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QUEEN OF THE FLUTE Carol Wincenc heads to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center on April 21. Photo courtesy of Staller Center
Thursday, April 21

Stony Brook Walking Tour

Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for 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 historic village. $10 per person. Reservations required by call 751-2244.

Vanderbilt lecture

Rescheduled from April 7 — Best-selling author and historian Betsy Prioleau will speak about her latest book, Diamonds and Deadlines: A Tale of Greed, Deceit, and a Female Tycoon in the Gilded Age, the first major biography of the glamorous and scandalous Miriam Leslie – a titan of publishing and an unsung hero of women’s suffrage, at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport at 6 p.m. The event will be followed by a book signing. Tickets are $20, members free. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Atelier lecture/demo

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for a free online webinar via Zoom titled Bouguereau Baby from 7 to 9 p.m. Artist William Graf will give a demonstration painting about the master artist William Bouguereau, a French academic artist. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Carol Wincenc in concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will welcome Carol Wincenc in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Hailed “Queen of the Flute” at the outset of her 50-year career, flutist Carol Wincenc delights audiences with her signature charismatic, high virtuosity and deeply heartfelt musicality and has performed with Jessye Norman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma. Tickets range from $44 to 48. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

An evening of jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes the Big Little Bad Band in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring vocalist Madeline Kole and original compositions and arrangements by bandleader and pianist Rich Iacona. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under age 5 free. Visit www.thejazzloft.org to order.

Friday, April 22

Birdwatching at the Vanderbilt

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for an early morning birdwatch and architecture tour with the Vanderbilt’s director of curatorial affairs from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate in the early dawn hours, when the grounds are still closed but the birds are active. Due to the popularity of the event, a second opportunity to join us will be offered again at 6 p.m., as many bird species are also active at dusk. Tickets are free for members, $12 for non-members. Sturdy hiking footwear is strongly suggested. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Earthstock Festival

In honor of Earth Day, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook hosts an Earthstock Festival at the Academic Mall from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with environmental and educational displays and exhibitors, farmers market, live music and dance performances on two stages at 11:30 p.m., opening remarks/Green Pledge ceremony at 12:15 p.m., rubber duck races at 2:30 p.m. and much more. Free. For more information, visit www.stonybrook.edu/earthstock.

Friday Night Coffee House

St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James continues its Friday Night Coffee House series with comedian Joe Moffa from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors. To RSVP, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Wintertide concert

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Part Jefferson concludes its Wintertide concert series with a concert by Miles to Dayton founder Jonathan Preddice from 7:30 to 9 p.m. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 802-2160.

David Sedaris at Staller Center

In his only Long Island appearance this year, humor writer David Sedaris brings his wit and unique observations of human nature to audiences at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Sedaris will offer all-new readings from his latest volume, Carnival of Snackery: Diaries. The reading will be followed by a book signing in the lobby. Tickets range from $56 to $72. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Friday Night Face-Off

Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door only. Call 928-9100 for more information.

Saturday, April 23

Port Jeff Health & Wellness Fest

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts the 13th annual Port Jeff Health & Wellness Fest at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get important information you require to plan and meet your health and wellness needs. Over 60 health and wellness professionals will be participating including our three major local hospitals and sponsors, St. Charles, Mather Hospital – Northwell Health, and Stony Brook Medicine with lots of free giveaways. Free admission. Call 473-1414 or visit www.portjeffhealth.com.

Greenway Trail Clean Up

The Three Village Community Trust will host a cleanup of the Setauket and Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail at 9 a.m. Meet up with Friends of the Greenway volunteers at trailhead at Hallock Ave. and Main St. in Port Jefferson Station. For more information, please email [email protected].

Earth and Arbor Day Celebration

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to an Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join in the fun with an in-person Fun Run/Bike Daffodil Dash along with a shredding event hosted by Coach Realtors, free tree saplings for Arbor Day compliments of Sunburst Tree Experts, and free bike inspections from Trek. Call 821-1313 for more info.

Earth Day at the Explorium

Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will celebrate Earth Day from 9 to 11 a.m. with a special presentation on Long Island’s waters and learn about the latest in clean water technology by representatives from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and Center for Clean Water Technology. Guests will enjoy hands-on exhibits and learn about their exciting research and new clean water technologies that are underway. Free. Advance registration required by calling 331-3277.

