Grilled Espresso-Marinated Flank Steak METRO photo
By Barbara Beltrami
While the grill and all things barbecued are Dad’s inviolable territory, on Father’s Day it’s necessary to get him to relinquish his squatter’s rights so that we can regale him with something special. I think if we can bribe him with a nice cold beer or maybe a margarita or two, perhaps he can be persuaded to just lounge by the pool or in the back yard, while we (under adult supervision if we are kids) baste and sear our tokens of appreciation for all he is and does, and I don’t mean just on the grill.
It’s got to be something he doesn’t normally cook himself, something yummily unusual. Some great sides like oven fries, grilled corn on the cob, a nice green salad or garlic bread make easy accompaniments to any of the following recipes and there are also specific suggestions with each recipe.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
YIELD: Makes 3 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup dry sherry
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
One 3 1/2 – 4 pound frying chicken, cut into 8 pieces
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, sherry, oil, sugar, garlic and ginger. Place chicken pieces in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag and pour in liquid; seal, then tilt and massage chicken to evenly distribute marinade. Turning bag occasionally, refrigerate for at least two hours or up to 12 hours.
Prepare grill: Oil rack and start fire. Remove chicken from bag and pat dry with paper towels, but reserve liquid for basting. Arrange chicken on rack skin side down and grill, about 30 minutes. During last 10 minutes or so of cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade (if chicken starts to get too dark, turn it so skin side is up.) Serve hot or at room temperature with rice pilaf.
Sicilian Grilled Swordfish withTomatoes and Olives
YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped pitted green olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 pounds swordfish steaks, cut 1/2” thick
2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, onion, celery, olives, parsley and pepper. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately in which case let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Prepare grill, oil racks, and set grill to medium high heat. In a small bowl combineoil, lemon juice and oregano. Brush fish on both sides with mixture, then sprinkle with salt and more pepper. Grill over hottest part of grill, turning once, about 4 to 5 minutes per side (it should flake easily when poked with a fork.) Stir tomato and olive mixture, then spoon it over the fish steaks and serve immediately with couscous.
Grilled Espresso-Marinated Flank Steak
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon finely ground espresso
1 tablespoon lightly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds flank steak, trimmed of excess fat, at room temperature
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, combine the espresso, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper; slowly whisk in the oil. With a spatula or wooden spoon, smear the coffee mixture all over the steak on both sides. Rub grill rack with oil, then preheat to medium-high. Grill steak, turning a couple of times until it is lightly charred and a meat thermometer reads 125 F, about 11 minutes. Remove to cutting board, tent with aluminum foil and let sit about 10 minutes. Slice steak across the grain and serve hot or at room temperature. Serve with a tomato and avocado salad.
Spring planting in the Vanderbilt Museum's Sensory Garden Photo courtesy of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian
Four years ago, Kimm Schmidt and Lauren Ferris of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in Islandia, working with young adults with disabilities, created the Sensory Garden near the entrance to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium in Centerport. They return each spring to replant, and this year their work was made possible by a generous gift from a private donor.
On a bright, recent spring morning, Schmidt and Ferris worked to revive the garden with a half-dozen adults with special needs in their twenties and thirties.
“We plant things that awaken the senses,” Schmidt said. The garden has more than two dozen herbs, including sage, mint, rosemary, basil, anise hyssop, chamomile, yarrow, citronella, rainbow Swiss chard, chives, lemon balm, strawberries, and five-leaf akebia, a vine with chocolate-scented flowers.
In 2018, Operations Supervisor Jim Munson invited a small group of local gardeners and landscape designers to refresh various gardens around the Vanderbilt Mansion. Schmidt and Ferris responded.
J-STEP team members from Pal-O-Mine in front of the replanted sensory garden at the entrance to the Vanderbilt Planetarium.
“The idea of the Sensory Garden came to mind immediately,” Ferris said. “It is a place that not only looks beautiful, but also has benefits the public can use and learn from.” Ferris, who had recently earned a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from the New York Botanical Garden, said she thought a sensory garden would be an excellent feature for visitors of all abilities.
“Plants that awaken the senses are a wonderful tool to use in so many ways,” Schmidt said. “They spark conversations, jog people’s memories, and can be very calming.”
“I loved the concept and wanted it to have a prime spot with lots of traffic,” Munson said. “I just knew the front of the Planetarium was the perfect location, accessible to all.”
