There are few things quite as comforting as walking into the house and smelling a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. Whether you eat it for dessert, breakfast or a snack, banana bread (or muffins) is the best way to use up overripe bananas.
In honor of National Banana Bread Day — February 23 — a day that celebrates a perfect pairing of fruit plus bread, here is a tried and true family recipe for Raisin Nut Banana Bread, or if you love bacon, a recipe for Bacon Banana Bread which combines two morning meal classics in one easy-to-enjoy bite.
Raisin Nut Banana Bread
Raisin Nut Banana Bread
YIELD: Makes one loaf
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
2eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 9-by-5-inch metal loaf pan. Mix first four ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine raisins and nuts and 1 tablespoon flour in a separate bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy; add sugar and eggs. Beat in bananas, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Beat in flour mixture, stir in raisins and nuts. Pour into loaf pan. Bake until tester comes out clean, about 60 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes and then turn onto wire rack to cool completely. Serve with butter.
Bacon Banana Bread
Bacon Banana Bread
YIELD: Makes one loaf
INGREDIENTS:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
3 medium bananas, mashed
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices bacon or turkey bacon, cooked and cut into 1/4-1/2-inch pieces
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. In separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Add banana mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. In small bowl, toss bacon and remaining flour until bacon is lightly coated. Fold flour-coated bacon into batter. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake 70-80 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 20 minutes before inverting bread onto wire rack to cool completely.
Actor John Higgins in the role of Jesse Platt in a scene from 'I Now Take Up My Pen.' Photo courtesy of Darren St. George
By Julianne Mosher
Long Island — and especially the North Shore — is rich with history. Chapters can be written about what has happened in these neighborhoods ranging from the early days of the Native Americans and the struggle they encountered when settlers came to shore to the boat-building community that thrived in the early 19th century in Port Jefferson.
And while history lovers in Huntington, Smithtown, Setauket and Port Jeff thrive on the Revolutionary War stories and how several families helped General George Washington with the Culper Spy Ring, the local community has even more history that was never really spoken about — for instance, the Platt Brothers and their role in the Civil War.
On Friday, March 3, the Port Jefferson Historical Society is planning to host their annual dinner at The WaterView at The Port Jefferson Country Club. Joan Townley, vice president of the society, said that while the dinner is held every year to include the usual election of officers and reports as well as projects for the future, 2023 is bringing something special to the table — the premiere screening of a locally-produced film.
Titled I Now Take Up My Pen, the 38-minute film written and produced by St. George Living History Productions — a local group that creates films and webinars for nonprofits and other historical societies — tells the heart-wrenching tale of William and Jesse Platt, who separately volunteered their service to the 5th Regiment of the Zouaves from Long Island.
Townley said that for over a year the historical society was working on getting a $10,000 grant from New York State that would help fund a film they had been wanting to do for a long time.
It all started in 1970 when the society was contacted by a woman in North Carolina claiming to be the granddaughter of one of the Platt Brothers. “She had these letters that were written to each brother and their father during the Civil War,” Townley said. “She sent the Mather House Museum copies of the letters and they sat around for quite a while, but the dream was to one day have them transcribed and turn it into a film.”
Well, that dream finally came true nearly a decade after the letters were read through, pieced together and put together in a book.
Without giving too much away, the film follows the Platt family as 15-year-old William enlists in the war, much to the dismay of his father. Upset and angry, the father (played by the historical society’s president, Nick Acampora) sends his second son, Jesse, on a mission to bring his younger brother home. The film follows the letters that Jesse and William wrote to each other and their family describing in detail everything they saw.
Sal St. George, who read each and every letter, wrote the screenplay.
In December of 2021, Townley said that Assemblyman Steve Englebright secured the grant for the historical society to use. Using local actors and members of the historical society, with costumes created by the late Nan Guzzetta, filming began in the summer of 2022 in various locations in Setauket and Port Jefferson including the Sherwood-Jayne House and Farm, Cedar Hill Cemetery, the Mather House Museum and the Port Jefferson Village Center. Post production was finalized in December.
