Arts & Entertainment

Fathom Event’s Big Screen Classics Series continues with an exclusive screening of the 1942 Best Picture-Winning WWII classic Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman at select theaters nationwide on Sunday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 8.  Fans can experience the enduring romance and heart-rending drama of one of cinema’s most influential films.

Warner Bros. and Fathom Events will present a newly restored and remastered copy of the film in striking 4k digital. Taken from nitrate fine grain film elements, the 4k scanned digital images were put through an extensive digital restoration process by Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging, meticulously cleaning and repairing the picture to deliver an ultra-high-resolution presentation.

Casablanca stars Humphrey Bogart as an American expatriate whose world is turned upside down when his former flame, Ingrid Bergman, walks into his gin joint accompanied by her husband. As the conflict begins to brew on the warfront, Bogart is faced with a battle of his own—one that will force him to make a devastating choice between his own heart and the burgeoning war effort at large.

Though stars Bogart and Bergman were famously dubious about the quality of the film and its chances for success, the script ultimately won the Oscar® for Best Writing and was dubbed The Greatest Screenplay Of All-Time by the Writers Guild Of America in 2006—fueled by instantly-quotable lines such as “Here’s looking at you, kid,” “We’ll always have Paris,” “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” and many more. Casablanca would go on to achieve unprecedented status among critics and viewers, alike, with many considering it to be the greatest film ever made. Don’t miss your chance to witness this masterpiece in all of its Golden Age glory.

The Fathom event also includes exclusive commentary from feature film historian and critic Leonard Maltin who will provide insights into the films, sharing his one-of-a-kind expertise with fans.

Locally, the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook, Island 16 Cinema De Lux, 185 Morris Ave, Holtsville and Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas, 1001 Broadhollow Rd, Farmingdale on March 5 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 8 at 7 p.m.

For more information or to buy tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

FIRST FRIDAY AT THE HECKSHER The Flutissimo! flute quartet heads to the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington for a free concert on March 3. Photo by Michael Krasowitz
Thursday March 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.

Friday March 3

St. Patrick’s Dinner/Dance

In anticipation of the Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12 at 1 p.m., the Friends of St. Patrick will be honoring this year’s Grand Marshal, Bob Evans, manager of the Rocky Point Stop & Shop, with a dinner/dance at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $70 and include dinner and dancing, a Bag Pipe appearance and cash bar. For more information, call Brian at 790-9061 or Mike at 484-6322.

Wintertide concert

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson continues  its  Wintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a performance by Rob Europe (Country Blues) in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.

First Friday at the Heckscher

The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington continues its First Friday series tonight from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Explore the exhibitions during extended viewing hours and enjoy a special performance by Flutissimo! with guest pianist Aglaia Savalas Messina at 7 p.m. Free admission.  Call  380-3230 for more info.

Saturday March 4

Saltwater Fishing Club Expo

The Ward Melville High School Fishing Club will host the 10th annual Saltwater Fishing Club Expo and Fundraiser at Ward Melville High School, 380 Old Town Road East Setauket from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with over 200 vendors, seminars, raffles. Free admission and parking. For more information, call 730-4900 or visit www.www.wardmelvillefishingclub.com/2023expo.

Polar Plunge

Smithtown Children’s Foundation hosts its annual Polar Plunge fundraiser at the  Smithtown Bay Yacht Club, 552 Long Beach Road, St. James at 10 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m. $30 per person, $50 for two. For more info, visit www.smithtownchildrensfoundation.com.

Maple Sugaring Day

Join Homestead Arts for a Maple Sugaring Day at Benner’s Farm,56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about the history of the maple sugaring process with Mr. Benner in the warm barn. Gather sap and see how the trees are tapped, what kind they are, and how to tell them from the other trees in our Long Island woods. Stand in front of the warm fire where the gallons of sap are boiled down to produce the wonderfully sweet, syrup we all enjoy. Taste a maple treat at the maple candy demonstration table. Finally, feast on the finished syrup and hot pancakes made from scratch with some warm hot cocoa! $12 adults, $10 children and seniors at the door. Food and drinks available for purchase. For more info, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Putt and Pub Crawl

