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Our Lady of Hope grotto at Hope Academy in Mount Sinai. Photo courtesy Hope House Ministries

By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

Recently there have been a series of articles in our major newspapers indicating that our overdose death rate due to heroin and fentanyl are down.

This evidence, although very positive, is also very misleading. As someone who has been in the trenches working with addiction for more than three decades, I do believe that overdose deaths are down. However, I don’t think it’s accurate to conclude that the abuse of heroin and fentanyl is down.

Since the opioid epidemic gained national recognition, most states started to provide Narcan training which is a simple nasal spray that can reverse an overdose.

Since Narcan kits are very accessible and the training is very simple, more and more people are making sure they have a Narcan kit at their parties.

Every morning when I wake up in the little cottage that I live in on the grounds of Hope Academy in Mount Sinai, I see Our Lady of Hope grotto. Nestled in the trees behind the grotto, I see 120 crosses in the garden of remembrance. They represent the 120 mostly young people who have overdosed and died in our larger community since the pandemic.

People come to that garden to find peace and to remember a loved one who has overdosed and died because of the opioid epidemic. It has become holy ground; a safe place for people to gather without shame, blame or guilt.

As most treatment programs will report, no matter what their model, there are no beds available and there are endless waiting lists for people to be treated. In addition, we do not have enough trained professionals in the area of mental health and substance use disorders to treat the epidemic need.

What further alarms me are the proposed Medicaid cuts that will profoundly impact those battling addiction and mental health. If those proposals are put in place, we will clearly see an increase in this senseless loss of life.

Addiction, alcoholism and mental health challenges can be overwhelming for the patient and for the family. But people do recover and reclaim their lives. To empower people on the road to recovery, we need more comprehensive treatment services, not less. We need more profoundly dedicated professionals, not less, if we hope to substantially temper this terrible human tragedy. 

If we stand up to this very important life issue with a loud voice so all can hear us, I am hopeful that we can empower people to stay on the road to recovery and wellness and reclaim their lives.

Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

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From left, Tim Matejka, Chief Development Officer, Gurwin Jewish Healthcare Foundation; Maureen Fagan, Assistant Director of Corporate Communications, Gurwin Healthcare System; Stu Almer, President & CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System; Jennifer Carpentieri, VP and Administrator, Gurwin Jewish Nursing &Rehabilitation Center; and Nicole Hopper, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Photo courtesy of Gurwin

Gurwin Healthcare Systems’ cutting-edge Immersion Room in Commack recently took home top prize in the Innovation Category in the 13th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards.  

Designed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Gurwin’s Immersion Room was lauded for delivering immersive virtual reality experiences that enhance resident quality of life. 

The annual Imagine Awards competition was created by Cerini & Associates LLP to showcase the good work being done by Long Island’s nonprofit sector. The region’s top organizations are selected to receive the prestigious recognition in the following competitive categories: Arts & Culture, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA), Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Rising Star and Social Impact.  

The Innovation Award, sponsored by Flagstar Private Bank, is given to the nonprofit that has been innovative in adopting new platforms that have led to a significant increase in the organization’s ability to meet its mission. 

“We are truly honored to be the recipient of the Flagstar Innovation Award,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. 

“The Gurwin Immersion Room is bringing patient-centric care to a whole new level for our residents, helping to ease dementia symptoms as well as creating new memorable experiences for visiting families and their loved ones. We are literally putting our residents back in the driver’s seat, helping them reconnect with parts of themselves that in some cases have been lost for years. It is our goal to roll out this transformative technology throughout our other communities within the Gurwin Healthcare System,”  he said.

Located in the heart of the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Memory Care Unit, the Gurwin Immersion Room is the first of its kind in long-term care on Long Island, and was made possible through collaboration with Besser Rooms of Amityville, and grant support from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Immersion Room incorporates state-of-the-art projector technology, custom-made props and immersive   experiences with stimulating sights, sounds and scents to engage the senses, mitigate symptoms and stir memories from bygone days. Calming scenes are customized to match resident interests, such as a snowy forest, quiet chair yoga, a lively, hands-on virtual drive, or even a roller coaster experience for thrill-seeking residents.

