The Stony Brook University men’s lacrosse team fell to No. 14 Rutgers, 16-12, on Feb. 10 at LaValle Stadium. Six different Seawolves registered multi-point games, but Stony Brook’s late comeback effort fell short in the 2024 home opener.
The Scarlet Knights exploded out of the gates, scoring seven of the game’s first eight goals. Noah Armitage was responsible for the first two Stony Brook goals, the first coming on a man-up opportunity, but despite his efforts the Seawolves found themselves in an early seven-goal hole.
Freshman Justin Bonacci tallied a pair of goals to end the first half, trimming Stony Brook’s deficit to five heading into the halftime break. Tommy Wilk entered the contest with just under 10 minutes to play in the half, immediately making his presence felt and swinging the momentum back into Stony Brook’s favor. He made four saves in the final eight minutes of the half, conceding just one goal.
Jack Dougherty opened the second-half scoring off an assist from Nick Dupuis, but Rutgers responded with four of the next five tallies to build its lead back to seven, 13-6, with just over six minutes to play in the third frame. What ensued was a furious comeback effort from the Seawolves; the squad scored six of the game’s next seven goals, conceding the lone goal against on a man-down opportunity. Dupuis scored back-to-back goals and Dougherty’s man-up goal with 8:28 left to play whittled the Seawolves deficit to two goals, 14-12.
Rutgers locked in defensively from that point on, holding Stony Brook scoreless over the final eight-plus minutes and putting the game away with a pair of goals down the stretch.
“I think it was a tale of being disciplined and consistent,” head coach Anthony Gilardi noted after the game. “The first half got away from us in the cage and I thought Tommy Wilk did a great job coming in and settling us down.”
The Stony Brook women’s basketball team held Northeastern to just 17.6 percent from 3-point range and 27.5 percent overall from the field on their way to a 71-35 win over the Huskies on the road Feb. 11.
The 35 points that Stony Brook surrendered was their lowest against any opponent since they allowed 25 against Farmingdale State on Nov. 22, 2017. Also, this marks the least amount of points that the Seawolves have given up to a Division 1 opponent since Jan. 18, 2016 against Hartford (35).
The Seawolves (19-3, 9-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Khari Clark, who had 15 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Zaida Gonzalez tacked on 13 points and Gigi Gonzalez chipped in as well with 10 points and six assists. The squad dished out 16 assists on 25 made field goals, led by G. Gonzalez’s six assists for the Seawolves. The squad dominated on the glass and held the Huskies at ease in the paint as they finished with just six offensive rebounds and five second chance points while Stony Brook cleared 30 defensive rebounds.
After jumping out to a 6-3 advantage, Stony Brook went on a 10-0 run with 7:43 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Sherese Pittman, to increase its lead to 16-3. The Huskies would cut the deficit, but still entered the quarter break with a 21-11 deficit. Stony Brook was hot from three-point range in the period, knocking down five shots to account for 15 of its 21 points, including back-to-back three’s by Z. Gonzalez to begin the afternoon.
Stony Brook built that first quarter lead to 29-15 before going on a 9-0 run starting at the 5:49 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Clark, to increase its lead to 38-15, a score that would hold until halftime. Stony Brook continued to pour it from deep in the period, knocking down three three-point shots (G. Gonzalez, Pittman, and Brantley) to account for nine of its 17 points. A bucket by Clark with just .06 seconds left on the clock gave the squad their 23-point advantage heading into the break.
Following intermission, Stony Brook continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 49-18 before going on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Pittman, to expand its lead further to 56-18 with 55 seconds to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the third quarter. Stony Brook knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 18 total points (Z. Gonzalez, G. Gonzalez, and Keenan).
The Seawolves kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run following the free throw from Clark to grow the lead to 69-33 with 2:22 to go in the contest. The Seawolves held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 71-35 win. Stony Brook pulled down seven offensive rebounds to score five second chance points out of 15 total in the period.
