Pictured with Legislator Rob Trotta (right) are Rick and Carolyn Caruso of St. James
who donated many coats, hats, scarves and blankets.
For several years, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has been working with Smithtown based SMM Advertising and the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) to conduct a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothing.
Sue Harrison donated numerous hand knitted hats for the winter outerwear drive.
“The response was phenomenal. We received numerous donations from so many residents, as well as the Kings Park High School, Fort Salonga Elementary School, St. Catherine’s of Siena, and the Utility Workers Union of America,” said Legislator Trotta. “A special thank you to Paul who wants to remain anonymous who gave us 25 brand new coats. In addition, for the second year in a row, Sue Harrison knitted hats for the children and adults,” added Trotta.
Maryflorence Brennan, Executive Director of RSVP said, “The Friends of the Retired and Senior Volunteer program is overwhelmed by the response of our RSVP volunteers and our community members to take this opportunity to care for our community. The number of blankets and coats that they provided was incredible and so often the donation came with a willingness to continue to help. We are grateful to be working with Legislator Trotta and SMM Advertising.”
Pictured from left, Right Coast Taqueria owners Richard Zoob and David Preisler, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and General Manager John Negrinelli. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich's office
Right Coast Taqueria ribbon cutting on Jan. 5. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich's office
Right Coast Taqueria ribbon cutting on Jan. 5. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich's office
Right Coast Taqueria celebrated the grand opening ofits newest location at 4088 Nesconset Highway in East Setauket with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 5.
Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, members of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and members of the Three Village Historical Society joined owners David Preisler and Richard Zoob along with General Manager John Negrinelli in the celebration.
The business now has four locations throughout Long Island, including Deer Park, Ronkonkoma and Mineola. The restaurant, which was first established in 2018 at its Deer Park location, serves Mexican food including tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, fajitas and much more.
“Right Coast Taqueria had great food and a fun beach vibe, just what we needed on a cold day as we welcomed them to the community. Wishing them the best of luck, now and in the future,” said Councilmember Kornreich.
For more information, call 631-940-8300. To order online, visit www.rightcoasttaqueria.com.
White-throated Sparrow. Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Dark-eyed Junco. Photo courtesy of Unsplash
By John L. Turner
John Turner
Walking along the edge of an uneven row of withered goldenrods, adorned with countless fuzzy heads brimming with seeds, I noticed some bird movement in the lower branches of the shrubs interspersed among the flowers. Lots of movement in all directions as the small earth-toned birds flitted up and down, toward and away from me. I was in the presence of a flock of fourteen white-throated sparrows actively feeding on the ubiquitous goldenrod seed. Their presence was a nice welcome to my morning.
The white-throated sparrow is a most handsome bird, possessing, as its name makes clear, a distinctive white throat patch (its Latin name is Zonotrichia albicollis with albicollis meaning “white-necked”). Even more prominent in this species are the five bold longitudinal black and white head stripes (three white and two black) with a pretty splash of yellow just behind the bill in a place known as the lores on the two lateral white stripes.
There’s an interesting story about these light-colored head stripes that underscores how the natural world is much more complex than it may, at first, appear.These stripes come in two distinct colors: white and tan, so a sparrow may be a tan-striped white-throated sparrow or a white-striped white-throated sparrow. This color difference is genetically based, apparently due to a single chromosome part inverting while going through mitosis — remember genetics from high school biology class? In a case of mistaken identity John James Audubon thought white-striped individuals were male while tan-striped birds female, a reasonable assumption given the fact more colorful birds are typically male. You can see this mistake in his illustration of the species in his famous “Birds of America.”
Birds of the same species that display different plumages are referred to as “morphs” or “forms.” The Eastern Screech Owl is another local example of a bird species that exhibits morphs, having two colorful forms — grey and rufous birds. The Parasitic Jaeger, a gull-like bird occasionally seen in the ocean off the island’s south shore has three color morphs — light, intermediate, and dark.
White-throated sparrow
And you might reasonably think that white-striped males would always select a white-striped female as a mate and the same with tan-striped individuals, but it’s actually just the opposite. White-striped males overwhelmingly prefer tan-striped females (and vice versa) while tan striped males select white-striped females (also vice versa), a concept ecologists fancily refer to as “negative assortative mating.” Researchers have determined the morphs behave differently with white-striped birds being more aggressive but with less adept parenting abilities than tan-striped birds.These two traits seem to balance out as the two morphs are about equally represented in the species overall.
