Some day, physicists and members of the public who benefit from their discoveries may be happy that Luisella Lari had limited musical and sports talent.
Lari, who grew up in Torino, Italy, tried numerous sports and instruments, especially with her parents’ encouragement.
Luisella Lari studies continuous feature drawings of the Electron Ion Collider. Photo from BNL
After gamely trying, Lari blazed her own trail, which has led her to become Project Manager and senior scientist for the Electron Ion Collider, a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory. BNL won the rights to construct the EIC, which the lab will plan and develop over the course of the next decade, from the Department of Energy in 2020.
By using a 2.4 mile circumference particle collider, physicists will collide polarized electrons into ions with polarized protons to answer a host of questions about the nature of matter. They will gather information about the basic building blocks of nuclei and how quarks and gluons, the particles inside neutrons and protons, interact dynamically through the strong force to generate the fundamental properties of these particles, such as mass and spin.
Lari, who joined the EIC effort on October 3rd, described her role, which includes numerous meetings, calls and coordinating with multinational and multi-state teams, as a “dream job.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of a project that can help the next generation of physicists,” Lari said. “It’s my turn to participate in the construction” of the cutting edge facility. BNL is coordinating with numerous other labs nationally, including the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator in Virginia, an internationally on the project.
Amid her numerous responsibilities, Lari will ensure that effective project management systems, cost controls and project schedules are developed, documented and implemented. Core competencies of the team she is responsible for include procurement, quality and safety.
EIC applications
The EIC has numerous potential applications across a host of fields. It could lead to energy-efficient accelerators, which could lower the cost of accelerators to make and test computer chips. The EIC could also provide energetic particles that can treat caner cells and improve the design of solar cells, batteries and catalysts. The EIC may also help develop new kinds of drugs and other medical treatments.
Lari explained that she provides a review and approval of the safety evaluations performed by experts. She suggested this suits her background as she did similar work earlier in her career.
Luisella Lari on a recent vacation to Mackinac Island.
Lari has made it a priority to hire a diversified workforce of engineers, technicians and quality and safety managers who can contribute to a project that BNL will likely start constructing in 2026 and 2027.
“I am a strong supporter of building a diverse workforce at levels of the organization,” she explained in an email. “I am strongly convinced that it will add value to any work environment and in particular in a scientific community.”
Applying her experience
Lari isn’t just an administrator and a project coordinator —she is also a physicist by training.
She earned a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Politecnico di Torino University in Italy and a PhD in physics from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne in Switzerland.
Early in her professional career, Lari worked at Thales Alenia Space, an aerospace company in Turin, Italy, where she collaborated for the development of her master’s thesis. She worked for two years at the company, performing tasks that included testing internal fluid supply lines for one of the International Space Station’s pressurized modules that connects the United States, European and Japanese laboratories in orbit.
She enjoyed the opportunity to work for a “really interesting project” and still routinely uses the NASA system engineering handbook.
She also worked for about a dozen years as an applied physicist and planning officer at CERN, a particle physics lab, which is on the border between France and Switzerland near Geneva.
Lari also served as a project manager and scientist for the European Spallation Source, a neutron source under construction in Sweden. She coordinated ESS Accelerator Project budgets and ran data-driven safety analyses.
Recently, Lari was a senior manager at Fermi National Accelerator in Illinois, where she coordinated international partner contributions to the Proton Improvement Plan II, which upgraded the accelerator complex.
A need to know
When Lari was in middle school, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant melted down. As a school assignment, she had to explain what happened. At that point, she said she understood nothing, which motivated her to want to become a nuclear engineer.
She was “fascinated by nuclear energy.” When she worked at CERN, she had not been studied much about accelerator physics. She attended meetings where sophisticated discussions physics took place and was driven to learn the material.
“All my life, which started when I was a child, I wanted to understand the world around me,” she said. Her work in project management for scientific projects is also her passion, she said. “My mother would say to me when I was younger that I should choose my job in a way that I would do something I like, because I will spend half my life doing it.”
In addition to committing to understanding the physics and helping other scientists pursue their curiosity, Lari said she appreciates the opportunity to collaborate.
While Lari never became proficient in music or athletics, she enjoys dancing and is looking forward to attending Broadway musicals in New York.
She has hosted her parents at each of the places where she has worked, broadening their horizons.
As for her work, Lari recalls being impressed by the ability of the managers at the LHC to summarize complex work in a few pages and to make big picture decisions that affected so many other scientists. She became impressed and inspired “by the power of the project administrator approach,” she said. She also appreciates the opportunities to interact with experts in several fields, which gives her the chance to “better understand and learn.”
