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Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

In coordination with Smithtown-based SMM Advertising and Retired Volunteer Services Programs (RSVP), Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta is conducting a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothing. They are collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and blankets for infants, children, teens and adult men and women. 

“As people prepare for the winter and clean out their closets or plan to give a new coat as a gift, it is important for all of us to help our fellow neighbors who need warm coats by contributing to this drive,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

Donations of coats and other outerwear may be dropped off at Legislator Trotta’s district office, located 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, (Blue Door) in Smithtown, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The coat drive ends January 7, 2024. For more information, call 631-854-3900.

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Miss Baker

This week’s featured shelter pet is Akneada Baker, an 8-year-old calico up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Akneada (pronounced Anita) Baker earned her name because she loves to sing and move her feet like she’s kneading. She was found as an emaciated and underweight stray with severe dental problems that had infected her sinuses and upper airway. She has since had an incredible recovery, and she’s now back to a healthy weight and is looking amazing.

Akneada is a little ball of happiness and constant motion. All she needs is a home that will love her and pet her all day long. Sweet Akneada Baker is ready to find her happily ever after, and we can’t wait for her to end up in that special home.  Will that be with you?

If you would like to meet Miss Baker, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her 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.

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Image from METRO
Increasing fiber consumption is crucial

By David Dunaief

Dr. David Dunaief

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6.7 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 19 have coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease (1). Annually in the U.S., there are 805,000 heart attacks. Of these, 200,000 occur in those who’ve already had a first heart attack.

Among the biggest contributors to heart disease risk are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. In addition, if you have diabetes or are overweight or obese, your risk increases significantly. In addition, lifestyle factors contribute to your risk; poor diet, lack of physical activity and high alcohol consumption are among the most significant contributors.

This is where we can dramatically reduce the occurrence of CAD. Evidence continues to highlight lifestyle changes, including diet, as the most important factors in preventing heart disease. Key changes that pack a wallop include the consumption of chocolate, legumes, nuts, fiber and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Chocolate – really?

Preliminary evidence shows that two pieces of chocolate a week may decrease the risk of a heart attack by 37 percent, compared to those who consume less (2). The benefit may be attributed to micronutrients referred to as flavanols. 

However, the authors warned against the idea that more is better. High fat and sugar content and chocolate’s caloric density may have detrimental effects when consumed at much higher levels. There is a fine line between potential benefit and harm. 

I usually recommend that patients have one to two squares — about one-fifth to two-fifths of an ounce — of high-cocoa-content dark chocolate daily. Aim for chocolate labeled with 80 percent cocoa content.

Alternatively, you can get the benefits without the fat and sugar by adding unsweetened, non-Dutched cocoa powder to a fruit and vegetable smoothie.

Who says prevention has to be painful?

Will increasing dietary fiber help?

We can significantly reduce our risk of heart disease if we increase our consumption of fiber to reach recommended levels. Good sources of fiber are fruits and vegetables eaten with edible skin or peel, beans and lentils, and whole grains.

Fiber has a dose-response relationship to reducing risk. In other words, the more fiber you eat, the greater your risk reduction. In a meta-analysis of 10 studies, results showed that for every 10-gram increase in fiber, there was a corresponding 14 percent reduction in the risk of a cardiovascular event and a 27 percent reduction in the risk of heart disease mortality (3). The authors analyzed data that included over 90,000 men and 200,000 women.

According to a 2021 analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2013 to 2018, only 5 percent of men and 9 percent of women get the recommended daily amount of fiber (4). The average American consumes about 16 grams per day of fiber (5).

So, how much is “enough”? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends 14 grams of fiber for each 1,000 calories consumed, or roughly 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men (6).

Legumes have an outsized effect

In a prospective (forward-looking) cohort study, the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-up Study, legumes reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by a significant 22 percent (7). Those who consumed four or more servings per week saw this effect when compared to those who consumed less than one serving per week. The legumes used in this study included beans, peas and peanuts. There were over 9,500 men and women involved, and the study spanned 19 years of follow-up.

I recommend that patients consume at least one to two servings a day. Imagine the impact that could have, compared to the modest four servings per week used to reach statistical significance in this study.

Focus on healthy nuts

In a study with over 45,000 men, there were significant reductions in CAD with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Both plant-based and seafood-based omega-3s showed these effects (8). Good sources of omega-3s from plant-based sources include nuts, such as walnuts, and ground flaxseed. Of course, be cautious about consuming too many nuts, since they’re also calorically dense.

