#5 Aaron Clarke looks to pass the ball during Sunday night's game.
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics
The Stony Brook University men’s basketball team topped Army, 78-74, in overtime on Dec. 17 at Christl Arena at West Point. Aaron Clarke returned to the lineup, pacing a group of four double-digit scorers with 21 points to lead the Seawolves past the Black Knights.
The Seawolves started fast on both ends of the floor, racing out to a 12-1 lead. Army was held without a field goal for nearly eight minutes to open the contest and managed just two points on a pair of trips to the charity stripe before Josh Scovens’ basket at the 12:09 mark of the first half.
Stony Brook extended its lead to 14 points, 23-9, more than halfway through the first half of action, but the Black Knights offense came to life in the final nine minutes of the half. Army ripped off 17 unanswered points in less than five minutes to turn a 14-point deficit into a three-point lead. When the dust settled after the first half, the contest was tied at 36-36 heading into the intermission. The Black Knights ultimately ended the half on a 27-13 run, shooting 10-of-14 from the floor and a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range over the final nine-plus minutes of the opening stanza.
In a back-and-forth second half, Stony Brook led by seven points with 3:29 to play before another surge from Army’s offense that saw the Seawolves squander another lead. The Black Knights used a 9-0 run to grab a 61-59 lead with less than a minute to play, but a pair of late free throws from Clarke and a defensive stand sent the contest into overtime, despite Stony Brook being held without a field goal for the final seven-plus minutes of regulation.
Tyler Stephenson-Moore did not register a field goal made in regulation, notching his only three points at the charity stripe over a 10-second span in the final four minutes of the second half. He made the most of the extra period however, connecting on a pair of trifectas on the opening two possessions and added another basket on Stony Brook’s fourth possession of overtime, putting his squad on top, 69-66. The Seawolves never trailed in overtime, converting on 7-of-8 from the free throw line to earn its first road victory of the season.
“Great win against an Army team that played at a really high level,” head coach Geno Ford noted. “We really appreciated the huge amount of Stony Brook fans that made the drive over for the game today. We’ve put a nice win streak together with some confidence heading into Michigan State.”
The team wraps up road, non-conference action at Michigan State on Dec. 21. Tip-off between the Seawolves and Spartans is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Breslin Arena with the contest streaming live on BTN+. It will be the second-ever meeting between Stony Brook and Michigan State.
A DRIVE THRU DELIGHT
The Riverhead Holiday Light Show in Calverton runs through Dec. 30.
Ongoing
Riverhead 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.
Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County presents its 20th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show at Southaven County Park in Yaphank through December 30. This year, the light show will be a fully immersive, walk-through Enchanted Forest, which features 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays along with photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games for visitors to enjoy. Tickets are $15 per person, $12.50 for Girl Scouts. To order, visit www.gssclightshow.com.
Holiday Illuminations
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown presents Holiday Illuminations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Explore the Society’s grounds illuminated for the holiday season! 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. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768
Festival of Trees
Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2024 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 473-4778
Huntington Holiday Spectacular
Stroll through the streets of downtown Huntington to enjoy a Winter Wonderland Tuesdays to Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. now through Jan. 1, 2024. The festivities will include lights, farmers market, live music ice carving, Santa, holiday markets, and othersurprises. www.huntingtonholidayspectacular.com/events
Thursday Dec. 21
Sound Healing, Guided Meditation
North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham presents a Sound Healing and Guided Meditation program from 7 to 8 pm. Celebrate the season with tonal balancing using crystal singing bowls that produce powerful vibratory sound waves which resonate deeply within the body. Donna Nesteruk uses multiple instruments to create these meditative sounds that provide you with a restorative and relaxing. To register, please call the library at 631-929-4488.
Jazz Christmas Party
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave, Stony Brook presents Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a 17-piece big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts to celebrate the season. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895
Friday Dec. 22
Tom Manuel’s Egg Nog Romp!
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave, Stony Brook presents Tom Manuel’s Egg Nog Romp from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring Tom Manuel on cornet. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895
‘Season of Light’ at the Vanderbilt
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will show the holiday-themed Season of Light tonight at 8 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. Season of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up their lives during the December holiday season. Tickets range from $14 to $17 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Saturday Dec. 23
‘Season of Light’ at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 22 listing.