Sons of Serendip head to the Staller Center on Dec. 11.
Ongoing
Festival of Trees
Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2023 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 473-4778.
Garden of Lights
The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages on Dec.8-10 and 12-16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.
Thursday Dec. 8
Port Jefferson Station Tree Lighting
Rescheduled from Dec. 3, join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 6 to 8 p.m. with performances by School of Rock and BackStage Dance Studio. Hot chocolate will be served. Call 821-1313.
SCCC Selden Winter Concert
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Winter Concert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring orchestra, guitar ensemble, the Suffolk Singers and college choir. Free. No tickets required. Call 451-4110.
Friday Dec. 9
Holiday Light Spectacular
Brookhaven Town’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, kicks off tonight at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Walk through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take a photos with Santa in his workshop. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brookhavenny.gov. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site. The show continues Fridays and Saturdays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 18. Call 451-5330.
Winter Lantern Festival
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Dec. 10 and 11 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolk-winter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Drive-Thru Live Nativity tonight and Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. See the Christmas story come to life with costumed characters and the use of multi-media. Free. Call 689-1127.
Grounds and Sounds concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe, UUFSB, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a concert featuring Annie and the Cool Hand band at 8 p.m. Preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 available in advance or at the door. Call 631-751-0297 or visit www.groundsandsounds.org.
An Evening of Opera
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts an evening of opera with Opera Night Long Island starting at 7:30 p.m. with Darlene Bennet, Paricia Gallagher, Henry Horstman and more. Refreshments will be served. $10 donation, students free. Visit www.operanight.org.
Saturday Dec. 10
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 9 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 9 listing.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
See Dec. 9 listing.
Club and Vendor Fair
Comsewogue High School, 565 N Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Club and Vendor Fair in the cafeteria from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with various high school sports and academic and specialty clubs with over 75 vendors featuring crafts,holiday gifts, food, and a visit from Santa. For more information, call 428-2530 or 974-5668.
Northport Winter Craft Fair
Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport hosts the 26th annual Winter Northport Craft Fair today and Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Long Island’s largest indoor craft fair showcases over 200 exhibitors featuring original art, photography, one of a kind crafted jewelry, woodcraft, textiles, apparel, personalized ornaments, organic specialties as olive oils, soaps, bath & body butters, jellies, chocolates and bakery delicacies, teas and local honey,and much more. Free admission. Call 846-1459.
Festival of Trees and Lights
The Father’s Club of Sachem North High School, 212 Smith Road, Lake Ronkonkoma presents its annual Festival of Trees and Lights today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festive event will feature craft vendors, basket raffles, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. $2 admission, free for ages 6 and younger. Call 848-4855.
Three Village Winter Market
The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket hosts the 1st annual Three Village Outdoor Winter Market today and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop from an array of artisans, crafters, delicious treat makers and so much more as you kick off your holiday shopping. Free admission. Call 751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.
Jazz Loft Holiday Concert
The Jazz Loft will be at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court Santa Set in Lake Grove with a free performance of holiday favorites from 2 to 4 pm. Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, Steve Salerno and Dean Johnson will be providing some jazzy holiday classics for shoppers. The performance is part of the Jazz Loft outreach mission to bring music out into the community. Call 751-1895.
Santa Parade
The Hauppauge Fire Department Engine Company 3, 122 Ledgewood Drive, Hauppauge will host its 38th annual Santa Parade at 4:30 p.m. Children may visit Santa at the firehouse from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Call 265-2499.
Holiday Walking Tours
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Holiday Walking Tours today and Dec. 11, 17 and 18 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m. These educator-led tours through historic Cold Spring Harbor village will explore Victorian seasonal traditions in the 19th century. Participants will learn about how local homes and businesses celebrated holidays in December. Hot chocolate will be served inside the museum’s workshop at the start of the tour while participants arrive. The tour starts on the pavement outside of the museum. Tickets are $15 per person. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.
Holiday Flute Concert
The Long Island Flute Club presents its annual Holiday Concert at the United Methodist Church of Lake Ronkonkoma, 792 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove at 3 p.m. The ensemble, directed by Lauren Osnato will play a variety of festive classics such as “The Nutcracker Suite” and “Let it Snow” to “Sleigh Ride” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Free.
