PROBOSCIS PROFICIENCY: John Condzella of Condzella's Farm (center) with event organizers Tom Nielsen, Research & Development Manager at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, and Tiffany Pitra, Sensory Manager of Yakima Chief Hops.
They came, they saw, they sniffed.
At the end one thing was clear: John Condzella’s nose knows. His olfactory prowess came out victorious at the recent “Hop Matrix” hop sensory competition among approximately 100 industry peers at the 67th annual American Hop Convention in Santa Rosa, CA, January 25-27.
Entry fees raised funds for hops research conducted around the nation by the Hops Research Council.
John Condzella with his award.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be presented with this industry award. ‘The Nose’ trophy has made it safely back to New York! Out of over 100 of my hop growing and brewing peers I was pleased to be recognized in a very competitive national field,” said Condzella, a fourth generation farmer currently working with his father (also known as John) at Condzella’s Farm at 6233 North Country Road in Wading River.
“Entrants walked into a room and encountered a table with eight differenttrays of hops. The organizers provided you with a list of 15 different hops they could be. We rubbed our hands together with the hops to release the oil to sense the aromas,” Condzella explained.
“It was almost like a blind wine tasting. We had to identify each group of hops correctly. One other person, a hop farmer in Washington State, also got five correct. We then moved to a sudden death playoff. Another tray was put in front of the two of us, and the first to tap the tray and correctly identify the type of hops, was the winner.”
The significance of the award was not lost on Condzella. “To be honored this way by an esteemed group of peers is very honorable, and definitely unexpected, due to the caliber of the other competitors,” he said.
Condzella is familiar to area residents at the Port Jefferson and Sayville Farmers Markets from May to October. He first started growing hops on the farm 13 years ago. In the summer, the 20-acre family farm in Wading River operates a farm stand for asparagus, strawberries and other vegetables.“The hops I’ve grown since 2010 have helped me refine my nose,” he said.
Condzella remarked that the recognition represented a return to state glory of sorts for hop growing. “100 years ago New York State grew 100% of the hops in the country. After some period of dormancy, the industry in New York is rebounding.”
HEY YOU GUYS!
Grab the kids and head over to the Cinema Arts Centre for a screening of 'The Goonies' on Feb. 12.
PROGRAMS
Nature at Night
Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank presents a program titled Nature at Night on Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to noon. Participate in hands-on activities to discover some mysterious creatures that come out at night and learn how creatures like bats, owls and even bugs benefit our environment while we are asleep! Get up close and personal with some nocturnal friends and then enjoy a wagon ride around the farm. For ages 5 and up. $15 per child w/adult. To register, visit www.ccesuffolk.org/events or call 727-7850.
Be My Valentine
Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport kicks off its new Kids Craft series with Be My Valentine on Feb. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. During this fun-filled afternoon, kids will learn about Valentine’s Day while making something for their Valentine at three crafting stations – Create your own Victorian Valentine’s Day Card, Yo-Yo Decorating Station (love has its ups and downs), plus A Hot Chocolate Taste Testing Station. $8 per person. Register at www.northporthistorical.org. Questions? Call 757-9859.
Super Bowl Saturday
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St. Setauket will be hosting “Super Bowl Saturday” to add to the excitement before the big football game! Elementary-aged kids and their families are welcome to stop by between 2 and 4 p.m. on Feb. 11 to enjoy football-themed festivities. Games will include cornhole, “Pin-the-Football in the End Zone”, “Touchdown Toss” beanbag game, and a “Plinko” disc drop and there will be a raffle to win a special prize. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey or football-themed attire. For children in grades K to 6th grade. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Call 941-4080.
Family Hour Sundays
The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents a special dual language Family Hour Sunday on Feb. 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 through 10 are invited for a family-friendly art experience with Museum Educator Tami Wood and Karina Giménez in both English and Spanish. Explore works of art in the Museum and create fun art projects! $10 per child, adults free. Advance registration recommended by visiting www.heckscher.org.
Star Quest
Calling brave explorers! Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor in a hunt for star constellations around the museum with a spyglass to navigate your journey, just like mariners at sea during gallery hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Solve puzzles to find your reward — a glittery star lantern you can decorate in the museum’s workshop to light your way home. For ages 5 and up. Cost is admission fee plus $10 per participant. Call 367-3418 for more information.