White-throated sparrows don’t breed on Long Island (with very few noted records) but are common winter visitors and one of the more common species to visit bird feeding stations, often feeding on the millet and other grain that spills to the ground.If white-throated sparrows come to your feeders try to distinguish the two color morphs and note any difference in behaviors. As mentioned above, research suggests the white-striped forms are more aggressive and tend to dominate tan-striped individuals. Have you observed this?
As winter melds into spring you might hear the distinctive song of this sparrow. One of the bird’s colloquial names — Old Sam Peabody — comes from its song that seems like it’s saying that fella’s name with a few extra Peabody’s thrown in at the end. Others liken it to My Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada. I think the second description is a wee bit more accurate both because it sounds closer to the bird’s song and because the species breeds across a broad swath of forest in our country neighbor to the North.
Another common winter visitor to bird feeders is a sparrow that doesn’t much look likeone, as it doesn’t have the earth-tone browns and tans typical of most sparrow species.It’s the Slate-colored or Dark-eyed Junco or as the famous New York naturalist John Burroughs called them“snowbirds” since they often appear in New York around the time of the season’s first snowfall.
A widespread breeder across North America (but not Long Island as it breeds further north) this species consists of 15 subspecies many of which look different, giving rise to distinctive names such as the white-winged, pink-sided, red-backed, and gray-headed juncos. Given their distinctive morphological differences, which is thought to have occurred a few thousand years ago, this species appears to be on its way to evolving into several other species. If we can hang around for a few thousand more years we might find out the answer.
The junco (it’s Latin name is hyemalis meaning “of the winter”) is a handsome bird with “our” subspecies being dark grey on top with white on the belly and under the tail.Females are tinged with brown on top. Both sexes have triangular pink bills, the color of bubble gum, which they use to capture insects, collect seeds and berries, and/or the food you put out in your feeders.
Dark-eyed Junco
Speaking of feeders, according to Project FeederWatch, run by the Cornell University’s Project Laboratory of Ornithology, the Dark-eyed Junco is recorded at more feeders in North America than any other bird.
Another plumage trait all juncos share are outer tail feathers that range from partially to fully white. These bright white “banner marks” are examples of deflective coloration and are a feature commonplace in birds. It’s hypothesized their function is to confuse predators or deflect their attack to a non-lethal part of a bird’s body but this purpose has not been proven experimentally beyond a reasonable doubt so the purpose remainsconjectural. The Eastern Meadowlark and American Robin are other examples of birds exhibiting banner marks.
Another interesting aspect of junco life is that not all birds overwinter in the same area. Generally male juncos, both adult and young, overwinter in more northern locales while females migrate further south. The reason for this seems to be the desire for male birds to be closer to prime breeding territories, the adults to reclaim them and younger males in an effort to quickly find an available territory. Females have no such worries and can benefit from more moderate climates to the south.
So, what at first appears to be two nice uncomplicated winter visitors visiting your feeding station actually reveal, like when the layers of an onion are peeled back, a reality with complexity and depth possessed by all living creatures that share our world.
A resident of Setauket, author John Turner is conservation chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, author of “Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island” and president of Alula Birding & Natural History Tours
Family & Children’s Association (FCA) a health and human services nonprofit organization based in Garden City, recently named Ryan Attard of Huntington Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. FCA President and CEO, Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D. made the announcement on behalf of the organization.
“I am pleased to welcome Ryan to FCA,” Reynolds said. “Her work on some of Long Island’s most vexing challenges and wide-ranging knowledge of our region’s landscape and stakeholders make her an ideal fit for the role as we add new programs.”
In her new position, Attard will oversee FCA’s program operations, IT, compliance, and quality assurance.
“I am thrilled to bring my knowledge and experience to the Family and Children’s Association. As the new COO I am committed to harnessing the power of compassion, collaboration, and innovation to uplift those in need. Together we will create a brighter future for our community,” said Attard.
