Sweetbriar Nature Center is currently taking care of baby owls, ducks, rabbits, opossums and squirrels. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar
By Tara Mae
Spring harbors hope for new life. A promise of possibility soars on wings of a compassionate community that sees the specialness of not only the human species.
The most beautiful beasts will be in attendance at Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Baby Shower for Wildlife on Sunday, May 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. Come join staff members, volunteers, and ambassador animals to enjoy a meet and greet, crafts, and a walking tour of the property.
An annual event, this preparation party is thrown to help offset the practical and monetary strains that hatchling/birthing season puts on the Center. This year has been particularly taxing as a mild winter led to an early baby boom.
Sweetbriar Nature Center is currently taking care of baby owls, ducks, rabbits, opossums and squirrels. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar
“Honestly you are never prepared for baby season; it comes at different times every year. This year it was very, very early. Ducklings and goslings were being hatched in January. We never really had a winter so to speak…if it is warm and it never gets cold, animals get confused,” Sweetbriar Curator and Wildlife Rehabilitation Director Janine Bendicksen said.
Although it began sooner, it is not winding down, and so supplies are urgently needed.
Like any well organized shower, this one provides a detailed registry for its guests. Curated to the delicate needs of its charges, Sweetbriar’s Amazon Wish List includes rabbit and squirrel formula, meal and wax worms, and supplies like gallon size ziploc bags, trash bags, white vinegar, baby bottle warmers and latex gloves. Monetary donations are also appreciated.
“The public support goes a very long way,” Bendicksen said. “We are not allowed to charge for the care of wildlife, so we are not funded by government entities.” Caring for infants is time consuming, but Sweetbriar is determined that it not be cost prohibitive. It hosts the yearly baby shower as a way to gather the supplies it needs and garner public interest. True to its nature, this event offers opportunities for socializing and promises party activities.
Meet Turnip the Screech Owl at Sweetbriar’s Baby Shower for Wildlife. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar Nature Center
Its guests of honor are Turnip, a screech owl, and Little Blue, a bluejay. Although they are now adults, the attendance of these creatures is particularly poignant. As babies, Turnip and Little Blue each benefitted from a previous shower. Permanent residents of Sweetbriar, they are unable to be rereleased into the wild.
Turnip was injured when the tree in which he resided was knocked over, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain life-altering injuries. Little Blue was born blind. Witnessing their individual distress, concerned citizens reached out to Sweetbriar to save them. Neither animal would have survived without the intervention of the nature center. As with the other ambassador animals, Turnip and Little Blue continue to rely on its resources while educating the public about wildlife and conservation.
These are lessons that Bendicksen hopes citizens heed.
“If you find wildlife and you know it needs help, make a phone call before doing anything,” she said. “One of the biggest mistakes is feeding the animal, causing the animal to aspirate. It is easier to bring back a dehydrated animal rather than an aspirated animal. On our social media we give you options, including how to re-nest baby birds, baby squirrels, etc.,”
Sweetbriar’s primary service is as a rehabilitation for injured and/or orphaned animals, but part of its efforts include teaching individuals what to do if they encounter an animal they fear may be in distress. Correcting any well-intentioned misconceptions about “saving” wild animals is a large component of that.
“If you find a nest and everything seems normal — nothing has attacked it — leave it alone and enjoy it. For instance, baby birds fledge [go to the ground], parents feed them on the ground, etc. So educate yourself; do not just Google it. Follow Sweetbriar’s social media — we are constantly educating the public every day. Or just call us,” Bendicksen added.
It may still be difficult to leave an animal alone if an observer notes that an animal is not in distress but may be imperiled by a potential unfortunate encounter, such as with a feral or free range cat. In this or similar scenario, Bendicksen counsels that the animal still be left on its own but advises certain precautions may be taken.
Sweetbriar Nature Center is currently taking care of baby owls, ducks, rabbits, opossums and squirrels. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar
“We do not accept wildlife based on the fact that they may get eaten by something. We have come up with ways to protect wildlife. For a baby bunny nest, put a wheelbarrow over it upside down. For a fledgling on the ground, pick it up and put in a basket outside,” she said.
In general, the objective is to support the animal with as little human interference as possible.
A main goal of Sweetbriar is to rehabilitate the animals in its care so that they may return to their natural habitat. In instances where the animals would not survive being rereleased, they are able to live out their lives in protected enclosures on the nature center’s 54 acres of woodland, field, garden, and wetland habitats along the Nissequogue River.
This shower allows animal lovers to aid Sweetbriar and its charges in a way that enables it to continue offering a healing haven for both the temporary visitors and permanent population. “Our work is a service to the public, and any assistance is a great help,” Bendicksen said.
Tickets to the Baby Shower for Wildlife are $5 for adults and $15 for children. To learn more about the event and to shop the Amazon Wishlist, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. Located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown, Sweetbriar Nature Center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Its preserve is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 631-979-6344.