“I’m proud of our team for the way we responded coming off a loss,” said head coach Ashley Langford following the victory over Northeastern. “I thought our defense was outstanding and it was nice to have multiple players make three’s.”
Blueberries have
been known to lower blood pressure. METRO photo
Over 77 percent of hypertension is uncontrolled.
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
You would think that, with all the attention we place on hypertension and all the medications in the market that focus on reducing it, we would be doing better in the U.S., statistically.
According to the latest data, almost 120 million U.S. adults, or 48.1 percent of the population, suffer from hypertension (1). Of these, only 22.5 percent have their blood pressure controlled to less than 130/80 mmHg.
For the remaining 92.9 million affected, their risk of complications, such as cardiovascular events and mortality, is significantly higher.
What has the greatest impact on your risk of developing hypertension?
In an observational study involving 2,763 participants, results showed that the top three influencers on the risk of developing high blood pressure were eating a poor diet, with 2.19 times increased risk; being at least modestly overweight, with 1.87 times increased risk; and cigarette smoking, which increased risk 1.83 times (2).
What increases our risk ofhypertension complications?
Being significantly overweight or obese, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, family history, age, increased sodium, depression, diabetes, low vitamin D, and too much alcohol are some of the factors that increase our risk (3). The good news is that you can take an active role in improving your risk profile (4).
Who is at greater risk of complications, men or women?
One of the most feared complications of hypertension is cardiovascular disease. A study found that isolated systolic (top number) hypertension increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in both young and middle-aged men and women between 18 and 49 years old, compared to those who had optimal blood pressure (5). The effect was greatest in women, with a 55 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease and 112 percent increased risk of heart disease death.
High blood pressure complications were not affected by onset age. Though this study was observational, it was very large and had a 31-year duration.
When is the best time to measureblood pressure?
Measuring blood pressure in the clinic can be useful. However, in a meta-analysis of nine studies, results showed that high blood pressure measured at nighttime was potentially a better predictor of myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) and strokes, compared to daytime and clinic readings (5).
For every 10 mmHg rise in nighttime systolic blood pressure, there was a corresponding 25 percent increase in cardiovascular events.
Does this mean that nighttime readings are superior in predicting risk? Not necessarily, but the results are interesting. The nighttime readings were made using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM).
Masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH) is a factor that may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in the nighttime. MUCH occurs in those who are well-controlled during clinic readings for blood pressure; however, their nocturnal blood pressure is uncontrolled. In the Spanish Society of Hypertension ABPM Registry, MUCH was most seen during nocturnal hours (6).
The authors suggest that ABPM may be a better way to monitor those with higher risk factors for MUCH, such as those whose pressure is borderline in the clinic and those who are smokers, obese or have diabetes.
A previous study of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension suggested that taking at least one antihypertensive medication at night may be more effective than taking them all in the morning (7). Those who took one or more blood pressure medications at night saw a two-thirds reduction in cardiovascular event risk. This could help explain those results.
Do berries help control blood pressure?
Diet plays an important role in controlling high blood pressure. Of course, lowering sodium is important, but what about adding berries?
In a study, 22 grams of blueberry powder consumed daily, equivalent to one cup of fresh blueberries, reduced systolic blood pressure by a respectable 7 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg over 2 months (8).
This modest amount of fruit had a significant impact in a small, preliminary, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Blueberries increase nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and reduces blood pressure. While the study used powder, it’s possible that an equivalent amount of real fruit could lead to an even greater reduction.
In conclusion, high blood pressure and resulting cardiovascular complications can be scary, but lifestyle modifications, such as making dietary changes and taking antihypertensive medications at night, can have a big impact in reducing your risks.
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.
Pasta has been enjoyed around the world for centuries, with deep ties to Italy and other Mediterranean nations like Greece, and several territories of the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula. In fact, centuries ago dry durable pasta was one of the main sources of nutrition for Arab traders, including those who landed in Sicily.
