A SIGN OF SPRING
These hardy snowdrops were spotted blooming in a wooded area on Mount-Sinai Coram Road in Mount Sinai on March 5, a sure sign that spring is right around the corner. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
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Although spring and Easter are still a few weeks away, registration for these popular annual events is now underway:
Spring Festival and Egg Hunt at Sweetbriar
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts its annual Spring Festival and Egg Hunt on March 26 from noon to 4 p.m. Join them for a day filled with events, fun, and many wonderful animals. There will be games, animal presentations, crafts, face painting, and more. Egg hunts will be held throughout the day with prizes and a separate egg hunt for 2-4-year-olds to do with their parents. A special long-eared guest will be available for photo opportunities and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a basket. Tickets are $20 per child, $5 adults. To reserve your spot, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more information, call 631-979-6344.
Benner’s Farm Easter Egg Hunts
Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket invites the community to their annual Easter Egg Hunt Weekend on April 8 and 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be craft vendors, baby bunnies and chicks to hold, baby goats and sheep to see and pet, many other barnyard animals to visit with and feed, an egg hunt in the fields every half hour from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (book your time slot online), pictures with the Spring Bunny and more! This is a ticketed event only. Tickets are $12 per person and are sold only online at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/easteregghuntsatbennersfarm. No tickets will be sold at the door. Questions? Call 631-689-8172.
Egg Hunts at the Hatchery
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host egg hunts on March 18, 19, 25, 26, April 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 in 20 minute sessions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children up to the age of 6 years old. Tickets are $12 per participating child, $5 “helper siblings” ages 7 to 12, $6 seniors, and $7 adults. To register, visit www.cshfishhatchery.org. For further details, call 516-692-6768.
PROGRAMS
Growing Up Wild
Town of Brookhaven hosts a spring nature program for children ages 3 to 6, Growing Up Wild, at Cedar Beach Nature Center, Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai on March 11 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Parent and child will explore nature through stories and activities. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].
Books in the Barn
New! Registration is currently underway for the Smithtown Historical Society’s new Books in the Barn program for ages 3 to 5 with parent/caregiver on March 27 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Meet at the newly refurbished Franklin O. Arthur Farm, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown to listen to stories about farms, barns and animals. Then visit with the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies and barn cats that call the farm home. Free. Open to all. To register, visit www.smithlib.org/children. For more information, call 360-2480, ext. 140.
Code Breakers Scavenger Hunt
New! For the month of March, take part in a Code Breakers Scavenger Hunt at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor during gallery hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Uncover the secrets of maritime communication in this self-guided adventure. Hunt for hidden messages around the museum and decode clues left by mariners, using Morse Code, semaphore, and signal flags. Complete your trail by decorating your own personal flag to take home. For ages 6 and up. Admission fee + $10 participant. Call 367-3418 for more info.
THEATER
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 22 to March 18 with a sensory sensitive performance on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. Featuring an original score and memorable characters, the show is a delightful reminder that “there’s no place like home!” All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Finding Nemo Jr.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. from April 1 to 8. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Seussical the Musical’
The John W. Emgean Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical from April 1 to 30. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of doubters while guarding an abandoned egg, left to his care. All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
FILM
‘Witches’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! Series with a screening of The Witches on March 12 at noon. While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, young Luke inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Virtual Lunch & Learn
Huntington Historical Society presents a virtual Lunch & Learn lecture at noon. Enjoy your own lunch from the comfort of your home while learning about Alice Coltrane life and resilience from her daughter Michelle Coltrane. Presentation will last 45 minutes with time for commentary and Q&A from participants. Free. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Alzheimer’s workshop
The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold an in-person event called “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. This will be an overview of how to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer’s disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. Free. Call 585-9393 to register.
CAC Sky Room Talk
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a Sky Room Talk titled Forever Timeless: The Legacy of Edith Head at 7:30 p.m. Join costume designer and fashion historian Jolene Marie Richardson as she takes a dive into the life and legacy of the famed Costume Designer Edith Head this women’s history month, covering her films, her techniques, and her relentless push for making the field of costume design what it is today. Tickets are $17, $12 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Trumpeter Warren Vaché in concert
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook welcomes back Jazz trumpet player Warren Vaché and his Quartet in concert at 7 p.m. Joining Vaché will be Dean Johnson (bass), Dan Pugach (drums), and Wayne Sabella (piano). Displayed in the museum is a Warren Vaché exhibit that guests can view. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org
An evening of opera
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts a evening with Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. The concert will include arias from popular operas, art songs and numbers from musical theater. $10 donation, students free. Visit www.operanight.org.