When the board began discussing plans for this year’s dinner, they realized it would be the perfect time to premiere a film showcasing a piece of Port Jefferson history.
“Someone gave us these letters as a gift and we wanted to share them with as many people as possible,” Townley said.
Darren St. George, creative director to the film and also the actor who played William, said that being able to show viewers this piece of history was very rewarding.
“The historical society has letters of correspondence and we brought that story to light. Through their writings you can see the brothers on the battlefield. It’s always challenging when you’re portraying someone’s real life in a film, but you recognize as you read more about William’s life in the letters that there are emotions I had to portray and there’s the truth that he lived in them. You see the tragedy that befalls him for enlisting in the war, but also for his family … you see that with his father, it affects everyone,” he said.
“Two normal young men chose to serve their country,” Townley said. “With this film, they come to life and their story is being [finally] shared.”
In the future the historical society is looking to distribute the film to local schools.
“This is our history,” said Darren St. George. “It’s not a Hollywood depiction of what happened, and it’s a great way to understand history if you can connect it to your local community.”
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The Port Jefferson Historical Society invites the community to its annual dinner at the Waterview at the Port Jefferson Country Club, 44 Fairway Drive, Port Jefferson on Friday, March 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. Enjoy dinner (choice of chicken francaise, beef sirloin or salmon), dessert, raffles and the premiere screening of I Now Take Up My Pen. Tickets are $49 per person. To order (by Feb. 28 please), email [email protected].
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack has announced that Janet Osita, RRT, Respiratory Therapist on Gurwin’s Respiratory Care unit, captured the award for Best Overall testimonial video in the LeadingAge NY and Adult Day Health Care Council (ADHCC) #LoveThisCareerLTC Social Media Contest.The inaugural social campaign was launched in an effort to raise the profile of rewarding opportunities within the long-term care sector.
“We are delighted that the video highlighting Janet’s hard work and her passion for her career and the residents for whom she cares was recognized with this award.Long-term care providers need skilled and compassionate workers like Janet who are dedicated to the well-being of our residents,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System.
The contest encouraged LeadingAge NY and ADHCC member organization employees across all departments and services lines to create and post video content via TikTok, Instagram and/or Facebook to inspire others to pursue a meaningful career in long-term care and aging services. Contest prizes up to $1,000 were awarded to the creators of the best videos in the categories of Best Overall, Most Heartwarming, Most Creative/Best Use of Popular Social Media Trends and more.
“I love working in long-term care because of the passion, love and connection. When you work in a hospital, we see the patient, we treat them, then they go. With long-term care, you connect with them, and you have the passion. You know everything about them,” said Osita.
The cast of 'Side By Side By Sondheim'. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
By Rita J. Egan
The cast and crew at Theatre Three have once again created an entertaining production of music and laughs with Side by Side by Sondheim. The show debuted on the Port Jefferson stage Feb. 18.
Countless songs throughout the decades have been loved for generations, and Broadway tunes are no exception. The late composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is among the talents who created those gems, and Side by Side by Sondheim is a testament to his immense talent by celebrating his earlier works.
From left, Linda May and Emily Gates in the duet ‘If Momma Was Married’ from Gypsy.
The production featuring music and lyrics by Sondheim as well as music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne debuted in London in 1976 and on Broadway in 1977. The musical revue may leave some in the audience wanting to know more about Sondheim, as he composed so much more after the late 1970s. Despite this factor, it’s the perfect starting point to enjoy his contributions to the arts.
In Theatre Three’s version, director Christine Boehm has expertly directed a cast of five, and conductor Jeffrey Hoffman, on piano, leads bassist Logan Friedman and percussionist Don Larsen seamlessly from one number to another. The three are visible on stage the entire show and, a few times, join in on the jokes with the actors.
Emily Gates, Linda May, Ryan Nolin and Jack Seabury are the main vocalists in the production and have wonderful chemistry together. All four deliver strong performances whether singing as a quartet, trio, duo or solo.
