Arts & Entertainment

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By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou

As we begin the new year, you may be receiving various tax statements from your financial services provider — so it’s a good time to consider how your investments are taxed. This type of knowledge is useful when you’re doing your taxes, and, perhaps just as important, knowing the type of taxes you generate can help you evaluate your overall investment strategy. 

To understand the tax issues associated with investing, it’s important to understand that investments typically generate either capital gains or ordinary income. This distinction is meaningful because different tax rates may apply, and taxes may be due at different times. 

So, when do you pay either capital gains taxes or ordinary income taxes on your investments? You receive capital gains, and pay taxes on these gains, when you sell an investment that’s increased in value since you purchased it. Long-term capital gains (on investments held more than a year) are taxed at 0%, 15% and 20%, depending on your income. 

Also, qualified dividends — which represent most of the dividends paid by American companies to investors — are taxed at the same rates as long-term capital gains. (Keep in mind that you’ll be taxed on dividends even if you automatically reinvest them.)

On the other hand, you pay ordinary income taxes on capital gains resulting from sales of appreciated assets you’ve held for one year or less. You also pay ordinary income taxes when you receive “ordinary” dividends, which are paid if you purchase shares of a company after the cutoff point for shareholders to be credited with a stock dividend (the ex-dividend date). 

Because your ordinary income tax rate may be much higher than even the top long-term capital gains rate, you may be better off, from a tax standpoint, by focusing on investments that generate long-term capital gains. And the best strategy for doing just that is to buy quality investments and hold them for the long term. By doing so, you could also reduce the costs and fees associated with frequent buying and selling.

The investment tax situation has another twist, though, because not all ordinary income is taxable — and if it is, it may not be taxable immediately. The most common example of this is tax-deferred accounts, such as a traditional IRA and 401(k). When you take money from these accounts, typically at retirement, you’ll pay taxes at your personal tax rate, but for the years and decades before then, your taxes were deferred, which meant these accounts could grow faster than ones on which you paid taxes every year. Consequently, it’s generally a good idea to regularly contribute to your tax-advantaged retirement accounts. 

Finally, some investments and investment accounts are tax free. Municipal bonds are free from federal income taxes, and often state income taxes, too. And when you invest in a Roth IRA, your earnings can grow tax free if you don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re at least 59½ and you’ve had your account at least five years. 

Ultimately, tax considerations probably shouldn’t be the key driver of your investment choices. Nonetheless, knowing the tax implications of your investments — specifically, what type of taxes they may generate and when these taxes will be due — can help you evaluate which investment choices are appropriate for your needs.  

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano

The Van-Wyck Lefferts Tide Mill is a not-for-profit organization, established in 2013, with a mission to preserve and protect an 18th century tide mill, located in the Village of Lloyd Harbor, that is the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States.  The mill design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill” signed by President George Washington.  

After making extensive repairs to the Mill and the dam at Puppy Cove on which it sits, the Board of Trustees is proud to announce the hiring of its first Executive Director, Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano. 

“Claudia is a great addition to our team of volunteer Board members. Claudia brings a wealth of experience … and will play a pivotal role in fundraising initiatives, exploring new grant opportunities, expanding public awareness, and effectively managing day-to-day operations,” said Richard Hamburger, the President of the Board of Trustees. 

“I am really excited to be a part of the team that is working to preserve and share this incredible historic resource, which is remarkably unchanged from the time when it was in operation and was such a vital part of the local farming community,” said Fortunato-Napolitano. 

Fortunato-Napolitano has more than 20 years of experience working for non-profit organizations.  She is the former Executive Director of the Huntington Historical Society and is currently the Executive Director of the Greenlawn Centerport Historical Association. She has also worked at the Long Island Children’s Museum, the Seaman’s Church Institute, and the Museum of the City of New York.    

Public tours of the Mill are available through the Huntington Historical Society, which operates ten to fifteen tours a year from May through October. Visitors travel to the Mill by boat from Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington.  For more information, email [email protected].

By Julianne Mosher

The John W. Engeman Theater’s latest production of Frozen Jr. will give you chills.

Directed and choreographed by Keith Jones, costumes and wigs by Laura McGauley, and production/set design by Orion Forte, you’ll be taken into a winter wonderland as soon as you step into the Northport-based theater. With a solid cast of children doing Broadway-level work, the production showcases an extremely talented cast who clearly love what they do and are having a blast. 