The flavor profile of pasta can change significantly depending on which ingredients are added. Cooks needn’t feel beholden to the standard “spaghetti and meatballs” recipe. Shrimp Scampi with linguine, for example, originates from Genoa, Italy while Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill, may take its inspiration from Greek cooking. Both are easy to whip up on a weeknight and are shrimply irresistible!
Shrimp Scampi
Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net
Shrimp Scampi
YIELD: Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces pasta linguine
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood broth
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 dash crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, shelled
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 lemon, juice only
DIRECTIONS:
Cook pasta according to package directions. In large skillet, melt butter and oil. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Add wine or broth, salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Bring to simmer and reduce by half. Add shrimp and saute until shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2 to 4 minutes depending on size. Stir in parsley, lemon juice and cooked pasta. Toss to combine. Serve with garlic bread.
Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill
Recipe courtesy of Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done! cookbook
Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill
YIELD: Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
12 ounces spaghetti (3⁄4 box)
1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 ounces feta, crumbled (3⁄4 cup)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and return it to the pot. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Add the shrimp mixture to the pasta, along with the feta, dill, the remaining 1⁄4 cup of oil, and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
High School Regional Champions: Ward Melville High School team from left, Anna Xing, Michael Melikyan, Sean Skinner Rithik Sogal and Harry Gao. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/Brookhaven National Laboratory
Middle School Regional Champions: Hunter College Middle School (from left to right) Benjamin Muchnik, Andres Fischer, Camille Pimentel, Aria Kana, Hudson Reich. (David Rahner/Brookhaven National Laboratory)
First-place teams advance to the National Science Bowl finals in April
Students from Hunter College Middle School and Ward Melville High School are headed to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Science Bowl this spring after earning the top spots in the Long Island Regional Middle School and High School Science Bowl competitions hosted by DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory on Feb. 1 and 2.
These are repeat wins for both schools, who were named regional champions in the fast-paced question-and-answer academic tournament last year. The Science Bowl tests students’ split-second knowledge on a range of science disciplines including chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, astronomy, and general, earth, and computer science.
“We love hosting the Science Bowl competitions and welcoming the top STEM students from our region,” said Amanda Horn, a Brookhaven Lab educator who coordinated the events. “We are always impressed by the level of competition for both competitions. It was especially exciting to welcome many additional students and new teams this year for our biggest Science Bowl ever. We couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers!”
The first-place teams win an all-expense paid trip to the National Science Bowl where they will face teams from around the country, plus a trophy and banner to display at their schools. All prizes and giveaways are courtesy of the event’s sponsors, Brookhaven Science Associates and Teachers Federal Credit Union.
The National Science Bowl finals are scheduled to take place April 25-29 near Washington, D.C.
“I really do love this event and each and every year I’m just overwhelmed and amazed at how much you guys know,” Brookhaven Lab Director JoAnne Hewett, who addressed high schoolers before their competition kicked off on Feb. 2.
While this marked Hewett’s first Science Bowl at Brookhaven since joining the Lab last summer, she noted that she previously participated in DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s regional competition each year since it began in 2010 and proudly donned last year’s t-shirt to prove it.
“It’s just wonderful the education that you’re getting, and more importantly, the interest in learning, because that’s the thing that will carry you though life, is if you never give up that interest in learning and being brave and going out and answering questions that you may or may not know the answer to,” Hewett said. Horn presented Hewett with Brookhaven’s 2024 Science Bowl t-shirt to welcome her to the Lab’s Science Bowl team.
Middle School Regional Champions: Hunter College Middle School (from left to right) Benjamin Muchnik, Andres Fischer, Camille Pimentel, Aria Kana, Hudson Reich. (David Rahner/Brookhaven National Laboratory)
Middle School Top Four
The Middle School competition hosted teams from Long Island and New York City, with 100 students representing 20 teams and 16 middle schools.
