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The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, in partnership with TBR News Media of Setauket, has announced the launch of a Sea Glass Fiction Contest. This exciting competition invites students in grades 3 to 12 from Nassau and Suffolk counties to unleash their creativity by crafting stories inspired by a piece of sea glass.

Students are asked to craft a story inspired by the above sea glass fragment.

The contest, which kicked off this month, challenges participants to imagine a unique journey for the selected sea glass fragment chosen by The Whaling Museum and to weave a captivating tale around it. The winning stories will have the chance to be read at the museum’s annual Sea Glass Festival, a prestigious event celebrating sea glass and its significance in maritime history. 

“Sea glass has a way of capturing the imagination, and we can’t wait to read the imaginative stories that come out of this unique contest,” said Nomi Dayan, Executive Director at The Whaling Museum.

Entries must be submitted electronically through the submission form on The Whaling Museum website by April 30, 2024. The contest is free to enter, and all works must be original and written solely by the author. Only residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties are eligible to participate.

“We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and highlight the creative tales of students in the area,” said Daniel Dunaief, a journalist with TBR News Media. “Entrants can envision ways a piece of glass, shaped by water and time, provides a clue in a compelling narrative.”

Winners will be notified on or about June 1-7, 2024, and select winning entries will be eligible for publication in TBR News Media and on The Whaling Museum’s website. TBR will also highlight the winners in a weekly podcast. In addition, contest winners will receive complimentary tickets to The Whaling Museum’s Sea Glass Festival, held on July 21, 2024, where they will be recognized with a certificate.

“We are grateful to TBR News Media for partnering with us on this contest and helping to bring these young writers’ stories to a wider audience,” added Dayan.

For more information on the Sea Glass Fiction Contest, including guidelines and submission details, please visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglasscontest.

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The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media

By Julianne Mosher

How can a modern-day Thanksgiving play not ruffle any feathers, especially in a politically correct society?

Suffolk County Community College’s latest production of The Thanksgiving Play is not what one might expect. In fact, it is pure chaos, but hysterical chaos at its best. 

Directed by Steven Lantz-Gefroh and written by Larissa FastHorse, the show consists of just four actors — Scott Dowd (Jaxton), Jerry Ewald (Caden), Michaela Fitzsimmons (Alicia or A-lee-see-ya), and Taylor D’Agostino (Logan). Set in an adorably relatable elementary school classroom, the four come in to start working on a culturally appropriate and politically correct play about the first Thanksgiving meal for kids. 

One slight problem — all the actors are white, and very woke, and they feel that they cannot ethically perform a historically correct production as they grew up with white privilege. They hire a “real” actress from L.A., Alicia, who they believe is Native American… only to find out in show business looks can be deceiving. 

FastHorse, who is the first female Native American playwright to have a show produced on Broadway, writes this clever satirical comedy with poise by serving up the hypocrisies of woke America, especially with topics like Thanksgiving, Native Americans and, dare I say his name? Christopher Columbus. 

Originally making its Broadway debut in 2023, it comes to the smaller stage at SCCC’s Ammerman Campus in Selden and showcases the raw, amazing talent of these four theater students. Each one has a very bright future set up for them. 

Dowd plays Jaxton, the yogi/part-time actor, who tries to always right his wrongs of being a straight, white male brings humor to the uncomfortable topic of race, especially when he’s tasked to be a part of something that needs to appeal to all people and cultures. Dowd plays the typical hippie who jumps on the bandwagon of whatever trend is going on, and he does it convincingly well.

Ewald plays Caden, a history teacher who has very serious feelings about Christopher Columbus, but also wants his side play writing performed by real humans. As in other SCCC performances, he makes the audience laugh with his slapstick shenanigans. That being said, we should highlight the choreographers for their realistic fight scene that will have you wince, but not look away.

D’Agostino plays Logan, the glue of the story, and the main protagonist who has to navigate these other personalities while trying to keep her job as a teacher in a new school district. But she’s also incredibly woke, and restricted by her overthinking and over producing. D’Agostino’s performance shines, definitely showing the leader that she is on and off the stage. 