The story follows two inseparable sisters who are princesses in the kingdom of Arendelle. The eldest, Elsa (Mia Ponticelli), was born with magical powers that allow her to create ice and snow. But as a young child, she doesn’t know how to control her powers and while playing and building a snowman with her sister, Anna (Gabby Blum), she accidentally hurts her. 

While Anna is healed by the mysterious Hidden Folk (spiritual forest people), their parents decide it would be best to protect Anna by keeping the two apart.

Anna has no memory of the accident and does not understand why her sister avoids her, locked away in her room wearing her silk gloves. A few years later, while the parents are lost at sea, Elsa continues to stay away, keeping her secret hidden from her sister and the outside world, afraid to harm another person again.

Ten years have passed and it is time for Elsa to become Queen, but on coronation day her magic unintentionally brings an eternal winter to the kingdom. Accused of sorcery by Anna’s fiancé, Hans (Liam Polani), she flees into the mountains to hide. Anna enlists the help of Kristoff (Quinn Oliver Lessing) the icemaker to help her find her sister and free Arendelle from the spell. This is a true story of love and acceptance that will thaw the coldest of hearts.

Blum and Ponticelli’s parts are not easy. Originally played in the movie by Kristen Bell and Broadway legend Idina Menzel, the songs require a lot of training and breathwork — both of which these young starlets have. 

But we can’t forget two supporting characters who bring a lot of laughs — Sven, (Brady Goldman and Liam Von Schmidt, interchangeably), and the lovable Olaf (Michael Deaner and Luca Silva) who loves warm hugs. 

In the sold-out audience during the Sunday, Jan. 28 performance, young ticket holders dressed head to toe in their favorite Frozen attire — many Elsa’s, Anna’s and even an Olaf. That being said, when Elsa does a quick change at the end of “Let It Go” into her signature sparkling blue gown, the audience gasped and applauded. 

The set is minimal, but is welcomed by animated projections on a screen towards the back of the stage depicting different locations in the Kingdom of Arendelle including the inside and outside of the castle, the snowy mountains and Elsa’s ice castle. You might even see some real-life snow fall. 

When the show is over, a great photo opportunity is available in the lobby with the entire cast of the show. The cast will even sign autographs.

Overall, this family-friendly production tells the tale of love, loss, friendship and family, with plenty of laughs in between. Don’t miss out. 

Frozen Jr. will run until March 3. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at www.engemantheater.com, or by visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street in Northport.

YEAR OF THE DRAGON Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Heckscher Museum of Art on Feb. 3. Photo courtesy of Heckscher Museum
PROGRAMS

Groundhog Day celebration

The Town of Brookhaven will host its annual Groundhog Day Celebration at the Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Feb. 2 starting at 7 a.m. Come meet Holtsville Hal and find out what his shadow foretells. Then grab some hot chocolate and visit with more than 100 animals that call the Ecology Center home. Free. For more information, call 451-5330 for more information.

Night at the Museum

Explore, learn, and lay after hours at the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson during its Night at the Museum event on Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Children in grades 2 to 5 will enjoy pizza, play at the museum after-hours and participate in a fun STEM-themed activity. $40 per child. To register, visit www.longislandexplorium.org. 631-331-3277

Science Pioneers

In honor of Black History Month, Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park presents a family program, Science Pioneers, on Feb. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Foundations of modern science are known thanks to the contributions of Black scientists. Come see exciting science experiments relating to their discoveries! For ages 6 and up. $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com. 631-269-4927

Tracks and Traces

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents  Tracks and Traces on Feb. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Children become nature detectives as they unravel clues left behind by park wildlife. Create a book of local animal tracks. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Lunar New Year at the Heckscher

Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents a Lunar Year Celebration on Feb. 3 from noon to 5 p.m. Get creative and enjoy a variety of hands-on holiday activities from different Asian cultures. Meet artist Joan Kim Suzuki, see her artwork inspired by her Korean heritage, and create a Korean drum and fan! Enjoy beautiful traditional Chinese dances by Wendi Weng. Create origami with Hansen Lee and learn about Chinese culture with Patricia Shih. Free. No registration required. Questions? Call 631-380-3230.