Caumsett Hike
Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a History Hike from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Relax and socialize on this hilly, moderately paced 6-mile walk, as you make stops to discuss some spots of historic interest. Adults only. $4 per person. Call 631-423-1770 for reservations.
Sunday Dec. 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
Monday Dec. 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Tuesday Dec. 26
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a Barbershop quartet concert, “Once Upon a Time,”at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
Holiday Train Display
Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today, Dec. 27 through Dec 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free event. 631-924-1820
Wednesday Dec. 27
Holiday Train Display
See Dec. 26 listing.
Thursday Dec. 28
Holiday Train Display
See Dec. 26 listing.
Author Talk
Illeana Douglas
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington welcomes acclaimed author/actress Illeana Douglas at 7 p.m. for enlightening discussion of her new book Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream House to Dark Suburbia as well as a screening of one of the movies featured in her book, The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster. In addition to the film screening and discussion, tickets will include a copy of Connecticut in the Movies and a book signing reception. Tickets are $40, $35 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming 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. 631-655-7798
Film
‘Die Hard’
Cinema Arts Centre presents a special Night Owl Cinema screening of Die Hard on Dec. 22 at 9:30 p.m. We dare you to say it’s not a Christmas movie!! It’s Christmas Eve, and New York Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) is in L.A. visiting his estranged wife and children. At her holiday office party the festivities are interrupted by a group of German terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise and begin taking hostages. McClane is the only one who can save them from criminal mastermind Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Yippee-ki-yay mistletoers! Tickets are $15, $10 members, free for Young Film Fan Members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘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! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $32 adults, $30 seniors, $28 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
A SYMBOL OF HOPE Celebrate the holidays with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim at Theatre Three’s ‘A Christmas Carol.’ The show runs through Dec. 30. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots.com
‘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 the38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children. 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 now through Jan. 7. 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 running 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.
Vendors Wanted
■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Help Barnaby save Christmas at Theatre Three! The show runs through Dec. 30. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
PROGRAMS
Nature Bingo
Join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Kid’s Nature Bingo event on Dec. 23, Jan. 6 and 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
Winter Solstice Workshop
Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a Winter Solstice Celebration! Children in grades K-3 can take part in a Bulb Botany & Winter Blooms workshop on Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon while children in grades 3 to 5 can take part in a Sundial & Planetarium Show on Dec. 27 from 10 am. to noon. Fee is $20 per child,$18 for members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Candle Making Workshop
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a drop-in Candle Making Workshop on Dec. 27 and 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. Ignite your creativity, roll up your sleeves, and create your own custom, hand-dipped candle with tinted waxes to take home with you. Design a colorful seashell candleholder for your candle to light up your home this winter! See whale blubber and oil from our collection, which were historically used for illumination. Admission fee plus$10 per participant. No registration needed. 631-367-3418
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.
‘Frosty’
Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Nov. 25 to Jan. 7. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ebenezer Pierpot and his 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.
‘Frozen Jr.’
Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main Street, Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Dec. 2 to Jan. 21. 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.
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 Dec. 21 and 22; and at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 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.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas on Dec. 24 at noon.Follow the misadventures of Jack Skellington who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role.Rated PG. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
This week’s featured shelter pet is Poker Face, currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This big handsome boy was found in a local feral colony. He has a heart of gold and loves meeting new people.
Poker Face obviously got into some scuffles in his life on the streets as he has some scars. This guy is FIV+, but that will not cause issues so long as he is kept indoors and safe. He can live a long and happy life with other cats as long as they are all spayed or neutered. He is ready to go to a home that is ready for all of his cuddles.
If you would like to meet Poker Face, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting. The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
A true holiday celebration calls for sharing moments with loved ones and creating memories that can last a lifetime. Crafting a sweet dessert to cap off the festivities is a perfect way to come together in the kitchen and enjoy the moment with those who matter most.