And we can’t forget Fitzsimmons, who plays Alicia, the L.A. actress brought in by Logan as the team’s cultural compass navigating Native American culture (Logan saw headshots of her on her website wearing braids and turquois). Your standard L.A. actress, she plays the snotty, and kind of stupid, actress who relies mostly on sex appeal for parts amazingly well. Her facial expressions even when she’s in the background tell a story in itself.

Through satire and humor, this one-act show addresses the misrepresentation of Native Americans, the lack of indigenous casting and the challenges of accurately representing indigenous people in American society — all of which FastHorse experienced herself as a Native American playwright.

And you’re honestly just going to laugh from the moment the four performers step on stage. Throughout the show, we bounce back and forth between the scene in the classroom to small musical numbers relating to Thanksgiving. 

You’ll laugh at the humor, but also with how uncomfortable these conversations can be. So, even though it’s not Thanksgiving time at all, get in the spirit of cultural appropriation and white storytelling, and head over to SCCC to see this unique, hysterical and impressive show. You’re going to gobble it up.

The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present The Thanksgiving Play in Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden on March 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and March 17 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. SCCC students with current ID are offered one free ticket. To order, please call the box office at 631-451-4163.

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Tom Cassidy with his late father, Hugh 'Joe' Cassidy. Photo by Jonathan Spier

By Thomas M. Cassidy

Thomas M. Cassidy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will cost many people their jobs. But some occupations desperately needed by a rapidly aging population cannot be replaced by computers or machines. For example, nurse assistants in hospitals and nursing homes.

Research conducted by Goldman Sachs estimates that 25% of current work tasks could be automated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Unlike prior technological advances that replaced workers in labor intensive occupations, this time “it’s the higher-paying jobs where a college education and analytical skills can be a plus that have a high level of exposure to AI,” according to The Pew Research Center.

During my twenty-year career as an investigator for the New York State Attorney General’s Office, I conducted many investigations of potential patient abuse in nursing homes and other health facilities. I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of nursing assistants. Most were dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate, but a few were not. Nursing aides dress, bathe, toilet and ambulate patients among many other services. Sometimes they also interact with families, which can be a difficult task. Let me explain:

I was assigned to investigate a possible case of patient abuse at a nursing home. An elderly woman with a doctor’s order for a two-person transfer was helped from her bed for a bathroom trip by only one nurse aide. The elderly woman fell and fractured her hip. The nursing assistant was immediately suspended pending an investigation. My assignment was to investigate this incident as a possible crime. Here’s what happened:

The nursing home patient had a visit from her daughter. Mom told her daughter to help her get out of bed and walk her to the bathroom. The daughter obeyed and helped mom get out of bed. The daughter tried to hold her up, but mom was weak and started to slip. The daughter screamed for help. A nursing assistant rushed to help the falling patient, but it was too late. Mom fell and fractured her hip. There was no crime. The nursing assistant returned to work the next day.

Fast forward twenty years. My father, a World War II combat veteran and a decorated NYPD Detective Commander, fractured his hip at age 80. I visited him at the Long Island State Veterans Nursing Home in Stony Brook. He was alone in his room. He says, “Tom, help me get to the bathroom.” I say, “Dad, let me get an aide to help you.” He says, “YOUR MY SON, just do this for me. I don’t want anyone else to help.” I told him about the elderly woman who fractured her hip when her daughter tried to help her. He said, okay, go get someone to help. If not for my experience as an investigator, I might have tried to help my father. I was taught “To Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.” But instead, two aides moved my dad safely to the bathroom and back into his bed. Nine months later he walked out of the nursing home to live at home with my mother. 

Not every resident of a nursing home is elderly, but most are. In the United States today, one in every six Americans is age 65 or older. That number will increase dramatically in the next six years to 20% of the population or 70 million older Americans. Incredibly, nursing homes are closing, instead of opening. 

The American Health Care Association reports that since 2020 almost 600 nursing homes have closed, and more than half of nursing homes limit new admissions due to staffing shortages. As a result, there is a shortfall of hospital beds nationwide because displaced nursing home patients remain in hospital beds until they can be safely transferred home or to a care facility.

