It is unfortunate that we tend to label and stigmatize people because of unfortunate circumstances in their lives. If someone has gone to jail and served their time, they are labeled by many as useless lowlifes.
They try to get a job and live a normal productive life but the ex-con is marked and not oftentimes given the chance to redeem themselves. So, the ex-con who has been rehabilitated is going to fail because there are no resources to empower them to succeed and move beyond the destructive label we have created for them.
Illegal drug use is out of control within our country. Overdose deaths are at an epic high. Treatment resources are overburdened and unfortunately too often ineffective, if we look at the terrible relapse rates. The numbers are staggering!
There is most likely not a person reading this column who has not directly or indirectly been affected by out-of-control drug use. We are in the midst of a national health epidemic around the abuse of heroin and fentanyl. People of every age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and economic status are dying senselessly every day because of overdosing. Too many people stigmatize those battling addiction. We support people who are battling cancer, why don’t we support those afflicted with addiction?
Believe it or not there are a growing number of people with tremendous support who reclaim their lives and become productive members of our larger community. That road to wellness and freedom is not easy!
JB was born into a wonderful upper-middle-class family. He went to Catholic high school. He went on to college but failed out because of his drug use. His parents spent tens of thousands of dollars on various treatment programs that did nothing. He lived on the streets of Florida, underneath bridges and in shelters.
Finally, JB saw the light and went into a long-term residential treatment program for addictions. He went back to college, graduated at the top of his class and earned a scholarship to law school. A month ago, he graduated from law school as number one in his class. He was the valedictorian and gave his speech to a packed arena. His address was about his journey to recovery and wellness which led him to law school. Today he works for a big law firm in New York City, but also does pro bono work for those who are battling addiction and need law services.
The salutatorian at Five Towns College told his story of hope and transformation as a gay man in recovery. JM hopes to leave for Spain in September to teach children English in Madrid.
People do recover from addiction and do great things. These two men in the midst of all the darkness around us are clearly beacons of light and of hope among us!
Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.
From left, Nada Sara and Dr. Gabriel Sara (Peaceful); writer/director Alessia Mandanici (Lentini); actor/producer Colin Froeber (Glob Lessons), writer/director Saskia Diesing (Lost Transport), and writer/director Dan Bronzite (All That Glitters) at the festival's closing night ceremony. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
Scene from the 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Photo from Staller Center
The 27th annual Stony Brook Film Festival, presented by Island Federal Credit Union, wrapped up with a Closing Night Awards Ceremony on July 30.The evening recognized the outstanding new independent films screened at the festival, which was held at Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University from July 21 to 30.
This year’s winners included Berenshtein — Jury Award forBest Feature; Contra — Audience Award for Best Feature; All That Glitters and Summer of Bees tied for the Jury Award for Best Short; Ousmane — Audience Award for Best Short; Peaceful —Opening Night Feature Award; Lost Transport — Closing Night Feature Award; Lentini — Opening Night Short Award; and Mila — Closing Night Short Award.
In addition, Glob Lessons, directed by Nicole Rodenburg and written by Rodenburg and Colin Froeber, received The Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award which is given every year to a filmmaker whose work exemplifies the spirit and breadth of filmmaking where the focus is on the art and most often produced with an extremely limited budget.
This year’s Festival bestowed a special Humanitarian Award on Dr. Gabriel Sara, co-star of and consultant on the opening night feature, Peaceful. A cancer specialist at Manhattan’s Mount Sinai West, Dr. Sara helped launch The Helen Sawaya Fund, a philanthropy program whose mission is to enhance the experience of cancer patients through art and music.
“The dignity and empathy which Dr. Sara brings to his work became the impetus for Peaceful, a film that touched us all so deeply,” said Alan Inkles, Director of the Stony Brook Film Festival. “We are proud to confer [this award] on Dr. Sara for his vital and important work in improving the lives of cancer patients.”
Highlighting the live Awards Ceremony was a presentation by the filmmakers of Red River Road, winner of the 2021 Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award. Writer/director Paul Schuyler proudly announced that Red River Road was acquired for distribution by Gravitas Films with the help and support of the Stony Brook Film Festival.
“For over 27 years, filmmakers have continually conveyed to us that we are the most hospitable festival they’ve been to,” said Inkles. “We are able to treat our filmmakers like royalty because we have two constituents in mind when we plan our festivals — our filmmakers and our audience. With the support of Island Federal and many of our other supporters, we are proud to provide a full experience to our audience, bringing together filmmakers and cast members from all over the world to give first- hand accounts of their process.”
