Arts & Entertainment

Catholic Health celebrated the opening of its latest Catholic Health Ambulatory & Urgent Care with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 2. Located at 2112 Middle Country Road in Centereach, the newly constructed 63,000 square foot multispecialty care center will feature a number of primary and specialty care services, as well as a walk-in urgent care for patients with more immediate care needs. 

The new center is part of Catholic Health’s growing network of multispecialty care centers, complete with diagnostic imaging, an on-site pharmacy, and a dedicated suite where Catholic Health’s gastroenterologists can perform endoscopy procedures in a safe, comfortable and convenient environment outside the hospital setting. 

“Today marks an important day not only for Catholic Health but also for the residents in and near Centereach, who now have access to exceptional primary care, urgent care, and specialized care across a wide variety of medical specialties,” said Catholic Health President & CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA. 

“We’ve launched a number of Ambulatory Care sites across Long Island, however, today we open our largest and most expansive. This state-of-the-art facility reflects our continuing commitment to placing more health care services outside of the hospital setting, serving our communities with highly accessible, community-based sites where patients can get the care they need, when they need it, as conveniently as possible,” he added.

The new facility is part of a $17 million development project that further strengthens Catholic Health’s goal of making quality health care more convenient for Long Islanders and to support many of the unmet health care needs of the community. Designed and constructed from the ground up, 43,000 square-feet of space will immediately be used for primary and specialty care services, eventually building out an additional 20,000 square-feet for future health care services.

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured members of Catholic Health leadership, elected officials and community leaders and Simone Healthcare Development, owner and developer of the facility. 

“We are delighted to celebrate this incredible transformation of a former retail site into a state-of-the-art multispecialty ambulatory and urgent care center for Catholic Health,” said Joseph Simone, President of Simone Development Companies. “It was a true collaboration between our teams to be able to deliver this first-rate facility in just one year from start of construction. Numerous planning approvals were required and we thank the Town of Brookhaven and Suffolk County for their support and cooperation throughout the process.”

“I am happy to welcome Catholic Health Ambulatory & Urgent Care to the new Centereach location. As their largest facility, they can offer a wide variety of health services to the residents of Brookhaven Town. This is a great example of how redevelopment of a former retail property is a much better alternative to new development and it makes healthcare more easily accessible for our residents while creating jobs for local healthcare workers,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine.

By Heidi Sutton

Every five years or so, Theatre Three reaches deep into its vault of scripts and pulls out a gem. This time it’s Alice’s Most Decidedly Unusual Adventures in Wonderland, an original musical based on the colorful characters sprung from Lewis Carroll’s imagination for his 1865 much-loved children’s novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and its sequel, Through the Looking Glass in 1871. The show opened on Aug. 4 to a packed house.

With the message to be true to yourself and to find your own voice, this year’s production, written by Jeffrey Sanzel, features a brand new score by Douglas J. Quattrock, exquisite costumes by Jason Allyn and a cast of over 35 actors who seamlessly play multiple roles.

Directed by Sanzel, the show opens on a rainy day at Camp Carroll Woods. The campers are bored and the camp counselor tries to keep them entertained indoors with a sing-along. A white rabbit suddenly appears but only one of the campers, Alice (Jillian Sharpe), can see him. In a curious pursuit, she tumbles down a rabbit hole and ends up in Wonderland where her “unusual adventure” begins.

With The Cheshire Cat (Kiernan Urso) always in the shadows, a strong-willed Alice must match wits with a list of bizarre characters as she takes part in a “What’s My Name?” contest with The Caterpillar (Heather Rose Kuhn); joins a tea party with The Mad Hatter (Steven Uihlein), The March Hare (Kaitlyn Jehle) and The Dormouse (Hazel Kamath); catches a ride with The White Knight (Liam Marsigliano); meets Tweedledee (Kaitlyn Jehle) and Tweedledum (Heather Rose Kuhn); and is invited to a game of croquet by The Queen of Hearts (Ginger Dalton), all while trying to catch up with The White Rabbit (Ava Garcia) and find her way home. When the kingdom’s tarts go missing, Alice is accused of stealing and must stand trial. Will she find her voice in time? 

Of course, a show like this would not be possible without the supporting cast — members of Theatre Three’s summer acting workshops play numerous roles including campers, contestants in a game show, flowers and a deck of playing cards.