Mike Faist and Zendaya in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of MGM Studios
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
The plethora of sports films would take up pages, if not volumes. From comedies (Bull Durham, A League of Their Own) to dramas (Rocky, The Boys in the Boat) to the better left undefined (Space Jam?), cinema has often trained its eye on everything from football (Friday Night Lights) to curling (Men with Brooms). While not as popular as baseball or football, tennis is featured in films such as King Richard, Borg vs. McEnroe, 7 Days in Hell, Wimbledon, and even the thriller Match Point.
Zendaya plays tennis star Tashi Duncan in ‘Challengers’. Photo courtesy of MGM Studios
Challengers presents doubles partners and best friends Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist). After a bold win, they meet superstar Tashi Duncan (Zendaya). All are high school seniors on the cusp of entering college, though Tashi has the skills and ferocity to skip the university level for a professional career. The boys are immediately smitten with the independent Tashi and vie for her affection. Tashi and Art attend Stanford and play college tennis. Patrick turns professional, carrying on a fractious long-distance relationship with Tashi. Early on, Tashi suffers a knee injury, ending her career. She shifts her focus and becomes Art’s coach and then wife.
Challengers is a lust triangle that zig-zags through thirteen years. Beginning in the present of 2019, the film flashes backward and forward through time. Sometimes, the narrative returns to the beginning and sometimes to just a few days prior. Unobtrusive but necessary title cards clarify the time frame, removing the guesswork. Given the short time span and the aging of late teens to early thirties, it would have been almost impossible to follow without them. Notwithstanding changes in hairstyle and facial hair, the outward changes to the characters are minor.
Director Luca Guadagnino is known for his bold style and surprising choices. His most popular film, Call Me by Your Name, garnered numerous accolades, with substantial nominations and awards. His other films have included the violent remake of the horror film Suspiria and the “cannibal love story” Bones and All. He does not shy away from crossing lines or making an impact.
Josh O’Connor and Zendaya in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of MGM Studios
Strangely, with Challengers, he seems to pull his punches. Justin Kuritzkes’ functional screenplay is at its best when it draws on the similarities between sex and tennis. Perhaps intentionally, it makes the latter far more exciting and passionate. Challengers takes a benign stab at privilege with Art and Patrick as boarding school boys who have been roommates since they were twelve. Later, Patrick tries to put himself forward as the starving athlete living in his car. Tashi calls him out on the façade. This provides one of the few references to the nature of their indulgence and her place as an outsider. Much has been made of the trailer’s indication of another layer to the menage, but the film skirts around this, with nods towards the homoerotic but never fully embracing it.
Where the film succeeds is in the three central performances (no one else gets much of a look in). Faist makes the sweeter, more conservative Art as likable as possible, showing an easy but often brittle charm. O’Connor gives Patrick a certain amount of doubt and introspection, even when his behavior is terrible. The sense that he is always on the edge softens an otherwise narcissistic individual.
But Zendaya owns the film, bringing raw energy to the femme fatale struggling with her constantly shifting and mixed feelings about these two man-children. She balances an electric presence with unspoken frustrations and even simmering rage. She makes every moment, every beat count. She is both queen and pawn. Is she a homewrecker or a victim?
As a tight ensemble, the trio owns the shifting dynamics, which are interesting and intense as they try but fail to define themselves. The repetitions and changing of partners create a sort of interpersonal hell where, ultimately, none are winners. Rages lead to broken rackets; disappointments lead to double-crossing.
The tennis is filmed with energy and style, bringing as much excitement and edge to the game. Even the peripatetic timeline enhances the somewhat predictable plot. But where the film frustrates is its overuse of slow motion and a heavy-handed, pulsing soundtrack, adding minutes that become endless. Dwelling on predictable cuts, sweaty faces, hard stares, and triumphant grimaces eventually feels like a parody.
Judicious editing, trimming to a lean ninety minutes, would have made the film a winner. However, Challengers at two hours and eleven minutes is just challenging.
Rated R, Challengers is now playing in local theaters.
This photo by Bill Landon won second place for Best Feature Photo.
By Heidi Sutton
From news and feature articles, sports stories, photography, editorial cartoons, special supplements, ad projects and classifieds, TBR News Media took home 22 awards from the 2023 New York Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest this year. The winners were announced during NYPA’s annual Spring Conference at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs on April 26 and 27.
Over 140 newspapers in New York State took part in the annual event celebrating newspaper excellence with 2,530 entries competing for 379 awards in 70 categories covering the editorial, advertising and circulation efforts of the state’s dailies and weeklies. Members of the Tennessee Press Association were tasked with judging this year’s contest.
TBR News Media earned 175 total contest points including six first-place awards, two-second place awards and seven third-place awards, placing it amongthe top 5 winners.