The Massachusetts Hospital Association reports that one out of every seven medical-surgical beds are unavailable due to patients remaining in the hospital when they no longer need hospital care. Keep in mind that hospitals are required by federal law to provide emergency care, stabilize patients, and discharge patients to a safe environment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nursing assistants have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses because they frequently move patients and perform other physically demanding tasks. For these, and many other tasks, nurse assistants are paid a median wage of less than $18 per hour; not even close to a salary that is in line with the responsibilities of their job. Small wonder that a survey by the American Health Care Association found that one of the biggest obstacles for hiring new staff in nursing homes is a lack of interested candidates.

Reversing the hemorrhage of nursing home closures requires leaders with Natural Intelligence (NI). It benefits all generations of Americans when hospitals fulfill their mission for acute care and not operate as quasi-nursing homes. After all, languishing in a crowded emergency room “Can Be Hazardous To Your Health!”

Thomas M. Cassidy is the creator of the TV series, Manhattan South, which is in development. (ktpgproductions.com)

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Jitterbug
Jitterbug
Jitterbug

MEET JITTERBUG

This week’s shelter pet is Jitterbug, a Female American Staffordshire Terrier Mix up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Estimated to be between two and three years-old, this little nugget of happiness was initially adopted from Florida. However, she was sadly surrendered to the Animal Shelter due to a penchant for escape. The dedicated team at the Animal Shelter and her trainers confirm that this young lady is the most outgoing, friendly pup who enjoys meeting new friends. To say that Jitterbug is a social butterfly would be an understatement.

This sweet girl has so much love to give, is full of energy and can be adopted to a home with older children, other dogs (preferably her size) and possibly cats. She is an absolute crowd-pleasing delight, who would make a wonderful addition to a household looking for a fun-loving companion.

If you are interested in meeting Jitterbug, please fill out an application  and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

Foster Opportunity:

If you have no other pets or young children at home, and are looking for a way to serve your community, please consider signing up to be a foster. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for extended periods of time.

Download the Foster Application at:

https://www.smithtownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4325/Foster-Application

 

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Injuries from falls can result in a loss of independence. METRO photo

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Taking a tumble can result in broken bones and torn ligaments. These can be serious for older patients, where the consequences can be devastating. They can include brain injuries, hip fractures, a decrease in functional ability and a decline in physical and social activities (1). Ultimately, a fall can lead to loss of independence (2).

What can increase your fall risk?

Of course, there are environmental factors, like slippery or uneven surfaces. Other contributing factors to personal fall risk include age and medication use. Some medications, like antihypertensive medications, which are used to treat high blood pressure, and psychotropic medications, which are used to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia, are of particular concern. Chronic diseases can also contribute.

Circumstances that predispose us to falls also involve weakness in upper and lower body strength, decreased vision, hearing disorders and psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression (3).

What are some simple ways to reduce your fall risk?

It is most important to exercise. This means exercises that involve balance, strength, movement, flexibility and endurance, all of which play significant roles in fall prevention (4). The good news is that many of these can be done inside with no equipment or with items found around the home. We will look more closely at the research.

Nonslip shoes are a big help and, during the winter months, footwear that prevents sliding on ice, such as slip-on ice cleats that fit over your shoes.

In the home, inexpensive changes, like securing area rugs, removing tripping hazards, installing grab-bars to your bathroom showers and tubs, and adding motion-activated nightlights can also make a difference.

And, of course, pay attention when you’re walking. Resist the urge to text or read from your mobile device while you’re moving around. A recently published study of young, healthy adults found that texting while walking affected their gait stability and postural balance when they were exposed to a slip hazard (5).

How does medication put you at risk?

There are several medications that heighten fall risk. Psychotropic drugs top the list, but what other drugs might have an impact? A well-designed study showed an increase in fall risk in those who were taking high blood pressure medication (6). Those on moderate doses of blood pressure medication had the greatest risk of serious injuries from falls, a 40 percent increase.

These medications can reduce significantly the risks of cardiovascular disease and events, so physicians need to consider the risk-benefit ratio in older patients before stopping a medication. We also should consider whether lifestyle modifications, which play a significant role in treating this disease, can reverse your need for medication (7).

How much does exercise reduce fall risk?

A meta-analysis showed that exercise significantly reduced the risk of a fall (8). It led to a 37 percent reduction in falls that resulted in injury and a 30 percent reduction in falls that required medical attention. Even more impressive was a 61 percent reduction in fracture risk.

