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The 2019 cast of 'Frosty'. Photo from the Engeman
PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will host a First Steps into Nature program titled Furry Friends: Bunnies Opossums, Squirrels and Hedgehogs on Nov. 24.  Little ones will learn about nature through hands on activities, music, crafts, stories and gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. Class for ages 2 to 3 years old is at 9:30 a.m., class for ages 3 and 4 years old is at 1:30 p.m. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344 

Crafternoon at the Library

Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on Nov. 25. Children ages 3 to 12 (supervision may be needed) are invited to stop by anytime between 2 to 4 p.m. to create a work of art out of recycled materials. No need to register.  631-941-4080

Treeific Trees

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for Treeific Trees, a fun outdoor tree adventure for the whole family, on Nov. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn about local trees and the animals who live in them while doing a craft, going on a short walk, and participating in a fun treetivity. $15 per child, $5 adults. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Nov. 27 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

Farmhouse Holiday Ornaments

Registration underway! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket will hold a kids workshop, Farmhouse Style Holiday Ornaments, for ages 4 to 10 on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. Come spend time on a real working farm making crafts for your holidays. Each child will create and take home several different of their own ornaments, make a snow globe, and take a farm tour at the workshop. $55 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

FILM

‘The Polar Express’

Put on your PJ’s and join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Polar Express Experience at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station for the holidays. Screenings of The Polar Express will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22; and at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 23. $20 per person includes a bag of popcorn, bottle of water, hot chocolate, cookie, bell, and a visit with Santa! To register, visit www.PJSTChamber.com.

‘My Neighbor Totoro’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of the animated classic My Neighbor Totoro on Nov. 26 at noon. When Satsuki and her sister Mei move with their father to a new home in the countryside, they find country life is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Rated G. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the holiday season with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 18 to Dec. 30. As Barnaby the elf and his reindeer friend Franklynne set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All tickets are $12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frozen Jr.’

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main Street, Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Dec. 2 to Jan. 21, 2024. The magical land of Arendelle comes to life onstage. When faced with danger, princesses Elsa and Anna discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Frosty’

Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

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A BELOVED TRADITION The Firefly Artists will host the annual Leg Lamp Lighting ceremony in the Village of Northport on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of The Firefly Artists
Ongoing

Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton runs through Dec. 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be purchased online at www.holidaylightshow.com.

Thursday Nov. 23
Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Foot Races

Miller Avenue School, 3 Miller Ave., Shoreham will host the annual Shoreham-Wading River Thanksgiving Foot Races at 8 a.m. with a 5k, 5-mile and 1-mile runs for various ages. Proceeds benefit scholarships. Fee is $15 in advance, $20 race day. Call 631-821-8116 or visit www.swrschools.org. 

Turkey Trot

The 16th annual Nissequogue River State Park Foundation’s 5k Turkey Trot at Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park will kick off with a Fun Run for Kids at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Turkey Trot at 9 a.m. Enjoy free hot chocolate, coffee and food and activities for the kids. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Entry fee is $24 in advance, $30 day of race, $10 Fun Run. To register, visit www.ourstatepark.com.

Thanksgiving Day Run

American Legion Hall, 1 Mill Dam Rd., Halesite will host the Townwide Fund of Huntington’s 4-mile Thanksgiving Day Run with a Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. and 4k Run at 9 a.m.  Fees are $30 in advance, $45 day of race, $15 fun run. Call 631-629-4950 visit www.townwidefund.org.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

No plans for Thanksgiving? Central Presbyterian Church, 240 Main St.,  Huntington invites the community to join them for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner at 1 p.m. Reservations are requested by calling 631-421-3663.