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson continues its Wintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a performance by Andie Juliette Fortier (Port Jeff’s own sweet-voiced songwriter) in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.
Grounds & Sounds concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket presents The Famous Dr. Scanlon Band in concert at 8:45 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Open mic at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, available in advance and at the door. Light refreshments available for sale. For further information, visit www.groundsandsounds.org or call 751-0297.
Second Saturdays Poetry Reading
All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays poetry series via Zoom today from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Gloria g. Murray. An open-reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. For more information, please call 655-7798. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/
St. Baldrick’s Day event
Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, 229 Laurel Ave., Northport will host a community St. Baldrick’s Day event from noon to 5 p.m. to raise money to help fight childhood cancer. Register to shave, volunteer or donate at www.stbaldricks.org. For more information, call 757-4141.
Irish Luck on the Farm – this event has been postponed to March 18 due to the weather
The Smithtown Historical Society wil hold its annual Irish Luck on the Farm event at the Roseneath Cottage, 239 Middle Country Road, Smithtown from noon to 4 p.m. Experience fun for all ages with a walk-through petting zoo, traditional Irish step dancing performances, and other celebrations of Irish heritage. Entry fee is $5 per person. Questions? Call 265-6768.
Beyond the Boat Walking Tour
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a Beyond the Boat Walking Tour at noon and again at 2 p.m. What was life like in a 19th-Century coastal village when many of the men were out at sea? Travel back in time and explore the lives of local women as you stroll down Cold Spring Harbor’s Historic Main Street in this educator-led walking tour. Discover the struggles these women faced, along with the challenges historians have when reconstructing their stories. $15 per person, $10 members. Register at cshwhalingmuseum.org.
St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 39th annual St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. The parade will step off along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn Avenue to the viewing stand in front of the gazebo ending just before St James Elementary School, rain or shine. Featuring scouts, dance troupes, pipe bands, school bands, floats, fire trucks and antique cars. The grand marshal will be Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. For more information, call 631-584-8510.
An Evening of Comedy
Centerport Fire Department, 9 Park Circle, Centerport hosts a Comedy Night and Buffet Dinner fundraiser with dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. and show from 8 to 10 p.m. with a 50/50 raffle and Chinese Auction. Comedians include Kenny Williams, Terry McNeely, Tony Landolfi and George Gallo. $55 tickets are available at Centerportfdcomedyshow.eventbrite.com.
Paranormal Tour at Sweetbriar
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a Paranormal Tour with a ghost hunt and owl encounter from 6 to 9 p.m. Ghost hunting enthusiasts will lead an investigation, bringing along some of the tools commonly seen and made popular on such TV shows as ghost hunters and such films as Paranormal Activity. Cost is $60 per person for ages 13 and older. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Farmingdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Farmingdale’s 9th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1 p.m. sharp at Northside School. The parade then proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. This year’s Grand Marshal is Monsignor Mark P. Rowan, Pastor at St. Kilian Parish. Call 516-286-7800 for more information.
Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Friends of St. Patrick will host the 71st annual Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade on starting at 1 p.m. sharp. The 2.8-mile parade starts at Harrison Avenue and Route 25A in Miller Place and then finishes at Broadway in Rocky Point. This year’s Grand Marshal is Rocky Point Stop and Shop manager Bob Evans. For further information, visit www.friendsofstpatrick.com or call 631-473-5100.
The Power of History through Song
Celebrate St. James continues its Living History Series at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second Street, St James with The Power of History through Song with Irish-American singer, songwriter, and educator Vincent Cross from 1 to 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, $20 members. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.
Huntington St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) invites the community to its 89th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Huntington from 2 to 3 p.m. p.m. Grand Marshal Greg Kennedy will lead the procession down New York Avenue to Main Street. Long Island’s oldest and largest, the parade will feature dozens of pipe bands. For more information, visit www.huntingtonhibernian.com.
Gene Casey Duo in concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by the Gene Casey Duo from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Sound Beach Civic Meeting
Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach will host a Sound Beach Civic meeting at 7:30 p.m. Representatives from the Town of Brookhaven Senior Citizen Division will discuss the many services offered to senior citizens in the Town. All are welcome. For more information call 744-6952.
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a presentation on Fraud Prevention — how to recognize it, how to avoid being victimized and how to properly respond — in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.
Journal Making Workshop
Join the Huntington Historical Society at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington for a Tell me a Memory: Journal Making workshop from 6 to 8 pm. Mixed Media artist Patty Eljaiek leads this two-hour workshop to inspire your use of repurposed materials and simple art supplies. Participants will create an accordion book that includes their own language, mementos, stories, or photos. $40 per person, $35 members includes all supplies. Bring any photos or mementos you would like to include. Register at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. For more info, call 427-7045 Ext. 401.