This photo by Steven Zaitz won first place for Best Sports Action Photo.
In a tight competition, reporter Steven Zaitz won third place in the Best Sports Writer of the Year category. “This writer does a good job of putting the reader into the action. And I like that he doesn’t take 20 words to say what he can say in 10. I liked his work very much,” commented the judge after seeing samples of his work.
A talented photographer as well, Zaitz also captured two first place awards in the Best Sports Action Photo category (Division 1 & 3) as well as an Honorable Mention, second place for Best Front Page, and first place in the Best Feature Photo category with a photo titled “Frozen Assets” taken at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai last November. “This package has a variety of images with great expression in the subjects faces. I can simply look at the photos and tell these people were cold, but had a warmth in their hearts for this special cause,” said the judge.
Zaitz also received an Honorable Mention for Best Sports Action Photo and Best Sports Feature Photo.
Reporter Bill Landon won a second place award in the Best Feature Photo category with a photo titled “Glittering Revival” taken at the Tesla Science Center in Shoreham during its annual Holiday Lighting event last December, two weeks after the Center’s devastating fire. “This photo shines in the competition in more ways than one … from her facial expression to the unique glow in the photo. It’s an obvious winner!” said the judge.
Landon also received an Honorable Mention for Best Sports Action Photo.
Kyle Horne won first place for Best Editorial Cartoon.
Artist Kyle Horne nabbed first place in the Best Editorial Cartoon category for his creative illustration depicting Port Jefferson Village government’s attempts to address flooding.
Former editor Raymond Janis captured several awards as well including third place for Best News Story for an article on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) and was a Sharon R. Fulmer Award for Community Leadership third place winner for his coverage of board meetings at the Port Jefferson Village Hall. The judge commented, “You can’t beat a little ‘outrage’ media coverage to make public officials change their tune ASAP. The power of the press and people is STRONG!”
He also shared a third place award with reporter Lynn Hallarman for Best Coverage of Local Government which included a sampling of stories about issues in the Town of Brookhaven and the Village of Port Jefferson. “Excellent layout. Reports are eye-catching and cover a variety of controversial local government topics,” wrote the judge.
In addition, Janis shared an Honorable Mention with reporter Nasrin Zahed in the Best Obituaries category for an article celebrating the full life of Judith “Judi” Betts. “Judi seems like someone you would like to meet,” commented the judge.
Former editor Rita J. Egan snagged third place in the Best Feature Story category for her heartwarming article about a memorial bench from Connecticut that washed ashore at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook and the attempts to find the owner. The judge commented, “Amazing the things you find during a walk on the beach.”
Classifieds Director Sheila Murray won first place in the Best Classified Advertising category with the judge commenting, “Good looking black and white page layout for classifieds. Could easily find the classified ads on the pages. Not hidden among the ads,” and Art/Production Director Beth Heller Mason received an Honorable Mention for Best Small Space Ad.
TBR News Media’s graduation supplement won first place for Best Special Sections/Niche Publications in Newsprint. “Beautiful work on this keepsake. Dedication to the project shows in the completed product,” wrote the judge.
The newspaper’s annual Summer Times supplement by editor Heidi Sutton received a third place award in the same category with the judge commenting, “The cover is fun and makes you want to look even further. Very nice overall.”
TBR News Media also won third place for Best Innovative Ad Project for its People of the Year supplement and an Honorable Mention for its Salute to Women supplement in the Best Special Section: Advertising category. “Loved this entry and the idea of a salute to women from all walks of life. Just enough info on each woman. Good layout and presentation,” said the judge.
“Probably nothing is more professionally gratifying than being commended by one’s colleagues,” said TBR News Media publisher Leah Dunaief. “We are deeply appreciative for this remarkable total of 22 awards we were given at the Better Newspaper Contest last weekend. The awards run the gamut from excellent articles to outstanding ads to attractive design to community leadership. Congrats to the talented and hard working staff of Times Beacon Record News Media.”
For a full list of winners, visit nynewspapers.com/nypa/better-newspaper-contest/
Fathom’s Big Screen Classics series continues with Sony Pictures Entertainment’s beloved 1989 Southern drama Steel Magnolias — returning to theaters nationwide just in time for Mother’s Day in honor of its 35th anniversary on May 5 and 8.
‘Steel Magnolias’
Six icons of the silver screen — Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts — come together in this hilarious and heartwarming story of life, love, and loss in a small Louisiana parish. At the center of the group is Shelby, newly married and joyfully pregnant, even though her diabetes could make childbirth life-threatening. Terrified at the possibility of losing her only daughter, M’Lynn looks to her four closest friends for strength and laughter as she battles her deepest fear of death to join Shelby in celebrating the miracle of new life.