Details about Long Island Imagine Awards and the list of winners in all categories are available at https://www.imagineawardsli.org/finalist/.

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Artist Angela Stratton at a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

By Tara Mae

The scent of paint permeates the promise of potential during Gallery North’s 21st annual Wet Paint Festival on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Approximately 50 artists working in diverse mediums — acrylics, oils, pastels, mixed media — will demonstrate the utterly unique experience of en plein air painting, the act of painting outdoors.

“It is a special event and loads of fun for everyone,” Gallery North Executive Director Ned Puchner said. 

Artist Laura DiLeone at a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

Children’s art activities will be offered by Gallery North. Members of the Four Harbors Audubon Society will give guided nature walks. History walks will be led by members of the Three Village Dads Foundation on Saturday and Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours on Sunday. Food from Level Up Kitchen will be available for purchase.

With WUSB 90.1 fm/107.3 fm radio, Gallery North will have live music by The Fox Hill Chamber Consortium playing classical and baroque music on Saturday and singer-songwriter Kane Daily performing rock music on Sunday. 

“This is a celebration of our local artists and history of plain air painting — outdoor painting capturing beauty of a location — as well as art, history, and music,” Gallery North Director of Development Erin Smith said. 

Held this year on the verdant properties of the historic 9-acre Merritt Hawkins Homestead (c. 1774) and adjacent Nassakeag Elementary School at 490 Pond Path in Setauket, the event invites artists to dare to paint plein air in a location resplendent with authentic ambiance and natural beauty. 

Participants will set up in places of their choosing on the estate — all other activities will be held on the school grounds. Visitors will be able to observe them in action as they share an esteem of the environment. 

“Each year, the gallery picks a new location, or rotates between locations — a spot artists may not find when looking for places to paint — a place with historical significance, a different vantage point and view, in order to increase community’s awareness of the area,” Gallery North curator Kate Schwarting said.

Settings are chosen for their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance. Selecting these sites cultivates a camaraderie among participants and observers while they engross themselves in local lush landscapes, perhaps for the first time. The Wet Paint Festival is a singular opportunity for audience and artists to enjoy an inspiring scene at the same time. 

Artist Stuart Friedman paints at Frank Melville Memorial Park during a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

“We want to bring artists together, celebrate the art of plain air painting, and teach people what it is and how it is different from painting in studio. Art generally tends to be a solitary practice; the festival is a way for artists to get together and celebrate each other,” Schwarting said. 

Participating artists also appreciate this distinctive approach and how it differs from their regular artistic practices as well as other festivals. 

“I just love the adventure of it — the chance to paint outside and feel part of a community with other artists. There’s something really special about the energy of everyone out there together, each of us trying to find something interesting to paint while working through the challenges of our own pieces,” participant William Low said. With Steve Behler, another regional artist, he will be offering guided tours on plein air painting. 

Plein air art incorporates a component of excitement unlike other forms. Artists are at the mercy of the outdoors’ whims. Rather than painting from pre-conceived concepts, they commit to encapsulating a part of their world as it exists and even changes around them.

“It is a race to produce the work before weather and elements change. Artists never know what final piece will be. It’s about looking and being mindful, a very meditative practice — [as an artist] you have to be all there, you cannot be overthinking things,” Schwarting said. “It is a great exercise to be immersed in nature, environment, and location.”

For artists and attendees alike, the festival is an occasion to engage all their senses as they celebrate not only their art, but how the process of creation is a means of connection and communication.

‘’The Wet Paint Festival is such a welcoming and inspiring event, not just for the artists, but for anyone who loves seeing creativity in action. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a festival that celebrates all kinds of expression, and I hope people leave feeling inspired to make something of their own,” participant Loretta Oberheim said. 

Sponsored by the Village Art Collective, Bryant Funeral Home, Tasty Frosty, and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning, the Wet Paint Festival goes on rain or shine. All works created at the event will be featured in an art exhibit at The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook from July 8 to July 13 with a reception on July 12. 

Both the Wet Paint Festival and subsequent exhibit at the Reboli Center are free and open to the public. 

For more information, call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org. 

