The team had a good day on Saturday but fell on Sunday.
Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
After knockingoff the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Feb. 11, the Stony Brook softball team (2-3, 0-0 CAA) took the diamond for the final day of the FAU Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, FL on Feb. 12.
In their first game of the day, the Seawolves were shutout by the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1, 0-0 Big Ten). In their second game, the Seawolves put together a late two-out rally in the seventh inning, but ultimately fell to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (2-3, 0-0 A10), 6-3. Stony Brook scraped across two runs with two outs in the final frame.
“It was great to open play in such a competitive tournament and we have a lot of good take-a-ways from the weekend. The two wins yesterday were special, each for different reasons. We struggled offensively today to get anything going and had a couple poor defensive innings. We have a good idea of where our team is, however, and will go back to work on our game to keep our process moving forward,” said head coach Megan T. Bryant.
The team will return to the diamond on Feb. 24, when it plays in the Norfolk/Hampton Battle at the Bay against Buffalo and Norfolk State.
ROCK LEGENDS LIVE!
Join the Cinema Arts Centre for a Jimi Hendrix 80th Birthday Celebration on Feb. 22.
Thursday Feb. 16
Atelier webinar
Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for a free zoom lecture and demonstration titled “Is It Watercolor or Acrylic? It’s Gouache!”at 7 p.m. Learn the basics of how to use this versatile medium with instructor Beth Drucker. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.
Vanderbilt Lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series with a presentation with noted historian Benjamin Carp who will explore the Great New York Fire of 1776. Carp’s book on the devastating fire,The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution, is forthcoming from Yale University Press. Tickets are $10 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
An evening of jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents The Bad Little Big Band, a 12-piece big band featuring vocalist Madeline Kole, directed by composer, arranger, pianist Rich Iacona, from 7 to 9:30p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 6 and up. To order, visitwww.thejazzloft.org.
Friday Feb. 17
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson continuesitsWintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a performance by Safra Levitan (sultry vocals with a jazz flavor) in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.
Saturday Feb. 18
Superheroes of the Sky
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky rom 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y). Visit www.sweetbriarnc.org to register.
Symphony Orchestra concert
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra in concert on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Led by conductor Michelle Merrill, the orchestra brings masterpieces from the 20th century to the present in this amazing concert, opening with Dai Wei’s brilliant and delightfully energetic new work, The Dancing Moonlight. The centerpiece of the evening will be Shostakovich’s powerful Cello Concerto No. 1, featuring cellist Zhihao Wu, and they will conclude with selections from Prokofiev’s beloved Romeo and Juliet. Tickets range from $10 to $20. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Sunday Feb. 19
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.
Port Jefferson Farmers Market
The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 30. Featuring over 20 vendors. Call 631-473-4778.
Hoyt Farm Maple Sugaring
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, 200 New Highway, Commack hosts a Maple Sugaring program today from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn about the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists. Tickets are $5 per person (cash only.) The class is open to both residents and non-residents. It is recommended that guests arrive by 1 p.m. to register. For more information, call 543-7804.
Maple Sugaring at Caumsett
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington presents a Maple Sugaring program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This interactive program will teach you how to identify and tap a maple tree so you can make real maple syrup at home. You will also learn the culture, historical, economical, and scientific background of this uniquely American Craft. Very short walk. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.
Sunken Meadow Hike
Did you know that the Greenbelt Trail makes it’s northernmost stop in Sunken Meadow State Park? Along its way, the Greenbelt follows the edge of the bluffs, for some amazing views of the Long Island Sound. Join the staff at Sunken Meadow, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a venture up through the woods for a walk along some of these high ground trails from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This is a moderate level hike with some hills. Bring water and good walking shoes/boots. Ages 8 and up. $4 per person. To register, visit EventBrite.com. For more information, call 269-4333
LITMA Contradance
Join the Long Island Traditional Music Associationfor a contradance at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 East Main St., Smithtown from 2 to 5 p.m.with caller Jim Gregory and music by the LITMA Contraband. Basic instruction starts at1:45 p.m. $15 per person, $10 LITMA members, students half price, children under 16 free with paid adult. Questions? Call 369-7854.
SUNDAY STREET CONCERT The Long Island Museum hosts a concert with Joe Jencks (above) and Rod MacDonald in the Carriage Museum on Feb. 19.
Sunday Street Concert
WUSB’s Sunday Street Series continuesin the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room at The Long Island Museum 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook with a folk concert featuring Joe Jencks and Rod MacDonald at 3 p.m. Tickets are $ 25 advance sale until Feb. 17 at www.sundaystreet.org; $30 (cash only) at the door.
