Arts & Entertainment

Stuffed Peppers

Recipe courtesy of Chef Anthony Serrano

INGREDIENTS:

Stuffed Peppers

6  bell peppers, halved lengthwise and deseeded

1  tablespoon avocado oil

1  teaspoon sea salt

16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Style Salsa

2  cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)

2  cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

2  pounds 80% lean ground beef, cooked, lightly seasoned and drained

1  bunch cilantro, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of bell peppers with avocado oil and season with salt. Grill peppers on each side 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Add salsa, riced cauliflower and 1 cup cheddar cheese to cooked ground beef. Stir and return to heat until cheese begins to melt.

Place bell peppers on sheet pan or casserole dish. Use large spoon to fill peppers with ground beef mixture. Top stuffed peppers with remaining cheese.

Return to grill and grill approximately 15-20 minutes, or until cheese begins to caramelize.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Garnish with cilantro.

 

Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University men’s lacrosse team (4-2) was edged by No. 16 Brown (5-1), 10-7, on March 12 in Providence, R.I. The Seawolves and Bears locked up in a tightly contested battle with both teams displaying their defensive prowess throughout the game.

Stony Brook controlled a 5-3 lead going into the halftime break as their offense was fueled by sophomore attack Dylan Pallonetti who scored a pair of first half goals. Pallonetti’s second goal of the game gave the Seawolves their largest lead as he was set up by senior midfield Mike McMahon.

Brown used a second half surge to go out in front of Stony Brook and ultimately seal the game in its favor. The Bears outscored the Seawolves, 7-2, in the second half and used a 6-0 scoring run in the third quarter to go out in front.

Despite the result, Stony Brook controlled the X once again. Junior face-off specialist Renz Conlon dominated on face-offs going 16-for-21 on the day which marked the second game in a row that he won 15 or more times at the X.

The Seawolves limited Brown to 10 goals in the game, the fewest that it has scored in a game all season. The Bears entered the game ranked 10th in the nation in total offense averaging 10.8 goals per game. It was the third time this season that the Seawolves held an opponent to 10 goals or fewer in a game (held St. John’s to 10 goals & LIU to six goals).  

“Frustrating game with us up 5-3 at half and then struggled in the third quarter with decision-making and clearing. Brown took advantage with a six-goal quarter and we just couldn’t make enough positive plays to stop their run or comeback. At the end of the day, we just didn’t play as tough as we needed to and that is on me,” said head coach Anthony Gilardi.

This LINCATS map shows the hospitals, incubators and collaborative institutions that will be involved in the regional initiative to translate biomedical discoveries into clinical applications to improve health outcomes, address health disparities across communities, and educate the workforce.

The initiative, secured by Senator Schumer, will receive $10 million in federal funds

Stony Brook University will lead a new, innovative network of regional biomedical research institutions to accelerate translational research that will impact and advance clinical care for many physical and mental health conditions. Called the Long Island Network for Clinical and Translational Science (LINCATS), it will be headquartered at Stony Brook University. The initiative will be in collaboration with Brookhaven National Lab (BNL), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the Northport VA Medical Center. Central to LINCATS establishment is $10 million in federal funding secured by Senator Chuck Schumer and supported by Senator Gillibrand, part of Congress’ omnibus funding bill of which Long Island will receive some $50 million.

The overall mission of LINCATS is to accelerate the public health impact of research, especially for underserved communities across Long Island, by offering access to innovative and transformative research programs and educational services. To improve the health of Long Island’s three million-plus population, the bioscience collaborative will engage in work ranging from basic research and clinical trials, to addressing vulnerable populations and disparities, and incorporating innovative research and practices such as the use of bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, telehealth, genotyping, proteomics, and engineering-driven medicine.

“I am incredibly grateful to Senator Schumer for securing such crucial funding for the establishment of the Long Island Network for Clinical and Translational Science (LINCATS) at Stony Brook University,” said Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis. “Through LINCATS, the entire Long Island community and the greater New York region will have access to a comprehensive health research network that is capable of a rapid response to emergent healthcare risks, including a future global pandemic. New York and the nation are fortunate to have such a visionary leader as Senator Schumer, who champions the cutting-edge science research and health innovation that will provide important and much-needed economic boosts to development on Long Island.”

The initial funding will help to scale-up operations of this research and healthcare service network, creating an ecosystem that will fast-track the application of new scientific discoveries in clinical medical care, helping to provide new treatments to more patients throughout Long Island.