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TIME TO GET CREATIVE The annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival returns to downtown Riverhead this Sunday.
Thursday May 29

Wine Tasting 101

Huntington Historical Society hosts a wine tasting event at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. With guidance from sommelier Louis-Victor Kuhn, explore how to taste wine, discover some classic grape varietals, understand how to define them, and learn how to read wine labels. Tickets are $65, $55 members. www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org

An Evening of Jazz

Join the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a concert by Interplay Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy on trombone and Gary Henderson on trumpet, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 5 and up. www.thejazzloft.org

Friday May 30

Folk & Fiddle Concert

Celebrate the coming of summer with an evening of string quartets under the open sky at the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook at 7:30 p.m. Featuring music by Manuel de Falla, Florence Price, Béla Bartók, and Antonín Dvořák. Bring seating. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved indoors to the Gillespie Room. Tickets are $35 adults, $20 students in advance at www.longislandmuseum.org, $40 adults, $20 students at the door. 

Friday Night Face Off

Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, Friday Night Face Off, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door, cash only. 631-928-9100

Saturday May 31

Safe Boating Course

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay invites boat, jet ski, and motorized vessel operators to take the required New York State Safe Boating Certification Course at the Setauket Fire Department, 190 Main St., Setauket on Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This 8-hour course covers the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. Students who complete the course will obtain a NY Safe Boating Certificate. Must be at least 10 years old to participate. Cost is $85 + $10 permanent card fee. Course materials provided on-site. Pre-registration required by visiting www.safeboatingamerica.com/Suffolk-Boating-Class. Questions? Call 631-751-3094.

SWR Garden Club Plant Sale

The Shoreham-Wading River Garden Club will hold their Annual Plant Sale at 35 Sound Road, Wading River from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring a variety of plants including perennials (many deer resistant!) and both native and annual plants. Held rain or shine. 631-929-8261

4 in 1 Recycling Event

Join Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner for a special 4 in 1 recycling event with paper shredding, electronics and cardboard recycling and safe medicine disposal at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Bring your recyclables and help keep our community clean. Open to all Town of Brookhaven residents. 631-451-6964

Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will hold a Thrift Garage Sale fundraiser in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come shop for household items and fun treasures. Proceeds benefit the wildlife center and its mission. 631-979-6344

Sherwood-Jayne House Tours

Sherwood-Jayne Farm House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket will be open for tours at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., courtesy of Preservation Long Island. This guided tour explores the first and second floors of the house. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 ages 10 to 18, free for children ages 9 and under. To reserve your spot, visit www.preservationlongisland.org/tours/.

Italian Car Show — This event has been moved to the rain date of June 1.

In conjunction with their current exhibition, Getting There, the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook will  host a free Italian Car Show in their parking lot from  11 a.m. to 4 p.m. curated by Nelson Medina with free coffee, cookies, and posters. Rain date is June 1. 631-751-7707

Pickles & Paws 

Southaven County Park in Yaphank will host a Pickles & Paws event from 11 am. to 5 p.m. Meet adorable pets from local rescues and shelter, compete in a pickle contest, enjoy live music, food trucks and artisan vendors and more. Tickets start at $10 at www.picklesandpaws.com. 

All Abilities Expo – *This event has been postponed due to the weather. New date will be announced soon.

Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington hosts an All Abilities Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet local businesses, organizations, and professionals specializing in adaptive equipment, therapy and medical services, legal and advocacy support, social and educational resources, inclusive activities and more. 631-351-3000

Spring Fling Fundraiser

Grateful Paw Animal Shelter, 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport will hold a Spring Fling fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. with raffle baskets, refreshments, cat-themed merchandise for sale and kittens available for adoption. 631-757-4517

Summer Kick Off!

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will hold their annual Summer Kick Off event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a variety of activities for all ages including crafts, face painting, animals, inflatables, photos, giant lawn games, food trucks and more! Held rain or shine. Open to all. For more information, call 631-928-1212.

Comedy Karaoke Night

First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts a Comedy Karaoke Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring comedienne Pat Shea and Joyful Noise with DJ Larry. Pizza, salad, dessert, coffee/tea and beverages will be served. Tickets are $10 at the door. To RSVP, call 917-450-6412.