The Port Jefferson Rotary Club hosts its 6th annual Winter Golf Classic Putt and Pub Crawl from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Putt nine holes at restaurants in Port Jefferson Village including the Curry Club at SāGhar, Barito Tacos & Cocktails, Gourmet Burger Bistro & Bar, Port Jeff Brewing Company, RUVO Kitchen and Wine Bar, Tommy’s Place, Billie’s 1890 Saloon, PJ Lobster House and  Halfway House at Nantuckets. Registration includes coffee and continental breakfast, 3 free drink tickets, free food at all locations, photo-op, awards ceremony, raffle, light fare, and commemorative gift. For ages 21 and over. To register, visit www.portjeffrotary.org.

Guitar Concert at All Souls

All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook will present the The Becker/Lessard Guitar Duo in concert at 6 p.m. The two musicians have played extensively as a both duo and part of the Artesian Guitar Quartet for over ten years, including concerts in Canada, United States and England. Free. Please bring a can of food to donate to a local food pantry. Call 655-7798 for more information.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Grand Marshal Michael Lacey will lead the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Kings Park with a kickoff at the corner of Pulaski Road and Lou Avenue at noon. The parade, featuring numerous bagpipe bands, floats and hundreds of marching community organizations, will continue down Main Street, turns onto Church Street, ending down Old Dock Road at the William T. Rogers Middle School. Visit www.kpstpat.com for more info.

Cocktail Hour at the Reboli Center

Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook hosts an exclusive Cocktail Hour, presentation and Q&A with Victoria Wyeth from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The only grandchild of the late Andrew Wyeth and the niece of contemporary realist, Jamie Wyeth, Ms. Wyeth’s presentation will include interspersed discussions of subject matter and technique with direct quotes and anecdotes from her grandfather and uncle. Hors d’oeuvres will be served by Bliss. For tickets, call 751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.

Sunday March 5

Winter Water Walk

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington will host a 4-mile moderately paced Winter Water Walk from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to observer winter waterfowl and explore the beach. Bring binoculars. (Long grass possible). Adults only. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 423-1770.

Maple Sugaring Program

Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank presents a Maple Sugaring program from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn about the process of making syrup by helping drill and tap maple trees and hanging buckets to collect the sap. Everyone can watch how the sugaring process happens. Enjoy a wagon ride on the  “Syrup Express” for a quick visit to see the farm animals. $15 per person ages 3 and up. To register, visit www.ccesuffolk.org/events. For further information, call 852-4600.

Purim Palooza 

Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack hosts a Purim Palooza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy bounce houses, games, music, costume contest and more. A carnival for children of all ages. Tickets are $15 per family in advance at www.syjcc.org/ $20 at the door. 

Island Hills Chorus Concert

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a concert titled The Climb at 1:30 p.m. Join the Island Hills Chorus in this musical tribute celebrating women and their struggle to attain equity and recognition in the workplace and the world. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat. 

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.

Women’s History Month Hike

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Women’s History Month hike from 1:30  to 3 p.m. Ten stations along this self-guided hike through the marsh and woodlands will each feature the achievements of a female environmentalist who has made great contributions to the field of science. To register, please visit EventBrite.com.

Long Island LitFest

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Long Island LitFest event at 2:30 p.m. Hosted by supermodel Christie Brinkley, meet writer and model Paulina Porizkova, who will talk about her career, the complexities of womanhood at every age, and her intimate, introspective, and enlightening essay collection, No Filter: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful. This event includes audience Q&A and book signings. Tickets are $45 and includes a copy of Poriskova’s book. To order, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Baroque Sundays at Three

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents Baroque Sundays at Three: The Harpsichord in all its Glory in the Recital Hall at 3 p.m. The members of the harpsichord studio, under the direction of Arthur Haas, will present a unique program of not only music from the late Renaissance through to the late Baroque, but also a panorama of instruments from each style. Numerous early keyboard instruments will be on display and performed on to match their repertoire. This rare treat is not to be missed. Free but goodwill donations accepted. For more information, call 632-7330.