Remember, the lower the fracture risk, the more likely you are to remain physically independent. The author summarized that exercise not only helps to prevent falls but also fall injuries. Unfortunately, those who have fallen before, even without injury, often develop a fear that leads them to limit their activities. This leads to a dangerous cycle of reduced balance and increased gait disorders, ultimately resulting in an increased fall risk (9).

What types of exercise are best?

Any consistent exercise program that improves balance, flexibility, and muscle tone and includes core strengthening can help improve your balance. Among those that have been studied, tai chi, yoga and aquatic exercise have all been shown to have benefits in preventing falls and injuries from falls.

A randomized controlled trial showed that those who did an aquatic exercise program had a significant improvement in the risk of falls (10). The goal of the aquatic exercise was to improve balance, strength and mobility. Results showed a reduction in the overall number of falls and a 44 percent decline in the number of exercising patients who fell during the six-month trial, with no change in the control group.

If you don’t have a pool available, tai chi, which requires no equipment, was also shown to reduce both fall risk and fear of falling in older adults (11).

Another pilot study used modified chair yoga classes with a small assisted-living population (12). Participants were those over 65 who had experienced a recent fall and had a resulting fear of falling. While the intention was to assess exercise safety, researchers found that participants had less reliance on assistive devices and three of the 16 participants were able to eliminate their use of mobility assistance devices.

Our best line of defense against fall risk is prevention with exercise and reducing slipping opportunities. In addition, if you are 65 and older, or if you have arthritis and are at least 45 years old, it may mean reviewing your medication list with your doctor. Before you consider changing your blood pressure medications, review your risk-to-benefit ratio with your physician.

References:

(1) MMWR. 2014; 63(17):379-383. (2) J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1998;53(2):M112. (3) JAMA. 1995;273(17):1348. (4) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;9:CD007146. (5) Heliyon. 2023 Aug; 9(8): e18366. (6) JAMA Intern Med. 2014 Apr;174(4):588-595. (7) JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(4):577-587. (8) BMJ. 2013;347:f6234. (9) Age Ageing. 1997 May;26(3):189-193. (10) Menopause. 2013;20(10):1012-1019. (11) Mater Sociomed. 2018 Mar; 30(1): 38–42. (12) Int J Yoga. 2012 Jul-Dec; 5(2): 146–150.

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.

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Photo courtesy of WMHO
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Photo courtesy of WMHO
Photo courtesy of WMHO
Photo courtesy of WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) recently unveiled a new self-guided audio experience at T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park in Stony Brook Village. Titled “Beyond the Plaque,” this new audio experience gives participants the opportunity to learn about the people named on 16 plaques at the picturesque park. As they wander through the tranquil pathways, they’ll discover more than just names and dates — they’ll delve into the compelling stories and extraordinary journeys of the individuals commemorated on the plaques.

Many of the plaques are dedicated to members past and present of the Stony Brook community, each leaving a lasting impact on those they touched in their lives. Among the notable individuals you can learn about is T. Bayles Minuse, the very namesake of the park.

“Our idea of creating an audio experience dedicated to the people beyond the plaques originated two years ago during the unveiling of the newly rehabilitated T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park,” said Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman. “We are thrilled to unveil this to the public, just in time for spring.”

The Beyond the Plaque Audio Experience is offered completely FREE of charge, and accessible to all, anytime, and anywhere. To embark on this captivating tour, individuals can simply scan the QR codes located on informational signs within the park or visit audio.stonybrookvillage.com.

To learn more about events and activities in Stony Brook Village Center, please visit stonybrookvillage.com.

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Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

By Heidi Sutton

This recipe for corned beef and cabbage is a great pick for St. Patrick’s Day. Use your slow cooker to simmer this traditional one-pot Irish meal and you and your family will be sitting down to a delicious meal 8 hours later. Serve with a savory Irish cheese soda bread and leave room for mint chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

INGREDIENTS:

8 small red potatoes

2 cups baby carrots

1 small onion, quartered

1 corned beef brisket (4 pounds), rinsed and trimmed

2 tablespoons mixed pickling spice

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS: 

Place potatoes, carrots and onion in slow cooker. Place corned beef brisket over vegetables. Sprinkle with pickling spice and minced garlic. Add enough water (about 8 cups) to just cover meat. Cover. Cook 7 hours on high. Add cabbage. Cover. Cook 1 to 2 hours on high or until cabbage is tender-crisp. Remove corned beef brisket to serving platter. Slice thinly across grain. Serve with vegetables and Irish soda bread.