Hunter College Middle School earned the regional champion title for the third year in a year, with zero losses throughout the competition day.
“Last year, going to nationals really motivated me to keep going and study for regionals,” Hunter College co-captain Andres Fischer said, “I’m really glad that we got to make here and do well. I’m proud of the rest of us who weren’t here last year—I think we make a really good team.”
Lots of preparation, plus a supportive team, helped secure the win, according to co-captain Camille Pimentel.
“We studied a lot, so we read lots of books and stuff—it was a lot of work,” Pimentel said. “We also meet weekly to practice.”
The team will again study hard for nationals, where they will have another chance to compete and enjoy its famous free soft-serve ice cream machine.
1st Place: Hunter College Middle School — Andres Fischer, Camille Pimentel, Hudson Reich, Aria Kana. Benjamin Muchnik
2nd Place: Great Neck South Middle School — Aaron Son, Eric Zhuang, Andy Zhuang, Jayden Jiang, Michael Sun
3rd Place: Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School — Valentina Trajkovic, Aydin Erdonmez, Tony Xu, Terrence Wang, Victoria Chen
4th Place: NYC Lab Middle School for Collaborative Studies – Ameena Elshaar, Ryan Casey, Qi Lin Wu, Nikki Perlman, Ayden Jiang
Middle School Regional Champions: Hunter College Middle School (from left to right) Benjamin Muchnik, Andres Fischer, Camille Pimentel, Aria Kana, Hudson Reich. (David Rahner/Brookhaven National Laboratory)
High School Top Four
This year’s high school Science Bowl shaped up to be the largest ever hosted by Brookhaven Lab with 30 teams and 150 students.
“We were fortunate to kind of have the stars aligned with our team composition,” Ward Melville captain Michael Melikyan said. The team had members who specialized in two science subjects at once,
“I’d like to thank our coach, he’s been absolutely amazing, and this has been a phenomenal thing,” Melikyan added. “We’re grateful to Brookhaven Lab for hosting this.”
1st Place: Ward Melville High School — Rithik Sogal, Harry Gao, Anna Xing, Michael Melikyan, Sean Skinner
2nd Place: Great Neck South High School — Brandon Kim, Erin Wong, Laura Zhang, Luke Huang, Allen Vee
3rd Place: Half Hollow Hills High School East — Aidan Joseph, Stasya Selizhuk, Rishi Aravind, Jack Goldfried, Alexandra Lerner
4th Place: William Floyd High School — Alice Chen, Anjel Suarez, Jason Alexopoulos, Joshua Schultzer, Zariel Macchia
STEM Challenge, Expo, and Tour
The science fun didn’t stop throughout the competition days—with a STEM Expo tour, and science challenge organized by the Lab’s Office of Educational Programs.
Staff and students from across Brookhaven Lab’s departments offered hands-on science demonstrations that included a look at how particles are kept in a circular path in accelerators, a cloud chamber that revealed charged particle tracks, an overview of medical isotopes, machine learning techniques, and more.
Teams that did not advance to the double elimination rounds enjoyed a tour of the National Synchrotron Light Source II—a DOE Office of Science user facility that creates light beams 10 billion times bright than the sun, directing them towards specialized beamlines that reveal material structures and chemical changes.
Students also joined a timed STEM Challenge in which they solved tricky science and math puzzles to break several locks on boxes filled with treats.
Middle School STEM Challenge winners:1st place: Stimson Middle School Team 1, 2nd place: Sayville Middle School, 3rd place: R.C. Murphy Junior High School Team 1
High School STEM Challenge winners: 1st place: Jericho Senior High School, 2nd place: Plainedge Senior High School, 3rd place: Bellport High School
An Introduction to a National Lab
The regional Science Bowl is one of many ways Brookhaven Lab introduces students to its science goals, researchers, facilities, and learning opportunities each year—in hopes that they will return to the national lab system one day as the next generation of scientists.