Prior to joining FCA Attard served as a Deputy County Executive for Suffolk under County Executive Steve Bellone. During her tenure, she collaboratively led in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic by coordinating with over 75 school districts and assisting them in navigating changing rules and guidance. She assisted the most vulnerable populations in getting access to test kits, emergency food delivery, diaper distribution, and vaccinations by collaborating with multiple government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
After New York State and Suffolk County won several landmark court victories against opioid manufacturers, Attard created and launched an application process that would allow the county to transparently and fairly allocate over $50 million in settlement funding to non-profits, healthcare systems, and public and private agencies, that provide services around the opioid epidemic, including prevention, treatment, and recovery.
In her previous role at the MTA, she successfully built relationships with government community leaders and gained support for important transportation initiatives such as downtown revitalization, expansion projects, east-side access, and the third track. She also served as a member of their ADA task force.
Attard has also held leadership roles at Long Island University as the University Director of Alumni Relations, where she was charged with running their Annual Fund and programming for over 400,000 alumni, and at the Town of Brookhaven as the Deputy Commissioner of Housing and Human Services charged with housing programs, youth, senior, women and veteran services.
Her dedication to service is further exemplified by her nearly decade-long involvement on the Executive Board of Directors of Girls Inc. of Long Island. Attard is a member of the Energeia Partnership Class of 2019.
About FCA
FCA is a not-for-profit agency helping more than 35,000 Long Islanders each year. For nearly 140 years, the organization has worked to protect and strengthen vulnerable children, seniors, families, and communities on Long Island.
FCA believes in the potential of Long Island – a place where no child, senior, family or community is left to struggle alone with barriers to health care, education, employment, or economic prosperity. Long Island continues to be one of the greatest places in the world to live and raise a family for many; FCA exists to ensure that be the case for all.
The Stony Brook University men’s basketball team defeated William & Mary, 63-59, on Jan. 13 at Kaplan Arena in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dean Noll paced the offense for a second straight contest, scoring a season-high 19 points.
Stony Brook’s defense was stout to begin the contest, limiting William & Mary to just one point and holding the Tribe without a made field goal over the opening five minutes. The Tribe’s second made basket came with 6:55 remaining in the opening half, trimming Stony Brook’s lead to 15-9. A 5-0 run by the Seawolves extended the lead back to double figures.
The lead for the Seawolves grew as large as 13 points down the stretch in the first half, though William & Mary connected on five-of-nine field goal attempts over the final five minutes to trim Stony Brook’s lead to nine points, 32-23, entering the half. Stony Brook held William & Mary to a 2-for-16 mark from the floor before that point.
The Seawolves maintained a comfortable advantage until midway through the second half when William & Mary pulled within three points after Caleb Dorsey began to heat up. It was a one-possession contest with 9:40 to play before a 6-0 run by Stony Brook. The Seawolves held the Tribe without a point for more than four minutes to pad their lead to nine points with five minutes to play.
Stony Brook went ice cold though, going without a field goal made for more than seven minutes and seeing the Tribe turn their nine-point deficit into a one-point lead with less than two minutes to play. A Tyler Stephenson-Moore floater put the Seawolves back in front momentarily, but William & Mary regained the advantage with 42 seconds remaining.
Despite struggling offensively most of the afternoon, Aaron Clarke came up clutch for Stony Brook in the final moments. The graduate guard buried a long three from the wing in front of the Seawolves’ bench, giving Stony Brook a lead that it would not relinquish again.
Stephenson-Moore sealed the victory with a wide-open dunk following a full-court inbound pass from Noll, sending the Seawolves home with their second road victory of conference play.
“Big win for us. Really hard schedule to start, by far the hardest in league with four of our five on the road and an overwhelming favorite at home,” head coach Geno Ford noted postgame. “We played well on both ends against two good opponents. I thought a lot of guys showed the toughness and physicality we will need in a major grind of a game today. William & Mary had an awesome crowd with no students and made it a very tough place to play today.”
The team returns to action on Jan. 18 at Delaware with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Bob Carpenter Center with the contest streaming live on SNY, NBC Sports Philadelphia and FloHoops.
The Stony Brook women’s basketball team fought back from a 54-52 deficit after the third quarter to beat the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens, 79-67, on Jan. 14 in Newark for their ninth consecutive victory. The Seawolves improved to 4-0 in CAA play and are the last remaining undefeated team in conference play.
