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WEEKEND OF WINTER FUN The 3rd annual Ice Festival returns to the Village of Port Jefferson on Feb. 5 and 6. File photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
Thursday, February 3

An evening of jazz

Join the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a concert by the Jazz Loft Big Band at 7 p.m. The 17-member Jazz Loft Big Band led by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel will perform jazz standards and original compositions and arrangements written by band members. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more information, call 751-1895.

Friday, February 4

First Friday at the Heckscher

The Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington continues its First Friday series tonight from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Explore the exhibitions during extended viewing hours and enjoy a special musical performance by singer/songwriter/pianist Gail Storm at 7 p.m. Free admission. For more information, visit www.heckscher.org.

Saturday, February 5

Port Jefferson Ice Festival

The Port Jefferson BID will present the Village of Port Jefferson’s 3rd annual Ice Festival today and  Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rescheduled from Jan. 29 and 30) The Village will transform into a winter wonderland with live ice carvings by renowned sculptor and Guinness Book Of World record holder Rich Daly of Ice Images, Inc., an interactive graffiti wall, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, ice corn hole, marshmallow roasting, and even the infamous ice queens, Elsa and Anna, will be visiting with Olaf and Kristoff. Free. Rain/snow dates are Feb. 5 and 6. For a full schedule of events, visit www.portjeff.com.

Watercolor workshop 

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport offers an adult workshop titled Watercolor in the Hall of Fishes from 10 a.m. to noon. A museum educator will discuss William K. Vanderbilt II’s expeditions, his contributions in marine science and the work of William Belanske. Participants will sketch and paint from the collection. Materials will be provided. Fee is $20, $18 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Year of the Tiger art show

The Asian American Association of Greater Stony Brook and the Town of Broohaven AANHPI Advisory Board will host an art exhibit celebrating the Year of the Tiger and the Lunar New Year at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Over 50 pieces will be displayed in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media and will touch on the theme of the Lunar New Year and/or the Year of the Tiger. All are welcome to attend this free event. For more information, email [email protected].

Maple Sugaring 

Nissequogue River State Park, 799 Saint Johnland Road, Kings Park hosts a Maple Sugaring program from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. From seed to syrup, discover the importance of our maple trees. This hands on program will teach you how to identify a maple tree, tap it and make syrup. Program is partially indoors, with short outdoor demonstrations. $4 per person. To register, visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. For more information, call 581-1072.

Concert at All Souls

All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with a concert by The Whitman String Quartet at 6 p.m. Comprised of doctoral music students and graduates from Stony Brook University, the group will be performing works by Mozart, Webern, Puccini, and Beethoven. Free. Please bring a can of food to donate to a local food pantry. Call 655-7798 for more information.

AN EVENING OF DANCE
Complexions Contemporary Ballet heads to the Staller Center’s Main Stage on Feb. 5. Photo from Staller Center

Contemporary Ballet

Renowned New York City based dance company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 8 p.m. for a spectacular evening on the Main Stage featuring their two newest full length pieces, “Woke” and “Love Rocks,” performed on the same program for the very first time, in celebration of Black History Month. Tickets range from $42 to $58. For more information or to order, visit www.stallercenter.com,  call 632-ARTS or email [email protected].

Sunday, February 6

Port Jefferson Ice Festival

See  Feb. 5 listing.

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 Hike on the Roads from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. While questions are most welcome, there will be no formal nature discussion during this four-mile, on road moderately paced walk, thus affording walkers the opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy the park’s beauty. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

Sunday ‘Story Hour’ for Grown-ups

Celebrate St. James will present a Sunday “Story Hour” for Grown-Ups at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James at 2:30 p.m. Professor David Hannigan will discuss his newest book, “Barbed Wire University,” the Holocaust tale of interned Jewish intellectuals who turned an island prison into the most remarkable school in the world. $15 donation, $10 seniors. To register, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Baroque Sundays at Three

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents Baroque Sundays at Three: Kevin Devine and Friends in the Recital Hall at 3 p.m. Harpsichord alum, Kevin Devine, will present a delightful afternoon of vocal and instrumental chamber music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Free admission. For more info, call 632-2787.

Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington welcomes one of the stars of truTV’s hit show “Impractical Jokers” Joe Gatto for a Night of Comedy at 5 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. For more information and ticket prices, call 673-7300 or visit www.paramountny.com.

Monday, February 7

Android Basics

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station presents an in-person program titled Android Basics from 7 to 9 p.m. Learn how to get started on your device’s home screen with apps, settings and more. Bring your device and passwords. Open to all. Registration is required by calling 928-1212, option 3 or visit www.cplib.org.

Tuesday, February 8

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday, February 9

No events listed for this day.

Thursday, February 10

Atelier lecture

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield for an online lecture titled A Triumphant Triad: Sargent, Sorolla and Zorn via Zoom from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Guest speaker Neill Slaughter will discuss  

John Singer Sargent, Joaquín Sorolla, and Anders Zorn became internationally renowned during their lifetimes, primarily as artists who painted portraits, thereby preserving for posterity a wide array of individuals ranging from fellow artists to the aristocracy of Great Britain and Europe; from lords and ladies to kings and queens, as well as the robber barons of America and even U.S. presidents. Free. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

An evening of jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present a concert by the Interplay Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. The 17-member orchestra, directed by Joe Devassy, trombonist and Gary Henderson, trumpet, performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members. Tickets are $30 adults,$25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Author Talk

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport will present a free Zoom event with author Sara Dykman at 7 p.m. Dykman made history when she became the first person to bicycle alongside monarch butterflies on their storied annual migration – a round-trip adventure that included three countries and more than 10,000 miles. Dykman will discuss the chronicle of that journey and her book, Bicycling with Butterflies, at 7 p.m. Registration is required by visiting www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Film

‘Before the Flood’

Four Harbors Audubon Society continues its First Friday Movie Nights at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with a screening of “Before the Flood” on Feb. 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The documentary presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change as Leonardo DiCaprio travels to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand, going on expeditions with scientists and meeting with political leaders. Free and open to all. Reservations required by calling 766-3075 or 360-2480, ext. 232.

‘An Essay on Slavery’

Join Preservation Long Island for the first public screening of theater artist Malik Work’s interpretation of Jupiter Hammon’s An Essay on Slavery via Zoom from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Followed by a discussion with the artist Malik Work and his collaborators on the film, Aanika M. Allen and William Ellis. The event will be moderated by Douglas Jones, Associate Professor of English and Theater Studies at Duke University. Free. Preregistration required by visiting www.preservationlongisland.org.

‘Invisible Threads’

The Tesla Science Center will present a one-night screening of ‘Invisible Threads – From Wireless to War’ at Stony Brook University’s Wang Center, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Feb. 11 from 7 to 9:45 p.m. Narrated by Tony Todd (Candy Man, The Rock), the documentary explores the early innovation of wireless technology on the eve of WWI that connected Nikola Tesla and Guglielmo Marconi to a shadowy wireless station in West Sayville called Telefunken and features local experts as well as renowned authors Dr. Marc J. Seifer and Dr. Marc Raboy. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Joseph Sikorski. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 TSCW members, $15 SBU students/staff, seniors and veterans. Reception and exhibits at 6 p.m. To order, visit www.teslasciencenter.org.

Theater

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Baskerville’

The play is afoot! Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery from Jan. 8 to Feb. 5. The play is afoot! Comedic genius Ken Ludwig transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes is on the case. The Baskerville heirs have been dispatched one by one and, to find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest descendant. Watch as the intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Punk Rock Girl!’

The Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main St., Babylon kicks off the new year with the world premiere of PUNK ROCK GIRL! from Jan. 20 to Feb. 27. With book and arrangements by Tony-nominated Long Island composer Joe Iconis, arrangements and orchestrations by Rob Rokicki and directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner, the new musical features a score of popular songs written and made famous by female artists and female-fronted bands including Blondie, Pat Benatar, Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, P!nk, Gwen Stefani, and more. Tickets range from $49 to $77 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling 230-3500.

‘Rock of Ages’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rock of Ages from Jan. 27 to March 13. The five-time Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical smash tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day — and the music. Rock of Ages’ electric score features all your favorite ’80s rock anthems and power ballads, including “Every Rose has its Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love is,” Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and more! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B13.

‘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,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” 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 12 and 19 at 8 p.m. and March 13 and 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. Featuring Steve Ayle, Antoine Jones, Tamralynn Dorsa, Brittany Lacey, Steven Uihlein, Steve Wangner, Bradlee Bing, Sari Feldman, Eric J. Hughes, and Evan Teich. Adult content and language. Parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

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

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Real Estate Graph

By Michael Ardolino

Michael Ardolino

Great news is trending for 2022. The real estate market is still favoring sellers, and buyers can take advantage of mortgage rates that remain historically low.

Timing is everything. The best tip anyone can give a homebuyer is: Take advantage of rates on the low side now.

Let’s look at the data. According to Keeping Current Matters, mortgage rates are still below the average for each of the last five decades. Back in the 1980s, some people were paying rates as high as 12.7%! (See graph above)

For each single percentage point a mortgage rate is raised, it may only translate into a small increase in your monthly payment; however, over a few decades that will add up to a significant amount. Even half a point can make a difference.

The first few weeks of 2022 have been a prime example of how quickly mortgage rates can change. Freddie Mac reported 3.55% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on Jan. 27. Just three weeks before the company was reporting the same rate at 3.22%. Fortunately, the week before the 27th stayed flat despite the month-long rise, but these numbers are the highest in nearly two years.

Experts, such as Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist Sam Khater, expect the increase to be gradual, with rates possibly reaching 3.7% by the fourth quarter. We’ll stay on top of this closely.

Lock it in. People starting the home buying process will benefit from visiting various banks to find the best rate and locking it in. Rates fluctuate daily, sometimes even hourly.

How does a rate lock work? The lock will protect you against rate increases while in the home buying process. Of course, there is always a chance rates can go down, and that’s when it’s wise to ask your lending institution if they offer a “float down” option. Considering how things are trending, it’s most likely not needed now.

Make sure to ask about fees before locking in a mortgage rate. Depending on the lender, locks tend to last 30 to 60 days. Also, ask about extension costs past 60 days.

Make the move. The housing demand will continue to be high due to more buyers than sellers. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac predict trends that will see a strong increase in home prices in 2022.

Many homeowners wait until later in the year to put their homes on the market as many people in the past searched for homes in the warmer weather to prepare to move after the school year ended. Buyers will look earlier now that they see mortgage rates increasing. Get their attention by putting your house on market earlier than the rest.

Takeaway. Be the first to secure the best price for your home, and if you need to take out a mortgage on your new place, enjoy 16-year low rates. So … let’s talk.

Michael Ardolino is the Founder/Owner-Broker of Realty Connect USA.

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French Onion Soup. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

When we think of onions, we usually think of them as something to add flavor to other foods. But they can also be dishes in their own right. When cooked properly they offer all sorts of flavor and texture dimensions from their sweetness when caramelized as they slowly release their sugars, to their sweet and sour crunchiness when pickled … and lots in between. 

I’ve had big Vidalia onions, stuffed and baked, onion tarts, French onion soup with its crown of melted cheese, pickled cipolle (small Italian onions), creamed pearl onions, and big thick slices of herb-marinated, grilled onions and so many more preparations and have yet to find a version I didn’t like.