Friday Nov. 24

Country Parlor Holiday Show 

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead for a Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art & Gift Show today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Nov. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The historic Naugles Barn is transformed into a winter wonderland with handmade items by local artisans and craftspeople including rustic Santas and tree ornaments, holiday home decor and gifts, baskets, jewelry, handmade pottery pieces, plus stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. Free admission. 631-298-5292, www.hallockville.org

Christmas Extravaganza

The Fire Police of the Centereach Fire Department, 9 South Washington Ave., Centereach will hold their annual Christmas Extravaganza today, Nov. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy an indoor Christmas craft fair and Chinese auction, vendors, raffles, food and much more. Free admission. 631-588-9220

Black Friday Festival

Time to shop! Black Friday returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook. Shop Black Friday store sales all day long throughout the village, with holiday favorites by the Celestial Holiday Carolers and a petting zoo by Rocking Horse Farm in the inner court from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Make a stop at The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame to view their new exhibit: Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.limusichalloffame.org. 631-751-2244.

Holiday Illuminations

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holidays tonight with Holiday Illuminations from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Get ready to step into a winter wonderland like no other. As the sun sets, the historic grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society will come alive with a dazzling display of lights, transforming the property into a magical world of holiday enchantment. Every half hour, the historical buildings will be brought to life with stunning visuals and animations, telling enchanting holiday tales. Food trucks, vendors, live music and a visit from Santa will add to the festive atmosphere. The event will continue every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768

Northport Tree Lighting

Join the Northport Fire Department and Chamber of Commerce for the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree and caroling at Northport Village Park at 7 p.m. 

Friday Night Face Off

Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. 631-928-9100

Saturday Nov. 25

Country Parlor Holiday Show

See Nov. 24 listing.

Christmas Extravaganza

See Nov. 24 listing.

Dickens in the Carriage Museum

In celebration of the 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson Village, stop by the Long Island Museum’s Carriage Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook to meet roaming costumed street characters from the Dickensian era as they magically transform the galleries into a London of a bygone century from noon to 5 p.m. Free with museum admission. In collaboration with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council. www.longislandmuseum.org.

Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Join Huntington Village for its annual Holiday Spectacular tonight with an electric light holiday parade with Santa at 5:30 p.m. followed by a tree lighting at 7 p.m. and there will also be a holiday market on Sunday, November 26.

Vanderbilt Museum Tree Lighting

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for their annual tree lighting on at 6:30 p.m. This year the tree will be placed near the main entrance on the lawn in front of the ancient columns that overlook Northport Bay. Complimentary sweet treats, hot cocoa and mulled cider will be served and there will be a special visit from Santa and other surprises! Admission to the tree lighting is free. Capacity is limited to 400. Registration is required by visiting www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or click here.

Leg Lamp Lighting

Calling all Christmas Story fans! The annual Northport Leg Lamp Lighting returns to The Firefly Artists, 90 Main Street in Northport Village at 6:30 p.m. with an open house reception and community-wide raffle of gifts from local merchants to follow inside Firefly. 631-651-5545

Sunday Nov. 26

Country Parlor Holiday Show

See Nov. 24 listing.

Christmas Extravaganza

See Nov. 24 listing.

Winter Wonderland

South Huntington School District presents a Winter Wonderland at Stimson Middle School 401 Oakwood Road, Huntington from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy ice skating, storytime, crafts, a petting zoo, free family portraits, music, food trucks, bounce rides and the Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting. Free admission. 

Santa Parade 

Santa Claus will be the star in this annual parade along Main Street in Port Jefferson to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 East Broadway from 3 to 4 p.m. with vintage cars, civic groups, floats. Families can visit with Santa at the Village Center from 4 to 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. 631-473-1414

Monday Nov. 27

Celebration of Hope

Hope House Ministries celebrates 43 years in the community with a Celebration of Hope holiday event at Villa Lombardis, 877 Main St., Holbrook from 7 to 11 p.m. Enjoy live music, cocktails, a buffet dinner and a dessert table. Tickets are $100 per person. To order, call 631-473-8796. 

Tuesday Nov. 28

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a presentation on various areas of consumer fraud with Peter Hanson, former manager of Verizon, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Wednesday Nov. 29

Islandwide Weather

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a presentation on the weather from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join Islandwide Weather founders, Glen and Don, for a fascinating look at how forecasts are made and what we will be in store for weather-wise in the coming season. Registration is required as seating is limited. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to reserve your seat.