Ana McCasland serves as narrator to fill in the audience on some of the backstories of Sondheim’s songs and his life, including how he met Leonard Bernstein, providing an interesting glimpse into musical history for Broadway enthusiasts.
May shines during “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music, and then just as easily makes everyone laugh during a silly number called “The Boy From,” a song featured in Sondheim’s off-Broadway revue The Mad Show.
Jack Seabury and Ryan Nolin perform ‘We’re Gonna Be All Right’ from Do I Hear a Waltz.
Gates belts out a “Losing My Mind” from Follies so beautifully and perfectly that it’s the tearjerker it’s meant to be. She and May on “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love” capture all the anger, sorrow and tenderness that Maria and Anita felt after Bernardo’s death in West Side Story.
Seabury sings a touching “Anyone Can Whistle” from the musical of the same name, and Nolin delivers a strong “Being Alive” from Company. Nolin also is a delightful surprise during “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” a favorite tune from Gypsy. Seabury and Nolin are also priceless singing the duet “We’re Gonna Be All Right” from Do I Hear a Waltz. The song was originally written for a woman and man singing about their relationship, but the singers are wonderful in embracing the updated spin on the song.
McCasland is a charming narrator and has her chance to sing during “I Never Do Anything Twice,” featured in the movie The Seven-Per-Cent Solution. Not only did she shine, she also had fun with the song, garnering laughter from the audience as she performed the tune to the hilt.
Subtle choreography and simple, colorful blocks of light on stage rounded out the show beautifully. Theatre Three has produced a lighthearted Side by Side by Sondheim, which is a breath of fresh air. The Cabaret-style revue is perfect for ending a special night or taking in some musical history.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Side By Side By Sondheim through March 18. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12 (under 5 not permitted), $20 Wednesday matinees. For more information or to order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Photos by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
MUSICAL FORCE OF NATURE
MJT performs live at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook Village on Feb. 26.
Thursday 23
Port Talks with Andrew Fortier
The Space at Port Jefferson, 234 Traders Cove Port Jefferson, hosts a Port Talks live podcast with songwriter/storyteller Andrew Fortier at 6:30 p.m. Come hear Fortier’s unique perspective to life, love and music, get creatively inspired and take part in a live Q&A. Tickets are $10. Pre-register at www.portjefftalks.com.
Art reception
Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket invites the community to an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Inhabitations: Recent Work by Lautaro Cuttica, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit runs through April 9. For more information, call 751-2676.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming 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. Call 655-7798 for more information.
Friday 24
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson continuesitsWintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a performance by the classical guitar duo Harris Becker and Laura Lessard in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.
Poets in Port
First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St., Northport will host Poets in Port at 7:30 p.m. Featured poets will be John and Elizabeth Todras. An open reading will follow. Free tickets available at www.eventbrite.com.
Friday Night Face-Off
Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. Call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Saturday 25
Indoor Yard Sale
First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts anIndoor Yard Salein CE Hall on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Snow date March 4) Come shop for treasures! Something for everyone. For more information, call 261-2150.
Author Talk
Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead continues its Historic North Fork Tales series with a visit from Southold historian, Amy Kasuga Folk who will discuss her latest book, Rumrunners in Suffolk County: Tales from Liquor Island, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.$30 per person, $20 members. Register at www.hallockville.org.
An Evening of Comedy
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host an evening of comedy at 8 p.m. Hosted by Paul Anthony of the LI Comedy Festival, featured comedians will include Maria Walsh and Rob Falcone. Tickets are $35, $25 members and includes free admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Sunday 26
Hoyt Farm Maple Sugaring
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, 200 New Highway, Commack hosts a Maple Sugaring program today from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn about the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists. Tickets are $5 per person (cash only.) The class is open to both residents and non-residents. It is recommended that guests arrive by 1 p.m. to register. For more information, call 543-7804.
MJT in concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by MJT featuring David, Matt and Jordan Godfrey from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Avalon Astronomy Event – just added!