Your ultimate goal should be to become “heart attack proof,” a term used by Dr. Sanjay Gupta and reinforced by Dr. Dean Ornish. While even modest dietary changes can significantly reduce your risk, the more significant the lifestyle changes you make, the closer you will come to achieving this goal.

References:

(1) cdc.gov. (2) BMJ 2011; 343:d4488. (3) Arch Intern Med. 2004 Feb 23;164(4):370-376. (4) nutrition.org (5) NHANES 2009-2010 Data Brief No. 12. Sep 2014. (6) eatright.org. (7) Arch Intern Med. 2001 Nov 26;161(21):2573-2578. (8) Circulation. 2005 Jan 18;111(2):157-164.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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Top row, from left, Wayne Hart, Kimberly Hart, Ed McNamara and Tim Adams; middle row, from left, Tom Comisky, Rob Pellegrino, George Overin and David Phyfe; front row, from left, Chris De Francis, Alle Wallace, Kathryn Comisky, Helen McCarthy, Aneka Carsten, George Fear, Stephanie Carsten, Stephanie Sakson, Bianca Dresch and Mort Rosen Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

By Kimberly Phyfe

On Saturday, October 21st, the Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) welcomed over 300 guests through their annual graveyard walk, the Spirits Tour, made possible through the help of 50 volunteers and staff.

Visitors met spirits from the Chicken Hill neighborhood in Setauket throughout the 100 years people lived there, between 1860 and 1960.

Chicken Hill was a one mile neighborhood located along Route 25A, where Stop & Shop is now, originally made up of Eastern European immigrants, Native Americans, and African Americans.

Today, the community of Chicken Hill is far from its original housing and cultural form. The people who lived there have lost their personal, cultural and social past. At present, they risk losing even that important and precious heritage: the memory and collective history of Chicken Hill. 

This 29th Annual Spirits Tour was an effort to preserve that memory and to establish Chicken Hill’s place in the evolution of the Three Village Area.

The tour began at the Setauket Presbyterian Church at dusk and continued into the clear, moonlit night. Inside the fellowship hall were cider & donuts, a pop-up gift shop, and live music from the wonderfully talented Long Island Youth Development Inc.

Scott Ferrara, Exhibits & Collections Coordinator at TVHS, assembled an incredible mobile display of artifacts from the award-winning Chicken Hill exhibit. Scott printed dozens of historical images and brought out treasured items from the archives such as the Ridgway Family Bible.            

Beverly and Barbara Tyler were on hand to speak about the Day Book on exhibit from the Tyler Brothers General Store circa 1908, mentioned by the first spirit Jacob Hart, portrayed by Wayne Hart. Both Beverly and Wayne shared about their family’s history in Chicken Hill with deep affection, and a desire for future preservation.

Nancy Scuri was a tour guide and remarked that “Having the family members tell their ancestors’ stories was an incredibly special touch. The group I led was interested and listening to all the actors, but when I told them they were watching direct descendants of the people they were portraying, it was all the more meaningful!”

Owen Murphy, a recipient of the Three Village Young Historian Award, also volunteered as a tour guide this year. “The fact that all the spirits were from the same place was amazing, as you were able to peer into the life of ordinary people in the 100 years of Chicken Hill’s existence,” he said.

There were four stops throughout the graveyard at Setauket Presbyterian, two more at the Village Green, and the last four were at Caroline Episcopal Church.

TVHS told humorous, honest, and heart-breaking stories of the actual people who lived, worked, and died here. Scripts were originally written by the TVHS Education Committee comprised of Donna Smith, Bev Tyler, Brian Bennett, Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara Russell & Education Coordinator Lindsey Steward-Goldberg. 

They then went on to be edited by Development Coordinator Kimberly Phyfe and volunteer / spirit Stephanie Sakson.

George Fear portrayed Charles, a spirit tending to the fenced-in Searing plot in the far corner of Caroline Church. “I’d heard about Chicken Hill but hadn’t had an appreciation for the richness of its history in Three Village until being exposed to it this year. It’s not a time in history which is documented or discussed nearly to the extent of others in the Three Village area (i.e. George Washington and the Culper Spy Ring) but so relevant and relatable given the ties so many families have to Chicken Hill and its history.”