St. James Holiday Night Market
Join the Community Association of Greater St. James for a Holiday Night Market Wonderland at 230 2nd Ave., St. James from3 to 9 p.m. with vendors, live music, character photos, baked treats, hot chocolate and more!
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, tonight and Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Thousands of warm-white lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library. The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. The event continues Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 18, and on Dec. 22. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children ages 12 and under at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Holiday Night Market
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents a Holiday Night Market from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Shop for unique items sold by local vendors, enjoy fun family activities and experience the library’s walk-through light show, Garden of Lights. Call 588-5024.
SCCC Selden Winter Concert
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Winter Concert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring Contemporary Music Ensemble, Jazz Ensembleand Symphonic Band. Free. No tickets required. Call 451-4110.
Miller Place Tree Lighting
The Miller Place Fire Department and Aliano Real Estate will host the 14th annual Polar Express and Tree Lighting in the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place at 7 p.m. with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, soup and pizza; entertainment by Miller Place School and Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center students; and a special visit from Santa! Call 744-5000.
Holiday Choral Concert
The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA) presents An Evening of Sacred Music at the St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket at 8 p.m. Conducted by Eric Steward and Richard Foley, the program will include works by Bach, Mozart, Monteverdi and more. Tickets are $25, $20 seniors, students free at www.lisca.org or at the door. For more information, call 751-3952.
LIGMC Holiday Concert
The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus presents “A Visit from St. Nick and a Rockin’ Holiday” — a wide-spanning musical revue of yuletide favorites and a fabulous glitter-flecked musical retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas — tonight at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington at 7 p.m.. $25 tickets available at www.ligmc.org/concerts and at the door.
Sunday Dec. 11
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 9 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 9 listing.
Northport Winter Craft Fair
See Dec. 10 listing.
Festival of Trees and Lights
See Dec. 10 listing.
Three Village Winter Market
See Dec. 10 listing.
Holiday Walking Tours
See Dec. 10 listing.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 10 listing.
LIGMC Holiday Concert
See Dec. 10 listing.
Northport Polar Plunge
The Town of Huntington and Special Olympics New York will hold a Polar Plunge at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach, Waterside Ave., Northport with registration at 10 a.m. and plunge at 11:30 a.m. Visit www.polarplungeny.org.
Sunday at the Society
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Sunday at the Society Holiday Edition at 1 p.m. Brad Kolodny, president and founder of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island, will discuss his new book, The Jews of Long Island. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Free. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Rock ‘N’ Raptors fundraiser
Tickets are now on sale for Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Rock ‘N’ Raptors fundraiser at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket from 2 to 6 p.m. featuring live music by 70’s Rock Parade, Streetfighter and Petty Rumours, raptor presentations, raffles, games, food, and more. All the funds from this event and raffles will benefit Sweetbriar’s mission. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show. Held rain or shine. Tickets are $25 per adult(children under age 12 are free) at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Silver Chords Holiday Concert
The Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts a classic holiday concert by the Silver Chords Chorus titled Joy at 2 p.m. Featuring traditional and new favorites including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,”“Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas” and more with raffle baskets. Free admission. Call 235-3593.
Sons of Serendip head to SBU
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes the Sons of Serendip for a family show at 4 p.m. and a holiday show at 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall. Winning the hearts of fans and judges alike as finalists on America’s Got Talent, Sons of Serendip transfixing stage presence returns to the Staller Center in a festive evening of warmth and cheer. For tickets, visit www.stallercenter.com or call 632-2787.
Miller Place Holiday Festival
The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society will hold its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival at the Daniel Hawkins House, 111 North Country Road, Miller Place at 5 p.m. All are welcome. Call 476-5742.
Three Village Electric Parade
Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, the Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket tonight at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 26th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. Visit www.3Vholidayparade.com for more info.
Monday Dec. 12
Movie Trivia Night at the CAC
Do you know a lot about movies? Movie Trivia Night is back in-person in the Sky Room Café at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington tonight at 8 p.m. Hosted by Dan French, contestants are asked 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 play solo as well. Tickets are $10. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday Dec. 13
No events listed for this day.
Wednesday Dec. 14
Winter Secrets Walking Tour
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents a walking tour through Stony Brook Village at 10:30 a.m. Participants will hear about Stony Brook residents, artifacts and the holiday spirit. Stories include gilded age socialite Alida Emmet’s holiday parties, the year Dorothy Melville saved the holidays, arctic fever and the Polaris whaleboat, finding joy during the holiday season (and beyond) during the Great Depression, and more! Rain date is Dec. 15. $15 per person. To reserve your spot, call 751-2244.
