Arts & Entertainment

The Stony Brook Post Office is one of the stops on the Stony Brook Village Audio Experience. Photo courtesy of Sean Mills

Stony Brook Village has announced that the Stony Brook Village Audio Experience is now available and can be enjoyed on your own time and at your own pace! The experience is free to the public and will allow all visitors of Stony Brook Village to immerse themselves in the quirky history and stories of the lifestyle center and some of its surrounding properties. The audio experience is obtained by scanning QR codes throughout the village and is also available at audio.stonybrookvillage.com.

Currently, the experience has ten stops, and covers the history and the stories from the Three Village Inn’s original residents to the entire development of Stony Brook Village Center. It is recommended that participants of the experience begin at the Three Village Inn. Additional stories about the Country House (c.1710), the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c.1751) — including the first vineyard on Long Island, and T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park will be added soon.

To learn more about events and activities in Stony Brook Village Center, visit stonybrookvillage.com.

Come meet baby chickens at Benner's Farm's Cuddle and Care Workshop this weekend.
Programs

Owl Prowl Thursday

Visit Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown on April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. for an Owl Prowl! Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night. Dress warmly, wear bug spray, and bring a flashlight just in case. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $15 per person. For tickets, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Cuddle and Care Workshop

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket hosts a children’s workshop for ages 3 to 12, Cuddle and Care, on April 30 and May 1 from 10 a.m. to noon and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children will be introduced to the farm’s newest baby barnyard animals! Learn what they eat, how they grow, and how to take care of them. There will also be a farm tour, crafts, and a tractor ride! $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Mighty Moms

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Mighty Moms, for ages 3 to 5 on April 30 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their parents will explore the natural world through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Advance registration required by visiting Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.

SachemCon

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook invites the community to an in-person SachemCon on April 30 from noon to 4 p.m. Get your cosplay on and share your love of all things anime, manga, and comics. Play TCGs, make crafts, complete trivia challenges, watch animation demonstrations, meet special guests and shop for unique art and collectibles. Call 588-5024 for further information.

Handmade Candle-Making

As part of its Antiques and More event on May 1, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will host a handmade candle-making craft workshop from 11 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 2 p.m. Create a hand-dripped candle to take home. $5 per participant. Call 367-3418.

Welcome Back Osprey

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park will host a family program titled Welcome Back Osprey on May 1 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This beautiful raptor feeds almost exclusively on fish, so the marsh at Sunken Meadow is a perfect place for them to raise their chicks! Join the staff for a walk to observe them at their nest platform and discover more about their amazing adaptations. $4 per person. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure, 

Scrimshaw Detectives

Calling private investigators! For the month of May, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Scrimshaw Detectives! Spy around the museum and look for clues to uncover secret meanings hidden in scrimshaw art. When you complete your tasks, design and etch your own scrimshaw box to take home. For ages 5 and up. Admission plus $10 per participant. Call 367-3418 for further details.

Theater

‘Madagascar’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Dreamworks’ Madagascar: A Musical Adventure from April 2 to May 8. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Disney’s ‘High School Musical Jr.’

We’re all in this together! Disney Channel’s smash hit musical comes to life at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown in Disney’s High School Musical Jr. from April 15 to May 15. Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs will have you dancing in your seats! All seats are $25. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org. See review on page B25.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

The Adventures of Peter Rabbit hops over to  Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from April 16 to May 7. Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Benjamin Bunny, the McGregors and all their friends come to life in this delightful musical adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter. Fun for the entire family and a Theatre Three tradition for spring break! $10 per person. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

All numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.

 

'Yellow Tulips' by Pam Herbst is currently on view at the Reboli Center for Art & History as part of its BLOOM exhibit.

Art League of Long Island

‘After the Thunderstorm’ by Ross Barbera will be on view at the Atelier At Flowerfield from May 5 to June 16.