TVHS Director Mari Irizarry says that plans for the 30th Annual Spirits Tour are already in the works. “We have so many ideas inspired by the Three Village area, our actors and guides, and local lore. Bringing history to life for our community is an incredible honor and one that I am proud to share in year after year. It is no exaggeration to say that this was our best Spirits Tour to date!”

So what keeps family, friends, and neighbors coming back for more? George Fear says that “I have always loved history, there’s an abundance of it in Three Village, and you learn something new and interesting every year. Most importantly, it’s the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a terrific group of people who are passionate and enthusiastic about history and make it an absolute pleasure to volunteer. What could be better than that? Needless to say, count me in as a spirit for next year and I am looking forward to the 30th Spirits Tour!”

Special thanks to Setauket Presbyterian Church, Caroline Episcopal Church, and the sponsors of the 29th Annual Spirits Tour: Annmarie’s Farm Stand, Luigi’s Pizzeria, Starbucks, Stop & Shop, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich.

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the Development Coordinator for the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket.

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A Jamaican fruit bat, one of two bat species Scheben studied as a part of his comparative genomic work. Photo by Brock & Sherri Fenton

By Daniel Dunaief

Popular in late October as Halloween props and the answer to trivia questions about the only flying mammals, bats may also provide clues about something far more significant.

Despite their long lives and a lifestyle that includes living in close social groups, bats tend to be resistant to viruses and cancer, which is a disease that can and does affect other mammals with a longer life span.

Armin Scheben

In recent work published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution, scientists including postdoctoral researcher at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and first author Armin Scheben, CSHL Professor and Chair of the Simons Center for Quantitative Biology Adam Siepel, and CSHL Professor W. Richard McCombie explored the genetics of the Jamaican fruit bat and the Mesoamerican mustached bat.

By comparing the complete genomes for these bats and 13 others to other mammals, including mice, dogs, horses, pigs and humans, these scientists discovered key differences in several genes.

The lower copy number of interferon alpha and higher number of interferon omega, which are inflammatory protein-coding genes, may explain a bat’s resistance to viruses. As for cancer, they discovered that bat genomes have six DNA repair and 33 tumor suppressor genes that show signs of genetic changes.

These differences offer potential future targets for research and, down the road, therapeutic work.

“In the case of bats, we were really interested in the immune system and cancer resistance traits,” said Scheben. “We lined up those genomes with other mammals that didn’t have these traits” to compare them.

Scheben described the work as a “jumping off point for experimental validation that can test whether what we think is true: that having more omega than alpha will develop a more potent anti-viral response.”

Follow up studies

This study provides valuable potential targets that could help explain a bat’s immunological superpowers that will require further studies.

“This work gives us strong hints as to which genes are involved, but fully understanding the molecular biology will require more work” explained Siepel.

In Siepel’s lab, where Scheben has been conducting his postdoctoral research since 2019, he is using human cell lines to see whether adding genetic bat elements makes them more effective in fighting off viral infections and cancer. He plans to do more of this work with mice, testing whether these bat variants help convey the same advantages in live mice.

Armin Scheben won the German Academic International Network Science Slam competition with his presentation on bat genomics.

Siepel and Scheben have discussed improving the comparative analysis by collecting information across bats and other mammals of tissue-specific gene expression and epigenetic marks which would help reveal changes not only in the content of DNA, but also in how genes are being turned on and off in different cell types and tissues. That could allow them to focus more directly on key genes to test in mice or other systems.

Scheben has been collaborating with CSHL Professor Alea Mills, whose lab has “excellent capabilities for doing genome editing in mice,” Scheben said.

Scheben’s PhD thesis advisor at the University of Western Australia, Dave Edwards described his former lab member’s work as “exciting.”

Edwards, who is Director of the UWA Centre for Applied Bioinformatics in the School of Biological Sciences, suggested that Scheben stood out for his “ability to strike up successful collaborations” as well as his willingness to mentor other trainees.

Other possible explanations

While these genetic differences could reveal a molecular biological mechanism that explains the bat’s enviable ability to stave off infections and cancer, researchers have proposed other ways the bat might have developed these virus and cancer fighting assets.

When a bat flies, it raises its body temperature. Viruses likely prefer a normal body temperature to operate optimally. 

Bats are “getting fevers without getting infections,” Scheben said.

Additionally, flight increases the creation of reactive oxygen species, which the bat needs to control on an ongoing basis.

At the same time, bats produce fewer inflammatory cytokines, which helps prevent them from having a runaway immune reaction. Some researchers have hypothesized that bats clear reactive oxygen species more effectively than humans.

