The Brown Mouse Lemur (Microcebus rufus) is recognized as a vulnerable species on Madagascar. Photo by Chien C. Lee
A new study by a team of international scientists including Liliana M. Dávalos, PhD, of Stony Brook University’s Department of Ecology and Evolution, reveals that it would take three million years to recover the number of species that went extinct from human activity on Madagascar. Published in Nature Communications, the study also projects that if currently threatened species go extinct on Madagascar, recovering them would take more than 20 million years – much longer than what has previously been found on any other island archipelago in the world.
From unique baobab species to lemurs, the island of Madagascar is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Approximately 90 percent of its species of plants and animals are found nowhere else. After humans settled on the island about 2,500 years ago, Madagascar experienced many extinctions, including giant lemurs, elephant birds and dwarf hippos.
Yet unlike most islands, Madagascar’s fauna is still relatively intact. Over two hundred species of mammals still survive on the island, including unique species such as the fossa and the ring-tailed lemur. Alarmingly, over half of these species are threatened with extinction, primarily from habitat transformation for agriculture. How much has human activity perturbed Madagascar away from its past state, and what is at stake if environmental change continues?
The team of biologists and paleontologists from Europe, Madagascar and the United States set out to answer this question by building an unprecedented new dataset describing the evolutionary relationships of all species of mammals that were present on Madagascar at the time that humans colonized the island.
As a co-author of “The macroevolutionary impact of recent and imminent mammal extinctions on Madagascar,” Daválos helped design the study, interpret a previously published lemur phylogeny, and analyzed prospects for new species discovery in Madagascar.
The dataset includes species that have already gone extinct and are only known from fossils, as well as all living species of Malagasy mammals. The researchers identified 249 species in total, 30 of which already are extinct. Over 120 of the 219 species of mammals that remain on the island today are currently classified as threatened with extinction by the IUCN Red List, due to habitat destruction, climate change and hunting.
Using a computer simulation model based on island biogeography theory, the team, led by Nathan Michielsen and Luis Valente from the University of Groningen (Netherlands) and Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Netherlands) found that it would take approximately three million years to regain the number of mammal species that were lost from Madagascar in the time since humans arrived.
The research team also determined through the computer simulation that if currently threatened species go extinct, it would take much longer: about 23 million years of evolution would be needed to recover the same number of species. Just in the last decade, this figure has increased by several million years, as human impact on the island continues to grow.
The amount of time it would take to recover this mammalian diversity surprised the international team of scientists.
“These staggering results highlight the importance of effective conservation efforts in Madagascar. Here at Stony Brook, we can have an extraordinary impact on preventing extinction because of the longstanding biological field research at Centre ValBio and the associated Ranomafana National Park, with ongoing research on conservation while enhancing local livelihoods,” said Dávalos.
“It was already known that Madagascar was a hotspot of biodiversity, but this new research puts into context just how valuable this diversity is,” says leading researcher Luis Valente, Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen. “The time it would take to recover this diversity is much longer than what previous studies have found on other islands, such as New Zealand or in the Caribbean.”
The study findings ultimately suggest that an extinction wave with deep evolutionary impact is imminent on Madagascar, unless immediate conservation actions are taken. The good news – the computer simulation model shows that with adequate conservation action, we may still preserve over 20 million years of unique evolutionary history on the island.
Stony Brook Professor John Fleagle during a paleontology expedition in Ethiopia. Photo by John Shea
His work in the evolution of primate locomotion and adaptation spans 50 years
John Fleagle, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Anatomical Sciences at Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine, has won the Charles Darwin Lifetime Achievement Award. Granted by the American Association of Biological Anthropology (AABA), the award will be presented at the association’s annual conference held April 19-22 in Nevada. Known as the AABA’s most prestigious honor, this yearly award recognizes a senior member of the association who has exhibited a lifetime of contributions and commitment to biological anthropology.
Fleagle is only the second Stony Brook professor to receive the Charles Darwin Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2004, it was bestowed upon the late Robert R. Sokal, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolution.