The Art League of Long Island is located at 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. On view in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery from April 29 through May 14 is Captured: A Photographic Art Exhibit by 21 members of The LI Center of Photography featuring landscapes, portraits, abstract photographic works, and digital image compositions. A reception will be held on May 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. 631-462-5400, www.artleagueli.org

The Atelier at Flowerfield

The Atelier at Flowerfield is located at 2 Flowerfield, Suite 15, in St. James. From May 5  to June 16 the gallery will showcase Nature’s Majesty: a joint exhibition with local artists Ross Barbera and Krys Lipinski featuring paintings showcasing the wonders of the natural world in Atelier Hall. An opening reception will be held on May 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 631-250-9009, www.theatelieratflowerfield.org

Firefly Artists

The Firefly Artists Gallery is located at 162 Main St., Northport. From April 30 to May 29 the Darcy Gallery on the second floor presents Honey, I Shrunk the Art, an  exhibition celebrating artwork 8”x10” or smaller. The show will feature an array of mediums including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, collage, fabricwork, glasswork and jewelry. Join them for an artist reception on May 1 from noon to 5 p.m. 631-651-5545, www.thefireflyartists.com

Gallery North

Gallery North is located at 90 North Country Road, Setauket. Currently on view through  May 22 is Prolonged Perception: Recent Paintings by Doug Reina highlighting the artist’s exploration of obscure, ordinary spaces of contemporary life that are often shielded from view. Meet the artist during the Community Art Crawl on April 30 from noon to 2 p.m. (see more on page B18). 631-751-2676, www.gallerynorth.org

Heckscher Museum of Art

The Heckscher Museum of Art is located at 2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Currently on view through Sept. 18 is an exhibit titled Moonstruck: Lunar Art from the Collection (Temporarily closed May 23 to June 3); Up next from April 30 to May 29 is Long Island’s Best Young Artists, an annual exhibit featuring the extraordinary works of art created by Long Island high school students.  631-351-3250 or visit www.heckscher.org

Huntington Arts Council

Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery is located at 213 Main St., Huntington.  Through June 4 the gallery will present Lamented Sublime, a small group show about nature and the passage of time, the beauty and sadness in both, and how they inspire featuring works by Paul Mele, Toxic/Nature Studios and Khurshid Saleem. 631-271-8423, www.huntingtonarts.org

Long Island Museum

The Long Island Museum is located at 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook. Currently on view is Atoms to Cosmos: The Story of Brookhaven National Laboratory in the History Museum through Oct. 16 and Two Centuries of Long Island Women Artists in the Art Museum through Sept. 4. Up next is Through Our Eyes: Works From The LIM’s Virtual In The Moment Art Making Programs from June 2 to 26. 631-751-0066, www.longislandmuseum.org.

Mills Pond Gallery

‘Inner Bloom’ by Melissa Masci Vultaggio is currently on view at the Mills Pond Gallery through May 13.

The Smithtown Township Arts Council’s Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A, St. James. Currently on view through May 13 is Creative Visions featuring the work of David P. Doran, Terence McManus, Jim Minet, Rob Roehrig, Melissa Masci Vultaggio through the mediums of acrylic oil, pastel, photography and watercolor. 631-862-6575, www.millspondgallery.org.

Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery

Stony Brook University’s Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery is located on the first floor of the Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. From April 30 to May 20 the gallery will present its annual Senior Show and from April 30 to May 13 showcasing works of senior art majors and minors and digital art minors: From April 30 to May 13, the gallery wil present its URECA 2022 show celebrating outstanding artwork creating by SBU undergraduate students. Join them for a Community Art Crawl on April 30 from noon to 5 p.m. (see more on page B18) and an art reception on May 5 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. 631-632-7240

Port Jefferson Village Center

The Port Jefferson Village Center is located at 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson. From May 2 to 31, the second-floor gallery will present an exhibit by theWet Paints Studio Group titled Hand to Heart. Join them for an artist reception on May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 631-802-2160, www.portjeff.com

Reboli Center for Art and History

On the cover: The Reboli Center for Art and History is located at 64 Main St. in Stony Brook Village. Currently on view through July 10 is an exhibit titled BLOOM, a mixed media show celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of springtime featuring work by late artist  Joseph Reboli, as well as pieces by  Merielle Belajonas, Kyle Blumenthal, Joan Branca, Bill Buchholz, Casey Chalem Anderson, Pamela duLong Williams, Pamela Herbst, Rosanne Kaloustian, Linda Davison Mathues, Angela Stratton, Ty Stroudsurg, Chris Wagner, Nancy Wernersbach and Charles Wildbank and a showcase a display of live flora, artwork and interesting artifacts by the Three Village Garden Club. 631-751-7707, www.ReboliCenter.org