Hard Luck Café concert
Singer-Songwriters Kala Farnham and Lara Herscovitch will share the bill during the monthly Hard Luck Café series by the Folk Music Society of Huntington at the Cinema Arts Centre’s Sky Room, 423 Park Ave., Huntington from 7 to 10 p.m. An open mic precedes the concert. Tickets are $20, $15 members. Call 678-8627 or visit fmsh.org.
Stony Brook Walking Tour
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization in Stony Brook will host a walking tour titled “Against the Grain” at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. While participants stroll, their guide will share stories recognizing the women who helped shape Stony Brook Village into what it is today. Tours will leave from the Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook. Rain date is March 17. Fee is $12 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 751-2244.
HHS Lunch & Learn
Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch and Learn series at Matteo’s Restaurant, 300 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington with a lecture from noon to 2:30 p.m. Learn the true story of the Culper Spy Ring from former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer, author of George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide. History buffs have long been fascinated by the operation of the Long Island-based Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, especially since the airing of the AMC series “Turn.” $55 per person, $50 members includes a gourmet three-course meal, dessert and house wine. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or call 427-7045 ext 401.
Vanderbilt lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a special lecture titled The Rescue Effect: The Key to Saving Life on Earth on global warming and nature’s inherent resilience with guest speaker Michael Mehta Webster reveals the science behind nature’s resilience at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, free for members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
An evening of jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes Rich Iacona’s Bad Little Big Band, featuring vocalist Madeline Kole in concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students and $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org.
‘Side By Side By Sondheim’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Side By Side By Sondheim through March 18 showcasing the early works of Broadway’s greatest composer, Stephen Sondheim. Featuring songs from Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Gypsy, and many others. Unforgettable songs from this dazzling creator and his collaborators include “Send in the Clowns,” “I’m Still Here,” “Another Hundred People,” “Maria,” “Tonight,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” and “Broadway Baby.” Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Festival of One-Act Plays
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 750 submissions world-wide, these seven cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Steve Ayle, Tamralynn Dorsa, Antoine Jones, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Sean Amato, Ava Andrejko, Angelo DiBiase, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, Melissa Norman, Danielle Pafundi, and Tristan Prin. Adult content and language. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Tape’
The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of Tape by Stephen Belber in Theatre 119 in the Islip Arts Building on March 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. After 10 years apart, three disparate people come together to play out the unresolved drama of their final days in high school. Suspense builds as each character is provoked into revealing his or her true nature and motivation as they choose which cards to play and which cards to hold. Mature content. General admission is $14. For tickets, call 451-4163.
‘California Suite’
Star Playhouse at SYJCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents Neil Simon’s California Suite on March 11 and 18 at 8 p.m. and March 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. It is the eve of the Oscars and four different couples are having some type of bad situation all at the same time. Tickets are $32, $25 members, seniors, students. To order, call 462-9800or visit [email protected].
‘(Mostly) True Things’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St, Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things, a game wrapped in a storytelling show, on the theme “Bad Match” on March 11 at 7 p.m. The show features 4 true stories but 3 of them include subtle little lies. In the second act, the audience questions the storytellers, then votes for the person they think told it straight. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the evening. It is a combination of comedy, heart and community that is truly a unique experience. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, featured storytellers include Jack Canfora, Carla Katz, Vernon Payne, and Sue Barnum. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only). For more info, visit www.mostlytruethings.com.
‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’
The swashbuckling musical adventure The Scarlet Pimpernel heads to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport from March 16 to April 30. Percy Blakeney, a proper Englishman, takes on a sword fighting and dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-hungry guillotine. His exploits soon become the talk of Paris, however, the fanatical Agent Chauvelin will stop at nothing to catch the Pimpernel and send him to the guillotine. With a rousing and passionate score by Frank Wildhorn, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a thrilling musical! For ticket info, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Seussical’
Mount Sinai High School, 110 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai presents the musical Seussical on March 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and March 25 at 2 p.m. This special Theater for Young Audiences version of the Broadway hit has been rewritten and streamlined to engage audience members from age 4 to 94. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students at www.Ludus.com/MountSinaiPerformingArts. Questions? call 870-2882.
‘Immediate Family’
Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with a viewing of Immediate Family at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on March 13 at 7 p.m. If you listen to 1970s pop music, you’ve undoubtedly heard these guys play, but do you know their names? The documentary highlights five talented men—Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, Waddy Wachtel and Steve Postell—who shunned the spotlight for themselves, yet enjoyed decades of success as session musicians on iconic tracks. A Q&A will follow with guest speaker Director Denny Tedesco. Tickets are $10 at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door.
