbusinesscenter.org. 

Photo courtesy of MCPL

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METRO photo

By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou

If you’ve retired, you may have thought you closed the book on one chapter of your life. But what happens if you need to “reverse” your retirement?

Due to higher inflation and rising interest rates, many retirees are taking out more money from their retirement accounts than they had originally anticipated. As a result, some are headed back to the workforce. If you’re thinking of joining them, you’ll need to consider some factors that may affect your finances. 

First, if you’ve been taking Social Security, be aware that you could lose some of your benefits if you earn over a certain level, at least until you reach your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. Specifically, if you are under your full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit, which, in 2024, is $22,320. In the year you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, which, in 2024, is $59,520. 

Social Security will only count your earnings up to the month before you reach your full retirement age, at which point your earnings will no longer reduce your benefits, regardless of how much you earn. Also, Social Security will recalculate your benefit amounts to credit you for the months your payments were reduced due to your excess earnings. Social Security also allows you to pay back early benefits received if you withdraw your application within 12 months of starting benefits. This move could help you receive substantially higher benefits at full retirement age.

Your Social Security isn’t the only benefit that could be affected by your earnings. Your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are based on your income, so they could rise if you start earning more money. Also, your extra income could push you into a higher tax bracket.

Nonetheless, you can certainly gain some benefits by returning to the working world. Obviously, you’ll be making money that can help you boost your daily cash flow and possibly reduce some debts. But depending on where you work, you might also be able to contribute to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. And regardless of where you work, you’ll be eligible to contribute to an IRA. By putting more money into these accounts, you may well be able to strengthen your financial position during your retirement years. You might also be able to receive some employee benefits, such as group health insurance — which could be particularly valuable if you haven’t yet started receiving Medicare. 

In addition to the potential financial advantages of going back to work, you might get some social benefits, too. Many people enjoy the interactions with fellow workers and miss these exchanges when they retire, so a return to the workforce, even if it’s on a part-time basis, may give you an emotional boost.

In the final analysis, you’ll want to weigh the potential costs of going back to work against the possible benefits. There’s no one right answer for everyone, but by looking at all the variables, you should be able to reach a decision that works for you. 

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIP

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

 

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Tony Butera and Company in a scene from 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
A scene from Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three
The cast of Theatre Three's 'The Producers'. Photo by Courtney Gilmore/Theatre Three

By Julianne Mosher

Nobody does camp better than Theatre Three. This time with their latest production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers, the Port Jefferson-based venue succeeds, yet again, with a phenomenal production of the hysterical musical that is bound to offend everyone and anyone in the best way possible.

Adapted from Mel Brooks’ 1967 film of the same name, the story follows two producers who scheme to get rich fast by fraudulently overselling interests in a Broadway musical they’re seeking to fail. Plot twist … it’s a smash hit, much to their dismay.

Theatre Three’s production is just as good as the latest Broadway revival (latest being 2001) which starred Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The cast and crew outdid themselves with every detail — from the constant costume and wig changes courtesy of Ronald Green III (and there are quite a few) to Randall Parson’s scenic sets that switch between the office of Max Bialystock (Scott Hofer) and Leo Bloom (Tony Butera) to the rooftop of Nazi-turned playwright Franz Leibkind (Evan Teich). 

Yes, a Nazi. Like I said, this play is going to offend. 

Hofer and Butera in the lead roles of the producers shine on stage, again, on the same level that the show’s former Broadway legends bore in the past.

With several dozen different roles — it’s a Mel Brooks show, so of course it’s going to be chaotic — every person who enters stage right and left are fantastic with an ensemble cast that literally does it all. The singing is master level, the choreography is impressive and you’ll be laughing as soon as the curtain opens during the first number, “It’s Opening Night.”

After Bialystock and Bloom find the most offensive musical out there, Springtime for Hitler, they need to find financial backers. Bialystock, a Casanova to the wealthy elderly, uses his charm on widowers while Bloom meets the beautiful and talented Ulla (Brittany Lacey) who becomes the main female lead in the play they’re hoping fails … as well as Bloom’s love interest. 