The music and dance numbers, accompanied on piano by Douglas Quattrock, are terrific, especially “Here” with Alice and The Cheshire Cat; “Tea!” by the Mad Hatter, “Song of a Very Sad Knight” by The White Knight; “A Question of Belief” by Alice, and “Let the Good Times Roll” by The Queen of Hearts (“Nothing cheers me up like a good clean chop!”)

Full of whimsy and loaded with riddles, the play is a lot of nonsense, as Alice would say, but it sure is fun to watch as it gives a fresh feel to the story of the adventurous little girl following that dutifully late white rabbit through a maze of imaginative vignettes. Meet the cast in the lobby after the show for a keepsake photo.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Alice’s Most Decidedly Unusual Adventures in Wonderland on Aug. 11 at 11 a.m. and Aug. 12 at 11 a.m and again at 2 p.m. Children’s theater continues with A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 7 to 21 and the holiday classic Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 18 to Dec. 30. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

Dr. Alfred Raciti

New York Health (NY Health) has announced the addition of board-certified nephrologist Alfred Raciti, MD. 

“We are very excited to have Dr. Raciti join our team of highly-trained nephrologists,” said Dr. Rohit Reejsinghani, FACP, MBA, Executive Director of NY Health. “His experience in the care of patients with kidney disease will be a significant asset to our patients.”

Dr. Raciti brings over 37 years of clinical practice and has played a significant role in developing the original automatic spring-loaded renal biopsy gun using ultrasound guidance. He has a special interest in electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base physiology, and he applies his knowledge and expertise to provide comprehensive care to his patients. 

“I am excited to join NY Health because of how this organization respects and treats their physicians as well as their mission to put patients first,” Dr. Raciti said.

Dr. Raciti earned his medical degree at the University of Brussels School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Norwalk Hospital/Yale New Haven Hospital and Nephrology Fellowship at University Hospital Stony Brook. He teaches the internal medicine residents at Mather Hospital during their nephrology rotation and participates in the Internal Medicine Board Review course.

Dr. Raciti will practice at 5316 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Station. For more information, call 631-331-4403 or visit nyhealth.com.

Meet Jeff Corwin at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center on Aug. 27.

By Melissa Arnold

‘We cannot protect what we do not cherish, and we will not cherish what we do not know…’ — Jeff Corwin

Jeff Corwin has been a vocal and passionate advocate for wildlife and the natural world since the 1990s. The celebrated biologist and conservationist is a recognizable face on television, hosting shows including Disney Channel’s Going Wild, Animal Planet’s The Jeff Corwin Experience, and more recently, Ocean Treks and Wildlife Nation on ABC.

From a cobra festival in India and unexplored jungles in South America, to the African savanna and beyond, Corwin continues to teach audiences that our incredible world deserves protection.

On Aug. 27, Jeff Corwin will partner with Sweetbriar Nature Center to share stories from his adventures around the world and highlight the challenges faced by a variety of endangered species.

The special event, held at the newly renovated Smithtown Performing Arts Center (SPAC), will serve as a wonderful education event hosted by Sweetbriar, a not-for-profit corporation. 

“The Smithtown Performing Arts Center board is always seeking out opportunities to help out community-based nonprofits and share our beautiful, historic space.” said Michael Mucciolo, board president for SPAC. “Our theater has a long history of attracting families with young kids, and I think they’ll have a wonderful time seeing something they’ve never seen before and learning from such an expert like Jeff.”

Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals call the center home — many arrived as part of their extensive wildlife rehabilitation program.

“Everything that we do here is for the benefit of the animals,” said Janine Bendicksen, curator and wildlife rehabilitation coordinator for the center. “Many of the animals that get brought in to us are often at death’s door, sick enough that they allow a human to pick them up. About half of them are successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild, which is fantastic.”

A lot of the patients they receive have similar stories, Bendicksen explained. A concerned member of the community might stumble upon an injured animal on their property or while out on a hike and contact their local Animal Control department, which then reaches out to Sweetbriar.

Whether it’s a wounded eagle on a bike trail or a couple of rabbits playing chase in a mechanic’s garage, the staff at Sweetbriar have seen just about everything.

Around 100 of Sweetbriar’s permanent residents are animals that are permanently injured or otherwise unreleasable. A few birds, including a great horned owl named Lily, have been there longer than Bendicksen has — more than 20 years.