The Observatories at Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook will be hosting a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on the moon, Mars, and various deep sky objects. from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Parking will be permitted in the barn parking lot on Shep Jones Lane. Dress for the cold as this is an outdoor event. Pre-registration is not required. Free. For more information, call 689-0619.
Monday 27
No events listed for this day.
Tuesday 28
Holbrook Job Fair
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook hosts a Job Fair sponsored by the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Representatives from Amazon, American Regent, Biocogent, LLC, NYS Solar, East/West Industries, Well Life Network, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Winters Bros Waste Systems and more will be on hand to discuss job opportunities. Bring your resume and dress for success. Call 585-5844 for more information.
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes a representative from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office who will discuss community services and relationships at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.
Earring Workshop
Join the Huntington Historical Society at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington for an Earring Workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. During this class students will get to design and create their own pair of earrings. They will choose from a variety of natural gemstone beads and will learn valuable wire wrapping techniques. This is a great intro to jewelry making or just a fun day out as you learn a new skill. All materials and tools included. Fee is $55, $50 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
SBU Family Orchestra Concert
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the annual Family Orchestra Concert by the University Orchestra on the Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme – “Musical Surprises!”– features music that intrigues the listener and displays a variety of orchestral sounds of the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion with surprises in dynamics, tempos, moods, and orchestration with featured soloist violinist Elvina Liu. Free. No tickets required.
Music of the Knights
The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport presents Music of the Knights, a celebration of three of Britain’s most legendary songwriters — Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney — at 8 p.m. Enjoy songs like “Memory,””I Don’t Know How to Love Him,””Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,””The Phantom of the Opera,””Circle of Life,””Can You Feel the Love Tonight,””Your Song,””Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,””Yesterday,””Hey Jude” and many more! Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday 1
No events listed for this day.
Thursday 2
An Evening of Jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents the Jazz Loft Big Band in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring a 17-piece bit band directed by Tom Manuel. Tickets are $30, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under 6 years old free. For reservations, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more info, call 751-1895.
Theater
‘Side By Side By Sondheim’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Side By Side By Sondheim from Feb. 18 to March 18 showcasing the early works of Broadway’s greatest composer, Stephen Sondheim. Featuring songs from Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Gypsy, and many others, get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with this delightful musical revue. Unforgettable songs from this dazzling creator and his collaborators include “Send in the Clowns,” “I’m Still Here,” “Another Hundred People,” “Maria,” “Tonight,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” and “Broadway Baby.” Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘IT’S A SHAME IT COULDN’T LAST’ Only two more weeks left to catch a performance of ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. The show closes on March 5. Photo courtesy of Engeman Theater
‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St.. Northport presents Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from Jan. 19 to March 5. Con artist Lawrence Jameson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions–that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson, shows up. When the new guy’s lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jameson resolves to get rid of him. Based on the uproarious movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels boasts a jazzy-pop score by David Yazbek, who also wrote the music for The Full Monty. Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Festival of One-Act Plays
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from February 25 through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 250 submissions world-wide, these seven cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Steve Ayle, Tamralynn Dorsa, Antoine Jones, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Sean Amato, Ava Andrejko, Angelo DiBiase, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, Melissa Norman, Danielle Pafundi, and Tristan Prin. Please Note: Adult content and language. All tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Tape’
The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of Tape by Stephen Belber in Theatre 119 in the Islip Arts Building on March 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. After 10 years apart, three disparate people come together to play out the unresolved drama of their final days in high school. Suspense builds as each character is provoked into revealing his or her true nature and motivation as they choose which cards to play and which cards to hold. Mature content. General admission is $14. For tickets, call 451-4163.
‘(Mostly) True Things’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St, Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things, a game wrapped in a storytelling show, on the theme “Bad Match” on March 11 at 7 p.m. The 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, featured storytellers include Jack Canfora, Carla Katz, Vernon Payne, and Sue Barnum. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only).For more info, visit www.mostlytruethings.com.