Smithtown Tree Lighting

Smithtown Town Hall, 99 West Main St., Smithtown will hold a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. with live music, performances from local school districts and dance companies, delicious treats, and a special guest from the North Pole, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department.  631-360-7512

Thursday Nov. 30

Native American Drumming 

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Road, Stony Brook will host an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Please call 631-655-7798 for more information

Whalers GrogFest

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor presents a Whalers GrogFest from 7 to 9 p.m. ​Join the museum after hours to support Cold Spring Harbor’s historic gem as it transforms into a tavern for the evening with live sea shanties to get you in the spirit (pun definitely intended). Savor rum punch while you explore the maritime origins behind the drink, and learn about the local history of bootlegging. Sample small bites from downtown Cold Spring Harbor restaurants. Advance tickets are $40, members $20 at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org,  $50, members $30 at the door. 631-367-3418

An Evening of Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by the Interplay Jazz Orchestra from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring a 17 piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy on trombone and Gary Henderson on trumpet. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

Theater

‘The Best From the Best’

Smithtown High School West, Stage Tech Club and Musical Theatre Program, 100 Central Road, Smithtown will host a fundraiser, The Best From The Best: A Musical Journey Through The Years, on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $10 each and will be sold at the door. 631-382-2900

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Join them for the  38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. All seats are $25 in November. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children in December. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Beauty and the Beast’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast form Nov. 16 to Dec. 31. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is run-ning out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B3.

‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! Tickets are $32 adults, $30 seniors, $28 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Join the Minstrel Players at Houghton Hall,  Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport for their annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults $15 seniors and students. To order, email [email protected].

Dance

‘The Song of Their Love’

Harbor Ballet Theatre and the dancers of the Amy Tyler School of Dance present The Song of Their Love on December 1 at 7 p.m. at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station. Tickets may be purchased at Eventbrite.com or email [email protected] for more information.

Nutcracker Ballet  

Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. 631-632-ARTS, www.nutcrackerballet.com

Film

Spielberg: The Early Years

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will celebrate master filmmaker’s early career with big-screen viewings of some of his most important movies including Jaws on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.,  Raiders of the Lost Ark on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m., Close Encounters of the Third Kind on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m., Duel on Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org

Vendors Wanted 

■ Smithtown Senior Citizens Department is seeking senior residents to craft items for the annual Tender Years Treasury event at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All items must be priced at $5 or less. Senior crafters can reserve a table at no cost to them by calling 631-360-7616.

■ Belle Terre Community Association seeks craft, artisan and food vendors for its Christmas Markets in Belle Terre event at the Belle Terre Community Center, 55 Cliff Road, Belle Terre on Dec. 2 and 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in conjunction with the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival. For an application or further info, email [email protected] or call 631-828-4340.

■ Vendors are needed for the Comsewogue Community Connections annual Craft Fair at Comsewogue High School, 565 North Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $35 table charge and donation or item to raffle off are required. To reserve your spot, call 631-974-5668 or email [email protected].

■ Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook is seeking vendors for its annual Holiday Night Market on Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. For a vendor application, visit https://sachem.librarycalendar.com or call 631-588-5024.

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All seven screening rooms now feature new wider and more comfortable rocker-style seats. Photo by Rita J. Egan
PJ Cinemas. Photo by Rita J. Egan
All seven screening rooms now feature new wider and more comfortable rocker-style seats. Photo by Rita J. Egan
All seven screening rooms now feature new wider and more comfortable rocker-style seats. Photo by Rita J. Egan
All seven screening rooms now feature new wider and more comfortable rocker-style seats. Photo by Rita J. Egan
PJ Cinemas. Photo by Rita J. Egan

By Rita J. Egan

PJ Cinemas patrons catching a screening of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Trolls Band Together, Wish, The Holdovers, Napoleon, or The Marvels for the Thanksgiving weekend are in for a pleasant surprise. Just in time for the holiday movie season, the decades-long Port Jefferson Station staple has been made over for the comfort of its customers.

