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The cast of Junie B. Jones The Musical. Photo from Engeman Theater
Katie Dolce stars in 'Junie B. Jones The Musical'. Photo from Engeman Theater
A scene from 'Junie B. Jones The Musical'. Photo from Engeman Theater
A scene from 'Junie B. Jones The Musical'. Photo from Engeman Theater
A scene from 'Junie B. Jones The Musical'. Photo from Engeman Theater
Katie Dolce stars in 'Junie B. Jones The Musical'. Photo from Engeman Theater
The cast of Junie B. Jones The Musical. Photo from Engeman Theater

By Heidi Sutton

Wowie wow wow! Look who has taken up residence at the Engeman Theater in Northport! It’s Junie B. Jones, the outspoken and lovable six-year-old from the pages of Barbara Park’s best-selling children’s books starring in  Junie B. Jones The Musical. The delightful show, which opened last Saturday, runs through Aug. 28. 

Created by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, the play is an adaptation of four of Park’s books where Junie B. Jones navigates the ups and downs of first grade at Clarence Elementary School. When her mother gives her a Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal on her first day of school, Junie B. decides to record the school year and before long is filling the pages with her many adventures. 

While Junie B. is under the impression that things will be no different than last year, they are very different. In her first week, she finds that her best friend from kindergarten Lucille has found two new best friends – Camille and Chenille – because their names rhyme; the girl who she used to sit with in on the bus in kindergarten prefers to sit with someone else; she makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school; and she finds that she has trouble reading the blackboard — and she may need glasses. Grrrr. 

Add in the friendly cafeteria lady Mrs. Gutzman, a new lunchbox, Show & Tell, and an intense kickball tournament and you have the makings of a lovely morning of live theater.

Directed by Danny Meglio with musical direction by Luca Iallondardi and choreography by Jillian Sharpe, the six-member adult cast embrace the adorable script and transport back in time to elementary school and all the anxieties and life lessons that go with it.

Katie Dolce is perfectly cast as Junie B. Jones. From the minute she appears on stage, all eyes are on her and she quickly becomes an audience favorite with her sassy personality.

The incredible and versatile supporting cast — Daniel Bishop, Miranda Jo DeMott, Olivia Giorgio, Thomas Higgins and Alyssa Infranco — play multiple roles throughout the show including Junie B’s parents, her teacher Mr. Scary, her friends and classmates and seem to be having the time of their lives.

The fun-filled songs are the heart of the show, from the opening number “Top Secret Personal Beeswax” to the group finale, “Writing Down the Songs of My Life,” and are perfectly executed with special mention to the kickline number, “Gladys Gutzman.” 

Funny, entertaining and entirely relatable, Junie B. Jones The Musical  is a summer treat for young children and parents alike. 

Sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Junie B. Jones The Musical on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Running time is 1 1/2 hours with one intermission. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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Katniss the bunny. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

MEET KATNISS, MAGS AND RUE!

Mags and Rue. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

This week’s featured shelter pets are Katniss (lilac and tan), Mags (lilac and tan) and Rue (black), three rabbits that were abandoned and left to fend for themselves in a local County park. Luckily, park employees caught them and brought them to the Smithtown Animal Shelter. . The ladies have been spayed and are ready for a loving home that will NEVER let this happen to them again.

The Town of 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 shelter is not equipped to care for rabbits long term.

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Suffolk County Legislators Kara Hahn and Sarah Anker present proclamations to Day Haven Adult Day Services’ Liz Fiodralisi and Elizabeth LeDonne. Photo from Leg. Anker's office

At a recent general meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Sarah Anker and Legislator Kara Hahn presented proclamations to Day Haven Adult Day Services and their employees Liz Fiordalisi and Elizabeth LeDonne in recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. 

For over 35 years, Day Haven Adult Day Services has provided Suffolk County’s seniors with therapeutic and engaging programs, specialized services for individuals with Alzheimer’s, intergenerational programs, and emergency respite care and support services for caregivers. As Site Supervisors for the Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma Day Haven locations, Liz Fiordalisi and Elizabeth LeDonne have supervised, coordinated and facilitated various programs, which have assisted in preserving the physical and cognitive health of Day Haven’s program participants.