Call for artists:

The Huntington Arts Council, 213 Main St, Huntigton invites artists to participate in Uncommon Threads, an exhibition with a focus on Fiber Arts in all its forms, from July 15 to Aug. 27. Entries should include either fiber-based materials or unconventional materials used in typical fiber art technique. Deadline is June 6. Visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

– Compiled by Heidi Sutton

By Tara Mae

The Antiques and Garden Weekend show, a fundraiser for the Port Jefferson Historical Society, returns after a two-year COVID delay to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transformed into an organized maze of goods and greenery, all three floors of the Village Center will be utilized to host approximately 25 vendors from across Long Island as well as a café. In conjunction with the society, the Suwassett Garden Club of Belle Terre will host a bake sale and provide a verdant trellis of plants, flowers, annuals, and herbs.

Many of the vendors are annual participants who set up shop to sell their wares, including but not limited to rare books, linens, vintage handbags, prints, garden tools and “every kind of jewelry, from costume through the real McCoy,” according to event co-chair Catherine Quinlan.

New vendors are recruited by word of mouth. “Dealers recommended other dealers for the show; a lot of them helped me find vendors for this show. They want the show to maintain its quality,” Quinlan said. Buyers and sellers alike are drawn to the show’s unique setup. Situated along the water, with views that overlook the harbor, the Village Center offers a singular experience for both vendors and attendees alike. “Vendors are able to set up their stands so that the scenic views are their backdrop, which both they and the patrons enjoy. I want people to come and enjoy the lovely setting — the building on the water is so beautiful,” added Quinlan.

Quinlan and fellow co-chair Sandra Swenk, both members of the Port Jefferson Historical Society, connected 14 years ago to raise money for the upkeep of the Mather House Museum, the society’s historic property on Prospect Street.

“Year round maintenance of the Mather estate is a costly undertaking so this show as well as a fall auction are key functions that enable the Society to maintain the buildings and grounds, keep the Museum open for exhibits, and offer tours as well as a consignment shop that is open during the Museum season which begins Memorial Day weekend,” said Swenk.

The women drew inspiration from touring other antique and garden shows on Long Island and observing their practices. “We visited shows scheduled on Long Island and made contacts with vendors who presented a variety of interesting antiques and collectibles that would be appealing to visitors and buyers. We arranged with the Village to hold the show at the Village Center each April,” Swenk said.

Truly a community event, in addition to the support of the garden club and village, the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company has special rates for ferry riders traveling to the show. “Fred Hall, general manager of the ferry, hangs a banner in Bridgeport to advertise the show and offers discounts to people who are coming for the show: 2 for 1 deals for same day passengers. Mayor Margot Garant is very supportive. I like working with everyone from the village,” she said. “The event is a lot of work, but a lot of fun. It’s about the community coming together and helping us raise money.”

Tickets are $6 per person, $5 if a member of a party presents the event postcard or online ad. Children 16 years or younger, accompanied by an adult, are free of charge. For more information, or visit www.portjeff-antiques-garden.net.

A MUSICAL TREAT “An elegant mix of passion, ferocity and feathery delicacy” (Washington Post). The Euclid Quartet heads to All Souls Church in Stony Brook Village on Saturday and Huntington Jewish Center on Sunday.
Thursday April 28

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer Ric Statler, the free workshop seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798 for more information.

Atelier lecture

The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will host a free webinar with instructor Oksana Danziger as she introduces the community to her work and talents as a textile artist via Zoom from 7 to 9 p.m. Oksana will be joining the Atelier as an instructor this upcoming Spring III session and summer. Keep an eye out for in-studio workshops and a new textile design class! To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org. For more info, call 250-9009.

Friday April 29

Potluck Dinner Fundraiser

American Legion Post 833 James Ely Miller, 51 Juniper Ave., Smithtown  invites the community to a Potluck Dinner Fundraiser from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with lasagne, penne alla vodka, spaghetti and meatballs and much more. $10 per person. Proceeds will go towards a new roof for the post. Call 724-1804 or email [email protected].