FILM
‘The Goonies’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! Series with a screening of The Goonies on Feb. 12 at noon. From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, the film plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling, surprise-around-every-corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
THEATER
Disney’s ‘Frozen Jr.’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater with Disney’s Frozen Jr. on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Feb. 4 to March 5. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
A Royal Princess Party
Hear ye, hear ye! The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will host a Princess Party SingAlong: A Villainous Tale of Magicon Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26at 2 p.m. and Feb.20 to 24 at 1 p.m. The princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. Princesses, princes, and royal families of all ages are welcome to attend but must be with an adult at all times. A special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $16 per person. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 22 to March 18 with a sensory sensitive performance on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends-the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion-as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. Featuring an original score, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family, the show is a delightful reminder that “there’s no place like home!” All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a screening of 'Casablanca' at the Cinema Arts Centre.
Thursday Feb. 9
Huntington History lecture
Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with a virtual program at noon. Enjoy your own lunch from the comfort of your home while learning about the historic Sammis houses of West Neck in a presentation given by Robert Hughes, Town Historian and Toby Kissam, HHS Trustee. Presentation will last 45 minutes with time for commentary and Q&A from participants. Free. To register via Zoom, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Lunch and Learn
Kehillath Shalom Synagogue of Cold Spring Harbor presents an online Lunch and Learn program titled Jewish Humor: Then and Now at 12:30 p.m.34% of American Jewish consider “having a good sense of humor” to be an essential aspect of their Jewish identity. In this new Lunch & Learn class, just in time for Adar!, the group will explore the history and evolution of Jewish humor and explore its components. Bring a joke or story. All are welcome. Contact [email protected] for Zoom information.
Love Notes in Scrimshaw
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. for Love Notes in Scrimshaw. Take a peek into the world of historic love tokens as you explore romantic examples of carved whalebone from the 19th century. Uncover the secrets of coded images shared between romantic partners and design and carve your own scrimshaw art for someone special (or for yourself!) Adults only. $15 participant (includes admission), $10 members. Call 367-3418.
An Evening of Jazz
Mala Waldron, Mike Hall and Tom Manuel kick off the Loft’s Acoustic in the Living Room series at the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook from 7 to 9:30 p.m. This jazz music series showcases small duos/trios in the Loft’s main performance room which will be set up to resemble an intimate living room, with spaced out seating. The concerts are conversational, engaging and intimate and a very special window into the heart and mind of the artists. Tickets are $40 per person at www.thejazzloft.org.
Friday Feb. 10
An evening of opera
St.Paul’s United Methodist Church,270Main St., Northport hosts an evening with Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. $10 donation, students free. For more information, call 261-2387 or email [email protected].
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson continuesitsWintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a performance by Chic Voorhis (Americana with a country twist) in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.
Grounds and Sounds Concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket presents award-winning singer/songwriter Rorie Kelly in concert at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 per person, available in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org and at the door. Light refreshments for sale. For further information, call 751-0297.
Saturday Feb. 11
Garden Club Meeting
The Shoreham-Wading River Garden Club invites the community to its meeting at the Wading River Congregational Church at 2057 North Country Road, Wading River at 10 a.m. Club president Judy Faraone will make a presentation titled “Learn to Love Bugs and Keystone Plants,” followed by a video titled “What’s the Rush?” by Doug Tallamy and favorite garden tools by garden club members will be on view. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Audubon Society exhibit
The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket hosts an exhibit by The Four Harbors Audubon Society titled Valentine to Whitman’s Paumanok Exhibition today and Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Twenty-four local photographers and artists are sharing their love for our beautiful Long Island’s wildlife and wilderness as captured by their individual talents. An Artists’s Reception will be held on Feb.12 from 1 to 4 p.m. All are welcome. Free. Questions? Call 689-7054.
All Souls Poetry Reading
The Second Saturdays poetry series will be returns to All Souls Church in Stony Brook via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Claude Mayers. An open-reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. Call 655-7798. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/
Here’s to the Ladies! concert
The perfect Valentine’s celebration will be at the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook with a performance by the Jazz Loft All Stars titled“Here’s to the Ladies!” from 7 to 9 p.m. with complimentary champagne and chocolate. Tickets are $50 per person. Purchase your tickets at www.thejazzloft.org.
February Funny Fest
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 6th annual February Funny Fest on the MainStage at 8 p.m. Fancy a fun night out? This is the comedy show for you! Featuring a full line-up of top comedians direct from the Long Island Comedy Festival including Scott Schendlinger, Keith Anthony, Chris Roach, host David Weiss and more! Tickets are $45. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
FOR THE LOVE OF COMEDY Tim Krompier headlines the Lovers of Comedy Show at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center on Feb. 11.