The next stop is to get the worst director out there — Roger De Bris (Ryan Nolin), a flamboyant failing director with his long-term, life “roommate,” Carmen Ghia (Jim Sluder). While Nolin and Sluder play near-deadbeats in the theater industry, both have remarkable talent in real life.

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the three-hour-long show is so good you want to sit through it again and again. You’ll be bound to find something new at every showing.

So, like I mentioned earlier, Theatre Three does campy musicals extremely well. “When You Got It, Flaunt It,” right? And the only advice I have moving forward is to continue and “Keep It Gay” with all that talent on stage.

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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Producers through June 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children (ages 5 to 12) and Wednesday matinees. Please Note: Contains adult humor and situations. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

See preview here.

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Front row, from left, Deputy Director of Water Quality & Lab Services Chris Niebling, Director of Water Quality & Lab Service Thomas Schneider, CEO Jeffrey Szabo, and Chairman Charles Lefkowitz; back row, from left, SCWA employees Joseph Coppola, Christian Iniguez Ulloa, Janet Klug and Erdal Kadioglu. Photo courtesy of SCWA
Front row, from left, Deputy Director of Water Quality & Lab Services Chris Niebling, Director of Water Quality & Lab Service Thomas Schneider, CEO Jeffrey Szabo, and Chairman Charles Lefkowitz; back row, from left, SCWA employees Joseph Coppola, Christian Iniguez Ulloa, Janet Klug and Erdal Kadioglu. Photo courtesy of SCWA
SCWA's Supervisor of Receiving Erdal Kadioghu tours the new lab expansion with SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. Photo courtesy of SCWA

The Suffolk County Water Authority celebrated Drinking Water Week (May 5 to 11) with the opening of a new expansion of its state-of-the-art laboratory. The expansion will support SCWA’s mission of providing its customers with high quality drinking water.

SCWA’s water quality testing laboratory is recognized as one of the top groundwater laboratories in the nation. With the 191,047 tests performed last year producing 1.7 million results, it is at the front line of ensuring that SCWA is delivering high quality water. With a growing number of contaminants that water providers are required to test for, SCWA began an expansion of its laboratory in 2023.

The new area consolidates the collection of samples collected from SCWA’s public supply system around Suffolk County and distributes them throughout the laboratory so testing can occur for pesticides, herbicides, emerging contaminants, bacteria, metals and many other compounds. It also provides ample room within its existing laboratory to prepare for the future testing requirements. It is the laboratory’s largest expansion since it moved to its current location in Hauppauge in 1994.

SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz cut the ribbon on the new expansion, remarking “We are so proud of our state-of-the-art laboratory and the staff that makes it the finest in the nation. Wherever I go, I always talk about its importance so our customers will know the rigor and attention that goes into making sure their drinking water is of the highest quality. This expansion sets us up for the future and I am thrilled to be here to celebrate it.”

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GREAT SCOTT! Catch a screening of 'Back to the Future' at the Cinema Arts Centre on May 26.
PROGRAMS

Books in the Barn

In partnership with the Smithtown Library, the Smithtown Historical Society will hold a  special Storytime event for children ages 3 to 5 years old with a parent/caregiver at the Franklin Arthur Barn, 245 E. Main St., Smithtown on May 24 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Come listen to stories about farms animals and then visit the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies, and barn cats. Free. Registration required by calling 631-360-2480, ext. 196.

Memorial Day Flag Craft

Celebrate Memorial Day at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor by making your own flag craft on May 24 and May 27 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Free with admission to the hatchery of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Owl Prowl Friday

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Owl Prowl on May 24 from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $15 per person, Advance reservations required by visiting www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Crafternoon at the Library

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket hosts a Crafternoon on May 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Stop by for fun and games! There will be a bunch of board games for you to play with. Perfect for families with children ages 4 to 12. No registration required. Bring a friend! Questions? Email [email protected].