Antiques in April

The Huntington Historical Society presents ​a multi-vendor antiques & collectibles sale today and April 24 on the grounds of the Daniel Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ​Visit the historic Kissam property and browse beautiful antiques from dealers all across Long Island along with a barn sale. The Antiques and Collectibles Shop on the property will also be open and is full of fabulous finds. Free admission. For more info, call 427-7045.

Farmingville Hills Park renaming

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa will host a special unveiling ceremony for the renaming of Farmingville Hills County Park, 501 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, to the Thomas Muratore park at Farmingville Hills at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 854-9292.

Tri-Spy Walking Tour

The Three Village Historical Society & Tri-Spy Tours host a walking tour today from 10 a.m. to noon. The remarkable true story of General George Washington’s Setauket Spy Ring has come to life in books, exhibits, and even a television series. Led by Margo Arceri, participants will follow in the actual footsteps of the Culper Spy Ring in Setauket with historical places of interest pointed out and discussed. The three mile tour, for ages 14 and older, starts at the entrance of Frank Melville Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket. $25 tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tvhs.org. For more info, call 751-3730.

Grist Mill tours

The Stony Brook Grist Mill, Harbor Road, Stony Brook will be open today and April 24 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 programs and large group tours, call The Ward Melville Heritage Organization at 751-2244.

Spring Appreciation Day

Spring Appreciation Day returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with live music with Burke and Brenda, a petting zoo, scavenger hunts with prizes, and a vintage car show hosted by the local chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This event is free to the public. Rain date is April 24. For more information, call 751-2244 or visit www.wmho.org.

This Place is For the Birds!

Four Harbors Audubon Society hosts a free presentation of This Place is For the Birds! at the Smithtown Library – Kings Park Building, 1 Church St, Kings Park from 2 to 3:30 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.

Sivan Arbel Quartet in concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes critically acclaimed Israeli jazz vocalist, composer, arranger and world wide performer Sivan Arbel and her quartet in concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Sunday, April 24

Antiques in April

See April 23 listing.

Port Jeff Winter Farmers Market

Last day! The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be open today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson. This year’s vendors include Brownies N’ Stuff, Joann’s Desserts, Farm Fresh Potions, Mello Munch Awesome Granola, O Honey Bee Farm, Sweet Melissa Dip, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.

Spring Awakening fundraiser

The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket hosts a Spring Awakening Fundraiser benefitting the Community Growth Center from noon to 4 p.m. and honoring Hope House Ministries. Enjoy lunch, live music, wellness sessions and raffles. Tickets are $65 per person. To purchase, call 292-0162.

Sunset Stroll: Spring Edition

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Sunset Stroll: Spring Edition adult program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Without a doubt, the beach is one of the best places to observe a beautiful sunset! Be sure to bring your camera and join the park staff for an early evening stroll across the creek, through the marsh, and along the beach of the Long Island Sound, as you try to capture the best sunset photos Sunken Meadow has to offer! $4 per person. To register, visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.

Monday, April 25

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday, April 26

Long Island Dirt lecture

The Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown presents a program titled Long Island Dirt — Recovering Our Buried Past from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Archaeologist Dr. Allison McGovern will discuss how archaeological sites on Long Island can reveal what life was like for past generations and how they help to better understand Long Island’s complex development through time. Registration required by calling 360-2480, ext. 131.

Wednesday, April 27

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. Thursday 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.

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. To order, 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.

Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’

Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents Henry V by Shakespeare at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building on April 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and April 24 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $14, students 16 years of age or younger $9.75, veterans and Suffolk students with current ID receive one free ticket. To order, call 451-4163.

‘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 theatrethree.com.

Film

‘The Pawn Broker’

Join Celebrate St. James for a screening of The Pawn Broker at the St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James on April 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. with commentary by Jack Ader. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors. To RSVP, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Italian Film Series

The Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University, Room E-4340, Melville Library, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a series of film screenings of Alice Rorwacher movies introduced and discussed by Graduate Fellow Antonio Fideleo including Lazzaro Felice (2018) on April 25 and Omelia Contadina (2020) on May 2. Films are in Italian with English subtitles. All screenings begin at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 632-7444.

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

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TAKE ON ME Relive the 1980's with a movie about the boy band a-ha at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson on April 18 at 7 p.m., part of the award-winning Port Jefferson Documentary Series spring line-up. Photo from PJDS

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its Spring season with a screening of ‘A-HA: THE MOVIE’ at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson on April 18 at 7 p.m.