Professor Fleagle’s presence in the field of biological anthropology spans half a century. Much of his work has centered around investigating primate evolution, primate locomotion, and broad patterns of evolution and adaptation across many taxa. From Argentina to India, his fieldwork has taken him across the world. In Ethiopia, Professor Fleagle directed a groundbreaking study that uncovered fresh insights into the African origin of homo sapiens.
Professor Fleagle has mentored and trained young anthropologists, founded and edited an authoritative review journal called Evolutionary Anthropology, and authored a highly regarded textbook titled Primate Adaptation and Evolution. He is also a member of the Scientific Executive Committee of the LSB Leakey Foundation.
“I’m delighted that John was granted the award,” said AABA President Steven Leigh. “His work is remarkable and has made major impacts across many aspects of our discipline. His textbook set the standard for our field and I consider it one of the best textbooks in any field.
“Personally, John helped me immensely 30 years ago when I was a postdoc at Stony Brook just getting a start in the field,” added Leigh. “It will be a career highlight for me to present the award to him.”
Professor Fleagle is a MacArthur Fellow, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a member of three graduate programs at Stony Brook University – the Doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution, the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, and the program in Anatomical Sciences.
A scene from Cinema Paradiso. 1988. Cristaldi Film. Courtesy of Titanus & Miramax.
The Cinema Arts Centre will host a three-day celebration of Italian Cinema
In the month of January, Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre will host a celebration of Italian Cinema. The three day series will feature new restorations of several of Italian cinema’s most enduring classics: Giuseppe Tornatore’s Academy Award winning Cinema Paradiso, Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, and Bernardo Bertolucci‘s The Conformist. As well as film screenings, the series will be ornamented by a live concert from Italian vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi.
The series celebrates the vibrant decades-spanning oeuvre of Italian cinema’s greatest artists, presenting the newly restored films for rare big-screen viewings. Each of the three films will feature post-film discussions, where cinema staff and program patrons will examine filmmaking techniques used in the films, the history of Italian cinema, along with the impact these films had on cinema as a whole.
The Cinema Arts Centre’s Italian Cinema program will begin on Sunday, January 29th with a screening of Cinema Paradiso, and an Italian Cinema Concert, and will run for three consecutive days, concluding with a screening of La Dolce Vita on Tuesday, January 31st. The Films: Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Sunday, January 29th, Brunch at 10 AM | Film at 11 AM Winner of an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Cinema Paradiso is the beautiful, enchanting story of a young boy’s lifelong love-affair with the movies. Set in an Italian village, Salvatore finds himself enchanted by the flickering images at the Cinema Paradiso. When the projectionist, Alfredo, agrees to reveal the mysteries of moviemaking, a deep friendship is born. The day comes for Salvatore to leave and pursue his dream of making movies of his own. Thirty years later he receives a message that beckons him back home to a secret and beautiful discovery that awaits him.
Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Conformist (1970) Monday, January 30th at 7:00 PM
Bernardo Bertolucci’s masterpiece, set in Mussolini’s Italy, follows a repressed man, Jean-Louis Trintignant, who joins the Fascists in a desperate attempt to fit in and purge memories of a youthful murder. While on his way to assassinate a political refugee, he flashes back through numerous exaggerated, distorted scenes that encompass the formative experiences of his life. A hugely influential film to American cinema of the seventies, Bertolucci marries expressionism with a strain of 70’s realism in this exploration of sex, desire, politics, and responsibility.
Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960)
Tuesday, January 31st at 7:00 PM
The biggest hit from the most popular Italian filmmaker of all time, La dolce Vita rocketed Federico Fellini to international success—ironically, by offering a damning critique of the culture of stardom. A look at the darkness beneath the seductive lifestyles of Rome’s rich and glamorous, the film follows a notorious celebrity journalist (Marcello Mastroianni) during a hectic week spent on the peripheries of the spotlight. A sharp commentary on the decadence of contemporary Europe, it provided a glimpse of how fame-obsessed our society would become.