A ‘eureka’ moment

The process of puzzling together all the pieces of DNA into individual chromosomes took considerable time and effort.

A Mesoamerican mustached bat, one of two bat species Scheben studied as a part of his comparative genomic work. Photo by Brock & Sherri Fenton

Scheben spent over 280,000 CPU hours chewing through thousands of genes in dozens of species on the CSHL supercomputer called Elzar, named for the chef from the cartoon “Futurama.” Such an effort would have taken eight years on a modern day personal computer.

During this effort, Scheben saw this “stark effect,” he said. “We had known that bats had lost some interferon alpha. What astounded me was that some bats had lost all alpha” while they had also raised interferon omega. That was the moment when he realized he found something novel and bat specific.

Scheben recognized that this finding could be one of many that lead to a better understanding of the processes that lead to cancer.

“We know that it’s unlikely that a single set of genes or a small set of genes such as we identified can fully explain the diversity of outcomes when it comes to a complex disease like cancer,” said Scheben.

A long journey

A resident of Northport, Scheben grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. He moved to London for several years, which explains his use of words like “chuffed” to describe the excitement he felt when he received a postdoctoral research offer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

When he was young, Scheben was interested in science despite the fact that classes were challenging for him.

“I was pretty poor in math and biology, but I liked doing it,” he said.

Outside of work, Scheben enjoys baking dense, whole wheat German-style bread, which he consumes with cheese or with apple, pear and nuts, and also hiking.

As for his work, which includes collaborating with CSHL Professor Rob Martienssen to study the genomes of plants like maize that make them resilient amid challenging environmental conditions, Scheben suggested it was the “best time to be alive and be a biologist” because of the combination of new data and the computational ability to study and analyze it.

Scheben recognized that graduate students in the future may scoff at this study, as they might be able to compare a wider range of mammalian genomes in a shorter amount of time.

Such a study could include mammals like naked mole rats, whales and elephants, which also have low cancer incidence and long lifespans.

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Photo from PSEG LI Facebook

As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island reminds customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.

“Colder weather is coming, which will mean higher heating costs. PSEG Long Island continues to work hard to provide our customers with safe, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services. “To help manage energy use and costs, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. We also know many of our customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs. We urge our customers to act now, and we’re here to help.”

Assistance available to those struggling with bills

PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.

Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance programs offered by New York State:

  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838 and still qualify for benefits. This benefit is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.

  • Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating fuel source. This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, 2024.  If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here:https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/

  • For low-income households facing no-heat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/

Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance rate, which provides a discount of more than $35 on every electric bill, along with the Residential Energy Affordability Program providing energy efficiency measures and suggestions to help lower consumption.

How customers can lower their bills

The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs. ENERGY STAR estimates that properly used programmable thermostats can save the average American household about $180 a year. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.
  • Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.
  • Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.
  • Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room. 
  • Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.
  • Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.
  • Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Robust rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units, ducted geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort PLUS program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.

More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at https://www.psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/energystarrebates.

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'Embracing the Winter Night' by Carol Procopio
'The View' by Beth Atkinson
'Nogh Van Gogh' by Ann Fox
I Never Saw a Poem As Lovely As a Tree exhibit
I Never Saw a Poem As Lovely As a Tree exhibit

TREES 

By Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

By Tara Mae

Art, nurtured and nourished by nature, is a sustenance that sustains the soul. The Firefly Artists’ newest exhibit, I Never Saw a Poem As Lovely As a Tree, is the harvest grown from a sort of artistic cross-pollination featuring works inspired by Joyce Kilmer’s poem “Trees.”

Through painting, sculpture, glasswork, pen and ink drawings, collage, and other mediums, the show, which opened at the Northport gallery on Oct. 18 and runs through Nov. 16, roots itself in the aspect of nature that is its muse. The juried exhibit features the works of approximately 32 visiting artists as well as 20 Firefly members. 

The theme serves as a creative catalyst and reverence for the surrounding environment. 

“An artist came in with a fire in her eyes about ‘Trees,’ and that became the prompt. It was a fantastic subject for so many folks…We get inspiration from everywhere; we are nothing if not creative,” said Firefly Artists Managing Partner Katheryn Laible.