“We really need an energetic new generation workforce to come to Brookhaven and bring us all the talent that you have and all your inquisitiveness—that’s what we need in science, inquisitiveness,” Hewett said.
At the start of both competition days Gary Olson, deputy site manager at the Brookhaven Site Office, shared an overview of Brookhaven’s world-class science tools, discoveries, and research.
“This could be the start of a STEM journey for you,” Olson said, adding that there are also training opportunities available for teachers.
On Feb. 1, middle schoolers heard from Brookhaven Lab physicist Mary Bishai about her own STEM journey. Bishai is a co-spokesperson for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE)—an experimented based at DOE’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory that will send intense beams of neutrinos through 800 miles of Earth’s crust to capture signals that may reveal neutrino characteristics. Bishai shared her career path in particle physics and the Lab’s work, past and present, to better understand neutrinos—ghostlike particles that travel at nearly the speed of light.
Students also met Lab science and support staff from across departments, retirees, and former Science Bowl competitors who served as volunteers—many of whom return year after year. Approximately 90 volunteers joined the two competition days in roles as judges, scorekeepers, and support.
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.
The Village of Port Jefferson Dept. of Recreation and the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council continue their Winter Tide concert series at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with a special performance by guitar wizard Hiroya Tsukamoto in the Sail Loft Room (3rd floor) on Friday, February 16 from 7 to 8 p.m. Eclectic, immersive and mesmerizing, the musician takes the audience on an innovative, impressionistic journey filled with earthy, organic soundscapes that impart a mood of peace and tranquility.
Hiroya Tsukamoto is a one-of-a-kind composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan. He began playing the five-string banjo when he was thirteen, and took up the guitar shortly after.
In 2000, he received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston and eventually formed his own group, Interoceanico, made up of musicians from different continents including Latin Grammy Colombian singer Marta Gomez. The group released three acclaimed records: The Other Side of the World, Confluencia and Where the River Shines.
Hiroya has released three solo albums (Solo, Heartland and Places). He has been leading concerts internationally including several appearances at Blue Note(NYC), United Nations and Japanese National Television(NHK).
In 2018, he won 2nd place in the International Finger Style Guitar Championship.
$5 donation at the door appreciated. No reservations required. For further information, call 631-802-2160.
A Column Promoting a More Earth-Friendly Lifestyle
By John L. Turner
John Turner
Are you in the market for a new cooking stove? If so, take a look at purchasing an induction stove rather than one with a regular electric coil or gas burner top. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA; www.nyserda.ny.gov), induction stoves are 15% more efficient than regular electric stoves and 3x more efficient than gas stoves! They use an electromagnet to heat the cooking pan itself rather than heating a coil or burner on the stove top so it is safer and spills are cleaned up more easily since they don’t bake onto a hot stove top (I know the annoyance of cleaning up baked-on stove top spills while recently making some soup that spilled over!).
That’s a triple win — money saved from less energy used, less chance of burns, and easier kitchen clean-ups!
A resident of Setauket, author 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.
The elusive “pinnacle of perfection” in wine still exists and one can only thirst for that miracle bottle of great wine for $9.99 that is out there somewhere. But until that day comes, we can enjoy the journey and be on the lookout for wines that complement that “special dinner” or just for leisurely “quaffing” on a Saturday afternoon. To walk into a wine shop and “pluck down” $10 for a bottle of untried wine is often an effort in futility.
I’ve been busy tasting dozens of wines (and spirits for a later article) and have found 10 that are not only great values but can pair with a multitude of foods and would be a welcome ingredient in many cooking recipes. Here is my list of suggested wines for you to try.
NV Borrasca Cava “Brut” Spain. Crisp and clean aroma and flavor of green apples, pears, and citrus, with a hint of nuts and ginger.
2022 Càvit “Pinot Grigio delle Venezie,” Italy. Bouquet and flavor of green apple, stone fruit, pear, and lime. It is light-bodied with a lingering aftertaste of almonds.