French Onion Soup

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 stick unsalted butter

4 to 5 large onions, sliced thin

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 large bay leaf

1 large fresh thyme sprig

Salt and freshly ground black pepper      to taste

1 cup dry white wine

2 heaping tablespoons flour

2 quarts beef stock

1 baguette, diagonally sliced and toasted

8 ounces Emmenthaler or Gruyere cheese, grated

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot over medium heat melt the butter; add the onions, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring now and then, until onions are caramelized and take on a deep golden color (don’t rush this process), about 30 to 45 minutes. Add the wine, bring to a boil, then simmer until wine is evaporated, about 5 minutes. 

Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs and discard; add flour and stir to incorporate; reduce heat to low and, stirring frequently, cook about 10 minutes, then add stock and simmer a good 15 minutes. Meanwhile preheat broiler. When ready to serve, ladle soup into ovenproof ramekins, float toasted bread on top and cover with cheese; place under broiler and monitor carefully, then remove when cheese is melted and bubbly.  Serve immediately with a crisp green salad.

Onion Tart

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pie crust, rolled out to 1/4” thickness

1 pound onions

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 egg

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Freshly ground nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place dough in 10” round fluted false-bottom tart pan; drape over edges and move rolling pin over top to even out edges; press dough against inner edges and prick bottom with fork tines. Place pie weights or dry beans on crust and bake for 25 minutes. Remove weights; remove from oven and place pan on baking sheet. 

Meanwhile peel and cut onions in thin slices from sprout to root end. In a large skillet melt butter over medium-low heat, add onions and cook, stirring from time to time until they are caramelized, about 30 minutes (don’t rush this process). Set aside to cool. In a medium bowl beat egg and cream together, stir in onions, salt and pepper and nutmeg, then pour into tart shell and bake 25 to 30 minutes; let sit 10 to 15 minutes, then remove shell. Serve hot with a mixed salad.

Baked Stuffed Onions

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

6 large onions, peeled

1/4 cup olive oil

6 leeks, washed and finely chopped

1 cup minced fennel or celery

1 tablespoon minced fresh sage

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup unseasoned bread crumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

3 cups warm chicken broth

DIRECTIONS:

Take a thin slice off top and bottom of each onion; discard. Using a sharp spoon scoop out insides of onions from sprout end, but leave a few outside layers; finely chop scooped insides. In a large skillet, heat all but one tablespoon of oil over medium heat; add chopped onions, leeks, fennel, sage, and salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes.  

In a medium bowl combine onion mixture with bread crumbs and cheese, then stuff centers of onions, leaving a little on top.  Paint outsides of onions with remaining tablespoon oil; place them in a shallow baking dish and surround them with broth. Basting occasionally with broth, bake them 1 1/2 hours. Discard any remaining broth or save for another use. Serve hot or warm with poultry or meat.

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By Barbara Anne Kirshner

Pulsating percussion, blazing guitar riffs, vocal gymnastics all set against a gold mine of 80’s hit anthems; that’s intoxicating Rock of Ages now playing at the Engeman Theater in Northport.

This five time Tony Award nominated musical with book by Chris D’Arienzo and arrangements/orchestration by Ethan Popp is an exuberant romp back to the 80’s brimming with defining hits including those of Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Poison, Styx and Steve Perry. The show premiered on Broadway April 7, 2009, at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre and later moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre where it closed on January 18, 2015. The 2012 film featured Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta.

The Engeman is professionalism at its very best making for a completely enjoyable evening at the theatre. Attention to detail is key here from its plush stadium style seating to its sophisticated lounge to productions of the highest quality, and with Rock of Ages, the audience is taken on an exhilarating ride.

Director Igor Goldin has assembled an outstanding cast that blasts off right from the start and never quits until the final curtain. Goldin keeps the energy high with clever electric moments including a smoke screen that parts introducing Lonny Barnett (Matt DaSilva), who takes on the role of narrator. He’s a dead ringer for Queen’s Freddie Mercury with handlebar mustache and puffed out chest. DaSilva struts around the stage like he owns it, smashing the fourth wall, connecting to the audience.

