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Photo courtesy of website of Mike DelGuidice

The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation has announced it will host a concert on July 10 at 7:30 p.m. featuring the well-known and celebrated Long Island performer Mike DelGuidice who tours the world with Billy Joel.

In addition to his work with Billy Joel, he plays several instruments such as piano, bass guitar, guitar and drums. He has released three albums and numerous singles. One song, “Ordinary Guy,” was chosen as the theme song for Kevin James’ sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait.” In addition to touring with Billy Joel, Mike performs with his own band and is the creator of Live on the Porch, a Facebook Live Show he started in 2017.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta obtained a county grant from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development for the Nissequogue River State Park to have this concert. “This is a terrific opportunity to bring people into Kings Park to see our town and what it has to offer and visit our restaurants and stores. The Nissequogue River State Park is a gem in the town of Smithtown, and I hope attendees will come back and visit it,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

The concert is free, just bring your own seating. Free parking is available in the lot at the Church of St. Joseph, Old Dock Road, Kings Park. The concert will be held on the field of the St Joseph CYO Baseball/Softball complex behind the church and across from Travis Hall. For more information or questions, please call Legislator Trotta’s office at 631-854- 3900.

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Sand and Soil farm stand at Port Jefferson farmers market. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Heidi Sutton

The warm weather months are a peak time for outdoor activities, including visiting your local farmers market. A vibrant selection of fresh produce and artisanal goods, a farmer’s market is a delightful way to support local farmers and businesses and to connect with your community. Chances are you can find one nearby on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays through the fall.

Centereach

The farmstand at Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through mid-October. 631-774-1556, www.hobbsfarm.info

Farmingville

— A farmers market will be held every Thursday through Oct. 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the south parking lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville. Fresh produce, spirits, flowers, baked goods, homemade bath and body products. 631-451-8696

— A Farmers, Artisans, and Friends Marketplace will be held at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Rd. and Woodycrest Dr., Farmingville on June 28 and Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local produce, handmade items, antiques, flea market treasures. 631-260-7411

Hauppauge

New! The Suffolk County Farmers Market at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge will be open to the public every Thursday at the facility’s north parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 2. Baked goods, mushrooms, skin care, organic produce, tea and bath and body products. 631-853-2047

Huntington

A farmers market will be held in the Elm Street parking lot at 228 Main St., Huntington on Sundays through Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, pickles, honey, special events, guest vendors. 631-402-3867

Lake Grove

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a farmers market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot (adjacent to Bahama Breeze) on Saturdays (pickles, honey) and full market with vendors on Sundays. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days year-round. 516-444-1280

Northport

Cow Harbor Park parking lot, at the corner of Main Street and Woodbine Ave. in Northport, hosts a farmers market every Saturday through Nov. 22 (except Sept. 20) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Honey, ravioli, cheese, coffee, pickles, empanadas, mushrooms, baked goods, jams, fruits and vegetables, plants.  631-662-7244

Port Jefferson

The Port Jefferson Farmers Market will be held at Harborfront Park, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday through Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local produce honey, bread and baked goods, seafood, international specialties, plants, flower bouquets and more. 631-802-2160

Rocky Point

It’s back! The Rocky Point Farmers Market returns to the corner of Broadway and Prince Road, Rocky Point every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from July 17 through mid-November with local artisan vendors, farmstand, bakery and much more! [email protected]

St. James

— St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St. James hosts a farmers market in its parking lot every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 27. Fresh locally grown produce, flowers, honey, coffee, shellfish, artisan baked goods, breads jams, hot food, pickles, craft beer, international foods, live music, kids corner. 631-403-7711

— Birdsfoot Farmstand at Avalon Nature Preserve, 17 Shep Jones Lane, St. James is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for the season. 631-689-0619

Setauket 

The Three Village  Farmers & Artisans Market is held Fridays on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket through  September (except Sept. 19) from 3 to 7 p.m. and October 1 to 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. Locally grown farm fresh produce, artisanal bread & cheese, freshly brewed coffee & tea, local honey, nuts & spices, jams & jellies, baked treats, and more. 631-751-3730

 

 

 

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Up next at the Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main Street in Babylon, is six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man, directed by Evan Pappas, choreographed by David Grindrod, with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. Performances begin Thursday, July 10 and run through August 31.