The Oscar®-nominated film, with a screenplay by Robert Harling (based on his stage play) and directed by Herbert Ross features a star-studded ensemble cast featuring appearances by Tom Skerritt, Dylan McDermott, and Sam Shepard.
Exclusive to each Fathom Big Screen Classic film is a special introduction by esteemed cinema legend Leonard Maltin, this one shedding light on the heartfelt performances and gripping drama that has made Steel Magnolias a cherished favorite for more than three decades.
Locally the film will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17 on May 5 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on May 8 at 7 p.m.; Island 16: Cinema de Lux in Holtsville on May 5 at 4 p.m. and May 8 at 7 p.m.; Showcase Cinema de Lux in Farmingdale on May 5 at 4 p.m. and on May 8 at 7 p.m.; and Regal UA Farmingdale on May 5 at 4 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. and on May 8 at 7:20 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.
Amanda Liang with the winning bridge design.
Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL
Amanda Liang, a ninth grader from Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School in Setauket, won first place at the 45th annual Bridge Building Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory on April 3.
The competition shows students in grades nine through 12 what it’s like to be an engineer as they attempt to design a strong bridge out of only basswood and glue with a set of challenging specifications in mind. Their structures were put to the test under a crushing machine that slowly added more and more weight from above until the bridges broke or bent more than one inch.
The event is organized by Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Educational Programs (OEP) to advance its mission to cultivate the next generation of STEM professionals.
Julia Pincott won second place for her bridge design. Photo courtesy of John Glenn High School
“I want you to imagine your future selves as professional engineers and you’re contributing something important to society,” Bernadette Uzzi, OEP’s manager for K-12 programs told students at the start of the competition. “Perhaps you’re designing a bridge, and you have to continually refine the structure to adapt to our ever-changing world, or maybe you’re here at Brookhaven involved in constructing our new Electron-Ion Collider, which is a ground-breaking machine that will unravel the mysteries of nature’s strongest force. Regardless of your future career plans, today you are engineering students and you’re part of Brookhaven’s journey.”
Uzzi also reflected on the recent bridge collapse in Baltimore: “I’m reminded why it’s so important to give students real-world, relevant experiential learning experiences like this event.”
This year, students from 14 schools around Long Island submitted 240 bridges — 193 of which met all qualifications for testing such as using a symmetrical design and weighing under 25 grams.
Bridges are ranked based on efficiency scores that are calculated from the load the bridge supports divided by the mass of the bridge — all in grams.
Liang’s design earned the top spot with an efficiency of 3,441.43.
“I looked at a bunch of old national bridges and I took a lot of inspiration from them,” Liang said, adding later, “I was really excited especially because it was my first year. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I didn’t expect this.”
Alexander Song and Daniel Liang, both juniors from Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, took second place and third place with efficiencies of 2,536.142 and 2,112.446, respectively.
The top two winners in Brookhaven’s regional competition qualified to compete in the International Bridge Contest on April 27 in New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Competition judges also issued an award for aesthetic bridge design to Julia Pincott, a senior at John Glenn High School in Elwood.
Some of the bridges entered into the competition. Photo from BNL
Throughout the bridge testing day, students had the chance to meet engineers from across the Lab, including longtime contest volunteers and Jordanna Kendrot, a safety engineer at the DOE-Brookhaven Site Office. Kendrot shared how in her own path to becoming a researcher, she found it was important to expand her studies beyond only engineering courses.
“It’s really about broadening your horizons and questioning the norms in engineering that will help us keep moving forward,” Kendrot said.
Amid all the bridge crushing, competition organizers tossed Brookhaven Lab and science trivia questions to students, who had a chance to win Lab merchandise for their correct answers.
Competitors tested their engineering skills in an additional STEM challenge to construct a miniature floating table. Students were also treated to a tour of the National Synchrotron Light Source II, a DOE Office of Science user facility that creates light beams 10 billion times brighter than the sun.
“This year’s bridge contest was a new experience for everyone,” STEM educator and event co-coordinator Theresa Grimaldi said. “It was the first time OEP organized this contest to be during school hours and it was such a pleasure to have the students here for the whole day, getting to know the engineers and touring the site.”
Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov.
A WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION
Catch a performance of 'Willy Wonka' at the Brosnan Theater in Northport. The show opens May 3. Photo courtesy of Community Playhouse of Northport
PROGRAMS
First Steps in Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on May 3 at 9:30 a.m. An experienced educator will lead your youngster through hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344.
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 4, 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.
Me & You with Keri Wirth
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a morning concert, Me & You with Keri Wirth, at the Walled Garden on May 5 at 10:30 a.m. Rock out to original music that is funny and educational and dance your way into the sunny day. Pick up an instrument and join this wonderful Sunday morning music program. For infants to age 5. For prices and to register, visit www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.