After two months of remodeling and temporarily closing its doors to the public, owner Phil Solomon said he opened the PJ Cinemas doors once again in October. In addition to its seven auditoriums — two downstairs and five upstairs —  being painted and getting new carpeting and aisle lights, the movie theater now has new seats that Solomon described as “delicious.”

Initially, the theater had 1,050 seats that the owner called “wonderful seats back in 1994.” Now, the venue has approximately 650 chairs in total, and while that means less regarding occupancy, the new seats have other benefits.

“By doing that, we have put in fewer but larger and more comfortable seats that rock,” he said. “There’s space in such a way that when somebody at the end of the row wants to get out, the people in the row do not have to stand up. You can just walk right by them. The seats are comfortable and supportive.”

Two months may be a long time for a business to close its doors, but Solomon has dealt with closings before as he was among the business owners who survived the mandatory COVID-19 shutdowns in New York. The period marked another time for change for the theater as the owner had new air filters and up-to-date HVAC ductwork units installed to purify the air before theaters were able to reopen in October 2020. 

Despite fewer locally privately-owned movie theaters in the area and many of those businesses struggling, Solomon said it’s important to continue upgrading PJ Cinemas and making the venue more comfortable.

“We’re hoping to keep the industry alive,” he said.

Solomon, who has owned the theater since 1982, is also optimistic about the future now that the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA actor union strikes are over.

The theater owner said he sees the grandchildren of original customers coming to his theater now, and he owes his success to keeping ticket prices low. The movie theater charges $10 for adults and $7.50 for senior citizens and children. Screenings before 6 p.m. are $7.50 for all customers.

“What we do is we keep it so that movies are still accessible to the ordinary movie going public,” he said. “So, you don’t need a large sum of money for a family or a couple to go to the movies and get some popcorn.”

PJ Cinemas is located in the Port Plaza shopping center at 1068 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station. For more information, please call 631-928-FILM or visit www.mypjcinemas.com.

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Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook swimming and diving took 14 first place results of 16 events to grab a 177-123 dual meet victory over Siena at University Pool on Nov. 18

The Seawolves moved to 2-1 overall this season and 3-1 all-time against Siena. 

Among the victories, Stony Brook capped off the meet with a University Pool record, as Sophomore Michelle Vu, freshman Jaelynn Taylor, senior Mary Kate Conway and freshman Sylvia Walker combined for a time of 1:36.71 in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

 All told, 10 different Seawolves won indivual events, as Walker and Meredith Yuhasz each won two events, while Taylor, Conway, Vu, Sara Baxter, Aili Talcott, and Ashley Chui each won a swimming heat, with Mikayla Lavery and Sara DiStefano adding victories on the diving board.

 — Taylor, Talcott, Vu and Walker kicked off the meet with a 200-yard medley relay victory with a 1:48.00 time.

— Yuhasz won the longest-distance event, the 1000-yard freestyle, with a 10:47.35 mark.

— Walker improved her 200-yard freestyle time, winning this time in 1:54.53.

— Taylor won the 100-yard backstroke in 59.72.

— In a heat that came down to the wire among three swimmers, Talcott took first in the 100-yard breaststroke at 1:07.83, with Vu right behind at 1:08.24.

— Lavery’s 264.20 score across six dives took the nine points from the 1-meter board.

— The 200-yard butterfly went to Conway at 2:10.91.

— Walker won the 100-yard freestyle with a 52.26 time.

—Baxter’s time of 2:10.40 took first in the 200-yard backstroke by 1.2 seconds.

— Yuhasz continued her winning ways in distance events winning the 500-yard freestyle in 5:18.32. Stony Brook took the top two spots in the heat, with sophomore Clara Armstrong finishing at 5:18.58.

— SBU also took the top two spots in the 100-meter butterfly, with Vu winning with a 57.59 mark and Conway taking second.

— Stony Brook swept the top spots on the diving board when Sara Distefano’s 265.90 six-dive total was good for the 3-meter victory.

— Chui’s 2:11.13 time won the 200-yard IM.