The Music Man has been an American institution since it first marched onto Broadway in 1957. With book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, this family-friendly, feel-good musical is packed with rousing marches, heartwarming ballads, barbershop quartets, and a story that’s equal parts funny, romantic, and touching.

Set in River City, Iowa, the show follows fast-talking salesman Harold Hill as he cons the townsfolk into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he has no intention of organizing. But Harold’s schemes hit an unexpected chord when he falls for the town’s skeptical librarian, Marian Paroo—who may just teach him a thing or two about integrity, love, and the transformative power of music.

“The Music Man is joyous, nostalgic, and deeply human,” said Artistic Director and Director Evan Pappas. “It reminds us of the beauty in community and the magic that happens when we believe in something—even if it starts with a bit of mischief.”

The cast is led by Elliott Litherland* (Argyle’s: Beauty and the Beast, Carousel, Opera North) as Harold Hill and Natalie Duncan* (International: The Sound of Music) as Marian Paroo, with Paul J. Hernandez (Disney Cruise: Frozen, Aladdin) as Marcellus Washburn, Steve McCoy* (National Tour: Monty Python’s Spamalot,) as Mayor Shinn, Bevin Bell-Hall (NYC: Swingtime Canteen) as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, Kara Mikula* (Off-Broadway: A Man of No Importance) as Mrs. Paroo, Evan K. Latta (Regional: Something Rotten) as Tommy Djilas, Katie Gwen Morris (Regional: A Christmas Carol: AGSOC) as Zaneeta, Chris Donovan (Argyle’s: Fiddler on the Roof) as Charlie Cowell. The ensemble features Ben Adair(Regional: Cabaret), Carlyn Barenholtz (Argyle’s Fiddler on the Roof), Evan Ellis Blackwell (National Tour: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas), Kyra Lynn Burke (National Tour: GIRLS NIGHT: The Musical, Argyle’s A Christmas Carol), Anna Anhui Chin (The New Jack Cole Dancers), Ollie Cirelli (Argyle’s: Bye Bye Birdie), Maya Jane Galipeau(Regional: West Side Story), Ayaan Geer (Regional: The Polar Express), Ben Hahn (Regional: Bye Bye Birdie), Shea Hager (Regional: The Wedding Singer), Jared Houde (Regional: Hairspray), Tim Hotchkin (NYC: Freedom’s Last Stand), Garrison Hunt (Argyle’s: A Christmas Carol the Musical, Beauty and the Beast), Coulby Jenkins (Regional: Rock of Ages, Argyles Fiddler on the Roof), Miranda Noelle Jones (Regional: No, No, Nanette), Madelynn Justice (Regional: Shrek),  Jessica Mae Murphy (Regional: The Miracle Worker), Tyler Renaud (Argyle’s: A Christmas Carol), with Saki Masuda* (National Tour: The King and I) as Dance Captain/Swing, Jackson Gifford (Regional: Charlie Brown Christmas) as Swing, and Nikki Rinaudo-Concessi (Regional: Argyle’s Mamma Mia!, A Christmas Carol) as Swing.

(*Members of Actors’ Equity Association)

The creative team includes Scenic Design by Elizabeth Olson, Lighting Design by David Sexton, Costume, Wig, Hair & Makeup Design by Amanda Scanze (with assistant Holly Romero), Sound Design by Kimberly O’Loughlin (with Peter Papangelopoulos, Assistant), Props Design by Callie Hester, and Music Coordination by Russell Brown. Daniel Vaughn* serves as Production Stage Manager, with Gabrielle P. Guagenti*, Katelyn Chiappone, and Gabby Duarte as Assistant Stage Managers. Technical Director is Pat Downes. Casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA.