Savory Irish Cheese Soda Bread

Savory Irish Cheese Soda Bread

YIELD: Makes 1 loaf

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons caraway seed

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/2 cup shredded Irish Cheddar cheese

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and seasonings in large bowl. Stir in cheese. Set aside. Mix eggs and buttermilk in medium bowl. Add to dry ingredients; stir until well blended. Spread in lightly grease 9-inch round cake pan. Bake 30–40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

YIELD: Makes 36 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 eggs

1–1 1/2 teaspoons green food color

1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and peppermint extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by heaping tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. 

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Catch a screening of 'The Secret of Kells' at the Cinema Arts Centre on March 17.
PROGRAMS

Hatchery Egg Hunts

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold egg hunts on March 16, 17, 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Children up to 6 years of age can hunt for eggs during 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. $12 per child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Registration is required at www.cshfishhatchery.org.

Leprechaun Trap Engineering

The Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson invites children in grades 2 to 6 to engineer the ultimate leprechaun trap on either March 16 and March 17 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Explore leprechaun lore and devise clever strategies to outsmart these elusive creatures. Each child’s trap will be as unique as their imagination! Admission is $8 adults, $6 children. 631-331-3277

Luck of the Pirates 

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Luck of the Pirates program on March 16 at 2:30 p.m.​ Sail the Seven Seas and discover swashbuckling stories of Irish Pirates of yore! Find out pirate fact from fiction as you create your own eye patch and pirate hat. Decorate a glittering treasure chest to take home. No registration needed. Admission fee plus $10 per participant. 

Storytime Under Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on March 17 at 6 p.m. Your favorite bedtime storybooks come to life in the planetarium theater! Children ages 2 and older are invited to wear their most comfy pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Tickets are $8 for guests, $6 for members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

THEATER

Disney’s ‘Descendants’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s Descendants The Musical  from March 16 to 30. Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good? Tickets are $18 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. Enjoy a grand-new take on this classic tale featuring an original score, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Alice in Wonderland’

Up next for the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to April 28. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? ill she ever figure out how to get home? All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

FILM

‘Hop’ Aboard the Bunny Express

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a screening of Hop in the Chamber Train Car, southeast corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on March 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. $20 per person includes movie, water, popcorn, and cookie with a visit from the Easter Bunny at the end. To reserve your seat, visit www.pjstchamber.com or call 631-821-1313.

‘The Secret of Kells’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Secret of Kells on March 17 at noon. A young boy in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids is beckoned to adventure when a celebrated master illuminator arrives with an ancient book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

 

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TICK, TICK, TICKING AWAY Last chance to see tick, tick ... BOOM! at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson. The show starring Jason Furnari, Robbie Torres and Veronica Fox closes on March 16. Photo by Steven Uihlein, Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Thursday March 14

Long Island School Fair

Cold Spring Harbor Public Library, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor will host a Long Island School Fair from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Get ready to explore the best schools in the area. Come and meet representatives from various schools and learn about their programs, extracurricular activities, and more. Prior registration is appreciated but not required. 516-364-5414

Friday March 15

Third Friday at the Reboli

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Third Friday series with a closing reception for its Bricks and Steel exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Free. No reservations required. 631-751-7707

Symphony Orchestra Concert

The Northport Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Eric Mahl, will present a special family concert of classical music at Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road Northport at 7 p.m. The concert will feature excerpts from musical works by a variety of composers including Mussorgsky, Rossini, Grieg, Saint-Saens, and others. Admission is free; bring your children and show them what a wonderful world awaits them as they learn about these classical masterpieces! www.northportsymphony.org.