Glacial Erratic Hike
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Glacial Erratic Hike for ages 8 and up on May 5 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. If a huge boulder looks out of place, it might be a glacial erratic, a large piece of stone left by glaciers long ago. Venture through the park’s trails and see the glacial remnants brought to Long Island from the last Ice Age. $4 per person. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com. 631-269-4333
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 6 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
Crafternoon at the Library
Save the date! Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on May 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Create a work of art out of recycled materials. For families with children ages 3 to 12 years old. Supervision may be needed for younger children. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]
Bicycle Rodeo
Register now! On May 11 the Brookhaven Highway Department will host a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville from 8 a.m. to noon. Children will learn how to safely ride their bikes in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. Free but by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot.
THEATER
‘Alice in Wonderland’
John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport present’s Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to May 12. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? More importantly, will she ever figure out how to get home?All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Willy Wonka’
Community Playhouse of Northport presents Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at The Brosnan Theater, 158 Laurel Ave., Northport on May 3, 4 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 5 and 12 at 3 p.m. Character meet and greets will be from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. at Sunday performances. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. To order, visit www.communityplayhousenorthport.org. 631-683-8444
‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’
Simple Gifts Productions presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at 7:30 p.m. on May 3 and 4 at First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson. This revised version is a fresh approach to the all-time 1967 classic, based on the beloved comic strip by Charles Schulz. Featuring all your favorite Peanuts characters, this charming revue of vignettes and songs is fun for the whole family (ages 4 and older). Tickets are $15 at the door or at www.simplegiftsproductions.com.
‘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.
The Stony Brook men’s lacrosse team fell to Hofstra, 11-9, on April 27 at LaValle Stadium. Nick Dupuis led the Seawolf offensive attack with a team-high five points.
The Seawolf defense held strong early, forcing two consecutive shot clock violations in the opening five minutes. Two minutes later, Hofstra broke through with two goals in 30 seconds to take a 2-0 lead with 8:58 remaining in the first. Both teams traded two goals apiece to end the opening quarter as the Pride took a 4-2 lead into the second.
Stony Brook opened the scoring in the second with a bang following a man-down goal from Christian Lowd to make it a 4-3 game. After some tough defense and clutch goalkeeping on both sides, Hofstra tallied back-to-back in the final minutes to take a 6-3 lead into the half.
The Seawolves cut the deficit to two again with a goal from CJ Harris to open the second half scoring. The Pride immediately answered with a goal less than two minutes later to take a 7-4 lead. Each team notched a goal to close the third, as Hofstra took an 8-5 lead into the fourth.
The Pride offense came out hot to open the fourth, scoring two of the quarter’s first three goals, giving them a 10-6 lead with 6:52 remaining. After an illegal body check from Hofstra, Stony Brook scored three straight man-up goals to make it a one-goal game with 2:36 remaining. The man-up offense was spearheaded by goals from Noah Armitage, Dylan Pallonetti, and the playmaking of Dupuis. Hofstra responded a little over a minute later with a goal as its defense held strong for the win.
“I’m disappointed for the seniors. It was such a large group of seniors that have been through a lot and have given us a lot,” head coach Anthony Gilardi said. “We’ve struggled all year, I think that’s been the reality. It’s kind of been the same story and we saw it again today.”
The Stony Brook University softball team beat Elon, 8-1, in the series finale on April 28 at University Field. The Seawolves honored its senior class of 10 student-athletes with a convincing win over the Phoenix to earn their fifth straight series win.
The Seawolves fell behind early, 1-0, in the second inning on a run-scoring single off of Mia Haynes.Stony Brook hit a pair of home runs in the home half of the second inning on the way to scoring four runs in the frame. Emily Reinstein opened the scoring with a two-run shot and later it was Alicia Orosco who blasted a two-run homer of her own to put Stony Brook ahead 4-1.
Saddled with a lead, Haynes began to cruise. On top of her excellence in the circle, Stony Brook’s defense put on a clinic behind her, turning two double plays to help keep Elon off the board for the remainder of the afternoon.
The Seawolves expanded their lead in the fourth inning with a pair of bases-loaded walks drawn by Corinne Badger and Julianna Sanzone. Leading 6-1, Stony Brook added two more in the fifth inning on productive outs by Orosco and Kyra McFarland. The score held for the rest of the game, as Stony Brook coasted to the 8-1 win on senior day.
“Pretty special ballgame to send our seniors off with a hard-earned win on senior day,” head coach Megan T. Bryant said. “I thought we played well in all three parts of the game and Mia was outstanding.”
Up next, the team hits the road to face North Carolina A&T in the final weekend of the regular season. The Seawolves and Aggies play a three-game set beginning on May 2 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College
Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College
Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College
Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College
Celebration of Spring at Long Island’s Original Agricultural College
Calling all gardeners! Farmingdale State College (FSC) will hold its annual Plant Sale from Tuesday, May 7 to Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (daily) at the Farmingdale State College campus, located at 2350 NY-110, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
The Plant Sale will feature a wide selection of flowers, vegetables/herbs, perennials, houseplants, succulents, and tropical plants for the patio. Much of the plant material is grown on-campus by College staff and students, while the remainder is grown locally on Long Island.
