Arts & Entertainment

Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook presents an abundance of live music by established artists this month, including The Jazz Loft Big Band with special guest Champian Fulton; Grammy-Award Winner Dan Pugach and his Big Band with vocalist Allison McKenzie and the Andy McKee Quartet.

On Thursday, June 5 at 7 p.m. it’s The Jazz Loft Big Band with guest Champian Fulton. Champian was born in Norman Oklahoma in 1985 and is recognized as the “most gifted pure Jazz singer of her generation” (Mark Stryker, the Detroit Free Press). She has been a Jazz pianist and vocalist for more than 20 years, released 18 albums as a leader and has performed in more than 25 countries, both in concert and on TV. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Album of the Year in the NYC Jazz Record (2018, 2020, 2023) and Pianist and Vocalist of the Year (2019) by Hot House Magazine. She regularly appears in both the Jazz Journalist Awards and Downbeats Rising Star Critics Poll.

Tickets 30 for adults; $25 for seniors; $20 for students; $15 for children over.

 

On Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m. it’s Grammy Award Winning Dan Pugach Big Band with Allison McKenzie. Dan Pugach (composer/drummer/arranger) and Allison McKenzie (vocalist), with an all-star ensemble.

Tickets $30 for adults; $25 for seniors; $20 for students; $15 for children over.

 

On Saturday, June 7 at 7 p.m. it’s the Andy McKee Quartet, McKee is a highly acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist known for his innovative approach to the acoustic guitar, particularly his use of altered tunings, tapping, and percussive techniques. He has achieved international recognition for his original compositions and performances

Tickets $30 for adults; $25 for seniors; $20 for students; $15 for children over.

 

Other upcoming shows include:

June 12, 13, 14 at 7 p.m.

Viva Cuba!

Tickets $30 for adults; $25 for seniors; $20 for students; $15 for children over.

 

Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m.

Birsa Chatterjee Quartet

Front Lawn of The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue, in Stony Brook

FREE

 

Wednesday, June 18 at 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Guitar in the Garden

FREE

 

Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m.

The Bad Little Big Band

With Richie Iacona, piano, and Madeline Kole, vocals

Tickets $30 for adults; $25 for seniors; $20 for students; $15 for children over.


Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. 

Interplay Jazz Orchestra

The 16-piece Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

Friday, June 27 at 7. p.m.

Anthony Wilson

Interplay Jazz Orchestra

The 16-piece Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

Saturday, June 28 at 6 p.m.

Jazz 101: 1990’s. Jazz Renaissance: where is jazz now?

With Dr. Darrell Smith

Tickets: $10

Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m.

Mikie Hayama Trio

performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

 

Jam Session every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5

 

The Jazz Loft is locate at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook.  For more information, call 631-751-1895. Tickets are available on website www.thejazzloft.org

METRO photo
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

As summer begins and Suffolk County’s beaches, pools, and parks fill with residents and visitors, County Executive Ed Romaine is urging everyone to make water safety a top priority. With increased outdoor activity near oceans, bays, lakes, and swimming pools, Romaine is warning residents to remain vigilant and follow key precautions to avoid preventable tragedies.

“Summer in Suffolk County means enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways in the country,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. “But we must never let our guard down around water. One moment of inattention can lead to lifelong consequences. Whether you’re boating, swimming, or simply relaxing near water, safety must always come first.”

In 2024, there were 24 drownings in all bodies of water throughout Suffolk County.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable season, the County Executive is sharing important water safety tips for all residents:

Water Safety Tips

  • Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy, and make sure someone on shore is keeping watch.
  • Swim in designated areas. Only swim at lifeguard-supervised beaches and pools.
  • Learn to swim. Enroll children and adults in swimming lessons through local programs.
  • Supervise children at all times. Drowning can happen silently and quickly—even in shallow water.
  • Wear life jackets. Boaters and non-swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Avoid alcohol around water. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time—especially dangerous in aquatic settings.
  • Heed warning flags and signs. Pay attention to local advisories about tides, rip currents, and water conditions.
  • Know CPR. Immediate response saves lives. Learn CPR and basic first aid.
  • Secure home pools. Install fencing, cover drains, and ensure gates are self-latching.

“With more people expected to visit our beaches and parks this summer, we want to ensure fun doesn’t turn into tragedy,” added Romaine. “My administration is committed to public safety, and that includes reminding families to take simple but critical precautions around water.”

The Suffolk County Department of Parks and Department of Health Services continue to work closely with lifeguards, first responders, and local municipalities to monitor conditions, enforce safety measures, and provide education to the public.

For more information on Suffolk County beach safety, swim programs, and water safety resources, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov.

Meet Ratatouille!