An evening of beer tasting

St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James hosts an evening of beer tasting with St. James Brewery offering of a sampling of their finest brews from 7 to 9 p.m.  Donation of $20 adults, $15 seniors. To RSVP, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.

Poets in Port

The Northport Arts Coalition continues its Poets in Port series at First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St., Northport at 7:30 p.m. Featured poet will be Brian Geraghty who will read some of his work and speak to the audience about his process followed by an open reading. All ages are encouraged to attend and participate. Free tickets available through Eventbrite, For more information, email [email protected].

Symphony Orchestra concert

The Northport Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Richard Hyman, presents a spring concert at Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport at 8 p.m. The concert will feature guest artist Oda Voltersvik, who will perform the Piano Concerto in A Minor by Edvard Grieg. The program will also include Symphony No. 6 (the Pastoral), by Ludwig van Beethoven and Song of the Waters by James Cohn. Tickets are $10 per person at the door. For more information, visit www.northportsymphony.org.

Saturday April 30

Spring Seasonal Stroll

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Spring Seasonal Stroll adult program from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. On this short stroll (approx. 1.5 miles), one of a series designed to observe seasonal changes, you’ll savor nature’s spring rebirth, highlighting bird nesting. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

Antiques and Garden Weekend

The Port Jefferson Historical Society presents its 14th annual Antiques and Garden Weekend fundraiser at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson today and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop for antiques, collectibles, retro items, artwork, jewelry, vintage linens, folk art, plants and homemade baked goods. $6 admission. For more information, visit www.portjeff-antiques-garden.net.

Northport Art & Craft Fair

Time to shop for Mother’s Day! Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport will host its annual Spring Art & Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The outdoor event (indoor in case of rain) will feature over 100 vendors and admission is free. Questions? Call 846-1459.

Spring Fair & Music Festival

Join the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce for a Spring Community Fair & Music Festival at the Centereach Turf Field, Elks Club Lodge parking lot and surrounding areas along Horseblock Road in Centereach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy musical entertainment featuring SouthBound and The Band Easy Street, country line dancing, over 70 craft and business vendor tables, food trucks, beer garden, children’s activities and much more. Admission for ages 12 and over is $5. For more information, call 681-8708.

Community Art Crawl

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts and Michael Ardolino/Realty Connect USA present a free Community Art Crawl today from noon to 5 p.m. Discover the arts in your neighborhood as organizations from Stony Brook to Port Jefferson come together for this unique collaboration filled with instagrammable moments, raffles, food, giveaways, activities and much more! Participating venues include Zuccaire Gallery, Wang Center, Reboli Center, The Jazz Loft, Gallery North, and the Long Island Explorium. To register and for further details, visit www.stallercenter.com/communityartcrawl.

SachemCon

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook invites the community to an in-person SachemCon event from noon to 4 p.m. Get your cosplay on and share your love of all things anime, manga, and comics. Play TCGs, make crafts, complete trivia challenges, watch animation demonstrations, meet special guests and shop for unique art and collectibles. Call 588-5024 for further information.

Blooms & Bites Spring Food Crawl

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the 5,000 daffodil bulbs planted this past fall in the village with a “Bloom and Bites” food crawl featuring a selection of small dessert bites and beverages at 15 restaurants and shops from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants can choose to walk in any order. Each ticket holder is permitted to one tasting per location, and it is required to get their ticket stamped at each participating vendor. Rain date is May 1. Tickets are $25 per person at Eventbrite.com. Pick up your tickets at the Port Jefferson Chamber office, 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson to receive the map for this event. *Bring in your Eventbrite receipt or e-ticket receipt. For more information, call 473-1414 or visit www.portjeffchamber.com.