Performance schedule is Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m,  Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.,  Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Tickets for The Music Man range from $70 to $90 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling 631-230-3500.

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The festival opens with 'The Ties That Bind Us.'

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center  for the Arts turns into a movie lover’s mecca when new independent films screen at the Stony Brook Film Festival on evenings from Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 26. The popular festival, now in its 30th year, will become a hub for some of the best filmmakers working today, a meeting ground for favorite actors and rising stars, and a showcase of new masterpieces as it pairs memorable short films with an array of features you won’t see anywhere else.

This year’s festival will showcase 36 films from 19 countries and kicks off with the East Coast Premiere of The Ties That Bind Us, a beautiful, surprisingly realistic film in which a set-in-her-ways 50-something single woman finds herself in a slowly shifting relationship with two children who live in her apartment building. This intimate, poignant, and ultimately joyous film wrestles with the question of what defines family.

The examination of the strength and limits of family continues through many of the films at this year’s festival, including the action-drama Way Home, that features a father struggling to bring his radicalized son back home from war-torn Syria; the challenging and inspiring drama Nawi, in which a young Kenyan teenage girl’s dreams of attending High School are jeopardized by her father’s plans to marry her off; the hilarious Mazel Tov, where a quick-talking, neurotic man who has been estranged from his siblings, returns to Argentina to mend his broken relationships — if he could only keep his big mouth shut; and a thought-provoking and gorgeous reverie from India called The Umesh Chronicles, that follows a woman from a privileged background considering the very different life of the servant-boy that grew up with her.

Finn Wittrock gives a finely layered portrayal of a filmmaker plagued by his past in the offbeat and witty Long Island-based feature Westhampton, a beautifully shot tale of forgiveness and acceptance by Long Island native Christian Nilsson. 

Shot on location at his grandfather’s scenic ranch near the border of Mexico, JT Walker’s epic La Gloria stars David Morse as an aged rancher struggling to earn the trust of an immigrant woman he accidentally wounded.  

Director Joel Alfonso Vargas has created a work of art that harkens back to the 70’s heyday of independent cinema with Mad Bills to Pay: (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo), a film that explores the struggles of a 19-year-old man-child navigating his new responsibilities after bringing his pregnant girlfriend to live with his family in the Bronx.

The pleasing aroma of new culinary discoveries permeates two of the festival’s independent features. In the beautiful period drama Mistura, a privileged French-Peruvian woman embarks on a daring culinary venture with the very people she had been raised to disregard. At the same time, in the uplifting documentary Ali Eats America, a teenage cancer patient plots a map with his mother of all the restaurants he wants to visit across the country.

Other can’t miss films include the wildly unique Animale featuring SBFF favorite Oulaya Amamra of Divertimento and Hard Shell, Soft Shell. In this western/horror/mystery from the South of France, a bull-racer notices disturbing changes occurring around her following an injury. Music fans will surely enjoy the surprisingly light-hearted biopic Midas Man about Beatles manager Brian Epstein. 

And everyone should put closing night on their calendar, as the SBFF  feature the American premiere from Spain with Gala Gracia’s first feature film, The Remnants of You. This masterfully subtle film follows a woman putting her career as a jazz pianist on hold following the sudden death of her father, which showcases an evocative solo piano score by Filipe Raposo.

The Festival is more than a cinematic event—it’s a cultural experience. Two feature films each evening,—each preceded by a short film—are shown on the Center’s 40-foot screen, often followed by intimate Q&As with the filmmakers, cast, and crew.