Narwhal Ball

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor hosts its annual Narwhal Ball on Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The whole family is invited to a wintry celebration! Explore the world of polar sea creatures through special activities and presentations. Gather around for “Storytime with Elsa” as she shares tales from her icy domain and meet the icy queen herself to snap a photo. Indulge in an icy treat with ice cream sponsored by Kilwin’s of Huntington. Create frosty crafts to take home with you. Tickets online (through Feb. 2) are $20 age 2-17 (all access) $8 adults, $6 seniors at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org; Door tickets are $25 ages 2-17 (all access) $8 adults, $6 seniors. 631-367-3418.

A Groundhog Adventure

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for Sunday Funday: Searching for Sweetbriar Sam — A Groundhog Adventure on Feb. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet some of Sweetbriar’s resident animals and do some fun activities while learning all about groundhogs and their friends. Tickets are $15 per child, $5 adult at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Black History Month Hike

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a self-guided hike for Black History Month on Feb. 4 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 10 stations along this hike feature a Black environmentalist and their contributions to science. Stop by the Nature Center for a map of the self-guided trail. Free. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com. 631-269-4333. 

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

Super Bowl ‘Saturday’

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket hosts a Super Bowl “Saturday” event on Feb. 10. Get excited for the big game! Elementary-aged kids and their families are welcome to stop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. to enjoy football-themed festivities. Includes a raffle to win a special prize. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey or football-themed attire. There is no registration for this event, and it is geared towards children in kindergarten through 6th grade. 631-941-4080

Lunar New Year at the Vanderbilt

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport in celebrating the Year of the Dragon on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Make a paper lantern, learn Chinese calligraphy, create a traditional good luck decoration, and visit the collections to see one of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac. Tickets are $20 guests,  $18 members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Storytime Under Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on Feb. 11 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

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr.’

Frozen Jr. returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Jan. 27 to March 3. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time in Forever” and “Let It Go.” All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B18.

‘Jack and the Beanstalk’

Children’s theater continues at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Jack and the Beanstalk — or The Boy Who Cried “Giant!” from Jan. 20 to Feb. 3. A handful of magic beans starts our hero and his best friend, Filpail the Cow, on one of the best-remembered adventures. Come explore the Castle in the Sky with Jack as he learns the importance of truth-telling in a hilarious original musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

A Royal Princess Party

Sing along with a princess during winter break as the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown hosts A Royal Princess Party from Feb. 17 to 25 with a sensory sensitive performance on Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Royal Historians will guide you through meeting each of the princesses, teaching the morals behind each of their stories and singing along to their favorite songs. Be sure to wear your best royal attire — this is going to be one party you don’t want to miss! You’ll love this heartwarming celebration filled with stories, songs and special guests. Tickets are $16 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

FILM
Catch a screening of ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Case of the Were-Rabbit at the Cinema Arts Centre on Feb. 4.

‘Wallace & Gromit’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Wallace & Gromit: The Case of the Were-Rabbit on Feb. 4 at noon. Daffy, cheese-loving inventor Wallace and his faithful dog Gromit become heroes in stopping a crime spree. They learn that a giant, fuzzy creature is stealing the town’s produce and the not-completely-dynamic duo set out to capture the beast and save the day. Rated G. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

DANCE

‘Swan Lake Act II’

Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma will present a performance of Swan Lake Act II on Feb 7 at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. Dazzling white and beautiful best describe the second act of the most classical of all classical ballets: Swan Lake, choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant music. Tickets are $20 adult, $10 senior citizen, $10 children. To order, call 631-737-1984 or visit www.balletlongisland.com

 

GHOST FERRY

Elisa Hendrey of Sound Beach captured this image of the Grand Republic Ferry engulfed in a thick fog at Port Jefferson Harbor on January 25, a result of the unusually warm air temperature of 57 degrees reacting to the colder water

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]

 

BRAZILIAN GUITAR MASTER Octávio Deluchi returns to All Souls Church in Stony Brook for a free concert on Feb. 3.
Thursday February 1

Unsung Heroes program

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station kicks off Black History month with a program titled Unsung Heroes: Segregated Military Units from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn about history of the African American units that bravely served their country in the face of discrimination. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.

An Evening of Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert featuring The Jazz Loft Big Band, a 7-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children and children under 5 years old are free. To order tickets, visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday February 2

Groundhog Day Celebration

Six more weeks of winter or an early spring? The Town of Brookhaven will host its annual Groundhog Day Celebration at the Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville starting at 7 a.m. Come meet Holtsville Hal and find out what his shadow foretells. Following the ceremony, residents are welcome to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and bagels provided by 7-Eleven and Bagel Lovers and visit the more than 100 non-releasable, wild or injured animals residing at the Animal Preserve, which will be open at 7 a.m. Free. 631-451-5330.

