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ITS THE HOLIDAY SEASON The 11th annual Huntington ‘Red, White & Blue’ Holiday Electric Light Parade on Nov. 27 will commence with the lighting of the 80 foot Christmas Tree on Wall Street and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Photo from Town of Huntington
Thursday 25
Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Community Dinner

Word of Truth Church, 208 Jamaica Ave., Medford will host a free Thanksgiving Community Dinner event at 1 p.m. Please call Pastor Bruce to reserve your spot at 730-2976.

Friday 26

Country Parlor Holiday Show

Join Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead for a Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art & Gift Show today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Nov. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from Dec. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held in the historic Naugles Barn, all items are handmade by local artisans and craftspeople including rustic Santas and tree ornaments, holiday home decor and gifts, baskets, jewelry and fine gifts including handmade pottery pieces, plus stocking stuffers for everyone on your list including local jams and preserves, hand made all-natural soaps and so much more. For more information, call 298-5292 or visit www.hallockville.org.

Northport Tree Lighting

The Village of Northport will hold a Tree Lighting Ceremony at Northport Village Park at the end of Main Street at 7 p.m. Enjoy caroling by the Northport Chorale, see Santa arrive by fire truck and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. Call 754-3905.

Friday Night Face Off 

Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, Friday Night Face Off, returns to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight on the Second Stage at 9:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for audiences 16 and up, due to adult content.Tickets are $15 at the door only. Call 928-9100.

Saturday 27

Country Parlor Holiday Show

See Nov. 26 listing.

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Seashore Circular Hike from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this hilly moderately paced walk through fields and woods to Caumsett’s shore, you’ll learn about geological and social factors that have influenced nature on Long Island. About a 4.5 mile walk. Bring water. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

JoJo Strong Jamboree

Ward Melville High School, Old Town Road, E. Setauket will host a JoJo Strong Jamboree, a 6 team Mens Lacrosse and 4 team Women’s Lacrosse Tournament featuring alumni teams from WMHS, Smithtown and Adelphi. Opening ceremony will be held 9:45 a.m. and first game starts at 10 a.m. Championship games begin at 2 p.m. for women and 2:30 p.m. for men with food trucks, concession stands and fastest shot contest. Free admission. For more information, visit www.jojojamboree.com.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair 

Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden will host an outdoor Craft & Gift Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 75 vendors to kick off your holiday shopping. Process will  benefit the Middle Country Athletic Booster Club. Rain date is Nov. 28. For more information, call 846-1459.

Model Train Show

The Smithtown Historical Society presents a Model Train Show at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Operating layouts on display include Long Island HOTrack – HO Scale; Frank Kayz Trainz – Surprise and Trainville Hobby Depot – N Scale. Admission is $5 adults, $3 kids age 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the Smithtown Historical Society for the restoration of farm buildings and caring for the resident farm animals. For more information, call 524-0529.

The Holiday Market

The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket and Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket and WUSB will kick off The Holiday Market, a series of outdoor holiday shopping events, today (Small Business Saturday) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature over 40 vendors offering original paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glassware, artisan created jewelry, handmade crafts, decorations, and clothing along with music, children’s activities and food trucks. The event will continue on Dec. 4, 11 and 18. For more information, call 751-3730 or 751-2676.

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt

Bright Lights, a holiday light spectacular, returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport tonight and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 19 and Dec. 22 and 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy themed displays, festive food, music, Santa and Friends and holiday lights during this holiday walk. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children under 12, free for children under age 2. Order tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Huntington Holiday Parade

The Town of Huntington’s 11th annual Red, White & Blue Electric Holiday Parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. from the Big H Shopping Center on New York Avenue and will proceed north to Main Street and then west on Main Street to West Neck Road. Visitors can then attend a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wall Street followed by live entertainment and a visit from Santa. Call 351-3000.

Sunday 28

Country Parlor Holiday Show

See Nov. 26 listing.

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt

See Nov. 27 listing.

JOLLY GOOD FUN!
The annual Santa Parade returns to Port Jefferson Village on Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. File hoto by Kyle Barr

Port Jefferson Santa Parade 

Join the Village of Port Jefferson and the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for their annual Santa Parade at 3 p.m. The parade route starts at the Port Jefferson Train Station, goes down Main Street to West Broadway and ends at Santa’s Workshop at the corner of Barnum Avenue. Come visit Santa Claus from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 473-1414 or email [email protected].