Wildlife Wonders

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Wildlife Wonders: Superheroes on May 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children ages 2 to 4 through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.  $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Turtle Celebration at the Hatchery

In honor of World Turtle Day, join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery for a Turtle Celebration on May 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will include a Turtle Encounters workshop at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; turtle feeding demonstration at noon; and a craft and scavenger hunt all day. Activities are free with admission to the hatchery of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on May 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on May 27 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Flower Power

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots class, Flower Power, on May 30 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent or caregiver will enjoy short walks, stories, dances, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per person. $4 per child. 631-269-4333.

THEATER

‘The Mystery of the Missing Ever After’

“Where in the world is our happy ending?” Stories collide and mysteries abound as three great princesses come together to solve The Mystery of the Missing Ever After at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from May 25 to June 15. A slipper, a spinning wheel, and a red, red rose are all clues in this hilarious new musical! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater with Seussical the Musical from June 1 to June 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. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, imagination, loyalty, and community are challenged and emerge victorious. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Back to the Future’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Back to the Future on May  26 at noon. Marty McFly is thrown back into the 1950s when an experiment by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown goes awry. Traveling through time in a modified DeLorean car, Marty encounters young versions of his parents and must make sure that they fall in love or he’ll cease to exist. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Huntington YMCA hosts its annual Memorial Day Weekend Carnival from May 24 to 27.
Ongoing

Flip Circus at Whitman Shops

Flip Circus heads to the Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station from May 17 to May 29. Experience the magical moments under red and white big top with trapeze artists, acrobats, jugglers and more! Showtimes are Monday to Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets visit www.flipcircus.com.

Smith Haven Mall Carnival

The Wonderland Midway Carnival has set up shop at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove through May 27 with rides, games, prizes and food. Hours are May 23 and 24 from 5 to 10 p.m., May 25 and 26 from 2 to 10 p.m. and May 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. $40 unlimited ride wristbands. 631-724-1433

Thursday May 23

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. 631-655-7798

Goat & Alpaca Yoga

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St. Smithtown presents two Goat & Alpaca Yoga workshops tonight (5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.) with Steppin’ Out Ponies and Petting Zoo. Tickets are $35 at www.eventbrite.com. 631-265-6768

Hangoutology at The Jazz Loft

It’s ‘Hangoutology and Mixology’ as the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook explores the science of sound and cocktails at the Loft’s Coal Bin speakeasy at 7 p.m. Jazz lovers can enjoy some crafty cocktails and vintage music from the 1930’s to 1960’s. Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel will be spinning rare unreleased, master acetates and shaking up some extraordinary libations. For ages 21 and older. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895.

Friday May 24

What’s in the News?

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a What’s in the News? program from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Join a group discussion led by a moderator on current events from today’s headlines. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.

Huntington YMCA Carnival

Huntington YMCA, 60 Main St., Huntington hosts its annual Memorial Day Weekend Carnival today from 6 to 10 p.m., May 25 and May 26 from 1 to 10 p.m., and May 27 from 1 to 6 p.m. Featuring carnvial rides, food, a magic show,  concert by Totally Taylor Swift, games and more. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Scholarship Fund for camp and program support. Free admission. For ticket ride bracelets, visit ymcali.org/carnival.

Owl Prowl Friday

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Owl Prowl on from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $15 per person, Advance reservations required by visiting www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Friday Night Face Off

Long Island’s longest running improv comedy show heads to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown tonight at 8 p.m. Join them for a “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” style improv competition between the performers. Tickets are $28. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Saturday May 25

Huntington YMCA Carnival

See May 24 listing.

Spring Plant Sale

The Shoreham-Wading River Garden Club will hold their annual Spring Plant Sale at 35 Sound Rd. Wading River from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Held rain or shine, the selection will include member-grown ferns and other perennials and annuals. Proceeds will go towards the club’s annual high school scholarships. Questions? Call 631-987-3733.