“With renowned institutions like BNL, Cold Spring Harbor Lab, and Stony Brook University, Long Island is a hub for world-class scientific research and groundbreaking discoveries,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “To bolster continued success and innovation, I worked to ensure that, as part of Congress’s historic bipartisan budget agreement, $10 Million will head to Stony Brook to help create the Long Island Network for Clinical and Translation Science. This federal funding will help scale-up operations of this research and healthcare service network, creating an ecosystem that will fast-track the application of new scientific discoveries in clinical medical care. Not only will LINCATS put Long Island on the map as a center of clinical healthcare research, it will help provide innovative new treatments to benefit more patients throughout the region.“

One specific aspect of the collaborative work will be researching and addressing diseases and environmental factors that are prevalent on Long Island, such as Lyme disease, emerging pathogens and environmental risks due to the impact of climate change on coastal resiliency, as well as the unique challenges related to opiate addiction.

“LINCATS is Stony Brook’s response to the National Institutes of Health’s call to action to create research hubs designed to expand and elevate the bench-to-bedside ecosystem within communities nationwide,” said Richard J. Reeder, PhD, Vice President for Research at Stony Brook University. “We are fully committed to supporting this prominent team of biomedical researchers and practitioners who are set to lead and deliver groundbreaking discoveries.”

LINCATS will also serve as a catalyst to create hundreds of new jobs in the bioscience sector, and potentially thousands of jobs when the infrastructure is fully operational. The network will provide a workforce of both scientists and clinicians from multiple institutions working in partnership with all communities across Long Island to address all health care challenges.

Anissa Abi-Dargham, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Vice Chair for Research and the Lourie Endowed Chair in Psychiatry, will serve as the Principal Investigator and Director of LINCATS. The LINCATS leadership team at Stony Brook includes 17 members, virtually all of whom are prominent faculty scientists and medical scientists in multiple fields at the University, such as Pharmacological Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Biotechnology, and Public Health.

“I am extremely thankful for Senator Schumer’s support of LINCATS. The funds will allow us to deepen our investments in the infrastructure, training, and community engagement pillars necessary to fulfill the mission of LINCATS,” says Dr. Abi-Dargham. “I am also grateful for the team of scientists, educators and community members who worked with me to develop the large collaborative project, and for the assistance of the Office of Proposal Development under the direction of Nina Maung.”

When the program is officially in place, funds will also be used for core personnel, supplies and equipment, support for multidisciplinary research, and the construction of an inpatient research unit at Stony Brook Hospital for the purpose of translational and clinical biomedical research.

 

#25 Shelbi Denman, left, celebrates the team's win with #10 Nicole McCarvill Photo by Derrick Tuskan/ Yale Athletics

The Stony Brook University softball team (9-5) powered past Army West Point (5-15), 10-1, in five innings to close out the USF Tournament on March 13 in Tampa, Florida. The Seawolves used a complete team effort en route to their ninth win of the season.

Senior pitcher Shelbi Denman went the distance for Stony Brook as she surrendered one run (earned) and struck out three in her team-leading fifth win of the season. Denman gave up five hits (three singles, two doubles) and did not walk a batter in 5.0 innings of work.

“We played a complete game today to successfully cap off a very good weekend for our team. Shelbi threw a great game, our defense was solid and we were so productive offensively, scoring in many ways throughout the lineup. We are responding well to our tough schedule and figuring out what it takes for us to win,” said head coach Megan T. Bryant.

The Seawolves opened the game up in the bottom of the second inning when they plated six runs. Junior catcher Corinne Badger got the scoring going as she launched a solo home run to tie the game up at 1-1. Sophomore outfielder Alicia Orosco drove in a pair of runs with a single to center that scored freshman outfielder Alyssa Costello and sophomore infielder Sofia Chambers.

Sophomore infielder Kyra McFarland brought home a run with a safety squeeze and sophomore utility Catherine Anne Kupinski followed with an RBI single to center field.

Stony Brook used a four-run bottom of the fourth inning to take a 10-1 lead, a score it would go on to win by. Senior infielder Nicole McCarvill drove in a run with a double to left center field for her third hit of the ball game.