Bendicksen studied fine art and art history, eventually finding her way to Sweetbriar as curator. In addition to her work with rehabilitation, she is responsible for creating art displays and supervising creative projects around the property.

“I was one of those kids who people were always bringing their animals to, and I tried my best to help them. Sweetbriar hits on everything that makes me happy,” she said.

The center’s educational team works hard to instill that same wonder and love of nature in people of all ages. This is especially evident during the summer, when hundreds of children from around Long Island come to the center for weeklong enrichment programs or day visits.

Throughout the school year, Sweetbriar also host field trips, opportunities for families, and in-school presentations.

The dual mission of education and rehabilitation is what makes Jeff Corwin the ideal guest speaker for the event, said Sweetbriar board member Maureen Calamia.

“Jeff has a great reputation and deep care for wildlife, especially those species that are borderline extinct. His enthusiasm is such an asset,” she said.

With only four dedicated staff members, Sweetbriar relies on the ongoing support of volunteers and donors. 

“A lot of people unfortunately don’t know what’s going on in their own backyard, or how to treat nature or wildlife. Sweetbriar does a tremendous service through their programming, both in person and also through their social media, which has a global following,” Calamia said. “They are great stewards, and everyone knows to turn to them if there’s an animal in need. This event is a wonderful way to support their hard work.”

“Tales from the Field with Jeff Corwin” will be held on Sunday, Aug. 27 at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main Street, Smithtown at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.sweetbriarnc.org or at www.smithtownpac.org. This event is made possible by a grant from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning.

Sweetbriar is always in need of donations and volunteers, regardless of experience or skills. Visit their website or call 631-979-6344 learn how you can help.

Lollipop Train. Photo from Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association
PROGRAMS

Lollipop Train Rides

Did you know? Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association’s John Gardiner Farm, 900 Park Ave., Greenlawn offers rides on the original Lollipop Train every Saturday in the summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including Aug. 12, 19 and 26 and Sept. 2. Call 631-754-1180 for more info.

Tie Yourself in a Knot

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor continues Friday Summer Fun Workshops with Tie Yourself in a Knot on Aug. 11 at noon and again at 2 p.m. Sailors’ knots have been holding things together for thousands of years! Master one to create a sea-inspired friendship bracelet or keychain to take home, and find out how kids around the world are working to protect our oceans. No registration needed. Best for ages 8 and up. Admission fee + $10. 631-367-3418.

History of Balloons Show

Come to Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Aug. 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a night of laughing, joking, and balloon sculpting with Nick the Balloonatic. Crazy hats, animals, and your favorite characters will come out of his hands with amazing speed. For families with children in 6th grade and younger. Free. No registration required. 631-941-4080

Intro To Fishing

Children ages 7 to 15 are invited to join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for some fishing fun on Willow Pond on Aug. 12 from 10:30 am. to noon. $4 per child. Advance reservations required by calling 631-265-1054.

Star Wars Day

Families with children in 6th grader and younger are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Aug. 12 between 2 and 4 p.m. for Star Wars Day in the children’s library with carnival games and a craft, all with a Star Wars twist along with a visit from guests from a galaxy far, far, away! Star Wars or space-themed costume encouraged, but not necessary. Open to all. 631-941-4080

Magic of Amore Magic Show

Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River hosts a Magic of Amore magic show on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. Colorful handkerchiefs turn to magic canes and objects materialize out of thin air. Bring your chair or blanket and get ready for an amazing show! 631-929-4314

Kids for Kids Concert

Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket continues its 2023 Family Summer Program series on Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. with an interactive kids concert by LIYD  Music Club. Meet at Hap’s Red Barn. Free. 631-689-6146

Puppet Extravaganza Show

Village of Port Jefferson concludes its summer children’s show series with a Puppet Extravaganza Show on the Performance Stage at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. Bring seating. Free. 631-473-4724

THEATER

‘Seussical Jr.’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents an outdoor production of Seussical Jr. on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown from July 8 to Aug. 17. Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, JoJo, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in this musical extravaganza. Tickets are $18.50 per person. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Cinderella’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Cinderella, the beloved tale of a young girl’s magical night at the Royal Ball where she meets and briefly loses her true Prince Charming, from July 22 to Aug. 27. Only his quest to find the perfect fit for the glass slipper left behind will reunite themAll seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Alice’s Most Decidedly Unusual Adventures in Wonderland’ 