Lovers of Comedy Show
Join the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown for a Lovers of Comedy Night, a night of laughs with Governor’s Comedy Club, at 8 p.m. Featuring Tim Krompier, Olga Namer, Debbie D Amore, and Rachel Williams. Tickets are $45 per person, $40 members includes open bar of beer and wine. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Sunday Feb. 12
Audubon Society exhibit
See Feb. 11 listing.
Port Jefferson Food Drive
See sidebar on right.
Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast – just added!
Halesite Firehouse, 1 New York Ave., Halesite will host its 15th annual Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast fundraiser from 9 a.m. to noon. with raffles, Super Bowl Snack Cooler and more. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-10 yrs, under age 3 free. Call 427-1910 for more information.
Living History with Abe Lincoln
Celebrate St. James continues its Living History series at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second Street, St James with a visit with President Abraham Lincoln presenter Garry Rissman at 1 p.m. followed by a Q&A. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 members, $10 children ages 10 and up, children under age 10 are free. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.
An Afternoon of Celtic Music – just added!
St. Anthony’s High School, 275 Wolf Hill Road, South Huntington will host An Afternoon of Celtic Music, a benefit for the St. Anthony’s Bagpipe Band, at 2 p.m. Featuring three bagpipe bands – Saint Anthony’s Celtic Friars Pipe Band, AOH Division 7 Roisin Dubh Irish Pipe Band, and the West Milford Highlanders- along with Irish Step Dancing. Basket raffles, 50/50 raffles, bake sale and complimentary Irish Soda Bread and tea served during intermission. Tickets are $20 at the door. Questions? Email [email protected].
Monday Feb. 13
Civic Association meeting
The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold its first in-person meeting of the year at the Sound Beach Fire Station, 252 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Call 744-6952.
Emerson String Quartet concert
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road Stony Brook presents the award-winning Emerson String Quartet in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Program will include Walker “Lyric”; Schubert Quartet in A Minor, D. 804 (“Rosamunde”); Webern 6 Bagatelles, op. 9; Shostakovich 12th Quartet, op. 133; Setzer, 1st violin in Walker and Schubert; and Drucker, 1st violin in Webern and Shostakovich. Tickets range from $52 to $60. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Tuesday Feb. 14
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station will screen the documentary Food, Incorporated in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. The film reveals the surprising and shocking truths about what we eat, how it’s produced, and who we have become as a nation. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.
America’s Sweethearts in concert
The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates Valentine’s Day with a concert by America’s Sweethearts at 8 p.m. These New York City-based ladies have performed across the USA at iconic spaces honoring our veterans (the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, the WASP Museum) as well as large theatres and intimate cabaret venues, getting crowds tapping their feet to hits like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” as they celebrate history through their crystal-clear harmony and colorful costumes. Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday Feb. 15
Quilting Workshop
Huntington Historical Society hosts a Quilting Workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 1 to 3 p.m. Join quilting instructor Lucie Blohm for a demonstration on the basic techniques, equipment, and materials required. Experienced and novice quilters are invited to bring their sewing machines and projects for encouragement and advice. Fabric will be provided to practice technique. Fee is $25, $20 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or call 427-7045, ext. 401.
Whaling Museum reception
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for an opening reception for their latest exhibit, From Sea to Shining Sea: Whalers of the African Diaspora, at 6 p.m. Enjoy a special edition whaleboat chat, meet the guest curator, and partake in light refreshments while you explore the artwork, artifacts and text exploring and expounding on the role of African American mariners in whaling history. Call 367-3418.
Hard Luck Cafe concert
Connecticut-based folk singer-songwriters Tracy Walton and Sierra West will share the bill and swap songs during the Hard Luck Café concert at the Cinema Arts Centre’s Sky Room, 423 Park Ave., Huntington from 7 to 10 p.m. An open mic precedes the concert.Tickets are $20 at www.fmsh.org.
Thursday Feb. 16
Atelier webinar
Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for a free zoom lecture and demonstration titled “Is It Watercolor or Acrylic?” It’s Gouache! at 7 p.m. Learn the basics of how to use this versatile medium with instructor Beth Drucker. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.