“It is my honor to recognize Day Haven Adult Day Services, Liz Fiordalisi and Elizabeth LeDonne,” said Legislator Anker. “Both of these women have had a positive impact on our senior communities and families that are affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Thank you for everything that you do to support our community’s seniors, their families and their caregivers.”

“As someone whose family was directly impacted by both Alzheimer’s and Dementia, I am so grateful for individuals like Elizabeth and Liz,” said Legislator Hahn. “These caring women have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of their participants. The work they do not only helps the individuals living with memory loss, it also helps the families by ensuring that their loved ones are in safe nurturing environment. For the families whose loved ones are in your program, the knowledge that we can count on you to provide the best care, is so comforting.”

Liz Fiordalisi has over 15 years of experience working in the field of senior care, including in assisted living, senior center and social adult day care settings.

In addition, Liz is an active community volunteer and currently holds the position of Corresponding Secretary for the Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society. Elizabeth LeDonne, also has years of experience working in the field of senior care, including as a Care Coordinator for a home companion agency, and as a Recreation Director, and later Director of a Memory Care Unit for an assisted living facility. 

While working at Day Haven Adult Day Services, Liz Fiordalisi and Elizabeth LeDonne have prioritized creating a nurturing environment to enrich the daily lives of Day Haven’s program participants.

To learn more about Day Haven Adult Day Services and their available programs for seniors, families and caregivers, visit www.dayhaven.org. 

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'Below the Ocean'
First 25 participants receive free copy of book

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker has self-published a children’s picture book on ocean pollution titled Below the Ocean: Keeping Our Sea Friends Safe. The book targets young children ages 2-10 years and provides an engaging story about a young seal and her encounters with ocean pollution.

Leg. Sarah Anker

“Having raised 3 children and knowing how important it is to teach our kids about respecting and maintaining our environment, I decided to take the plunge into writing this book, as well as additional children’s environmental books. Long before I ran for public office, I was involved in beach cleanups, advocating for clean water and air, recycling our garbage and preserving open space. We all need to do more, and I hope this book will inspire children and their parents to be environmental superheroes,” said Anker.

The illustrator, Lily Liu, is an award-winning artist who has provided illustrations for several top-selling children’s books. The vibrant colors and adorable characters capture your attention as the main character, Sophia the Seal, encounters ocean garbage and learns how it is affecting sea life and our ocean.

Plastics have been on Earth for close to 70 years and in that time, we have created over 9 billion tons of plastic waste. Most plastics are not recycled and end up as garbage in landfills and in our ocean. Below the Ocean not only informs young readers about ocean pollution, but it also provides insight on what they can do to keep our ocean clean and safe and encourages them to be a Sea Hero. The book is available online at www.amazon.com. For more information go to www.Ankerbooks.com.

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Families with young children are invited to join Leg. Anker for a book launch at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station on Thursday, July 28 at 2:30 p.m. The educational presentation will feature a reading of the book, a Q&A, book signing and crafts. The first 25 books will be given out for free. To register for this event, call the library at 631-928-1212 or email [email protected].

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Lawn sprinkler. Metro photo

With continued hot and dry weather leading to excessive early morning water use that is pushing water infrastructure to its limits, the Suffolk County Water Authority is urging residents to immediately take steps to conserve water.

Though it is always important to conserve water, during hot and dry periods it is imperative to do so, as residents tend to overwater lawns and set their irrigation timers to the same period of time in the early morning hours. To make sure there is enough water for all residents as well as firefighters and other emergency services, residents are urged to:

• Water only on odd or even days. Lawns do not need to be watered daily. In fact, it can be counterproductive to a healthy lawn, as less frequent watering leads to deeper root growth.

• Set lawn irrigation timers to activate at times other than between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., which is the time of peak water use. With so many people setting their timers to activate during these hours, water tanks can be nearly emptied by the end of the peak period. This can lead to insufficient water pressure.