Children’s theater continues at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Alice’s Most Decidedly Unusual Adventures in Wonderland from Aug. 4 to 12.  Talking flowers and tea in hats! It’s a rainy day at Camp Carroll Woods when our very modern heroine ventures down the rabbit hole. Join Alice as she encounters the outrageous citizens of Wonderland: the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and many more. All seats are $12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. FILM

‘The Muppet Movie’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Muppet Movie on Aug. 13 at noon. Follow Kermit as he embarks on a cross-country journey to fulfill his dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Along the way, he encounters a hilarious and star-studded cast of characters, including the diva extraordinaire, Miss Piggy, the comedic genius, Fozzie Bear, and the enigmatic daredevil, Gonzo. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

RUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE Bethel Hobbs Farm in Centereach hosts the 9th annual Run the Farm race on Aug. 12. File photo by Kyle Barr/TBR News Media
Thursday August 10

Atelier Art Reception

The Atelier at Flowerfield invites the community to an opening reception for its Masterworks Art Exhibit at Atelier Hall 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 and 9, St. James from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. featuring the talents of Atelier’s resident instructors Anthony Davis, Beth Drucker, Bill Graf, Daveen Herley, Denis Ponsot, Diana O’Brien, James Beihl, Jane McGraw-Teubner, Jenny Kim, Linda Catucci, Liz Fusco, Randall DiGiuseppe and RJ Gowdie. The show runs through Oct. 5.  631-250-9009

Summer SWAP Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook continues its free “Summer Stage With a Purpose” (Summer SWAP) concerts on its front lawn from 6 to 8 p.m. with the Melanie Marod Ensemble. Guests may purchase refreshments in the Basie Garden beside the venue. Bring seating. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org

Historic Harbor Tours

The Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport hosts two Historic Harbor Tours today at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The Society and Seymour’s Boatyard invite you to take a relaxing evening cruise while learning about the history of Northport Harbor, followed by drinks and light fare. Tickets are $60, $50 members. 631-757-9859, www.northporthistorical.org

Harborside Concerts

Harborside concerts are held at the Show Mobile at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Tonight’s concert features Fleetwood Macked.  631-473-4724 www.portjeff.com

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series concludes at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with a concert by the Gold Coast Orchestra tonight at 7:30 p.m. with a preshow at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Kings Park Rocks

Kings Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a Kings Park Rocks free outdoor summer concert featuring That 70s Band at the municipal lot adjacent to Kings Park Library, Main St., Kings Park from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-269-7678

Friday August 11

Art of the Guitar Festival

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents the 3rd annual John Monteleone Art of the Guitar Festival at 6 p.m. with a free reception and exhibit viewing at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m. and on Aug. 12 with a free guitar workshop at noon followed by three concerts. The two day event will feature performances by the John Jorgenson Quintet, Steve Salerno Trio, Frank Vignola, Vinny Raniolo and The Dario Napoli Trio. Call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org for festival schedule and ticket prices. 

Happenings on Main Street

Northport Arts Coalition continues its Happenings on Main Street series, free concerts at the Northport Village Park Gazebo at the harbor with a performance by The Dead Ahead Band (Grateful Dead tribute) tonight at 7 p.m.  Bring seating. 631-261-1872, www.northportarts.org

An Evening of Opera

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington, 109 Browns Road, Huntington hosts a concert by Opera Night, Long Island at 7:30 p.m. Ten artists will perform excerpts from popular operas such as Bizet’s Carmen and Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale.” $10 donation at the door. For more information, visit www.operanight.org.

Musical Moments

Musical Moments in Kings Park returns to Russ Savatt Park, 14 Main St., Kings Park tonight from 7:30 to 9 p.m. with the Eagle River Band, courtesy of the Kings Park Civic Association. Bring seating. 516-319-0672

Travel Back to the 80s Experience

Join the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown for a Travel Back To The 80s Experience tonight and Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. Immerse yourself in the fun, the fashion, and the sounds of the 80s! Meet familiar characters and personalities while being thrown back in time to a story straight out of the 80s, all set to the tunes you know and love. Arrive dressed up to enjoy yourself to the max! Featuring a live performance by The Ronald Reagans. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $35 (each ticket includes one drink from the bar). Call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org to order.