These Gingerbread Cookies made with C&H sugar can be a hallmark holiday treat that allow kids to help in the process. Once they’re out of the oven, ask little ones to help decorate the festive and delightful cookies.
Visit chsugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating with family throughout the year.
Gingerbread Cookies
Recipe courtesy of Bernice Baran
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup C&H® Dark Brown Sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
royal icing
Directions:
In large bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar about 2 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses; mix until well incorporated.
In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Use mixer on low speed to add to butter mixture until combined and dough is formed.
Divide dough in half, wrap with plastic film and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Flour clean work surface. Roll dough 1/8-1/4 inches thick. Cut out shapes with desired cookie cutters.
Transfer cookies to lined baking sheets and bake 10-12 minutes, or until firm. Let cookies cool on baking sheets 2-3 minutes then transfer to cooling rack. Cool completely.
Polar Explorers edition. Photo from Whaling Museum
Polar Explorers edition. Photo from Whaling Museum
Polar Explorers edition. Photo from Whaling Museum
Polar Explorers edition. Photo from Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor invites kids and families to experience the wonders of winter indoors with new Museum Adventure Activity: Polar Explorers edition. This program is a new interactive way to explore the museum and discover the Arctic as you follow in the footsteps of early polar explorers.
Polar Explorers program has participants traveling on an icy adventure through the museum using a compass to navigate their steps. Their goal is to stock up on supplies for a polar journey while learning facts about the artic regions including the amazing men and women who first stepped foot on these lands.
In this self-guided activity, available daily during museum open hours through March 2024, participants use QR codes to view museum created content that will direct you around the museum hunting for clues to solve the puzzle. Once the key word is uncovered, participants will use that code to unlock the museum’s exclusive supply chest with the designated craft activity inside. For Polar Explorers edition it’s a kit for making a fancy compass box to engrave and take home.
Kids and families working together will hear about polar explorers such as the Vikings and the Inuit and get to know which animals thrive in the polar regions. In addition to the museum created content, participants will find facts and tidbits to mount on their polar expertise in their personal booklets. These booklets can be taken home and kept as mementos of the journey.
Once the supply list is stocked, participants are directed back to the supply chest to retrieve their reward, a craft activity to create and engrave a fancy compass box. Participants can engrave designs such as a ship’s wheel or their initials. Examples are provided for inspiration.
“We are thrilled to offer this new Museum Adventure Activity inspired by the incredible journeys of bygone explorers who traveled to the literal ends of the Earth, navigating unknown and dangerous regions and encountering Arctic animals never seen before. Our new Polar Explorers experience follows this past summer’s Museum Adventure Activity: Shark Invasion edition, which was a breakaway hit from the start. We continuously strive to develop innovative and fun learning activities which encourage kids and families to discover something new every time they come visit. Museum Adventure Activities allow us to expand beyond the museum walls through interactive videos that enable us to explore destinations far and wide.” said Brenna McCormick-Thompson, Curator of Education at the Whaling Museum.
The museum offers different Museum Adventure Activities every season. This is the first season of Polar Explorers edition which will be available until March 31, 2024. This program is best for kids ages 6 and up. The cost to participate is museum admission plus $10, members are just $5. There is no registration needed for this activity. It is available now through March 31, 2024 during museum open hours, Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-367-3418 or visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
The next best thing to baking cookies for many home chefs is baking cookies with friends. Dust off your favorite recipes, create a festive playlist and fill your home with the tantalizing aroma of baked goodies for the ultimate Christmas cookie party.
Turn things up a notch and swap classic sugar cookies for these Almond Gingerbread Cookies featuring classic gingerbread with a crunch of toasted almonds and festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with a rich cocoa flavor, a deep red color and a cracked top that perfectly catches a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Almond Gingerbread Cookies
Almond Gingerbread Cookies
YIELD: Makes 30 cookies
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups sliced almonds
DIRECTIONS:
In large bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. In separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg and vanilla extract; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed.
Press dough into thick, flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours, or as long as overnight.