Inspiration found in nature may actually be planted by memory or emotion. As a course of communication, art transcends both distance and time. Beth Atkinson, a  managing partner emeritus, who maintained her Firefly membership when she moved to North Carolina, thought of the poem during a Zoom brainstorming session with her colleagues. Her father, an art teacher and artist in his own right, would recite it when she as a child. 

“We have so many fabulous artists on Long Island, and we have quite a few artists who work with landscapes and nature…I started to think about many of our artists at Firefly — almost all of them have pieces that apply,” Atkinson said.

‘Trees’ is a verbal manifestation of the esteem so many local artists have for the natural world; the Firefly Artists put out an open call to any interested participants, and received an enthusiastic response. This resulting effort broadens the scope of the art and is also an opportunity to introduce new creators to the space.  

“We like to do juried art exhibitions; they are how we have gotten many new members for our gallery. ‘Trees’ felt universal enough that we would have plenty of interest and be able to choose best pieces for the show,” she added. 

Across many different mediums, an artistic arboretum grew from the chosen entries. Though they vary in style and genre, the creative copse they form immerses viewers in verdant vibrancy. 

“This is a beautiful exhibition. We are so blessed on Long Island to have such a robust and talented community of artists. Getting to showcase them is a privilege,” Laible said. 

By spotlighting the work of nonmembers, the gallery branches out into a larger artistic network and makes inroads establishing lasting relationships; many members began as guests artists. 

Current members, six of whom anonymously juried I Never…, did not submit their work for selection, but their art is present elsewhere in the gallery and excavates the essence of the poem.

“Trees are taken for granted,” Firefly member Carol Procopio said. “The tree that inspired my piece sits on my front lawn; I have known it since 1965. Every day when I take my dog out, I look at that tree and it amazes me.”

Instead of poetry in motion, the exhibited pieces employ the studied application of appreciation. Like “Trees,” they require the audience to recognize that beauty, even when familiar, is never banal. 

“Living on Long Island, near the water and near one of the cultural centers of the world gives me a huge ‘canvas’ to work with as an artist. There’s nothing like an historic tour of Northport or a stroll through lower Manhattan to fire up the imagination,” Firefly member Ann Fox said.  

Love for location, whether present or conjured from remembrance, is a shared attribute of the Firefly artists. The community they foster is not necessarily bound by proximity but rather attributed to shared artistic passion. 

Formed in 2011, originally all members lived on Long Island. But, as some of them moved away, they remained connected to the gallery. “Most of Firefly artists stay with us a very long time, even me, who now lives in North Carolina; I just ship my work to Firefly” Atkinson said. 

Comprised of current and retired art teachers, art enthusiasts, parents, and grandparents, members belong to the gallery as long as they pay their dues.

Membership fees go to practical matters such as rent — the gallery is located in the historic former residence of The Northport Hardware Company — and philanthropic pursuits such as scholarships. No one associated with the gallery takes a salary. Three managing partners, Laible, Drigo Morin, and Jennifer Lau, oversee and organize operations. 

“Firefly is one of those places that has been a savior for many of our artists; they needed a community and we gave them that. I think the best part is that we try to make money, not so much for the gallery but rather for our artists and our local artists,” Atkinson said. 

Art, at its core, is an intimate conversation conducted on a communal level. It is a language of emotion and consideration. A project of true passion, the Firefly Artists seeks to plant seeds of understanding in order to cultivate wisdom through wonder. With I Never…, visitors are invited to partake in casual contemplation.  

“I love watching people come in and experience the art, especially when they bring their kids in. It really nice way to connect with all different people…” Laible said. 

A reception for the exhibit will be held on Saturday, November 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. Located at 90 Main Street, Northport, the gallery is open Monday to Wednesday from  11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 631-651-5545 or visit https://thefireflyartists.com.

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Annual holiday event celebrates shipyards and shorelines
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A scene from a previous Candlelight House Tour. Photo courtesy of Lianna Kosch
A scene from a previous Candlelight House Tour. Photo courtesy of Lianna Kosch
A scene from a previous Candlelight House Tour. Photo courtesy of Lianna Kosch
A scene from a previous Candlelight House Tour. Photo courtesy of Lianna Kosch

By Rita J. Egan

With the holidays approaching, the Three Village Historical Society is preparing to light the way with a touch of history and seasonal decor.

The historical society will host its Candlelight House Tour on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2. The event, titled Shipyards and Shorelines, will feature homes near the shores of Setauket Harbor, according to event co-chairs Patty Yantz and Patty Cain. Rounding out the house tour will be the Caroline Church of Setauket. The church celebrated its 300th anniversary this year.