The Concert:
Fotogrammi: Scenes from Life and Music by Mafalda Minnozzi Sunday, January 29th at 4 PM In Fotogrammi, internationally renowned vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi presents an intimate soundtrack inspired by the composers who accompanied and inspired her during her 35 year career in Italy, Brazil, and beyond. With a jazz sensibility and unique arrangements featuring accomplished guitarist Paul Ricci, Mafalda taps into her acclaimed albums “Cinema City – Jazz Scenes From Italian Film” and “Sensorial – Portraits in Bossa and Jazz.” Presenting diverse selections such as Ennio Morricone’s “Cinema Paradiso” to Jobim’s “Águas de Março,” and from Bruno Martino’s “Estate” to Piaf’s ”Hymne A L’Amour.”
Location:
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington
You can purchase tickets or find more information about these and other events on the Cinema Arts Centre website: www.cinemaartscentre.org
The Town of Brookhaven’s Parks & Recreation Department kicks off its 2023 winter season with a series of new classes & programs at its various recreation centers:
Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
Call: 631-451-6163 for more information or to register
Yoga
Yoga that meets you where you are today. The class will include standing postures, strengthening exercises on the mat, seated stretches and a guided relaxation. Our practice supports strength, agility, flexibility, and balance, while reducing stress and having fun. Please bring yoga mat, yoga blocks or rolled towel.
– Mondays, 1:00PM – 2:00PM
January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27 & March 6 – Pre-register by Wednesday, January 18
– $35 per 6-week session
Kids Karate
Kids will learn confidence, concentration and respect.
-Thursdays, 6:00PM – 7:00PM
January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16
– Pre-register by Monday, January 23
– $50 per 8-week session
Belly Dancing
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers. Ages 18+.
– Mondays, 6:30PM – 7:30PM
March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 17, 24, May 1 – Pre-register by Wednesday, March 1 – $45 per 8-week session
Country Line Dancing coming early Spring 2023!
New Village Recreation Center
20 Wireless Road, Centereach, NY 11720
Call: 631-451-5307 for more information or to register.
Zumba
This high-energy cardio aerobics class combines Latin and international beats with salsa, merengue, cha-cha, samba, hip-hop and belly dancing.
– Mondays, 10:30AM – 11:30AM
January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13, 20 – Pre-register by Friday, January 20, 2023
– $50 per 8-week session
Koga Lite
These classes are a unique workout combination of kickboxing and yoga. Classes are designed as a gentle introduction to exercise/weight loss without the intimidation.
Sneakers, weights and water are recommended.
– Mondays, 6:00PM – 7:00PM
January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13, 20 OR
– Wednesdays, 10:00AM – 11:00AM
January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15 – Pre-register by Friday, January 20
– $50 per 8-week session
Adult Self-Defense
Stay aware, stay safe, stay you! Learn how to build confidence and self-esteem through self-defense.
-Tuesdays, 7:00PM – 8:00PM
January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14
–Pre-register by Friday, January 20, 2023
-$50.00 per 8-week session
Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center
Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
Call: 631-451-5306 for more information or to register
Tai Chi
In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise class, participants will practice “medication in motion”.
Tai Chi has been proven to treat and prevent many health problems by performing a series of movements with relaxed muscles. Bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes to move in.
– Mondays, 11:00AM – 11:45AM
January 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13 – Pre-register by Thursday, January 26
$45 per 6-week session
Dance for Tots
These classes are a great way to introduce dance to young children. Classes combine jazz and ballet and are suitable for children with or without experience. Learning becomes fun!
– Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22
10:00AM – 10:45AM (Ages 2 ½ – 3)
11:00AM – 11:45AM (Ages 3 ½ – 4) – Pre-register by Friday, January 27
– $45 per 8-week session
Jump Bunch
Learn a new sport each week. Sports include: soccer, football, lacrosse, volleyball & basketball. No equipment necessary. Just bring water.
– Fridays, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10
4:00PM – 5:00PM (Ages 3-5)
5:15PM – 6:15PM (Ages 6-9) – Pre-register by Tuesday, January 31
– $60 per 6-week session
Belly Dancing
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers. Ages 18+.