Game Night in St. James

Celebrate St. James hosts an adult Game Night at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy board games, card games and light refreshments. $10 donation. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

NHS Pub Nite

Start your St. Patrick’s weekend with the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport’s annual Pub Nite at 7 p.m. Enjoy live Irish music by The O’McSki’s Regulars with dinner provided by The Shipwreck Diner. Plus, Curator Terry Reid challenges you throughout the evening with Northport trivia for a chance to win prizes! Ages 21+ only. Tickets are $70 per person, $60 members at www.northporthistorical.org. 631-757-9859

WinterTide Concert

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 performance by Huntington-based husband/wife duo Princess Peapod in the Sail Loft Room (3rd floor) from 7 to 8 p.m. Harmonious vocals will delight during this special evening. Tickets are $5 at the door. 631-802-2160

Saturday March 16

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Winter Water Walk for adults from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Observe winter waterfowl, explore the beach, and also learn about ponds on this 4 mile walk to and from the water. Bring binoculars! $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 631-423- 1770.

HHM Polar Plunge

Hope House Ministries presents the first Hope House Alumni Polar Plunge & Breakfast at Harborfront Park and the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All plungers must check in between 10 and 11 a.m. at the  Village Center; plunge is at 11:15 a.m. at the beach by the PJ Big Chair. Come out for the event and learn more about the Hope House Endurance Team and their work to support those in recovery. Register at www.hhm.org/polar-plunge-2024

SWR Garden Club presentation

Wading River Congregational Church, 2057 North Country Road, Wading River hosts a presentation by the Shoreham-Wading River Garden Club at 10:30 a.m. Master Gardener Nancy Gilbert from Wind’s Way Farm in Jamesport will give a talk on “Gardening for Birds. What to Plant and Which Birds Like It.” Admission is free and all are welcome.  Donations for food pantries will be appreciated. 631-987-3733

Spring Festival and Egg Hunt

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts its annual Spring Festival and Egg Hunt from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy games, an egg hunt, animal presentations, crafts, face painting, and more. A special long-earned guest will be available for photo opportunities and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a basket. Rain date is March 17. $25 per child, $5 adults. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Irish Comedy Night

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents an Irish Comedy Night at 8 p.m. in partnership with Governor’s Comedy Clubs. Comedic line-up includes Mick Thomas, Sean Finnerty, Debbie D’Amore and Dennis Rooney. Tickets are $40 per person at www.smithtownpac.org.

Sunday March 17

Shamrock Bird Walk

Bundle up and join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for some late winter birding from 1:30 to 3 p.m. On this brisk stroll along the beach, marsh, and creek, we will discover the birds that make Sunken Meadow their home for the winter. $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Northport Walking Tour

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport presents a Historic Main Street Walking Tour at 1:30 p.m. Join local historian Dan Sheehan as he weaves the tale of Northport’s Historic Business District during this lively walking tour of Main Street. Travel back in time as you hear the stories of the people and landmarks that helped shape Northport, including Jack Kerouac, the Northport Oyster Barons, Rum Runners and the Trolley. All ages welcome. Cost is $7 per person at www.northporthistorical.org. 631-757-9859

Reboli lecture and book signing

Join the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook for a lecture titled The History of Mary L. Booth with Tricia Foley from 3 to 5 p.m. A book signing will follow. Light refreshments will be served. Free. No reservations required. 631-751-7707

Ridotto Concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Ridotto concert, concerts with a touch of theater, at 4 p.m. Violinist Jennifer Choi, cellist Yves Dhar, and pianist Sayaka Tanikawa perform works by JS Bach, Brahms Piano Trio no.2, Schnittke and more. Margaretha Maimone is narrator. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors, $25 members, $12 students. For reservations, call 631-385-0373, or email [email protected]

Monday March 18

SHS lecture

The Spring Lecture Series continues at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown with Long Island Role in the American Revolution at 7 p.m. Join local historian Nole Gish as he discusses Long Island’s significant role in the journey for American Independence almost 350 years ago. Free but donations suggested. Lighy refreshments will be served. 631-265-6768

Preparing for the Solar Eclipse

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station presents The Solar Eclipse” What You Need to Know from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn all about solar and lunar eclipses with Helene Link Robinson in advance of the upcoming solar eclipse in New York on April 8. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. Should “Founding Fathers” be called “Founding Figures”? Is there room in the story of America’s founding for an enslaved woman of color? Join historian and author Claire Bellerjeau as she introduces Elizabeth, or Liss. Enslaved on Long Island, Liss showed great agency when she risked everything to escape with a British commander during the Revolutionary War. Free, donations appreciated. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730

Tuesday March 19

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a concert by  Johnny Whimple, an NSJC favorite guitarist and singer, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Easter Wreath Craft

Seniors ages 60 and older are invited to make a free Easter craft at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai at noon. Participants will be making an Easter-inspired wreath for the refrigerator. Supplies will be provided. Sponsored by Bellhaven Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Care. To register, call 631-451-5312.