During the Festival, the Staller Center announced its Fall 2022 Live Performing Arts season which kicks off on Sept. 23 and includes performances by Michael Feinstein, Katherine McPhee and David Foster, and Vic DiBitetto, among others. Visit www.stallercenter.com for the entire Fall season line-up.
HECKSCHER AFTER HOURS
The Heckscher Museum welcomes the Kenn Morr Band to it First Friday event on Aug. 5.
Ongoing
Huntington Summer Arts Festival
The 57th annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival concludes at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington this week with L.I. Dance Consortium on Aug. 4, American Patchwork Quartet on Aug. 5, Orchestra L.I. with David Stewart Wiley on Aug. 6 and Bumper Jacksons on Aug. 7.All shows start at 8 p.m. Bring seating. Free. For more information, visit www.huntingtonarts.org.
Thursday Aug. 4
East Northport Fire Dept.Fair
The East Northport Fire Department, 1 9th Ave., East Northport will host its annual Fair tonight and Aug. 5 from 7 to 11 p.m. and Aug. 8 from 5 to 11 p.m. with carnival rides, games of chance and skill, live music, large selection of food and more. Free admission. Pay One Price ride bracelets $35. For more information, call 261-0360.
Historic Harbor Tour
Join the Northport Historical Society for a relaxing evening on the water. Your tour guide will share the rich history of Northport Harbor as you cruise along the waterfront for a new perspective on the Village. Then stay on at the dock for drinks and a little bite after your cruise. Boats will leave from Seymour’s Boatyard at 5:30 and 6:30 pm. Tickets are $60. To register, call 757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.
Kings Park Rocks
The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce will host a free outdoor summer concert, Kings Park Rocks, featuring Mike Del Guidice in the municipal lot on Main Street at 7:30 p.m. Held rain or shine. Bring seating. Questions? Call 269-7678.
Smithtown Library concert
The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series returns to the Smithtown Main Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown tonight at 7:30 p.m. with Captain Jack (Billy Joel tribute). Bring a chair or blanket for seating. For more information, call 360-2480 ext.150 after 3 p.m.
Friday Aug. 5
East Northport Fire Dept. Fair
See Aug. 4 listing.
Time Capsule Ceremony
Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station will be burying a Time Capsule at 1 p.m. in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Walt Whitman’s birth to be opened in 2069. The ceremony will also commemorateWWBA’s William T. Walter (1931-2020) . All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 427-5240.
First Friday at the Heckscher
Celebrate First Friday at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Explore the exhibitions during extended viewing hours and enjoy a special performance by the Kenn Morr Band (Folk, Rock, Americana) beginning at 7 p.m. Free. Timed tickets available at the door, first-come, first-served. Call 380-3230 for more info.
Happenings on Main Street
The Northport Arts Coalition presents a free concert by The Claudia Jacobs Band at the Northport Village Park Gazebo at the harbor at 7 p.m. as part of its Happenings on Main Street Series. Bring seating. Call 827-6827 or visit www.northportarts.org.
Motown concert
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its 2022 Summer Concert Series with Dr. K’s Motown Revue at 8 p.m. This outstanding band of musicians and singers take you on a realistic journey of the Motown sound, and make you want to sing along on every familiar song they play. They have kept the Motown sound true to its roots and each performance they do transports you back to another era … what a ride! Tickets are $49. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Saturday Aug. 6
East Northport Fire Dept. Fair
See Aug. 4 listing.
WMHO’s Pop Up Saturday
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization continues its Pop-Up Saturdays at the Stony Brook Village Center with a visit from Sweetbriar Nature Center from 2 to 4 p.m. and Silent Mind Tai Chi in the Inner Court from 3 to 4 p.m. Rain date is the following day. Free. Call 751-2244 or visit www.wmho.org.
Old Burying Ground tour
Join the Huntington Historical Society for an Old Burying Groundwalking tour at 4 p.m. Established soon after the Town’s 1653 founding, Huntington’s earliest public burying ground features stunning folk art and beautiful epitaphs honoring Huntington’s residents and rich history. Tour begins at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main St., Huntington .Tickets are $15 adults, $5 children. For reservations, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Crosby, Stills & Nash tribute
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its 2022 Summer Concert Series with Wooden Ships: A Tribute to Crosby, Stills & Nash at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Sunday Aug. 7
Rock & Roll Car Show
The Fabulous 50s-60s Nostalgia Car Club will hold Judy’s Run For Stroke Awareness and Prevention annual judged rock and roll car show fundraiser at the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Aug. 14. Fee is $10 per carload for spectators. For further information, call 252-9997 or visit www.judysrun.com
Caumsett Hike
Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Traditional Nature Walk from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. During this three-mile hike, you will be exploring nature in the woods and tall grass meadows of the southeastern section of the park. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 423-1770.