Friends of Flax Pond Lecture

Join the Friends of Flax Pond as they kick off their 20th annual Winter Lecture Series at the Childs Mansion, 19 Shore Road, Setauket (Old Field) at 3 p.m. The first lecture will focus on the Friends of Flax Pond’s Summer Research Programs through the past 19 years as well as programs planned for the coming season. Light refreshments will be served. Please bring a reusable coffee mug to reduce waste. The lecture is free, but donations are accepted. Parking is at the Flax Pond Marine Laboratory adjacent to the mansion. If you need other arrangements for parking and/or have a handicap parking pass, please e-mail [email protected] or text 631-767-6287.

Ridotto concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Ridotto concert featuring Dutch-Italian Pianist Saskia Giorgini at 4 p.m. Winner of the prestigious International Mozart Competition in Salzburg, Saskia Giorgini is also winner of the special Chopin special Prize at the Busoni Piano Competition. She is praised for her “unerring technique, a beautiful and moving sound, a phrasing full of fantasy and a pure musicality.” Program will include Rameau “l’Egyptienne,” Enescu Nocturne, Mozart Sonata K 281, Liszt-Valse Impromptu and Valse Caprice. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors, $25 members, $12 students. For reservations, call 385-0373, or email [email protected].

Monday March 6

SHS Spring lecture

The Smithtown Historical Society kicks off its spring lecture series at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St. Smithtown with a lecture titled Haunted Long Island Mysteries with historian and author Kerriann Flanagan Brosky at 7 p.m.  featuring brand new stories intertwined with ghost tales and local history from her latest book by the same name. Books will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 265-6768.

Purim Celebration

Kehillath Shalom Synagogue, 58 Goose Hill Rd, Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Purim Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday with pizza, crafts, silly service, megillah reading, songs, a spiel led by our families, and, of course, hamantaschen for all. Open to non-members. Free. Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday, March 3.

Purim Party — Sushi and Comedy

Chabad Mid Suffolk, 318 Veterans Highway, Commack will host a Purim Party at 7 p.m. with a megillah reading, drinks, sushi, and a comedy show. Tickets are $36. To RSVP, visit chabadmidsuffolk.com/comedy.

Movie Trivia Night

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try ti answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! 1st Prize – $100 cash to the winning team! 2nd Prize – Up to 4 CAC gift cards! (a value of $24 each) $10 per person, $7 members. Tickets

Tuesday March 7

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a morning of BINGO in the Social Hall at 11 a.m.  Enjoy the talents of our amateur number callers, their clarion voices, their sense of humor and overall charisma! Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.

Purim in the Wild West

Lubavitch of the East End, 87 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Coram hosts a Purim in the Wild West event at 5:15 p.m. with a western-themed Purim dinner, megillah reading, Jewish country music, costumes and more. Fun for the whole family. $18 adults, $10 per child. To RSVP, visit www.Jewishli.com or call 698-4000.

Wednesday March 8

Real Estate Seminar

Join Fran Saer and Alex Goldenberg of Coach Realtors for a free seminar on the Art of Selling Your Home from at the Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about the process of preparing, listing, and selling real estate in deciding whether to Love or List your home for sale. Refreshments, light bites, raffles, and prizes will be included.  Free. To register, call 680-8676 or 241-5446.

Women at Sea virtual lecture

The Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor hosts a virtual lecture titled Women at Sea at 7 p.m. Explore the fascinating yet little-known lives, stories, and experiences of pioneering 19th century American whaling wives who defied convention. Find out about their diverse experiences around the world through photographs, journal entries, and artifacts. Suggested donation $10. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418 to register.

Thursday March 9

Alzheimer’s workshop

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold an in-person event called “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. This will be an overview of how to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer’s disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. Free. Call 585-9393 to register.

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. 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. 

‘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.

‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’

The swashbuckling musical adventure The Scarlet Pimpernel heads to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport from March 16 to April 30. Percy Blakeney, a proper Englishman, takes on a sword fighting and dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-hungry guillotine. His exploits soon become the talk of Paris, however, the fanatical Agent Chauvelin will stop at nothing to catch the Pimpernel and send him to the guillotine. With a rousing and passionate score by Frank Wildhorn,  The Scarlet Pimpernel is a thrilling musical! For ticket info, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.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

‘Dr. Tony Fauci’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series kicks off its spring season bwith a screening of Dr. Tony Fauci at Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson on March 6. at 7 p.m.  This intimate film chronicles Fauci at home, in his office and in the corridors of power as he battles the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the political onslaught that upends his life and calls into question his 50-year career as the United States of America’s leading advocate for public health. Guest speaker is Director Mark Mannucci. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club. Tickets are $10 at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door.

‘The Big Lebowski’

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of “The Big Lebowski” Jeff Bridges and John Goodman on March 8 at 7 p.m. All Jeff ‘the Dude’ Lebowski wants to do is go bowling, but when he’s mistaken for LA millionaire big Lebowski and a pair of thugs pee on his rug — “it really tied the room together!” — he’s forced to take action, and so the laziest man in Los Angeles County takes on nihilists, ferrets, and empire tycoons. Introduction by Film Historian Glenn Andreiev. Tickets are $15, $10 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.

Friends of Flax Pond will hold the Winter Lecture Series at the Childs Mansion starting March 5. Photo by John Turner

Join the Friends of Flax Pond as they kick off their 20th annual Winter Lecture Series at the Childs Mansion, 19 Shore Road, Setauket (Old Field) on Sunday, March 5 at 3 p.m. 

The first lecture will focus on the Friends of Flax Pond’s Summer Research Programs through the past 19 years as well as programs planned for the coming season. 

Light refreshments will be served. Please bring a reusable coffee mug to reduce waste. The lecture is free, but donations are accepted. 

Parking is at the Flax Pond Marine Laboratory adjacent to the mansion. If you need other arrangements for parking and/or have a handicap parking pass, please e-mail [email protected] or text 631-767-6287.

The Curry Club at SāGhar, 111 West Broadway, Port Jefferson celebrated its one year anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony, cake and champagne on Feb. 7. 

The event was attended by members of the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC), Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce, elected officials, family and friends. 

Owners Kiran and Kulwant Wadhwa and Indu Kaur were presented with proclamations from Suffolk County Legislature Kara Hahn and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich.

Pictured from left, President of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber Jennifer Dzvonar; PJCC 1st VPStu Vincent; PJCC President Mary Joy Pipe; Leg. Kara Hahn; owners Kiran Wadhwa, Kulwant Wadhwa and Indu Kaur; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; and PJCC Director Loretta  Criscuoli.

The Greenlawn location is currently advertising a closing sale. Photo from Google

Dallas-based discount home goods retailer Tuesday Morning has announced plans to close more than half its stores, including the one in Greenlawn Plaza, 773 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn which is the last one on Long Island. A closing sale at that location is in progress.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February. Officials say the least profitable stores, which include all in New York State, will be closed, according to Business Insider.

The department store chain first opened its doors in 1974 and sells “name brand merchandise at unbeatable prices in a casual, no-frills atmosphere.”  In 2020, the company also filed for bankruptcy and closed over 200 stores.

While an official closing date for the Greenlawn store was not named, the business’s website says it is “closing soon.”

From left, Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano, Executive Director; Deanne Rathke, Director Emeritus; and Alexandra Leverton, President of the Board of Trustees. Photo courtesy of the Greenlawn-Centerport Historcial Association

The Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association, a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve the history of the communities of Greenlawn and Centerport, has announced the selection of Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano as its new Executive Director. 

Ms. Fortunato-Napolitano officially assumed the role on February 6. Deanne Rathke is retiring after having held the position for 20 years. 

“We are very pleased to announce Claudia as the new Director,” reported Deanne. “Its time to pass the job along to the next generation.  Claudia’s skill set will help bring about new members and programs to the organization.  In addition she has a lifelong passion for local history having been born and raised in the Huntington area”

Claudia holds a BA in History, and a MA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in American History, both awarded by Manhattanville College. Previous positions include Executive Director of the Huntington Historical Society and Assistant Historian at the Town Of Huntington.