Black History Night

Town of Brookhaven will host the 33rd Annual Black History Night at the Brookhaven Town Hall auditorium, 1 Independence Hill Farmingville at 6 p.m. The evening’s program with the theme African Americans and the Arts will include performances, art exhibits, a cultural food tasting and the presentation of Academic Achievement Awards to Brookhaven’s top 51 African American high school seniors from 10 school districts who achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. All are welcome. 631-451-TOWN

Cat Jones in Concert

The Village of Port Jefferson Dept. of Recreation and the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council kick off the 2024 Winter Tide concert series at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with a performance by Cat Jones in the Sail Loft Room (3rd floor) from 7 to 8 p.m. The Rhode Island native brings old-school country flavored folk tunes, a perfect way to warm up a winter evening. Tickets are $5 at the door. 631-802-2160

Sound Symphony concert

The Sound Symphony Orchestra with guest conductor Alex Wen will be performing its annual Family Concert at Comsewogue’s John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station at 7 p.m. Repertoire includes: Mozart’s The Magic Flute; Bernstein’s Overture to “Candide”; Peter Gynt’s Suite No. 1; Mission Impossible Theme; and Saint-Saens’ Danse Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah. Admission is $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, children under 12 free. Snow date is Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. www.soundsymphony.org

Saturday February 3

Casino Night Fundraiser

East Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Department Station 2, 930 Conklin St., Farmingdale will host a Casino Night Fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $65 in advance, $80 at the door and include a $250 casino chip value, hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soda, door prizes and Chinese auction. Event is limited to 100 tickets. 631-249-0474 ext. 2307

Octávio Deluchi in concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with  SBU doctoral student and Brazilian guitarist Octávio Deluchi at 6 p.m. The program will feature a balance between well established and canonical pieces, with new works, with works recently premiered and composed.  Selections will include works by Geraldo Vespar, Vicente Paschoal, Laura Snowdon, Dilermando Reis, Augustin Barrios, Marco Pereira and Astor Piazzolla. Free. 631-655-7798

PJFD Steak Night Fundraiser

Port Jefferson Fire Department, 115 Maple Place, Port Jefferson will hold their annual Steak Night fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. $50 per person includes a salad bar, T-bone steak, baked potato, dessert, open bar and 50/50 raffle. To RSVP, call 631-291-8195.

Dinner Theater Fundraiser

Polish American Independent Ladies of  Port Jefferson will present a Dinner Theater titled Cooking with Germs, 4 Comedies and Such by Ed Eriksson at the Polish American Independent Club, 36 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station at 7 p.m. $50 per person includes a buffet, wine, beer and soft drinks. To order, visit Moonbeam.Booktix.com. For more information, call 631-793-9870.

An Evening with Drum Tao

Japan’s No.1 sensation, Drum Tao, heads to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts’ Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 7 p.m. for its 30th anniversary tour. Featuring the best in drumming, martial arts, and so much more. Tickets range from $41 to $60. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Sunday February 4

Caumsett Hike

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts Just a Hike (On the Roads) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This 4-mile, on road moderately paced walk affords walkers the opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy the park’s beauty. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 631-423-1770.

Port Jefferson Ice Festival

Rescheduled from Jan. 28. Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce presents the 5th annual Port Jefferson Ice Festival today from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy ice sculptures throughout the village along with live music, dance performances, ice skating demos, live ice carvings by Rich Daly, character photo opportunities, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. 631-473-1414

Narwhal Ball

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor hosts its annual Narwhal Ball from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The whole family is invited to a wintry celebration! Explore the world of polar sea creatures through special activities and presentations. Gather around for “Storytime with Elsa” as she shares tales from her icy domain and meet the icy queen herself to snap a photo. Indulge in an icy treat with ice cream sponsored by Kilwin’s of Huntington. Create frosty crafts to take home with you. Tickets online (through Feb. 2) are $20 age 2-17 (all access) $8 adults, $6 seniors at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org; Door tickets are $25 ages 2-17 (all access) $8 adults, $6 seniors. 631-367-3418.

Anastasia René in concert

Join the North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham for a 20’s Jazz concert at 1:30 p.m. Join Anastasia René and her band as they take you back to the world of speakeasies, dancing, clubs, music (both early Blues and Jazz), with renditions of the jazz songs performed by artists such as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and more. Open to all. To register, call 631-929-4488.