Monday Feb. 20
Culper Spy Ring lecture
The Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket (or via Zoom) with a presentation titled New Culper Spy Ring Resources Revealed at 7 p.m.Author and historian Mark Sternberg will discuss primary sources related to the Culper Spy Ring he has uncovered in the last few years (including a new reveal). He will also talk about the importance of returning to known sources to find new details historians have missed to obtain the clearest picture yet of the Revolution in our area. Suggested donation, free for members. To register, visit www.tvhs.org or call 751-3730.
Tuesday Feb. 21
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes guest speaker Dr. Howard Schneider, Executive Director of the Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University School of Journalism, who will provide insight into “How To Be a Smart News Consumer” 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.
Blockbuster Broadway
The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport presents Blockbuster Broadway at 8 p.m. Come experience all the show-stopping tunes you love from Broadway’s biggest hits! Spend an evening with songs from Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Annie, Jersey Boys, The Sound of Music, Chicago, CATS, The Lion King and A Chorus Line performed by some of New York’s top vocalists. It’s the ultimate show tune extravaganza! Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday Feb. 22
Rock Legends Live!
Join Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington as they celebrate Black History Month with a special tribute to the 1960s music legend Jimi Hendrix at 7:30 p.m. This special event celebrating Hendrix’s legendary achievements will include rare film clips of Hendrix in concert as well as a lecture by famous Hendrix expert historian and musician Jimy Bleu, who has spent a lifetime keeping the Hendrix legacy alive. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Thursday Feb. 23
Port Talks with Andrew Fortier
The Space at Port Jefferson, 234 Traders Cove, Port Jefferson hosts a Port Talks live podcast with songwriter/storyteller Andrew Fortier at 6:30 p.m. Come hear Fortier’s unique perspective to life, love and music, get creatively inspired and take part in a live Q&A. Tickets are $10. Pre-register at www.portjefftalks.com.
Art reception
Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket invites the community to an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Inhabitations: Recent Work by Lautaro Cuttica, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit runs through April 9. For more information, call 751-2676.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming from 7 to 8:45 p.m.Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798 for more information.
Theater
‘Side By Side By Sondheim’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Side By Side By Sondheim from Feb. 18 to 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, get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with this delightful musical revue. 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.
‘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.
Festival of One-Act Plays
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from February 25 through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 250 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. Please Note: Adult content and language. All 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, click here or call 451-4163.
‘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.
Phone numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
Vendors Wanted
■ First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts an Indoor Yard Sale in CE Hall on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Snow date March 4) Do you have things kicking around your garage/basement/attic/closets, but not enough for a full-blown yard sale? Rent a table and two folding chairs for $35 and sell your treasures. For more information, call 631-261-2150.
■ Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its annual Community Wide Yard & Antiques Sale on May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Rain date May 21) Each 10×10 space is available for patrons to rent to sell their own garage sale/flea market/thrift shop items. Fee is $40, $25 for TVHS members. For more information or to register, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.
■ Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills is accepting applications for its 53rd annual Art in the Park at Heckscher Park in Huntington on June 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The juried show is open to all artists, crafts people, photographers and printmakers. Original art work only. Deadline to register is May 15. For more information, visit www.artleagueli.org.
■ Hallockville Musem Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead seeks vendors for its annual Fleece & Fiber Festival on May 20 (rain date May 21) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring fiber arts and crafts by independent artisans. Deadline to register is April 15. To apply, visit hallockville.org/fiberfest/
■ Vendor applications are now available for the Three Village Farmers and Artisan Market on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket each Friday from May 26 to Sept. 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 8 to Oct. 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. The market features produce, crafts, food trucks, live music and more. Market fee is $550 for 10×10 space for 22 weeks, $50 for one day pop-up. For further details, visit www.tvhs.org or email [email protected].
Ward Melville High School earned first place in the regional High School Science Bowl on Feb. 3. From left, team members Benjamin Zhang, Anna Xing, Benjamin Proothi, Michael Melikyan, and Rithik Sogal. Photo from BNL
Hunter College Campus Schools team Max Levin, Gabriel Fang, Kieran Torpey, Camille Pimentel, and Andres Fischer placed first in the middle school competition on Feb. 2. Photo from BNL
Middle School Second Place Winners: R.C. Murphy Junior High School — Menghan Tang, Willem Van der Velden, Harry Gao, Kayla Harte and Gabrielle Wong. Photo from BNL
Middle School Third Place Winners: John F. Kennedy Middle School Team 1 — Aiden Karp, Maya Swierupski, Jayden Brun, Chaeten Modgil, and Ryan Perovich. Photo from BNL
Hunter College Campus Schools and Ward Melville High School took the top spots in the Long Island Regional Science Bowl competitions hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. The fast-paced question-and-answer contest quizzed students on chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, astronomy, and general, earth, and computer science.