• Use a rain sensor or smart sprinkler controller to properly manage lawn watering. These devices not only help to make sure you do not overwater your lawn, but they can save you money on your water bill. SCWA also offers account credit of up to $50 for the purchase of water-saving devices. One of their experts will even come to your home, free of charge, to assess your water use and provide you guidance about how to save water.

You can find out more about SCWA’s WaterWise programs and schedule a waterwise checkup at www.scwa.com.

“If everyone pitches in, we’ll have plenty of water to meet the needs of Suffolk residents and emergency services,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Szabo. “So please do your part.”

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Pixabay photo

By Bob Lipinski

Bob Lipinski

Cocktails come in many colors, flavors, sizes, and smells, and are often decorated with various colorful garnishes, including tiny tiki umbrellas! 

Besides the usual rum vodka, gin and tequila-based cocktails, there are many made from whiskey, brandy, and a multitude of liqueurs. And in some books, you might find cocktails (also nonalcoholic) made from wine and even beer.

Cocktails made from wine are perfect for hot weather, regardless of if you’re at the beach, pool, or just relaxing in a shaded area. They contain less alcohol than traditional cocktails and are great for entertaining.

Cocktails made with champagne, Prosecco, or other sparkling wines add a bit of festivity in every sip. I have chosen four Prosecco wines and four cocktail recipes for your enjoyment.

Corvezzo Prosecco “Extra Dry” DOC, Treviso (made from organic & vegan Glera and other grapes). Light yellow color with an aroma of brioche, pears, and celery. Clean with a flavor of honeydew, peaches, and apples.

2020 Corvezzo Prosecco “Rosé Extra Dry” DOC, Treviso (made from organic & vegan Glera and Pinot Noir grapes). Light strawberry color with an aroma and flavor of red fruits, berries, and tropical fruit. A lingering aftertaste of red apples and red licorice.

Gancia Prosecco “Brut” DOC, Veneto (Glera grapes). Straw yellow with green highlights. Delicate aroma and flavor of green apples and pears. Dry with a crisp, citrusy flavor and hints of honeysuckle and orange.

2020 Gancia Prosecco “Rosé Extra Dry” DOC, Veneto (blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes). Intense pink color with an aroma of raspberries, strawberries, and tropical fruit. Off-dry, with a clean, crisp flavor of pears and peaches.

Cocktail recipes

Pineapple Mimosa

1 ounce coconut rum

2 ounces pineapple juice

4 ounces Gancia Prosecco “Brut”

Put the first two ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Top with Prosecco, stir, and top with a pineapple slice and cherry.

Gin & Prosecco

1-1/2 ounces gin

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup (or agave)

3 ounces Corvezzo Prosecco “Rosé”

Put the first three ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Top with Prosecco, stir, and add a lemon twist.

Italian Cocktail

1-1/2 ounces Campari

5 ounces Corvezzo Prosecco “Extra Dry”

In tall glass, add Campari, then Prosecco and stir.

Rosé Prosecco With Strawberries

Fill a flat saucer champagne glass with sliced and hulled strawberries (about five). Pour 4 ounces of Gancia Prosecco “Rosé” over the strawberries. Top with sour cream and sprinkle with brown sugar.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected]

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Photo from PSEG Long Island Facebook

Customers should think twice if someone calls and threatens to immediately shut off their power

Just like the summer itself, scammers are turning up the heat, pretending to be PSEG Long Island or impersonating prominent area utilities, and threatening to turn off service for nonpayment. PSEG Long Island urges customers to understand scammers’ tactics and do the right thing if confronted with a demand for payment: Get the truth from the real PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025.

“Scammers do their best to create the impression of an urgent problem in the hopes that your panic will prevent you from seeing all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be,” said Rick Walden, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services. “PSEG Long Island wants customers to know the signs, take a moment to think, and then contact us directly using the number on their bill if they’re still not sure.”

More than 1,400 scam calls have been reported to PSEG Long Island so far in 2022. Many of these scammers are demanding immediate payment via web-based electronic payment services. PSEG Long Island does not accept web-based electronic payment services as a method of payment.