HOT JAZZ Bringing a contemporary flair to classic jazz, New York City’s The Hot Sardines head to the Staller Center for the Arts on March 19. Photo courtesy of Staller Center
Ongoing

TVHS expands hours

The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket will be open for the spring season on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for exhibit tours of SPIES! and Chicken Hill and gift shop now through May 7. For more information, call 751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

Suffrage exhibit in Port Jefferson

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson celebrates Women’s History Month with an exhibit on the second floor titled Celebrating Women’s Suffrage and the Timeless Connection of Nan Guzzetta. The exhibit runs through March 31 daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. For more information, call 802-2160.

Thursday, March 17

Chai Center Purim Party

The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills will host a Purim in the Jungle Party with a Megillah reading at 5:30 p.m. followed by buffet dinner, live. music, open bar and a show by Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix Dog Show at 6:30 p.m. $22 per person. Registration required by calling 351-8672 or by visiting www.TheChaiCenter.com.

Friday, March 18

Wintertide Concert

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson continues its Wintertide Concert Series with Julia Crowe, an innovate and experimental guitarist from New York City, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. $5 donation at the door. Call 802-2160 for more information. 

Saturday, March 19

Metal for Tesla event

In honor of #GlobalRecyclingDay, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyff, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham will present its annual Metal for Tesla fundraiser and community event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join them for a day of recycling, upcycling, exhibits and activities for all ages with a performance by Port Jefferson’s own “School of Rock” between noon and 3 p.m. 1 Stop Snack Shop will also be on site, serving up breakfast and lunch. There’s no entry fee, but attendees are asked to bring metal to help raise funds to rebuild Tesla’s lab. For more information, call 886-2632 or e-mail [email protected].

Women’s History Walking Tour

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a Women’s History Walking Tour at noon today. What was life like in a 19th-Century coastal village when many of the men were out at sea? Travel back in time and explore the lives of local women as you stroll down Cold Spring Harbor’s Historic Main Street in this educator-led walking tour. Discover the struggles these women faced, along with the challenges historians have when reconstructing their stories. Fee is $12 adults, $8 children. Price includes museum admission. To register, visit cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.

An Evening of Irish Music/ Dance

Join Celebrate St. James for An Evening of Irish Music and Dance at the St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd St, St James from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy music and songs from local musician Paul Henry  and step dancers from the renowned Mulvihill-Lynch Irish Dance Studio. Enjoy “Irish” refreshments and try your luck winning a basket of Irish treats. $20 general admission, $15 seniors. To register, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

The Hot Sardines in concert

Back by popular demand, the Hot Sardines head to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center’s Recital Hall tonight at 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of hot jazz in an irreverent yet soulful fashion as it was played in the era when live music was king…with a little glamour, a little grit and a lot of passion! Call 632-2787 for tickets.

Sunday, March 20

Huntington Winter Farmers Market

Get your farm fix in the off-season at the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday through March 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located behind the senior center at 423 Park Ave., Huntington, visitors will find items ranging from hydroponic greens to artisan breads and vegan treats and everything in between. Call 944-2661.

Port Jeff Winter Farmers Market 

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson through April 25. 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, Mr. B’s Hot Sauce, Speedy Kiwi Bakery, Knot of this World Pretzels, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.

Caumsett hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a five-mile walk in the center section of the park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. While questions will be most welcome there will be no formal nature discussion during this moderately paced walk, thus affording the opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy the park’s beauty.  $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

Monday, March 21

TVHS lecture

The Three Village Historical Society in Setauket continues its virtual lecture series with “History of the LIRR with a North Shore Perspective” with Don Fisher, President of the Railroad Museum of Long Island via Zoom at 7 p.m. Step back in time to April 1834 and the Long Island Rail Road is formed to be one link in a long chain of railroads connecting the East Coast of America. Learn about the LIRR’s growth in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and discover the road’s train stations along the North Shore of Long Island and the importance of the rail line for travel to New York City. Followed by a Q&A. $5 suggested donation, free for members. To register, visit www.tvhs.org/lecture-series.

SHS lecture

The Smithtown Historical Society continues its Spring Lecture Series at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown with The Rich History of Long Island at 7 p.m. Noted teacher, lecturer and author Noel Gish will present a light hearted look at the rich history that is Long Island through an examination of the men and women who have lived and worked here, so that we may see how this island of ours fits into the nation’s history. Free. Registration is required by calling 265-6768.

Tuesday, March 22

Swing Into Spring Festival

The Jazz Loft and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn present a Swing Into Spring Jazz Festival at different locations throughout Stony Brook and Setauket today through March 27. The festival kicks off tonight with performances at Mario’s and Bliss restaurants in Setauket and Sweet Mamas in Stony Brook Village from 6 to 8 p.m. See full story and schedule on page B11.