Lisa Gatti, who founded Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations, liked the idea immediately. Pal-O-Mine decided to make the design and installation of the garden part of its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) program. Each week, Pal-O-Mine serves 350 people, in their various programs ranging in age from 3 and up. Schmidt and Ferris are J-STEP job coaches.
“We use horticulture skills at J-STEP to teach vocational skills necessary to secure and maintain a job,” Ferris said. “Some students go on to work at nurseries, and others have jobs at local retail stores.
Caring for the garden teaches proper work habits, personal and domestic maintenance, as well as interpersonal communication and social skills.
The J-STEP Team also maintains the gardens at Pal-O-Mine’s 13 acres in Islandia, Long Island. “Each student has a personal garden and decides which vegetables they want to plant,” “They keep records and research planting times and the needs of each plant.” The students maintain other gardens on the site, including pollinator and cutting gardens, and a medieval knot garden, a formal design planted with herbs and aromatic plants. J-STEP offers other programs including photography, cooking, and crafting.
J-STEP students who installed this year’s Vanderbilt plantings talked about the experience.
Meredith said, “Being part of the of the planning and planting for the garden calms me down. I see with my hands, and it feels bumpy and smells good.” Rebecca said, “It feels great to plant the Sensory Garden for people to enjoy.” Tim added, “I love working in the garden and I love the view.”
The group will return throughout the growing season to prune and clean the garden and do a clean-up in the fall.
For Schmidt, who recently joined the Vanderbilt as a museum educator, the attraction of designing and maintaining gardens is captured in a favorite quote from naturalist John Muir: “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium is located at 180 Little Neck Road in Centerport. Visit vanderbiltmuseum.org for more information.
Take part in an Owl Prowl at Sweetbriar Nature Center on June 23. Photo from Sweetbriar
PROGRAMS
Rainbow Lantern Walk
Join Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a lantern walk with a Pride Month twist on June 17 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ! Have you ever wanted to explore the park after dark? Now is your chance! Take a night themed walk, with the ambiance of rainbow colored lanterns! $4 per person. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Butterfly Bonanza
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown hosts a family program, Butterfly Bonanz, on June 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The growing season has arrived, and no one is happier about it than our nectar-sipping butterflies! Explore the park’s pollinator garden to learn what kinds of flowers you can plant to attract these beautiful insects! Discover more about the fascinating adaptations of butterflies and see some of the different species that call the park home! $4 per person. Advance reservations are required by calling 265-1054.
Children’s Birding Adventures
Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society will host a Children’s Birding Adventure program at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket on June 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. Designed for youngsters 4 to10 years old and their families, the free event will include a bird-inspired storytime, games, and bird walk. Rain date is June 25. No registration necessary. For more info, visit www.4has.org.
Scavenger Hunt at the Hatchery
Drop by the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on June 20 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a Scavenger Hunt. Explore the hatchery and aquarium to find the animal that completes the rhyme. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. Questions? Call 516-692-6768.
Owl Prowl Thursday
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents an Owl Prowl on June 23 from 8 to 10 p.m. Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight just in case. Open to families with children ages 5and up. $15 per person. Visit www.sweetbriarnc.org to register. For more information, call 979-6344.
THEATER
‘Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs on June 4, 11 and 18 at 11 a.m. with a sensory sensitive performance on June 12 at 11 a.m. Join them for a hysterical retelling of a wonderful story with a vain Queen, a Magic Mirror, a Witch, a handsome Prince, a Princess with skin as white as snow, and seven Dwarfs guaranteed to keep you laughing from start to finish. Costumes encouraged. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Pinkalicious The Musical’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater season with Pinkalicious The Musical from May 28 to July 3. Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe — a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid from July 2 to July 24. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org or call 724-3700.
CRUISE NIGHT AT THE SHOPPES
Check out the fine array of classic cars at the Shoppes at East Wind's Cruise Night on June 22.
Thursday June 16
Stony Brook Village Walking Tour
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents a Secrets of Stony Brook Village Walking Tour at 11:50 a.m. and again at 3:50 p.m. Hear some newly uncovered stories while strolling through the picturesque village. $10 per person. Advance registration required by calling 751-2244.
Family Festival
St. Philip & James School, 1 Carow Place, St. James presents its annual Family Festival today from 6 to 10 p.m, June 17 and 18 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. and June 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. with carnival rides from Newton Shows, games, food, refreshments. Questions? Call 584-5454.