– Thursdays, 6:30PM – 7:30PM
February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Pre-register by Monday, February 6
– $45 per 8-week session
Country Line Dancing coming early Spring 2023!
Centereach Administration Building
286 Hawkins Road, Centereach, NY 11720
Call: 631-451-6112 for more information or to register
Indoor Morning Bocce
Meet and play with different people each week. 2 games per week. Individual sign up.
Tuesday, January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21 OR
Thursdays, January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23
10:00AM – 12:00PM Pre-register by Friday, January 13
– $30 per player per 6-week session
Ewes and Coos Felted will be at the Winter Holiday Market.
This January, the Reboli Center for Art and History is showcasing the whimsical, captivating creations of Shamma Murphy, a needle felting expert from Stony Brook. The Center is displaying a variety of her work, focusing on fanciful sheep and cows – “ewes and coos” (Scottish Highland cows that have long fur that hangs over their face), as well as other adorable creatures.
Shamma Murphy’s needle felted animals and flowers.
An experienced civil engineer, Murphy now works at a local horse farm promoting organic farming and gardening. A native of Port Washington, the artisan has lived in Stony Brook for more than 10 years. It is where she is raising her two teenagers and loves the sense of community that Stony Brook offers.
Murphy has always enjoyed making things and cross stitching and crocheting were her favorite winter hobbies until she discovered needle felting. Her passion for this craft has developed over the past two years. Murphy is fascinated by the process of needle felting.
“Poke a barbed needle into unspun wool as this ‘knits’ the fibers together compressing the wool into whatever shape you choose to sculpt. It is a dry process much like crocheting and knitting, using coarse wool in most cases. Wet felting, on the other hand, is ‘knitting’ the fibers together by agitating the wool with soapy water, and usually using a finer fiber like merino wool,” she said.
The supplies for this craft are wool and felting needles, which Murphy orders from England. She does get raw wool from a farm in Huntington that she processes herself.
According to Murphy, “I use wool that has been processed into a prespun form, one would use this to spin into yarn. Most of the time I use coarse wool with a high micron (fiber diameter) count. These types of wool needle felt quite nicely and you don’t see many needle marks at the end. For the finer coat of an animal, I will use a very fine merino wool, it is quite delicate, and due to its low micron count, it is rather difficult to needle felt well. The wool locks (wool that is delicately washed without any agitation, this enables the wool to keep its form) are from two different farms, one in New Jersey and the other in upstate New York, all are hand dyed by the shepherdess. Goat mohair locks and a tiny bit of alpaca is also locally sourced.”
Murphy is honored to be selected as artisan of the month. She noted that she never thought of herself as an artisan, but just enjoys crafting and creating cute things. She met Lois Reboli, founder and president of The Reboli Center, at the Center, and when Lois saw her beautiful and delightful pieces, she invited Murphy to be an artisan of the month.
The community will have a chance to meet Murphy at the Reboli Center’s Third Friday of the Month series on Jan. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Murphy will be the featured guest speaker at this free event and will discuss needle felting, sourcing sustainable materials, different types of fibers and provide a demonstration of her craft. A Q&A will follow. The Center will also sell kits for guests to purchase to make a felted heart – just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The Reboli Center is located at 64 Main Street in Stony Brook, and is open Tuesdays to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.
Catch a screening of 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' at the CAC on Jan. 8.
PROGRAMS
Crafternoons at the library
Stop by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Jan. 7 anytime between 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. to make a fun craft.Children ages 3 to 12 welcome (younger kids may need supervision). No registration required. Questions? Call 941-4080.
Trout Birthday Celebration
Head over to the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Trout Birthday Celebration on Jan. 8 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Meet the hatchery’s baby trout and don’t forget to bring a birthday card for the fish! Hatchery admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Call 516-692-6768 for more information.
Fossil Finds
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Fossil Finds, on Jan. 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. For ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Register at www.eventbrite.com or call 269-5351.