Vanderbilt Lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series with a presentation titled “A Lost Story of the Revolutionary War” at 7 p.m. Noted historian Benjamin Carp will explore the Great New York Fire of 1776. Carp’s book on the devastating fireis forthcoming from Yale University Press. Tickets are $10 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Film
‘The Good House’
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a viewing of The Good House, starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in ‘Casablanca.’
‘Casablanca’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington invites all lovebirds and lonelyhearts to spend Valentine’s Day revisiting a classic, Casablanca, on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. with an introduction by film historian Philip Harwood and complimentary sweets and flowers from Amy’s of Huntington. Tickets are $20, $15 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘Hello Dolly!’
The Stony Brook School’s Theatrical Arts Society,1 Chapman Parkway, Stony Brook presents Hello Dolly! on Feb. 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder, Hello, Dolly!centers around the exuberant Dolly Levi, a matchmaker and self-professed expert in many things — particularly the art of meddling. First performed on Broadway in 1964, Hello, Dolly! is a fast paced, comedic romance that is bound to appeal to musical and theater lovers of all ages.Tickets are $10. To order, visit sbstickets.ticketleap.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.
‘Bad Valentines …’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things: “Bad Valentines and Worst Dates Ever” on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, the evening will feature four storytellers: Ivy Eisenberg, Kelly Massaro, Jack Canfora, and Joey Novick. Tickets are $15 online at www.mostlytruethings.com or $20 at the door (cash only). The show is recommended for teens and adults. Call 928-6529.
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.
* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
#22 Kenan Sarvan at Saturday's game. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
The Stony Brook men’s basketball team (8-16, 4-7 CAA) found itself tied, 20-20, with the Hofstra Pride (17-8, 10-2 CAA), but could not keep pace with its Long Island rival on Feb 4 at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead.
With about eight minutes remaining in the first half, freshman guard Toby Onyekonwu found graduate center Keenan Fitzmorris open in the paint and Fitzmorris slammed home a deuce to tie the game, 20-20.
Onyekonwu had one of the best performances of his career, despite the loss. He finished with a career-high 15 points, tied his career-high with six assists, and added five rebounds. The freshman started and played in 39 minutes.
Junior forward Kenan Sarvan had one of his better games of the season too. He finished with 14 points, his first time scoring in double figures since he scored 12 against Towson on Jan. 7 and his most points since scoring 16 against Sacred Heart on Dec. 12.
Sarvan nailed four three pointers in the game, his most since Jan. 7.
Despite Hofstra being without the reigning CAA Player of the Year in Aaron Estrada, Stony Brook struggled to keep pace with the Pride. Hofstra redshirt senior guard Tyler Thomas dropped a season-high 29 points, including 13 points in the second half. Thomas shot 13-of-17 from the field and grabbed 11 boards in the win.
The Seawolves and Pride will meet for the second ‘Battle of Long Island’ this season on Feb. 18 in Stony Brook.
“We did some good things; obviously not the result we wanted but I thought we battled tonight. Tyler Thomas had the game of his life and we were unable to defend him. I thought he used his size on the perimeter and shot over the top of us easily all night. Toby has strung some good games together which has helped, but clearly we have some depth issues right now,” said head coach Geno Ford.
#24 Daishai Almond at Sunday afternoon's game. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
The Stony Brook women’s basketball team (13-8, 7-3 CAA) was narrowly edged by Drexel (17-5, 9-2 CAA), 66-65, in a thriller at Island Federal Arena on Feb. 5. The Seawolves and Dragons battled back-and-forth down the stretch with the lead changing hands four times over the final 2:11 of the game.
Ultimately, Drexel took the final lead of the game with 27 seconds to play when graduate guard Keishana Washington connected on a jumper that put the Dragons ahead by what would be the final score, 66-65. Washington, the nation’s third leading scorer recorded 40 points en route to the win for the Dragons.
The Seawolves were paced by the trio of sophomore forward Sherese Pittman, graduate guard Daishai Almond, and junior guard Shamarla King who all scored in double figures. Pittman led Stony Brook as she recorded a near double-double with a team-high 19 points and nine rebounds.
Stony Brook used a big second quarter to take a 37-34 lead at the halftime break. The Seawolves outscored the Dragons, 22-15, in the second quarter and used a 12-2 run to close the frame. Pittman fueled Stony Brook over the first 20 minutes of the contest as she scored 15 of here 19 points and grabbed six rebounds in the first half.