Historical Walking Tour
The Huntington Historical Society presents a Historical Walking Tour titled The Centers of Controversy from 6 to 9 p.m. Led by Town of Huntington Historian, Robert C. Hughes, the tour will head east from the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building to visit sites in central Huntington that gave rise over the centuries to scandals, lawsuits, and other controversies.This tour will terminate at Six Harbors Brewing Company.$25 per person. Advance registration required by emailing [email protected] or by calling 427-7045.
Atelier online lecture
Calling all fantasy fans! The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will offer a free online lecture titled Dungeons & Dragons: Digital Painting” at 7 p.m. Presenter James Beihl will take you through the history of D & D art and its impact on the broader fantasy art movement today along with a real time demo of a dragon in oil inspired by the work of artists such as Todd Lockwood and Matt Stawicki. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org or call 631-250-9009.
Friday June 17
Family Festival
See June 16 listing.
Summer Paint Night
Start summer early with a Summer Paint Night at the Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai at 6 p.m. A master artist from Yaymaker Long Island will provide step-by-step instructions for creating your own Long Island Lighthouse masterpiece. Socialize and enjoy light refreshments while you paint and support North Shore Youth Council’s recreation and enrichment programs for youth. Tickets are $40 per person, for teens and older. To register, visit www.nsyc.com.
An Evening of Jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave.,Stony Brook, will be welcoming the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. Hyeseon Hong is a Korean jazz composer and arranger whose music creates a dialog between her Korean cultural heritage and the culture of the west. The concert is part of the Olivia & Harlan Fischer Concert Series. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.
Saturday June 18
Family Festival
See June 16 listing.
Kings Park Day
Come on down! The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce presents the 44th annual Kings Park Day at the Library Municipal Parking Lot, 1 Main St., Kings Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a craft fair with over 100 vendors, international food court, live music, dance performances, karate demonstrations, kids activities, rides, raffles and more. Call 846-1459.
Strawberry Festival/Tag Sale
Who doesn’t love strawberries? Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point will be hosting their annual Strawberry Festival/ Church Tag Sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a huge indoor church tag sale, great gift basket raffles, delicious local strawberry treats, and BBQ. Fun filled outdoor activities for children and adults. Questions? Call 744-9355
Freedom Day Celebration
The Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at the historic Longwood Estate, 205 Longwood Road in Ridge from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. This year’s event is in recognition of the 157th anniversary of the end of slavery in 1865. Included is a BBQ picnic, games, music, dancing and activities for the entire family. For TOB residents only. For more information and to make a reservation, go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov/Juneteenth. Call 451-2627 for more information.
Farmers & Artisans Marketplace
Farmingville Residents Association hosts a Farmers, Artisans and Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville today, Aug. 20 and Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring vendors selling local produce, handmade and homemade items and flea market treasures and live music. Call 260-7411.
Butterfly and Bird Festival
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a Bird and Bird Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop at Sweetbriar’s Wildlife and Craft Fair for a day of fun and education and celebrate the grand opening of the Center’s enclosed Butterfly House with musical entertainment, crafts, games, face painting, animal shows. Food and refreshments are available for purchase. $25 per carload. Tickets will be available at gate, bring cash if possible (no bills over $50). Call 979-6344.
Spring into Summer concert
The Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council hosts a Spring into Summer Concert at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson at 7:30 p.m. featuring Tricycle: the Fortier Family Band performing in an original song writers circle with special guests. Advance sale tickets only are $25, $10 students at www.gpjac.org. For more information, call 473-5220.
Voices of Walt Whitman concert
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 175 Wolf Hill Road, Huntington Station will present The Voices of Walt Whitman Reunion Concert from 8 to 9:30 p.m., an evening of choral music featuring an alumni choir of over 60 graduates from 2012-2021. Tickets are $10 per person. Visit eventbrite.com to purchase.
Sunday June 19
Family Festival
See June 16 listing.
Father’s Day at the LIM
In honor of Father’s Day, the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook offers free admission to fathers and grandfathers from noon to 5 p.m. Spend the afternoon with Dad exploring the museum’s latest exhibit, Atoms to Cosmos: The Story of Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the state of the art Carriage Museum. Call 751-0066.
Juneteenth Walking Tour
The Northport Historical Society presents two Black History of Northport Walking Tours today at 2 p.m. and again at 3:45 p.m. in honor of Juneteenth. Join NHS Museum Educator/Researcher Ceylan Swenson on a tour that will offer attendees a new perspective on familiar locations and tell the stories of the generations of Black families who lived in and around Northport. Tour starts from the 9/11 Memorial in Northport Village Park. Tickets are $10 per person, children ages 8 to 14 are free. To register, call 757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.