Frank Latorre in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Frank Latorre and the King Bees from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Monday February 5

DIY Winter Tote

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will host a DIY Winter Tote program from 4 to 5 p.m. and again from 7 to 8 p.m. Personalize a tote bag for the season using a variety of stencils with Theresa Maritato. Cost is $5 for materials. Open to all. Registration is required by calling 631-928-1212 or visiting www.cplib.org.

Three Village Civic Meeting

Three Village Civic Association will hold its monthly meeting at the Setauket Fire Department Main Building 190 Main St., Setauket at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich. Open to the public. Refreshments will be served. www.3vcivic.org

Portrait of Aretha

CeCe Teneal returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport for a Portrait of Aretha concert at 8 p.m. to honor the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Award-winning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady” and more. Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Tuesday February 6

Comedy Night at the Engeman

Join the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport for an evening of comedy at 8 p.m. Come have some laughs, enjoy some cocktails, and listen to some very funny comedians! Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday February 7

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series with Living Pictures: Gilded Age Portrait Photography at 7 p.m. Erin Pauwels, an author and historian of American art and visual culture, will explore portraiture and identity formation, celebrity culture, and intersections between theater and the visual arts and examine the vibrant history of Sarony, a celebrity photographer once known as “the father of artistic photography in America.” Tickets are $10, members free at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Thursday February 8

Crafts & Cocktails

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for Crafts & Cocktails: Watercolor Wonders from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 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. Adults 21+. Tickets are $30 per participant, $20 museum members at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418

Reboli Art History Lecture

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook will host a free art history lecture with award-winning artist  and art historian aficionado Kevin McEvoy from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Light snacks will be served. No reservations are required to attend. 631-751-7707

Staller Center Music Recital

Jennifer Frautschi and Christina Dahl  of SBU Dept. of Music return for another popular evening of duos for violin and piano at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Recital Hall, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 7 p.m. This program considers four very different sonatas written within a twenty-year period that encompasses WWI, and the aftermath of the war. Program includes Szymanowski Sonata in D Minor, Op. 9 for Violin and Piano (1904); Bartok Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano, SZ 76 (1922); Marguerite Canal Sonata for Violin and Piano (1922)—selections; and Ravel Violin Sonata No. 2 (1923-27). Free. 631-632-2787

Victorian Valentine’s Day

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Victorian Valentine’s Day at 7 p.m. Make your date night, Gal-entine’s, or early Valentine’s Day celebration unforgettable! Education Coordinator Carol Taylor takes you on a journey from the beginning of Valentine’s Day to modern times while learning (and sampling) wine paired with handcrafted chocolates. Your evening concludes with a gift provided by Nite Owl Promotions. Tickets are $60, $50 members and must be purchased in advance at www.northporthistorical.org. Ages 21+ only. Questions? Call 631-757-9859.

Film

‘Network’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of Network on Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Sidney Lumet’s stinging rebuke of network television stars Peter Finch as Howard Beale, a veteran anchorman who is being forced out of his post after 25 years. At the end of his rope, he announces on air that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Beale’s rants lead to a spike in ratings, opening the door for ambitious producer Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway) to develop even more outrageous programming. Hosted by Wallace Matthews former columnist for Newsday, the New York Post and ESPN. Tickets are $16, $10 members in advance at www.cinemaartscentre.org or at the door. 631-423-7610

Sky Room Talk at the CAC

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Sky Room Talk series with Hidden Hitchcock Gems on Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. If another filmmaker made any of Alfred Hitchcock lesser known films, they would be heralded as a cinematic master. Hitchcock’s most popular films cause some to bypass his most classic like Young and Innocent, Saboteur, Torn Curtain and many others. Film historian Glenn Andreiev returns to the Cinema with a look at 12 entertaining but over-shadowed Alfred Hitchcock gems. Tickets are $18, $12 members in advance at www.cinemaartscentre.org or at the door. 631-423-7610

‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ 

As part of its Best of the Big Screen series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) starring Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. With introduction by Philip Harwood. Ticket are $16, $10 members in advance at www.cinemaartscentre.org or at the door. 631-423-7610

Theater

‘The Gin Game’ 