“We are very excited to have filmmakers from all over the world join us for their premiere screenings. Our audiences can gather in a huge theater with Long Island’s largest screen, to see movies the way they were meant to be seen,” says SBFF & Staller Center Director, Alan Inkles

The Stony Brook Film Festival is presented by Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University with support from Suffolk County, Campolo, Middleton, & McCormick, LLP, Strata Alliance, News 12, and WLIW. 

Film Festival line-up

OPENING NIGHT

Thursday, July 17 at 7 p.m.

Short: Hearts of Stone

Feature: The Ties that Bind Us

Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m.

Short: Resaca

Feature: Mistura

Friday, July 18 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: Quick Fix

Feature: Way Home

Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m.

Short: A Guest in My Country

Feature: Westhampton

Saturday, July 19 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: We Do Our Best

Feature: Long Story Short

Sunday, July 20 at 7 p.m.

Short: Blackmoll

Feature: Never Alone

Sunday, July 20 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: We Buy Houses

Feature: La Gloria

Monday, July 21 at 7 p.m.

Short: Miracle

Feature: Nawi

Monday, July 21 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: The Traveler’s Prayer

Feature: Real Estate

Tuesday, July 22 at 7 p.m.

Short: My Name is Dania

Feature: Mazel Tov

Tuesday, July 22 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: Chatter

Feature: Midas Man

Wednesday, July 23 at 7 p.m.

Short: Ebb & Flow

Feature: Ali Eats America

Wednesday, July 23 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: Crab Claw

Feature: A World Apart

Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m.

Short: 3 Minutos

Feature: The Umesh Chronicles

Thursday, July 24 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: Wait to Tell Mother

Feature: Animale

Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m.

Short: Baquine Friends Forever

Feature: Mad Bills to Pay

Friday, July 25 at 9:30 p.m.

Short: Sweet Cesspool

Feature: Uncle Vanya – Bubble Waltz

CLOSING NIGHT

Saturday, July 26 at 7 p.m.

Short: Place Under the Sun

Feature: The Remnants of You

CLOSING NIGHT AWARDS

9:30 p.m. Presented on stage.

Ticket information 

All screenings are held at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook in the 1,000-seat Main Stage theater. 

Stony Brook Film Festival pass options include a VIP Gold Pass for $250 and a Regular Pass for $100, granting access to all ten days of the festival, and the Flex Pass for $75. Individual tickets — $15 adults, $13.50 seniors —  are also available after July 1. 

The Gold Pass includes VIP access to Opening and Closing Night parties, which include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a chance to mingle with filmmakers and festival goers alike. The Opening Night party will be hosted at Elaine’s Restaurant and Bar in East Setauket immediately following the Opening Night Feature film Q&A. This year’s Closing Night party will be at Curry Club at SaGhar in Port Jefferson Village. 

This, along with guaranteed seating in a VIP reserved area of the theatre with filmmakers and actors, first admittance to the theatre for all screenings, and an exclusive festival gift, makes the Gold Pass (which is the price of one premiere screening at Sundance) a fantastic value and the best way to enjoy the entire festival experience!

The Flex Pass is perfect for someone with a jam-packed summer, the Flex Pass grants access to any five days of the festival (excluding Closing Night). It is the perfect opportunity for film fest discovery with the added benefit of flexibility at an affordable price. 

All passholders receive guaranteed Priority Seating, Q&As with filmmakers, voting eligibility for the Audience Choice Awards, discounts at partner locations, and a festival gift. Each pass has added perks at different levels. Friends of Staller Members also get a reduced rate when using their Member discount at checkout.

—————————————————

Tickets may be purchased at stonybrookfilmfestival.com/pass. For more information, call the box office at 631-632-2787 or visit www.stonybrookfilmfestival.com.

This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Summer Times Supplement on June 19.

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Photo courtesy of America's VetDogs

As Independence Day celebrations begin by breaking out the grills, lawn chairs and festive food, America’s VetDogs of Smithtown wants to remind pet owners that fireworks can be scary to your four legged friends and can send them into a panic. With a little planning and the below tips, you can ensure your pets can enjoy the holiday, just as much as you do.