‘Seussical’
Mount Sinai High School, 110 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai presents the musical Seussical on March 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and March 25 at 2 p.m. This special Theater for Young Audiences version of the Broadway hit has been rewritten and streamlined to engage audience members from age 4 to 94. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students at www.Ludus.com/MountSinaiPerformingArts. Questions? call 870-2882.
Film
‘Random Harvest’
Celebrate St. James kicks off its Classic Movie Series with a screening of “Random Harvest” (1942) starring Ronald Colman and Greer Garson at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James on Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 seniors and members at www.celebratestjames.org. For further information, call 984-0201
ON A QUEST
Catch a screening of 'The NeverEnding Story' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Feb. 26.
PROGRAMS
Open Play at the Explorium
Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson for Open Play on Feb. 23 to Feb. 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. with hands-on activities, crafts, and more. Admission is $5 per person, Long Island Explorium members and children under 1 are free. Call 331-3277.
Slimy Science
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor closes out its winter break events with Slimy Science on Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn why slime is important to the survival of some unique animals while making your own gooey slime.No reservation required.Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 kids ages 3 to 12. Visit www.cshfishhatchery.org.
Build-A-Boat Workshop
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a Build-A-Boat Workshop on Feb. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. Visit the Museum’s current exhibit, From Sea to Shining Sea, and learn about African American whalers who designed, built and worked on whaling ships in the 19th century. Then imagine, design and create a unique wooden vessel model out of a variety of materials in this open-ended workshop. Admission fee + $10 participant. Questions? Call 367-3418.
Squirrel Birthday Bash
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to celebrate Chupa Chups “Chip”the Squirrel’s Birthday with a party on Feb. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join them to learn about our great forest regenerators, Eastern Gray Squirrels. You’ll be meeting Chupa-Chups “Chip” and possibly get a peek at some babies that they’ve been caring for at the center. Best for families with children ages 5 and up. Tickets are $10 per child, $5 per adult at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Storytime Under the Stars
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on Feb. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. Join author Nana Brew-Hammond in the planetarium theater to see her amazing picture book BLUE come to life. After the reading, enjoy a craft and activity relating to the story in the lobby. All attendees are invited to wear the color blue. Tickets are $10 per person, $8 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Hands-on History
The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents a 5-week After School Program for Grades K-4, Hands-on History, on Feb. 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The past comes alive as you explore life long ago! Join museum educators in the Museum’s galleries and create projects inspired by art and artifacts. $100 per child, $90 members. To register, visit www.longislandmuseum.org or call 631-751-0066.
Star Quest
Calling brave explorers! Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor in a hunt for star constellations around the museum with a spyglass to navigate your journey, just like mariners at sea during gallery hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Solve puzzles to find your reward — a glittery star lantern you can decorate in the museum’s workshop to light your way home. For ages 5 and up. Cost is admission fee plus $10 per participant. Call 367-3418 for more information.
THEATER
A Royal Princess Party
Hear ye, hear ye! The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will host a Princess Party SingAlong: A Villainous Tale of Magic on Feb. 25 and 26 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. The princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. Princesses, princes, and royal families of all ages are welcome to attend but must be with an adult at all times. A special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $16 per person. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 22 to March 18 with a sensory sensitive performance on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends-the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion-as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. Featuring an original score, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family, the show is a delightful reminder that “there’s no place like home!” All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
FILM
‘The NeverEnding Story’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! Series with a screening of The NeverEnding Story on Feb. 26 at noon. On his way to school, Bastian (Barret Oliver) ducks into a bookstore to avoid bullies. Sneaking away with a book called “The Neverending Story,” Bastian begins reading it in the school attic. The novel is about Fantasia, a fantasy land threatened by “The Nothing,” a darkness that destroys everything it touches. The kingdom needs the help of a human child to survive. When Bastian reads a description of himself in the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Following a competitive national search, Andrew Singer, PhD has been appointed Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at Stony Brook University, effective July 3, 2023. Singer will come to Stony Brook from The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. While there, he has held a number of administrative and service positions, with activities focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, capital building projects, new degree development, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
“Stony Brook’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences has quickly become one of the most exciting drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. Andy’s compelling leadership experiences and vision are a perfect combination to accelerate the trajectory of growth and excellence of CEAS,” said Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis.