The music of Queen and the Velvet Underground instilled a sense of destiny in three teenagers living in a small town in 1970s Norway. That dream led to A-ha: the synth-pop trio featuring keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, vocalist Morten Harket, and guitarist Pål Waktaar-Savoy who burst onto the international scene with 1985’s “Take on Me,” buoyed by an iconic sketch-animation video by Irish-British director Steve Barron.

The band became global sensations and heartthrobs overnight, but it remained to be seen how they would adapt to their newfound fame. How would they follow their original dream: to make music? Featuring new interviews with the band and previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage, A-HA, THE MOVIE delves into this very question. By following the band’s ups and downs—sojourns to post-punk-era England, their James Bond theme song for The Living Daylights thriller, and slow-simmering interpersonal rifts—Robsahm captures a band that constantly strove to challenge itself, never content to simply repeat earlier successes. The result is a moving story of creative intuition and invention.

Preceded by a special concert with singer-songwriter Bryan Gallo who will perform a curated set of Rock, Pop and New Wave Classics from the 1980’s at 6 p.m. and followed by a Q&A via Zoom with Director Thomas Robsahm. Tickets are $10 per person. Advance tiickets are available until April 18 at 6 p.m. at: portjeffdocumentaryseries.com/ticketsvenues or at the door cash only.

 

 

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Pixabay photo

By Joan Nickeson

Inspired by the beautification of Dutch parks filled with daffodil blooms, Old Town Blooms and the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce are hosting the second annual Daffodil Dash. This hybrid event includes a virtual 5k and 10k, taking place now through the end of April.

The 1k Daffodil Dash fun run/walk/wheel has an in-person option with three trips around the Chamber Train Car Park on Saturday, April 23. Arrive at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. start. Virtual participants can upload their race times and photos as of April 16. The first 100 registrants receive a t-shirt and a Bloomer Buff. All race participants receive a Daffodil Dash medal. Profits go to community beautification by Old Town Blooms, and the Chamber Flag Fund.

April 23rd was chosen for the 1k Fun Run to commemorate both Earth Day and Arbor Day. Sunburst Tree Experts will be giving away tree saplings to the first 100 attendees this day. There will be also be free bicycle inspections and a shred event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sponsors also include Bass Electric, Buttercup’s Dairy, Christmas Decor, Coach Realty, Emerald Magic Lawn Care, Flushing Bank, Got Poison Ivy, Old Town Blooms, Suffolk Legislator Kara Hahn, Port Jefferson Physical Therapy, Sunburst Tree Experts, Team Perrone Realty, and TREK. The Chamber Train Car Park is located at the intersection of NYS Rte 112/Rte 347/Canal Road. Entrance is on Rose Avenue in Port Jefferson Station. For more information or to register, visit events.elitefeats.com/22daffodil or www.pjstchamber.com. Joan

Joan Nickeson is an active member of the PJS/Terryville community and community liaison to the PJS/T Chamber of Commerce.

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Jaspan Schlesinger LLP recently presented a Heart of the Community Award to Long Island Cares. Founded by the late Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares, Inc. brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island and, to the best of our ability, provides for the humanitarian needs of our community. The Agency’s goals are to improve food security for families, sponsor programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency, and educate the general public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island. The Long Island Cares vision is “A Hunger Free Long Island.” Above, David Paseltiner of Jaspan Schlesinger LLP, on left, presents the award to Paul Pachter, CEO, Long Island Cares.

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During this year’s Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Stop and Shop in Rocky Point hosted a Parade Day Festival complete with vendors, giveaways, food, drink and raffles. The generous community of Brookhaven’s North Shore helped raise $7,000 for the Friends of St. Patrick’s to ensure the future of the MP-RP St. Patrick’s Day Parade will flourish for the years to come. Above, Stop & Shop store manager Bob Evans (center) presents a check to five members of the Friends of St. Patrick, from left, James McElhone, Vinny Worthington, Bob Evans, Neil Maguire, John O’Sullivan, and Raymond O’Sullivan.

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Photo courtesy of A24

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” The famous opening line of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina could also apply to the chaos and vexation that emanates from Everything Everywhere All at Once, the twisty science fiction black comedy from writer-directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (known collectively as “Daniels”).

Photo courtesy of A24

The film opens with Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) struggling to get ready for an IRS audit while the family prepares for a Chinese New Year party. Her kind but mostly ineffectual husband, Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), does all he can to calm her, but his eagerness to please is more of a hindrance. Adding to the familial strife, Waymond has just served Evelyn with divorce papers, which barely registers with his overwhelmed spouse.