The Plant Sale at Farmingdale State College is managed by the Department of Urban Horticulture and Design, a legacy program with a storied past dating back more than 100 years, when the institution opened its doors as an agricultural school.
“Over the years, the Department of Urban Horticulture & Design has developed a strong partnership with the local horticulture industry, since many local professionals complete their training at Farmingdale,” said Dr. Jonathan M. Lehrer, Chairman of the Horticulture Department.
Horticulture students learn their skills in the department’s classrooms, studios, labs, and greenhouses. Perhaps most important is the “living” classroom, the renowned Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Beyond its iron gates rest 5+ acres of theme gardens that are carefully designed, planted, maintained, and treasured by students as an integral component of their training, during the semester and as part of the Summer Garden Intern Program.
The Gardens are also a source of inspiration and education for the campus and Long Island community. They are open to the public daily during the growing season.
All proceeds from the Sale are used to support Horticulture students and the Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Customers are encouraged to bring their own wagon for convenience.
About Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State College offers 46-degree programs focused on emerging, high-demand, and relevant careers to help prepare the next generation of leaders in technology, engineering, business, healthcare, science and the arts. With nearly 10,000 students, FSC is SUNY’s largest college of applied science and technology. More than half of our graduating seniors leave debt-free and 82% are employed six months after graduation or enrolled in graduate school. FSC is home to Broad Hollow Bioscience Park, which supports the development of biotech start-up companies and partners with surrounding businesses and research institutions along the Route 110 Business Corridor. Our engaging student experience, highly inclusive campus and sustained commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student support, helps make FSC one of the best values in higher education.
UNDER THE BIG TOP
Flip Circus returns to the Smith Haven Mall parking lot from May 3 to 14. Photo courtesy of Flip Circus
Thursday May 2
Crafts & Cocktails
Have you ever wondered how exactly a ship gets into a bottle? Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor to uncork the secret behind this enduring folkcraft at its Crafts & Cocktails event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Explore examples from the museum’s Kappel Ship in a Bottle Collection up close. Then, sip a Dark & Stormy cocktail as you create your very own ship model in a jar. For adults 21+. Fee is $30 per person, $20 members. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418
Vanderbilt Lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series at the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium Theater with Save the Sound: A lecture on ecology and advocacy at 7 p.m. Conservationists Bill Lucey and Louise Harrison will give a presentation on protecting and improving the land, air, and water of the Long Island Sound region. Tickets are $10 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
SCCC Spring Concert
The Music Department of Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Spring Concert featuring orchestra, guitar ensemble, the Suffolk Singers and College Choir at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building, at 7 p.m. Free and open to all. No tickets required. 631-451-4163
Friday May 3
Three Village Farmers Market
The Three Village Farmers & Artisans Market kicks off its 10th season today on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket from 3 to 7 p.m. Featuring over 40 vendors, food trucks, live music and more. The museum will be open for free self-guided and docent-led tours. For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.gm
Flip Circus at Smith Haven Mall
Flip Circus returns to the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove today through May 14.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.
SCCC Spring Concert
The Music Department of Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Spring Concert featuring the Contemporary Music Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building, at 7 p.m. Free and open to all. No tickets required. 631-451-4163
Saturday April 4
Flip Circus at Smith Haven Mall
See May 3 listing.
Community Shred Day
Time for some spring cleaning! Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will hold a Community Shred Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A shredding truck from A Shred Away, Inc. will be in the library’s parking lot for on-site shredding of personal documents. There is a limit of 5 boxes or bags. Please no plastic, carbon paper, hanging files, red well folders, cardboard, newspapers, or magazines. Clips and staples are fine. 631-941-4080.
Tag and Bake Sale
Stony Brook Community Church, 216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will hold a Tag and Bake Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for homemade baked breads, cookies, cakes, plus household items, quilting supplies, garden items, electronics, furniture, books and much more. The historic church building and cemetery will be open for visitors during the sale. Rain date is May 5 from noon to 4 p.m. 631-751-0574
CHS Craft and Vendor Fair
Comsewogue High School, 565 North Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station will host its 3rd annual Community Resource Craft and Vendor Fair with over 75 vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make yourself aware of what organizations have to offer you and get the assistance you need. Agencies can help with medical and dental care, housing support, mental health counseling, food support and more. Free admission. For more information, email [email protected].
Mother’s Day Workshop
Join the Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suites 6 & 9, St. James for a Mother’s Day Workshop with artist Ross Barbera from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Craft a watercolor paper cuff bracelet for your mother while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Cost is $125 and includes all materials. To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org or call 631-250-9009.