“Andy’s experience is an ideal match for CEAS at Stony Brook. Throughout our search process, he demonstrated a deep understanding of the opportunities and needs for CEAS to grow as a nationally renowned hub of excellence and innovation,” said Carl Lejuez, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “I look forward to partnering with him and our extremely talented faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the college to implement his vision.”
Currently, Singer serves as Associate Dean for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In this role, he oversees activities of the college’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including the Technology Entrepreneur Center, Innovation Living Learning Center, and the cross-disciplinary Innovation, Leadership, and Engineering Entrepreneurship (ILEE) degree program. He also advises the dean on matters related to innovation, translational research, and entrepreneurship. Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering enrolls more than 16,500 students, with more than 600 faculty members, and 40 degree programs ranked in the top 10.
Singer has led large-scale administrative and research efforts, including serving as Co-PI and associate director for the Systems on Nanoscale Information Fabrics, a $35 million research center across 10 universities and 10 sponsors. He also played a leadership role in securing a $50 million gift for the Siebel Center for Design at Illinois, and oversaw the development and construction of the center as chair of a campus faculty committee. He has worked extensively to broaden participation across Illinois’ innovation ecosystem, including development of the Advancing Women And under-Represented Entrepreneurs (AWARE) program, which helps launch Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) teams led by women and researchers underrepresented in the university’s ecosystem.
He is an internationally recognized scholar in the field of statistical signal processing and communication systems, having won numerous awards for his research and is a fellow of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). An accomplished entrepreneur, he co-founded two companies in the areas of optical communications and underwater acoustic communication systems, and he has served frequently as a consultant and expert witness for the communications, audio, and sensing industries. Singer holds the Fox Family Professorship, one of only 18 university and campus-wide endowed positions on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to serve as Dean and to lead in the expansion of the educational, research, and innovation activities of another great institution and flagship university. This is a momentous time in history, with the state of New York and the nation investing deeply in our future,” Singer said. “As a leader in social mobility, Stony Brook University has had a tremendous impact on the lives of the students and the economy in the region and will continue to lead in developing the diverse and inclusive engineering teams and leaders needed for this next exciting chapter of American engineering innovation.”
Singer earned a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Singer will succeed Jon Longtin, PhD, who has been serving as interim dean since June 2021. Longtin has led several endeavors for the college, including launching a new graduate program in Data Science, increasing overall research expenditures and research expenditures per faculty in CEAS by 40%, partnering to secure funding for a $100 million multi-disciplinary engineering building, and leading CEAS’s contributions to Stony Brook’s bid for the Governors Island Center for Climate Solutions.
Kate, on right, is the winner of Emma Clark Library's Super Bowl 'Saturday' raffle. Photo from Emma Clark Library
SCORING A TOUCHDOWN
Congratulations to Kate (pictured on right with her sister) who was the raffle prize winner at Emma Clark Library’s Super Bowl “Saturday” event on Feb. 11! She won a 3D football night light and an inflatable football target. Over 90 people (elementary-aged kids and their families) participated in the annual event and enjoyed football-themed games and festivities including cornhole, “Pin-the-Football in the End Zone,” a “Touchdown Toss” beanbag game, and a “Plinko” disc drop. Of course, there were plenty of books about football and an afternoon spent at the library is always a touchdown!
Save the date! Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook hosts a Job Fair sponsored by the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Representatives from Amazon, American Regent, Biocogent, LLC, NYS Solar, East/West Industries, Well Life Network, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Winters Bros Waste Systems and more will be on hand to discuss job opportunities. Bring your resume and dress for success. Call 631-585-5844 for more information.