Arbor Day Walk

The Town of Brookhaven hosts an Arbor Day Walk at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, 200 Harbor Beach Road, Mount Sinai at 2 p.m. Come take a closer look at the trees that shape the landscape and support the ecosystem on this beautiful north shore peninsula. Bring binoculars to better see the birds and animals that live in or visit these trees. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

From Italy to America

The Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport will host a lecture titled From Italy to America from 6 to 8 p.m. Guest speaker Adele Montecalvo, will take participants on a delicious journey while exploring Italy’s culinary traditions handed down through the twentieth century and its transformation in America.  Her expertise comes from sourcing wines for the Italian diplomatic mission to the United Nations in New York City. Light fare and refreshments will be served. $70 per person. To register, call 757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.

Saturdays at Six concert

Historic All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its free Saturdays at Six concert series with a performance by the Euclid String Quartet (violinist Jameson Cooper, violinist Aviva Hakanoglu, violist Luis Enrique Vargas, and cellist Chris Wild. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Please bring a can of food to donate to a local food pantry. Call 655-7798 for more information.

Sunday May 1

Antiques and Garden Weekend

See April 30 listing.

West Meadow Beach Clean Up

Anchor East hosts a beach clean up and fundraiser to support Sunshine Prevention  Center at West Meadow Beach, West Meadow Beach Road, Stony Brook from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great for individuals, families, groups and organizations all working together to make a difference. Community service hours available. 

Antiques & More!

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor presents its biannual event, Antiques & More, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop with local antique vendors, who will host a variety of 19th-20th century antiques and collectibles including jewelry, glassware, tools, small furniture, pottery, textiles, coins, badges, vintage advertising and more; explore museum exhibitions; take part in an 1850 Historic Village walking tour through Cold Spring Harbor at noon and a Women’s History walking tour at 2 p.m. ($12 adults/$8 children); and try hand-dipped candlemaking from 11 a.m. and noon and 1 to 2 p.m.  ($5 participant). For more information, call 367-3418 or visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Craft Extravaganza

St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James hosts an afternoon showcasing the talents of 20 local crafters with demonstrations and sales including  carvings, soap, jewelry, quilting, ceramics, painted glass, yarn crafts and more from noon to 4 p.m. $5 admission. For more information, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org. 

Grist Mill tours

The Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook will be open today and every Sunday through October from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about the inner workings of the mill as it crushes grain into flour and hear about its 323 year history on a guided tour will a miller during guided tours and a visit the Country Store. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. Cash only. For more information on the Stony Brook Grist Mill and for large group tours, call The Ward Melville Heritage Organization at 751-2244.

Ridotto concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Ridotto concert featuring the Euclid String Quartet at 4 p.m. Program includes the recently discovered String Quartet in A Major by Amanda Maier, Dvorak’s fabled ‘American’ Quartet Op.96 and the String Quartet by Debussy. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 members and $12 students. To order, call 385-0373 or email [email protected].

Monday May 2

This Place is ‘For the Birds!’ lecture

Four Harbors Audubon Society hosts a free presentation of This Place is ‘For the Birds!’ at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn how to become a good environmental steward by planting sustainable, eco-friendly and attractive environmentally functional landscapes. To register, call 766-3075.

Virtual Movie Trivia Night

Do you know a lot about movies? Well here’s your chance to prove it! Join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for a virtual Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Hosted by Dan French, the winning team will get up to four CAC Gift Cards (1 per team member) and bragging rights. Tickets are $10 per team, $7 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org to register. Questions? Email [email protected].

Tuesday May 3

University Orchestra concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will present a concert by the University Orchestra on the Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. Conducted by Susan Deaver, the program will include Liszt’s Totentanz, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Valerie Coleman’s “Umoja”, Jessie Montgomery’s “Starburst” with featured pianist Yi0Nung Jessie Su. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Wednesday May 4

Cruise Night Car Show

It’s back! 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. For more info, call 929-3500.

Jazz Loft Trio in concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by the Jazz Loft Trio  from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $10 at the door at 7 p.m., $5 after 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more info, call 751-1895.

Thursday May 5

Strictly Business vendor fair

The Miller Business Center, Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce and the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition present Strictly Business, a business to business networking event, in the Middle Country Public Library parking lot, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual event helps promote and build businesses in Brookhaven and the surrounding areas. Free admission, door prizes and more! Rain date is May 12. For more information, call 585-9393.