— The Seawolves finished the meet with their record-setting time in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

“It was great to see our ladies get up and race today,” said head coach Mark Anderson. “We’ve spent the last two weeks really working hard with the hopes to have some great performances in the pool and on the boards today, and we did just that. The girls competed today as a team which I’m super proud of and capped it off with a pool record! 

Up next, the team will compete in the ECAC Championships Dec. 1 to 3, closing 2023 at the Nassau County Aquatic Complex in East Meadow.

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#3 Janay Brantley shoots for the basket during last Sunday's game. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University women’s basketball team led for nearly 38 minutes of the game and never lost its lead on Nov. 19 at the Island as the squad defeated Holy Cross, 68-55, to move to 4-0 this season.

The Seawolves had three players score in double figures, led by Khari Clark, who had 17 points, six rebounds and three steals. Zaida Gonzalez tacked on a season-high 15 points and Gigi Gonzalez helped out with 11 points and two steals.

Stony Brook pulled down 44 rebounds in Sunday’s game compared to Holy Cross’ 41, led by Sherese Pittman’s nine boards. The Seawolves also cleaned up on the offensive glass, turning 11 offensive rebounds into two second chance points. On the defensive end, the squad forced 14 Holy Cross turnovers and turned those takeaways into 18 points on the offensive end of the floor. Clark’s three steals led the way for Stony Brook.

The team was back in action on Thanksgiving Eve against Delaware State. Game results were not available as of press time.

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Rachel Zegler stars in The Hunger Games prequel. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games (2008) and its sequels, Catching Fire (2009) and Mockingjay (2010), sold over one hundred million copies. The four films (2012 – 2015) made nearly three billion dollars worldwide. They featured John Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland, with the role of Katniss Everdeen elevating Jennifer Lawrence to superstar. Like J.K. Rowlings’ Harry Potter, Collins’ Hunger Games transcended into a cultural phenomenon. 

The Hunger Games takes place in the ruins of Panem, a North American country composed of the central Capitol and thirteen surrounding districts. Each year, the remaining twelve districts (the thirteenth destroyed in the war) hold a lottery called “The Reaping” and send tributes to the Capitol to compete in the Hunger Games, a televised death match. The trilogy begins with the seventy-fourth Hunger Games.

In 2020, Collins published a prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, focusing on eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow, the young man who would become president. The story opens on the cusp of the tenth annual Hunger Games, a time when the districts’ rebellion is still fresh.

The inherent problem with prequels is ending up where the story starts. At best, you gain insight into the characters’ development, but, for the most part, they either reinforce previous knowledge or, at worst, contradict established canon. The Many Saints of Newark proved to be a tacit outing, giving a little to enrich The Sopranos universe. Conversely, the entertaining Cruella seemed in opposition to much known about the titular character. 

Michael Lesslie and Michael Arndt’s screenplay for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes hews faithfully to the novel, offering an interesting portrait of Snow at age eighteen. Born into a prestigious Capitol family, the orphaned Snow lives in borderline poverty with his grandmother and cousin in a lavish home that has seen better days.

Ballad’s action kicks in with the Academy’s graduating class conscripted to mentor the two dozen tributes. To win a coveted scholarship, Snow must somehow guide his charge to win. Out of spite, the Dean of the Academy, Casca Highbottom, assigns Snow a longshot: the female tribute from District Twelve, Lucy Gray Baird. Lucy Gray, a nomadic musician, is a Covey (read “Sinti” or “Roma”). Her skills as a singer become the game-changer, revealing an unusual—and more importantly—engaging persona to the Panem television audience.

The Hunger Games of Ballad are more akin to gladiators in Rome. The high-tech world of the trilogy comes later in the history. The tributes arrive in cattle cars and are imprisoned in an abandoned zoo without food. The savagery in the tenth games results from brute strength, alliances, and raw cunning. Hints and flashes of the technology that will dominate the later Games are teased, as is the burgeoning, quirky reality television, here shown with a retro 1950s vibe. 

The first hour and a half focuses on the buildup and execution of the Hunger Games. The remaining hour centers on a new track, focusing on district intrigue, political unrest, plotting, and betrayal. A distinctly Third Reich aura infuses the military components, emphasizing the fascist nature of the government.