Josephine Eichner celebrates her 90th birthday at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center. Photo by Stephanie Giunta
By Stephanie Giunta
Iwas invited to join my grandmother,Josephine Eichner, at her Seniors Club at Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai on February 7, her 90th birthday. I am 32 and got laid off a few months ago, and although I lacked the eligibility due to my age, I attended as an honorary guest. After hearing about the Tuesday club for 20+ years, I was grateful to have the free time to attend, albeit plagued with the nagging reason as to why I was available.
Josephine Eichner wearing her birthday tiara. Photo by Stephanie Giunta
I held her hand as we walked up the ramp into the building, kneeing the automatic handicap button to open the door.I walked into a sea full of people, whose wrinkles told the stories of their lives. They scattered about prepping the coffee stations, collecting dollars for the 50/50 raffle, and decorating the tables. Our table, #2, was adorned with a vase of flowers and balloons in honor of Grandma’s big day. My first impression: feeling so touched that her friends had thought of her.
Amused is putting it lightly. I was more so in awe. These men and women had made it. They had long marriages, bore children, and had grand and even great grandchildren.They survived successes, failures, peaks, and valleys. They frequented doctor’s offices, and had battled health problems. They kissed their friends and spouses goodbye as they were given eternal life. They had survived all of their worst days to date, and yet here they were — still living.
When the meeting started and they sang “God Bless America,” I could have fallen off of my chair if I was sitting down. It brought tears to my eyes, and I was riddled with such pure joy and admiration. “Cute” isn’t the right word to describe it, since many refer to anything an older person does as “cute.” I think it was more of a genuine appreciation of these people, and knowing they knew what was important: camaraderie, love of self, and love of country. Appreciation for the small, yet impactful things in life. I can’t quite put the feeling into words, but it was something that struck me, and I’ll never forget it.
Josephine Eichner with her granddaughter and guest columnist Stephanie Giunta at the event. Photo by Stephanie Giunta
I got to meet Liz, the woman whose chain emails I have been receiving for decades.I always opened them up because I didn’t want bad luck for 10 years. Sharon, who was lovingly referred to as “Grumpy” because she’s always so happy. She makes cookies for my daughter, although we had never met. Marie and Bob, who I’ve heard stories about for quite some time. They used to accompany my grandparents on double dates to The Heritage Diner. And Jutta. She doesn’t know it, but her name has been used quite a bit in some of our family’s games.
They walked a little slower, but laughed a little louder. Some were nervous that there weren’t enough slices of cake to go around.Others complained that tea service wasn’t put out. Me — I just sat in silence at points and soaked it all in. I found it fascinating that they were worried about tea and cake, something so simplistic, whereas I was worried about the fate of my career. We were just in completely different phases of life and it was refreshing to gain a contrasting perspective.
The most rewarding part of the day was seeing my grandmother in action. It is truly beautiful to see someone you deeply admire in a social setting, when you’ve never really witnessed it outside of family functions. She was a shining light who worked the room. Conversations were filled with “Happy birthdays” and “You’re not 90!s” and just simply checking in on each other. Her snowy hair and pink lips bounced from table to table, bearing hugs and cashing in on inside jokes. The woman is 57 years my senior and I think she has a better social life than I do!
And as we capped out the day with BINGO, among covert mumblings about health insurance, next week’s entertainment, and the weather, I was so grateful to be where I was — spending the day with one of the people I love most in this world. Relishing on the roast beef sandwich on rye that she packed for me as if it were a NY strip steak; cutting into the Tiramisu that her friends presented her with; enjoying something so bubblegum, and feeling a bit sad when it had come to an end. I was also disappointed that Harriet won three games and I won zero.
I wish I could look at my life through a senior’s eyes and know that there are plenty of happy and sad times to come, but that they will make me who I am. That each laugh line and wrinkle I collect will signify a pit stop on my journey. That life is a gift and living is a privilege, and at the end of the day, being a good person is all that matters. Age is but a number and friendship has no timetable.
And as I held Grandma’s hand on the way out, I whispered, “I can’t wait to come back.”
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