2021 Lindeman’s “Chardonnay Bin 65,” Southeastern, Australia. Very easy-to-drink with notes of butter, dill, green apple, citrus, and an abundance of toasted bread.
2021 La Vieille Ferme “Rouge,” Ventoux, Rhône Valley, France. Bright ruby colored with a bouquet and taste of raspberries, spicy cherries, black tea, and herbs. Flavors of black currants, black pepper, and plums with a long aftertaste.
2021 Laria “Montepulciano d’Abruzzo,” Abruzzo, Italy. Dark almost purple color with plenty of dark fruit, blackberries, black cherries, jam, licorice, chestnuts, and a spicy warming aftertaste.
2021 Casa del Toro “Cabernet Sauvignon- Merlot,” Curicó, Chile. Dark colored with a medium-full bouquet and taste of blackberries, plums, cherries, and chocolate. Easy to drink with some tannin to lose.
2021 Trapiche “Malbec,” Mendoza, Argentina. Bouquet and taste of boysenberry, cherries, cinnamon, and plums with hints of mushrooms, herbs, and vanilla.
2019 Caliterra “Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva,” Colchagua, Chile. Cherry colored with flavors of blueberry, green pepper, coffee, pomegranate, and tart-berries. The aftertaste had hints of licorice and cinnamon.
2020 Lindeman’s “Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 45,” Southeastern, Australia. Dark colored with a bouquet and taste of coffee, black currants, tea, and mushrooms. Smooth finish with hints of mint and dark plums.
NV Rivata Dry, White Vermouth, Italy. A full perfumed bouquet of spices, almonds, mint, hints of orange peel and herbs. Dry, with a lemon fresh taste.
Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected].
A participant at last year's fashion show models an outfit from Tabu Boutique.
Photo courtesy of PJCC
A model walks the runway at last year's Vogue in the Village fashion show at Theatre Three. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A model with an adoptable dog from Yorkie 911 Rescue at last year's fashion show.
Photo courtesy of PJCC
By Julianne Mosher
The second annual Vogue in the Village Fashion Show is heading to Theatre Three in Port Jefferson this month so locals can strut their stuff in the latest styles from the village’s boutiques all for a good cause.
Scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m., (on Leap Day), this year’s theme is appropriately titled “Leap Into Fashion.”
Hosted by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Theatre Three, the event follows a successful show last year. Barbara Ransome, director of operations at the chamber, said that last year’s ticket sales went back to supporting the chamber and their events. And while this is partly true this year, Ransome added that donations from the 2024 show will also go to the Town of Brookhaven’s Dress for Success program.
According to the Town of Brookhaven website, “Dress for Success Brookhaven is part of an international nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the developmental tools to help them thrive in work and life.”
Since 1999, Dress for Success has helped over 6,000 women work towards self-sufficiency in the Town of Brookhaven.
Ransome said this a great way to get the word out about local stores like Fame & Rebel, Kate & Hale, The Smokin’ Gentleman, Ivory & Main, Sue La La Couture, Timber & Ties and Dr. G Sustainability Lifestyle.
In addition, before the show and during intermission, a vendor’s marketplace with tables set up for different organizations, businesses and services will be held throughout the theater’s lower level.
Douglas Quattrock, third vice president of the chamber and artistic associate and director of development at Theatre Three, said this year they have about 50 models coming out to get done up and sashay across the stage. “It has built up a lot since last year,” he said. “What I love is the community coming together.”
Along with local shops donating their services, local beauty salons like Fedora Lounge Boutique Hair Salon, The Hair Bar and Karasmatic Day Spa are planning to help out with hair and makeup before the show.
The models are getting the full glam experience — men, women and even dogs.
Ransome noted that, like last year, dogs for adoption with Yorkie 911 Rescue will prance on stage wearing accessories from Fetch Doggy Boutique and Bakery on East Main Street. The 2023/2024 Ms. New York Senior America, Mae Caime, is also going to be a highlighted model.