In the first quarter, Khari Clark and Gigi Gonzalez both tallied their 1,000th career point as they became the 20th and 21st players, respectively, in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
The Seawolves had four players score in double figures, led by Gigi Gonzalez, who had 20 points, five assists and three steals. Victoria Keenan tacked on 17 points off the bench, going 5-of-10 from behind the arc, and Sherese Pittman chipped in as well with 12 points and five boards.
Clark pulled down four offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second-chance opportunities for Stony Brook, grabbing 14 boards and turning them into eight second-chance points. Shamarla King was also disruptive on the glass, tallying 11 rebounds and also scoring 11 points, notching her second double-double of the season.
Stony Brook did a great job disrupting Delaware shots in the contest, coming away with six blocks. Clark’s four rejections led the way individually for the Seawolves.
After falling behind 10-2, Stony Brook went on a 7-0 run with 5:32 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Clark, to narrow its deficit to 10-9. Delaware answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Seawolves down 16-14 entering the second quarter.
Delaware kept adding to that lead, building a 32-23 advantage before Stony Brook went on a 7-0 run to narrow its deficit to 32-30. The Seawolves continued to chip away, reducing the Delaware lead to 34-33 heading into the break.
Stony Brook’s deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Seawolves faced a 54-52 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Stony Brook knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to account for nine of its 19 total points.
Stony Brook managed to gain control and had a 73-67 lead before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 79-67 with two seconds to go in the contest, a score which would hold for the rest of the game. Stony Brook fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down four shots to account for 12 of its 27 points.
“I’m most proud of our mental toughness and ability to execute down the stretch,” head coach Ashley Langford said after the game. “It was a total team effort and it’s nice to see different players stepping up when we need them.”
FINAL CURTAIN CALL
Last chance to catch a performance of 'Frozen Jr.' at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. The show closes this Sunday. Photo by Jackie St. Louis/SPAC
PROGRAMS
Wildlife Wonders
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Wildlife Wonders: Discover Your Senses on Jan. 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. An experienced educator will lead your youngster through hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more! For children ages 2 to 4. $20 per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Nature Bingo
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents a Kid’s Nature Bingo event on Jan. 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. $15 per child includes 5 games and admission. Win prizes! Registration required by visiting www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Storytime Under the Stars
Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a special evening of storytelling and stargazing in the Reichert Planetarium on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome for families to enjoy the illustrations and follow along. Between stories, an astronomy educator will explore seasonal constellations visible from here on Long Island. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Fee is $8 per person, $6 for members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.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 Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008
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.
‘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 with a sensory sensitive performance on Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. 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 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 with a sensory sensitive performance on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. and Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. The magical land of Arendelle comes to life onstage. 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.
FILM
‘The Neverending Story’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Neverending Story on Jan. 21 at noon. On his way to school, Bastian ducks into a bookstore to avoid bullies. Sneaking away with a book called “The Neverending Story,” Bastian begins reading it in the school attic. The novel is about Fantasia, a fantasy land threatened by “The Nothing,” a darkness that destroys everything it touches. The kingdom needs the help of a human child to survive. When Bastian reads a description of himself in the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
Marci and Bradlee Bing in a scene from 'The Gin Game.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
By Rita J. Egan
Bradlee and Marci Bing show the hands they’ve been dealt in the acting world in Theatre Three’s The Gin Game, and they are winning ones. The tragicomedy opened at the theater on Saturday, Jan. 13.
In the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by D.L. Coburn, Weller Martin (Bradlee Bing) and Fonsia Dorsey (Marci Bing) meet at the Bentley Nursing Home. As the only two residents with no family and friends coming to see them on visitors’ day, they find solace on the home’s unused sun porch. Weller invites Fonsia to play gin rummy with him. Even though it’s supposedly her first time playing, he quickly learns that luck is on her side.
Playing the game a few times over a couple of weeks, the two reveal their life stories. While a bond seems to form between the two, the figurative walls they have erected in life also appear. As the play progresses, the audience discovers how both play the cards they are dealt in gin rummy and in life.
The Gin Game opened in Los Angeles in 1976, and a little more than a year later it debuted on Broadway with husband and wife Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. In addition to being awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1978, Tandy won the Tony Award for her portrayal of Fonsia. After more than 500 performances on Broadway, Cronyn and Tandy toured with the production.