Lonny is flamboyant and so much fun as he chronicles the tale of starry-eyed dreamers who hit the Sunset Strip in search of stardom only to find fame is illusive at best. Drew, a wannabe rock star working as a busboy at Dennis Dupree’s club, The Bourbon Room, craves the lead singer spot in rock group, Arsenal, when their front man, Stacee Jaxx, announces he is leaving the band.

A love triangle happens between Drew, Jaxx and Sherrie Christian, who just arrived from the Midwest with aspirations of being an actress. She is innocence personified with her squeaky clean Olivia Newton John looks and blonde flippy hair. Drew, who has fallen instantly, gets her a waitress job at the club. But when he says they are “friends,” she rushes into the arms of Jaxx who later insists Dupree fire her. Dupree reluctantly agrees since he is counting on Jaxx’s final performance with Arsenal to bring in the money he desperately needs to keep his club from demolition.

Dan Hoy delivers so much heart as Drew with eyes that embrace the audience and an incredible voice punctuated by sustained notes. Bailee Endebrock’s performance is compelling and her lilting soprano sails through songs like “I Wanna Know What Love Is.” Nick Bernardi’s Jaxx, dripping with sexuality, grinds his way in “Wanted Dead or Alive” causing the girls to swoon at his feet. Erik Schark as Dupree is a gruff, bigger than life presence, but allows glimmers of feeling to appear like in his comical duet with Lonny on “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”

Further conflict ensues when Hertz Flyingmann (Ryan M. Hunt) and his son Franz (Sean Widener), German real estate developers, convince the city’s mayor (Kenneth D. Washington) to rid the Strip of “sex, drugs and rock-n-roll” for wholesome developments. He commands, “Bring in the wrecking ball!” and erupts in outstanding vocals on “The Final Count Down” making Hertz a villain you love to hate.

Hertz and his son face direct opposition from Regina (Daria Pilar Redus), the City Planner, but when she wins Franz over, the two burst into a show stopping rendition of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”

The ensemble sparkles through each scene with brilliant voices and they seem to defy gravity through Natalie Malotke’s titillatingly effervescent choreography. Of special note is Renee Titus as Justice Charlier, the owner of the Venus Club, a “gentleman’s club,” who hires Sherrie after she’s fired by Dupree. Her belting mezzo soprano in “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” sends shivers.

The five piece band conducted by Jeff Cox is onstage for the entire show igniting each scene with intensity that drives on the plot. Dueling guitars at the close of Act II are spectacular. Laura Shubert’s sound design is well-balanced and dynamic.

Kurt Alger’s costume and wig design is a party of colors and revels in the retro 80’s sequins animal prints, net stockings, thigh high suede boots, tight jeans, plunging necklines and long, lustrous hair, oh, and that’s on the boys.

Kyle Dixon’s scenic design impresses even before the show begins with its giant guitar stage right and a well-placed spiral staircase left used later to create emotional tableaus. Dixon’s choice of industrial elements adds grit with scaffolding outlined in pipes and black palm trees stenciled onto a white brick backdrop. Jose Santiago’s lighting design is kinetic ranging from brilliant to subtle. Of note is a flash of red illuminating actors that adds sensuality in one pivotal scene.

Engeman’s Rock of Ages is a high powered trip into 80’s counterculture that grasps the audience and when it lets go, all you want is a repeat performance.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rock of Ages through March 13. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. For more information or to order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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Vanderbilt weathervane. Vanderbilt Museum Archives photo

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum has received a grant of $86,489 from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation that will finance the restoration of two weathervanes that once adorned the Vanderbilt Mansion and the Learning Center.

The mansion weathervane, once atop the Bell Tower, depicts a ship with wind-filled sails plowing through waves, followed by sea serpents, and includes dolphin forms sitting on top of a globe of stars. The sculptural work was created by Samuel Yellin, considered the foremost iron artisan of the twentieth century and known as the “Tiffany of ironwork.”