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson presents D.L. Colburn’s The Gin Game from Jan. 13 to Feb. 3. A fierce battle of wits and wills is revealed as a mismatched pair in a retirement facility inadvertently reveal their hearts as they show their hands in increasingly combative rounds of gin rummy. Poignant, powerful, and heartbreakingly honest, The Gin Game shows that secrets held close to the vest are not safe from being put on the table. The production stars Theatre Three veterans Bradlee and Marci Bing. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect …’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life, from Jan. 18 to March 3. Set in the modern world and told in a series of vignettes and songs, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change traces the overall arc of relationships throughout the course of a life. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘(Mostly) True Things’

The Performing Arts Studio, 224 East Main Street, Port Jefferson presents a production of (Mostly) True Things on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. with stories on the theme Sucker For Love about those times we go to extremes, abandon reason and take big leaps because of love. Four storytellers will compete to win the audience’s choice for the biggest “sucker for love.” Also 3 of the stories will include subtle little lies, but all the stories are otherwise true. The audience gets to question the storytellers, then vote for the person they think told it straight. Tickets are $20 online at eventbrite.com, $25 at the door (cash only).  631-928-6529

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

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].

'My Fair Lady'

Fathom Events’ Big Screen Classics series continues with the landmark 1964 Oscar®-winning musical My Fair Lady  returning to select theaters nationwide in honor of its 60TH Anniversary on Sunday, February 4 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Monday, February 5 at 7 p.m.

Audrey Hepburn is willful, self-aware and ultimately self-reliant Eliza Doolittle and Rex Harrison is Professor Henry Higgins in this splendid big screen adaptation of the smash Broadway musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. My Fair Lady won the Academy Award® as Best Picture of 1964 and seven additional Oscars®, including Best Director (George Cukor), Best Actor (Harrison), and Best Art Direction. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, the film still dazzles thanks to enduring  performances, gorgeous cinematography, and songs like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “On the Street Where You Live” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”

Each screening is presented as it was originally intended—complete with a musical overture and intermission—and includes an exclusive introduction by Film Critic & Historian Leonard Maltin on how this Broadway classic came to life on the silver screen.

Locally the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, Island 16 Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, Showcase Cinema de Lux in Farmingdale and Regal UA Farmingdale. For advance tickets, visit www.fathomevents.com.

 

Stony Brook University Hospital

The Stony Brook Heart Institute at Stony Brook University Hospital is expanding its advanced treatment options for those with high blood pressure. The Heart Institute is among the first in the nation to perform ultrasound renal denervation — a groundbreaking, minimally invasive technique to treat high blood pressure for those with resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertension is a form of elevated blood pressure that does not respond to lifestyle changes or medication.

“Our first renal denervation patient had been treated for high blood pressure for many years and was looking to reduce the number of medications as well as the side effects,” says John Reilly, MD, interventional cardiologist at Stony Brook Medicine, Chief of Cardiology at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, and was the principal investigator at Stony Brook Medicine for the technology used in the procedure. Dr. Reilly performed the first case at Stony Brook University Hospital. “The procedure, lasting about 75 minutes, went smoothly and I’m happy to report that the patient went home the very same day.”

The new technology that was used in the procedure is specifically designed to rein in the blood pressure of those with resistant hypertension. Called the Paradise® Ultrasound Renal Denervation (RDN) system and approved by the FDA on November 7, involves applying ultrasound energy in the renal artery to ablate the nerves that run just outside the artery. This ablation interrupts the nerves communicating between the kidneys and central nervous system, which brings the blood pressure under better control. Stony Brook University Hospital is the first on Long Island to use this specific technology and was one of only a select number of centers nationwide to have participated in the RADIANCE CAP trial that demonstrated the safety and effectiveness prior to FDA approval.

“Durable and effective therapy for hypertension that may reduce the need for life-long treatment with medications is a milestone in the treatment of this disease,” says Robert Pyo, MD, Director, Interventional Cardiology and Medical Director, Structural Heart Program at Stony Brook Medicine and Associate Professor, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. “In the hands of our expert Heart Institute team — everyone from our cardiac researchers, imagers and interventional cardiologists — we are continuously seeking the most innovative solutions for our patients.”

Over 122 million Americans have high blood pressure (HBP), which is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and stroke. Reducing blood pressure by 10mmHg can reduce the risk of stroke by 27%. Three quarters of Americans with HBP do not have their condition under control, and twenty percent of those Americans whose blood pressure is uncontrolled do not respond to lifestyle modification or medications, and up until now had no other treatment options.