  • Create a safe place for your pet indoors by finding a room or area they are tucked away from loud booms of fireworks, preferably without windows can be helpful. Playing soft music or putting on the TV can help muffle the sounds of fireworks. Draw any blinds or shades to reduce the amount of bright flashes into the room. Remove any items in the room that your pet could chew or ingest, as animals can become destructive when frightened or stressed.
  • Exercise your pet earlier in the day before any planned celebrations. By getting the energy out, they’ll have less to exert if they become anxious during fireworks.
  • Feed your pet their meal an hour or two prior to the firework celebration. This could help them feel relaxed before celebrations begin.
  • Provide appropriate and pet safe distractions by cuddling or playing with them during fireworks. Stuffing a Nylabone or KONG with peanut butter, kibble or pumpkin and freezing it can help divert their attention and focus on licking the toy over the celebrations in the background.
  • Make sure your pet has proper ID. To prevent your pet from going missing, make sure your pet always wears an ID tag with your up-to-date contact information.
  • As a reminder, fireworks can be stressful on veterans suffering from PTSD in your area. Please be considerate of your neighbors by not setting them off late at night or close to their homes.

For more pet care tips, visit vetdogs.org

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The community gathers for free outdoor concerts at the Stony Brook Village Center every summer.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s much-anticipated Summer Concert Series returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook this weekend. The series kicks off on July 6 at 7 p.m. with a performance by One Step Ahead in front of the Stony Brook Post Office. Following this, the concerts will continue at 7 p.m. every Sunday from July 13 to August 17. Bring seating. In the event of rain, the concerts will be canceled.
Concert lineup:

July 6th – One Step Ahead – One Step Ahead is a high-energy band with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry.

July 13th – The Dance Mechanics – The Dance Mechanics are an extraordinary 12-piece band hailing from Kings Park, NY.

July 20th – The Rustlers – A dynamic group delivering classic and contemporary country and rock and roll hits.

July 27th – NuGroove – NuGroove is a genre-blending band from Long Island that fuses disco, Motown, rock, country, pop, and today’s hits into high-energy mashups.

August 3rd – High Note – High Note plays Reggae, R&B, Rock and Dance music from your favorite bands!

August 10th – Common Ground – Travel back in time with classic hits from the 1980s MTV Generation.

August 17th – Just Sixties Band – Enjoy the timeless tunes of the longest-running sixties tribute band in the United States.

The Summer Concerts are generously sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and the office of Economic Development and Planning and Stony Brook Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals.
For more information, visit wmho.org or contact 631-751-2244.

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Boeing Model 40. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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

• The Kuomintang proclaim a new national government for the Republic of China on July 1. • Nikolai Golitsyn is executed by the Soviet Union on July 2. Golitsyn, the last prime minister of the Russian Empire, was charged with participating in a counterrevolutionary monarchist organization. The Bolsheviks granted Golitsyn an opportunity to leave the Soviet Union, but the 75-year-old aristocrat chose to stay.

• Forty-four people lose their lives when a ceiling collapses inside the Pickwick Club in Boston on July 4. The club was hosting a Fourth of July celebration when a ceiling above roughly 120 people dancing at 3:30 a.m. collapses.

• The treasury of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is robbed on July 4. Police report between five and seven million lira worth of valuables, including gold crosses and other religious objects, were stolen during the heist. Numerous arrests are made and stolen items are recovered just two days later.

• The Boeing Airplane Company test flies its first passenger aircraft, the Boeing Model 40, on July 7.

• Ralph Samuelson becomes the first person to perform a ski jump on water while performing at a water carnival on Lake Pepin in Minnesota on July 8. Samuelson eventually earns the nickname “The Father of Waterskiing.”

• Ecuadoran president Gonzalo Córdova is arrested and removed from office by the Military League on July 10.