What customers should know about payment scams

  • Scammers impersonating PSEG Long Island most frequently threaten to shut off power immediately unless payment is made.
  • Many scammers use phone “spoofing” technology to make their number display on your phone as “PSEG Long Island.”
  • PSEG Long Island will never request that customers use one specific method of payment.
  • Scammers typically want their victims to transfer money via a web-based electronic payment service, a prepaid debit card, or even Bitcoin, sometimes asking people to buy a prepaid card at the nearest convenience store and then to read them the PIN over the phone.
  • PSEG Long Island does not accept web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment.
  • Sometimes phone scammers will demand a deposit for a priority meter installation. PSEG Long Island does not require a deposit for meter installations.
  • If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email — especially one in which payment is requested — they should call the company directly at 1-800-490-0025.

What customers should know about shutoffs

  • On July 12, after more than two years of suspending service shutoffs due to a pandemic-related state of emergency, PSEG Long Island resumed service shutoffs for accounts that do not respond to repeated efforts to establish a payment agreement.
  • Shutoff of service for nonpayment is a last resort that only occurs after PSEG Long Island makes multiple efforts to contact and help the customer.
  • Customers with unpaid balances who do not already have a deferred payment agreement should call 1-800-490-0025 so PSEG Long Island can assist them.
  • If previous outreach efforts are unsuccessful, a PSEG Long Island representative will make a final attempt to contact the customer of record, in person, to accept a payment and avoid a shutoff.
  • When service is terminated, a service suspension notice will be left at the location with instructions on how to work with PSEG Long Island to reconnect.

In-person visits

Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG Long Island employees, flashing a fake ID and/or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts. Again, if customers have any doubts, they should not let the person in, and should call 1-800-490-0025 to verify.

PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, do not let the person into the house and call 1-800-490-0025 to have a customer service representative verify that an employee has been dispatched to the location. An actual PSEG Long Island employee will respect the customer’s decision and remain outside. If the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, customers should consider calling 911.

Fake websites

Some scammers purchase web domains that closely resemble the actual URL of a utility and create a fraudulent replica of the legitimate website. Their plan is to dupe users who click on these fake sites via search results, or type in an inaccurate web address. Once on the spoofed site, a visitor is presented a number of bill payment options, all pointing back to an outside bill pay site.

PSEG Long Island always uses the “.com” domain. Its real website can be found at www.psegliny.com.

How actual PSEG Long Island reps handle phone calls

Customers should also know what PSEG Long Island will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the Customer of Record. If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative.

If the Customer of Record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the Customer of Record to call 1-800-490-0025.

PSEG Long Island is a member of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) collaborative. UUAS, a consortium of more than 145 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, has helped to create awareness of common and new scam tactics and to cease operations of nearly 5,000 toll-free numbers used against utility customers by scammers.

For more information on various payment scams reported in the PSEG Long Island service area and around the country, visit https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/scamsandfraud.

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Pistachios. Pixabay photo

By Barbara Beltrami

Someone brought me a huge bag of pistachios last week and after shamelessly bingeing on them, I went on a quest to find other ways to use them. They had to be good, I thought,  in a semifreddo recipe I had and would add a nice crunch to summer salads. I tried a  pesto with the pistachios instead of pignoli nuts and was very pleased and also made a pistachio-crusted salmon which was a big hit.

I still want to try them in crumbles as well as in a crust for fresh fruit pies and tarts and also pureed with cheeses or yogurt to make dips and spreads. 

So, merrily snacking on the pistachios as I set to work, I did some homework and came up with these recipes. If you don’t like them, there’s always pistachio ice cream, everyone’s favorite, it seems, except mine.

Zabaglione and Pistachio Semifreddo

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

5 large egg yolks

3/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons dry Marsala

3 large egg whites

3/4 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup chopped unsalted pistachios

DIRECTIONS:

Line a 9 x 5 x 3” loaf pan with plastic wrap; leave a 2” overhang on the top edges and chill the pan in the freezer. In the top of a double boiler beat together the egg yolk, 1/4 cup of the sugar and the Marsala until well blended. Place over simmering water and beat until the mixture has quadrupled in volume; remove from heat and place the bowl with the mixture in a larger bowl of ice water and, stirring occasionally, let cool.  