Vanderbilt lecture

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a lecture titled Tectonic Problems: Why the Foundations of Modern Geology Remain Elusive at 7 p.m. Marine seismologist Dr. William Bythewood Hawley will introduce participants to contemporary debates in geology and the theory of plate tectonics. Tickets are $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Theater

‘Steel Magnolias’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Steel Magnolias from April 9 to May 7. Come on down to Truvy’s Louisiana beauty shop where six strong women share their hopes and dreams. Beginning on the day of debutante Shelby’s wedding, the play traces this eccentric and lovable cast of characters as they support each other through life’s many challenges. Stop by for some great laughs and unforgettable friendship. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. Toorder, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com. 

‘A Bronx Tale’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents A Bronx Tale from March 24 to May 8. Based on Chazz Palminteri’s classic movie, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a doo-wop score, A Bronx Tale is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘It Shoulda Been You’

Star Playhouse at Stage 74, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents It Shoulda Been You, Broadway’s wild musical farce with blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing moms, unexpected guests and plenty of crazy twists and turns, on May 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. and May 15 and May 22 at 2 p.m. It’s wedding season and you’re invited to a wedding like no other! Get ready for a good time filled with music, mayhem, comedy, and a real bunch of characters! Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.

‘Kinky Boots’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is 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.

‘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.

Film

Italian Film Series

The Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University, Room E-4340, Melville Library, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook concludes its Italian Film Series of Alice Rorwacher movies introduced and discussed by Graduate Fellow Antonio Fideleo with Omelia Contadina (2020) on May 2 at 5:30 p.m. The film is in Italian with English subtitles. For more information, call 632-7444.

‘Zero Gravity’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with a screening of “Zero Gravity” at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on May 2 at 7 p.m. The documentary follows a diverse group of middle-school students from San Jose, CA, who compete in a nationwide tournament to code satellites aboard the International Space Station. Seen through the wondrous eyes of three young students and their first-time coach, they each take an intimate and personal journey to space as their team grows from amateur coders to representing California in the ISS Finals Tournament — the culmination of a summer-long adventure that sees their incredible accomplishment performed by astronauts in orbit. Followed by a live Zoom Q&A with director Thomas Verrette. Tickets are $10 per person at the door (cash only) or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

— Compiled by Heidi Sutton

Photo by Heidi Sutton

PORT JEFF IN BLOOM

In celebration of the 5,000 daffodil bulbs planted this past fall (and currently in bloom) for ‘Plant Port Yellow’ through a beautification grant received from PSEG, the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce will host a food crawl, Blooms and Bites, featuring a selection of small dessert bites and beverages on April 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.   Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Medi

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Pixabay photo

By Matthew Kearns, DVM

Dr. Matthew Kearns. 

You can’t log onto the internet without finding some sort of clickbait story about a dog attack. It is estimated that approximately 370,000 people are bitten by dogs every year. Although I believe that aggression is never appropriate and should not be condoned, recognizing aggression and problem situations is the key to avoiding bites. Here is a list of the different types of dog aggression:

Territorial Aggression — the need to protect its territory is hardwired in dogs long before they were domesticated. If a dog senses (or perceives) that someone or something has violated its territory, it will feel the need to defend itself. This could refer to the dog that is barking and snarling at the fence. Dogs do not differentiate property lines and will soon consider any portion of the block their territory.    

Fear Related Aggression — this is where a normally friendly dog becomes so fearful that any type of interaction is taken as a threat and they respond with aggression to “defend themselves.” This very commonly happens at the veterinarian’s office. 

Food Aggression — growling and snapping if a person comes near the dog when they have a treat, near the food bowl, etc, is inappropriate and intervention is needed.  

Approaching a dog with your palm down and above the head is an act of dominance. Pixabay photo

Dominance Aggression — this type of aggression can be directed against other pets in the household or family members and will manifest itself when the dominant dog is challenged.  

Here are a few tips on avoiding potentially dangerous situations:

■ Always approach a dog you have never met before with your palm up below their muzzle. This is an act of deference or neutrality, whereas approaching a dog with your palm down and above the head (as if to pet the dog) is an act of dominance or aggression.  