“Pioneering research allows Stony Brook University Hospital the ability to offer patients additional options when their current treatments are not working,” said Hal Skopicki, MD, PhD, Co-Director, Stony Brook Heart Institute and Chief, Cardiology at Stony Brook Medicine and Ambassador Charles A. Gargano Chair, Cardiology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. “It is an exciting and transformative time both for cardiovascular patients and the medical community.”

“Our ever-growing program continues to raise the bar for cardiovascular care on Long Island, allowing us to provide our community with a full array of options to diagnose and treat the most complex of cardiovascular conditions. Renal denervation is a unique opportunity to treat patients with hypertension and represents an entirely different treatment form for hypertension that is resistant to medical treatment. I couldn’t be prouder of our team that remains focused on delivering the best-in-outcomes for our patients,” says Apostolos Tassiopoulos, MD, Chair, Department of Surgery; Chief, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Stony Brook Medicine and Professor of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.

To learn more about the Renal denervation (RDN) procedure and the team at the Stony Brook Heart Institute, visit heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu

About Stony Brook Heart Institute:

Stony Brook Heart Institute is located within Stony Brook University Hospital as part of Long Island’s premier university-based medical center. The Heart Institute offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The staff includes full-time and community-based, board-certified cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, as well as specially trained anesthesiologists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, surgical technologists, perfusionists, and other support staff. Their combined expertise provides state-of-the-art interventional and surgical capabilities in 24-hour cardiac catheterization labs and surgical suites. And while the Heart Institute clinical staff offers the latest advances in medicine, its physician-scientists are also actively enhancing knowledge of the heart and blood vessels through basic biomedical studies and clinical research. To learn more, visit www.heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu.

Yogi Bear was adopted on January 27! Happy life sweet boy!

Below is the original post on January 24.

MEET SWEET YOGI BEAR!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Yogi Bear, a  senior who has been given a second chance at life, thanks to Save A Pet in Port Jefferson Station. 

This sweet boy is a weathered soul with a scruffy coat and tired eyes that reflect the hardships he’s endured. He had been wandering the streets in Georgia forever, eating the scraps of food people sometimes tossed his way. Then he was taken off the streets and placed on death row at an overcrowded shelter. At his age, the chance of finding a forever home dwindled with each passing day. Then his luck changed. Save A Pet sprang to action and had him transported to Long Island.

Yogi is surprisingly resilient. Although he is nine or 10 years old, he loves to play and follows his caretakers around. A veterinarian has examined him and assured the shelter that he is fit for adoption. He has some arthritis and just wants a place to hang his hat. If you see his sweet face and gentle eyes, you will understand why this dog deserves a loving family to give him the home he has always wanted, but never had.

Do you have room in your heart for this sweet old bear?

Located at 608 Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station, Save A Pet is open seven days a week. Call 631-473-6333.

Nicole Zuraitis

Don’t like big crowds? Then the Jazz Loft’s Acoustic in the Main Room series is your ticket to paradise. This jazz music series showcases incredible talent in the Jazz Loft’s main performance room which will be set up to resemble an intimate living room, with spaced out seating. The concerts are conversational, engaging, and intimate and a very special window into the heart and mind of the artists.

Each concert will have a different theme and be paired with wines to complement the music!

“Our Acoustic in the Living Room series is a unique opportunity to hear some of the most talented singers and musicians that perform regularly at the Loft in a relaxed setting, reminiscent of the New York City Loft scene of the 1950’s which inspired the Jazz Loft’s name,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “If you don’t know any Jazz performers personally to invite into your own living room, then this is the next best thing.”

The Acoustic in the Main Room series calendar:

Thursday, February 9- featuring Carlos Jimenez on flute; Miki Hayama on piano. 

Friday, February 10- featuring Susanna Phillips (soprano with the Metropolitan Opera) and Steve Salerno on guitar. 

Friday, February 23- featuring Rubens De La Corte on acoustic guitar; Steve Salerno on guitar. 

Saturday, February 24- Grammy-nominated singer Nicole Zuraitis on piano and vocals, with Tom Manuel on cornet

All performances are hosted by Tom Manuel and Laura Landor

Tickets will be limited to just 85 people and start at 7 p.m., and feature two sets with a brief intermission.

Tickets for all performances are $40 and start at 7 p.m. and can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org.

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively jazz music. For more information, call 631-751-1895.