“I am honored to serve as the Executive Director and thrilled to serve the members of the community,’ remarked Ms. Fortunato-Napolitano. “Deanne is a wonderful role model, and as Director Emeritus she will be a valuable asset for furthering our research, expanding our public programs, educational workshops, and exhibits.”

The mission of the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association is to research, collect, record and preserve artifacts, photographs, fine arts, and ephemera of Greenlawn & Centerport. In addition, they promote the preservation of historic structures and maintain a historic Suydam homestead and John Gardiner Farm to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about early life on Long Island.

Popular pet showcase features entertainment, education & shopping

The Long Island Pet Expo returns to Suffolk County Community College’s Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena, 1001 Crooked Hill Road in Brentwood on March 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with fur flying entertainment, dog sporting competitions and educational programs designed for the whole family. The event will also feature many special attractions, pet adoptions and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets and is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend.

“The Long Island area is passionate about animals and pets of all kinds,” said show co-producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the northeast.

The 100+ special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand. Popular performers and presenters include Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs, Diana Frohman and her Beautiful Dancing Dogs, Schutzund Demonstration by Maximum KP Service, the Dog Lovers Days Lure Course, Rainforest Reptiles, TICA Championship Cat Shows, Rabbit Hopping, the Long Island Dog Derby and more.

About This Year’s Featured Performers/Presenters:

New for 2023: Gail Mirabella and The Dynamo Dogs Variety Act! You can teach your old dog new tricks – these veteran- performing dogs will knock the spectator’s socks off with their Trick Dog Show Routine, Frisbee Dog Acrobatics and dynamite performances. Gail and her canine friends will wow the crowd as they do all over the country.

Also New for 2023: The Long Island Dog Derby! Come down and enter your dog in the first ever Dog derby. Dogs of any breed, 25 pounds and under will race head to head to see who is the fastest on Long Island. Races will be held at 1 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs on each day. There will be an entry fee per dog. Check the website for additional information or email [email protected]

Diana Frohman & Her Dancing Dogs: Diana Frohman and her beautiful golden retrievers will be dancing the weekend away with several performances on both days. “Dancing With Your Dogs” is one of the most popular returning features of the event. It’s a wonderful display of communication and relationship between dog and handler set to music. https://freestyledancingpro.com

Schutzhund Demonstration by Maximum K9 Service: Maximum K9 Service will be doing a Schutzhund demonstration which will include obedience, dumbbell retrieval, tracking, protection work and a detection demonstration. www.maximumk9service.com

Dog Lovers Days Lure Course: This popular event is back! Dogs will have a blast running through the lure course and testing out their agility while letting out some energy! Dogs love to zip through this course and it’s a blast to watch! www.dogloversdayslurecourse.com

Rainforest Reptile Show: an exciting, fascinating adventure through the rare and endangered reptile world! Many exotic reptiles will be at the show for kids and adults alike to learn about. www.rainforestreptileshows.com

Rabbit Hopping: Rabbit Hopping, it’s not the bunny hop you’re thinking of – but talented rabbits who love to jump! Allikatt’s Bunnies will present an agility demo of rabbits hopping all weekend – and there will be demonstrations and there is even a seminar so you can learn how to get involved in this sport with your own hare. www.rabbithopping.com

TICA Championship Cat Shows: for cat lovers who have never been to a cat show, this is a purrific way to see a wide variety of cat breeds up close. www.TICA.ORG

LI Dog Derby: Enter your dog in the Dog Derby. Dogs of any breed, 25 pounds or under will race head to head to see who is fht fastest on Long Island. There is an entry fee. additional information on the website

“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and pets,” said Garetano. “We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians and other animal lovers educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding and all aspects of pet care.”

Community and rescue organizations participating in the show include Almost Home Animal Rescue, Chippy’s Angels, Pawsitive Paws Rescue, Bark Animal Rescue, the LI Parrot Society and more to be announced before the event.

Adult admission at the door is $15, children ages 3-11 are $6, and those under three years old are always free. For additional information, call 631-423-0620 or visit www.familypetshows.com.

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Please note: Free parking and attendees are welcome to bring their well-behaved pets to the expo. There are some regulations and restrictions. Visit  www.familypetshows.com for more information.