Spring Yard Sale

Yaphank Historical Society will hold their annual multi-vendor Spring Yard Sale on the grounds of the Robert & Isabella Hawkins House at 4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a large variety of crafts, collectibles, and household items. Rain date is May 26. 631-924-4803

Drill Day at the TVHS – Just added!

The Redcoats are coming! Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket will host a Drill Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The community is invited to watch the 23rd Regiment of Foot Royal Welch Fusiliers of America practice their military drills. The company will be talking to guests, answering questions and pose for photos. Perfect for the history lovers in your family. Free. 631-751-3730

Save A Pet Adoption Event

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook hosts a pet adoption event for Save A Pet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grab your beach chairs and join in the fun with exciting raffles, kids crafts, live music by Diamond Dan and the 12-6 Band, refreshments and adoptable dogs. Call 631-751-7707. See more on page B6.

Spring Farm Festival

Join the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown for a Spring Farm Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Come celebrate spring and all the farm has to offer with kids crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, live music, traditional craft demonstrations, historic house tour, food and craft vendors. Rain date is May 26. Fee is $7 per person (kids under 3 free) at www.eventbrite.com or at the gate. 631-265-6768

Farmers & Artisans Marketplace

Farmingville Residents Association will host Farmers, Artisans and Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 45 vendors selling local produce, handmade items, antiques & collectibles, flea market treasures and live music. 631-260-7411

Spring Fling Comedy Night

In partnership with Governor’s Comedy Clubs, Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present a Spring Fling Comedy Night at 8 p.m. Comedic line-up includes Tom Kelly, Felicia Gilespie, Debbie D’Amore and Mickey Farrow. Tickets are $40 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Sunday May 26

Huntington YMCA Carnival

See May 24 listing.

Spring Car Show & Swap Meet

Catholic Health Ampitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville hosts a Spring Car Show & Swap Meet with classic and collectible cars, unique custom vehicles, street rods, antiques, exotics, muscle cars, imports, vendors and cars for sale from 8 am. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10, free for ages 12 and under. www.longislandcars.com

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor for a 6-mile hike through the Eastern section of the park from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Adults only. $4 per person,  $8 parking fee. Advance reservations required by calling 631-423-1770.

CSHL Walking Tour

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor will host a guided walking tour of the campus from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about the historic and modern architecture, the Nobel legacy, and the advanced cancer, neuroscience, and plant research taking place at the lab. Fee is $7.18 per person. To register, visit www.cshl.edu. 516-367-8844

Mosaic Street Painting Festival

East End Arts presents its annual Mosaic Street Painting Festival in downtown Riverhead along Main Street and along the Peconic River with street painting, artisan and craft fair, live music, theater, drumming, dance and food trucks from noon to 5 p.m. Rain date is May 27. 631-369-2171

Ronkonkoma Street Fair

Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Memorial Day Street Fair along Hawkins Avenue in Lake Ronkonkoma from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring over 200 vendors with live entertainment, merchandise, food, children’s rides, arts and crafts. 631-963-2796

Kent Animal Shelter Fundraiser

Port Jeff Brewing Company , 22 Mill Creek Road, Port Jefferson will hold a Memorial Day Mutt Mixer, a benefit for Kent Animal Shelter, at 1 p.m. with pet trick contests, demonstrations, raffles, giveaways and more. 631-331-2959

Glenn Strange in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Glenn Strange from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org. 

Monday May 27

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS ARE LISTED SEPARATELY.

Huntington YMCA Carnival

See May 24 listing.

Tuesday May 28

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a special concert featuring FiZ, a guitarist and singer of pop, soul and jazz with a warm and mellowing sound, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Wednesday May 29

Town Clerk Mobile Office

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Brookhaven Town Clark Mobile Office from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Town Clerk Kevin J. LaValle will visit to connect with Brookhaven residents, answer questions, and communicate important information including: disabled parking passes, marriage licenses/marriage officiants, birth certificates, death certificates, and dog licenses. No registration required. 631-928-1212

The Setalcott Story

The Ward Melville High School’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitee presents A Walk Through the History of the Setalcott Nation at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket today and May 30 from noon to 7 p.m. with photographs, letters, recipes, garments. Enjoy an educational discussion with Helen Sells of the Setalcott Nation at 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. Free admission. 631-751-6208

Thursday May 30

The Setalcott Story

See May 29 listing.