Heat oven to 350° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sliced almonds, pressing almonds into dough. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 8-10 minutes, or until edges of cookies just begin to brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
YIELD: Makes 24 cookies
INGREDIENTS:
1 2/3 cups flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4teaspoon salt
1/2cup (1 stick) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons red food color
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
nonstick cooking spray
DIRECTIONS:
In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours. Heat oven to 350° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in confectioners’ sugar to completely coat. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are puffed. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
Above, children listen to Nana Carol read a picture book during Story & Craft time at the Next Chapter in Huntington while parents and caregivers look on. Photo courtesy of The Next Chapter
By Tara Mae
“It is the perfect job, but it is not work.”
This is how Carol Parker describes her free weekly children’s Story & Craft, which she hosts on Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at The Next Chapter bookstore in Huntington.
Like any good grandmotherly figure, Nana Carol, as she is known, has a generosity and geniality to her that translates into her storytelling. Allaying any shyness and welcoming all who join her, Nana Carol strives to engage her temporary charges with warmth and wonder.Yet, Parker’s effervescent engagement is not without an outline and structure. Each session follows a loose schedule: gentle movement, spellbinding stories, and creative crafts.
“We begin with our little stretch…I lead them with a little rhyme: tall as a tree, wide as a house, thin as a pin, quiet as a mouse,” Parker, who lives in Huntington, said. “It sets the tone and they have gotten so good at it. All the kids are quite happy to sit down when I ask. We start a book, but I do not just read it, we talk as I read. As the story progresses, the children start out on carpet, then creep closer and closer.”
The attentive tykes move from their spots on the bookstore’s alphabet rug, stealthily moving forward until they are gathered around Parker, at her knee. Enrapturing them with an eclectic assortment of character voices, Parker puts her own touch on modern classics and old favorites.
Through these personifications, Parker shares stories that have a message. Her favorite books to read to the kids are from the Bad Seed series, written by John Jory and illustrated by Pete Oswald. They tell the story of a bad seed: ill-mannered and ill-tempered. Through the transformative power of will, acceptance, and personal growth, he is able to sprout a new attitude.
“I love those books…I ask them questions after every page, so they have a memory that coincides with what we are reading. Kids get what is going on; they become so excited and interact,” she said.
This aligns with Parker’s philosophy of providing the kids as well as their parents/caretakers with more than just story time: she encourages an interactive experience that ignites inceptive imaginations. Originally geared towards infants through four years old, Nana Carol wants to welcome kids of all ages to enjoy stories and a craft.
“Week to week is different since you never know the age of the kids in advance nor how long you can keep them interested,” Parker said. The average audience member’s attention span for active listening is about two books long, then it is craft time.
Crafts are primarily paper-based to limit mess and mayhem: no glitter allowed. Parker precuts the pieces and individually packs each craft in separate bags for each child. Activities have holiday and seasonal themes. In the fall, the children constructed autumnal wreathes and scarecrows.
Parker’s attention to detail extends to her craft supplies, which come from her personal collection. A couple of years ago, she found out that a nursery school was closing, and with the assistance of her daughter-in-law, rescued construction paper, markers, and other materials.
Well-versed in applying ingenuity as inspiration, Parker always plans the crafts, but may not select what to read until she is perusing the shelves of The Next Chapter.
An avid reader since her childhood in England — her favorite books were by English children’s writer Enid Blyton — as an adult, Parker’s tastes now gravitate towards the writings of Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, and any works that cover World War II as a topic.
Parker, who came to the United States as a senior in high school, does not have many memories of being read to as a child. But, she has consistently sought to share her reverence of the written word with her kids and grandkids.
In fact it was this passion, and her frequent trips to a former local bookstore, that led to her popular moniker.
“Nana Carol came from taking my grandkids to Book Revue in Huntington all the time; the staff heard me being called ‘nana’ and just applied it to my first name,” Parker said.
Around 2018, when her grandchildren were a bit older, she volunteered her services for Book Revue’s story time. Nana Carol was an apparent natural with the bookstore’s youngest patrons, who quickly became enamored with her energy and emotional resonance.
The pandemic halted this progress; the ability to enrapture very young minds was lost in translation on Zoom. In 2021, unable to afford its rent, Book Revue closed.