The large weathervane signifies William K. Vanderbilt II’s love of the seas, his years of circumnavigating the globe, exploring the oceans, and collecting specimens for his marine museum, The Hall of Fishes. The smaller weathervane is simpler — a rotating arrow with scrollwork and embellishments. Deterioration and public safety concerns led the museum to remove both weathervanes 30 years ago.

Restoration will be performed by Spirit Ironworks of Bayport, operated by siblings Rachel and Timothy Miller. For their restoration work at the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, they received the 2020 Stanford White Award for Craftmanship and Artisanship through the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art.

“We are thrilled that the Gardiner Foundation believes in the timeless significance of Samuel Yellin’s magnificent iron artistry — and in the Vanderbilt as stewards of an extensive repository of his unique art. We’re excited that the gifted, award-winning artisans at Spirit Ironworks will be restoring our Yellin collection,” said Vanderbilt Museum Executive Director Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan.

“Willliam Vanderbilt’s Eagle’s Nest is one of the few remaining North Shore estates open to the public. There were more than 1,200 built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Vanderbilt is one of the jewels of our Suffolk County parks system. These weathervanes, initially utilitarian objects, showcase the mastery of Yellin’s artistic interpretation and craftsmanship. Their restoration and re-installation will offer the visitor a new insight into how their Long Island Gold Coast neighbors curated and celebrated even the smallest details of their homes,” said Kathryn M. Curran, executive director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. 

“This commitment to preserve the two weathervanes produced by Samuel Yellin for William K. Vanderbilt II represents an incredible gift from the Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation to Long Island’s rich heritage in the decorative arts. As the foremost artisan in wrought iron, Samuel Yellin fabricated architectural and ornamental fixtures for some of the more culturally significant constructions of the early twentieth century,” said Paul Rubery, director of curatorial affairs.

“In the past year, the weathervane — a unique alchemy of sculpture, scientific instrument, and public artwork — has specifically enjoyed renewed appreciation among art lovers and historians who seek to understand the full breadth of American craft. We look forward to the day when these historically significant works can greet our visitors from their proper positions on the Learning Center and Bell Tower rooftops,” he added. 

“Master blacksmith Samuel Yellin has an incredible body of work at the Vanderbilt Museum. By restoring two of his weathervanes, we gain respect for the elevated level of skill and design he used to create these works of art. Starting with a three-masted ship followed by sea serpents atop a star-filled globe, Yellin transformed a simple weathervane into a sculpture that honored his patron’s love of the sea, adventure, and exploration,” said Rachel Miller of Spirit Ironworks. 

“As fellow artist-blacksmiths here at Spirit Ironworks, we are honored to preserve a small part of his legacy by staying faithful to many of his means and methods used in these lovingly crafted weathervanes.”

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Photo from Harbormen Chorus

Love always finds a way! Even in the midst of uncertain times singers can express affection over the internet. This year again the Harbormen Chorus has prepared a “Virtual Singing Valentine” to be delivered to those Special Sweethearts out there. 

By digitally combining individual vocal renditions, their Director Rob Ozman was able to create a combined quartet effect to delight the viewer. For $35 they will email you a link which opens up to a classic, endearing Love Song for your Valentine, with your name attached. Please call Mr. Cupid soon (by Feb. 7 in time for Valentine’s Day delivery) to reserve your virtual presentation at 631-644-1029.

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The Asian American Association of Greater Stony Brook and the Town of Broohaven AANHPI Advisory Board will host an art exhibit celebrating the Year of the Tiger and the Lunar New Year at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Over 50 pieces will be displayed in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media and will touch on the theme of the Lunar New Year and/or the Year of the Tiger.

Awards will be given in three groups: pre-k to 6th grade, 7th to 12th grad and adult. The top three winners will be awarded a $50 Amazon gift card and award certificates.