“It’s one-stop-shopping the see the best of the village in one night,” Quattrock said.
The 2nd Annual Vogue in the Village Fashion Show will be held at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on Thursday, Feb. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The vendor marketplace opens at 5 p.m.
The first 100 ticket holders to arrive will receive a fabulous gift: a swag bag, filled with goods from the local merchants. Tickets are $20 cash and check, $25 for credit card and online. Donations for Dress for Success will be accepted at the event or online when purchasing tickets.
Catch a screening of "The LEGO Movie' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Feb. 18.
PROGRAMS
First Steps Into Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Fun with Feathers on Feb. 16 at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 4 years of age will learn about the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Superheroes of the Sky
Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for Superheroes of the Sky on Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about a Bald Eagle, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 per adult/$5 per child. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Vanderbilt Winter Workshops
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Education Department, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents Polar Bears & Snow Globes for preschool children and their caregivers on Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon and Animals in Winter & Wonderland Painting for children in grades K through 4 on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon with visits to the wildlife dioramas and creative projects. Tickets are $20, $18 members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Winter Discovery Days
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown offers daily natural science programs from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23 for children ages 6 to 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Each day will be a different natural science theme chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week. $95/day or $400/week. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-929-6344
Winter Break on the Farm
Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket offers a Winter Break Camp from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages 6 to 14. Come spend some winter days on a working farm! Perhaps you would like to know how to make Maple Syrup? Dress warm and come to the farm and find out! Campers are assured of a wonderful and entertaining winter experience. Come play, come learn! $85/day, $230 for three days. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com or call 631-689-8172.
February Break at the Hatchery
Join Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for February Break from Feb. 19 to 23. Paint with ice,make snow that won’t melt, make gooey slime, meet reptiles and amphibians and more. Activities are free with paid admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. No reservations required. For a full schedule and times of events, visit www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Space Explorers Adventure Camp
Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson offers a Space Explorers Adventure Camp for winter break from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon for grades 3 to 6. Dive into the world of robotic space exploration, tour the solar system and learn from NASA satellites. Cost is $400/week, $270 for three days (Wed to Fri). Register at www.longislandexplorium.org. 631-331-3277
World Whale Celebration
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor for a World Whale Celebration on Feb. 20 at noon and again at 2 p.m. From blue whales to belugas, you’ll have a whale of a time celebrating these awesome mammals in honor of World Whale Day! See and touch real whale bones and learn how you can help keep the oceans safe for these incredible creatures. Make an interactive ocean sensory jar featuring a clay whale of your own creation! Admission fee + $10 participant. $5 members. No registration needed. 631-367-3418
Crafternoon at the Library
Looking for something to do during Winter Break? Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket hosts a Crafternoon on Feb. 22. Stop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. to create a work of art out of upcycled materials and make your own masterpiece. The possibilities are endless…what will you make? No need to register. For ages 3 to 12 years old (supervision may be needed). Open to all. 631-941-4080
THEATER
‘Frozen Jr.’
Frozen Jr. returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Jan. 27 to March 3. The magical land of Arendelle comes to life onstage. 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 including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time in Forever” and “Let It Go.” With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
A Royal Princess Party
Sing along with a princess during winter break as the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown hosts A Royal Princess Party from Feb. 17 to 25 with a sensory sensitive performance on Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Royal Historians will guide you through meeting each of the princesses, teaching the morals behind each of their stories and singing along to their favorite songs. Be sure to wear your best royal attire — this is going to be one party you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $16 per person. To order, 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. 21 to March 16 with a sensory sensitive performance on Feb. 25 at 11 a.mEnjoy a grand-new take on this classic tale features an original score, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family — a delightful reminder that “there’s no place like home!” All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
FILM
‘The LEGO Movie’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The LEGO Movie on Feb. 18 at noon. The first-ever full-length theatrical LEGO movie follows Emmet an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person (the MasterBuilder) and the key to saving his LEGO world. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
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