Psychic Medium Robert Hansen

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson welcomes Psychic Medium Robert Hansen to the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Hansen will share with the audiences his psychic gifts of communication with loved ones that have crossed over to the other side. Messages of love will be randomly demonstrated to the audience and sensitively shared. Tickets are $49. 631-928-9100, www.theatrethree.com

Saturday August 12

Art of the Guitar Festival

See Aug. 11 listing.

Travel Back to the 80s Experience

See Aug. 11 listing.

Run the Farm

Friends of Hobbs Farm and Town of Brookhaven Councilman Neil Manzella and Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle invite you to take part in the 9th annual Run the Farm 4-mile run/walk at Bethel Hobbs Farm, 178 Oxhead Road,  Centereach at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit Hobbs Farm’s mission of feeding the hungry. $25 per participant in advance at BrookhavenNY.Gove/RunTheFarm, $30 day of race. Call 631-451-6647 for more info.

Sherwood-Jayne House Tour

Preservation Long Island will host tours of the Sherwood-Jayne House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a self-guided tour at noon. The house contains period furnishings and features original late eighteenth-century hand-painted floral wall frescoes. Tickets are $10, $5 children ages 6 to 15, under age 6 free at www.preservationlongisland.org/tours. 

Saturdays Poetry Reading

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Saturdays poetry series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Featured poet will be Victoria Twomey. An open-reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems.  For more information, call 631-655-7798.  Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Pop-Up Saturday event

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization continues its 2023 Pop-Up Saturdays series with a visit The Silly Magician (ONLY from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.), Caricature drawings by Marty and live Music by Brenda & Burke in the Stony Brook Village Center’s Inner Court, 97 Main St., Stony Brook from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Free. 631-751-2244

Owl Prowl at Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Owl Prowl for families with children ages 5 and up at 7:30 p.m. Learn about the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and maybe call in an owl or two. Bring a flashlight just in case. $15 per person. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Bobby Brooks Wilson in concert

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson welcomes Bobby Brooks Wilson in concert at 8 p.m. The son of legendary R&B/Soul singer, Jackie Wilson, Bobby has the same amazing traits and talents as his father; many say Jackie Wilson’s legacy lives on through him. His adoring fans have dubbed him as “Mr. Entertainment.” With a special performance by The Chiclettes. Tickets are $59. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Sunday August 13

Art in the Park

Join the Northport Arts Coalition for an Art in the Park festival at Northport Village Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring music, dance, poetry readings and children’s art workshop plus more than forty artists displaying and selling their original work, this free event in Northport Park is a fun day for the entire family. www.northportarts.org

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 with Quarter Horse at 5:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-689-6146, www.frankmelvillepark.org

Celebrate Park Concert

Celebrate St. James continues its summer concert series at Celebrate Park, 369 Lake Ave., St. James with music by the Blu Bayou Band from 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-984-0201

Summer Concert 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 8:30 p.m. every Sunday through Aug. 20, courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. Tonight’s concert features The Equity Brass Band . Free. Bring seating. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org

Monday August 14

Sound Beach Civic Meeting

Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach hosts a meeting by the Sound Beach Civic Association at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be entomologist Alexis White, PhD, of the Arthropod-Borne Disease Lab at the Suffolk County Department of Health Services who will discuss the medically important tick species on Long Island, their biology, habitat, the pathogens they transmit, and the best strategies to prevent tick bites in adults and children. All are welcome. 631-744-6952.

Movie Trivia Night

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 August 15

Author Talk

Author and motivational speaker Christine Pendergast will present her book Blink Spoken Here: Tales from a Journey to Within at the Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport at 7 p.m. This true story chronicles her life with husband Christopher Pendergast, longtime educator in the Northport-East Northport School District, who lived with ALS for 28 years. Learn about “ALS Ride for Life,” the Pendergast’s nonprofit charity, and hear other inspirational stories about meeting and overcoming life’s challenges. Open to all. To register, call 261-6930.