• The Scopes Monkey Trial begins in Dayton, Tennessee, on July 10. Scopes is ultimately found guilty of violating the Butler Act and fined $100 on July 21.

• English high school student Phyllis Green breaks the world record for the women’s high jump on July 11. The 17-year-old Green becomes the first female competitor to jump higher than five feet.

• A mob of 200 white residents of the logging town of Toledo, Oregon, kidnap 29 residents of Asian descent on July 12. The kidnapped residents are placed on a train bound for Portland. Five mob leaders are ultimately arrested and one of the residents is eventually awarded financial damages for violation of his civil rights.

• Archaeologists in what is now the Czech Republic discover one of the oldest ceramic figurines in the world on July 13. The roughly four-inch artifact is estimated to be from before 24,000 B.C.

• The Canadian province of Saskatchewan repeals the Prohibition Act of 1916 on July 16.

• A flood wall collapses on July 17 after several days of heavy rains in Hong Kong. Eighty people are killed after a landslide sparks the collapse of the wall.

• The first volume of Adolf Hitler’s autobiographical manifesto Mein Kampf is published on July 18.

• Britain enacts the first Palestinian Citizenship Order, 1925, on July 24. The act officially defines a Palestinian for the first time and remains in effect until 1948.

• American lawyer, orator and politician William Jennings Bryan, who ran for president three times between 1896 and 1908, dies in his sleep on July 26. Bryan’s death comes just five days after he obtained a guilty verdict in the Scopes Trial.

• George Seldes is ordered to leave Italy on July 27. Seldes was in the country as an American correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and refused to alter the tone of one of his dispatches that was critical of the Fascist government led by Benito Mussolini.

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Sol Y Sombra heads to the Chapin Rainbow Stage on July 17.

Fill your summer evenings with rock, country, jazz, classical, and gospel music, dance performances, cover band greats, and theatrical productions, all at the 60th annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. 

Opening on July 2, the 8-week festival runs through August 24. With over 40 FREE live performances, some never before seen on the Chapin Rainbow Stage, there is something for the whole family with Broadway stars, national and local talent, inspiring young performers and more.

Produced by the Town of Huntington, and presented by Huntington Arts Council, the events are held Wednesdays through Sundays. So grab your lawn chair or blanket and head down for an unrivaled good time!

◆ July ◆

July 2 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band 

July 3 @ 8 p.m. — The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island present HMS Pinafore

July 4 @ 8 p.m. — North Shore Pops Concert Band 

July 5 @ 8 p.m. — Eastline Theatre presents Shakespeare’s King Lear

July 6 @ 8 p.m. — Symphonic Pops of Long Island

July 9 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band 

July 10 @ 6:30 p.m. — D’Addario’s Summer Jam in support of Long Island Cares

July 11 @ 8 p.m. — Drop the Four and

Miss J Experience

July 12 at 6:30 p.m. — Beauty and the Beats (Kids Show)

July 13 @ 8 p.m. — Eastline Theatre presents Emma in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday

July 16 @ 7:30 p.m. — Huntington Community Band with Big Band  pre-concert

July 17 @ 8 p.m. — Sol Y Sombra Spanish Dance Company

July 18 at 8 p.m. — Captain Kirk Douglas’ Hundred Watt Heart w/Dudley Victor

July 19 @ 8 p.m. — Gnarly Karma and Ape Theory

July 20 @ 8 p.m. — The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

July 23 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band

July 24 @ 8 p.m. — Sinatra Night: The New Blue Eyes, Dom Carbone

July 25 @ 8 p.m. — EMO Pop Punk Night: Blink 180Who?! + Cover City Soundtrack

July 26 @ 7:30 p.m. — SKA Night: Pilfers w/Scofflaws & Be Decent

July 27 @ 8 p.m. — Just Wild About Harry Festival: Harry Chapin Tribute in support of Long Island Cares