Evelyn’s father, Gong Gong (James Hong), for whom Evelyn has been a life-long disappointment, has arrived from China to live with them. Her conflicted daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu), tries to get the family to accept her girlfriend, Becky (Tallie Medel). Finally, they are confronted with Deirdre Beaubeirdra (Jamie Lee Curtis), the IRS inspector who embodies the worst elements of bureaucracy.

There is enough here to generate a domestic drama of complexity and interest. However, Everything Everywhere All at Once is an exploration of multi-universe theory. As Evelyn and Waymond ride the elevator to their IRS meeting, Waymond shifts to his Alpha/alternate self, explaining that the Alpha Evelyn is dead and only this version of Evelyn can save the multiverse. The entire structure of parallel existence is threatened by Jobu Tupaki, Alpha Waymond and Alpha Evelyn’s daughter. Jobu Tupaki experiences all universes simultaneously and can verse-jump and manipulate matter.

What fascinates is this Evelyn is the worst of all the Evelyns. Alpha Waymond tells her she has made every wrong choice and bad decision. But ironically, since she is the least gifted, she has the greatest capacity for change. Drawing on her many selves, she begins to own not just the powers of these different incarnations, but she becomes more connected to herself in “the present.”

The film presents a range of universes during the brisk (if slightly long) two hours and fifteen minutes. Evelyn’s many faces included a martial arts film star, an opera singer, a chef, and more. Some are glimpsed; others are revisited multiple times. From each, she gains not just skills but understanding.

Photo courtesy of A24

Along the way, the filmmakers present well-known sci-fi tropes, dramatic and emotional encounters, and a plethora of action sequences. But added to the mix are outrageous concepts, including a world where the inhabitants have hotdogs for fingers. The mispronunciation of Ratatouille results in a story focused on a cook and raccoon and the most nihilistic and heart-warming encounter between two rocks on a planet with no life. The extreme absurdity somehow plays winningly into the overall chaos.

Jobu Tupaki’s manifestation of oblivion is a black hole that she refers to as the Everything on a Bagel. The idea is that evil is when nothing matters.

The uniformly strong cast adeptly portrays various versions of themselves. And while they play the story straight, their comedic timing appropriately shines. Yeoh anchors the film in her pain and triumph, facing her foes and her inner demons, sliding from one manifestation to another.

Quan’s alternating between the self-actualized Alpha Waymond and the Thurber-esque husband is seamless. Hsu manages to embody the stressed, frustrated daughter and the manipulative destroyer and allows elements of both personalities to inform the other. Hong easily goes from the vaguely unaware grandfather to an almost militant leader. The always wonderful Curtis brings depth to the most extreme characters.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is an artistic triumph, due in no small part to Larkin Seiple’s peripatetic, vivid cinematography. Jason Kisvarday’s production design, along with Shirley Kurata’s costume design, create a range of unique worlds, from the pedestrian reality to the wildly inventive.

The smallest decision creates a new branch in time; a missed chance affects the course of both the individual and the entire world. Deftly harnessing the concept of infinite parallel universes, Everything Everywhere All at Once’s heart suggests every choice is an opportunity. But more than that, as Alpha Waymond states: “We are useless alone.” The final message of connection rises above all else. Don’t miss the chance to take this very meta, often bizarre, but finally uplifting journey.

Rated R, Everything Everywhere All at Once is now playing in local theaters.

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Mehdi Damaghi. Photo from Stony Brook Hospital

By Daniel Dunaief

Do the birds on the Galapagos Islands, with their unique coloration, differently shaped beaks and specific nesting places, have anything to do with the cancer cells that alter the course of human lives?

For Mehdi Damaghi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, the answer is a resounding, “Yes.”

Damaghi uses the same principles of evolutionary biology to understand how cancer, which resides within human genes, works to adapt, as it tries to win the battle to survive.

“What we try to understand is the Darwinian principals of cancer,” said Damaghi. Cancer “adapts and reprograms themselves” to their environment to survive.

Damaghi, who arrived at Stony Brook four months ago from Moffitt Cancer Center, plans to address numerous questions related to cancer. He recently received a $4 million grant from the Physical Science in Oncology program (PSON) through the National Institutes of Health/ National Cancer Institute. Working with cancer biologists, clinicians, and computational scientists, he plans to define and understand cancer’s fitness.

“We are trying to study the core evolution of cancer cells and the normal stroma around them,” said Damaghi. “We are looking at the evolution of the tumor and some of the host cells.”