Most of the four homes are on Shore Road, an area known as the Dyers Neck Historic District.

“There will be beautiful homes decorated in seasonal décor by our talented decorators,” Cain said.

The annual event allows visitors to visit the homes to see the designers’ work. 

“All of our events, no matter how glamorous, they are all rooted in education,” said Mari Irizarry, TVHS director. “The Candlelight House Tour, now in its 44th year, is our biggest fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly towards our operating costs. We welcome over 1,000 guests and over 100 volunteers to appreciate historic architecture of the Three Village community and learn about the people that helped build our community.”

Irizarry said the chosen homes are revealed to attendees when they pick up a booklet before their tour begins. This year’s choices include a mixture of historic homes and houses recognized for their aesthetic beauty.

“There is one grand house, down a hidden path behind gates that is ‘shore’ to be the belle of the ball,” Irizarry said.

As early as 1662, the area was once the center of shipbuilding. In the 19th century, the industry became a major commercial activity. According to Yantz and Cain, the tour will focus on shipbuilding, local architecture, oystering and whaling.

Irizarry added the 439-ton whaling ship Daisy was among the inspirations. The ship was built in 1871-72 at Nehemiah Hand’s shipyard, which was located along Shore Road in East Setauket.

According to Yantz, during the event, the society board members will share photos and documents from TVHS archives and little-known local history trivia.

In addition to the house tours, the historical society will host a reception Friday night at The Old Field Club from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a breakfast Saturday at the club from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for additional fees. The breakfast and tour package allows attendees to visit the homes an hour before they are officially opened.

TVHS members presale begins today, Thursday, Nov. 2 and runs until Nov. 5. Tickets will be available for non-members starting Nov 6. The Friday, Dec. 1 tour runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for members are $75 and non-members $90. Friday night’s tour and reception package ticket is $145 for members and $175 for non-members. Saturday’s tour is $55 for members and $70 for nonmembers. Saturday’s tour and breakfast combo is $90 and $120.

For more information, visit www.tvhs.org/candlelight-house-tour.

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The Jazz Loft. Photo by Heidi Sutton

Everyone knows that iconic bass riff at the beginning of the hit song “Stand by Me.” That’s the musical imprint of the late bassist Lloyd Trotman (May 25, 1923 – October 3, 2007) who was the house sideman for Atlantic Records. Trotman played with Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and on many notable hits, including “Yakety Yak,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and Dinah Washington’s “What Diff’rence A Day Makes.” 

Lloyd Trotman

On November 3, The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will join with the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame to posthumously present Lloyd Trotman with the Sideman Award. The award ceremony will take place at intermission of the 7 p.m. Santi Debriano Septet show — Santi Debriano (Bass); Mamiko Watanabe (piano); Ray Scro (Bari); Andrea Brachfeld (flute); Tommy Morimoto (tenor); Joaquin Pozo (percussion);and Willie Martinez (drums) — which is part of the Jazz Loft’s Lloyd Trotman Bassist Series. At that time, members of the LIMEHoF Board and will induct Trotman, who was a Huntington resident, into the LIMEHoF. 

 “As a long-time friend and admirer of Lloyd Trotman, it’s very poignant to be honoring him with this award,” said Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel. “Side musicians are not always given the credit they deserve, and it pleases me to see Lloyd’s talent and signature sound be appreciated. It’s also a thrill to be working together with our neighbor the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall to honor a legendary Jazz musician.”

”The Long Island Music and Entertainment’s mission is to celebrate the rich music and entertainment heritage of Long Island and support music and arts education for future generations,” said Jeffrey James, Board member of LIMEHoF. “That’s why we’re delighted to present a Sideman Award to Lloyd Trotman. In doing so, we’re celebrating his remarkable career of working with a who’s who of musicians and entertainers and helping to preserve his legacy for many years to come.”

The Jazz Loft’s Lloyd Trotman Bassist Series is sponsored through a gift from Trotman’s daughter, Linda, who sponsors the new concert series in honor of her late father. The series presents bassists of note at the Jazz Loft. Ms. Trotman will be accepting the award on behalf of her father. 

“I am so thankful that my father is being recognized with this award,” she said. “I know he is still here with me and I wish he could accept the award himself. I am honored be the one to accept it in his place as I honor his 100th birthday.” (Trotman would have been 100 this year.)