Author Panel
The Port Jefferson Free Library, 100 Thompson St., Port Jefferson hosts an Author Panel featuring Sarah Beth Durst, Catherine Asaro and Kelley Skovron at 7 p.m. Moderated by Salvatore J. Filosa, Head of Technical Services and Marketing & Outreach Librarian, these award-winning authors will talk about their newly published novels, writing process, behind the scenes info, and more. Open to call. Call 473-0022 to register.
Thursday Dec. 15
Book signing East Northport
Barnes and Noble, 4000 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport hosts a book signing with Hilary Topper, three-time author, business owner, and now endurance athlete, at 7 p.m. Topper will discuss her latest book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete – A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete followed by a Q&A and book signing. Call 462-0208.
Film
‘A Christmas Carol’
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Movie at the Museum special screening of the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, (1951) starring Alastair Sim on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Ages 21 and over only. $8 per person. Registration required by visiting www.northporthistorical.org.
Theater
Jeffrey Sanzel reprises his role as Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Theatre Three
‘A Christmas Carol’
“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit.from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘A Christmas Story’
The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Nutcracker’
A perennial favorite, Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for five performances from Dec. 17 to 19. The cast will be led by Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning Principal Dancer Maya Butkevich and 1st Soloists Vivian Ye, Madeleine Martufi, Nina Zhang and Kaede Urso. Ticketsrange from $34 to $40. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Minstrel Players will present their annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, at Trinity Episcopal Church’s Houghton Hall, 130 Main St., Northport on Dec. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, email [email protected] or text 516-361-7232.
The Long Island Flute Club will be presenting two concerts this weekend, one at each end of the Long Island community. Both concerts will feature a variety of seasonal classics that are guaranteed to put you in the spirit of the season. The sixteen member flute ensemble will feature all members of the flutefamily from piccolo to bass flute. The ensemble, directed by Lauren Osnato will play a variety of festive classics such as “The Nutcracker Suite” and “Let it Snow” to “Sleigh Ride” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. IT is a holiday celebration for children of all ages!
Their Suffolk County Concert will be held on Saturday, December 10 at the United Methodist Church of Lake Ronkonkoma at 3 p.m. This will be the thirteenth time the Long Island Flute Club will be presenting a holiday concert at this charming church in Lake Ronkonkoma. The picturesque church is located at 792 Hawkins Avenue, in Lake Grove. The concert is free of charge. In the spirit of the holiday season, they will be taking up a collection to donate to the ALS Association.
Their Nassau County Concert will be on Sunday, December 11 in the Red Ballroom of Old Westbury Gardens at 2 p.m. The Gold Coast era Mansion will be decorated for the holidays and there will even be an appearance from Santa Claus himself. The concert is free with admission to Old Westbury Gardens.
The Holiday Flute Choir is made up of members of the Long Island Flute Club. The group is a mixture of players of all ages who play at an advanced level. They are professional players, teachers and students who all love the flute and enjoy sharing music. The members of the 2022 Holiday Flute Choir are: Lauren Osnato – Conductor of Massapequa, Amanda Aweh of Brooklyn, Michele Aweh of Glen Cove, Nicole Davidson of Massapequa, Alana De Stefano of Bellerose, Maria Di Natale Scotto of Port Washington, Amy Kempton of Glen Head, Charlotte Loake of Levittown, Francesca Piazza of Islip, Nicole Rode of Deer Park, Debra Schild of Saint James, Jennie Schwinn of Holbrook, Barbara Sherwin of Farmingdale, Concetta Stevens of East Islip, Leslie Strait of East Northport, Edna Susman of Kings Park and Sandra Vigliotti of Westbury.
Stitch the Red-Tailed Hawk is just one of many raptors living at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. Photo by John Davis
By Tara Mae
Birds of a feather, come together to support Sweetbriar Nature Center’s latest event, Rock ‘N’ Raptors, that puts the “fun” in fundraisers! The celebration will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road in Setauket from 2 to 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Smithtown wildlife rehabilitation and nature preserve.
Meet Lily the Great Horned Owl at the Bates House in Setauket on Dec. 11. Photo by John Davis
“We have never done an event that featured only raptors, though they are the majority of what we have [at Sweetbriar], so it is an important opportunity to promote them. They are really expensive to feed…and since organizations like ours are not funded by the state or local governments, we largely depend on the generosity of our supporters,” said Sweetbriar’s Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation Janine Bendicksen.