 

 

'Barred Owl Family' by John Houle

If you are interested in seeing some unique artwork, then stop by the Reboli Center for Art and History in Stony Brook during the month of March to see the “Burnt Offerings” by Connecticut artist John Houle.

“His work is absolutely amazing and to watch him create a piece of art through pyrography is an incredible experience,” said Lois Reboli, a founder and president of the Reboli Center, who saw his work and a demonstration at a show in Massachusetts.

Artist John Houle

Houle’s “Burnt Offerings” are created by woodburning or pyrography – a form of scrimshaw on wood and the details are crafted by etching or burning the wood with heat from a wood burning tool. According to the artist, “Pyrography is the art of burning or etching a design into wood, leather or in some cases, gourds. The time the burner is in contact with the wood determines how dark the piece will be. I use two burners. One has a constant temperature of around 900 degrees. The other has a rheostat that allows temperatures of up to 2000 degrees. I only use the hotter one about five percent of the time. Many woodburners have a variety of tips. I only use two.” He adds that a slip of the hand cannot be corrected.

As far as his technique, Houle said, “I treat all my works just as if I am drawing with a pencil … a very hot one! Some woodburners will trace a design and transfer it to the wood and then burn the lines as they appear on the wood. I never have, and would never trace. All my works are done freehand. I prefer to use birch wood, which is a light color and does not have large knots. During the pandemic, birch was hard to find so I started using bamboo, which is readily available. I then enhance my work with a wax of acrylic and then apply three coats of UV resistant polyurethane to protect it.”

Houle frames most of his artwork and makes his own frames out of pine although some pieces have been mounted on such exotic woods as cherry, spalted maple and black walnut.

By John Houle

Houle started as an oil painter. In fact, he won his first regional contest in second grade and continued to enter contests throughout college. At Central Connecticut College he studied under Jacques Rommel, specializing in oils. He amassed many regional awards. When John painted, he constantly would go back and rework something in the painting. He always wanted to improve his artwork. About 50 years ago he received a gift of a woodburner with a note saying, “See if you can paint over this…” and he never went back to oil painting.

After retiring as a trainer and developer of sales and service seminars, Houle now focuses on woodburning full time. He noted that one of his favorite things to do at shows is to start a piece from scratch in front of a group and over a period of time, complete it. He thinks it is important for people to understand his technique so he tries to do live demonstrations at his shows if electricity is available.

About being the Reboli Center’s March Artisan of the Month, John said, “I am very humbled, and appreciate the opportunity to show woodburning as fine art, especially in such a beautiful gallery. I love Joe Reboli’s work and it is wonderful to see how his memory is being honored at the Center.”

The Reboli Center, 64 Main Street, Stony Brook, and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.

For electric dryers only.
A Column Promoting a More Earth-friendly Lifestyle

By John L. Turner

Photo from John Turner

Most of us own an electric dryer to dry our clothes. In the summer you want the warm and damp air generated from dryers to be vented to the outside. But wouldn’t you want that warm, moisture- laden air to vent inside in the winter to help keep your home warm, perhaps resulting in less furnace activity?

Well, there’s a product available on-line or at local home  improvement stores that does just that. Called a Dryer Heat Saver or Dryer Heat Diverter, it’s a rectangular box fitted into your dryer vent hose and held in places by O-rings. It has a baffle or shunt to direct the hot air where you want it — in  the summer to the outside but in the winter into your house. A screen prevents lint (which needs to be occasionally  removed) from entering your house.

So why not take advantage of the energy your clothes dryer has produced to warm your home and in so doing, giving your furnace a little bit of a break?

A resident of Setauket, John Turner is conservation chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, author of “Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island” and president of Alula Birding & Natural History Tours.

Sleep may help the brain remove waste, such as those all-too-dangerous beta-amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease. METRO photo
A few extra ZZZs can help clear brain clutter

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Cognitive loss, or mental decline, is a common concern as we age. So much so that a cottage industry of app-based games has sprouted to help keep our brains sharp.