Suffolk County Seaglass Festival
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Suffolk County Seaglass Festival on Aug. 7 from 11 to 4 p.m. Come explore and celebrate the world of Sea Glass in this first-time event in Suffolk County with activities for all ages. Bring a shard of sea glass for Best in Show contest, view antique glass bottle & sea glass collections, create a pendant in a sea glass jewelry workshop, enjoy live Sea Shanty music performed by The Royal Yard, food trucks, scavenger hunt for kids and tour museum exhibitions. Tickets are $10, free for children ages 3 and under. Call 367-3418, www.cshwhalingmuseum.org
Earth,Wind & Sea art reception
Join Celebrate St. James for an art reception for its latest exhibit, Earth, Wind & Sea, at the Calderone Gallery of Fine Art, 176 Second St. St. James from 1 to 2 p.m. with an open house and tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 3-D exhibit featuring artists Marni Butchkoski, Kenneth Bernardini, Rhoda Angelier, Karen Celella and Nicole Garguilo, will run through Aug. 31. For more information, call 984-0201.
Wind Down Sundays
The popular summer concert series continues at Hap’s historic Red Barn at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket tonight with Tom Manuel and Gospel Road at 5:30 p.m. Bring seating. Call 689-6146 or visit www.frankmelvillepark.org.
Summer Concerts on the Green
Summer concerts are back in front of the Stony Brook Post Office at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook from 7 to 9 p.m. every Sunday through Aug. 21, courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. Tonight’s performance will be by The Brooklyn Bards (Irish music). Free. Bring seating.Call 751-2244 or visit wmho.org.
Monday Aug. 8
Jersey Boys and Girls concert
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents a concert by Jersey Boys and Girls, a musical extravaganza honoring the iconic artists from the Garden State: Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Frankie Valli, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Lesley Gore and more, tonight and Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. Expect such hits as “Fly Me To The Moon,” “My Eyes Adored You,”“That’s Life!,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “I Will Always Love You,” and more. Tickets are $45. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Tuesday Aug. 9
Jersey Boys and Girls concert
See Aug. 8 listing.
Garden Club Meeting
The Three Village Garden Club will hold its’ monthly membership meeting at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket at 10 a.m. The program will be “Garden Bingo and Ice Cream Social.” Newprospective members are welcome. For more information call 751-2743.
Garden talk
As part of its summer program series, Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket will present a talk on the importance of native plants and pollinators at the Red Barn at 11 a.m. Bring the kids and friends down to enjoy a fun and educational morning. Free. No registration necessary. For more information, call 689-6146 or visit www.frankmelvillepark.org.
An evening of Goat Yoga
Join the Smithtown Historical Society, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown for a 45 minute session of yoga with friendly, interactive goats from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m courtesy ofby Steppin’ Out Ponies and Petting Zoo. Tickets are $28 per person and all levels of yoga are welcome. Please bring a mat & towel. The first session will be open to children aged 7 to 17, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration required via Eventbrite. For more information, call 265-6768.
20 Highview in concert
Join the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach for a Music under the Stars concert by 20 Highview from 7 to 9 p.m. A nine-piece powerhouse band specializing in dance classics with funk grooves,They will cover classics from the 60’s up to the present day. As this concert will be held outside, patrons should bring their own chairs and blankets. Food trucks will be on hand beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, call 585-9393.
Concerts at The Gazebo
Enjoy Tuesday night concerts at The Gazebo, 127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset through Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., courtesy of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. Tonight’s performance will by That 70s Band. Rain dates are the next day. Bring seating. Questions? Call 672-5197 or visit www.nesconsetchamber.org
Wednesday Aug. 10
Cruise Night at The Shoppes
Cruise Nights are back at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 26. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic and coveted automobiles from car enthusiasts from across Long Island in The Shoppes parking lot. Questions? Call 929-3500 or visit www.eastwindlongisland.com
Summerfest Concerts
The Northport Chamber of Commerce continues off its August Summerfest Concert series at the Northport Village Park Bandshell, Northport with a performance by the Chaser (smooth jazz with R&B overtones) from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Bring seating. For more info, call 754-3905.
Port Jefferson Sunset Concert
Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council presents Sunset Concerts at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 31. Tonight’s performance will be by Ken McGorry & The Achievements. Bring seating. Call 473-5220 or visit www.gpjac.org.