Cancer biologists are trying to build mathematical and theoretical models to explore the playbook cancer uses when confronted with threats, either in the form of a body’s natural defenses against it or from therapies against which it can, and often does, develop resistance.

Treating cancer could involve using adaptive therapy, which could enable people to control and live with cancer longer, Damaghi suggested.

In studying cancer’s phenotype, or the way the disease is expressed and survives, he hopes to understand factors in the microenvironment. Many cancers, he reasons, become more problematic as people age. Indeed, centuries ago, cancer wasn’t as prevalent as it is today in part because life expectancy was shorter.

Damaghi also has an evolutionary model to explore metastasis, in which cancer spreads from one organ or system to other parts of the body. He is looking at the earliest stages of breast cancer, to see what factors some of these cancers need or take from the environment that enables them not only to develop into breast cancer, but also to spread to other systems.

Through the microenvironment, he is looking for biomarkers that might signal a potential tumor development and metastasis long before a person shows signs of an aggressive form of the disease.

“We look at the tumor as a part of a whole ecosystem that can have different niches and habitats,” he said. “Some can be hypoxic and oxidative, and others can be like a desert on Earth, where not much grows and then cancer evolves.”

Damaghi challenges cells in a culture or organoids, which are miniature, three-dimensional live models of human cells, with different microenvironmental conditions to see how they respond. He exposes them to hormones, immune cells, and hypoxic conditions.

“We try to understand what is the adaptation mechanism of cancer to this new microenvironment and how can we push them back to the normal phenotype,” he said.

Like other scientists, Damaghi has demonstrated that many of these cancer cells use sugar. Removing sugar caused some of the cancer to die.

Increasing the survival for patients could involve knowing what kinds of micro-environments cancer uses and in what order. Deprived of sugars, some cancers might turn to amino acids, dairy or other sources of food and energy.

Damaghi thinks researchers and, eventually, doctors, will have to approach cancer as a system, which might have a patient-specific fingerprint that can indicate the resources the disease is using and the progression through its various diseased stages.

Choosing Stony Brook

Damaghi appreciates the depth of talent in cancer sciences at Stony Brook University. He cited the work of Laufer Center Director Ken Dill and Cancer Center Director Yusuf Hannun. He also suggested that the Pathology Department, headed by Ken Shroyer, was “very strong.”

For their part, leaders at Stony Brook were pleased to welcome, and collaborate with, Damaghi. Hannun suggested Stony Brook recruited Damaghi because his research “bridges what we do in breast cancer and informatics.”

Shroyer, meanwhile, has already started collaborating with Damaghi and wrote that his new colleague’s focus on breast cancer “overlaps with my focus on pancreatic cancer.”

To conduct his research, Damaghi plans to look at cells in combination by using digital pathology, which can help reveal tumor ecosystems and niches.

He also appreciated the work of Joel Saltz, the Founding Chair in the Department of Biomedical Informatics. “In the fight against cancer, we all need to unite against this nasty disease,” Damaghi said. “From looking at it at different angles, we can understand it first and then design a plan to defeat it.”

Originally from Tehran, Iran, Damaghi is the oldest of five brothers. He said his parents encouraged them to explore their curiosity.

Damaghi, whose wife Narges and two daughters Elissa and Emilia are still in Tampa and hope to join him before long, has hit the ground running at Stony Brook, where he has hired three postdoctoral researchers, a lab manager, four PhD students, two master’s candidates, and three undergraduates.

Damaghi is inspired to conduct cancer research in part because of losses in his family. Two grandparents died from cancer, his aunt has breast cancer, and his cousin, who had cancer when he was 16, fought through the disease and is a survivor for 20 years.

Damaghi bicycles and plays sports including soccer. He also enjoys cooking and said his guests appreciate his Persian kebobs.

As for his arrival in Stony Brook, he said it was “the best option for me. It’s a great package and has everything I need.”

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Dewey

Welcome to the fourth edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!

Meet Angel

This is Angel, a female pitbull up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. On April 14, Angel will hit her 4 year anniversary as a homeless dog. This 8-year-old beauty loves every person she meets. She is strong in will and body and will need a leader that can be strict with her and setting boundaries. Angel loves food, walks, car rides, kiddie pool and any toy she can shred to pieces. She cannot be placed with other animals. This girl has a huge heart and wants her happily ever after! Will you be her hero? For more information, call 631-360-7575.