An Evening of Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents the Interplay Jazz Orchestra in concert at 7 p.m. The 17 piece big band will be co-directed by Joe Devassy on trombone and Gary Henderson on trumpet. Ticket are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under age 5 free. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895

St. Jude’s Benefit Concert

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a benefit concert for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital featuring The Other Irish Tenors and Guests on Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m. Followed by an after party with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $80 per person. Call 631-928-9100 to reserve your seat.

Theater 

‘Antigone’

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport kicks off the 35th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Antigone by Sophocles from May 3 to June 2. One of the finest examples of Greek Tragedy, Antigone follows the events of the Oedipus legend, wherein the title character displays great strength as she disobeys King Creon in an attempt to bury her brother in consecrated ground. Presented by the Carriage House Players, the show will take place in the mansion’s Spanish Revival Courtyard on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Jersey Boys’

Extended! John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Jersey Boys, the story of Franki Valli & The Four Seasons, from March 14 to June 30. They were just 4 guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note–a sound the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage was a different story ­— a story that has made them a sensation all over again. Winner of the 2006 Tony© Award for “Best Musical,” Jersey Boys features the top ten hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Producers’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Mel Brooks’ The Producers from May 18 to June 22. With something to offend everyone, the hilarious show-biz hit follows the antics of a pair of scheming Broadway producers with a plan to put on the biggest flop of all time. Featuring “If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It,” That Face,” “Keep It Gay,” and the outrageous “Springtime for Hitler,” The Producers is a side-splitting musical bliss. Contains adult humor and situations. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. See review on page B5.

‘The Addams Family’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The Addams Family School Edition on June 3 and June 4 at 8 p.m.  Performed entirely by students of the John W. Engeman Studio. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Romeo and Juliet’

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its 35th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Romeo and Juliet from June 7 to July 5 (No performance June 19 & 21).Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of star crossed lovers follows two families locked in an ancient rivalry. When two children from opposing sides fall in love, they challenge the imposed norms of the time and set both families on a path to ruin. Presented by the Carriage House Players, the show will take place in the mansion’s Spanish Revival Courtyard on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Newsies’

Stop the presses! This Disney film turned Tony-winning Broadway hit Newsies heads to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown from July 13 to Aug. 18. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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

 

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Photo courtesy of the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve

The Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve will hold its 20th annual Catch and Release Junior Angler Fishing Tournament at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, on Saturday,  June 8. The event is rain or shine.

The tournament will be divided into two groups: ages 5 through 8 from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. and ages 9 to 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sign-in begins 30 minutes before each start time. Trophies will be awarded in three categories at each session. The tournament is sponsored by The Fisherman and The Campsite Sport Shop.

Those interested in participating in the tournament must register by Saturday, June 1, and adults must accompany anglers under the age of 10. The entry fee is $15, $10 for members and includes bait, hooks and bobbers, junior angler tee shirts, refreshments, and goody bags for all participants. A limited number of fishing rods are available if required. An $8 NYS Parks parking fee will be in effect.

For more information or to register, call the Caleb Smith State Preserve office at 631-265-1054, Wednesday through Sunday.

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METRO photo

By Shannon L. Malone, Esq.

Shannon L. Malone Esq.

Earlier in our series with respect to traffic infractions, we discussed proposed legislation that would increase the number of points associated with dangerous driving. These provisions would add point penalties to violations that presently have none. In this article, we will explore the existing Driver Violation Point System and provide readers with a quick reference guide illustrating the number of points associated with speeding violations in New York State. Understanding this system will empower you to make informed decisions about your driving habits and potential consequences. 