Concerts at The Gazebo 

Enjoy Tuesday night concerts at The Gazebo, 127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset  through Aug. 15, courtesy of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. Tonight’s concert will feature Southbound at 7 p.m. Rain dates are the next day. Bring seating. 631-672-5197, www.nesconsetchamber.org

A Star is Born — The Concert

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents A Star Is Born — The Concert at 8 p.m. ​Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga each stole our hearts with “A Star is Born.” Now a trio of Broadway/cabaret’s best voices join forces to celebrate the music from all three iconic film versions of “A Star is Born” featuring “The Man That Got Away,””Shallow” and the Academy Award-winning “Evergreen.” Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday August 16

Sunset Concerts

Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council continues its Sunset Concerts at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with a performance by Teddy Kumpel & Nome Sane. Held rain or shine. Bring seating. 631-473-5220, www.gpjac.org

Summerfest Concert

The Northport Chamber of Commerce continues its Summerfest Concerts on Wednesdays in August at the Robert Krueger Bandshell in Northport Village Park, with the Little Wilson Band from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Bring seating. 631-754-3905

Thursday August 17

St. Joseph’s Family Festival

St. Joseph’s Church, 59 Church St., Kings Park hosts a Family Festival tonight from 6 to 10 p.m., Aug. 18 and 19 from 6 to 11 and Aug. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. with carnival rides, games and food. Free admission. Pay-one-price rides. 631-499-6824

Summer Thursdays at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Summer Thursdays series with a free concert by musicians from The Jazz Loft from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pack a picnic supper, enjoy the concert and take a free tour of the Carriage Museum. Held rain or shine. 631-751-0066

Indigo Dye Workshop

Join the Huntington Historical Society for an Indigo Dye Workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Using freshly harvested Japanese Indigo, you will be dyeing a silk scarf and exploring leaf stamping and coloring with rolled up leaves. $55 per person, $50 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Theater

‘The Prom’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kick off its 53rd season with The Prom from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. As the lights dim on four fading Broadway stars, they wildly seek the spotlight. Courting the controversy surrounding a small-town Indiana prom, the quartet invades a community that wants to keep the party straight. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors, $20 students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’

The Carriage House Players continue their 34th annual Summer Shakespeare Festival in the mansion courtyard of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with Love’s Labour’s Lost on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. from Aug. 11 to Sept. 8. Tickets are $20, $15 children under 12 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Rent’

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Jonathan Larson’s Rent from Sept. 16 to Oct. 22. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, the groundbreaking musical follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians — Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny and Mark — struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $28 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Escape to Margaritaville’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Escape to Margaritaville from July 13 to Sept. 3. This upbeat and energetic new musical features all your favorite Jimmy Buffett classics including “Volcano,” “Fins,”,“Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and of course “Margaritaville.” Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Film

‘42’

Join the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook for a special screening of  the 2013 biopic 42 on Aug. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. with special guest Ivo Philbert of the Jackie Robinson Museum. The film tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. Stop by the History Museum before the screening to see the museum’s baseball exhibitions: Picturing America’s Pastime and Home Fields: Baseball Stadiums of Long Island and New York City. This event is free but registration is preferred by visiting www.longislandmuseum.org 631-751-0066

Alfred Hitchcock Perspective

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a retrospective of the films of master director Alfred Hitchcock from Aug. 11 to Aug 16. Each of the six film screenings  Psycho, Strangers on a Train, Rear Window, Notorious, Vertigo, and Shadow of a Doubt  will feature an introduction by local film historians who will discuss the history of the film, provide, and explore the impact of some of Alfred Hitchcock’s most influential and acclaimed works. Tickets are $15 per screening. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Class Reunions

Ward Melville High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sept. 9, 2023 from 6 to 11 p.m. For ticket information, contact Tibo Dioguardi at [email protected].

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].

Jake's 58. Facebook photo

A $200 million expansion of Jake‘s 58 Casino Hotel, 3635 Express Dr North, Islandia has been approved by the Village of Islandia. As part of this expansion, Suffolk Regional OTB, the casino’s owner, will increase its video lottery terminal capacity by 50% for a total of 2,000 terminals.  Its  hotel rooms will be renovated, there will be increased parking facilities and services and amenities will be upgraded.

After the vote, Phil Boyle, President and CEO of Suffolk OTB, thanked Mayor Allan Dorman and the Village Board for their unanimous support of the project. “Suffolk OTB’s success in the past six years from bankruptcy to becoming a a billion-dollar company is linked to the support that we have received from the Village of Islandia, Mayor Dorman, and local residents. I couldn’t be happier for the Village, our current and future workforce, and Suffolk’s taxpayers, who will benefit greatly from this decision long into the future,” Boyle stated.

James LaCarrubba, Vice President and COO for Suffolk OTB, said, “Jake‘s 58 will truly realize its full potential as a regional entertainment destination thanks to yesterday’s vote. We appreciate the Board’s trust in Jake‘s 58 and its management, and we will continue to be responsible neighbors acting for the public’s benefit.”