Thursday Aug. 11
Huntington Walking Tour
The Huntington Historical Society will host a Centers of Controversy guided walking tour from 6 to 9 p.m. Visits sites in central Huntington that gave rise over the centuries to scandals, lawsuits, and other controversies. Tour ends at Six Harbors Brewing Company. Tickets are $25, $20 members (drinks not included). Tours will begin at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main Street,Huntington. Reservations are required. Call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistorical.org
Art of the Guitar Festival
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook kicks off the second annual John Monteleone Art of the Guitar Festival tonight at 6 p.m. with a reception, exhibit viewing and two concerts. The three day event will feature more than 18 musicians over the days and nights and include performances by Monteleone, Russell Malone Quartet, Anthony Wilson Trio, John Pizzarelli Trio, Tal Yahalom Quartet and Ratko Zjaca Duo with James Commack and a screening of the documentary The Chisels Are Calling. Call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org for festival schedule and ticket prices.
Vanderbilt Planetarium lecture
Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a lecture withEric K. Washington, a New York City-based independent historian, on the life of James H. Williams from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Washington’s lecture will draw heavily from his years of archival research and from his acclaimed 2019 book Boss of the Grips: The Life of James H. Williams and the Red Caps of Grand Central Terminal (Liveright Publishing). Tickets are $10 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Smithtown Library concert
The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series concludes at the Smithtown Main Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown tonight at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by The Gold Coast Orchestra (Motown). Bring a chair or blanket for seating. For more information, call 360-2480 ext.150 after 3 p.m.
Harborside Concerts
The Village of Port Jefferson continues its free Harborside Concert series at the Show Mobile at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson with Refugee at 8 p.m. Bring seating. For more information, call-473-4724 or visit www.portjeff.com.
Film
Jamie Lee Curtis stars in ‘Prom Night,’ one of five films screened during the Cinema Arts Centre’s All Night 80s Slash-A-Thon on Aug. 6.
All Night 80s Slash-A-Thon
Retro Picture Show is back at the Cinema Arts Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington with an All Night 80s Slash-A-Thon on Aug. 6 at 9:30 p.m. with a special welcome back party in the Sky Room Cafe at 8 p.m., giveaways, merch table, raffle prizes and a free breakfast after the show for all who survive the entire night. Screenings include Child’s Play, Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI, The Slumber Party Massacre and Prom Night – all shown from vintage 35mm film prints. Tickets are $70, $60 members, Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘October Sky’
The Village of Port Jefferson closes out its Movies on the Harbor series at Harborfront Park, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with a screening of .October Sky on Aug. 9 at dusk. Rain date is the next evening. Bring seating. Free. Call 473-4724 or visit www.portjeff.com.
‘The Thing’
Save the date! In celebration of its 40th anniversary, John Carpenter’s The Thing will be screened at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington with new 4K restoration on Aug. 13 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘Every Brilliant Thing’
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, in association with Response Crisis Center, presents the Long Island premiere of Every Brilliant Thing, a one-man show starring Jeffrey Sanzel, on the Second Stage Sundays at 3 p.m. from July 10 to Aug. 28.You’re seven years old. Your mother is in the hospital. Your father said she’s “done something stupid.” So, you begin a list of everything that is truly wonderful about the world—everything worth living for. With audience members recruited to take on supporting roles, Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching, hilarious story of depression and the lengths we will go for those we love. All seats are $20. Fifty percent of the gross proceeds of this production will benefit Response Crisis Center. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘On Your Feet!’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan from July 14 to Aug. 28. From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything. On Your Feet! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making, and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet. Get ready to get on your feet, and dance to the smash hits “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Live For Loving You,” “Conga,” and many more. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘The Comedy of Errors’
The Carriage House Players continues its annual Shakespeare Festival at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with The Comedy of Errors from July 29 to Aug. 24 on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Performances take place outdoors on stage in the courtyard, where the Spanish-Mediterranean architecture adds a touch of timeless charm and magic. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before the show and bring your own lawn chair. Inclement weather cancels. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children ages 12 and under. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
‘I Love You, You’re Perfect …’
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents the hit musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change from Aug. 4 to Aug. 14. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, ‘Say, what are you doing Saturday night?’ Tickets are $45 adults, $40 seniors. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. Read review in next week’s paper!
CINEMA FOR KIDS
Catch a screening of the award-winning film 'My Neighbor Tortoro' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Aug. 7.
PROGRAMS
Summer Drop-In Workshop
Join the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington for a Summer Drop-In Workshop every Thursday through Aug. 18 including Aug. 4 and Aug. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Create fun works of art in a variety of materials inspired by artwork in the Museum’s Collection and exhibitions. Each week’s project will be exciting and different. Programs will be held both in the Museum and in Heckscher Park. Fee is $10 per child, adults free, payable at the door and includes all art supplies and general admission to the museum. Call 380-3230.