Jazz in the Afternoon
Stony Brook Community Church, 216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present a fundraiser concert, Jazz in the Afternoon, featuring the Jazz Loft’s Gospel Road Band and its president/founder, Tom Manuel, at 3 p.m. Suggested donation is $20 general admission and $10 students. Hor d’oeuvres and dessert to follow. For sponsorships, tickets or other information, call 751-0574.
LISCA Spring Concert
St. James Roman Catholic Church, 429 Rte. 25A, East Setauket hosts a Spring Concert by the Long Island Symphonic Choral Society at 5 p.m. Program will include Durufle’s “Requiem,” Brahms’s “Alto Rhapsody,” Beach’s“Three Shakespeare Choruses” andLysenko’s “Prayer for Ukraine.” A reception with light refreshments will follow. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 seniors, free for students at www.lisca.org or at the door.
Monday June 20
No events listed for this day.
Tuesday June 21
United Nations Day of Yoga
The Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station hosts the 7th annual United Nations Day of Yoga from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event will include a variety of yoga classes for all ages and levels, meditation sessions, candle lighting ceremony, vendors, guest speakers, raffle baskets, vegan vegetarian buffet (fee) and more. Bring your own yoga mat or purchase one at the event. Registration is required by visiting www.LearnwithMasters.com.
Wednesday June 22
Memorial Garden Ceremony
Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth will host the Town of Huntington’s 11th Annual Anne Frank Memorial Garden Ceremony in the Anne Frank Memorial Garden at Arboretum Park on Wilmington Drive (between Threepence Drive and Roundtree Drive) in Melville at 4:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Gail Sheryn Kastenholz, a Huntington Station resident, Second Generation Survivor and Holocaust education advocate. Attendees may take a walk through the garden following the program. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, 631-351-3000.
Author Talk & Book Signing
The Friends of the Northport/East Northport Public Library will host an Author’s Talk and Book Signing featuringOrel Protopopescu, author of Dancing Past the Light: The Life of Tanaquil Le Clercq, wife of Balanchine and Ballerina at the Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available to purchase (cash or check only). To register, call 261-6930 or online at www.nenpl.org.
Cruise Night Car Show
The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show every Wednesday through Oct. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic cars in the parking lot. Call 929-3500.
Thursday June 23
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Please call 631-655-7798 for more information
Film
‘A World Within a World’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Maritime Film Festival with a screening of A World Within a World: Long Island Bay Houses on June 21 at 7:30 p.m.The film explores, the lives, history, and experiences of bay house owners in the Town of Hempstead from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Based on fieldwork by folklorist and maritime ethnographer Nancy Solomon of Long Island Traditions, local filmmakers Barbara Weber and Greg Blank capture the essence of how bay house owners have persevered and endured through severe storms and hurricanes as well as eroding marshlands all while preserving traditions that began in the early 19th century. Followed by a Q&A and discussion. Tickets are $17, $12 members. Call 423-7610 or visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Savage Land’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a special screening of Savage Land on June 22 at 7 p.m. When Custer County Police kill 18-year-old Cheyenne Arapaho Mah-hi-vist Red Bird Goodblanket in his family’s kitchen, descendants of the Sand Creek and Washita Massacres take us back 150 years to reveal how historical trauma and the horrors of the past are still present in America today. With writer/director Campbell Dalglish in person. Tickets are $17, $12 members. Call 423-7610 or visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES Theatre Three’s ABBA-inspired ‘Mamma Mia! The Musical’ is receiving rave reviews! Catch a performance before the show ends on June 25. Photo by Brian Hoerger/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
‘Mamma Mia!’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its 2021-2022 with Mamma Mia! from May 21 to June 25. ABBA’s timeless hits tell the enchanting story! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited twenty years ago. Featuring such chart toppers as “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and “Dancing Queen,” this is a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Contains adult themes and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Much Ado About Nothing’
The Carriage House Players continues its annual Shakespeare Festival at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with Much Ado About Nothing from June 5 to June 26 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.
‘Kinky Boots’
John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Kinky Boots from May 19 to July 3. With songs by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this dazzling, sassy and uplifting musical celebrates a joyous story, inspired by true life events, taking you from the factory floor of a men’s shoe factory to the glamorous catwalks of Milan! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Mikado’
The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island presents The Mikado: A Long Island Fantasy at Suffolk Y/JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road in Commack on June 17 at 8 p.m. Admission is $30, seniors and students $25. For further information, call 516-619-7415 or visit www.gaslocoli.org.