Ms. Trotman has established a website in honor of her father, who she calls the “Sideman to the Stars.” Visit https://lloydtrotman.com to learn more.

The Trotman funding is matched with the Robert Lion David Gardiner Foundation’s donation of $5,000, along with additionally pledged funds thanks to long standing Jazz Loft donors Dan Oliveri and Michael Ardolino of Realty Connect USA.

For more information and for tickets visit thejazzloft.org

 

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KING OF THE MONSTERS Cinema Arts Center celebrates the birth of a Kaiju Legend with a special screening of the 1954 classic ‘Godzilla’ on Nov. 4. Image courtesy of CAC
Thursday Nov. 2

Watercolor Workshop

Join the Huntington Historical Society for an Intermediate Watercolor Workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High Street, Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Artist Linda Salta will lead the class in a colorful fun pet portrait in watercolor. Come to class with watercolor paper 140 pd pad, brushes and watercolor paint of your choice. Fee is $35, $30 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Vanderbilt Lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a lecture titled ‘Immigrants and the Evolution of the American Landscape’ at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Wambui Ippolito, an award-winning landscape designer and author, will discuss the contributions immigrants have made to the American landscape. $10 per person, free for members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Friday Nov. 3

First Friday at the Heckscher

Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington continues its First Friday series tonight during extended viewing hours from 5  to 8:30 p.m. Explore the exhibitions and enjoy a special performances by the Kenn Morr Band beginning at 7 p.m. Free admission. 631-380-3230.

Chinese Auction Fundraiser

Centereach Fire Department, 9 South Washington Ave., Centereach will host a Chinese Auction Fundraiser for Sachem Community Youth Services with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Calling begins at 7:45 p.m. Over 175 new prizes.  $10 admission per person includes 1 sheet of 25 tickets and coffee and cake.  Please no one under 8 years of age.  For more information, call 631-585-1811.

Military Bridge Night

Union United Methodist Church, 1018 Pulaski Rd., East Northport will host an evening of Military Bridge at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Get a table of 4 together or come by yourself. Practice hands will be played. No experience needed. $15 per person. For reservations or more information, call 631-368–7911.

Game Night in St. James

Celebrate St. James hosts an adult Game Night at the Calderone Theatre, 176 2nd St., St. James from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy board games, card games, light refreshments and a coffee bar by Cafe Zelaia. $10 donation. For tickets, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

Evan + Zane in concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road Stony Brook welcomes Evan + Zane to the Recital Hall at 8 p.m. The star studded duo of actor/singer Evan Rachel Wood and guitarist/singer-songwriter Zane Carney make a great team, taking deep dives into music that you will know and love. Tickets range from $33 to $60. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com

Alex Voz heads to Theatre Three

Mentalist and magician Alex Voz takes the stage at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson at 8 p.m. Hailed as the BEST NYC magic show, don’t miss this ‘extra-ordinary’ night of MAGIC! Tickets are $59. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Saturday Nov. 4

Christmas Craft Fair

Integrity Church, 1 Old Dock Road, Yaphank hosts its annual Christmas Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free photos with Santa, food trucks, and a magical talking Christmas tree. Shop from over 50 local vendors selling items such as home decor, Christmas ornaments, holiday gifts and more during this outdoor event. Rain date is Nov. 11.  631-840-7823

Scandinavian Bazaar

Loyal Lodge #252 Sons of Norway will host a Scandinavian Bazaar at St. James Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 230 Second Ave., St. James from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland will be represented with Scandinavian decorative and household items, baked goods, food, and authentic Scandinavian raffle items. Lunch and snacks will also be available. 631-862-8017

Holiday Craft Fair

Wading River School, 1900 Wading River Manor Road, Wading River hosts a Holiday Craft Fair on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done all in one place! Family fun event will include local vendors of various crafts and food items, plus raffles, snacks for purchase and photos with Santa! 631-680-9881

Holiday Craft Fair

Time to start your holiday shopping! The Mother’s Guild at St. Anthony’s High School, 275 Wolf Hill Road, Melville host their annual craft fair with over 200 unique vendors and food from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 631-271-2020

‘Us and Floyd’ in concert

Join “Us and Floyd” in concert at the Vanderbilt Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a dazzling combination of live music and laser lights. The band will perform live and in sync with two of the planetarium’s stunning Pink Floyd laser light shows: The Wall Laser Show, featuring hits from Dark Side of the Moon at 7 p.m. and Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show, featuring hits from The Wall at 9 p.m. Tickets in advance are $30 adults, $25 children under 15 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org, $35 adults, $30 children under 15 at the door. 