Revivals in the past have included E. G. Marshall, Maureen Stapleton, Charles Durning, Julie Harris, James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson. In 2003, PBS presented a televised version starring Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore.
In Theatre Three’s production, Bradlee Bing convincingly delivers the belligerent and sarcastic Weller. His rage over losing game after game is frightening, especially when he curses or forcibly uses his cane. Yet, in the more humorous moments, he portrays the character with a bit of charm that makes you feel sorry for him.
Marci Bing is also convincing as the prim and proper Fonsia, who reveals more of her true nature as the two get to know each other. The actress seamlessly transitions from a sweet woman to one whose stories reveal that in her attempt to control her circumstances in life, she can become rigid and vindictive.
The actors easily deliver the humorous lines, and a short dance sequence demonstrates the chemistry between the two married actors. The real measure of their immense talents is seen during the play’s more serious and darker moments. It’s apparent that the actors realize the depth of the multi-layered piece as Bradlee Bing powerfully delivers the lines, “God gave you that card, didn’t he? Didn’t God give you that card?” Marci Bing strongly responds, “Yes, Weller, God gave me the card.”
The Bings, along with director Colleen Britt, have masterfully developed characters that many can relate to and all can learn from. Audience members should arrive at the show and settle in their seats a few minutes early for an extra touch added to the Theatre Three production, which enhances the theatrical experience.
Lending a subtle sense of just how run down the nursing home is, set director Randall Parsons has created a stage that is believable as a barely used back porch with a collection of books, crutches and other items.
In a Jan. 11 interview with TBR News Media, the Bings said they hoped audience members would leave the theater thinking about aging, not only about how difficult it can be for some but also how wallowing in the past doesn’t do anyone any good. The two successfully drive that point home on stage as Weller and Fonsia.
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, presents The Gin Game through Feb. 3. Tickets are $40 for adults, $32 for seniors 65 and over and students and $25 for children. Wednesday matinees are $25. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
A MESSAGE OF LOVE
Singer Toby Tobias heads to Comsewogue Public Library in concert on Jan. 21. Photo by Clyde Berge
Thursday January 18
Four Harbors Audubon lecture
Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a winter lecture via Zoom at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Jennifer Ackerman will discuss her latest book, What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds, in a multimedia presentation with photos, videos and audio recordings. Registration required by visiting 4has.org/upcoming-events.
Comedy Night at the CAC
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents an evening of comedy with Peter Bales and Rich Walker at 8 p.m. Hosted by Steven Taub, the program will include a screening of a video segment ‘Day in the life of a stand-up comedian’ from the Emmy nominated PBS documentary ‘Laugh a Day’ featuring Dom Irrera and a grouping of legendary comedians and a sit-down interview with Bales and Walker in celebration of the art of stand-up comedy. Tickets are $40 per person, $30 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.|
Friday January 19
No events listed for this day.
Saturday January 20
Maple Sugaring
Join the staff of Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a maple sugaring workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.This interactive program geared for adults will teach you how to make your own maple syrup at home! Not recommended for children. $4 per person. Please call for 631-423-1770 for reservations.
Winter Wonderland Walk
Town of Brookhaven continues its Winter Nature Program series with a Winter Wonderland Walk at West Meadow Beach Pavilion in Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and at Cedar Beach Nature Center at 2 p.m. During these walks your guide will discuss the stark beauty of the beach and salt marsh in the cold season. Explore the effects of snow and ice on the natural environment, discuss wildlife adaptations, identify plants in their winter form, and observe active winter wetlands. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].