This week’s shelter pet is Ratatouille, a sweet and affectionate seven-year-old Domestic Shorthair mix at the Smithtown Animal Shelter with a heart as big as her love for cuddles. This lovable and endearing little charmer is every cat lover’s dream. She lives for head scratches, cozy lap time, and endless snuggles. She would make a purrfect addition to a lucky family that enjoys being adorned with endless love and attention from a furry companion.

Ratatouille gets along well with other cats, is comfortable around older kids, and could possibly do well with a calm dog. Her laid-back personality makes her an excellent fit for most homes.

Ratatouille does have a skin condition called Eosinophilic Granuloma, which can cause itchy spots on her lip and side from time to time. Thankfully, it’s not contagious to other animals and is managed with occasional steroid treatments. Through it all, she remains her sweet, affectionate self, ready to give and receive love.

She’s spayed, up to date on vaccines, and more than ready to settle into a home where she can relax, be adored, and share all the snuggles she has to offer

If you are interested in meeting Ratatouille, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes our Meet and Greet Room.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter, 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575.

For more information regarding rescue animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com 

 

Stock photo

Hurricane season is officially underway—and now is the time for Long Islanders to get prepared. From now through November 30, Long Island faces the potential for hurricanes and tropical storms—let’s make sure our communities are ready.

While major storms may not strike every year, even a single hurricane can cause widespread damage across Long Island. Here are some key tips and local resources to help you and your loved ones stay safe and ready, courtesy of Long Island Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (LIVOAD), a program of the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI).

Prepare Now with These Simple Steps: ✅

  • Make an Emergency Plan – Know your evacuation zone and how you’ll communicate with family. Click here for information on how to make a plan today.
  • Pack a Go-Bag – Include bottled water, shelf-stable food, medications, chargers, important documents, and a flashlight. Click here for information on how to build a go-bag.
  • Stay Alert – Sign up for real-time weather updates through NY Alert.
  • Check In On Others – Make sure elderly neighbors or those with disabilities are also prepared.

Take action now, and help protect your family, neighbors, and community.

To report an outage to PSEG: 

Text OUT to PSEGLI at 773454 or visit:  https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/contactus

To Report a Downed Power Line to PSEG call: 1-800-490-0075

American Red Cross: How to Get Help: 

https://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/ or call: 1-877-733-2767

American Red Cross Preparedness Guide: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/

Hurricane Resources:

Download the Hurricane Preparedness Flyer

Nassau Emergency Resources

Suffolk Emergency Resources

Nassau County OEM:  

 Suffolk County OEM: 

 

 

Kidney health. METRO photo
Regular screening for CKD can help identify early stage kidney disease

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

In last week’s article about chronic kidney disease (CKD), we learned that roughly 90 percent of U.S. adults who have CKD are not even aware they have it (1). How can this be?

CKD can be asymptomatic in its early stages. Once it reaches moderate stages, vague symptoms like fatigue, malaise and loss of appetite typically surface. When CKD reaches advanced stages, symptoms become more obvious and troublesome.

Your kidneys are basically blood filters. They remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from your body. They also play roles in controlling your blood pressure, producing red blood cells, maintaining bone health, and regulating natural chemicals in your blood.

When your kidneys aren’t operating at full capacity, you can experience heart disease, stroke, anemia, infection, and depression – among others.

When should you be screened for CKD?

Those at highest risk for CKD include patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and those with first-degree relatives who have advanced disease.

If you have diabetes, you should have your kidney function checked annually (2). If you have other risk factors, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your physician about establishing a regular screening schedule.

A 2023 study by Stanford School of Medicine recommends screening all U.S. adults over age 35. The authors conclude that the costs for screening and early treatment are lower than the long-term cost of treatment for those who are undiagnosed until they have advanced CKD (3). They also project that early screening and treatment will improve life expectancy.

How can you protect your kidneys?

Walking regularly and reducing protein and sodium consumption can help. One study shows that walking reduces the risk of death by 33 percent and the need for dialysis by 21 percent (4). Those who walked more often saw better results: participants who walked one or two times a week had a 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 59 percent reduction in death and a 44 percent reduction in the risk of dialysis. The study included 6,363 participants with an average age of 70 who were followed for an average of 1.3 years.

With CKD, more dietary protein may be harmful. In a meta-analysis of 17 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 a normal protein diet (5).

How much sodium is too much? Results of one study showed that modest sodium reduction in our diet may be sufficient to help prevent proteinuria (protein in the urine) (6). Here, less than 2000 mg per day was shown to be beneficial.

What role do high blood pressure medications play?

Certain medications, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, are regularly prescribed to patients who have diabetes to protect their kidneys. ACEs and ARBs are two classes of high blood pressure medications that work on the kidney systems responsible for blood pressure and water balance (7). 