Swing Into Spring Festival

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright present the 7th annual Swing Into Spring Music Festival tonight through March 23, bringing with it an assortment of opportunities to hear live jazz music throughout Setauket and Stony Brook at six locations including The Jazz Loft, Sweet Mama’s, Schnitzels, The Country House, Madiran Wine Bar, Bliss Restaurant and the Three Village Inn.  For a full schedule of events, visit www.thejazzloft.org or click here. 631-751-1895

Travel Presentation Club Meeting

The Travel Presentation Club will meet at the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. John Colatosti will make a presentation entitled “Travel around the world in 80 days.” All are welcome.Please contact [email protected] for further information.

Wednesday March 20

Swing Into Spring Festival

See March 19 listing.

Provost Spotlight Talk

Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will present a Provost Spotlight Talk at the Charles B. Wang Center Theatre at 11:30 a.m. Barry Barish, 2017 Nobel Laureate, will give a presentation titled Gravitational Waves: Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Universe with a reception to follow. Free and open to the public. 

Needle Felting Workshop

Huntington Historical Society presents a Needle Felting Rabbit workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Learn the creative art of wool felting! Your instructor, Michele Miroff, will provide all materials and guide you through creating an adorable wool-felted rabbit. Fee is $40, $35 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

The Scooches in Concert

The Scooches will bring an eclectic mix of Roaring ‘20s, global folk, blues, gospel, New Orleans jazz, Americana, and more to the Cinema Arts Centre’s Sky Room, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington from 7 to 10 p.m., as part of the monthly Hard Luck Café concert series co-presented with the Folk Music Society of Huntington. An open mic, for which sign-up is at 6:30 p.m, precedes the concert. Tickets are $25, $20 for Cinema Arts Centre/FMSH members). To purchase in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Thursday March 21

Swing Into Spring Festival

See March 19 listing.

Thankful Thursday at the Vanderbilt

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Thankful Thursdays series tonight with a free family-friendly planetarium show titled STARS: The Powerhouses of the Universe narrated by Mark Hamill at 7 p.m. After the show, the observatory will be opened to the public and an astronomy educator will invite you to look through a telescope at the night sky (weather permitting). Recommended for ages 6+. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

How to Survive Rising Food Prices

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for an informative lecture on How to Survive Rising Food Prices from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Discover ways to save money in the supermarket along with how to prepare meals that are budget-friendly with Janice Imbrogno. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.

Theater 

‘Tick ,Tick … Boom!’ 

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson presents tick, tick…Boom! from Feb. 17 to March 16. This semi-autobiographical pop/rock musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer-Prize and Tony Award winning creator of RENT, inspired Lin Manuel Miranda’s 2021 Netflix movie adaptation and explores the sacrifices one man makes and the passion it takes to pursue a dream. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘The Thanksgiving Play’

The Theaters at Suffolk County Community College present The Thanksgiving Play at the Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden, Islip Arts Building, Theatre 119 from March 7 to 17. Four (very) well-intentioned theatre people walk into an elementary school. The work at hand: a Thanksgiving pageant that won’t ruffle any feathers. What could possibly go wrong? Admission is $15, veterans and students $10. For tickets, call 631-451-4163.

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 25th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from  Feb. 24 to March 23 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 2,000 submissions world-wide, these eight cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Sean Amato, Ginger Dalton, Jae Hughes, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Andrew Markowitz, Linda May, Rob Schindlar, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Julia Albino, Courtney Gilmore, Gina Lardi, and Cassidy Rose O’Brien. Please Note: Adult content and language. All seats are $25. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Jersey Boys’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Jersey Boys, the story of Franki Valli & The Four Seasons, from March 14 to May 26. They were just 4 guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note–a sound the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage was a different story–a story that has made them a sensation all over again. Winner of the 2006 Tony© Award for “Best Musical,” Jersey Boys features the top ten hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Crucible’

Star Playhouse at the Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents Arthur Miller’s The Crucible on March 16 at 8 p.m. and March 17 at 2 p.m. This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. Tickets are $32 $25 member/senior/student. To order, visit www.starplayhouse.com.