Nesconset Holiday Lighting event

The Nesconset Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Holiday Lighting event at the Nesconset Gazebo, Nesconset at 3:30 p.m. Join them as they kick off the holiday season by lighting a Christmas Tree and Menorah, enjoy toasty refreshments & holiday music, and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Questions? Call 672-5197.

Setauket Menorah Lighting

Village Chabad, 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket invites the community to bring in Hanukkah at the tallest Menorah in Suffolk County at 3:30 p.m. with hot cocoa, latkes, music, a performance by Jester Jim for the kids and more. $5 per person. RSVP now at MyVillageChabad.com/NightOne.

PJS Menorah Lighting

North Shore Jewish Center and the Port Jefferson Station Terryville Chamber of Commerce will hold a Menorah Lighting at the Train Car at the corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 4 to 5 p.m. (Access is on Rose Ave. from Canal Road. Call 821-1313.

Kings Park Menorah Lighting

The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Veterans Plaza, 1 Church St., Kings Park at 11 a.m. Enjoy holiday music selections followed by Rabbi Abe as he retells the story of the meaning of Hanukkah and the lighting of the Menorah. Call 269-7678.

St. James Menorah Lighting

The St. James Chamber of Commerce hosts a Menorah Lighting at 5:30 p.m. at the Triangle at Lake Avenue, Moriches Road and Route 25A; continues for eight nights. Light refreshments will be served. Call 584-8510.

Grand Menorah Car Parade

Chabad of Mid-Suffolk, 318 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack will host a Grand Menorah Car Parade at 6 p.m. to The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills for a Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 6:45 p.m. Enjoy music, a fire and juggling show, donuts, latkes and more. Free. To RSVP, call 351-8672 or visit www.TheChaiCenter.com/Chanukah.

Ronkonkoma Menorah Lighting

Join the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce and Rabbi Rosenthanl of Temple B’nai Israel of Oakdale for a Menorah Lighting at Raynor Park, 174 Ronkonkoma Ave, Ronkonkoma on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. Call 471-0302.

Monday 29

Huntington Menorah Lighting

The Town of Huntington will host its annual Big Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. on Wall Street between Gerard and Main Streets at the Huntington Holiday Spectacular. Call 351-3000. 

Brookhaven Menorah Lighting

Join the Town of Brookhaven for its annual lighting of the Menorah at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville at 6 p.m. Enjoy entertainment, hot latkes and donuts. For more information, call 451-6100

Tuesday 30

Greenlawn Menorah Lighting

Join the Greenlawn Civic Association at Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn in celebrating Hanukkah with snacks, games, music and a Community Menorah Lighting on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Email greenlawncivic.org.

Wednesday 1

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson today through Jan. 2 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. For more information, call 802-2160.

Smithtown Tree Lighting

The Town of Smithtown will host a Tree Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall, 99 W. Main St., Smithtown from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The holiday event will feature entertainment by local schools, balloon sculpting, music, food trucks, cookies and hot chocolate. Call 360-7512.

Thursday 2

Virtual Lunch & Learn

The Huntington Historical Society continues its virtual Lunch & Learn series with a presentation by Jeff Richman titled Building the Brooklyn Bridge at noon. The historian at Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery since 2007, Richman will discuss his fifth and latest book, Building the Brooklyn Bridge, 1869-1883: An Illustrated History with Images in 3D. Presentation will last 45 minutes with time for commentary and Q&A from participants. Suggested donation of $10. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Film

‘Stillwater’

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport continues its Cinema at the Library series with a screening of Stillwater (Rated R) starring Matt Damon on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Followed by a discussion with Cinema Arts Centre co-director Dylan Skolnick. To register, call 261-6930.

Theater

‘White Christmas’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its MainStage season  with White Christmas from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2, 2022. Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming adaptation follows vaudeville stars and veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they head to Vermont to pursue romance with a duo of beautiful singing sisters. This family classic features beloved songs by Irving Berlin including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is The Ocean” and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. Tickets range from $75 to $80 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for the 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol from Nov. 13 to Dec. 26. Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition and broadwayworld.com winner for Best Play. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. A complimentary sensory sensitive abridged performance will be held on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. $20 tickets in November; December tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Elf the Musical’

The Argyle Theater, 34 Main St., Babylon presents Elf the Musical through Jan. 2. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Tickets are priced from $40 to $79. Use Code: TIMES for $10 OFF* For more information, call 230-3500 or visit www.argyletheatre.com.

Vendors wanted

» Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its Holiday Market Fairs on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. $75 for one market, $125 for two, $150 for three and $200 for four. To reserve a booth, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676.

» Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown seeks exhibitors for its Holiday Party for Wildlife and Craft Market on Dec. 4 from 3 to 9 p.m. Looking for craft and food vendors. Spaces are $60 each. Call 631-979-6344 or email [email protected].

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From left, reporter Tom Cullen, editor Art Cullen and publisher John Cullen of the Storm Lake Times.

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

“Readers decide our future. Not any branch of government.”

Sixty-five million Americans live in news deserts—counties with only one local newspaper or none at all. In the past fifteen years, one in four newspapers has shuttered in the U.S. Storm Lake, the fascinating documentary by Jerry Risius and Beth Levison, follows The Storm Lake Times, a family-run paper located in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Operating at break-even, The Times, a twice-weekly paper, is one of the last of its kind.

Editor Art Cullen at his desk at the Storm Lake Times

Located in the northwest corner of the state, Storm Lake is home to about 11,000 residents. Originally an almost exclusively Caucasian community, it now contains a large Latino population. Tyson Foods employs over 2,200 workers at its hog slaughterhouse, meatpacking plant, and turkey processing plant.

In ninety well-crafted minutes, Storm Lake offers a portrait of the small-town newspaper industry and a family whose goal is to keep it alive. Founded in 1990 by John Cullen, The Storm Lake Times’ face and voice is Art Cullen, John’s brother. Art, a benign curmudgeon and county’s Democratic voice, presents somewhat like a hippie Mark Twain. At age 59, he received the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. He “ask[s] the big questions, speak[s] truth to power, and share[s] the struggles and successes of his unique community.” The paper is a liberal bastion in the predominantly conservative area.

The Times has ten employees, including Art’s son, Tom, who is the main reporter. Founder John explains that he donates his salary because he is on Social Security. Art’s wife, Mary, can be seen taking pictures and writing features. Art’s sister-in-law provides the recipe column. The family dog, Peach, lolls on the office floor or rides along with drop-offs. 

Leisure editor Mary Cullen of the Storm Lake Times

The film smartly divides its focus between the big and small pictures. As a result, the day-to-day life of the paper contrasts with larger events. Advertising is the lifeblood of any paper, and The Storm Lake Times grapples with filling its quota. Most of the revenue derives from mom-and-pop stores, but large corporations have driven many out of business. 

There are many happy stories: births, local celebrities, “Miss Pigtails,” educational advancements, and county fairs. Local government is given the same weight as national politics. For their readers, garbage pickup is more important than a presidential hopeful’s visit. “Local journalism is the heart of telling the local story.” The report on Ice Out Day, when the ice melts, encompasses a reference to climate change. The Times follows a local Tyson plant worker who is moving forward on a Spanish language talent show. 

The paper never shies away from addressing issues of prejudice, extremely important in its growing immigrant community. The story of eight-year-old Julio Barroso, who was deported along with his family, is highlighted; the staff tracked him down in Mexico twenty-two years later. In addition, a partnership is developed with the Spanish paper La Prensa to share content and ads.

The staff listens to its community and responds to their thoughts and criticism. “There are consequences for everything we do, and we feel that feedback immediately,” says John.

Storm Lake Times editor Art Cullen interviews Elizabeth Warren in a scene from the film.

Broader politics included the coverage of The Heartland Presidential Forum, with major Democratic candidates speaking: Art Cullen was the draw. He interviewed Elizabeth Warren, Julio Castro, and Amy Klobuchar, among others. The Iowa Caucus occupies much of the middle and latter half of the film. But even here, there is a discussion about the cutting down of the paper’s TV listings from eighty channels to thirty-one to save space and money. Risius and Levison never lose sight of the myriad challenges.

The end of the film deals with the COVID crisis, and specifically, the Tyson plants. The Storm Lake Times reported on the disproportionate number of immigrants endangered by their work in unsafe conditions. Art states that this is “subtle racism—but racism all the same.” The Tyson operation became the hottest spot in the country for COVID cases. 

The denouement shifts briefly to the paper’s labors to survive the pandemic when “ads fell off a cliff,” and Art and John thought of closing the paper. Fortunately, with a go-fund-me and other support, The Storm Lake Times survived. With its new website, it reaches 1.2 million readers per month.