The fundraiser will feature live music, raffles, games, and other activities. An auction, currently underway online, will conclude in person that night. St. James Brewery will provide beer and other beverages while Maui Chop House’s food truck will be onsite offering savory snacks. Homemade baked goods, created by volunteers, will be available for purchase. The guests of honor, raptors including a barn owl, Eurasian eagle owl, great horned owl, red tailed hawk, will make a fashionably late entrance as the music fades out, intermingling with guests and performing a demonstration.
Brimstone (William M. Kucmierowski), a pro-wrestler, author, actor, and host of The Grindhouse Radio, will act as Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon. Three different tribute bands will provide the soundtrack for making merry and raising money: The Petty Rumors, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover band; Streetfighter, a Rolling Stones cover band; and 70s Rock Parade, a genre cover band. Each will each play a 45 minute set. All of the entertainment is donating their time.
Having first connected with Sweetbriar through social media when he reached out to Bendicksen to see if he could meet baby squirrels being cared for in its rehabilitation unit, Brimstone is happy to lend his name and talents since he wants to amplify both the center’s work and its needs.
“As a native Long Islander, I have known about Sweetbriar for many years, but I did not know in detail the true heroes they are until I was going back and forth with Janine on social media,” Brimstone said. “I got to see what they do at Sweetbriar and how they rehabilitate the animals. They are overworked and underappreciated and it kills me that they do not get the help, attention, and assistance that they deserve.”
Meet Nebula the Barn Owl at Sweetbriar’s fundraiser on Dec. 11. Photo by John Davis
John Davis, who has been volunteering at Sweetbriar for two years, was similarly drawn to work with Sweetbriar after he visited the center and explored the nature preserve while participating in a photo shoot with a photography club. Now, he volunteers there a couple days a week and primarily handles the raptor residents, inspired by their majesty even in adversity.
“They are majestic, powerful, efficient, streamlined, glorious hunters that are incredibly beautiful. What I find most interesting with our raptors is despite their shortcomings, whether it’s wing injuries or vision loss…or both, they’ve all found a way to adapt. They know their ownaviaries and navigate then with precision despite not being able to fly or see,” he said.
As a tribute to the raptors and a sign of his dedication to the cause, Davis is coming out of retirement for one night only, resuming his role as the bassist and a vocalist for 70s Rock Parade. (He retired from the group last year.) Davis also helped connect the musicians with Sweetbriar.
The power of community interdependency, both in the animal kingdom and human society, are themes that tie this event and Sweetbriar’s mission together. Located on 54 acres of diverse garden, woodland, field, and wetland habitats, Sweetbriar’s rehabilitation unit, in addition to the raptors, houses other animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, songbirds and even tarantulas.
There are over 100 permanent residents who call Sweetbriar home. Many of them live inside the center, but most reside in permanent enclosures. The staff and volunteers of the center, who may receive hundreds of calls a day about distressed or injured wildlife, treat more than 2000 patients a year, over half of whom are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
Addie the Red-Tailed Hawk is just one of many raptors living at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. Photo by John Davis
“What the people of Sweetbriar do is incredible. They care for injured animals rehabilitate them, if they are not able to be released, Sweetbriar keeps them for their lifespans,” Davis added.
Ultimately, the goal of Rock ‘N’ Raptors is simple: to enable to Sweetbriar to continue its lifesaving work while encouraging people of all ages to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the natural world and its inhabitants.
“Sweetbriar is so special, and as a nonprofit, it relies on people’s generosity and good hearts…I show up to the center and my blood pressure goes down; it is my zen,” Davis said.
Tickets to Rock ‘N’ Raptors are $25 each, free for children under the age of 12. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more information, call 631-979-6344.
Heart disease gets a lot of attention, because it’s still the number one cause of death in the U.S. We know that diet plays a significant role in this, but so do our genes.
What if we could tackle genetic issues with diet?
A study involving the Paleo-type diet and other ancient diets suggests that there is a significant genetic component to cardiovascular disease, while another study looking at the Mediterranean-type diet implies that we may be able to reduce our risk factors with lifestyle adjustments. Most of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, smoking and obesity are modifiable (1). Let’s look at the evidence.
The role of genes
Researchers used computed tomography scans to look at 137 mummies from ancient times across the world, including Egypt, Peru, the Aleutian Islands and Southwestern America (2). The cultures were diverse, including hunter-gatherers (consumers of a Paleo-type diet), farmer-gatherers and solely farmers. Their diets were not vegetarian; they involved significant amounts of animal protein, such as fish and cattle.