Science Bowl alumni Suraj Muralidharan, Stephanie Zhang, and Amanda Chen volunteered at the 2023 competitions.
This year, the regional middle and high school events returned to an in-person, head-to-head tournament at the Laboratory after going virtual for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. About 80 volunteers including BNL staff, community members, and past Science Bowl participants helped out this year.
“Brookhaven’s Office of Educational Programs was so excited to welcome students back onsite for a full day of competition and science learning,” said Amanda Horn, a Brookhaven Lab educator who coordinated the events. “This competition provides students with a unique opportunity to show off their science skills and knowledge, and learn about the Lab as well as the DOE.”
Hunter College and Ward Melville’s first place wins in the middle school and high school competitions, respectively, secured each team an all-expenses paid trip to compete at DOE’s National Science Bowl finals scheduled for April 27 to May 1 in Washington, D.C.
The DOE created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. Approximately 330,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl® throughout its 32-year history, and it is one of the nation’s largest science competitions.
“The National Science Bowl® is an extraordinary competition that brings together young minds across America through science and technology,” said Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, DOE Office of Science Director, “and I would like to congratulate the Hunter College Campus Middle School and Ward Melville High School teams as they advance to the National Finals! Good luck to you — our future scientists, visionaries, and leaders!”
Middle School Science Bowl Results
First Place: The regional middle school event held on Feb. 2 was open to teams from New York City schools in addition to schools on Long Island. Under the guidance of coaches Jennifer Kasanuki and Christopher Torpey, a team from Hunter College Campus Schools of NYC — Kieran Torpey, Gabriel Fang, Max Levin, Andres Fischer and Camille Pimentel — earned a back-to-back win for their school after being tied halfway through the final round against R.C. Murphy Junior High School of Stony Brook.
“It feels really great,” said Hunter College team captain and eighth grader Kieran Torpey. “We’ve studied really hard for this. I love science and to know a lot of science is really great.”
Second Place: R.C. Murphy Junior High School — Harry Gao, Gabrielle Wong, Menghan Tang, Willem Van der Velden, Kayla Harte (Coaches: Jillian Visser and Emily Chernakoff)
Third Place: John F. Kennedy Middle School Team 1 — Chaeten Modgil, Maya Swierupski, Jayden Brun, Aiden Karp, Ryan Perovich (Coach: Steven Nielsen)
Fourth Place: NYC Lab Middle School for Collaborative Studies Team 1 — Ryan Casey, Jonathan Lin, Vince Liao, Kolbi Canell, Daniel Berkovich (Coaches: Faithe Theresa Yates and Eva Deffenbaugh)
High School Science Bowl Results
First Place: Competing against 23 other teams, Ward Melville High School of East Setauket secured their first-place win in a second-round showdown against Great Neck South High School on Feb. 3.
Under the guidance of Coach Philip Medina, team members — Benjamin Proothi, Rithik Sogal, Anna Xing, Benjamin Zhang and Michael Melikyan — went undefeated in their first four round robin matches and reached the double-elimination finals where they faced a team from Great Neck.
Great Neck gave them their first lost, but Ward Melville High School pulled through during the tiebreaker round where they surged ahead with a rally of several questions and bonus points — an intense, yet exciting way to win.
“We didn’t really know exactly what the score was,” said Ben Proothi. “We just felt like we were ahead by a little bit, so we took the chance and ran out the clock.”
“It’s incredible,” said team captain and junior Michael Melikyan. “We’ve always been fighting Great Neck South for a top spot, and they’ve always been taking it. They always have a strong team and incredible people and we’re just happy we finally managed to pull through. We’re very grateful and very proud to be going [to the National Science Bowl].”
This marks the first time in six years Ward Melville High School has qualified for the national tournament. “They’re an amazing group of people. I have no idea how they know this stuff, it’s incredible. They were working so well under pressure. I’m very proud of them,” added Coach Medina.
Second Place: Great Neck South High School — Richard Zhuang, Laura Zhang, Brandon Kim, Eric Pei, Erin Wong (Coaches: James Truglio and Nicole Spinelli)
Third Place: Farmingdale Senior High School — Waseem Ahmad, Ali Ahmad, Madhav Rapelli, Bevis Jiang, Rayan Adamjee, (Coach: Ashley Arroyo)
Fourth Place: Jericho Senior High School — Derek Minn, Natasha Kulviwat, He Xuan, Ashwin Narayanan, Brendan Shek (Coaches: Samantha Sforza and Emily Umile)
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Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Educational Programs (OEP) organized science fun for students throughout both competition days with a STEM Expo, tour, and additional science challenge. Staff and visiting students offered hands-on science demonstrations that included a cloud chamber that revealed electron tracks, sound and light sensitive microcontrollers, tricky engineering attempts, and robotic building blocks.