An Evening of Comedy

The Long Island Comedy Festival returns to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 8 p.m. with stand-ups Paul Anthony, Megan Hanley, Jack Adam, Rob Falcone and Mick Thomas. Tickets are $59. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Sunday Nov. 5

Bald Hill Car Show

Long Island Cars” will present the “Best Cars on Long Island” Car Show & Swap Meet at the Catholic Health Ampitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane in Farmingville from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classic and collectible automobiles including street rods, muscle cars, antiques, exotics and imports compete in this judged event with impressive trophies awarded in over fifty classes from stock to modified. The event will also feature a swap meet, live music by The Fugitives plus food and refreshments. Rain date is Nov. 12.  Admission is $10, under 12 years are free; free parking. 631-567-5898, www.LongIslandCars.com.

Masterwork Conversations

North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham presents Masterwork Conversations: “Art as Antidote To AI” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Pianists Vlada Yaneva and Matthew Harrison celebrate the musical art of composers Stravinsky, Mozart, Beethoven, and others. The creativity and compositions of these masters of sound transcend time with creativity that will never be found in the mashups of AI. No registration required. Open to all. For more information, call 631-929-4488 x 230.

Monday Nov. 6

Movie Trivia Night at the CAC

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $10 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7610.

Tuesday Nov. 7

University Orchestra Concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a concert by the University Orchestra on the Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. Conducted by Susan Deaver, the program includes works by Britten, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Coleridge-Taylor and Borodinwith featured soloist Eeva-Liina Luukkanen on violin, the winner of the 2023 Stony Brook University Undergraduate Concerto Competition. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 seniors and students To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit  www.stallercenter.com.

Wednesday Nov. 8

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Nov. 9

Book signing at The Atelier

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield Suite 9, St. James will host a book signing for artist Anthony Davis from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Davis will sign copies of his debut novel, Painted Implications, during the opening reception for the Atelier Invitational — A Juried Show for GuestArtists. 631-250-9009

Talks Over Tea

Join the Huntington Historical Society at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington  from 2 to 4 p.m. for Talks Over Tea: Preserving the Huntington Historical Society Collection with Curator and Collections Manager, Emily Werner.  A selection of objects from the Society’s collection that have not been exhibited recently will be on display for attendees to view up close. Cost is $15 per person, $10 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

An Evening of Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook hosts a CD Release Concert with Marty Isenberg from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Featuring Isenberg on bass, Sami Stevens on vocals, Sean Nowell on saxophone, Ric Becker on trombone, Marta Sanchez on piano, Alicyn Yaffee on guitar, and Rodrigo Recabarren on drums. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 chilren at www.thejazzloft.org.

Theater

‘Beautiful’

Main stage theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical now extended to Nov. 5. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing success with Tapestry, the show takes you back to where it all began–and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” and many more. This Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning show is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’

The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present The Play That Goes Wrong at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building, Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden on Nov. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. An unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can’t play dead, a ruffled detective, and a word-mangling butler (among others) must battle against technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and sabotaging scenery in a quest to arrive all in one piece at the final curtain call. General admission tickets are $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. For tickets, call 631-451-4163.

‘Elf The Musical’

The Community Playhouse of Northport kicks off the holiday season with a main stage production of Elf the Musical at the Brosnan Theater, 158 Laurel Avenue, Northport on Nov. 9, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12 and 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. The Sunday performances will include a meet the cast (Santa and company!) at 1:30 pm. To order visit www.communityplayhousenorthport.org.

‘A Christmas Carol’

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

‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’

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

Film

‘Godzilla’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntingon presents a special screening of Godzilla (1954) on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. A remarkably humane and melancholy drama, the film was made in Japan at a time when the country was reeling from nuclear attack and H-bomb testing in the Pacific. Its rampaging radioactive beast, the poignant embodiment of an entire population’s fears, became a beloved international icon of destruction, spawning almost thirty sequels. Tickets are $15, $10 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org

‘Maestra’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues with a screening of Maestra at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. The documentary follows several women from around the world as they compete in the only all-women competition for conductors. Followed by a Q&A with guest speaker Maggie Contreras, Director via Zoom and Mélisse Brunet, conductor and subject in the film in-person. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only) or at www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com

Class Reunions

•Save the date! 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, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

 

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