Angel
Meet Dewey 

Dewey is ready to hop into your Easter baskets this holiday! This beautiful boy is a 5-month-old Beagle/Chihuahua mix from Georgia. He’s a little on the shy side, but he’s a puppy, so once he gets comfortable in a cozy home he will make a lovely companion. His brothers Louie and Huey were already adopted from Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton and now its Dewey’s turn. Come by and meet him today! Call 631-724-5731, ext. 1.

Dewey
Meet Lesley

Lesley was found as a stray in Queens but is now safe at Little Shelter Adoption Center in Huntington. Lesley loves to play and run and watches everything since he needs to know what you’re up to! Call 631-368-8770.

Lesley
Meet Mercedes

This sweet girl is looking for love. She arrived at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter after being taken out of a bad situation and is now looking for her soul-mate. At two and a half years young, Mercedes is playful and energetic yet gentle and affectionate. She loves to play with you, enjoys tennis balls, squeaky toys and she will bring a smile to your face. Mercedes will need a patient person who is willing to give her the direction and guidance she was not given as a puppy. She will do best as the only pet in an adult household. Call 631-451-6950.

Mercedes
Meet Richie – Update: Richie has been adopted!!!

Richie is all ears about finding a new home for Easter! A 2-year-old Terrier mix with a super sweet disposition, Richie is up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. An active guy, he would love to have a big yard to run in, and maybe some kids to play with. He loves people, and enjoys going on walks on warm spring days. Come meet Richie today! Call 631-724-5731, ext. 1.

Richie
Meet Dexter

Dexter is a goofy young active boy looking for his perfect home! He was brought to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter by a Good Samaritan after being found as a stray with his leash still attached. Sadly, no one came looking for him. Dexter is your typical cattle dog, he is extremely intelligent with a high drive, and will need continuous physical AND mental exercise. He is housebroken, walks well on leash and knows many commands. He is about 1 to 2 years young, and is 58 pounds. He is not a fan of cats and will require a meet and greet with a dog. Call 631-451-6950.

Dexter

— Compiled by Heidi Sutton

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Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

ALL EARS

Visitors to Stony Brook Village this week will be treated to a beautiful lawn display on Christian Avenue. The approximately 15-foot cascading scene with large Easter eggs, bunnies and chicks is an annual event that brings a smile to all who drive by.  Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]

 

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Pexels photo

By Nancy Burner, Esq.

Nancy Burner, Esq.

Spring is here and so is tax season. The income tax filing deadline this year is April 18, 2022. You have likely been gathering your documents or filing an extension. Since you are already working on putting your affairs in order, this is the perfect time to finally check estate planning off your to-do list. Why is now the best time to do estate planning when you are already stressed out about your tax documents?

You are already organized

You are already organizing your financials — expenses, bank accounts, 1099s. This is the same information you need to disclose to an estate planning attorney. Your estate just means “everything you own.” Your estate includes real property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, life insurance, business interests and any other valuables assets such as jewelry and art.

Maximize gifting next year 

If your income taxes are high or you regularly give money to family members, there may be a better way to maximize gift tax benefits. In 2022, individuals can gift up to $16,000 per year to as many people as they wish without incurring estate or gift tax. The recipient isn’t taxed on the amount received either. Individuals can also pay for other’s education and medical expenses estate and gift tax free. Although the federal exemption is very high right now at $12.06 million, it is set to sunset to $5.9 million in 2026. Estate planning attorneys can help you leverage this historically high exemption before it goes down.

Business succession planning 

If you own a business, you have likely already completed your returns. But have you thought about what would happen to your business if you became ill or passed away? Business succession planning is an integral part of estate planning — especially for small businesses. If you have any questions about your business structure, key person insurance or tax efficiency, now is the time to set up a meeting.

Save on income taxes

If your income taxes are too high, there are efficient ways to lower them. You can make donations to charity or transfer certain income generating assets to family members.

Changes in the law

Now is also a good time to review existing wills and trusts in light of upcoming changes in estate law. Do your beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts still make sense after the passing of the SECURE Act? If it has been more than a few years, you will want to make an appointment to review your documents with your attorney.

Protect your family 

Doing estate planning is one of the kindest things you can do for those you leave behind. Taking the time now to protect your family eases their burden later. If you have minor children or beneficiaries with special needs, estate planning is crucial.

An estate planner can draft an estate plan tailored to your situation — from simple wills and revocable trusts to asset protection planning — and organize your estate planning documents so everything can be kept safely in one place. We cannot know the future, but we do know that there is no way to avoid death or taxes.

Nancy Burner, Esq. is the founder and managing partner at Burner Law Group, P.C with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, New York City and East Hampton.

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