Science Bowl teams that did not move on to the competitions’ final double elimination rounds had the chance to get an up-close look at the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), a DOE Office of Science User Facility for nuclear physics research. STAR, which weighs 1,200 tons and is as large as a house, tracks thousands of particles produced by ion collisions at RHIC to uncover clues about the universe in the moments after the Big Bang.
Teams also competed in a STEM Challenge, racing against the clock and each other to solve science and math puzzles to break several locks on boxes filled with treats. Among participating middle schools, Elmont Memorial High School earned first place, Sayville Middle School took second, and Great Neck South Team 1 placed third.
Long Beach High School completed the STEM Challenge first among participating high schools, followed by General Douglas Macarthur Senior High School, then Lynbrook Senior High School. Long Beach student Sam Adler used the periodic table to crack the code for one of the team’s final locks.
“It was so much fun,” Adler said. “I was so stressed during the competition itself and this was all good fun.”
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER
Come meet special guest Elsa at the Whaling Museum's Narwhal Ball on Feb. 19.
PROGRAMS
Tracks & Traces
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Tracks & Traces, on Feb. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. What made that footprint? Who’s burrow could this be? What was this animal eating? Children will become nature detectives as they unravel the clues left behind by the park’s wildlife. Create a tracks & traces book filled with your favorite local animal tracks! $4 per child. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054.
Fleece to Fiber
Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank presents a program titled Fleece to Fiber on Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon. Sheep are just one of the fabulous creatures that provide us with fiber. Participants will discover some other sources like llamas, goats and rabbits and spend time manipulating sheep wool. They will get up close with the animals that help keep us warm while learning how wool travels from sheep to sweater and take a wagon ride around the farm. For ages 5 and up. $15 per child w/adult. To register, call 727-7850.
Superheroes of the Sky
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky on Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y). Visit www.sweetbriarnc.org to register.
Open Play at the Explorium
Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson for Open Play on Feb. 18 and 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. with hands-on activities, crafts, and more. Admission is $5 per person, Long Island Explorium members and children under 1 are free. Call 331-3277.
Crafternoon at the library
Stop by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Feb. 18 anytime between 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for a winter-themed “Crafternoon”! Children ages 3 to 12 welcome (younger kids may need supervision). No registration required. Questions? Call 941-4080.
Narwhal Ball
You are cordially invited to a magical wintry Narwhal Ball at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Come explore the icy world of narwhals and polar sea creatures. Create frosty crafts, see a narwhal tusk and whale blubber, take part in Storytime with Elsa, try an arctic scavenger hunt, and enjoy complimentary ice cream. Tickets are $8 adults; $6 seniors; $20 children ages 2 to 17 in advance, $25 at the door. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418for more information.
Arctic Adventures
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program, Arctic Adventures, on Feb. 23 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 and their parents will connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Register at www.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 269-4333.
THEATER
A Royal Princess Party
Hear ye, hear ye! The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will host a Princess Party SingAlong: A Villainous Tale of Magic on Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 20 to 24 at 1 p.m. The princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. Princesses, princes, and royal families of all ages are welcome to attend but must be with an adult at all times. A special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $16 per person. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Illustration by Heather Kuhn
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, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family, 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.
FILM
‘Little Giants’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! Series with a screening of Little Giants on Feb. 19 at noon. When the local football team rejects Becky (Shawna Waldron), because she’s a girl, she convinces her dad (Rick Moranis) to start a rival team, though the city can support only one. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
WINTER BREAK CAMPS
Here are some fun and educational ways for your kids to enjoy winter break:
Art League of Long Island
Children ages 5 to 12 can take part in the Art League of Long Island’s Young Artists’ Vacation Art Adventure, 107 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills from Feb. 21 to 23. Classes offered include Cartoons, Sculptures & Paints (ages 6 to 8); Creative Cartooning (ages 8-12); Realistic Drawing (ages 8-12); The Magic of Color (ages 5-7); Ceramic Hand Building (ages 6 to 10); and Book and Brush Painting (ages 5 to 7). Teen classes are available too. Call 462-5400 to register.
Benner’s Farm
Ever wonder what it’s like to be on a real working farm in the winter? Kids ages 7 to 14 can enjoy winter break at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket on Feb. 20, 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn how to make maple syrup, help care for the animals and more. Snacks provided. Bring lunch. $80 per day, $210 for three days. To register, call -689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold several winter break events from Feb. 20 to 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paint with Ice, make snow that won’t melt, make gooey slime and more. Visit www.cshfishhatchery.org for full schedule. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 kids ages 3 to 12.