Dance Party with Didi Maxx
It’s time to party! The Village of Port Jefferson continues its Children Shows series at the Jill Nees Russell Performance Stage at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson with a Dance Party with Didi Maxx on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Free. Bring seating. Visit www.portjeff.com.
Build a Pirate Ship
Shiver me Tuesdays! The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents aPirate Ship Workshop every Tuesday in August from 2 to 4 p.m. Adults and kids can design and build a unique pirate ship model from a variety of wooden materials and more during this drop-in program. Complete your craft with a Jolly Roger! Bring your imagination. Kids, bring your adults for supervision. Admission + $10 participant. Questions? Call 367-3418.
Bicycle Rodeo
Town of Brookhaven will host a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsvilleon Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. This event encourages children to learn how to safely ride their bikes in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants of all ages will be evaluated and given feedback on their own bicycle-handling abilities, after proper bicycle safety skills are demonstrated. Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. Free. Call 451-5335.
Bat Safari
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Bat Safari, on Aug 6 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Enter the mysterious world of these fascinating and misunderstood creatures! Separate myth from reality during a walk around the park at dusk. As the sun sets, you will search for bats as they begin their evening insect hunt! $4 pe person. Advance reservations required by calling 265-1054.
Fiddler Crab Frenzy
Have you ever wondered who makes all those little holes in the sand close to the water’s edge? Odds are, it was a fiddler crab! Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a family program, Fiddler Crab Frenzy, on Aug. 7 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Take a walk around the marsh as you learn more about these fascinating little creatures and observe them in their natural environment. $4 per person. To register, visit Eventbrite.com & search #NatureEdventure.
Jester Jim at the Park
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents an afternoon of fun with Jester Jim on Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. Part of Long Island State Parks Summer Entertainment, Jester Jim’s show is filled with juggling, magic, audience participation, beat boxing, balancing and tons of comedy. Don’t miss out on this fun family show! Vehicle use fee of $10. Call 269-4333 for more information.
Picture Book Workshop
The Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook presents a Children’s Picture Book Making workshop for children in grades 1 to 4 with local artist Bonnie Connelly on Aug. 8 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. $10 per child includes allneeded materials. To register, call 751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.
FILM
‘Dolphin Tale 2’/’Shark Tale’
The 5th annual Farmingville Flicks Movie Series will kick off with Dolphin Tale 2 on Aug. 4 and Shark Tale on Aug. 11 at the Local Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville at dusk. The series continues with Finding Nemo on Aug. 18 and Disney’s Moana on Aug. 25. Presented by Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce and Sachem Public Library. Bring seating. Free but registration is required by visiting www.farmingvillechamber.com.
‘The Sandlot’
The Stony Brook Fire DepartmentStation #2, 1410 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook will host its 4th annual drive-in movie night fundraiser on Aug. 6 with a screening of The Sandlot. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with showtime at 8 p.m. Rain date is Aug. 20. For information and ticket prices, call 793-0432 or visit www.sbfd.org.
‘My Neighbor Totoro’
The Cinema Arts Cenre, 423 Park Ave., Huntingotn celebrates the return of its Cinema For Kids series with a screening of My Neighbor Totoro on Aug. 7 at noon. When Satsuki and her sister Mei move with their father to a new home in the countryside, they find country life is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Totoro and his friends introduce the girls to a series of adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus, in this all-ages animated masterpiece featuring the voices of Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, and Dakota and Elle Fanning. Tickets are $12 adults $5 children. For more info, call 423-7610
THEATER
‘Knuffle Bunny’
From Aug. 5 to Sept. 3, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smihtown will present Mo Willems’ Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale from Aug. 5 to Sept. 3 with one special performance on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. Trixie, her father, and her favorite stuffed bunny set off on a trip to the laundromat. The trip brings wonder, excitement and joy to the lively toddler until she realizes that she has lost Knuffle Bunny. Trixie does everything in her power to make her father understand the emergency, but her father fails to see the issue at hand. Filled with adventure, song and dancing laundry, it’s the perfect show for a family-friendly outing! Tickets are $18. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Junie B. Jones The Musical’
Children’s theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with Junie B. Jones The Musical from July 23 to Aug. 28. Sneak a peek into the “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal” of the outspoken and lovable Junie B. Jones! Based on the top selling children’s book series, this upbeat musical follows the spunky Junie as she navigates through the ups and downs of her first day of 1st grade. All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Sleeping Beauty’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Sleeping Beauty, acharming re-telling of the most wonderful fairy tale of all, from Aug. 5 to Aug. 13. When Briar Rose falls asleep because of a wicked fairy’s evil spell, all seems lost until true love’s first kiss breaks the spell. A memorable story for this or any time. $10 per person. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com
Check out those peepers! This stunning lady is Dexy, a gray and white tabby cat currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
Estimated to be approximately one year old, Dexy is as affectionate and outgoing as a cat can get. She came to the shelter as a stray with her kittens and has won over everyone’s heart. This sweetheart would be a wonderful addition to any home.