July 30 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band 

July 31 @ 8 p.m. — Calliope Wren + LoganWhaley Band

◆ August ◆

August 1 @ 8 p.m. — Country Night: Brooke Moriber

August 2 @ 8 p.m. — Wheatus

August 3 @ 8 p.m. — Plaza Theatrical Productions presents Standing Ovation: Celebrating Musical Theatre

August 6 @ 8 p.m. — Long Island Dance Consortium

August 7 at 8 p.m. — StevieMac (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

August 8 @ 8 p.m. — Latin Night: Conjunto Imagen

August 9 @ 8 p.m. — The BOSS Project (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)

August 10 at 8 p.m. — Men of Soul (70s, 80s, 90s Soul Music)

August 13 @ 8 p.m. — That Motown Band

August 14 @ 6:30 p.m. — Beauty and the Beats (Kids Show)

August 15 @ 8 p.m. — Little Wilson Band

August 16 @ 8 p.m. — Disco Unlimited and France Joli

August 17 @ 8 p.m. — Make Me Smile (Chicago Tribute)

August 20 @ 8 p.m. — The Chiclets and Time Machine (Tribute to female artists through the decades)

August 21 @ 8 p.m. — Jam Band Night: Tauk + MJT Band

August 22 @ 8 p.m. — Foreign Journey (Foreigner and Journey Tribute)

August 23 @ 8 p.m. — Rob Eberle and Chris Ruben Band

August 24 @ 8 p.m. — Americana Blues Night: Mark Newman Band and Kelli Baker Band

Heckscher Park is located at 2 Prime Ave.,  Huntington. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org. 

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Long-term PPI use increases serious risks. Stock photo
PPIs may increase your fracture risk

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

After a meal, do you sometimes have “reflux” or “heartburn?” Many of us experience these symptoms occasionally. When it happens more frequently, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Between 18.1 and 27.8 percent of U.S. adults have GERD, according to estimates; however, since many people self-treat with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the real numbers could be higher (1).

If you take OTC proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), you could be among the uncounted. Familiar brands include Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole), among others. They are also available by prescription.

PPIs are not intended for long-term use, because of their robust potential side effects. Currently, the FDA suggests that OTC PPIs should be taken for no more than a 14-day treatment once every four months. Prescription PPIs should be taken for 4 to 8 weeks (2).

Unfortunately, many take them too long or too often, and some experience reflux rebound effects when they try to discontinue PPIs without physician oversight.

Among potential associations with long-term use are chronic kidney disease, dementia, bone fractures, increased cardiac and vascular risks, vitamin malabsorption issues and Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.

PPIs can also interfere with other drugs you are taking, such as Plavix (clopidogrel).

PPIs and chronic kidney disease

Two separate studies showed that there was an increase in chronic kidney disease with prolonged PPI use (3). All patients started the study with normal kidney function, assessed by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study showed a 50 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease, while the Geisinger Health System cohort study found there was a 17 percent increased risk.

The medications were used on a chronic basis for years: the first study had a 13-year duration, and the second had about a six-year duration. Both demonstrated modest, but statistically significant, increased risk of chronic kidney disease. In an accompanying editorial to these published studies, the author suggests that there is overuse of the medications or that they are used beyond the resolution of symptoms and suggests starting with diet and lifestyle modifications and a milder drug class, H2 blockers (4).

PPIs and dementia risk

A German study looked at health records from a large public insurer and found a 44 percent increased risk of dementia in those aged 75 or older who were using PPIs, compared to those who were not (5). The authors surmise that PPIs may cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially increase beta-amyloid levels, markers for dementia. With occasional use, meaning once every 18 months for a few weeks to a few months, there was a much lower, 16 percent, increased risk.

The researchers also suggested that PPIs may be significantly overprescribed in the elderly. The research was not perfect, however. Researchers did not consider high blood pressure, excessive alcohol use or family history of dementia, all of which can influence dementia occurrence.