Hallockville Museum Farm
Winter on the Farm Camp is back at Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead from Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids ages 5+ will learn farm animal care, museum history, and winter farm activities like cooking, crafts, and games! $250 for all 4 days; $75/day for drop-ins; $25 sibling discount. For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.farmhandsnorthfork.com/winteronthefarm
Huntington Historical Society
Children in grades 2-6 can join the Huntington Historical Society at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington for a variety of hands-on history activities, including learning traditional weaving techniques and Presidents Day-themed crafts, games and activities on Feb. 20 and 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Fee is $70. Call 427-7045, ext. 404 to register.
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
On Feb. 20 and 22 from 10 a.m. to noon children in grades K through 3 can take part in several workshops at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Learning Center, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Participants will create a mixed media “selfie” portrait on Monday and make a bulb-forcing container with paperwhite narcissus on Wednesday. $20 per child. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Sweetbriar Nature Center
Winter Discovery Days are back at Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown from Feb. 20 to Feb. 24 with daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week. For children ages 6 to 11. $75/Day or $325/Week for members; $85/Day or 375/Week for Non-members. Visit www.sweetbriarnc.org to register. For more information, call 979-6344.
All numbers in (631)area code unless otherwise noted.
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, has announced that it will holding an art show and auction on Thursday, May 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at its facilities located at 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia. The Stable Spirits Art Show and Auction Fundraiser will feature the artwork of local artists of all ages and art mediums and styles. In addition to the art show and auction, the event will include a selection of wines from local vineyards paired with smallbites by Sommelier Jun Xi Chen, assisted by restaurant professionals and fellow Culinary Institute of America graduate, Megan Henne. Event ticket prices are $60.
“We are very excited to give local artists an opportunity to show their work, while also helping Pal-O-Mine raise funds for our new 2,000 square foot educational center, which will expand our on-site therapy and vocational services,” said Pal-O-Mine founder and CEO Lisa Gatti. Under the guidance of Splashes of Hope artists, attendees will also participate in an interactive mural process creating art to hang in the new center.
For artists interested in participating, they can submit three to five pieces by completing a submission form and emailing images of their artwork. The deadline for all submissions is March 15. Artists will be notified of acceptance by email on March 17. Artists must agree to donate 20% of each sale made at the event to Pal-O-Mine and donate one piece of art to Pal-O-Mine for use in future fundraisers.
Accepted artists will drop off their work at Pal-O-Mine on Tuesday, May 2 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each artist will have space in one of Pal-O-Mine’s barn stalls to display their art. Tables and professional lighting will be provided for artists’ use during the event.Artists must bring any additional display materials they require (e.g., tablecloths, easels, display boards, etc.). Each pieces should be priced between $200-$500.The art pick-up date is Friday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. To access the submission form, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2teQWHilkRlAq1YgV8iDzlUpN-KK8jZAGh7Btrq-edxuqzQ/viewform
The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Third Friday series on Feb. 17 with a presentation titled The Enchanted Islands — Galapagos with guest speakers Carl Safina and Patricia Paladines from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The volcanic islands 600 miles west of the Pacific coast of South America have lured humans for hundreds of years. In 1535 a Spanish galleon carrying the Bishop of Panama found itself drifting helplessly in a no-wind situation near the islands. The crew, including the Bishop—finding themselves running out of water—staggered ashore. For two days they searched the land of black rocks finding nothing to alleviate their thirst. In desperation they began eating the island’s cacti, squeezing out the water these succulent plants retain. Unimpressed with the volcanic oasis that saved his life, the Bishop wrote in his journal that what earth the islands have, “is like a slag, worthless.”
Herman Melville also passed through the Galapagos aboard the whaler Acushnet, drawing inspiration for his most famous novel, Moby-Dick. But the most paradigm shifting visit was made 300 years after the cactus eating Bishop, with the arrival of Charles Darwin aboard the Beagle. His observations in the Galapagos Islands changed the way we understand the origins of life. But at first arrival, Darwin did not immediately see the beauty in the animals that greeted him. Upon seeing the islands’ endemic marine iguana, he noted, “The black Lava rocks on the beach are frequented by large…most disgusting, clumsy Lizards…They are as black as the porous rocks over which they crawl.”
As the world celebrates Charles Darwin’s 224th birthday this month, Safina and Paladines will share their personal observations of the enchanting islands, the unique life forms that inhabit the rugged landscape, and the conservation efforts that now protect this crucible of evolutionary understanding.
This family-friendly event is free to the public and no reservations are required to attend. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.
Welcome to the 14th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!
Meow & Minion
Meet Meow & Minion
These two brothers were going door to door crying to get into people’s homes until a Good Samaritan brought them to the Smithtown Animal Shelter in December. Estimated to be approximately 7 months old, they are shy at first but incredibly sweet once they decide to trust you. Minion had a bad injury that led to the loss of his eye, but he is happy and healthy otherwise. These siblings are bonded and would like to be adopted together if possible. For more information or to set up a meet and greet, call 631-360-7575.