In a large bowl beat egg whites until frothy, gradually add the remaining half cup of sugar and beat just until mixture holds soft peaks. In a large chilled bowl beat the cream until it holds soft peaks, gently but thoroughly fold in the egg whites; fold in the yolk mixture and then half a cup of the pistachios. Scrape mixture into prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 8 hours. Unmold the semifreddo onto a serving dish, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pistachios; slice and serve with fresh raspberries and espresso.

Orecchiette with Pistachio and Basil Pesto

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound orecchiette pasta

1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios

1 cup basil leaves

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 – 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

3 garlic cloves

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile in the bowl of a food processor combine the pistachios, basil, oil, cheese, garlic and salt and pepper; process, scraping sides of bowl often, until mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Reserving one cup of the cooking water from the pasta, drain it. In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the pesto, and add the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Serve hot or warm with a tomato salad and foccaccia.

Pistachio-Crusted Salmon

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

One 2 1/2 pound side salmon, skin on

Freshly squeezed juice of two lemons

1/4 cup prepared mustard

1 cup shelled unsalted pistachio nuts

1/2 cup unflavored bread crumbs

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place salmon, skin side down, on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and mustard and brush lightly on top of salmon. In a food processor, combine the pistachios, bread crumbs, olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper. Sprinkle  mixture evenly over lemon and mustard mixture on salmon. Bake until salmon reaches desired doneness, about 15 to 20 minutes; remove to serving platter and let sit about 5 minutes. Serve with a tossed green salad or fresh asparagus.

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'The Whale's Daughter'

Voting for the 2022 Kids’ Book Choice Awards is now underway with Long Island author Jerry Mikorenda in the running in two prestigious categories.

The Northport author’s teen novel The Whaler’s Daughter was nominated in the Favorite Character Crush category for the character of Figgie, and himself for Best Stellar Storyteller.

“It’s an honor just to be considered with all these great authors and I’m particularly happy to see the character of Figgie recognized,” said Mikorenda. “He’s just about the coolest indigenous dude you ever want to meet, and the best friend ever to have on an adventure.”

The Whaler’s Daughter (Regal House Publishing), is a historical seafaring novel that takes place in 1910 on a whaling station in New South Wales, Australia. There twelve-year-old Savannah Dawson lives with her widowed father. She’s desperate to prove to him that she can carry on the family legacy, but no one wants a girl in a whaleboat—that is, until Figgie helps Savannah hone her whaling skills and learn about the Law of the Bay. The story is about unexpressed grief, and how friendship can turn revenge into repentance, anger to empathy, and hurt into hopefulness.

“This award program is great on so many levels because it gives the intended audience final say over the results while also teaching the importance of civic participation and the responsibility of voting,” added the author. “I’d encourage all eligible kids to vote for their choices.”

The Kids’ Book Choice Awards are the only national book awards chosen solely by kids and teens. The Children’s Book Council is the nonprofit trade association of children’s book publishers in North America, dedicated to supporting the industry and promoting children’s books and reading. The first round of voting is underway and goes until August 20.

KBC Vote 2022

https://everychildareader.net/finalists-2022-vote/

Favorite Character Crush

https://everychildareader.net/choice/15-18-favorite-character-crush-2022/

Best Stellar Storyteller

https://everychildareader.net/choice/15-18-best-stellar-storyteller-2022/

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Pixabay photo

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts Cactus Kids, a workshop for children ages 8 to 12 which introduces junior gardeners to the joys and challenges of raising cacti, on Thursday, July 28 at 1 p.m. Participants will plant a cactus pot, discover how to take care of their specimens, and explore the unique attributes that allow cacti to thrive in hot desert environments. Workshop will take place in the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s “Superintendent’s Cottage,” which is located across the street from the main campus. Plants and workshop materials are included in the price. $35 per child, $25 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or click here.

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