As a film, it is neither more nor less than. Visually strong, its messages of corruption and guilt play on the surface. Director Francis Lawrence, who directed the final three Hunger Games, briskly paces the story. While absent of much innovation, the straightforward, brutal nature reflects Collins’ vision.

Tom Blyth creates a passionate and conflicted Snow. His understated performance pays off in his final transition, which he achieves flawlessly, wholly casting the shadow of who Snow will become. With an Appalachian twang, Rachel Zegler is an ideal Lucy Gray. She shows strength and an underlying danger and is one of the few in the film who achieves a third dimension. (She even makes the almost corny musical pieces work.) 

Josh Andrés Rivera is sympathetic if a bit overwrought as Snow’s classmate, the guilt-plagued Sejanus Plinth. Peter Dinklage mines the darkness of Highbottom (he is an actor incapable of giving anything less than a great performance). Jason Schwartzmann is hilariously callous as the weatherman-amateur magician Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman, the first Hunger Games host.

But the film’s prize performance is Viola Davis’s deliciously over-the-top Dr. Volumnia Gaul, mastermind of the Hunger Games. Her unblinking, monomaniacal evil scientist is a riveting portrait of unbridled sadistic and political cruelty. Only an actor of her caliber could fashion a monster of such unrestrained villainy, endowing every moment with perfect plausibility. 

The film makes bold statements about actions and repercussions and the misuse of power, presented with little subtlety. But the depiction of the depravity of reality television resonates. Additionally, the concept of incentivized patriotism is a disturbing but accurate target. Here, Ballad succeeds on a higher plain. Ultimately, the message comes through: Pain can be turned into spectacle and revenge into profit. 

Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.

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Participants can create a Nautical Trinket Dish on Thursday, January 11. Photo courtesy of The Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum & Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor will present Crafts & Cocktails, an exciting new adult series beginning this December and continuing monthly on Thursday evenings. 

The Whaling Museum invites adults to get creative and learn new skills while enjoying thoughtfully selected cocktails to enhance each monthly program. This new series will incorporate crafts for adults that celebrate history, science, and the sea. Each month, the museum education team chooses a craft that highlights a link to the museum, either from a historical or scientific angle. Cocktails are selected to further immerse participants in the theme of the evening. 

“Just as we find ourselves drawn to the sea today, artists and artisans throughout human history have found inspiration in the watery parts of the world.  Through educator-led instruction and artifact exploration, participants will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating origins of sea-inspired crafts, while engaging their creativity and learning new skills. Our carefully curated accompanying cocktails will further bring the past to life as we celebrate Long Island’s maritime heritage,” said Brenna McCormick-Thompson, Curator of Education at The Whaling Museum.

Felted Whale ornament

The debut session stars an adorable, felted whale ornament and mulled wine to get in the spirit. It will take place on December 7, 2023. Participants work with wool and a needle to craft a whale ornament with fins, eyes, a tail, and a loop for hanging. Mulled wine will be served. The full program description is as follows: 

Felted Whale Ornaments and Mulled Wine: Join the staff for this festive felting workshop as we explore the history of wool crafting!  Discover how whalers carved knitting needles and sewing tools out of whalebone for their wives and loved ones and see examples from our collection.  Design and create a needle-felted whale ornament to take home. Sip a festive mulled wine cocktail as you work and learn about the origins of this traditional drink.

Nautical Trinket Dish

The January session will take place on January 11, 2024. Participants will decoupage shells with a sample of patterns to choose from and use paints to decorate it as a fanciful trinket dish. Sample dishes will be shared for design ideas. Champagne will be served as the cocktail for the evening. The full program description is as follows:

Nautical Trinket Dish: This January the museum will be celebrating one of life’s most iconic duos — oysters and champagne! Explore the fundamental role oysters have played in the history of New York and discover current efforts to bring these bivalves back to Long Island Sound. Then, dive into the surprising history of champagne and enjoy a glass of bubbly while designing a unique seashell trinket tray.