Nichie
Meet Nichie
This adorable and sweet girl is looking for love. She was brought to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter by an Animal Control Officer after being taken out of a bad situation. She arrived a bit shy and nervous, but she has so many friends now and has really come a long way with socialization. Currently she is available and actively looking for her soul-mate. Nichie is playful and energetic yet gentle and affectionate. She is a big girl, very strong, not a jumper, and loves attention and toys.
Nichie is continuing to work on her social skills, loves her dog bed, sits on command and is very treat motivated. She will do best with kids over the age of 16 as she can be hand shy and shows mild bone guarding. No cats please and she will require a meet and greet with a dog. Nichie is 62.6 pounds, three years young, up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and heartworm negative. If you would like to meet her, please visit www.Brookhavenny.gov/AnimalShelter and submit a matchmaker application or call 631-451-6955.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.
Meet Bonnie
Bonnie is a 2-year-old, female pittie mix currently up for adoption at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. This sweetheart is gentle, good with kids ages 10 and up, and prefers to be the only pet in the home. She will give you so much love that you won’t need another four-legged friend. She is a snuggle bug and loves every person she meets! If you are interested in meeting Bonnie, please visit www.Brookhavenny.gov/AnimalShelter and submit a matchmaker application or call 631-451-6955.
Check out the next Paw Printsin the issue of March 9.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.
Obesity can reduce the benefits of supplementation
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
Here in the Northeast, it’s the time of year when colder temperatures mean we’re spending lots of time indoors. When we are outside, we cover most of our skin to protect us from the cold. This means we’re not getting a lot of sun. While this will make your dermatologist happy, it also means you’re probably not converting that sun exposure to vitamin D3.
There is no question that, if you have low levels of vitamin D, replacing it is important. Previous studies have shown that it may be effective in a wide swath of chronic diseases, both in prevention and as part of a treatment regimen. However, many questions remain.
Many of us receive food-sourced vitamin D from fortified packaged foods, where vitamin D has been added. This is because sun exposure — even under the best of circumstances — will not address all of our vitamin D needs. For example, in a study of Hawaiians, a subset of the study population who had more than 20 hours of sun exposure without sunscreen per week, some participants still had low vitamin D3 values (1).
We know vitamin D’s importance for bone health, but we have mixed data for other diseases, such as cardiovascular, autoimmune and skin diseases and cancer.
There is no consensus on the ideal blood level for vitamin D. For adults, the Institute of Medicine recommends between 20 and 50 ng/ml, and The Endocrine Society recommends at least 30 ng/ml.
Are there cardiovascular benefits to vitamin D?
Several observational studies have shown benefits of vitamin D supplements with cardiovascular disease. The Framingham Offspring Study showed that those patients with deficient levels were at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (3).
However, a small randomized controlled trial (RCT) called the cardioprotective effects of vitamin D into question (4). This study of postmenopausal women, using biomarkers such as endothelial function, inflammation or vascular stiffness, showed no difference between vitamin D treatment and placebo. The authors concluded there is no reason to give vitamin D for prevention of cardiovascular disease.
The vitamin D dose given to the treatment group was 2,500 IUs. Some of the weaknesses of the study were a very short duration and small study size.
How does vitamin Daffect mortality?
In a meta-analysis of a group of eight studies, vitamin D with calcium reduced the mortality rate in the elderly, whereas vitamin D alone did not (5). The difference between the groups was statistically important, but clinically small: nine percent reduction with vitamin D plus calcium and seven percent with vitamin D alone.
One of the weaknesses of this analysis was that vitamin D in two of the studies was given in large amounts of 300,000 to 500,000 IUs once a year, rather than taken daily. This has different effects.
Does obesity affect vitamin D absorption?
A recently published analysis of data from the VITAL trial, a large-scale vitamin D and Omega-3 trial, found that those with BMIs of less than 25 kg/m2 had significant health benefits from supplementation versus placebo (2). These included 24 percent lower cancer incidence, 42 percent lower cancer mortality, and 22 percent lower incidence of autoimmune disease. Those with higher BMIs showed none of these benefits.
Can vitamin D help you lose weight?
There is good news, but not great news, on the weight front. It appears that vitamin D plays a role in reducing the amount of weight gain in women 65 years and older whose blood levels are more than 30 ng/ml, compared to those below this level, in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (6).
This association held true at baseline and after 4.5 years of observation. If the women dropped below 30 ng/ml in this time period, they were more likely to gain more weight, and they gained less if they kept levels above the target. There were 4,659 participants in the study. Unfortunately, vitamin D did not show statistical significance with weight loss.