PPIs and fracture risk

In a meta-analysis of 18 observational studies, results showed that PPIs can increase the risk of hip fractures, spine fractures and any-site fractures (6). With bone fractures, it did not make a difference whether patients were taking PPIs for more or less than a year.

They found increased fracture risks of 58, 26 and 33 percent for spine, hip, and any-site, respectively. It is not clear what may potentially increase the risk; however, it has been proposed that it may have to do with calcium absorption. PPIs reduce acid, which may be needed to absorb insoluble calcium salts. In another study, seven days of PPIs were shown to lower the absorption of calcium carbonate supplements when taken without food (7).

PPIs and vitamin absorption

In addition to calcium absorption issues, PPIs may lower absorption of magnesium and B12. In one observational study, PPIs combined with diuretics caused a 73 percent increased risk of hospitalization due to low magnesium (8). Diuretics are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure and swelling.

Another study’s results showed use of over two years increased vitamin B12 deficiency risk by 65 percent (9).

Takeaways

Before taking OTC PPIs, consult with your physician. A milder medication, such as an H2 blocker (Zantac, Pepcid), might be a better option.

Even better, start with lifestyle changes. Try to avoid eating later at night, raising the head of the bed, losing weight and stopping smoking, if needed, before you try medications (10).

If you do need medication, recognize that PPIs don’t provide immediate relief and should only be taken for a short duration to minimize their side effects.

References: 

(1) nih.gov. (2) fda.gov. (3) JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2). (4) JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):172-174. (5) JAMA Neurol. online Feb 15, 2016. (6) Osteoporos Int. online Oct 13, 2015. (7) Am J Med. 118:778-781. (8) PLoS Med. 2014;11(9):e1001736. (9) Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2018 Feb;93(2):240-246. (10) Am J Gastroenterol 2015; 110:393–400.

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.

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Gas pump. METRO photo

Gasoline prices are a little lower after a tumultuous week for oil and gas markets that ultimately ended with sharply lower crude oil prices and less pressure on prices at the pump. This is good news for drivers heading into the Fourth of July holiday travel period, as local pump prices remain considerably lower than this time last year.

With virtually all the crude oil price increases stemming from Middle East tensions evaporating from petroleum markets by the middle of last week, the focus for commodities traders shifted to domestic supply and demand readings that show demand for gasoline continues to increase — but supplies remain strong as well.

The Energy Information Administration last week reported a third straight weekly increase in gasoline demand, which rose nearly 400,000 barrels a day over the prior week to 9.1 million barrels per day, in line with expectations for strong demand typically seen in early summer.

That higher demand was a factor in national inventories of gasoline declining by 2.1 million barrels in total, according to the EIA, which might put additional upward pressure on pump prices. But in the Northeast, regional inventories actually increased by just over 2 million barrels, bucking the national trend. Regional supplies are now up 3.2 million barrels over last year and comfortably positioned ahead of the July 4 holiday and the next few peak weeks of the summer driving season.

“Recent geopolitical events showcased the volatile nature of oil and gas markets, but right now supply and demand are the primary factors impacting how much it costs to fill our tanks,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “While regional pump prices are up slightly from a month ago, they remain more than 40 cents lower per gallon than this time last year — great news for those heading out for Fourth of July road trips.”

AAA Northeast’s June 30 survey of fuel prices found the average for a gallon of regular in New York City $3.21, a penny lower than a week ago. The price is 42 cents less than a year ago. Long Island averages $3.13, Connecticut $3.17 and New Jersey also $3.17.

The current national average is down 4 cents from last week averaging $3.18 per gallon. Today’s price is 31 cents lower than last year ($3.49). 

Today, Mississippi and Oklahoma have the lowest prices in the nation at $2.71 and $2.73, respectively. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.59 and $4.47, respectively.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing nearly 6.8 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.  

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