THEATER
‘The House That Jack Built’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson welcomes the New Year with The House That Jack Built, a delightful collection of stories, specially adapted for the youngest audiences from Jan. 21 to Feb. 4 with a sensory sensitive performance on Jan. 22. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Aesop’s Fables, the seven stories include The Fisherman and His Wife, Henny Penny, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, The Bremen Town Musicians, Stubborn as a Mule, The Lion and the Mouse That Returned a Favor, and The Tortoise and the Hare. This original musical features bold storytelling and a tuneful new score! Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holiday season with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. from Nov. 19 to Jan. 22 including Dec. 26 to Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Disney’s ‘Frozen Jr.’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater with Disney’s Frozen Jr. on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Feb. 4 to March 5. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
FILM
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Jan. 8 at noon. In New York, mysterious radioactive ooze has mutated four sewer turtles into talking, upright-walking, crime-fighting ninjas. The intrepid heroes – Michelangelo (Robbie Rist), Donatello (Corey Feldman), Raphael (Josh Pais) and Leonardo (Brian Tochi) – are trained in the Ninjutsu arts by their rat sensei, Splinter. When a villainous rogue ninja, who is a former pupil of Splinter, arrives and spreads lawlessness throughout the city, it’s up to the plucky turtles to stop him. Rated PG. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Award winning violinist Filip Pogady, above, joins virtuoso pianist Vassily Primakov in Ridotto’s New Year’s concert The Kreutzer Sonata on Jan. 8. Credit Fancy Box Photo 2021
Thursday Jan. 5
Disaster Preparedness program
Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport will host a Disaster Preparedness program by the New York National Guard’ Citizen Preparedness Corps at 6:30 p.m. New York National Guard service members will discuss developing a family emergency plan, what to do in the case of an active shooter situation, stocking up on supplies, and registering for NY-Alert, the free, statewide emergency alert system. Participants will receive the knowledge and tools to help prepare for emergencies, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible. Open to all. Register by calling 261-6930.
Friday Jan. 6
Game Day at the Library
New! Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will now be offering Game Days for adults every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. The Library provides the space, tables, and chairs, and participants may bring their friends and a favorite board or card game to the Vincent R. O’Leary Community Room on the Library’s lower level to play. The Library also has 2 Mahjong sets available upon request (you must supply your own cards). No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 631-941-4080.
Winter Lantern Festival
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Jan. 7 and 8 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolk-winter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.
Saturday Jan. 7
Winter Lantern Festival
See Jan. 6 listing.
Caleb Smith Hike
Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for a New Year’s hike to explore the meandering trails of the park from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Bring a camera for some winter wonderland pictures. Dress for the weather. $4 per person. Call 265-1054 for reservations.
Whaleboat Chats
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor kicks off itsnew monthly “Whale Boat Chats” surrounding the star of the museum’s permanent collection, the 19th century whaleboat Daisy, at noon and again at 1 p.m. These educator-led gallery talks around the whaleboat will share the story of whaling on Long Island and in Cold Spring Harbor specifically. Visitors will learn that people have been hunting whales here on Long Island for thousands of years. Free with admission to the museum of $6 adults, $5 children and seniors. Call 367-3418.
Sunday Jan. 8
Port Jefferson Farmers Market
The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market kicks off today at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held every Sunday through April 30. For more information, call 473-4778.
Huntington Farmers Market
The John J. Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March with over 40 vendors plus guest vendors. Visit www.longislandfarmersmarkets.com.
Caumsett Park Hike
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a 5-mile hike through the center section of the park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $4 per person. Call 423-1770 for reservations.
Randy Jackson
Randy Jackson in concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes Randy Jackson Randy Jackson from the band Zebra in concert at 2 p.m. Jackson will be performing to kick off the New Year performing a solo acoustic set on the main stage in the Exhibition Hall. Free for members; non-members is included with regular admission ticket; no extra charge. More details and for tickets visit: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/
Ridotto concert
Ridotto (concerts with a touch of theater) continues its 31st season at the Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington with a performance of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata by virtuoso violinist Filip Pogady and pianist Vassily Primakov with narration and slides by Margaretha Maimone at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors, $25 members $12 students. For reservations, call 385-0373, or email [email protected]
Monday Jan. 9
Community Blood Drive
Got a little time to spare? Spend it saving lives! Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Community Blood Drive today from 2 to 8 p.m. Call 421-5835 or email [email protected] for more information.