What about patients who do not have diabetes? Study results 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 medications. If you exclude discontinuations, the results are robust with a 63 percent reduction in mortality risk.

What about 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). NSAIDs can also interfere with the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Talk to your doctor about your prescription NSAIDs and any other over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.

What should I focus on?

It’s critical to protect your kidneys. Fortunately, basic lifestyle modifications can help; lowering sodium modestly, lowering your protein consumption, and walking frequently may all be viable options. Talk to your physician about your medications and supplements and about whether you need regular screening. 

References:

(1) cdc.gov. (2) niddk.nih.gov (3) Annals of Int Med. 2023;176(6):online. (4) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 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 or consult your personal physician.

Lyla Petroske, a rising talent in the local art scene, is set to unveil her recent work at Studio 268, located at 268 Main Street in Setauket. Titled The Paintings of Lyla Petroske, the exhibition, opening Saturday, June 7th from 5 to 8 p.m., not only showcases Petroske’s artistic talent but also serves a philanthropic purpose: all proceeds from the show will be donated to Long Island Cares, Inc., The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank.

Utilizing a variety of mediums including pastel, oil paint, printmaking and mixed media, the Port Jefferson resident who attends The Stony Brook School draws inspiration from her fascination with the shapes and color that appear naturally in nature, as well as those of the human form. 

Her featured piece, A Moment with a Stream, is a pastel rendering of a serene scene from the Adirondack Mountains. This work was previously spotlighted at the Reboli Center for Art and History in Stony Brook as part of their Emerging Artist Spotlight, as well as Plein Air Magazine for “Best Plein Air Pastel.” 

A student of Mary Jane van Zeijts of Studio 268 for almost 10 years, Petroske has recently been accepted into the prestigious pre-college art intensive program at NYU, where she will study this July. Additionally, the artist is excited to bring her work to Gallery 90 in Center Moriches this August with nine of her peers.

The decision to donate the exhibition’s proceeds to Long Island Cares reflects Petroske’s concern about addressing food insecurity in her community. Long Island Cares, founded in 1980 by singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, is the region’s first food bank, distributing over 14 million pounds of food annually to nearly 400 partner agencies across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The organization also operates several food pantries and offers programs targeting the root causes of hunger.

Petroske has said that “my ability to fill my life with painting is the biggest blessing, one that I’m often consumed by. I needed to use this exhibit to step out of my bubble and spread love to my struggling neighbors. To be able to paint is a privilege, but to be able to eat is a rudimentary human right.”

In addition to the June 7th opening reception, the exhibition will be open to the public every Sunday of June from 2 to 4 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase Petroske’s artwork, with the knowledge that their contributions will support Long Island families in need.

For more information, call 631-220-4529.

Photo courtesy of Del Vino Vineyards
Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to Northport-based winery

Del Vino Vineyards of Northport has announced that several of its wines have received top honors at the prestigious 2025 Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge, earning three Gold Medals, one Silver, and one Bronze, further solidifying its position as a leader in premium winemaking on Long Island’s North Shore.

The vineyard’s 2022 Ultimo, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc — Ventola, and 2023 Orange Blossom wines each received Gold Medals in their respective categories. The 2022 Suprema earned a Silver Medal, while the 2023 Pinot Grigio — Bobina was awarded Bronze.

“These awards are a reflection of our team’s passion, precision, and commitment to the craft,” said Joe Evangelista, Head Winemaker at Del Vino Vineyards. “From vineyard to bottle, every detail matters. We’re thrilled to see our Ultimo and Ventola recognized with top honors. 

“It’s especially exciting to see our Orange Blossom recognized—it’s a brand-new varietal we introduced last year, and it was an instant hit during the summer season. As far as we know, we’re the only vineyard on the East Coast producing wine from these grapes,” he added.

“This recognition means everything to us,” said Fred Giachetti, owner of Del Vino Vineyards. “We’ve always believed that Northport could be home to world-class wines, and these awards are a testament to that belief. We’re incredibly grateful to our community, our team, and every guest who supports us year after year.”

The Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge is a blind-tasting competition judged by industry experts and sommeliers, showcasing the best wines from across the region.

Award-winning bottles are now available at the vineyard’s tasting room and can also be enjoyed during regular dining hours.

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Charlie Chaplin, center, in a scene from "The Gold Rush."

The month of June has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in June 1925.

• Twenty-one-year-old New York Yankee Lou Gehrig is inserted as a pinch hitter for Pee-Wee Wanninger in a game versus the Washington Senators on June 1. Gehrig’s appearance begins what would become a streak of 2,130 consecutive games played.

• An Independence Tribunal orders the closure of Turkey’s Progressive Republican Party on June 3. The order is issued on the grounds that the party had supported the protection of Islamic religious customs that had spurred the Sheikh Said rebellion.