USPSTF recommendations and fracture risk
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against giving “healthy” postmenopausal women vitamin D, calcium or the combination of vitamin D 400 IUs plus calcium 1,000 mg to prevent fractures, and it found inadequate evidence of fracture prevention at higher levels (7). The supplement combination does not seem to reduce fractures, but does increase the risk of kidney stones. There is also not enough data to recommend for or against vitamin D with or without calcium for cancer prevention.
When should you supplement?
It is important to supplement to optimal levels, especially since most of us living in the Northeast have insufficient to deficient levels. While vitamin D may not be a cure-all, it might play an integral role with many disorders. But it is also important not to raise the levels too high. The range that I tell my patients is between 32 and 50 ng/ml, depending on their health circumstances.
References:
(1) J Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007 Jun;92(6):2130-2135. (2) JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Published online Jan 2023. (3) Circulation. 2008 Jan 29;117(4):503-511. (4) PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e36617. (5) J Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2012 Jun 25. (6) J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. May 17, 2012 online. (7) JAMA. 2018;319(15):1592-1599.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.
At a community meeting recently I heard opposition to an IDA plan to help build a new warehouse Do we need another warehouse? Will it create jobs? And, worst of all, will there be no property tax payments, which our school district needs?
Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) were originally authorized by New York State in 1969, governed by the provisions of 18-A of the General Municipal Law. The purpose of IDAs are to advance the job opportunities, health, general prosperity and economic welfare of the State of New York. Four to seven IDA members are appointed by the governing board of a sponsoring municipality. IDAs do not have taxing powers; they typically maintain their operations by charging fees to the businesses that participate in their projects.
Presently there is an IDA in each NYS county, as well as a number of cities, towns, and villages. In addition to the Suffolk County IDA, there are IDAs in Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, and Riverhead. Some of the IDAs have favored manufacturing and industrial projects, but many have supported a range of projects, including office buildings, retail establishments, education facilities, sports arenas, and projects for health and not-for-profit service organizations.
The goal of an IDA is to help companies acquire, construct, improve, maintain or equip certain facilities. It can assist the company by bringing together resources to provide low-cost or low-interest tax exempt or taxable bonds, provide workforce training and recruitment, and help fast-track the permit process. The greater incentive offered by IDA acceptance is the ability to be exempt from local property taxes, state and local sales tax, and the mortgage recording tax. By agreement, the company transfers the title of its land and equipment to the Agency (the IDA); the Agency then agrees to lease the land and equipment to the company which completes the project. When the project is completed by the company, the title is returned to the company and it becomes the legal owner.
In order to minimize the impact of the property tax abatement, the IDA writes a contract with the company for a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). The amount of the PILOT is set at a rate lower than the property tax, with few or no payments due for the first five years (leaving the school district short).The amount is graduated by a set percentage over the duration of the contract (up to twenty years); at the end the tax paid by the company will be what would be the full amount if not abated. (According to a state law passed in 1993, each IDA must establish a uniform tax exemption policy with input from affected tax jurisdictions.)
Regulations have sought to improve accountability by requiring that all IDAs file audited annual financial statements giving data about assistance given and jobs created. An IDA Reform bill became law in 2022 to counteract the “friendly” culture of everyday corruption that the legislators found. It included bills to prevent conflicts of interest, unethical profiting by government officials, failure to give public notice of the approval ofprojects over $100,000, and required a “clawback;” the recapture of previously granted benefits if job creation and retention goals or other terms of the agreement were not met.
Although there is the concern that IDA assistance may have been granted to applicants who could have completed their projects without needing help, the IDAs have helped to create a wide variety of projects, remaining in Suffolk or coming to Suffolk from other places. They have helped developers create or expand a variety of businesses, from technical and chemical innovators to health and housing facilities. Because of the requirement that the projects must create new jobs, and retain existing employees, the IDAs help with workforce training and recruitment. All new jobs must follow fair labor laws and by law must be publicized through the Department of Labor, reaching applicants who are under-employed.
Suffolk’s IDA website suffolkida.org can be helpful in familiarizing taxpayers with successful (and sometimes controversial) projects. Town websites, such as brookhavenida.org, have lists of projectsand copies of applications, agreements and resolutions. IDA public hearings are open to learn more about decisions. We can also lobby NYS elected officials to encourage and support new legislation concerning the loss of income for schools.
Nancy Marr is vice-president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https//my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.
CSHL Associate Professor Stephen Shea and Postdoc Yunyao Xie in Shea’s lab. Photo from CSHL/2020
By Daniel Dunaief
Good parenting, at least in mice, is its own reward.
No, mice don’t send their offspring to charter schools, drive them to endless soccer and band practices or provide encouragement during periods of extreme self doubt.
What these rodents do, however, protects their young from danger.