‘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.
Vendors Wanted
◆ The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River has vendor opportunities available for its upcoming outdoor Farmer’s Markets on June 18,July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept.17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 631-929-3500 x708 for an application.
◆ Nesconset Chamber of Commerce seeks vendors for its Nesconset Day street fair along Smithtown Blvd. in Nesconset on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 631-672-5197 or email [email protected].
◆ St. Thomas of Canterbury, 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown seeks craft or new merchandise vendors for its Craft Fair and Car Show on Oct. 8 (rain date is Oct. 15 for craft fair only). Visit www.stthomasofcanterbury.net or call 631-265-4520 to obtain an application or get more info.
◆ The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor seeks glass enthusiasts (both sea glass and historic glass) and vendors to be a part of it Suffolk County Seaglass Festival on Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee for vendor participation is $50 and entitles you to a 72” banquet table for displaying your items. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org for an application or call 631-367-3418.
The state of our economy reminds me of the skit performed by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in the 1950s. Who’s on first, what’s on second, I don’t know who is on third! What a mess!
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen admits to a series of mistakes by her department and by the Federal Reserve. President Biden is now going to Saudi Arabia to ask them to pump more oil while shutting down our own pipelines. I find it difficult to believe that inflation is only up 8.6% year over year, a statistic issued by the Fed. Gas at the pump is up 60%, meat up 62%, vegetables up 55%, air travel up 34%; I just don’t get it.
I feel like a grandparent who tries to help the kids with their math homework. It is somewhat confusing to me that 2 + 2 no longer adds up to 4, etc., etc. I guess our kids are all going to become economists and work for the Federal Reserve.
I do not want to be the bearer of bad news, but I think a reality check would be in order. I will use the Federal Reserve number even though they exclude food and housing. Really! On inflation, there can be no dispute. Friday’s report that consumer prices shot up by the highest number in 40 years cannot be considered a surprise. Reports issued by the University of Michigan’s consumer confidence survey showed the most downbeat sentiment on record, mainly due to historically low unemployment and soaring prices.
It appears that notes from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) indicate that Fed Chairman Jerome Powell intends to raise rates one-half percent this month and again in July. Futures also indicate another half percent increase in September.
The change in attitude at the FOMC since March is extremely troubling. The inflation numbers caught them completely by surprise.Why didn’t they just ask people who were filling their gas tanks and shopping for food?They sure knew that inflation was running rampant. Just a few more statistics, because Washington D.C. makes me crazy.
Larry Summers, who served as Treasury Secretary from 1999-2001, issued an economic research paper this past week. To quote, “In order to bring down core CPI to the 2% range would require the same extreme monetary restraint exerted by former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker which resulted in back-to-back 1980s recessions.” Once again there are plenty of smart people out there who have been stating that the Fed is way behind the eight ball. Example:former Alliance Bernstein chief economist Joseph Carson has been screaming for more than a year, “The Federal Reserve is missing the boat.”
Let’s talk about stocks. The Standard and Poor’s P/E has dropped from 21 to 16. This number, 16, is normally considered to be a reasonable P/E to purchase stocks. However, if interest rates are still too low and earnings forecasts drop, don’t be surprised if there is more damage done to the stock market. The market is down 10 out of the last 11 weeks. I blame the Fed’s ineptitude in dealing with inflation, plus the war in the Ukraine and the lasting effects of the pandemic.
What do we buy? Drugs! Not street drugs, but great drug companies. The pandemic and the need to stay home and eat and eat and eat have caused a lot of us to get fat. So, let’s look at companies that make insulin. Why?It manages blood sugar levels which help weight control. Eli Lilly (LLY) just received FDA approval for Tirzepatide for diabetes apparently with good results. Novo Nordick (NVO), a Danish company is the world’s top maker of insulin. Novo’s drug sales for obesity doubled year over year to $480 million. They are projecting a nine-fold increase in sales.
Some news that hit the wire this past week:
1. Twitter agreed to share data on false accounts with Elon Musk, thus putting the $44 billion takeover back on track.
2. Jet Blue airlines increased its offer to purchase Spirit Airlines.
3. Kohls is in talks to be purchased by Franchise Group for $8 billion.
As our parents told us, “if you don’t have anything good to say, stop talking.” On that note, please enjoy our wonderful weather. If any of our readers know how to keep the geese off the front lawn and the deer out the garden, please let me know.