Storm Lake contains the expected filler of printing and binding papers, along with stacks dropped off in stores and machines. Occasionally, there is something meta about the documentarians shooting the television on which Art appears on a talk show. But there are wonderful extended quotes from many of Art’s insightful and passionate editorials. In addition, the documentarians know when to let the film breathe: a talk about feeding the dog, a discussion of a new shirt, or briefly watching Art pick the cashews out of a can of mixed nuts all add to the humanity.

In a world where people want their news for free, Storm Lake is a powerful and important reminder about local journalism’s responsibility, value, and contribution. The film ends on the hopeful note that good journalism elevates a community by reporting on what is good. 

“You can change the world through journalism. The reporter is the cornerstone in a functioning democracy. And without strong local journalism, the fabric of the place becomes frayed.”

For a free viewing of the film, visit www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/storm-lake/.

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Photo by Tom Caruso

REFLECTIONS OF AUTUMN

Tom Caruso snapped this peaceful scene at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in his hometown of Smithtown on Nov. 13. He writes, ‘I found that the storms of the past week had blown most of the leaves off the trees, but I found this colorful scene on Willow Pond and couldn’t resist it.

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]

 

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#24 Leighah-Amori Wool during Saturday's game. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook women’s basketball team continued its red-hot start to the Ashley Langford era, holding off Iona on the road to earn a 53-46 win at the Hynes Athletics Center on Nov. 20.

Leighah-Amori Wool and Earlette Scott led the way, with the two combining for 31 points and six of Stony Brook’s seven triples on the afternoon. 

India Pagan finished one point short of a double-double, hauling in a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with nine points. 

The Seawolves’ lead was cut to one with 1:56 to go, but they were able to hold Iona off the board the rest of the way, scoring the game’s final six points to make sure the fifth-straight victory was secured.

Head Coach Ashley Langford has now taken the Seawolves to 5-0 in her first five games at the helm. She improves her record as the first head coach in Stony Brook women’s basketball history to begin her career at 5-0, and has the team tying their best start to a season since 2017-18 when the team also began 5-0.

The Seawolves have held their last two opponents to under 50 points scored. 

Wool led the way with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including going 3-of-4 from deep including a three-pointer with 14 seconds left to hold off Iona’s comeback. She also pulled down five boards.

Pagan finished just shy of a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds, and moved into 13th-place on the all-time scoring list with 1,148 points scored, passing Janet Travis (1,144). Pagan is also now 12 rebounds away from tying Brittany Snow for ninth-place in career rebounds.

Scott finished second on the team with 15 points on 4-of-10 shooting, going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. She pulled down five rebounds, dished out two assists, and added three blocks.

Senior guard Annie Warren helped facilitate the offense, scoring seven points, put up a team-high three assists, while also grabbing five rebounds in a team-high 37 minutes on the court. Warren is eight made three-pointers away from tying Theresa LoParrino for eighth all-time. Sophomore forward Kelis Corey put in work down low, grabbing eight rebounds in 20 minutes of play.

“We had a good test today. Iona was physical, resilient, and executed their game plan well. I am proud of our team’s defensive effort – it won us the game.  I’m also very pleased with our ability to remain poised during the fourth quarter to get a road win,” said head coach Ashley Langford. 

“I thought Leighah and E-Scotty made huge offensive plays in the fourth quarter when we needed it. India and Kelis were active on the glass and we needed every extra possession we could get. Annie and Gigi struggled shooting today, but both continued to be solid defensively and Gigi made great decisions during the last two minutes of the game. Again, I am proud that we had a collective effort from everyone and players are stepping up when necessary,” she said.

The team played one more game before the Thanksgiving holiday, taking on Columbia at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24 afternoon in New York City. Results were not available as of press time.

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Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce. Member- elves are hard at work at the antique Chamber Train Car preparing for the movie 'The Polar Express.' Pictured: Jennifer Dzvonar Owner -President of Bass Electric and Chamber President, Board Director Kristin Winter V.P. Branch Manager of Flushing Bank Port Jefferson Station and Board members Dee Earle Owner of Your CBD Store Port Jefferson Station
Board Director Kristin Winter V.P. Branch Manager of Flushing Bank Port Jefferson Station
The entrance to the train car.

Get in the spirit of the holidays with a screening of The Polar Express in a real train car!

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host screenings of The Polar Express in the Chamber Train Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Fridays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 6 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 27, Dec. 11 and 18 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. $15 per person includes popcorn, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your tickets, visit www.pjstchamber.com.

 

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Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer in a scene from the film.

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, West Side Story will return to select cinemas nationwide on Sunday, Nov. 28 and Wednesday, Dec. 1, courtesy of Turner Classic Movies, MGM and Fathom Events.