Health and Wellness Fair
Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville will host its 4th annual Health and Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Fair will feature over 70 vendors from the healthcare industry who will provide valuable information about health insurance, healthcare law and health services available to Brookhaven Town residents with complimentary refreshments, raffles, giveaways, free health screenings, interactive activities,and face painting for children. 631-451-6331
Sunday January 21
Toby Tobias in concert
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes singer Toby Tobias in concert at 1:30 p.m. The South African-born musician will present an original multimedia performance titled Journey from Johannesburg that chronicles his story of growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Historic Spirits and Ghosts lecture
Celebrate St. James continues its Living History series with a lecture titled Talking with the Historic Spirits and Ghosts around St. James at the Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James at 2 p.m.Medium and paranormal investigator Joe Giaquinto will share his personal experiences during in-depth ghost investigations of local historic properties. Tickets are $25, $20 members at www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201
LITMA Contradance
Join the Long Island Traditional Music Association for a Contradance at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 East Main St., Smithtown at 2 p.m. Basic instruction begins at 1:45 p.m. with live music from Torrent and Chart Guthrie as caller. Admission is $15 adults, $10 members, $7.50 students, children under 16 free with paid adult. 631-369-7854
Simple Days in concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Simple Days featuring Dusty Bowl and LoriAnn Lennon from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Monday January 22
TVHS lecture
Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket tonight at 7 p.m. Robert Müller will make a presentation titled Long Island Lighthouses: Past & Present based on Müller’s 2004 book of the same name and his experience as a local lighthouse history researcher and preservationist. Images in the program range from the 1850s to the present and include lighthouse keepers, lightships, and lighthouses that no longer stand. Free and open to all. Donations appreciated. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730.
Tuesday January 23
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a concert by singer/guitarist Alex Alexander — an NSJC favorite — in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
Preschool Fair
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook will host a Preschool and Daycare Showcase at 6 p.m. Meet with representatives of local preschools and daycare services. No registration required. 631-588-5024
Wednesday January 24
No events listed for this day.
Thursday January 25
Library Book Sale
Center Moriches Free Public Library, 235 Main St., Center Moriches will hold an Antique, Vintage, and Premium Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library today from 2 to 8 p.m., Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit Library. 631-438-6972
Beyond the Book Club
Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor continues its Beyond the Book Club series with The Soul of the Octopus at 6:30 p.m. Can an animal — not to mention an invertebrate — possess intelligence? Consciousness? A soul? These are some of the questions author Sy Montgomery tackles in her emotional and enlightening portrait of one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures — the octopus. Explore historical documents from the museum’s collection that reveal how 19th century whalers viewed whales and discover how these views have changed over time. $15 per participant. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Film
Robert Hays in a scene from ‘Airplane!’
‘Airplane!’
“Roger, Roger. What’s our vector Victor?” Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of the Comic Gem Airplane! on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. In this quintessential parody of disaster movies traumatized ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker has been unable to hold a job due to his fear of flying and “drinking problem.” When his ex-girlfriend, Elaine Dickinson, now a flight attendant, leaves him before boarding her assigned flight,Ted drops everything and buys a plane ticket to try to win her back. After the pilots become ill, it’s up to him to land the plane. Introduction by film historian Glenn Andreiev. Tickets are $16, $10 members. To order tickets in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
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. See review on page B13.
‘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).
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].
Princess with her new mom Sonya. Photo from Little Shelter
Arriving at Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center’s doorstep in Huntington on March 3, 2021, ten-year-old Terrier mix Princess was malnourished, emaciated, and in need of a miracle.
Utilizing due diligence and some rather impressive detective work, the medical team diagnosed her with a combination of inflammatory bowel disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This complex situation allowed her to eat normally, though it rendered her unable to digest and absorb sufficient nutrients to maintain a normal healthy weight. Once prescribed the correct medications and diet, this warrior Princess began to flourish, her positive spirit winning everyone’s hearts.
Over time, as so often happens, other medical issues arose. Princess began requiring Insulin to keep her endocrine system in check and also lost most of her functional vision. Rather than looking at these as challenges, she saw them as opportunities to spend more time with the staff and volunteers already smitten with her, garnering even more support.
With her every need met, including being the best-dressed occupant of Kennel One, she still dreamed of a home to call her own. Enter Sonya, a previous staffer and now exceptional volunteer, who began taking Princess out for a few hours at a time to enjoy new experiences. Gradually, those brief adventures turned into overnight stays at Sonya’s home where she relished being part of a family.
Unable to resist this royal’s powers of persuasion, Sonya made the decision to become her permanent foster. After years of being in multiple rescues, Princess found a soft place to land at Little Shelter, day one of her miracle. Spending each day in between filled with curiosity, zeal, and the intention of living life to the fullest, a mere 1,039 days later our perfect Princess has found her happily ever after with Sonya.
Albert Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is that everything is a miracle.” Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center chooses to believe the latter.
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