When a young mouse wanders, rolls or strays from the nest, it becomes distressed, calling out mostly to its mother, who is the more effective parent, to bring it back to safety.
Responding to these calls, the mother mouse carries the young back to the safety of the nest.
This behavior involves a reward system in a region of the mouse brain called the ventral tegmental area, or VTA. When the mouse effectively retrieves its young, the VTA releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is the brain’s way of saying “well done!”
In a paper published in December in the journal Neuron, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Associate Professor Stephen Shea and his postdoctoral researcher Yunyao Xie, who worked in the lab from 2019 to 2021, likened the release of dopamine in this area to a neurological reward for engaging in the kind of behavior that protects their young.
The research “proposes a mechanism that shapes behavior in accordance with that reward,” Shea said. The connection between dopamine in a reward system is an established paradigm.
“There was plenty of smoke there,” he said. “We didn’t pull this out of thin air.”
Indeed, in humans, mothers with postpartum depression have disrupted maternal mood, motivation and caregiving. PPD is linked to dysfunction of the mesolimbic dopamine system, which is a neural circuit that involves the VTA, Xie explained.
“Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that the reward brain areas including VTA in healthy mothers have higher response to their own babies’ smiling faces than those in mothers with PPD,” Xie added.
What’s new in this research, however, is that it is “a study of how these signals use mechanisms to shape behavior and social interaction,” Shea said.
How the process works
The feedback loop between dopamine in the VTA and behavior involves a cumulative combination of dopamine interactions.
Dopamine is not at its highest level when the mouse mom is engaging in effective pup retrieval.
“Dopamine is shaping future, not current behavior,” Shea said. “If dopamine was driving the mouse on a current trial, a high dopamine level would be associated with high performance. The trial found the opposite: a low dopamine level was associated with high performance in a given trial, and vice versa.”
Like a skater laying her blades down effortlessly and gracefully across the ice after spending hours exerting energy practicing, the mother mouse engaged in the kind of reinforcement learning that required less dopamine to lead to effective pup saving behavior.
As the performance increases, dopamine diminishes over time, as the reward is “more expected,” reflecting a nuanced dynamic, Shea said.
To test the correlation between dopamine levels in the VTA and behavior, Shea and Xie created an enclosure with two chambers. They put a naive virgin female mouse, which they called surrogates, on one side and played specific sounds behind a door on each side of the chamber. The test mice initially had “no experience in maternal behaviors,” Xie explained.
As these surrogates became more experienced by either observing mothers or practicing on their own, the amplitude of the VTA dopamine signals got smaller.
To provide a control for this experiment, Xie monitored a group of naive virgin female mice who spent less time with pups and had to figure out how to retrieve them on their own under similar neurological monitoring conditions. The dopamine signals in this group stayed elevated over days and their performance in maternal behaviors remained poor.
Through these experiments, Xie and Shea concluded that “there is a negative correlation between the dopamine signals in the VTA and their performance in maternal behaviors,” explained Xie.
‘Mind blowing’ moment
In her experiments, Xie used optogenetic tools that allowed her to inhibit the activity of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA with high temporal precision.
Shea appreciated Xie’s hard work and dedication and suggested the discoveries represent a “lot of her creativity and innovation,” he said.
A native of China, Xie said her grandparents used to have a garden in which they taught her the names and morphologies of different plants during her childhood. She enjoyed drawing these plants.
In graduate school, she became more interested in neuroscience. She recalls how “mind-blowing” it was when she learned about the work by 1963 Nobel laureates Alan Hodgkin, Sir Andrew Fielding Huxley and John Eccles, who established a mathematical model to describe how action potentials in neurons are initiated and propagated.
In the study Xie did with Shea, she found that the dopamine signals in the VTA encoded reward prediction errors in maternal behaviors that was consistent with the mathematical model.
In the bigger picture, Xie is interested in how neural circuits shape behaviors. The neural circuits of most natural behaviors, such as defensive behaviors and maternal behaviors are hard-wired, she added.
Mice can also acquire those behaviors through learning. She is interested in how pup cues are perceived as rewards and subsequently facilitate learning maternal behavior. She found a great fit with Shea’s lab, which focuses on the neural mechanism of maternal behavior.
Xie enjoyed her time at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where she could discuss science with colleagues by the bench, at the dining room or at one of the many on site seminars. She also appreciated the opportunity to attend neuroscience seminars with speakers from other schools, which helped expand her horizons and inspire ideas for research.
Next steps
As for the next steps, Shea said he believes there is considerable additional follow up research that could build on these findings. He would like to apply methods that measure the activity in individual neurons. Additionally, with a number of targets for dopamine, he wants to figure out what areas the neurotransmitter reaches and how the signals are used when they get there. More broadly, he suggested that the implications for this research extend to human diseases.
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