Also, if a dog is growling, barking, or snarling but still is wagging its tail; believe the growl/bark/snarl.  I have seen many a dog attack another dog (or person) while still wagging its tail.

■ Beware of dogs roaming the neighborhood. Although most have just escaped the yard and are no threat, approach with caution and have an escape route for yourself.

■ If a dog is growling and hiding in a corner do not try to engage them, but rather ignore the behavior and let them come to you.  

■ If you notice any signs of aggression as a puppy bring them to the attention of your veterinarian and consider one on one training with a behaviorist.

I hope this helps to recognize aggressive behavior to either avoid dangerous situations or intervene early on so that we can all enjoy our barking, furry family members safely. 

Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine.

Facebook photo

Wegmans Food Markets, a supermarket chain with 106 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, announced in a press release April 25 that it will open it first location on Long Island in Lake Grove.

The business, which started in Rochester in 1916, offers a variety of fresh produce, frozen foods, seafood, baked goods, deli items, prepared meals, Wegmans-branded food items, a pharmacy, floral shop and more. One of the largest private companies in the U.S., it boasted annual sales in 2021 of $11.2 billion.

The 100,000 square foot store will be located in the DSW plaza at the corner of Middle Country Road and Moriches Road. Wegmans has entered into an agreement to purchase 8.5 acres of the existing 28-acre plaza. Prestige Properties and Development will continue to own and operate the remainder of the plaza.

“We are delighted and proud Wegmans has chosen our DSW Plaza Shopping Center for their first location on Long Island,” said Sam Shalem, Chairman and CEO of Prestige Properties & Development. “Wegmans is a first-class asset and will be an incredible addition to Lake Grove and the surrounding communities. We look forward to partnering with Wegmans on this landmark location.”

A timeline for construction and opening has not yet been determined.

For its 52,000 employees, the business offers an extensive array of benefits, including competitive pay and benefits packages, premium pay on Sundays and holidays, tuition assistance through the company’s employee scholarship program, and flexible scheduling. In addition the company is also committed to making a difference in the local community, giving back through food donations, sponsoring community events, and more.

The supermakert chain has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by Fortune magazine for 25 consecutive years, ranking #3 in 2022. The company also ranked #1 on People’s 2021 ‘Companies That Care’ list.

“Wegmans will be such a positive addition to our village, as it will help rejuvenate all of the retail in the area. The company has a reputation that will bring folks near and far into Lake Grove to do their shopping,” said Mayor Robert Scottaline. “We are so excited to welcome Wegmans to our beautiful village. We look forward to working together to make a positive impact in the community.”

The closest Wegmans location is currently in Brooklyn. Another location is opening in Manhattan in 2023. The company has announced plans for additional stores in Virginia, and Delaware, all scheduled to open over the next two years.

Photo from Suffolk County

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced that the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency will host its third annual Drive-thru Resource and Stand Down Event on Saturday, April 30 in the north parking lot of the H. Lee Dennison Building located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

This year, 22 organizations and county agencies will participate, offering a variety of resources free-of-charge.

“Suffolk County is home to the largest veterans’ population in New York State and we must do all that we can to support our nations heroes,” said County Executive Bellone. As part of the event, our local veterans will have access to critical information about services currently available to them, along with a host of supplies, including COVID-19 test kits.”

Attending veterans and their families will have an opportunity to receive clothing, fresh produce, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift cards, blankets, and much more. Information on various nonprofit veteran services, including for physical and mental health, will also be available. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register, click here.

Over the last two years, more than 200 veteran attendees have received resources from the various organizations and county agencies at the Drive-thru Resource and Stand Down Event. The County anticipates 200 to 300 veterans will attend this year.

Organizations participating in this year’s event include:

o   Suffolk County Veteran’s Services Agency

o   Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency

o   Suffolk County Department of Labor

o   Suffolk County Community College

o   American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244

o   Catholic Health Services

o   Covanta

o   Dominican Village

o   Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc.

o   General Needs

o   Here to Help Veterans and Families

o   Home Depot

o   Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project

o   Long Island Cares, Inc.

o   New Ground

o   Phoenix House LI/NY

o   Project9line

o   St. Joseph’s College NY

o   Treehouse Group

o   United Veterans Beacon House

o   United Way of Long Island

o   US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

For more information, call 631-853-4000.