Wednesday, March 23

Swing Into Spring Festival

See March 22 listing.

Aging in Place webinar

Burner Law Group, P.C. presents a free webinar titled Aging in Place at Home at 3:30 p.m. Now more than ever older adults are looking to age at home successfully with proper care in a thriving and familiar environment. Attorney Britt Burner will discuss the importance of basic estate planning documents and the application process for home care Medicaid.To RSVP, call 941-3434 or email [email protected].

Thursday, March 24

Swing Into Spring Festival

See March 22 listing.

Stony Brook Walking Tour

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host a walking tour titled “Against the Grain.” Tours will leave from the Stony Brook Grist Mill on Harbor Road at 10:30 a.m. and again at 3:30 p.m. To reserve your spot, call 751-2244. See more in sidebar on right.

Five Ways to Wellness event

The Space at Port Jefferson, 234 Traders Cove, Port Jefferson hosts Five Ways to Wellness, an evening dedicated to pain management, anxiety and sleeplessness, from 6 to 8 p.m. Featuring guest speakers Dee Earle-Browning, Indu Kaur, Elizabeth Martin, Heather Ippolito, Felicia Kasow and Dr. David Gentile with interactive acupuncture, yoga, reiki, hors d’oeuvres and wine. Free but tickets are required by visiting www.eventbrite.com. For further information, call 516-939-8960.

Leading Ladies Trivia Nite!

Join the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum for a Leading Ladies Trivia Nite online at 7 p.m. Test your wits as you explore the lives and work of amazing women who made their marks on the world in film, art, history, science, literature, and music and more in a fun setting! Free to play; $10 donation appreciated in support of the museum’s events. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org to register.

Atelier lecture

The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will host a free webinar titled Painting En Plein Air: From Ideal to Practice via Zoom at 7 p.m. Painting en plein air was really an ideal for artists like J. M.W. Turner and John Constable, but it became a real credo for artists like Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, John Singer Sargent, Joaquín Sorolla and many others. In this lecture, painter, teacher and art historian Eric Alexander Santoli will cover the history, principles, materials and methods of painting en plein air. To register, call 250-9009 or visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Film

‘Chasing Coral’

Four Harbors Audubon Society will host a Movie Night at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown on March 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join them for a screening of the documentary Chasing Coral, which explores why coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. Free but registration is required by calling Joy at 766-3075 or the library at 360-2480, ext. 232.

‘Finian’s Rainbow’

Celebrate St. James continues its Sunday Classic Film Series with a special screening of Finian’s Rainbow starring Fred Astaire and Petula Clark at the St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd St, St James on March 20 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. With commentary by Jack Ader. General admission is $20, $15 seniors. To register, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Theater

‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Marvelous Wonderettes from Feb. 19 to March 26. This blast-from-the-past musical takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! Featuring over two dozen classic ‘50’s and ‘60’s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and many more. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

Star Playhouse at the Suffolk Y JCCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents The Diary of Anne Frank on March 19 at 8 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. In this transcendently powerful adaptation, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 23rd annual Festival of One-Act Plays, featuring the world premiere of six new works, at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage from Feb. 27 to April. 2. Adult content and language. Parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.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. 

‘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.

Pixabay photo

To show solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine, the Town of Brookhaven will present the “Sunflowers for Ukraine” art exhibit at Brookhaven Town Hall starting on Monday, March 21. The exhibit is presented by the Town of Brookhaven’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Sports, and Cultural Resources and will be curated by Maureen Pouder, who runs art classes for the Town.

Ms. Pouder reached out to Councilwoman Jane Bonner with the idea to hold an art exhibit in response to the plight of the Ukrainian people. The Councilwoman embraced the idea and got the ball rolling.

“Maureen’s idea to have an art exhibit struck me as something that we needed to do. The resolve of the Ukrainians in the face of such a relentless attack from Russia is an inspiration to freedom-loving people all over the world. I encourage everyone to stop by to see the exhibit at Town Hall and show your support for the people of Ukraine,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

All the artwork on display is created by Brookhaven artists and features sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine and a symbol of solidarity and peace amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many of the artists are from the Town’s art classes, which are held at the Town’s recreation centers. As part of the “Sunflowers for Ukraine” project, the participating artists will combine their talents to create a 50” X 40” watercolor painting featuring sunflowers by “Sunflowers for Ukraine” participating artists.