Vendors Wanted

— Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown seeks vendors for its Easter Festival on March 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is March 31) $75 for a 10’ by 10’ spot up to March 22, $100 after March 22. Call 631-265-6768 or email [email protected] for an application or more info.

— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket is now accepting vendors for its popular Easter Egg Hunts on March 29, March 30 and March 31. $50 for one day, $90 two days, $125 three days for a 10’ X 10’ spot. To apply, call 631-689-8172 or email [email protected].

— Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce has a few more vendor spaces left for its 15th annual Health and Wellness Fair at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations of $300 non-chamber members, $250 chamber members, $100 non-local not-for-profit includes a 6’ table, white table cloth and two chairs. Call 631-473-1414 for more information.

— Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead seeks vendors for its annual Fleece & Fiber Festival on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain date is May 19). $155 early bird rate for 10 X 10’ outdoor space, $175 after March 1. Artisans sharing handmade and authentic works for sale may apply at www.hallockville.org by April 1. 631-298-5292.

— Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its annual Community Wide Yard Sale on May 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Each 10 x 10 space is up for grabs at $50, $35 members. Reserve your spot now at www.tvhs.org/yardsale. 631-751-3730

— The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor seeks vendors for its annual Sea Glass Festival on July 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors offering handmade or one-of-a-kind items honoring historic glass are welcome to apply. Get all the details and access the vendor application at cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglass.

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 28. 631-802-2160

Lake Grove Farmers Market

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a Winter Farmers Market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot (adjacent to Bahama Breeze) on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 516-444-1280

Class Reunions

•Centereach High School Class of 1974 will hold its 50th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on April 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, email Jean Ann Renzulli at [email protected].

•Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

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Dean Laura Lindenfeld, Stony Brook University. Photo by Conor Harrigan/SBU

Stony Brook University’s Laura Lindenfeld, Dean of the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) and Executive Director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, was recently named as the finalist for the Scripps Howard Fund Administrator of the Year award.

The Scripps Howard Awards, an annual contest hosted by the Scripps Howard Fund and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, is one of the nation’s most prestigious American journalism competitions. Nominees are judged by a panel of experienced communications professionals and journalists. The winner and finalist of the Administrator of the Year award, which honors leaders in higher education who work to train and inspire up-and-coming journalists and communications professionals, will be recognized at the Awards. Lindenfeld was nominated for the award by a group of faculty members from the SoCJ.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Laura. Our School of Communication and Journalism is thriving at Stony Brook under her leadership. I am so pleased to see her recognized with this prestigious award,” said Carl Lejuez, provost and executive vice president.

Since joining Stony Brook University in 2016 as Executive Director of the Alda Center and a professor in the School of Communication and Journalism, Lindenfeld has helped contribute to the school’s success by winning re-accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications for the undergraduate journalism program, increasing student enrollment in the SoCJ by more than one third, doubling the size of tenure-track faculty at the school, and bringing in more than $15 million in funding opportunities. She was also nominated for her contributions in streamlining the Alda Center with the SoCJ as a collaborative unit, helping attract top talent.

“For the past five years, it has been my joy and my honor to lead the SoCJ and the Alda Center,” said Laura Lindenfeld. “These two organizations have a critical role to play in bridging science and society through effective, engaging communication, and in helping to create a fairer, more just, more rational world. I am truly honored by this recognition, and proud to be working alongside the incredible people at the SoCJ and Alda Center, and across the Stony Brook community.”

Dean Lindenfeld has also served as Vice Provost for Academic and Strategic Planning at Stony Brook and Director of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, University of Maine and professor of communication and journalism there. She worked as a copywriter for DDB Needham Worldwide and screenplay writer for RTL Plus in Dusseldorf, Germany. She holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from the University of California Davis and an MA from the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn in Germany.

The Scripps Howard Awards will air on Scripps News in October 2024.

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