Researchers found that one-third of these mummies had atherosclerosis (plaques in the arteries), which is a precursor to heart disease. The ratio should sound familiar. It aligns with what we see in modern times.
The authors concluded that atherosclerosis could be part of the aging process in humans. In other words, it may be a result of our genes. Being human, we all have a genetic propensity toward atherosclerosis and heart disease, some more than others, but many of us can reduce our risk factors significantly.
I am not saying that the Paleo-type diet specifically is not beneficial compared to the standard American diet. Rather, that this study does not support that. However, other studies demonstrate that we can reduce our chances of getting heart disease with lifestyle changes, such as with a plant-rich diet, such as a Mediterranean-type diet.
Can we improve our geneticresponse with diet?
The New England Journal of Medicine published study about the Mediterranean-type diet and its potential impact on cardiovascular disease risk (3). Here, two variations on the Mediterranean-type diet were compared to a low-fat diet. People were randomly assigned to three different groups. The two Mediterranean-type diet groups both showed about a 30 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, compared to the low-fat diet. Study end points included heart attacks, strokes and mortality. Interestingly, the risk profile improvement occurred even though there was no significant weight loss.
The Mediterranean-type diets both consisted of significant amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, fish, olive oil and wine. I call them “Mediterranean diets with opulence,” because both groups consuming this diet had either significant amounts of nuts or olive oil and/or wine. If the participants in the Mediterranean diet groups drank wine, they were encouraged to drink at least one glass a day.
The study included three groups: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts), a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (at least four tablespoons a day), and a low-fat control diet. The patient population included over 7,000 participants in Spain at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
The strength of this study, beyond its high-risk population and its large size, was that it was a randomized clinical trial, the gold standard of trials. However, there was a significant flaw, and the results need to be tempered. The group assigned to the low-fat diet was not, in fact, able to maintain this diet throughout the study. Therefore, it really became a comparison between variations on the Mediterranean diet and a standard diet.
What do the leaders in the field of cardiovascular disease and integrative medicine think of the Mediterranean diet study? Interestingly there are two opposing opinions, split by field. You may be surprised by which group liked it and which did not.
Cardiologists, including well-known physicians Henry Black, M.D., who specializes in high blood pressure, and Eric Topol, M.D., former chairman of cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic, hailed the study as a great achievement. This group of physicians emphasized that now there is a large, randomized trial measuring clinical outcomes, such as heart attacks, stroke and death.
On the other hand, the integrative medicine physicians, Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., and Dean Ornish, M.D., both of whom stress a plant-rich diet that may be significantly more nutrient dense than the Mediterranean diet in the study, expressed disappointment with the results. They feel that heart disease and its risk factors can be reversed, not just reduced. Both clinicians have published small, well-designed studies showing significant benefits from plant-based diets (4, 5). Ornish actually showed a reversal of atherosclerosis in one of his studies (6).
So, who is correct about the Mediterranean diet? Each opinion has its merits. The cardiologists’ enthusiasm is warranted, because a Mediterranean diet, even one of “opulence,” will appeal to more participants, who will then realize the benefits. However, those who follow a more focused diet, with greater amounts of nutrient-dense foods, will potentially see a reversal in heart disease, minimizing risk — and not just reducing it.
So, what have we learned? Even with a genetic proclivity toward cardiovascular disease, we can alter our cardiovascular destinies.
References:
(1) www.uptodate.com. (2) BMJ 2013;346:f1591. (3) N Engl J Med 2018; 378:e34. (4) J Fam Pract. 1995;41(6):560-568. (5) Am J Cardiol. 2011;108:498-507. (6) JAMA. 1998 Dec 16;280(23):2001-2007.
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.
The winter holidays. Time to enjoy family and friends, eat good food, drink good drink, and celebrate. The holidays also present potential hazards for our pets. Here is ashort list of potential holiday hazards.
Candy and Chocolate Poisoning: First, chocolate contains two chemicals (caffeine and theobromine) which are powerful stimulants. Mild symptoms usually begin within 6-12 hours after ingestion and include panting, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination. Severe cases include irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, and death. There are specific toxic levels for all pets but just like people some dogs and cats can be very sensitive to chocolate and show signs of poisoning from much lesser amounts.
Second, chocolate is very high in sugar and fat. Minimally, this will give your pet a tummy ache but I have personally seen a few cases of serious gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, liver disease from ingestion of chocolate.