If you would like to meet Dexy, 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 currently 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.
AMVETS 3rd Vice Commander, Post 48, Fred Pearl presents a check to Pal-O-Mine CEO Lisa Gatti. Photo courtesy of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc. of Islandia, a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, was awarded a $500 grant by AMVETS, the most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization open to representing the interests of 20 million veterans and their families.
The funds will be applied to support Pal-O-Mine’s Military Programs and in particular, assist veterans and their family who are experiencing difficulties associated with post-traumatic stress). Pal-O-Mine is an EAGALA Military Services Provider, whose programs benefit veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, as well as service men and women who fought in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and active duty service members. Also supported with these programs are 9-11 and first responders, and military and first responder family members.
Clinical evidence and decades of human experience demonstrate the ability horses have in helping people work through emotional barriers. Through its EAGALA Designated Military Program, Pal-O-Mine’s EAGALA licensed and certified professionals provide their specialized training and experience to assist military service members and their families with equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning.
“We appreciate the great work AMVETS does on behalf of our nation’s veterans and share their mission of helping veterans who have given of themselves to protect our nation, the freedoms we have, and democracy around the world. AMVETS’ support of our military programs will be put to good use in meeting this goal,” said Pal-O-Mine founder and CEO Lisa Gatti.
About Pal-O-Mine
Founded in 1995 by Lisa Gatti, Pal-O-Mine is a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, as well as those who have been abused or neglected, veterans and the economically compromised. Pal-O-Mine offers a broad range of programs many of which involve the organization’s herd of therapy horses and livestock. Pal-O-Mine relies on grants and contributions from private citizens, foundations and businesses to help raise funds. For more information on Pal-O-Mine, visit:www.pal-o-mine.org or call: 631-348-1389.
About AMVETS
AMVETS, which is also known as American Veterans, is the most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization open to representing the interests of 20 million veterans and their families. The organization of veterans serving veterans was founded in 1944 and chartered by an act of Congress. AMVETS has over 250,000 members nationwide. Its mission is to enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy, and services. Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who honorably served or is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. AMVETS has made a long-term economic impact by providing assistance, jobs, and services to veterans and their communities for more than 70 years. For more information, visit: https://amvets.org/
Summer weather draws many people outside. Warm air and sunshine can be hard to resist, even when temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels.
Sunburn may be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of spending too much time soaking up summer sun. But while sunburn is a significant health problem that can increase a person’s risk for skin cancer, it poses a less immediate threat than heat stroke, a well-known yet often misunderstood condition.
What is heat stroke?
Heatstroke arises when one’s body temperature climbs to 104 degrees, according to Penn Medicine. A body at this temperature may experience damage to the muscles, heart, kidneys, and brain.
Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and the most severe form of heat illness that results from long, extreme exposure to the sun. During this exposure, a person’s built-in cooling system may fail to produce enough sweat to lower body his or her body temperature, putting his or her life at risk as a result. Heat stroke develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can prove fatal.
The elderly, infants, people whose occupations require them to work outdoors, and the mentally ill are among the people with an especially high risk of heat stroke. Obesity and poor circulation also increase a person’s risk of suffering heat stroke. Alcohol and certain types of medications also can make people more at risk for heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat stroke
One person may experience heat stroke differently than another. In addition, because it develops so rapidly, heat stroke can be hard to identify before a person is in serious danger. But Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that some of the more common heat stroke symptoms include: headache; dizziness; disorientation, agitation, or confusion; sluggishness or fatigue; seizure; hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty; high body temperature; loss of consciousness; rapid heartbeat; and hallucinations.
Can heat stroke be prevented?
The simplest way to prevent heat stroke is to avoid spending time outdoors in the sun on hot days. If you must go outdoors, do so when temperatures are mild and the sun is low, such as in the early morning or evening.
In addition to being wise about when you spend time in the sun, you can do the following to prevent heat stroke.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and sports drinks that can help your body maintain its electrolyte balance, when spending time outdoors. In addition, avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, soda and tea as well as alcohol.