Michael E. Russell retired after 40 years working for various Wall Street firms. All recommendations being made here are not guaranteed and may incur a loss of principal. The opinions and investment recommendations expressed in the column are the author’s own. TBR News Media does not endorse any specific investment advice and urges investors to consult with their financial advisor.
A scene from 'Jurassic World: Dominion.' Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
The Jurassic Park franchise launched in 1993. Based on the 1990 novel by Michael Crichton, Steven Spielberg directed the film from a screenplay by Crichton and David Koepp. Featuring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, B.D. Wong, Samuel L. Jackson, and Richard Attenborough, the special-effects packed film became the highest-grossing film released worldwide until that time, besting Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Jurassic Park perfectly combined taut structure, grounded humor, and effective effects.
Spielberg and Koepp returned for The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), along with cast members Goldblum and Attenborough, joined by Julianne Moore and Vince Vaughn. The film received mixed reviews but a positive audience response, breaking multiple box office records. Jurassic Park III (2001) was the first without Spielberg as director. And while it brought back Dern and Neill, the film received a predominantly mixed-to-negative response.
A scene from ‘Jurassic World: Dominion.’ Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
Jurassic World: Dominion, directed byColin Treverrow, reunites cast members from the entire network: Dern, Neill, Goldblum, Wong, Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Omar Sy, Isabella Sermon, Justice Smith, and Daniella Pineda. Rounding out the starry cast are DeWanda Wise, Mamoudou Athie, Campbell Scott, Scott Haze, and Dichen Lachman.
The initial premise is fascinating. A news report explains that following the destruction of the Central American island Isla Nublar, dinosaurs now live among us, always hungry and often violent. The new normal raises ethical questions of accountability and coexistence. These de-extinct animals result from man’s manipulation of science and, therefore, society’s responsibility. Quick cuts of dinosaurs attacking juxtapose with compelling images of these wandering creatures living out of time and place. One powerful clip shows a dinosaur eating garbage next to a train track. Beauty, danger, nobility, and abandonment are all on display.
However, after this brief prologue, the film denigrates into a mess of science fiction and thriller clichés that are hopeless retreads of the first three films. The convoluted machinations include the corrupt Biosyn (sin?) Corporation, Sir Benjamin Lockwood’s cloned granddaughter, biogenetically engineered locusts the size of Dachshunds destroying the food chain, altering DNA and splicing of genomes, black market breeders, and a few other threads not so much woven into the narrative fabric as clumsily stapled.
A scene from ‘Jurassic World: Dominion.’ Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
However, with all the plot, there is something ploddingly by the numbers, with one predictable action sequence after another, repetitions of previous Jurassic outings, or pale copies of Indiana Jones. Dominion recalls Godzilla vs. Rodan more than the earlier focused and well-crafted incarnations of the Jurassic universe. Strangely, Dominion nods more to the work of animator Ray Harryhausen and the Sinbad series than to Crichton’s world.
And while strong actors populate the cast, they cannot elevate the stiff dialogue of Emily Carmichael and Colin Trevorrow’s witless screenplay. It is nearly impossible to play multiple notes in a one-dimensional character. Stock outlines substitute for human beings, with everyone talking in breathy, important voices. Fortunately for them, they are mostly directed to look up when they hear dinosaur footsteps. There is lots of running (the people) and chomping (the dinosaurs) and disinterest (the audience).
Dern and Neill give vague performances and are uncomfortable in the cringe-worthy romance awkwardly forced onto their characters. Goldblum’s quirky mannerisms make his Apartments.com commercials appear subtle. Scott plays the corporate villain like Tom Hanks channeling a neurotically twitchy Steve Jobs. Platt and Howard show up. Wise and Athie almost—but not quite—manage to rise above the swamp. As the clone, Maisie, Sermon finds a few more shades than the rest of the company, bringing honesty to the struggle with personal revelations. But these glimpses hardly save the film.
The special effects seem tired, with a ragtag combination of CGI (the locust swarm is particularly unimpressive) and animatronics (basic Disney World). As a result, Dominion feels less blockbuster and more thrill ride without the thrill. Michael Giacchino’s generic score does most of the heavy lifting, with dark chords and lush strings substituting for emotion, style, and actually earned tension.
The final moments of the film return to the movie’s initial potential. But at the end of a bloated two and a half hours, it is far too late. Let’s hope, as with the real dinosaurs, Jurassic World: Dominion marks the extinction of the franchise.
Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks will be appearing on Saturday, July 2, as part of the Jazz Loft’s 2nd Annual Douglas Elliman Summer Music Series.
Three Exciting Concerts – Sponsored by Douglas Elliman’s Tom Postilio & Mickey Conlon – will Bring Musical Talents Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, John Pizzarelli and Peter Cincotti to Stony Brook Village
The Jazz Loft, the acclaimed museum and music venue that put Stony Brook Village on the map as a destination for Jazz education, performance and preservation, has announced that the 2022 Douglas Elliman Summer Music Series is back for the second year, featuring world renowned musicians Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, John Pizzarelli and Peter Cincotti. Sponsored by prominent North Shore arts patrons and Douglas Elliman real estate agents Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon, the series provides a cultural focal point for the upcoming season on Long Island.
“Mark your calendars for all three dates because you won’t want to miss any one of these incredible performances,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “We are beyond thrilled to announce that Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, John Pizzarelli and Peter Cincotti will enliven the stage at The Jazz Loft this summer.”
Kicking off July 2nd, the highly anticipated series includes three monthly performances at The Jazz Loft, located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. Tickets can be purchased for individual performances or for the entire series.
On Saturday, July 2,vintage-style musical groupVince Giordano and the Nighthawks will deliver a powerful performance. The Grammy-winner, New York native and multi-instrumentalist has performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the 92nd Street Y. Giordano has also appeared in films including The Cotton Club, The Aviator, Finding Forrester, Revolutionary Road and Cafe Society, in addition to the HBO hit series Boardwalk Empire.
On Saturday, August 13, acclaimedJazz Guitarist and Singer John Pizzarelli will perform a tribute to his late father Bucky Pizzarelli, the legendary jazz guitarist who inspired his career. John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” The Toronto Star calls him “the genial genius of the guitar” and, according to the Seattle Times, he is “a rare entertainer of the old school.” This concert also aligns with the annual three-day John Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival.
On Saturday, September 24, celebrated singer-songwriter Peter Cincotti will enliven the Jazz Loft’s Great Lawn for a free concert that also coincides with the Seventh Annual Harbor Jazz Festival. Cincotti has performed at the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and L’Olympia in Paris, has collaborated with artists ranging from Andrea Bocelli to David Guetta, and has also been featured in blockbuster films like Spiderman 2 and Bobby Darin biopic Beyond the Sea.
The Summer Music Series is presented in partnership with Postilio and Conlon, real estate agents at Douglas Elliman Real Estate who have deep roots in entertainment as featured cast members on the hit HGTV show Selling New York, and celebrity real estate brokers to talents including Liza Minnelli, Barry Manilow, Marilyn Horne, Michael Feinstein and David Sanborn. Passionate about American music history, they are deeply committed to supporting the arts and culture scene on the North Shore of Long Island, where they have a home in the Village of Nissequogue.
The duo came up with the event concept in 2021 as a way to bring their community together following the pandemic. Grammy-nominated artist and American “musical treasure” Marilyn Maye headlined the first event and delivered a performance so unforgettable that music lovers asked for more. Postilio, Conlon and The Jazz Loft are responding to that request with this exciting announcement: the series is returning in 2022 with yet another spectacular line-up.
“Music brings people together and makes the world a better place. We are excited to collaborate with the Jazz Loft to bring another amazing concert series to the Long Island community,” said Postilio. “We look forward to meeting new friends and neighbors at The Jazz Loft this summer.”
Added Conlon, “The Jazz Loft is an institution that makes an invaluable contribution to the arts on Long Island. The culture here is what originally attracted us to the area, and we are proud to become a part of that tradition with The Summer Music Series.”
Tickets are now available for purchase on The Jazz Loft’s website at www.thejazzloft.org. You can also call the box office at (631) 751-1895. Stay informed by following @thejazzloft.tjl and @tomandmickey on Instagram.
'Sublime', Anne Frank Garden Memorial by Thea Lanzisero
Ceremony to Feature Second Generation Survivor, Holocaust Education Advocate Gail Sheryn Kastenholz
Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth will host the Town of Huntington’s 11th Annual AnneFrank Memorial Garden Ceremony on Wednesday, June 22, at 4:30 p.m. in the AnneFrank Memorial Garden at Arboretum Park on Wilmington Drive (between Threepence Drive and Roundtree Drive) in Melville.
The AnneFrank Memorial Garden symbolically captures the journey of AnneFrank’s life. It features a circular pathway that surrounds a garden, which leads to the sculpture of a young girl’s dress. The Memorial Garden serves as tribute to Anne’s legacy of wisdom and genuine belief in the goodness of mankind and human nature, despite the ugliness of war and discrimination.