Macadamia Nuts: The exact portion of the nut that is toxic to dogs is unknown at this time but veterinary toxicologists (poison experts) suspect that it has to do with something in the oil. Signs include tremors, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms. Be careful about leaving macadamia nuts or nut mixes with macadamia nuts in them within the reach of your dogs.
Medications: Both prescription and over the counter medications can do great harm to our pets. A single ibuprofen or acetaminophen tablet could be potentially fatal to a small dog or cat and could cause serious illness even in a larger dog.
Poisonous Plants: Winter Lillies, Poinsettas, Mistletoe, Holly, and other seasonal plants can lead to an upset stomach in some cases, but in others can potentially cause irregular heart rhythms, kidney failure, ulcers of the mouth, etc. Best to keep these plants away from your pets or consider not decorating your house with them if you are concerned that your pet may chew or ingest them.
Hazards Around the Christmas Tree: Christmas tree water can contain fertilizers or other chemicals can make your pet severely ill if ingested. Electric cords, tinsel, ribbons, glass ornaments, etc should either be secured away from curious pets or possibly removed to prevent electrocution, intestinal obstructions, or other internal organ damage.
Alcohol and Old (spoiled) Food: Curious pets will take advantage of a late-night party and get into these items after you go to bed. Make sure to clean up so that you do not have to worry about your pet ingesting leftover cocktails and treats that may have mold or bacteria growing on it.
Yeast Dough: The same yeast that helps the dough to rise can lead to problems in our pets. The yeast itself is potentially poisonous and the dough can continue to rise in the pet’s stomach causing painful and potentially harmful consequences.
If you know of a poisonous exposure or potential poisonous exposure call the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) at (888) 426-4435. This hotline is staffed with experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season, as well as a prosperous 2023. I also want to thank Heidi Sutton and all the staff at Times Beacon Record News Media and affiliates for another great year.
Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine.
Tender Years Treasury event on Dec. 3, 2022. Photo from Town of Smithtown
On Saturday, December 3rd, the Town of Smithtown Recreation, Senior Citizens and Youth Bureau Departments hosted a packed house for the annual Tender Years Treasury. Well over 120 young residents independently shopped for holiday gifts at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. All of the gifts were priced at $5 or less, and handcrafted by approximately 35 Smithtown resident vendors, over the age of 60.
“I am so deeply grateful for the talented artists and crafters, our team at the Senior Citizens Center, the Recreation Department, and student volunteers organized by our incredible Youth Bureau. They really outdid themselves this year. This is always such a special occasion. It is truly remarkable to witness so many generations of Smithtown residents come together to experience the giving season, bringing joy and building memories to countless local families,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
Approximately 25 student volunteers, organized by the Smithtown Youth Bureau Department chaperoned children so that they may independently pick out holiday gifts for family and friends. The Recreation Department and the Senior Citizens Center team organized the entire event, which included an upscale boutique, cookie decorating station, holiday crafts, a homemade quilt raffle, balloon sculptures, free gift wrapping and refreshments, courtesy of the PTA. Adults had the option of enjoying some rest and relaxation in a waiting area while kids independently choose their holiday gift. Additionally, children were able to drop off letters to Santa Claus, to receive a return letter from the North Pole.
The Senior Center’s Monday Needlecraft club, donated a surplus of handmade hats, bags, and scarfs to Saint Vincent de Paul/St. Joseph’s Church – Food Distribution Center in Kings Park for families in need. An additional two bags loaded with handmade needlecraft hats and scarfs were donated to a staffer to distribute to Smithtown parishioners in need. The Tender Years Treasury is an annual event for Smithtown children, grades K-5, to independently shop for handcrafted gifts made by local senior citizens during the holidays.
To learn more about events and programing at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, call 631-360-7616 or visit the Town of Smithtown Website at SmithtownNY.gov.
The Jazz Loft will be taking music on the road to the Smith Haven Mall on December 10. Photo from The Jazz Loft
The Jazz Loft is taking it on the road on December 10 with a performance of holiday favorites at the Smith Haven Mall’s Center Court in Lake Grove from 2 to 4 p.m. Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, Steve Salerno and Dean Johnson will be providing some jazzy holiday classics for shoppers. The performance is part of the Jazz Loft outreach mission called the Dispatch Series, which brings music out into the community. The concert is FREE!
Check out the Jazz Loft’s holiday concerts throughout December below.