The exhibit will be located on the second-floor mezzanine at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. Exhibit hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm. For more information about the exhibit or the Town of Brookhaven’s art classes program, call 631-451-8696.

The St. James Community Cultural Arts Center will host a Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt on March 19.
Programs

Snakes & Shamrocks

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will present Snakes & Shamrocks from March 17 to 19 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visit the Hatchery for a meet and greet with a live snake and plant your very own shamrock to take home. Then take part in a St. Patrick’s Day themed scavenger hunt. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. Call 516-692-6768.

Owls and Night Hike

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will host an Owls and Night Hike on March 18 from 7 to 9 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. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $15 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Goodbye Winter Walk

Join the staff of Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for a Goodbye Winter Walk on March 19 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. After a long cold winter, the local plants and animals are beginning to become active again. Come stroll through the park in a search for signs of spring during this family program. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054.

Rainbows

Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a children’s program for ages 3 to 5 titled Rainbows on March 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.

Superheroes of the Sky

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky on March 19 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Meet behind main house at the picnic tables. $10 adults, $5 children under 12. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt

Celebrate St. James will host a Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Ave., St. James on March 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a leprechaun scavenger hunt for pots of gold, fun-filled games, Irish stories by the author of “H is for Harp,” wee tasty treats, and a lucky take home gift! Suggested for ages 5 to 8. $10 per child, $5 additional sibling. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.

High Ground Hike

Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a High Ground Hike family program on March 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Did you know that the Greenbelt Trail makes its northernmost stop in Sunken Meadow State Park? Along its way, the Greenbelt Trail follows the edge of the bluffs, for some amazing views of the Long Island Sound. Bring water and good walking shoes/boots. For ages 8 and up. $4 per person. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.

Theater

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the world premiere of Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 23 to March 26. Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. This new take on a classic tale features an original score, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family. Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a delightful reminder that “there’s no place like home!” All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Madagascar’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is 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 16 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.

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Two more performances left! – Saturdays, March 19 and 26 at 11 a.m.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the world premiere of Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 23 to March 26. Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. This new take on a classic tale features an original score, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family. Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a delightful reminder that “there’s no place like home!” All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Pixabay photo

By Father Francis Pizzarelli

Father Frank Pizzarelli

These have been some very challenging times. The pandemic has claimed more than 6 million lives around the world; more than a million in our own country. There have been more than 100,000 deaths due to the heroin epidemic; deaths that could have been avoided.

As a country, we have been polarized by rhetoric that at times is so divisive and disrespectful, it is embarrassing. Now, we could possibly be on the brink of a third world war.

These past two weeks we have watched with horror the ravages of war imposed on a free democracy by a heartless dictator. Innocent children have been killed, hospitals and schools have been destroyed by bombs and even a historic church has been desecrated by the violence of war.

More than 2 million people have been forced to leave their homes and their country. As the world has watched this destruction of a democracy and its people, a dictator has been allowed to control a false narrative, savagely kill innocent lives and attempt to justify it. We are forced to sit on the sidelines watching, waiting and hoping that all of this human destruction will stop sooner rather than later.

Despite this painful landscape, the free world has come together and is standing in solidarity with the people of the Ukraine. Countries throughout Europe are warmly welcoming Ukrainian refugees. Some neighboring countries are welcoming homeless families to stay with them. Thousands of people from around the world are sending money, supplies and prayers.

In our own country for the first time in a long time, we have seen bipartisan support to help and support our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. People from both sides of the aisle are urging the President to do more.

We must support the brave citizens of Ukraine who are speaking out against terror, violence and political oppression. We must urge the leaders of the free world to come together and forge a way to peace and safety for all Ukrainians.

It’s time for all of us to call for the recognition of the fundamental human rights of all persons to seek refuge and safety and to live free from violence and oppression, no matter what their nationalities, race, gender, sexual orientation or creed.

In all of my college courses since the war began, I’ve asked my students what they think? So many of them said they were beyond words. The violence, the mayhem and the suffering they saw firsthand was painfully overwhelming. Each student who spoke, spoke about the children and their senseless sufferings.

The image I carry with me is that of the eight-year-old boy separated from his parents carrying his stuffed animal, crying as he made his way to safety in a foreign country all alone.

Let us pray for a swift peace and an end to this horrific tyranny!

Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.