Program participants include Rabbi Beth Klafter of Temple Beth David in Commack, Rabbi Yakov Saacks of The Chai Center in Dix Hills, musical selections by Hazzan (Cantor) Steven Walvick of the East Northport Jewish Center; and remarks from guest speaker Gail Sheryn Kastenholz, a Huntington Station resident, Second Generation Survivor and Holocaust education advocate.
Attendees of the AnneFrank Memorial Garden anniversary celebration may take a walk through the garden following the program and will be offered light refreshments, donated by Suffolk County Legislator Manuel Esteban.
Are you seeking help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or close friend? St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd. Ave., St. James will provide GriefShare – a 13-session program – at 7p.m. on Thursdays from September 1 through December 1 in the church library.
GriefShare is a weekly support group that will be hosted by Bonnie Spiegel a long-time Care Givers at St. James Lutheran Church. Each session will include an encouraging, information-packed video featuring leading grief recovery experts, a group discussion about the video content, and a workbook for journaling and personal study exercises that reinforce the weekly session topics.
GriefShare is offered free of charge to all members of the community seeking bereavement support – a warm and caring group “oasis” during their long journeys through grief. It is offered without cost, completely underwritten by a generous grant from St. James Funeral Home, owned and operated with love by the Maher family.
Please contact the church office – (631) 584-5212 – for reservations. Complete program information is available online at www.griefshare.org.
My late wife Cindy and I made the jazz scene at Harmony Vineyards in the mid-2010s. The venue was marvelous, the music superb. We really dug young Zach, the man-bun styled bassist who held forth from Harmony’s tiny proscenium most weekends.
Zach — first name, Keenan — stood out as both musician and band leader. Still in his 20s, his solid time evoking the legendary Ray Brown, Zach’s star was clearly on the rise. We’d walk in from the cold and listening from outside the room we’d know, from just a few notes, that Zach was on bass.
The Harmony series ended, alas, but we kept running into this bass-playing prodigy around the North Shore. Tom Manuel, artistic director and Jazz Loft founder, entrusted him with the Loft’s Wednesday Night jam sessions. Week after week, Zach organized walk-on musicians into tight, expectation-defying ensembles. Under his direction, the guys on stage sounded like they work together all the time. On any given Wednesday night, you’d hear some of the finest jazz on Long Island. In fact, you still can.
Back in those pre-Covid days we attended delightful concerts put on by the Three Village Chamber Players. Here again was Zach playing Bach, Handel, and Teleman alongside oboes, harpsichords, and theremins.
Soon thereafter, we attended an outdoor concert by Taylor Ackley and the Deep Roots Ensemble, playing Taylor’s unique hybrid brand of prairie swing. Once more, it was Zach on bass.
By now, the man-bun was history.
Between sets, Zach mentioned he’d enrolled at Stony Brook University’s doctoral program in music performance. He said his studies were weaning him from his long-time need for audience approval; he felt now he could more readily play from what he called his authentic self and feel the music was going over with audiences. Clearly, his performances continued to blossom.
As for getting a doctorate, he felt that would help hone his performances in all genres, while expanding his career options.
As Graduation Day approached, Zach reflected that his enrollment was a wise choice, having raised his appreciation for the nuances of chamber music even as it’s propelled him forward as a jazzman.
“It’s all music,” he explained in a recent conversation. “I love jazz and I love chamber music. At this point in life and musical progress, I don’t feel there is all that much difference between musical styles. It’s not like jazz is pure improvisation and classical music is entirely written out. There’s substantial structure in jazz and much room for improvisation in chamber music.
He continued, “In fact, jazz really is a kind of chamber music. Musicians listen to each other and improvise together, whether it’s a jam session or a chamber recital.”
At age 34, the Miller Place native finds himself at a musical and personal crossroads.
“I really am at a precipice,” he says. “I face so many transitions. I ask myself: What comes next? Do I move further west and compete for more gigs and opportunities in jazz? Do I get more involved in classical bass playing? Do I pursue a faculty position at a university and maybe relocate to a rural area?”
The self-questioning brings him back to a comment he’s heard at SBU more than once from Ray Anderson, the jazz trombonist, teacher, and philosopher: “Let’s play, let’s have fun and maybe, just maybe, we’ll learn something.”
Zach smiles. “That’s the essence of jazz. Right there.”
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