Film Noir Classics
Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of the Film Noir Classic, Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950) with a post-film discussion hosted by Professor Foster Hirsch at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday Jan. 10
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes Dr. Sara Danzi, Associate professor of Biology at Queensborough Community College in Bayside, to the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Dr. Danzi will provide a beginner’s view of the Human Genome and human origins. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.
Weaving with Wine
The Huntington Historical Society will hold a Beginner Weaving workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. In the era before the advent of factories, skilled weavers spun flax and wool into yarn for clothing. This fun program offers a chance to learn to weave using a traditional manual table loom. At the end of class, you will have a piece of fabric to bring home. You supply the wine, they will provide the weaving, glasses and light refreshments. $45 per person. To register, call 427-7045 x 404 or email [email protected].
Wednesday Jan. 11
No events listed for this day.
Thursday Jan. 12
Lunch & Learn
Huntington Historical Society kicks off its Lunch & Learn series in the new year with Reflections on Women in Long Island at Encore Luxury Living, 300 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dr. Natalie Naylor will present an overview of Long Island women’s roles in colonial settlements, the Revolution, religion and community activities. Lunch will be served. $50 per person, $45 members. RSVP by Jan. 9 at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Movie Trivia Night
Join the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor for a virtual Movie Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Casual film lovers and buffs are invited to join the museum staff online for a night of cinematic fun. From Seinfeld to Star Wars, enjoy trivia about people, places, music, and famous maritime moments inspired by TV and film. Work solo, or form a team for the chance to win Narwhal Ball tickets and guest passes. $10 suggested donation. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Join the Cinema Arts Centre for a Sky Room Talk about Elvis on Jan. 12.
Sky Room Talk
Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Sky Room Talk titled Elvis Movies: A Closer Look at 8 p.m. Could you see Elvis Presley cast as Hamlet or Abraham Lincoln? The words “Elvis Movie” conjures up images of a Technicolor Elvis singing for surfer girls, children and animals. Elvis Presley’s better films display memorable, stellar filmmaking, and some remarkable, often believable performances by the King of Rock and Roll. Film historian Glenn Andreiev returns to the Cinema with a fresh look at those enjoyable and sometimes surprising Elvis Presley movies. Tickets are $17. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘Mostly True Things’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 East Main St., Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, 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. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only). Visit www.mostlytruethings.com.
‘The Sweet Delilah Swim Club’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with The Sweet Delilah Swim Club from Jan. 14 to Feb. 4. This hilarious and touching show features five very different but deeply connected Southern women whose friendships began on their college swim team. Each summer they meet for a reunion at the same beach cottage in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Visiting them on four weekends over thirty-three years, we learn of their lives, loves, and losses. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St.. Northport presents Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from Jan. 19 to March 5. Con artist Lawrence Jameson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions–that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson, shows up. When the new guy’s lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jameson resolves to get rid of him. Based on the uproarious movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels boasts a jazzy-pop score by David Yazbek, who also wrote the music for The Full Monty. Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Film
‘The Mummy’
As part of its Night Owl Cinema series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of The Mummy (1999) on Jan. 6 at 9:30 p.m. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz star in the cult classic that follows adventurer Rick O’Connell (Fraser), who discovers the hidden ruins of Hamunaptra. Returning with an archaeological expedition, the mummy of High Priest Imhotep wakes after 3,000 years and begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love. Tickets are $15 per person. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Jerry & Marge Go Large’
Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport will screen Jerry & Marge Go Large on Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Based on the true story about long married couple Jerry and Marge Selbee who win the lottery and use the money to revive their small town. Starring Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening. Rated PG-13. To register, call 261-6930.
* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
This week’s shelter pets are guinea pigs Hubert aka Hubie, Schubert aka Schubie and Dubois aka Dubie, currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
These 3 guinea pigs are all males of unknown ages. They are a bit dominant together, so they can be adopted separately. All three were abandoned in Blydenburgh Park and left to fend for themselves. This is certain death for a guinea pig! Luckily, a Good Samaritan witnessed it and called it in.
Hubert is the tan and white – shy and gentle
Schubert is tri-colored (calico) very curious and vocal, he is still nervous about pets but will take treat from people and sniff/nibble on fingers. He is the largest
Dubois is the smallest of the trio and is the most active/playful. He will run and hop about the cage and is really beginning to enjoy head scratches.
The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
**Please note the Smithtown Animal Shelter is not equipped to handle anything other than dogs/cats but as all rescues were full, they are holding these guinea pigs until they can get a place for them.
Catch a screening of 'The Addams Family' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Jan 1 at noon.
PROGRAMS
Holiday Open Play
Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson for a Holiday Open Play on Dec. 29 and 30 and Jan. 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. Celebrate STEM, Space, and Math with hands-on activities, crafts, and more with admission fee. Call 331-3277 or visit www.longislandexplorium.org.
Holiday Break at the Hatchery
Enjoy your holiday break with a visit to the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor to make homemade playdough on Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., take a 1/2 mile New Year’s Day Hike on Jan. 1 at 11 a.m.,and learn to identify animal tracks and make your very own track to take home on Jan. 2. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activity will be held outdoors and are free with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Call 516-692-6768 for more information.
Holiday Discovery Days
Holiday Discovery Days are back at Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown from Dec. 26 to 30. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators will help open up the wonders of the natural world for children ages 6 to 11 through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more with a different theme each day.$85/day or $375/week. For further details and to register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. Call 979-6344 for more info.
Toys, Toys, Toys!
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor presents a drop-in program, Toys, Toys, Toys!, on Dec. 30 from noon to 3 p.m. Thinking about toys this season? Find out what kids were playing with in nineteenth-century America — and nothing needed charging! Play with a range of historic toys, then create and decorate some old-fashioned toys to take home with you. Cost is admission fee plus $10. Call 367-3418.
FILM
‘The Addams Family’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Addams Family on Jan 1 at noon. When a man (Christopher Lloyd) claiming to be Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams (Raul Julia), arrives at the Addams’ home, the family is thrilled. However, Morticia (Anjelica Huston) begins to suspect the man is a fraud, since he cannot recall details of Fester’s life. With the help of lawyer Tully Alford (Dan Hedaya), Fester manages to get the Addams clan evicted from their home. Gomez realizes the two men are conspiring to swindle the Addams fortune and that he must challenge Fester. Rated PG-13. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
THEATER
‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents the holiday musical Barnaby Saves Christmas on Dec. 29 and 30 at 11 a.m. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holiday season with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. on Dec. 29 and 30 at 1 p.m. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Frosty’
A perennial favorite, Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on Dec. 29 and 30 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com
Catch one of the final performances of Theatre Three's 'A Christmas Carol'. The show closes on Dec. 30.
Thursday Dec. 29
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, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 473-4778 for more information.
Whaleboat Chats
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor kicks off itsnew monthly “Whale Boat Chats” surrounding the star of the museum’s permanent collection, the 19th century whaleboat Daisy, at noon and again at 1 p.m. These educator-led gallery talks around the whaleboat will share the story of whaling on Long Island and in Cold Spring Harbor specifically. Visitors will learn that people have been hunting whales here on Long Island for thousands of years. Free with admission to the museum of $6 adults, $5 children and seniors. Call 367-3418.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Splish Splash Water Park, 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton hosts its 5th annual Riverhead Holiday Light Show through Dec. 31. The 25-minute drive-thru event features hundreds of dazzling, never-before-seen holiday themed displays, and music sync’d to lights. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per car. For more information, visit www.holidaylightshow.com or call 727-3600.
Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show
Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley will host the 19th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show tonight and Dec. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. The drive-thru event features more than a mile of illuminated holiday-themed displays. This year, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County have added 5 exhibits that were conceptualized by local, award-winning Girl Scouts. $25 per car. Tickets can be purchased at the gate with a credit card or visit www.gssclightshow.com.