It is crucial to remember that if you accumulate 11 points on your driver’s license within 18 months, your driver’s license will be suspended. This is a significant consequence that can obviously disrupt your daily life. Exceptions to this point are rare. Nonetheless, you should consult an experienced attorney if you find yourself in this situation. Additionally, you must pay a Driver Responsibility fee if you accumulate six or more points on your driving record within 18 months.

Once 18 months have passed from the violation date, the points for that violation no longer count toward your total. However, the points do remain on your overall driving record, and your insurance company may use these points to increase your premium.

How Your Point Total is Calculated

Points are added to your driving record based on the date of the traffic violation, not the conviction. The point total is calculated by adding the points for violations occurring within the last 18 months.

Out-of-State Convictions

Suppose you are convicted of a traffic violation in another state, like Connecticut, New Jersey, or Florida. In that case, points are not added to your New York State driving record. Interestingly, however, if the violation occurred in Canada, specifically in Ontario or Quebec points are added because New York State has a reciprocal agreement with these provinces.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies have their own point systems and can increase premiums based on your driving records. Insurance companies almost invariably increase your premium if you are convicted of a moving violation such as speeding. Other moving violations that may affect your insurance premium are passing a stop sign, running a red light, and failing to yield the right of way.  For these reasons, it is always a good idea to consult a lawyer when you receive a summons for a moving violation, particularly a speeding ticket.

Check Your Points

New York State DMV’s “MyDMV” service allows users to check their points on their New York State driver’s license. Taking a DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) course (usually online) will help prevent you from losing your license if you accrue 11 or more points on your driving record. Four points are ‘subtracted’ to calculate a suspension if you have 11 or more points. The tickets/points do not physically come off your driving record, but this system can potentially save you 10 percent on your automobile liability and collision insurance premiums. This offers a glimmer of hope and control in managing your points and insurance premiums.

Shannon L. Malone, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket. She graduated from Touro Law, where she wrote and served as an editor of the Touro Law Review. Ms. Malone is a proud Stony Brook University alumna.

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Camila dos Santos Photo courtesy of CSHL

By Daniel Dunaief

People often think of and study systems or organs in the body as discrete units. 

In a healthy human body, however, these organs and systems work together, sometimes producing signals that affect other areas.

Recently, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Associate Professor Camila dos Santos and graduate students Samantha Henry and Steven Lewis, along with former postdoctoral researcher Samantha Cyrill, published a study in the journal Nature Communications that showed a link in a mouse model between persistent bacterial urinary tract infections and changes in breast tissue.

The study provides information about how a response in one area of the body could affect another far from an infection and could provide women with the kind of information that could inform the way they monitor their health.

To be sure, dos Santos and her graduate students didn’t study the processes in humans, which could be different than they are in mice.

Indeed, they are in the process of establishing clinical studies to check if UTIs in women drive breast alterations.

The body’s response

In this research, the scientists demonstrated that an unresolved urinary tract infection itself wasn’t causing changes in breast tissue, but that the body’s reaction to the presence of the bacteria triggered these changes.

By treating the urinary tract infections, Henry and Lewis showed that breast cells returned to their normal state.

Further, when they didn’t treat the UTI but blocked the molecule TIMP1, which causes collagen deposits and milk duct enlargements, the breast cells returned to their normal state.

The TIMP1 role is “probably the main eureka moment,” said Lewis, who is an MD/ PhD student at Stony Brook University. “It explains how an infection in the bladder can change a faraway tissue.”

Lewis suggested that collagen, among other factors, changes the density of breast tissue. When women get a mammography, doctors are looking for changes in the density of their breasts.

Taking a step back from the link, these graduate students and dos Santos considered whether changes in the breast tissue during an infection could provide an evolutionary benefit.

“From an evolutionary standpoint, there should be some adaptive advantage,” suggested Henry, who is earning her PhD in genetics at Stony Brook University and will defend her thesis in July. Speculating on what this might be, she suggested the mammary gland might change in response to an infection to protect milk production during lactation, enabling a mother to feed her young.