Sunday June 1

Paws of War Car Show

Paws of War, 127 Smithtown Blvd. Nesconset will hold a car show fundraiser to support our veterans from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with music, raffles and a food truck. Free for spectators. Rain date is June 8. 631-624-4126

Smithtown Festival Day

The Smithtown Chamber of Commerce invites the community to the 36th Annual Smithtown Festival Day along Main Street in Smithtown from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local vendors, food, live entertainment and plenty of family fun activities while supporting local businesses. 631-979-8069

TruckFest 2025

The Maples, 10 Ryerson Ave., Manorville will host the American Truck Historical Society’s annual TruckFest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring  pick-ups, big rigs, jeeps, all utility coupe trucks and Peterbilts. $5 admission for spectators. Rain date is June 8.  631-774-7555

Thai Fair

Vajiradhammapadip Temple, 110 Rustic Road, Centereach presents their 48th annual Thai Fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy Thai music, a dance show, food, vendors and more. Admission is $5 adults, children 12 and under free. 631-471-8006

Forest Bathing Workshop

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a Forest Bathing workshop from 10 a.m. to noon. Linda Lombardo, Long Island’s first certified forest therapy guide, will lead a 90-minute wander through the grounds followed by  a tea ceremony. For ages 18 and older. Tickets are $40 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Out Of This World Kids Day

Sound Beach Civic Association, North Shore Youth Council and the Sound Beach  Fire Department celebrate children and their uniqueness with an Out of This World Kids Day  event on New York Avenue in Sound Beach from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring arts, crafts, games, mini olympics, mini talent show, Best “Out of this World” costume contest, face painting, scavenger hunt, petting zoo, local vendors, touch-a-truck, food trucks, non-profits, and wellness organization. Free. Parking available at Firehouse Restaurant. 631-744-6952

Mosaic Festival

East End Arts presents their annual Mosaic Festival in downtown Riverhead along the Peconic River from noon to 5 p.m. with wall and street chalk art, live music, interactive art, kids zone, craft and artisan vendors, drum circle, fine arts sale and more. Free admission. 631-369-2171

Spring Garden Tour

Huntington Historical Society will hold its annual Spring Garden Tour from noon to 5 p.m. Tour six beautiful gardens and enjoy sweet confections and cool drinks at the Garden Boutique. Tickets are $50 per person in advance at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org, $55 (if available) at the Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington on the day of the event. 631-427-7045

CAC welcomes Julian Schlossberg

Legendary producer and conversationalist, Julian Schlossberg, will be appearing at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington at 2:30 p.m. with the first East Coast screening in 35 years of his zany comedy, In The Spirit followed by  a discussion and book-signing reception for his new memoir, Try Not to Hold it Against Me: A Producer’s Life. More information and tickets available at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Mark Newman in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Mark Newman from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org

Benner’s Farm Concert

The Good Earth Sound Stage at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket welcomes Sam Robins and Bob Westcott for an evening concert at 4 p.m. Bring seating for this outdoor event. $15 donation at the door. 631-689-8172

Pride on the Farm

Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank hosts a Pride on the Farm event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are welcome for this free family-friendly event with wagon rides, crafts, animal experiences and more. Supportive resources will be available at the Stony Brook Medicine and community partner resource tables. 631-852-4600

Theatre Three turns 54!

In celebration of it’s 54th anniversary, Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents LUCKY 54! — an evening of songs, scenes, and stories about — what else? — live theatre at 6:54 p.m. This one-night-only event features some of Long Island’s most beloved and talented performers, along with an encore performance of the theater’s original musical, Life, the Theatre, and Other Unlikelihoods. Tickets are $54. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Owl Prowl

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for an Owl Prowl from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $15 per person. Registration required by visiting www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Monday June 2

Country Line Dancing

Celebrate St. James presents Country Line Dance lessons with Natalie at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd St., St. James from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come learn the hottest dances! $15 per person at the door. Please RSVP at  www.celebratestjames.org. 631-601-5109

Tuesday June 3

Summer SWAP Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook in partnership with Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses, kicks off their free Summer SWAP series with a concert featuring the Jason Marshall Organ Trio on the front lawn at 6 p.m. Refreshments for sale in the Basie Garden. Bring seating. 631-751-1895