What seemed like the end of a saga, was actually the start of a fresh narrative. Staff of Book Revue banded together to open The Next Chapter, and reached out to Parker, inviting her to join them in this new venture. She readily agreed, and together they have been building a literary legacy.
“They took donations of tables and chairs, set up little areas where you can sit and read; it is very homey. Book Revue was wide, The Next Chapter is long. Its’ set up is lovely,” Parker said. “On Saturdays they have a flea market in the parking lot, with artisans displaying personal crafts, artists showing art, etc. [The staff] is really trying to establish a destination like Book Revue used to be. They are so very good to me.”
And Parker is good their smallest clients. “I love kids and I love doing this…To make a child smile, make a child happy, that’s like a million dollar check to me,” she said.
The Next Chapter Bookstore is located at 204 New York Avenue in Huntington. For more information about Story & Craft with Nana Carol, other programs, and the bookstore itself, please visit www.thenextchapterli.com.
From left, Plumbers Local 200 Organizer Edward Tedla, Business Agent Joseph Squicciarini, Business Manager - Financial Secretary/Treasurer Richard P. Brooks, Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue, NY State Senator Mario Mattera and Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, executive director of the Suffolk Community College Foundation. Photo courtesy of SCCC
The Suffolk Community College Foundation’s Education Without Limits campaign that supports students with critical financial backing to help them achieve their academic and career goals, recently got a $3,000 boost from Plumbers Union Local 200.
Union representatives, including Local 200 Business Agent and New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Joseph Squicciarini, Organizer Edward Tedla and Business Manager Richard Brooks visited the Ammerman Campus in Selden to present their generous donation to college officials, including College President Dr. Edward Bonahue and Foundation Director Sylvia Diaz.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous $3,000 donation from Plumbers Local 200 to our Education Without Limits Campaign,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue. “The donation helps us provide scholarships and other support to our students who are facing financial hardship. New York State Senator Mario Mattera and Plumbers Local 200 are valued partners of Suffolk County Community College, and we are proud to have their support.”
“Suffolk’s Plumbers Local 200 protect the health of all Long Islanders while promoting economic equality, building worker power, helping workers to win increases in pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions, and we are delighted to partner with them to support Suffolk’s promising students along their pathways to success,” said Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, executive director of the Suffolk Community College Foundation.
“As a longtime member and leader of Plumbers Local 200, I am extremely proud of the generosity of all our hardworking men and women. Suffolk County Community College is opening doors for so many young men and women with the Education Without Limits program and that is so important to our future as a region. All of our students should have the ability to chase their dreams and this will give that chance to all who are ready to work,” added Senator Mattera.
Alexander Orlov, PhD, Professor of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University, has been elected chair of the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Environmental Division. With a four-year term starting January 1, 2024, Orlov will lead the Division’s extensive community of scientists toward the goal of applying concepts in chemistry to address the world’s leading environmental and sustainability issues.
Orlov, a Middle Island resident and professor at Stony Brook since 2008, has contributed significantly to environmental protection and sustainability efforts throughout his career. His work as an educator earned him the 2017 ACS Award for Incorporating Sustainability into Chemistry Education and the 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Sustainable Engineering Forum Education Award. He is a member of the US-EU working group on Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials supported by the U.S. White House and European Commission cooperative program on nanotechnology research. In 2022, he was a chair of the Environmental Division at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
For years Orlov has contributed to the United Nations Environmental Program and has helped lead several reports coming out of the program. From 2007 to 2014, he was appointed by two UK Secretary of States to advise the government on environmental issues such as hazardous substances and environmental impact of nanotechnology.
Orlov’s interdisciplinary research seeks to develop new materials for clean energy generation, structural applications, and environmental protection. He currently co-directs two Centers at Stony Brook — the Center for Laser Assisted Advanced Manufacturing and the Center for Development and Validation of Scalable Methods for Sustainable Plastic Synthesis and Processing.
At more than 150,000 members, the ACS is one of the largest scientific societies in the U. S. Approximately 3,000 scientists nationally and internationally are in the Environmental Division. The Division is dedicated to addressing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations with an emphasis on issues surrounding climate change.
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