‘King Kong’
In honor of its 90th anniversary, “King Kong” will be screened at the Cinema Arts Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on March 14 at 7 p.m. When the amazing King Kong was unleashed onto moviegoers 90 years ago there was no cinematic event that matched its grand scale and unbridled imagination. This thrilling tale of a band of intrepid filmmakers, and a young actress, who discover a giant ape on a remote island, then bring him back to New York with disastrous results is awe-inspiring, but what sets King Kong apart and helps it achieve its all-time classic status are its complicated themes and emotional impact. Tickets are $15, $10 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a viewing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, starring Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, and Danai Gurira on March 16 at 2 p.m. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat.
‘Sunset Boulevard’
Catch a screening of the film noir classic Sunset Boulevard at thee Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on March 16 at 8 p.m. with a post-film in-theatre Zoom discussion with co-star & author Nancy Olson Livingston, hosted by Professor Foster Hirsch. Tickets are $17, $12 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org
* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted
Brookaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine recently announced that Brookhaven Town Historian Barbara Russell is the first appointee named to the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission.
Mrs. Russell’s appointment by New York State Senator Robert Ortt II was at the request of State Senator Alexis Weik.
In January 2022, the New York State Legislature passed the New York State 250th Commemoration Act (S7700 and A8689) and Governor Hochul signed the legislation into law on February 24, 2022. The legislation establishes a 21-member commission to support and facilitate local efforts by heritage organizations, municipalities, and others in commemoration planning and programs.
The commission is co-chaired by the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Commissioner of the Department of Education, or their designees, and includes the New York State Historian.
In her role as Brookhaven Town Historian since 2005, Mrs. Russell, researches, interprets, and advocates local history for the Town. For more information about the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission, visit www.NYSenate.gov.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) in Stony Brook will host a walking tour titled “Against the Grain” on Thursday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m. session and again at 2:30 p.m.
While participants stroll, their guide will share stories recognizing the women who helped shape Stony Brook Village into what it is today: the hidden roles of the Melville women; Alida Emmet and the Center for Twilight Sleep; Rachel Brewster and the women of color in famed artist William Sidney Mount’s paintings; the scandalous will of the Smiths and Edward Kane; and the role of Stony Brook’s women in forming the environmental conservation movement.
Tours will leave from the Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook. Rain date is Friday, March 17 at the same time. $12 per person and includes a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée at Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern at the Three Village Inn and the Country House Restaurant. Advance reservations required by calling 631-751-2244.
This year, March 5-11 marks National Consumer Protection Week, and PSEG Long Island urges customers to understand scammers’ tactics and do the right thing if confronted with a demand for payment and a threat of imminent shutoff: Get the truth from the real PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025.
“Consumer Protection Week is a time to help people understand their consumer rights and avoid frauds and scams. PSEG Long Island wants customers to remember one simple thing: If someone threatens to immediately shut off your power, call the number that’s printed on your bill to verify before acting,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services. “Scammers do everything they can to create the impression of an urgent problem in the hopes that you panic and miss all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be. Please be alert to the possibility of a scam, take a moment to think, and then contact us directly using the phone number on your bill if you’re still not sure.”
More than 2,500 scam calls were reported to PSEG Long Island in 2022. Many of these scammers are demanding immediate payment via web-based electronic payment services. PSEG Long Island does not accept external, web-based electronic payment services (outside of payments through MyAccount) as a method of payment.
What customers should know about payment scams
In-person visits
Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG Long Island employees, flashing a fake ID and/or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts. Again, if customers have any doubts, they should not let the person in, and should call 1-800-490-0025 to verify.
PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, do not let the person into the house and call 1-800-490-0025 to have a customer service representative verify that an employee has been dispatched to the location. An actual PSEG Long Island employee will respect the customer’s decision and remain outside. If the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, customers should consider calling 911.
Fake websites
Some scammers purchase web domains that closely resemble the actual URL of a utility and create a fraudulent replica of the legitimate website. Their plan is to dupe users who click on these fake sites via search results, or type in an inaccurate web address. Once on the spoofed site, a visitor is presented a number of bill payment options, all pointing back to an outside bill pay site.
PSEG Long Island always uses the “.com” domain. Its real website can be found at www.psegliny.com.
How actual PSEG Long Island reps handle phone calls
Customers should also know what PSEG Long Island will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the Customer of Record. If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative.