METRO photo
NSAIDS con contribute to kidney damage

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Last week, I wrote that the CDC estimates as many as 15 percent of U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and that roughly 90 percent of them don’t know they have it (1). This includes about 50 percent of people with a high risk of kidney failure in the next five years.

How is this possible? CKD is tricky because it tends to be asymptomatic, initially. Only in the advanced stages do symptoms become distinct, although there can be vague symptoms in moderate stages such as fatigue, malaise and loss of appetite. Those at highest risk for CKD include patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and those with first-degree relatives who have advanced disease. But those are only the ones at highest risk.

Why does CKD matter?

Your kidneys function as efficient little blood filters. They remove wastes, toxins and excess fluid from the body. In addition, they play roles in controlling blood pressure, producing red blood cells, maintaining bone health, and regulating natural chemicals in the blood. When they’re not operating at full capacity, the consequences can be heart disease, stroke, anemia, infection and depression — among others. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American College of Physicians, those who are at highest risk should be screened including patients with diabetes or hypertension (2)(3).

Slowing CKD progression

Fortunately, there are several options available, ranging from preventing CKD with specific exercise to slowing the progression with lifestyle changes and medications.

Exercise helps – even walking

The results of a study show that walking reduces the risk of death and the need for dialysis by 33 percent and 21 percent respectively (4). Even more intriguing, those who walked more often saw greater results. So, the participants who walked one-to-two times a week had a significant 17 percent reduction in death and a 19 percent reduction in kidney replacement therapy, while those who walked at least seven times per week experienced a more impressive 59 percent reduction in death and a 44 percent reduction in the risk of dialysis. There were 6,363 participants with an average age of 70, and they were followed for an average of 1.3 years.

How much protein to consume?

When it comes to CKD, more protein is not necessarily better, and it may even be harmful. In a meta-analysis of 17 Cochrane database studies of non-diabetic CKD patients who were not on dialysis, results showed that the risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease, including the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant, was reduced 36 percent in those who consumed a very low-protein diet, rather than a low-protein or normal protein diet (5).

Reducing sodium consumption

Good news! In a study, results showed that a modest sodium reduction in our diet may be sufficient to help prevent proteinuria (protein in the urine) (6). Here, less than 2000 mg was shown to be beneficial, something all of us can achieve.

Medications have a place

We routinely give certain medications, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, to patients who have diabetes to protect their kidneys. What about patients who do not have diabetes? ACEs and ARBs are two classes of anti-hypertensives — high blood pressure medications — that work on the kidney systems responsible for blood pressure and water balance (7). Results of a study show that these medications reduced the risk of death significantly in patients with moderate CKD. Most of the patients were considered hypertensive.

However, there was a high discontinuation rate among those taking the medication. If you include the discontinuations and regard them as failures, then all who participated showed a 19 percent reduction in risk of death, which was significant. However, if you exclude discontinuations, the results are much more robust with a 63 percent reduction. To get a more realistic picture, this result, including both participants and dropouts, is probably close to what will occur in clinical practice unless the physician is a really good motivator or has very highly motivated patients.

Should you be taking NSAIDs?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen and naproxen, have been associated with CKD progression and with kidney injury in those without CKD (1). For those on ACE inhibitors or ARBs, NSAIDs can also interfere with their effectiveness. Talk to your doctor about your prescription NSAIDs and any other over-the-counter medications you are taking.

Takeaways

You don’t necessarily have to rely on drug therapies to protect your kidneys, and there is no down-side to lifestyle modifications. Lowering sodium modestly, walking frequently, and lowering your protein consumption may all be viable options, with or without medication. Discuss with your physician whether you need regular screening. High-risk patients with hypertension and diabetes should definitely be screened; however, those with vague symptoms of lethargy, aches and pains might benefit from screening, as well.

References: (1) cdc.gov/kidneydisease (2) uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org (3) aafp.org. (4) Clin J Am Soc Neph-rol. 2014;9(7):1183-9. (5) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;(10):CD001892. (6) Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2014;23(6):533-540. (7) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(7):650-658.

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