Bad Little Big Band’s Holiday Show
December 8 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft presents the Bad Little Big Band’s Holiday Show, a 12-piece band, directed by composer, arranger and pianist Rich Iacona, featuring vocalist Madeline Kole.
Ray Anderson’s Seasonal Solstice Party
December 9 at 7 p.m.
What better way to mark the longest hours of darkness and the rebirth of the sun, than to experience the powerful energy of Jazz with Ray Anderson’s Seasonal Solstice Party at The Jazz Loft, with Ray Anderson, trombone, vocals, sousaphone; Mark Helias on bass; Jeremy Carlstedt on drums and Steve Salerno on guitar.
Interplay Jazz Orchestra Family Show
December 10 at 1 p.m.
17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary Henderson, trumpet is a Jazz Loft tradition. This is a wonderful concert to introduce live jazz to children and grandchildren. It’s a holiday family affair! $
Egg Nog Romp
December 10, 7 p.m.
It’s The Jazz Loft’s traditional Egg Nog Romp program featuring the Loft’s six-piece band led by Tom Manuel. This special Saturday show makes it the perfect break from the holiday rush. The Jazz Loft’s legendary homemade egg nog will be available, as well as the usual beverages..
Nutcracker Holiday Show
December 15, 16 & 17 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals.
Jazz Nativity
December 18 at 6 p.m.
Candlelight jazz nativity service featuring the Biblical Christmas story with Jazz sextet and featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano opera Susanna Phillips. This performance will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators who will share the classic biblical Christmas story. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.
December 22 at 7 p.m.
Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party
Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts.
Tickets for these concerts can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets. The Jazz Loft is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and performance of the American born art form of jazz through the art of collaboration, located at 275 Christian Avenue, Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895.
Gather ‘round the fire with the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus (LIGMC) this holiday season for “A Visit from St. Nick and a Rockin’ Holiday!”
During concerts set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket, and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington, LIGMC will be serving yuletide storytime realness as it presents a wide-spanning musical revue of favorites and a fabulous glitter-flecked musical retelling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
“Since September, this merry band of choristers has been making our lists and checking them twice as we prepare to bring you a musical celebration of the most wonderful time of the year,” Bradley Meek, President of the LIGMC Board of Directors, said. “We hope that you’ll be able to join us for the concerts that we crafted with the hopeful, joyous and sparkling spirit of the season in mind.”
It’s been a busy season for LIGMC, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary this spring. On Saturday, Nov. 5, LIGMC commemorated the 100th anniversary of LGBTQ icon Judy Garland’s birth with its “Over the Rainbow – Songs of Pride, Rainbows and Judy Garland” cabaret at the Sayville VFW Post 433. Following the conclusion of its concert series, LIGMC members are set to have a Manhattan encore on Tuesday, Dec. 13 when they are scheduled to perform selections from the concert at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel.
“Not only is it always a joy to work with such an enthusiastic and committed group of singers, it’s especially rewarding to see our Chorus has continued to grow larger and stronger since we began performing again last winter,” LIGMC Artistic Director Jeanette Cooper said. “If you’ve never seen LIGMC perform, ‘A Visit from St. Nick and a Rockin’ Holiday’ is a great time to experience the eclectic and jubilant spirit that makes this group so special!”
The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus is a voluntary, not-for-profit, community-based organization that provides diverse audiences with high-quality choral performances and musical experiences. LIGMC uses music to unite the LGBTQ community, fight prejudice and discrimination, affirm the contributions of the LGBTQ community to the region’s cultural life.
Registration is now open! The Port Jefferson Free Library, 100 Thompson St., Port Jefferson hosts an Author Panel featuring Sarah Beth Durst, Catherine Asaro and Kelley Skovron on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
Join them for an evening filled with mystery, interstellar fantasy, misfit animals, and a ghost with a vengeance. Hear from these award-winning authors about their newly published novels, writing process, behind the scenes info, and more in this panel-style event.
Moderated by Salvatore J. Filosa, Head of Technical Services and Marketing & Outreach Librarian,newly released titles to be discussed include: The Jigsaw Assassin, 2022,published by Baen Books, by Catherine Asaro (perfect for adult readers); The Shelterlings, 2022, published by Clarion Books of Harper Collins, by Sarah Beth Durst (perfect for kids); and The Ghost of Drowned Meadow, 2022, published by Scholastic, by Kelley Skovron (perfect for kids).
The event is open to all. To register, call 631-473-0022 or visit portjefflibrary.org/authors.
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