All are welcome to attend this free event. For more information, email [email protected].

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Photo by Art Billadello

THE DAY AFTER

Art Billadello of Setauket snapped this photo of icicles outside the bedroom window of his 1735 house on Jan. 30, the day after Long Island’s first blizzard of the year. 

He writes, “This photo was taken from one of the windows in the bed chamber (bedroom) that President George Washington stayed in on April 22nd, 1790. Of that visit, he wrote in his journal: ‘.. .to the house of a Captn. Roe, which is tolerably decent with obliging people in it.’ I take that as a compliment.“

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By Matthew Kearns, DVM

Dr. Matthew Kearns

I just returned from a veterinary conference and I thought it wise to attend some lectures on periodontal disease in dogs and cats just to update myself with the latest information. One of the lectures focused on home care to prevent periodontal disease. Studies have shown that 85% of pets have some degree of periodontal disease by age three. 

Periodontal disease refers to pathology of the structures around the tooth: gingiva (gums), the periodontal ligament, perialveolar bone. Periodontal disease begins with plaque. It has been proven that even within 24 hours of a professional cleaning, a thin film of bacteria, saliva, and food (also known as plaque) accumulates on the enamel of the tooth. Plaque that is not removed mineralizes within 10 days into tartar or a calculus. 

Once tartar takes hold a shift develops from aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen to survive) to nasty anaerobic bacteria (those that need little or no oxygen to survive). Anaerobic bacteria secrete toxins that inflame the gums and lead to small abscesses or pockets under the gums. Bacteria start to destroy the support structures around the tooth which is very painful. If not treated then the tooth will need to be removed. 

Brushing is still the most effective way to prevent the development of plaque and tartar. There are a variety of toothbrushes available for pets. Make sure the toothpaste is veterinary approved. Swallowing human toothpaste is harmful because it has too much sodium, fluoride, and sweetened with saccharin. 

Pet safe toothpaste comes variety of flavors that pets will like (chicken, beef, fish, etc). When you first begin just to put a little toothpaste on the end of the brush and let your pet investigate. Hopefully they sniff, lick, or even just chew on the brush. Start by gently just brushing the front teeth. Once they tolerate that, start to work towards the back teeth. 

If this makes you groan, you are not alone. I myself do not have time to brush my own pet’s teeth every 24 hours and, even if I did, they would not let me. There are other options. Certain prescription diets (Hill’s t/d®, and Purina Pro Plan DH®) literally clean the teeth as your pet eats. There are also treats that do the same. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on the packaging. These insure the product is safe and effective. If you can’t find a VOHC approved treat, remember this slogan: “if you wouldn’t want to get hit in the knee with this dental treat/chew, don’t let your pet chew on it.” That means if it is too hard your pet runs the risk of damaging their teeth. 

Rinses are the least effective because there is no abrasive component to remove plaque. Look for the VOHC seal of approval. The safest and most effective rinses contain chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is most effective against the development of plaque and chlorhexidine-based rinses are considered the gold standard of veterinary oral rinses. Rinses containing xylitol, or fluoride should be avoided in my opinion because of their potential for toxicity.

This is not a complete list of dental home care products so, as always, please consult with your own veterinarian for a more in-depth conversation. In addition, I can’t guarantee that even if you follow through with all these recommendations that your dog or cat will not need professional dental care (including extractions), but it certainly helps.  

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

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The focus is on absorption and blood levels

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

With the recent storms, the cold temperatures and the not-quite-so-short, but still short days, it’s likely you’re not spending a lot of time outside in the sunshine with your skin exposed these days.

Here in the Northeast, this is the time of year when many reach for vitamin D supplements to compensate for a lack of vitamin D from the sun. Let’s explore what we know about vitamin D supplementation.

There is no question that, if you have low levels of vitamin D, replacing it is important. Previous studies have shown that it may be effective in a wide swath of chronic diseases, both in prevention and as part of a treatment paradigm. However, many questions remain.