• Wear lightweight, tightly woven and loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
• Always wear a hat and sunglasses when going outdoors, and use an umbrella on especially hot days.
• Take frequent drinks during outdoor activities and mist yourself with a spray bottle to reduce the likelihood of becoming overheated.
Heat stroke is a serious threat on hot summer days. Because heat stroke can escalate rapidly, people must be especially cautious and mindful of their bodies when spending time outdoors in the summer.
The Long Island Cranx Foundation, which completes "Epic Rides For A Cause" will bike to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital to deliver a check for $22,000 in support of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Child Life Program and the Pediatric Emergency Department Expansion project. The Foundation has pledged a gift of $50,000 over 5 years, and has already surpassed its first-year goal of $10,000, on Wednesday July 27, 2022. Photo from Stony Brook Medicine
On July 27, the Long Island Cranx Foundation, completed its “Epic Rides For A Cause” biking to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital where members of the charitable organization delivered a check for $22,000 in support of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Child Life Program and the hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department Expansion project. The Cranx Foundation has pledged a gift to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital of $50,000 over 5 years and has already surpassed its first-year goal of $10,000.
With the help of word-of-mouth, grassroots fundraising, social media, and an event held on April 9th called “The Epic-High Five”, $22,000 was raised in about 4 months to help aid the hospital expansion project that will double the number of patient exam rooms and pediatric emergency specialists; enlarge the child playroom; purchase books and toys and bolster a pet therapy program.
“This gift and the ongoing relationship with the Long Island Cranx Foundation will have a far-reaching impact as we significantly expand our Pediatric Emergency Department to more than four times the current space,” said Dr. Carl Kaplan, Chief, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “The foundation’s epic rides will help fuel our epic expansion project for our physicians, providers and nurses as they continue to care for the most critically ill and injured children in Suffolk County.”
“The connection between Long Island Cranx and Stony Brook Children’s has been a perfect fit,” said Michael Attard, Child Life Specialist, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “We’re incredibly grateful for their epic rides to help hospitalized children have a more comfortable, anxiety-free visit. Funds raised by Cranx helped with the purchase of cutting-edge resources such as the MRI compatible video goggles which reduce how often patients need to be sedated for MRI procedures.”
Brian LeDonne of Mount Sinai and Larry Alvarez of Sound Beach, friends for more than 6 years, were among the riders (Roy, Matthew, Loreta, Antonio, Larry & Brian) on April 9th who cycled for 20 grueling hours through the woods and endured 5 arduous laps on the 30-mile Glacier Ridge/Overton Trail System (GROT) on Long Island’s Glacial Moraine.
Matthew Herrschaft of Bayport and Brian LeDonne founded the Long Island Cranx Foundation in 2021 as a Registered 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization. The group has grown to 15 thrill-seeking mountain bikers and roadies from Suffolk County, with the collective charitable goal of giving back to the community in which they live. “I’m impressed by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and its medical experts. Children’s health is top-of-mind for me as my wife is pregnant. We’re expecting our first child on October 3rd,” said LeDonne.
Alvarez is ecstatic that the foundation will have the opportunity each year to help Suffolk County meet its growing demand for pediatric emergency services. He joined Stony Brook Medicine’s MRI Department in 2010 and is now the lead MRI tech, overseeing the cardiac MRI program and the Child Life Program’s imaging service.
“I’ve been at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital for 11 years and have seen it grow and build. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help families and their children, and a lot of money is needed to expand the pediatric emergency room. Knowing that the ER will continue to get bigger because we are helping to contribute is something special to be a part of,” he said.
Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital offering the most advanced pediatric specialty care in the region. The pediatric emergency department cares for about 21,000 patients per year.
About Stony Brook Children’s Hospital:
With 104 beds, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital. Part of Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook Children’s has more than 180 pediatric specialists in 30 specialties. The hospital is Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center and Level 1 Regional Pediatric Trauma Center. It is home to the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center and also offers a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Center, Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity Center, Healthy Weight and Wellness Center, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, Pediatric Cardiology Program, Pediatric HIV and AIDS Center. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookchildrens.org.
New York Blood Center (NYBC) announced a blood emergency on Aug. 3, as the region’s ongoing heatwave, summer travel, and a recent spike in COVID-19 cases have caused a significant decrease in donations over the past several weeks. Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but these factors have caused the blood supply to become unstable. The blood supply currently stands at a 1-2-day level, which is well below the ideal level of 5-7-days.