Epidemiological studies

A link between persistent UTIs and breast cancer could show up in epidemiological studies.

Dos Santos and collaborators are exploring such questions in the context of European data and are working with US collaborators to collect this information.

In addition, dos Santos believes women should consider how other ongoing threats to their overall health impact their bodies. Women with clinical depression, for example, have worse prognoses in terms of disease. Humans have health threats beyond UTIs that could predispose them to developing cancer, dos Santos said.

Division of labor

Henry and Lewis took over a study that Samantha Cyrill, the third co-first author on the paper started. When Cyrill finished her postdoctoral work, Henry and Lewis “put on their capes and said, ‘We are going to take this to the end line.’ They are incredible people,” said dos Santos.

They each contributed to the considerable work involved.

Henry primarily analyzed the single cell RNA sequencing data, specifically identifying changes in the epithelial compartment. Gina Jones, a visiting CSHL undergraduate research program student, and Lewis also contributed to this.

Henry also participated in TIMP1 neutralizing antibody treatment in post-lactation involution mice, contributing to tissue collection and staining.

Working with Cyrill and Henry, Lewis contributed to the mouse work, including experiments like neutralizing TIMP1 and CSF3. Lewis also worked with Cyrill on the UTI infections in the animals and with Henry in processing tissues for single cell RNA sequencing and assisted Henry on the sequencing analysis.

While this result is compelling and offers an opportunity to study how an infection in an area of the body can trigger changes in another, dos Santos recognized the inherent risk in a new project and direction that could have either been disconnected or a been a dead end.

“It was an incredible risk,” said dos Santos. She was rejected from at least four different funding opportunities because the research is “so out there,” she said. She tapped into foundations and to CSHL for support.

Back stories

A resident of Brooklyn, Lewis was born in Queens and raised in Scarsdale. He joined the dos Santos lab in March of 2021. One of the appeals of the dos Santos lab was that he wanted to understand how life history events drive disease, especially breast cancer.

A big Mets fan, Lewis, whose current favorite payer is Pete Alonso, is planning to run his third marathon this fall.

Lewis is dating Sofia Manfredi, who writes for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and accepted an Emmy award on behalf of the staff.

Lewis considers himself Manfredi’s “biggest cheerleader,” while he appreciates how well she listens to him and asks important questions about his work.

As for Henry, she grew up in Greenport. She joined the lab in May of 2020 and is planning to defend her thesis in July.

Her father Joseph Henry owns JR Home Improvements and her mother Christine Thompson worked as a waitress and a bartender in various restaurants.

Henry is married to Owen Roberts, who is a civil engineer and works in the Empire State Building for HNTB as a civil engineer, where he focuses on traffic.

Henry hopes to live in Boston after she graduates. She’s adopted the rooting interests of her husband, who is a fan of Beantown teams, and will support the Bruins and the Celtics. A lifelong Yankees fan, however, Henry, who watched the Bronx Bombers with her father growing up, draws the line at supporting the “Sawx.”

As for the work, Henry and Lewis are excited to see what the lab discovers in the next steps.

“I do think this work is extremely informative, defining a relationship between an infection, UTI, and the mammary gland that has not previously been appreciated,” Henry explained.

“This provides information to the public,” said Henry. “I always think it is worth knowing how different events may impact your body.”

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Author Sarah Beth Durst with a copy of her new book, 'Spy Ring.' Photo by Heidi Sutton

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

The prolific and talented writer Sarah Beth Durst has published over two dozen books, with several reviewed in this publication: The Stone Girl’s Story, The Bone Maker, The Deepest Blue, Even and Odd, and most recently, the thriller The Lake House. Durst has a particular gift for world-building, which is most prevalent in her fantasy works. With the Young Adult novel Spy Ring [HarperCollins/Clarion Books], she embarks on a different setting—Long Island and the very real Setauket and its environs. 