At the 70th annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting in 2012, Dr. Richard Gallo, who was involved with the Institute of Medicine recommendations, shook things up by noting that, in most geographic locations, sun exposure will not correct vitamin D deficiencies. Interestingly, he emphasized getting more vitamin D from nutrition. Dietary sources include cold-water fatty fish, beef liver, and egg yolks. Most of us receive food-sourced vitamin D from fortified packaged foods, where vitamin D has been added.

We know its importance for bone health, but as of yet, we only have encouraging — but not yet definitive — data for other diseases. These include cardiovascular, autoimmune and skin diseases and cancer.

There is no consensus on the ideal blood level for vitamin D. For adults, the Institute of Medicine recommends between 20 and 50 ng/ml, and The Endocrine Society recommends at least 30 ng/ml.

Cardiovascular mixed results

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Several observational studies have shown benefits of vitamin D supplements with cardiovascular disease. For example, the Framingham Offspring Study showed that those patients with deficient levels were at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (1).

However, a small randomized controlled trial (RCT) called the cardioprotective effects of vitamin D into question (2). This study of postmenopausal women, using biomarkers such as endothelial function, inflammation or vascular stiffness, showed no difference between vitamin D treatment and placebo. The authors concluded there is no reason to give vitamin D for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The vitamin D dose given to the treatment group was 2,500 IUs. Thus, one couldn’t argue that this dose was too low. Some of the weaknesses of the study were a very short duration of four months, its size — 114 participants — and the fact that cardiovascular events or deaths were not used as study end points.

Most trials relating to vitamin D are observational, which provides associations, but not links. However, the VITAL study was a large, five-year RCT looking at the effects of vitamin D and omega-3s on cardiovascular disease and cancer (3). Study results were disappointing, finding that daily vitamin D3 supplementation at 2000 IUs did not reduce the incidence of cancers (prostate, breast or colorectal) or of major cardiovascular events.

Mortality decreased

In a meta-analysis of a group of eight studies, vitamin D with calcium reduced the mortality rate in the elderly, whereas vitamin D alone did not (5). The difference between the groups was statistically important, but clinically small: nine percent reduction with vitamin D plus calcium and seven percent with vitamin D alone.

One of the weaknesses of this analysis was that vitamin D in two of the studies was given in large amounts of 300,000 to 500,000 IUs once a year, rather than taken daily. This has different effects.

Weight benefit

There is good news, but not great news, on the weight front. It appears that vitamin D plays a role in reducing the amount of weight gain in women 65 years and older whose blood levels are more than 30 ng/ml, compared to those below this level, in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (4).

This association held true at baseline and after 4.5 years of observation. If the women dropped below 30 ng/ml in this time period, they were more likely to gain more weight, and they gained less if they kept levels above the target. There were 4,659 participants in the study. Unfortunately, vitamin D did not show statistical significance with weight loss.

USPSTF recommendations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against giving “healthy” postmenopausal women vitamin D, calcium or the combination of vitamin D 400 IUs plus calcium 1,000 mg to prevent fractures, and it found inadequate evidence of fracture prevention at higher levels (6). The supplement combination does not seem to reduce fractures, but does increase the risk of kidney stones. There is also not enough data to recommend for or against vitamin D with or without calcium for cancer prevention.

When to supplement?

It is important to supplement to optimal levels, especially since most of us living in the Northeast have insufficient to deficient levels. While vitamin D may not be a cure-all, it might play an integral role with many disorders. But it is also important not to raise the levels too high. The range that I tell my patients is between 32 and 50 ng/ml, depending on their health circumstances.

References: 

(1) Circulation. 2008 Jan 29;117(4):503-511. (2) PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e36617. (3) NEJM. 2018 published online Nov. 10, 2018. (4) J Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2012 Jun 25. (5) J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. online May 17, 2012. (6) JAMA. 2018;319(15):1592-1599.

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. 

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