NYBC is partnering with local breweries for their “Pint for a Pint” campaign, which runs from August 1st – September 10th at all donor centers and community blood drives. As a part of this campaign, all presenting blood donors will receive a voucher to redeem a free pint of beer, cider, wine, or soft drink at their local participating brewery or restaurant. Since March 2020, the number of first-time donors has dropped dramatically and creative campaigns like “Pint for Pint” aim to raise awareness as well as amplify the need for new blood donors.
Twenty-five establishments are participating in this campaign across the region. A full list of participating breweries and restaurants can be found here. Blood donors cannot redeem their voucher for alcohol on the day of their blood donation.
“Summer has always been a challenging time for the blood supply, and we are grateful to all of our partner breweries and restaurants for stepping up to help us during this critical time,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “All of our donor centers and blood drives are air-conditioned and donating blood could serve as a great break from record-breaking heat. Even better, we’ve partnered with breweries and restaurants all over the region for free beverages as a thank you for donating.”
“The brewing community is always willing to step up to help a great cause, and we can think of nothing more important than helping out our local blood centers, particularly during this time of extreme need,” said Paul Halayko President and Co-Owner of Newburgh Brewing Company. “We are more than happy to offer a free pint of beer to someone who selflessly gives blood to help save others, a small token of our appreciation to all the amazing donors.”
NYBC hosts blood drives every day in addition to their 19 area donor centers in order to reach donors and meet local hospital needs.
They are taking extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms. Additional information on donor eligibility and COVID-19 precautions is available here.
To make an appointment at a blood drive near you, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org/pint. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.
A nearly $1.5 million grant awarded to Suffolk County Community College will help the college increase the number of low-income, academically talented Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students who graduate, transfer to a four-year STEM program, or directly enter the STEM workforce.
The Improved Support for Undergraduates in Community College Engaged in STEM Studies (I-SUCCESS) Grant will allow the College to scale up and boost existing resources, developing new student support and cohort-building opportunities, and help students financially.
“Creating a new generation of talented STEM professionals is not just an economic need, it is also a social need. By eliminating barriers facing students who wish to be exposed to STEM, we can broaden the students’ economic opportunities and empower them as agents of change in our communities,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue.
“Suffolk County Community College has a well-known and respected STEM program,” said Professor Sean Tvelia, the project’s director. “The additional academic resources, proactive mentoring, and student-centered approach provided through this program will increase success amongst our STEM students,” he said. Tvelia said that students who actively participate in I-SUCCESS will, in many cases, be better prepared for professional careers than students at four-year universities. For those students seeking transfer to four-year colleges and universities, the program also provides networking opportunities, transfer panels, and the ability to meet and work with university faculty.
Tvelia, Professors Richa Rawat Prakash and Joseph Napolitano say the program will support 18 new and 16 continuing students each year with financial support averaging about $10,000 from program entry to graduation.
The $1,499,296 I-SUCCESS grant will provide scholarships; introduce a mentoring program, with faculty positioned strategically across campuses and within STEM disciplines to serve as role models and advisors; increase opportunities for engagement and through remote and in-person activities; make more accessible, discipline-specific faculty tutoring to augment existing support, and provide internship and job coaching to supplement existing career services for STEM careers in the regional workforce and high-impact practices proven effective at promoting retention and transfer, including authentic research experiences and publication and presentation opportunities, will be augmented with opportunities for workforce internships.
Since the 2016-17 academic year, unmet financial need among undergraduates pursuing STEM degrees at Suffolk has increased by approximately 38%. The I-SUCCESS project includes scholarships totaling $900,900 over 6 years plus $13,800 to support student summer research travel expenses to help address this unmet need.
The project is slated to begin on October 1, 2022.
It is unfortunate that we tend to label and stigmatize people because of unfortunate circumstances in their lives. If someone has gone to jail and served their time, they are labeled by many as useless lowlifes. 
Picture Book Workshop
From Aug. 5 to Sept. 3, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smihtown will present Mo Willems’ Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale from Aug. 5 to Sept. 3 with one special performance on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. Trixie, her father, and her favorite stuffed bunny set off on a trip to the laundromat. The trip brings wonder, excitement and joy to the lively toddler until she realizes that she has lost Knuffle Bunny. Trixie does everything in her power to make her father understand the emergency, but her father fails to see the issue at hand. Filled with adventure, song and dancing laundry, it’s the perfect show for a family-friendly outing! Tickets are $18. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Sleeping Beauty, a charming re-telling of the most wonderful fairy tale of all, from Aug. 5 to Aug. 13. When Briar Rose falls asleep because of a wicked fairy’s evil spell, all seems lost until true love’s first kiss breaks the spell. A memorable story for this or any time. $10 per person. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com
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