Suffolk OTB expects to break ground on the casino expansion in October 2023 and commence hotel renovations in the 4th quarter of 2023. It’s estimated that the expanded casino floor will be open to the public in late-2025, with additional amenities opening in 2026.

 

Several pieces from the famous Blue Guitar Collection, once on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, will be part of the Jazz Loft’s annual John Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival

These stunning historic and iconic guitars were once on display at the Smithsonian!

Several pieces from the famous Blue Guitar Collection, once on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, will be part of the Jazz Loft’s annual John Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival, August 11-12, at the Jazz Loft in Stony Brook. In addition to the blue guitars, the festival will also include an exhibit of iconic and historic guitars, including James D’Aquisto Excel, a Monteleone Mirabella Carmela and a Monteleone Radio City Deluxe.

The vision of a Blue Guitar Collection came from vintage guitar collector, the late Scott Chinery, a major figure in the vintage guitarworld. A lover of the arch top guitar, Chinery said he “often thought that it would be neat… to get all the greatest builders together and have them interpret the same guitar, an 18-inch archtop, in the same color blue.”

The result went beyond anything the various luthiers had ever done.

“We ended up with a collection of the greatest archtop guitars ever made,” Chinery said.

The Blue Guitar Collection was displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History from 1997 through 1998. The Blue D’Aquisto Centura Deluxe, the Benedetto La Cremona Azzurra and the Monteleone Rocket Convertible were featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the museum’s “Guitar Heroes” exhibit in 2011. After Chinery’s passing in 2000, the guitars have remained with the Chinery family and in 2021 were passed along to The Archtop Foundation.The Foundation’s goal is to share the collection with everyone.

Numerous samples from the collection will be available to professional musicians looking to record on–or just experience– these wonderful instruments, as part of the guitar festival at the Jaz Loft. Renowned guitar craftsman John Monteleone, will feature two days and nights of demonstrations, exhibits, workshops and performances by Dario NapoliJohn JorgensonFrank VignolaVinny Raniolo and Steve Salerno.

Other iconic guitars on display will include John Monteleone’s Grand Central Station; a trio of blonde D’Angelico New Yorkers, including George Benson’s; James D’Aquisto, Bucky Pizzarelli’s D’Angelico and his very first guitar; a restored Epiphone Deluxe by way of master luthier Cris Mirabella, and a collection of Cris’s own creations including, ‘Carmela.’

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. Tickets for the guitar festival can be purchased here: https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets

Owner Cynthia Alfonso Hernandez in front of the Village Hair Studio. Photo from WMHO

The Stony Brook Village Center has announced the newest addition to its open-air center, Village Hair Studio. Currently offering washes, blow-outs, cuts, styling and coloring, the Village Hair Studio will soon offer massages and make-up services. 

Cynthia Alfonso Hernandez. Photo from WMHO

Proprietor Cynthia Alfonso Hernandez was just a little girl in Cuba when she dreamed of owning her own hair studio. At age 16, she and her grandfather made that dream a reality when they constructed her very own backyard salon. She offered services such as cuts, coloring, nails and more. As an adult she moved to Russia, and then Spain. Finally in 2017, she found her new home in the United States, where just five short years later, in 2023, her dream of owning a hair studio came to fruition. 

Operating hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To make your appointment, call 631-675-0987.

Mobile Mammography Van

On Thursday, August 10, the Stony Brook Cancer Center Mobile Mammography Van will make a special visit to the Town of Brookhaven’s Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai, to provide breast cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This service, co-sponsored by New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo and the Town of Brookhaven, is provided at no cost to the patient. However, appointments are required. Anyone interested can call 631-638-4135 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Eligibility:

  • Female (40 years and older)
  • No mammograms in the past year
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • No implants or breast issues such as a lump or nipple discharge
  • Never diagnosed with breast cancer
  • Office visit with a gynecologist, primary care physician or internist who is willing to accept the results of the screening.

Note: Individuals who do not have health insurance will be processed through the Cancer Services Program of New York, if eligible.

Day of the mammogram: Do not wear deodorant, perfume, powders, lotions or creams on the breast area. Bring photo ID and insurance card, if insured.

This project is supported with funds from Health Research Inc. and the New York Department of Health.