Rachel and Joon have been best friends since kindergarten, when they bonded over a pirate fantasy. Now, eleven years old, in July, between fifth and sixth grade, they have decided to be spies. Additionally, the inseparable pair are facing Joon’s imminent move out of the district, both fearing the toll the distance will take on their friendship.

Rachel’s mother is marrying Dave, her longtime boyfriend, of whom Rachel likes and approves. Rachel overhears Dave telling her mother that he wants to give Rachel a family heirloom, a ring that might have belonged to Anna “Nancy” Smith Strong. Strong was possibly the only known female member of the famed Culper Spy Ring that fed vital information to George Washington from 1778 to 1783. (Thus, the double meaning of the title.) Given an opportunity, Rachel sneaks a look at the ring. Engraved on the inside is “August 1 6, 17 13. Find me.” With this first clue, Rachel and Joon initiate a quest to solve the significance of this cryptic inscription. 

Rachel and Joon’s search takes Nancy off the page and makes her real to the two young detectives. The story briskly zig-zags throughout the Three Village area, with visits to the Setauket Presbyterian Church’s cemetery and Patriots Rock, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, the Vance Locke murals at Setauket Elementary School, the Setauket Village Green, Frank Melville Memorial Park, the Setauket Grist Mill, and Caroline Episcopal Church. Durst describes each locale colorfully but succinctly as their hunt becomes an almost “history alive.” Central to the quest is time spent at the invaluable Three Village Historical Society, where they receive help, insight, and encouragement.

Durst has a terrific sense of humor, with the pair garnering one clue by remembering “the worst field trip ever.” She also gives insight into the complicated issue of historical accuracy.

“‘Sometimes historians make mistakes […] or more often, they don’t have all the information yet […] reconstructing history is like piecing together a puzzle where there’s no picture on the box, half the pieces have fallen on the floor, and the cat has eaten a quarter of them. You try to guess what the picture looks like as best you can with what you have.’”

Rachel and Joon learn that the Culper Spy Ring was the most effective espionage organization of the Revolutionary War. None of the spies ever admitted to being spies in their lifetime. Everything is theory, but much unearthed evidence supports these hypotheses. 

The author nimbly weaves historical facts and intriguing gems that paint a vivid picture of the time. She vibrantly imparts Rachel’s excitement:

The fizzing feeling was back. She had in her possession the ring of a spy who’d defied her enemies, aided George Washington, and helped found America. Even better, this spy had sent a message with her ring: Find me. This felt like the moment right before the sun poked over the horizon. Or right before a batch of dark clouds dumped buckets of rain. Or right before she bit into a fresh slice of pizza. 

The ability to communicate not just the narrative but the roiling feelings of the young—this aptly labeled “fizzing”—separates Durst from many less accomplished YA writers. The narrative is more than a mystery but a real novel of summer—of bike rides and bonds that run deep, about the fear of loss and the expectations of the future. 

One of the most evocative descriptions is that of a school during vacation:

It felt so strange to be in the school in July. The hallways looked as if they’d been abandoned. Half the bulletin boards were naked—only plain brown paper with a few leftover staples. Some staples had tufts of colorful construction paper stuck to them, like bits of party food caught in one’s teeth. 

Perfectly conjured is the combination of stillness and expectation. “It was strange to see a classroom without any students in it, in addition to the empty halls. It felt as if the whole school were holding its breath.”

A ring, a stone, a key, a powder horn, a codebook, a family Bible—even rudimentary invisible ink—are all part of this journey that is not so much historical fiction but history adjacent. 

In the end, one of the most powerful statements is the realization of why Strong left the clues. Rachel recognizes that “[Nancy] wanted someone to see her.” Sarah Beth Durst’s engaging Spy Ring offers two heroes. The first is a woman who may or may not have been the burgeoning nation’s Agent 355. The second is a spirited, insightful young person in a lively, magical adventure story.

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Meet the author at a book launch hosted by the Three Village Historical Society at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Monday, May 20 at 7 p.m. The event is free. To pre-register, visit www.tvhs.org. For more information, visit www.sarahbethdurst.com.

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