Community Blood Drive
Responding to the critical National need for both blood donors and firefighter volunteers, The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF), and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO), will be hosting a blood drive, a Shed the Meds event, anda volunteer firefighter recruitment information table at the LIMEHOF, 197 Main St., Stony Brook Village from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Questions? Call 631-751-2244.
Saturdays at Six Concert
All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six series with a free concert by the Voyager Reed Quintet at 6 p.m. The ensemble’s mission is inspired by the golden records aboard NASA’s Voyager spacecraft. Their performances represent the intersection of a wide variety of music, particularly that of living composers, jazz and popular music, contemporary classical music, and older works made new to the reed quintet medium through transcriptions and arrangements. 631-655-7798
Sunday May 5
Flip Circus at Smith Haven Mall
See May 3 listing.
Port Jefferson Farmers Market
The Port Jefferson Farmers Market kicks off its spring/summer season at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continues every Sunday through Nov. 17. For more information, call 631-802-2160.
Sheep and Shawl Festival
Huntington Historical Society hosts its annual Sheep to Shawl Festival at the Kissam property, 434 Park Ave., Huntington from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy historic crafting demonstrations and activities, traditional music, the Huntington Militia, and more! In addition, the Kissam House Museum will be open for tours, and visitors will be able to peruse the Antiques & Collectibles Shop on the property. Free admission. 631-427-7045
Northport Art Walk
Northport Arts Coaltion presents its annual Art Walk from 1 to 5 p.m. Pick up a map at the welcome center, then enjoy a free walking tour of “galleries for a day” throughout Northport Village. Visit artists displaying and selling their work in the charming stores while musicians fill the village with melody. Rain date is May 19. www.northportarts.org.
Karen Bella in concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brookpresents a concert by Karen Bella accompanied by Teddy Kumpels from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org.
Northport Library Concert
Join Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport for an afternoon concert with The Retirement Village People at 2 p.m. featuring hilarious song parodies of your favorite rock, pop, and show tunes from the 60s and 70s, featuring Stevie GB, Joe Gelish, Anita Starlite, and Les Degen. Call 631-261-6930 to register.
Jazz Loft All Stars in Concert
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington will presents The Jazz Loft All- Stars in concert featuring Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel on cornet; Mala Waldron on piano; Dan Pugach on drums; Mike Hall on bass, and Vanessa Trouble on vocals at 5 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information call 631-427-1752.
Monday May 6
Flip Circus at Smith Haven Mall
See May 3 listing.
Tea with a Spot of History
Three Village Historical Society continues its Tea with a Spot of History program with Well Worn: History of Aprons at the the Old Field Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, 207 Old Field Place, Old Field at 1 p.m. Over 600 vintage aprons will be presented by Diane Schwindt of Stirring Up History. Join them for a tea party with scones and a spot of history and enjoy the Lighthouse grounds following the program. Tickets are $20, $15 members. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730
Movie Trivia Night
Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to 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! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $11 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday May 7
Flip Circus at Smith Haven Mall
See May 3 listing.
Farmingdale State College Plant Sale
Farmingdale State College, 2350 Route 110, Farmingdale will hold its annual Plant Sale today through May 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Plant Sale will feature a wide selection of flowers, vegetables/herbs, perennials, houseplants, succulents, and tropical plants for the patio. Much of the plant material is grown on-campus by College staff and students, while the remainder is grown locally on Long Island. All proceeds from the Sale are used to support Horticulture students and the Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Customers are encouraged to bring their own wagon for convenience.
Strictly Business Trade Show
Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach hosts a Strictly Business trade show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to network, promote and build businesses in Brookhaven and the surrounding areas. This free event is a joint initiative of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, the Miller Business Resource Center and the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition. Join over 75 vendors, discover local products and services, connect with potential customers and network with community organizations. This event is open to the public. For more information, visit www.strictlybusinesstradeshow.com.
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to meet Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (District 1) in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. The Councilmember will update the community on current activities. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
NYS Safe Boating Course
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a New York State Safe Boating Course tonight and May 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. Successful completion of this course earns a Boating Certificate required for boat operators and those 14+ operating a Jet Ski. Cost is $50 per person, this includes all materials and is payable in cash, check or Venmo. Students must be 10 years or older at the start of class. Register at www.cplib.org/SafeBoating.
Board‘Walk’Your Way to Wellness
Health professionals from St. Catherine of Siena Hospital will be available at Sunken Meadow State Park’s boardwalk in Kings Park tonight, May 14, 21 and 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss heart health, healthy eating, weight management, breast health, stroke prevention, skin cancer and Lyme disease prevention tips. Free blood pressure screenings and free giveaways. To learn more, call 631-870-3444.
Comedy Night at the Engeman
John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with Comedy Night at 7 p.m. Come have some laughs, enjoy some cocktails and listen to some very funny comedians! Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday May 8
Flip Circus at Smith Haven Mall
See May 3 listing.