Watercolor Wonders

The February session takes place on February 8 2023. Participants will receive watercolor paper and paint with instructions for different watercolor techniques to use in their design. The cocktail will be a “layered” vodka drink. The full program description is as follows:

Watercolor Wonders: Explore the science of water through the world’s oldest kind of painting — watercolor!  Discover how both sailors and painters learned to exploit the unique properties of water for their own purposes.  Harness the power of physics to engineer a colorful layered cocktail to enjoy while you experiment with a variety of fundamental watercolor techniques. Create a nautical watercolor painting to take home.

The final session in the museum’s winter series will take place on March 7, 2024. Participants decorate a planter with sea shells and plant a succulent to take home. Rum will be served as the cocktail of the evening in honor of the sailors that used to drink grog while out at sea. The full program description is as follows: 

Seashell Succulent Planter

Seashell Succulent Planter: Whales, dolphins, starfish….not the sea creatures, but the PLANTS! Join us to explore the incredible world of succulents.  For sailors out at sea, every drop of water was precious, but these hardy plants thrive in dry conditions – in fact, too much water often leads to their demise!  Learn about the health benefits and easy care for these houseplants and decorate a terracotta pot with seashells to plant your very own sea creature succulent cutting.  Unlike those sailors, we won’t leave you high and dry!  Sip a rum cocktail while you work in homage to the grog sailors used to drink.

“Adults will appreciate the dedicated attention to detail museum educators have made when crafting each session to encapsulate educational themes with adult enjoyment. Each evening is a perfect opportunity for friends, partners or family members to gather and spend time in a relaxed and unique environment. They’ll go home with something to remember the evening by in addition to a new skill,” added Gina Van Bell, Assistant Director at The Whaling Museum.

The Whaling Museum is located at 301 Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor. Each Craft & Cocktails session is approximately 1.5 hours long at begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $30 per participant and $20 for Museum Members.  Registration is online at cshwhalingmuseum.org/craftsandcocktails. For further information, call 631-367-3418.

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Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk police commissioner Rodney Harrison. File photo

The Suffolk County Police Department is reminding residents to be vigilant of scammers looking to profit during the holiday season.

Criminals are constantly looking for new opportunities to prey on people for financial gain, and the holidays are traditionally a time when people are preoccupied and could fall victim to a scam.

Scammers are also increasingly turning to artificial intelligence “spoofing” tools to clone the voices of individuals who post on social media. Scammers use those cloned voices to create a script to call a family member of the person whose voice was cloned in hopes of convincing an unsuspecting victim to send money.

An 85-year-old Hauppauge man received a call from an individual utilizing artificial intelligence voice change who claimed to be his granddaughter and stated she was arrested and needed $19,000 in bail money. Her grandfather met an individual two separate times on November 9 and turned over the requested cash.

During another recent scam, a 70-year-old Smithtown woman spoke to an individual purporting to be an Amazon representative, claiming someone was attempting to use her bank account to buy electronics. The woman was told since her bank account was compromised, she should turn over her cash to keep it safe. The victim made three separate withdrawals totaling more than $100,000, and the cash was then picked up by the same man on three different dates. 

Following the withdrawals, the victim was advised to purchase gold coins at a pawn shop with a personal check of $94,000. After doing so, she sent a photo of the receipt to the suspect, who would then pick up the coins when ready.

While these cases both remain under investigation, it is a reminder of how convincing scammers can be. Financial Crime Unit detectives are providing free scam prevention presentations to community groups and senior centers in an effort to educate the public. Additionally, the department has created safety tip flyers in multiple languages to ensure the message is being received by all residents.

As a reminder, people should be wary of individuals claiming:

• To be part of a legitimate organization that you are familiar with.

• There is a problem or a prize.

• A family member is injured or in jail.

• You need to act immediately or threaten your safety.

• Payment must be made in a specific form, i.e. cash, Venmo etc.

“Residents need to be aware of individuals that are looking to take advantage of the generosity of others during this time of year,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “We strongly encourage the public to educate themselves and be cognizant of such operations that are prevalent during the holiday season so that they are protected from scammers.”