• The Rentenmark becomes obsolete in Germany on June 5. The currency had initially been issued in 1923 to combat hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic. The Reichsmark replaced the Rentenmark.

• Walter P. Chrysler incorporates the Chrysler Corporation on June 6 after acquiring the assets of the defunct Maxwell Motor Company.

• Norway sends out two planes to search for Roald Amundsen and his crew on June 6. The explorers had been on the North Pole seaplane expedition but were missing for two weeks before the planes were sent. Amundsen and his crew would land safely in Norway on June 16.

• On June 7, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is unveiled on the grounds where the Battle of the Somme had taken place in France in July 1916.

• Seventeen people are killed as a result of a coal mine explosion in Sturgis, Kentucky, on June 8.

• Eddie Gaedel is born in Chicago on June 8. Despite his career lasting just a single plate appearance, the 3-foot-7 Gaedel is remembered as the shortest player in Major League Baseball History.

• On June 11, the Republic of China agrees to assist the Empire of Japan and Japanese soldiers with the removal of Korean immigrants from China’s northeastern provinces, where Korean independence agitators had established a foothold.

• The Southern Branch of the University of California, now known as the University of California, Los Angeles, awards its first Bachelor of Arts degrees on June 12. Ninety-eight of the 128 degrees are awarded to women.

• Charles Francis Jenkins publicly demonstrates the synchronized transmission of pictures and sound in Washington, D.C. on June 13.

• Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, a gold medal-winning swimmer at the 1912 Olympic Games, saves eight people off the coast of Newport Beach, California, on June 14. Kahanamoku’s heroics were prompted by the capsizing of the fishing yacht Thelma.

• The Philadelphia Athletics score 13 runs in the eighth inning of a game versus the Cleveland Indians on June 15. The thirteen-run outburst erases a 14-2 deficit, and the comeback from 12 runs down remains a record today. The 1925 Athletics share the record with the 1911 Detroit Tigers and the 2001 Indians.

• Thirty-eight nations sign the Geneva Protocol on June 17. The protocol establishes a general prohibition on the usage of chemical and biological weapons in international armed conflicts.

• Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini launches “La battaglia del grano” (“The Battle for Grain”) on June 20. The campaign aspires to decrease Italy’s reliance on imported grain and advocates for the consumption of rice and rice-based substitutes for traditional Italian foods.

• The Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League is formally established on June 21. The organization is considered the beginning of communism in Vietnam.

• The Irish Free State holds elections on June 23. The elections are the first local elections since Ireland gained its independence.

• General Theodoros Pangalos leads a bloodless coup d’etat to overthrow the government of the Second Hellenic Republic on June 25. Pangalos installs himself as the leader of Greece a day later.

• “The Gold Rush” starring Charlie Chaplin premieres at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on June 26. The film remains one of the most celebrated works of Chaplin’s career.

• After a speech by Helen Keller at its international convention in Ohio, the Lions Club formally launches its signature mission of assistance to the blind and the visually impaired on June 30.

From left, Dr. Suzanne Velazquez, Director Anna Smith Strong Chapter NSDAR; teacher Mrs. Gina Schwarz; Lindsey Steward-Goldberg, Education Coordinator Three Village Historical Society; and Nancy Dorney, Regent, Anna Smith Strong Chapter NSDAR. Photo by Patricia Broderick, Vice Regent, Anna Smith Strong Chapter NSDAR
Lindsey Steward-Goldberg, Education Coordinator Three Village Historical Society and Owen Kulick, 4th grade student at Arrowhead Elementary School. Photo by Patricia Broderick

The Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented the first annual Lillian Walker Bowman Scholarship to Mrs. Gina Schwarz, a fourth-grade teacher at Arrowhead Elementary School in East Setauket, according to a press release.

The scholarship was established in loving memory of Anna Smith Strong Chapter NSDAR member Lillian Elizabeth Walker Bowman, a dedicated teacher, devoted community member, and passionate supporter for learning and history.

The scholarship included a presentation titled “Long Island Spies of the American Revolution” to the entire fourth grade class by Lindsey Steward-Goldberg, Education Coordinator of the Three Village Historical Society.

“The presentation was very timely since the Anna Smith Strong Chapter has kicked off America 250 with this and other events. This topic is also part of the fourth-grade curriculum. The Anna Smith Strong Chapter NSDAR would like to congratulate Mrs. Gina Schwarz and to thank the Three Village Historical Society and Three Village School District for collaborating with us,” read the release.

Image courtesy of The Atelier at Flowerfield

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio Father’s Day workshop for children ages 6 to 12 on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn how to paint this awesome monster truck painting for Dad or that special Dad in your life with step-by-step instruction from Miss Linda.

$55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies.

To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org or click here. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.