If the Customer of Record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the Customer of Record to call 1-800-490-0025.
PSEG Long Island is a member of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) collaborative. UUAS, a consortium of more than 145 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, has helped to create awareness of common and new scam tactics and to cease operations of nearly 5,000 toll-free numbers used against utility customers by scammers.
For more information on various payment scams reported in the PSEG Long Island service area and around the country, visit https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/scamsandfraud.
Are you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson will host a FREE year-long diabetes prevention program designed to help you modify your lifestyle to prevent the disease.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by a trained lifestyle coach from the Suffolk County Department of Health, will be held at Mather Hospital beginning Monday, March 20 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The program meets weekly until July 24, then bi-monthly through Sept. 25, then monthly from October 2023 through March 2024.
Participants are identified through their health care provider by either their fasting glucose 100-124 or their A1c 5.7-6.4. In addition, they must have a BMI of 25 or more and be over the age of 18. Participants cannot have diabetes or be pregnant. Participants may also qualify by taking either the CDC or ADA risk test at https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/ or https://diabetes.org/diabetes/risk-test
“We want to have them change behaviors to get these numbers back into the normal range,’ said Senior Public Health Educator Debora Rippel. “We do that by having them lose 5-7 percent of their body weight and increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week. In addition, they develop new behaviors (weighing and measuring food, reading food labels, choosing low-fat, low-calorie options/substitutions, among other behaviors). We look at the environmental, psychological, and social aspects of their behaviors and help them identify ways to change them.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control 96 million Americans – or one in three adults – have prediabetes. Of those, more than eight in 10 are unaware that they have it. Without taking any action, 15-30 percent of people with prediabetes could develop type 2 diabetes within five years. For every 2.2 pounds of weight an individual loses, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes is lowered by 13 percent, according to the national program.
More information on the program at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/about.htm To register, contact Debora at the Suffolk County Department of Health at 631-853-2928 or [email protected] .
Senator Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District), in conjunction with The Salvation Army, is hosting the Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Mobile Mammography Van in East Northport. The free breast cancer-screening event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at 319 Clay Pitts Road in East Northport.
Stony Brook University Cancer Center operates and staffs the mobile van, which was made possible through more than $3 million from the New York State Department of Health. The van provides convenient access to all women in our area to ensure that women on Long Island get the information they need to protect themselves from breast cancer.
This event is for women forty and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. An appointment is necessary so all who are interested should call 631-638-4135 to schedule an appointment. For more information on the Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Mobile Mammography Van, residents can visit cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu/Patients/MammoVan.
According to information provided by Stony Brook Cancer Center, most screenings are no cost since the cost of mammograms are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and almost all insurance companies. Any resident who has no insurance will be referred to the New York State Cancer Services Program, which may cover the cost of an exam.
In New York State, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Mammograms and breast cancer screenings can detect cancer at early stages, when it is often the most treatable.
“Early detection is the best way to combat and beat breast cancer and that makes access to no-cost screenings so critical. I thank Stony Brook University and the Salvation Army for partnering with us to provide this helpful preventive care and urge all in our community who can benefit to attend this event,” said Senator Mattera.
For more information on this important event, including eligibility requirements, information for day of visit and directions to the event, please visit Senator Mattera’s website at mattera.nysenate.gov.
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook welcomes back Jazz trumpet player Warren Vaché and his Quartet on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. Joining Vaché will be Dean Johnson (bass), Dan Pugach (drums), and Wayne Sabella (piano).
Vaché is known to span across multiple styles of Jazz and has played in polka bands, Dixieland bands, big dance bands, Broadway pit bands, small Jazz groups and more. He studied with trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin and has a degree in music education from Montclair State College. Absorbing all types of music, Vaché’s inspirations and heroes include Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Bobby Hackett, Fats Navarro, Tom Harrell, and others.
Vaché commonly dueted with saxophonist Houston Person, who has been a frequent performer at the Jazz Loft. His career has been filled with countless performances such as with Benny Goodman’s band, making film appearances, composing soundtracks, and presently has a busy schedule of recording, worldwide festival appearances, club dates, Broadway shows, and is a dedicated educator and author. In his 40-year career, he has released over 35 albums as a band leader and appeared in many other musician’s recordings as a sideman.
“We are thrilled to have Warren Vaché once again perform again at the Jazz Loft,” says President and Founder Tom Manuel. “It’s a unique opportunity for Jazz Loft fans to hear a true legend.”
Displayed in the museum is a Warren Vaché exhibit that guests can view.
Tickets are available for purchase ($15, $20, $25, $30) at www.thejazzloft.org
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