Emerald Strings in Concert

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its special events series with a concert by Emerald Strings at 8 p.m. Led by renowned violinist Gregory Harrington, Emerald Strings offers an immersive experience where classical precision meets the soulful expressiveness of Irish folk and modern music. Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday June 4

Grooves on the Green

Station Yards, 9 Hawkins Ave., Ronkonkoma hosts a free outdoor concert with the Sofakings on the Village Green at 5 p.m. with vendors and food and drink options. Bring seating. 631-751-0300

Cruise Night at The Shoppes

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show tonight and every Wednesday through October from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic cars in the parking lot. 631-929-3500

Thursday June 5

The Parlor of Mystery

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents an evening of magic and wonder with The Parlor of Mystery at 8 p.m. This captivating show promises an unparalleled experience that combines mind-bending illusions, jaw-dropping magic, and side-splitting comedy. Featuring Bob Baker, Carl Mercurio and host Mike Maione. Tickets are $40. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Film

‘The Fly’

As part of its Science on Screen film series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen The Fly starring Jeff Goldblum on June 2 at 7:30 p.m. After the screening, participate in a live Q&A with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Assistant Professor, Dr. Benjamin Cowley. Tickets are $16. www.cinemaartscentre.org 

‘We Live in Time’

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will screen We Live in Time starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh on June 3 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Open to all. To reserve your seat, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org

‘Matter of Mind’

As part of the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council’s Indie Lens Pop Up series, Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s by Anna Moot-Levin and Laura Green will be screened in the Gillespie Room at  the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on June 3 at 7 p.m. The documentary explores how three families confront the challenges of Alzheimer’s, focusing on how the disease transforms identities and relationships and will be incorporated into a full program of dementia events with speakers and resources. Free. Registration appreciated by visiting www.gpjac.org.

NY Dog Film Festival

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the annual NY Dog Film Festival on June 5 at 7:30 p.m. A celebration of the love between dogs and their people, the festival is a two hour medley of animated, documentary, and narrative short films from around the world with a canine theme benefiting local animal welfare groups. Tickets are $16 at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘South Pacific’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Main Stage season with South Pacific from May 15 to June 29. This beloved musical takes place on a South Pacific island during World War II where two love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. With songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Spring-time,” and “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” South Pacific’s lush score contains some of the best songs ever written by Rodgers & Hammerstein. For more information and to order, call 631-261-2900 or go to www.engemantheater.com.

‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’

The Carriage House Players at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in  Centerport continues their 36th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Midsummer Night’s Dream from June 1 to June 29. Performances are held on the Vanderbilt mansion courtyard stage on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children under age 12. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. Call  516-557-1207 for more information.

‘Half Time’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its 45th Mainstage season with Half Time from May 24 to June 22. The incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who audition to dance at half time for a major basketball team and have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 60 years old! Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. See review on page B11.

‘Birthday Candles’

Lighthouse Theater Company presents Birthday Candles, a play by Noah Haidle, at St. James Episcopal Church Mills Hall, 490 North Country Road, St. James on June 13 at 8 p.m., June 14 at 3 p.m. and June 14 at 7 p.m. Follow Ernestine Ashworth, who spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon it’s her 18th. Then her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, infinite dreams, and one cake baked live on stage. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors and veterans. To order, call 516-272-6597 or visit www.lighthousetheatercompany.com/tickets.

Class Reunions

— Ward Melville High School Class of 1975 will hold their 50 year reunion at St George Golf & Country Club in East Setauket on June 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. $126.00 per person includes hors d’oeuvres, Prime Rib buffet dinner and open bar. Contact Cary Fichtner-Vu  at 703-861-8259 or [email protected] for tickets by June 2. No walk-ins. 

— Rocky Point High School Class of 1975 will hold their 50 year reunion at East Wind in Wading River on September 12 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. $150.00 per person includes  reception, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, open bar and dessert. Contact Andrea at 631-774-2474 or [email protected].