This electrifying musical, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim, sets the ageless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet in the slums of 1950’s New York.

West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage street gangs — the Jets and the Sharks. When a member of the Jets falls in love with the sister of the Sharks’ leader, things look hopeful at first, but rapidly go downhill. Illustrating the events are many memorable song and dance numbers such as “America,” “Somewhere” and “I Feel Pretty.”

Starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, Russ Tamblyn, Richard Beymer and George Chakiris, the film went on to win 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, ans was the highest-grossing movie of the year on its original release in 1961.

This special anniversary event will feature exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Locally, the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook on Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Island 16 Cinema De Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville on Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

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The screening is the perfect precursor to Steven Spielberg’s much anticipated adaptation of the beloved film which is expected to hit theatres on Dec. 10. Featuring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as leading love-interests Tony and Maria, the star-studded cast not only includes Dance Moms alum Maddie Ziegler and Hamilton’s Ariana DeBose, but also features a special appearance by Rita Moreno who played Anita in the original film.

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Photo from St. Johnland
Photo from St. Johnland
Photo from St. Johnland
Photo from St. Johnland

Honoring those who served

St. Johnland Nursing Center of Kings Park hosted a special Veterans Day ceremony for residents, staff and guests to honor those who served our country on Nov. 11. A patriotic performance of war-time tunes and a speech from a representative from the VFW led up to the presentation of certificates to 23 residents and one staff member to commemorate their service.

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From left, CSHL’s Bruce Stillman, Double Helix Medal recipients Leonard Schleifer and Reggie Jackson, Chair of the CSHL Board of Trustees Marilyn Simons, and Double Helix Medal recipient George D. Yancopoulos. Photos by Constance Brukin
Above, NYC Mayor-elect Eric Adams speaks at the 16th Annual Double Helix Medals dinner with CSHL President and CEO Bruce Stillmanon and television journalist Lesley Stahl. Photos by Constance Brukin
The guests, including scientists from CSHL, and the honorees shared stories and hors d’oeuvres beneath the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History. Photo by Tobias Janowitz
Above, NYC Mayor-elect Eric Adams speaks at the 16th Annual Double Helix Medals dinner with CSHL President and CEO Bruce Stillmanon and television journalist Lesley Stahl. Photos by Constance Brukin
Double Helix Medal recipient George Yancopoulos takes a selfie with CSHL President and CEO Bruce Stillman, Regeneron Chairman of the Board P. Roy Vagelos, Double Helix Medal recipients Leonard Schleifer and Reggie Jackson, and Chair of the CSHL Board of Trustees Marilyn Simons. Photo by Constance Brukin
Dinner was served under the Blue Whale at the Natural History Museum. Photo by Sara Roncero-Menendez
CSHL Trustee Robert W. Lourie, CSHL President and CEO Bruce Stillman, and County Executive Steve Bellone. Photo by Constance Brukin
From left, Assistant Professor Tobias Janowitz, Professor Leemor Joshua-Tor, Assistant Professor Peter Koo, and Professor Linda Van Aelst. Photo by Constance Brukin
Dessert at the awards dinner was caramel tart dessert with chocolate ganache and vanilla ice cream. Photo by Sara Roncero-Menendez

By Daniel Dunaief

This November, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory celebrated baseball’s Mr. October.

The research facility that specializes in studying cancer, neuroscience, quantitative and plant biology hosted its 16th annual Double Helix Medals dinner at the Museum of Natural History on Nov. 17.

The evening, which was emceed by television journalist Lesley Stahl, honored Hall-of-Famer Reggie Jackson, as well as Leonard Schleifer and George Yancopoulos, the founders of Regeneron, the pharmaceutical company that has provided a life-saving antibody treatment for COVID-19.

The evening, which featured a dinner beneath the blue whale at the museum, raised a record $5 million for research.

“When we were standing in the hall of dinosaurs at the museum, it was fantastic,” said CSHL President and CEO Bruce Stillman. “It was one of the first events where people went out like the old days” prior to the pandemic.

Stillman said guests had to have received their COVID vaccinations to attend the celebration.

In addition to establishing a career as a clutch hitter in the playoffs, Reggie Jackson has dedicated considerable energy through his Mr. October Foundation to improve education around the country.

“His Mr. October foundation complements and parallels the DNA Learning Center programs, particularly now that we’ve opened a large DNA Learning Center in downtown Brooklyn that is serving underserved students in lab-based science,” said Stillman.