What do we know about the brain, really, though? Startlingly little. We do know that certain drugs, head injuries and lifestyle choices have negative effects, along with numerous neurological, infectious, and rheumatologic disorders and diseases.

Some, like dementia, Parkinson’s, and strokes, are recognized for some of their effects on the brain. However, others – lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psychiatric mood disorders, diabetes and heart disease – also can have long-term effects on our brains.

These disorders generally have three signs and symptoms in common: they cause either altered mental status, physical weakness, or mood changes — or a combination of these.

Of course, addressing the underlying medical disorder is critical. Fortunately, several studies also suggest that we may be able to help our brains function more efficiently and effectively with rather simple lifestyle changes: sleep, exercise and possibly omega-3s.

How does brain clutter affect us?

Are 20-somethings sharper and more quick-witted than those over 60?

German researchers put this stereotype to the test and found that educated older people tend to have a larger mental database of words and phrases to pull from since they have been around longer and have more experience (1). When this is factored into the equation, the difference in terms of age-related cognitive decline becomes negligible.

This study involved data mining and creating simulations. It showed that mental slowing may be at least partially related to the amount of clutter or data that we accumulate over the years. The more you know, the harder it becomes to come up with a simple answer to something.

What if we could reboot our brains, just like we do a computer or smartphone? This may be possible through sleep, exercise and omega-3s.

Why does sleep help?

Why should we dedicate a large chunk of our lives to sleep? Researchers have identified a couple of specific values we receive from sleep: one involves clearing the mind, and another involves productivity.

For the former, a study done in mice shows that sleep may help the brain remove waste, such as those all-too-dangerous beta-amyloid plaques (2). When we have excessive plaque buildup in the brain, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. When mice were sleeping, the interstitial space (the space between brain gyri, or structures) increased by as much as 60 percent.

This allowed the lymphatic system, with its cerebrospinal fluid, to clear out plaques, toxins and other waste that had developed during waking hours. With the enlargement of the interstitial space during sleep, waste removal was quicker and more thorough, because cerebrospinal fluid could reach much farther into the spaces. A similar effect was seen when the mice were anesthetized.

In an Australian study, results showed that sleep deprivation may have contributed to an almost one percent decline in gross domestic product (3). Why? When people don’t get enough sleep, they are not as productive. They tend to be more irritable, and their concentration may be affected. While we may be able to turn on and off sleepiness on short-term basis, we can’t do this continually.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.2 percent of respondents reported having fallen asleep in the prior 30 days behind the wheel of a car during a 2009-2010 study (4). Most commonly, these respondents also reported getting usual sleep of six hours or fewer, snoring, or unintentionally falling asleep during the day. “Drowsy driving” led to 91,000 car crashes in 2017, according to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (5).

How does exercise help your brain?

One study with rats suggests that a lack of exercise can cause unwanted new brain connections. Rats that were not allowed to exercise were found to have rewired neurons around their medulla, the part of the brain involved in breathing and other involuntary activities. This included more sympathetic (excitatory) stimulus that could lead to increased risk of heart disease (6). 

Among the rats allowed to exercise regularly, there was no unusual wiring, and sympathetic stimuli remained constant. This may imply that being sedentary has negative effects on both the brain and the heart. We need human studies to confirm this impact.

Omega-3 fatty acids may affect brain volume

In the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study, results showed that those postmenopausal women who were in the highest quartile of omega-3 fatty acids had significantly greater brain volume and hippocampal volume than those in the lowest quartile (7). The hippocampus is involved in memory and cognitive function.

Specifically, the researchers looked at the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in red blood cell membranes. The source of the omega-3 fatty acids could have been either from fish or from supplementation.

It’s never too late to improve brain function. Although we have a lot to learn about the functioning of the brain, we know that there are relatively simple ways we can positively influence it.

References:

(1) Top Cogn Sci. 2014 Jan.;6:5-42. (2) Science. 2013 Oct. 18;342:373-377. (3) Sleep. 2006 Mar.;29:299-305. (4) cdc.gov. (5) nhtsa.gov. (6) J Comp Neurol. 2014 Feb. 15;522:499-513. (7) Neurology. 2014;82:435-442.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.