Friday Dec. 30
Festival of Trees
See Dec. 29 listing.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 29 listing.
Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 29 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolk-winter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.
Poets in Port
First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main Street, Northport hosts the Northport Arts Coalition’s Poets in Port at 7:30 p.m. with a read around open mic. All ages are encouraged to attend and participate. Free admission. Visit www.northportarts.org for more information.
Saturday Dec. 31
Festival of Trees
See Dec. 29 listing.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 29 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 30 listing.
New Year’s Eve hike
Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a New Year’s Eve Hike at Prosser Pines Nature Preserve, 67 Yaphank Middle Island Rd, Middle Island at 10 a.m. Patricia Paladines will lead the hike through Long Island’s only white pine forest, considered one of the oldest surviving White Pine Plantations to exist on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Meet in the parking lot. Register at [email protected]
New Year’s Laughin’ Eve
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will host two comedy performances for their 14th annual New Year’s Laughin’ Eve celebration: an early bird show at 6 p.m. and a prime time show at 8 p.m. Hosted by Paul Anthony, this year’s national headliners include Rich Walker, Eric Tartaglione, and John Ziegler. Beer, wine, soda and snacks will be available for purchase and are welcome in the theater during the show. Early bird tickets are $55 per person, while tickets to the prime show are $65 per person available for purchase at www.theatrethree.com or by calling 928-9100.
New Year’s Eve Comedy Night
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown, hosts a New Year’s Eve Comedy Night in partnership with Governor’s Comedy Clubs starting at 10 p.m. Headlining the SPAC show is Chris Monty of CBS’ “Kevin Can Wait,” along with featured act Tony Landolfi, guest performer Debbie D’Amore and emcee Mary Capone. Tickets are $70 for SPAC members and $75 for general admission. The show includeshors d’oeuvres, an open bar of beer and wine, and a champagne toast at midnight. To purchase tickets, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Sunday Jan. 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 30 listing.
First Day Hike
Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a First Day Hike at 10:30 a.m. From the beach and the marsh, to the creek and the forest, comehike through a sampling of the different habitats that Sunken Meadow State Park has to offer! Held rain or shine. $4 per person. Reservations can be made here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nys-parks-long-island-environmental-education-33908178297. For more information, call 581-1072 or 269-4333.
Monday Jan. 2
Movie Trivia Night
Do you know a lot about movies? Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night hosted by Dan French at 8 p.m. Answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well. Tickets are $10 per person. Visit www.cinemaartcentre.org to register.
Tuesday Jan. 3
NSJC Social Club welcomes Mark Eisemann – just added!
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes guitarist and singer Mark Eisemann to the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Enjoy a selection of classic rock, folk, country and a touch of Dixieland. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.
Wednesday Jan. 4
Healthy Eating program – just added!
Huntington Public Library will host an online program, Starting the New Year with Healthy Eating, via Zoom at 11 a.m. Stephanie Schiff, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Northwell Health’s Huntington Hospital, will discuss nutrition and wellness goals for the New Year. Ms. Schiff has been a featured speaker on 1010 WINS and News12 Long Island. This program is co-sponsored by the public libraries in the Town of Huntington. Registration is required by clicking here. Open to all. For more information, call 427-5165.
Thursday Jan. 5
No events listed for this day.
Film
‘Die Hard’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a Night Owl Cinema special screening of Die Hard starring Bruce Willis on Dec. 30 at 9:30 p.m. It’s Christmas Eve, and New York Detective John McClane is in L.A. visiting his estranged wife and children. At her holiday office party the festivities are interrupted by a group of German terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise and begin taking hostages. McClane is the only one who can save them from criminal mastermind Hans Gruber. Tickets are $15. To order, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘A Christmas Carol’
“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spiriton Dec. 29 and 30. at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘A Christmas Story’
The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical through Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Mostly True Things’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 East Main St., Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, 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. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only). Visit www.mostlytruethings.com.
Whaleboat Chats
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