In his acceptance speech, Jackson said he found it “significant” that he received an honor for his educational efforts off the baseball field.

Yancopoulos, meanwhile, described his roots as the son of first generation immigrant parents from Greece. Yancopoulos highlighted the need for more funding in research and suggested that science helped pull the world through the pandemic. Yancopoulos said the National Institutes of Health should increase its budget 10-fold to meet the research and clinical needs of the population.

“Biotechnology offers the promise of really solving some of the most difficult problems that we face if we want our citizens to live not only longer, but healthier lives,” Schleifer said in a statement.

Mayor-elect Eric Adams, meanwhile, gave a speech about his vision for the future of the city which included, after some prompting from Stillman, increasing science in the education system.

The Double Helix gala, which started in 2006 when the lab honored the late boxer Muhammed Ali, raises money that goes into CSHL’s operating budget to support research and education.

This year, the donations included a generous gift from Astros owner Jim Crane, who introduced his friend Jackson.

Stillman helps direct the funds raised through the dinner to support scientists who are making what he termed “breakthrough discoveries.”

Many of the most significant discoveries come through philanthropic support, Stillman said, which makes it possible for researchers to design high-risk, high-reward experiments.

CSHL Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Marilyn Simons, a previous winner, attended the festive evening.

Senior leadership at the lab chooses the honorees. Stillman said CSHL already has two honorees for the event next year.

Previous honorees include actor Michael J. Fox, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, actor and science educator Alan Alda, and newscasters including Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric.

“It is a really spectacular list,” Stillman said. The winners, who receive a medal, have all contributed in some significant way to science or to science education.

The dinner provides an opportunity for supporters of the mission of CSHL, which has had eight Nobel Prize winners work at the lab during their careers, to invite others to hear about research at the lab.

“It was a very inspiring evening,” Stillman said.

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Stacy Davidson

Calling all Santa’s and Hanukkah Harry’s or those who just want to help make a difference this holiday season! For over fifteen years, Stacy from Stacy’s Finds/Pattern Finders  in Port Jefferson has helped bring magic to underprivileged children in the area, supplying the children with toys and clothing needs. 

This year Stacy has teamed up with Melissa who runs Give Kids Hope in Port Jefferson. The agency is part of a group of everyday people that answer the direct clothing needs and toy requests of 1,500 of Long Island’s less fortunate children living in homeless shelters, temporary foster care, child protective services and domestic violence safe houses every year — and the numbers are still growing. This year especially, the expectation is of more children in need unless people being able to help. Last year Stacy’s group answered the needs of fifty of the children.

Stacy has the children’s requested clothing sizes, requirements, and toy requests. You can purchase one item, or fulfill the needs of a child’s entire clothing and toy wish list. Or, adopt a whole family! You may drop off any children’s new clothing and new toys or gift cards for donations at Pattern Finders, 128 East Main Street Port Jefferson, Fridays through Sundays.

In addition, a collection box for new unwrapped toys will be in Harbor Square Mall, Port Jefferson Village, outside of Sea Creations, 134 Main Street in Port Jefferson Village. Feel free to call Stacy at the shop with any questions at 631-928-5158.

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Pixabay photo

By Rabbi Aaron Benson

Hanukkah candles need to burn for at least thirty minutes. The Jewish holiday, Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, involves lighting a candle for each of the holidays eight nights.

Rabbi Aaron Benson

Of course the candles can burn longer than that, but the ancient sages determined such a length of time would be enough to make the lighting significant and yet not overly costly at a time when candles would have been more expensive and essential than today.

The lights remind us of a miracle performed for the ancient Jews. Having thrown off the yoke of foreign rule, they came to rededicate the despoiled Temple in Jerusalem. There they found only enough oil to light the Temple menorah for a day, but the oil miraculously last eight days. During that time the Jews were able to prepare more oil.

Yet we light for only thirty minutes. We illuminate the long winter night for the briefest of intervals. It seems inadequate but we not only do it once, but over and over for more than a week. And this is enough to celebrate a holiday about miracles.

Sometimes in life we may only be able to “light up the dark” temporarily to help that friend or family member or ourselves just a little. Should we refrain from doing so just because we can’t fix it all? Certainly not! Over and over we must keep doing what we can, even if it might be just a little, to bring some good, to cause a miracle to take place.

During the thirty minutes the Hanukkah candles burn each night, and during all this winter season, let us do our part, whether large or small, to aid those lost in the night and light the way for them.

The author is the rabbi of North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station.

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