“We are reminding residents to resist the urge to act immediately,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison said. “Before sending money, speak to a trusted family member or call police. No legitimate company makes threats or demands cash.”

If you are interested in a prevention seminar or obtaining safety tips, contact the department’s Financial Crimes Unit at 631-852-6821.

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Adam Gonzalez, PhD. Photo by Jeanne Neville/SBU

Adam Gonzalez, PhD, Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Behavioral Health in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health in the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony  Brook University, is one of 11 fellows in New York State to be named to the State University of New York’s (SUNY)  Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI) Class for 2024.

A licensed clinical psychologist and researcher, Dr. Gonzalez is an expert in cognitive behavioral treatment for mood and anxiety disorders, relaxation and mindfulness-based treatments, and behavioral medicine. His research, including work focused on evaluating stress management and resilience training programs, has been supported by over $5 million in federal funding.

“I am incredibly honored to have been selected as a fellow for the SUNY HLI 2024 cohort,” said Dr. Gonzalez, who will begin his 2024 HLI experience in January.  “Thank you to SUNY leadership for this opportunity. I look forward to learning from others and doing my part to advance SUNY’s mission.”

The Mastic Beach resident is the Founding Director of Stony Brook’s Mind-Body Clinical Research Center, which seeks to improve the mental and physical health of individuals and communities through providing integrative mental and physical healthcare, conducting basic and applied innovative research, and training tomorrow’s clinical research leaders. And much of his work with colleagues accelerated during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, with programs and services dedicated to both patients and healthcare workers.

“By working to increase Hispanic and ally representation in leadership positions, the HLI provides its fellows with the skills needed to ensure they are represented at the decision-making table and know they’ll be valued and supported throughout their careers at SUNY,” Chancellor King said in a statement, adding that Dr. Gonzalez and the other class members “are role models to colleagues and students, and we congratulate them as they start their HLI journey. I would also like to thank our legislative partners for their continued and unwavering commitment to the success of the HLI.”

Since its inception in 2017, HLI has named fellows to the program to take part in a demanding six-month experience for SUNY leaders of Hispanic descent and their allies that position them to develop further higher education leadership skills and proficiencies. HLI fellows participate in training sessions and webinars, and converse with national and statewide Hispanic leaders. HLI creates a pipeline for professional opportunities across SUNY and ensures alumni are networking and receiving continuous support and mentorship. HLI is housed within SUNY’s Office Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

For more information, see this SUNY press release.

 

Caption: Adam Gonzalez, PhD

Credit: Jeanne Neville

 

Editor’s Note: Adam Gonzalez lives in Mastic Beach, NY

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Photo from Vanderbilt Museum

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for their annual tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. This year the tree will be placed near the main entrance on the lawn in front of the ancient columns that overlook Northport Bay. Complimentary sweet treats, hot cocoa and mulled cider will be served and there will be a special visit from Santa and other surprises!

This year’s tree was donated by Lois Luhrs of St. James. “It was about three feet high when we planted it in 1993,” she said, “and it grew a couple feet each year.” When Vanderbilt staff members cut it down, the tree was 60 feet high. It was trimmed to 30 feet for installation on the estate grounds.

Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt, said, “We’re very grateful to Lois Luhrs for donating this magnificent tree for the museum’s holiday festivities. It will add a bit of magic to the estate.”

Special thanks to Teachers Federal Credit Union for their contribution toward the event.

The Vanderbilt is collaborating with Long Island Cares on its annual Holiday Food Drive. The Museum will have a Long Island Cares collection bin stationed near the tree for anyone who wants to donate. After this event, the bin will be in the lobby of the Reichert Planetarium through Sunday, December 3

In addition, the Vanderbilt is collaborating with BAE Systems, which funds some Vanderbilt Museum programs, on its annual Holiday Toy Drive for the Family Service League. Visitors may donate new, unwrapped toys in a collection bin in the Reichert Planetarium lobby through December 10.

Admission to the tree lighting is free. Capacity is limited to 400. Registration is required by visiting www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or click here.

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