Farmingdale State College Plant Sale
See May 7 listing.
NYS Safe Boating Course
See May 7 listing.
SBU Plant Sale Fundraiser
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm at Stony Brook Hospital, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will hold their annual plant sale outside the hospital cafeteria, Level 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for non-GMO, organically grown vegetable seedlings including tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, basil, cilantro, parsley and more. $3 each or 2 for $5 (cash only). Questions? Email [email protected].
Cruise Night Car Show
The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show every Wednesday through October from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic cars in the parking lot. 631-929-3500
Caregiver Conference
Cona Elder Law hosts the 6th annual Caregiver Conference at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington Hilton, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville from 5 to 8:30 p.m.A free event for caregivers, more than 25 elder care industry sponsors and exhibitors will gather to discuss social senior living options and explore key differences between assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities, allowing different options for family and financial support. Food and beverages will be served. For more information, visit www.conaelderlaw.com.
Opioid Overdose Prevention
Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport hosts an Opioid Overdose Prevention Training class at 7 p.m. CN Guidance and Counseling Services will conduct training for all interested adults on how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer Naloxone as well as receive a Naloxone kit. To register, call 631-261-6930.
Thursday May 9
Flip Circus at Smith Haven Mall
See May 3 listing.
Farmingdale State College Plant Sale
See May 7 listing.
Successfully Aging in Place
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a special program, Successfully Aging in Place, from 10 to 11 a.m. Get tips to proactively prepare to stay safe, healthy and happy in your own home into your golden years with Parker Jewish Institute. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.
Health & Wellness Fair
The Town of Brookhaven will host a Health and Wellness Fair at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free balance screenings, blood pressure screenings, food and nutrition education, cholesterol and glucose screenings and more. Free. For more information, call 631-451-5312.
Lunch & Learn
Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with a special screening and discussion of I Now Take Up My Pen at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from noon to 2 p.m. Presented by the Port Jefferson Historical Society andthe Huntington Historical Society with Laura Warren and Toby Kissam, this short film tells the heart wrenching tale of two brothers from Huntington William and Jesse Platt, who served in different NYS Regiments from Long Island. Admission is $45 per person, $35 members and includes a wrap, salad, chips, dessert, and a beverage. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Mother’s Day lecture
Join the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor for an online lecture titled Oh Baby! Motherhood at Sea at 7 p.m. Get ready for Mother’s Day with this “What to Expect When you’re Expecting” — maritime edition! Explore the undertold yet remarkable experiences of pregnancies, childbirth, and the early years of raising a child for the brave 19th century whaling wives who went to sea and comb through women’s diaries, letters, photos, advertisements, and ship logbooks to trace and illuminate what mothering truly entailed on the high seas. Adults only. Free, suggested donation of $10 gratefully accepted. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Film
‘Priscilla’
Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a viewing of Priscilla starring Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi, and Dagmara Domińczyk on May 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Long Island Jewish Film Festival
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the 2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival from May 3 to 7. The festival will feature films that include innovative documentaries, riveting dramas, and rarely seen pieces of film history, all curated by David Schwartz, Curator at Large at the Museum of the Moving Image, who will also host and lead audience discussions after many of the festival’s screenings. Tickets range from $16 to $18. For the full schedule, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Catch a screening of ‘A Disturbance In the Force’ at JFK Middle School on May 6.
‘A Disturbance in the Force’
Port Jefferson Documentary Series Spring line-up continues with a screening of A Disturbance in the Force at John F. Kennedy MIddle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on May 6 at 7 p.m. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…In 1978 George Lucas was talked into cashing in on the Star Wars craze by producing a holiday variety TV special.What could possibly go wrong? Answer: Everything. Followed by a Q&A with guest speaker Director Jeremy Coon. Tickets are $10 in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door (cash only).
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 26. 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.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Murder on the Orient Express, a thrilling mystery about the most infamous case of one of fiction’s most famous detectives, from April 6 to May 4. Murder and mayhem await renowned investigator Hercule Poirot as he boards a train filled with treachery and intrigue. Featuring a shadowy American, a train full of suspects, a notebook’s worth of alibis, and a singular Belgian sleuth whose mustache twitches at murder, all aboard the Orient Express! 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.
‘(mostly) TRUE THINGS’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St, Port Jefferson hosts a performance of (mostly) TRUE THINGS, a game wrapped in a storytelling show that features stories related to the themes in Star Wars on May 4 at 7 p.m. The star-studded case includes Lydia Franco-Hodges, Mindy Pfeiffer and Adam Grundfest. Tickets are $20 online at www.eventbrite.com or $25 at the door (cash only).
‘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. Please Note: 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.
Class Reunions
•Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected]
CALENDAR DEADLINEis 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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