The Seawolves locked in defensively in the third quarter as they limited Drexel to 10 points on 4-of-18 shooting (22.2%) and took a 49-44 lead into the fourth.
The final quarter of action featured a thrilling back-and-forth finish, with the Dragons coming away with the upper hand. With 2:11 to play senior guard Gigi Gonzalez drilled a jump shot to put the Seawolves out in front, 63-62.
After the Dragons and Seawolves traded possessions, Washington put Drexel back in the driver’s seat, 64-63, with 49 seconds to play. Pittman came through in the clutch for Stony Brook as she knocked down a pair of crucial free-throws with 31 seconds to go to put the Seawolves back up 65-64. Washington’s final bucket with 27 seconds remaining in the game proved to be the game-winner.
Next up, the team hits the road for a mid-week matchup with Northeastern on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. The meeting between the Seawolves and Huskies marks the first for the teams since December 6, 2008. Stony Brook is 5-5 all-time against Northeastern.
Sweetbriar Nature Center volunteer Dan Defeo with Hoover the Goat. Photo by Janine Bendicksen
By Tara Mae
Hoover the Goat has foreseen the future…of football. Located in Smithtown, Sweetbriar Nature Center’s resident sports seer has predicted that the Philadelphia Eagles will beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl this Sunday.
Sweetbriar Nature Center volunteer Dan Defeo with Hoover the Goat. Photo by Janine Bendicksen
In a video posted to Sweetbriar’s social media accounts on Feb. 5, Hoover, who normally prefers hay, vegetables, and goat food, can be seen rather emphatically eating up the idea that the Eagles will take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
If there is a method to his magic(Hoover has correctly predicted the Super Bowl winner for the past five years) he has selected not to share it. When pressed for comment about his decisive digestives, Hoover declined to spill the oats.
Since he is not one to reveal trade secrets, the origin of Hoover’s psychic prowess remains a mystery. Nonetheless, he is adamant in how he articulates his chosen team.
“We make up pictures of the two teams, and whichever one he eats is the winner. Hoover is very precise: he thinks about it and then takes a chomp,” said Wildlife Rehabilitation Director Janine Bendicksen. As a rule, Hoover does not deign to get emotionally involved in the team he tastes, but Bendicksen does wonder if they would otherwise cheer for the same one.
“I am just curious to see if he goes for the underdog or the sure win. I always go for the underdog,” she added.
Rooting for the underdog is a common experience for the staff and volunteers of Sweetbriar, a wildlife education, preservation, and rehabilitation center; they may see and treat hundreds of injured animals in a year. Many come for a recuperative stay and are rereleased when rehabilitated, but others live out their days in structures located on the preserve’s property, tended to and supported by a dedicated group of caregivers.
A Sweetbriar rescue who has lived at his forever home for 13 years, Hoover is one of approximately 100 permanent residents. He is, thus far, the only creature that has exhibited such clairvoyance at the sanctuary.
“We were looking to figure out an animal that might be able to predict the Super Bowl as a spoof, and Hoover has never been wrong,” Bendicksen said.
Although Hoover does not perform his talent for a live audience, opting to make his selection with only a couple of his opposable-thumbed friends in attendance, Sweetbriar does offer many other many programs and events that allow patrons to interact with the organization’s ambassador animals.
Hoover the Goat chomps down on a piece of paper depicting his pick for the winning team. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar Nature Center
“Hoover prefers not to participate in our events and we always honor the animal’s feelings,” said Program Coordinator Veronica Sayers.
Still, the impact of Hoover’s social media presence is an asset to Sweetbriar’s efforts to educate and inform the public while protecting and preserving wildlife and its natural habitat. As a nonprofit that relies heavily on donations, Sweetbriar Nature Center utilizes all the tools it has available including social media and community outreach.
“We mainly use this to educate the public. The more people know about wildlife, the easier our jobs get,” Sayers said. “Social media is a way to get to a lot of people and educate them. For example, in the last five years, possums have gone from being viewed as pests to being appreciated. Social media helped fix that perception.”
To witness Hoover make his prediction, visit Sweetbriar Nature Center on its Facebook page or on Instagram @sweetbriarnaturecenter.
Sweetbriar Nature Center is located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown. The nature center and preserve are open daily, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more about Sweetbriar’s upcoming activities and programs, including a day camp for children ages 6-11, during the February public school break, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org or call 631-979-6344.
Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church, 38 Mayflower Ave., Smithtown, invites the community to take part in a Pysanky egg decorating class on Sunday, March 19 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The workshop, which will take place in the church’s Social Hall, is open to all levels of experience. Learn and complete your first egg, discover new patterns and tips or show your skills and enjoy the company. Bring your dyes and tools or start fresh with a new kit, available for $10 to $15. Each participant must bring a candle in a holder, pencils and a roll of paper towels. $20 per person.
Advance registration is required by calling Joanne at 631-332-1449. Deadline to register is Feb. 17.
The Quartet 'Antiquity' from the Harbormen Chorus sing to two 'sweethearts.'
“Let me call you sweetheart…” The Harbormen Men’s Chorus is out in public again, singing and entertaining at various venues. This year quartets will be offering in-person and virtual singing Valentines. If an in-person presentation is acceptable, four elegant gentlemen can visit your home, office, school, restaurant or any other locale on Monday, Feb. 13 or Tuesday, Feb. 14 to sing two love songs and present a rose, chocolates and a personalized card to your sweetheart for $75. If preferred, you can request a link that delivers a digital version of the songs with a personalized introduction for only $35. Call 631-644-0129 with your preferred format and times.
To mark Black History Month, the Jazz Loft in Stony Brook Village will be highlighting wines specifically from Black winemakers and winery owners, for its Acoustic in the Main Room series. The series showcases small duos/trios in the Loft’s main performance room which will be set up to resemble an intimate living room, with spaced out seating. The concerts are conversational, engaging and intimate and a very special window into the heart and mind of the artists and each concert is paired with a special wine to celebrate Black History Month.
“This theme was chosen in an effort to elevate awareness and support the growth of African Americans in the wine industry,” said Director of Education Laura Landor, who selected the wine pairings. “Of the more than 11,000 wineries in the United States, less than 1 percent of them are Black owned or have a Black winemaker. We are excited to introduce these wines to our Jazz Loft patrons during Black History Month and hope to add a selection of them to our regular list of wines that are available by the glass or bottle.”
The Jazz Loft will offer tastings of a red and white selection during each performance with full glasses available for purchase.
“Our Acoustic in the Main Room series is a unique opportunity to hear some of the most talented singers and musicians that perform regularly at the Loft in a relaxed setting, reminiscent of the New York City Loft scene of the 1950’s which inspired the Jazz Loft’s name,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “If you don’t know any Jazz performers personally to invite into your own living room, then this is the next best thing.”
The Acoustic in the Main Room series calendar:
February 9-Featuring Mala Waldron on piano and vocals; with Mike Hall on bass; and Tom Manuel on cornet.
McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rose, Hawk’s Bay NZ
McBride Sisters 2020 Chardonnay Central Coast, CA
McBride Sisters 2019 Red Blend Central Coast, CA
February 10-Houston Person on tenor saxophone; Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet.
Brown Estate “Chaos Theory” 2021 Proprietary Red Wine (California)
Brown Estate House of Brown 2021 Chardonnay (California)
February 24- Buddy Merriam on mandolin; Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet
Longevity 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Longevity 2019 Chardonnay (California)
February 25- Grammy-nominated singer Nicole Zuraitis, with Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet
LVE Signature Series 2021 Chardonnay (North Coast, California)
LVE 2019 Cabernet (North Coast, California)
All performances are hosted by Tom Manuel and Laura Landor.
Tickets will be limited to just 85 people and start at 7 p.m., and feature two sets with a brief intermission.
Tickets for all performances are $40 and start at 7 p.m. and can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org.
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively jazz music. For more information, call 631-751-1895.
For the month of February, the Reboli Center for Art and History is showcasing the diverse collection of jewelry including necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets created by Tracy Levine.
Levine has been making jewelry since 1984, when she started her company, Hanging Dreams, and has been a regular vendor at Gallery North’s Outdoor Art Show since that time. She grew up in East Setauket and graduated from Boston University. A mental health counselor at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan where she lives, Levine manages to balance creating jewelry with her health career.
“I am inspired by all things beautiful and my designs are driven by an eclectic mix of materials that are old and new, precious and semi-precious stones, oxidized sterling silver as well as 18 and 22K gold,” she said. Levine aspires to create pieces as unique as the individuals who wear them.
Lois Reboli, the president and founder of the Reboli Center, was impressed by her unique and beautiful creations and thought they would be a perfect fit for the Center’s Design Shop especially around Valentine’s Day.
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.
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