Farmers Markets

Huntington

A farmers market will be held in the Elm Street parking lot at 228 Main St., Huntington on Sundays from June 1 through Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, pickles, honey, special events, guest vendors. 631-944-2661

Lake Grove

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a farmers market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot along Middle Country Road year-round on Saturdays (pickles, honey) and full market with vendors on Sundays. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. 516-444-1280

Northport

Cow Harbor Park parking lot, at the corner of Main Street and Woodbine Ave. in Northport, hosts a farmers market every Saturday from June 7 through Nov. 22 (except Sept. 20) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Honey, ravioli, cheese, coffee, pickles, empanadas, mushrooms, baked goods, jams, fruits and vegetables, plants. 631-662-7244

Port Jefferson 

The Port Jefferson Summer Farmers Market returns to Harborfront Park, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 18 through Nov. 23. Local produce honey, bread and baked goods, seafood, international specialties, plants, flower bouquets and more. 631-802-2160

St. James

St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St. James hosts a farmers market in its parking lot every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 31 through October. Fresh locally grown produce, flowers, honey, coffee, shellfish, artisan baked goods, breads jams, hot food, pickles, craft beer, international foods, live music, kids corner. 631-403-7711

Setauket

The Three Village Farmers Market at Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket returns on Fridays from May 16 through September (except Sept. 19) from 3 to 7 p.m. and October from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Locally grown farm fresh produce, fish & shellfish, artisanal bread & cheese, local honey, nuts & spices, jams & jellies, baked treats, hand crafted goods, prepared foods, live music, lawn games and more. 631-751-3730

CALENDAR DEADLINE  is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.

 

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Summer Swap series at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook returns on June 3.

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village, in partnership with Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses, will be presenting the 2025 Summer Stage With A Purpose (Summer SWAP), on a series of Tuesday evenings throughout the summer. The events are FREE to the community.

Summer SWAP will offer visitors a relaxing and scenic outdoor venue on the front lawn of The Jazz Loft to listen to an impressive lineup of performers.

“This series was born from the desire to have the Jazz Loft collaborate with Stony Brook University, and Stony Book Medicine as a way to invest in the community and especially to nurture cultural development,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel.

“This summer concert series was born from the desire to give back to our community, to offer high quality performances to everyone without charge, and also to expand our collaborative projects with Stony Brook University, and Stony Book Medicine,” said Manuel. “Summer SWAP is the perfect way to invest in our community and an especially real and genuine way to nurture cultural development. It’s exciting to see how this collaborative concert series has become such a special part of our community tradition.”

“We’re proud to sponsor Summer SWAP and to continue our partnership with The Jazz Loft,” said Heather Banoub, Assistant Vice President of University and Medicine Community Relations. “Bringing people together through music and culture reflects our commitment to enriching the lives of those in our community.”

The Jazz Loft will be offering a variety of refreshments for sale in the Basie Garden which is adjacent to The Jazz Loft. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets to set up on the lawn.

The series performers will include:

Tuesday, June 3 — Jason Marshall Organ Trio

Tuesday, June 17 — Birsa Chatterjee Quartet

Tuesday, July 1 — Kevin Blanca Big Band

Tuesday, July 22 — Dal Segno Trio w/Tom Manuel & Georgia Heers

All performances are from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information contact the Jazz Loft at: 631-751-1895 or visit https://www.thejazzloft.org

  

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Give the gift of life! Take part in one of the upcoming community blood drives, and help save lives—one donation at a time.

■ St. Catherine of Siena Hospital‘s Medical Office Building, 48 Route 25A, Smithtown will hold a Blood Drive in the lower level conference room on Monday, June 2 from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Every donor will be entered to win five tickets to the 2025 MLB Subway Series on July 6 at Citifield. To make an appointment, call 631-469-0989. 

■ Developmental Disabilities Institute, will hold a Blood Drive at its office at 25 Little Plains Road, Huntington on Thursday, June 5 from noon to 6 p.m. and at its office at 99 Hollywood Drive in Smithtown on Tuesday, June 10 from noon to 6 p.m. All donors will be entered to win a Mets Family 4-pack of tickets. For more information, call 631-366-2900.

■ Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, in conjunction with St. Joseph Church in Kings Park, will host a blood drive on Thursday, June 5 at  St. Joseph Church’s Travis Hall, 59 Church Street, Kings Park from 1:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Free parking is available in the lot off Old Dock Road. For more information, call 631-854-3900.

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Preservation Long Island, 161 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will host a gallery talk,  on Saturday, May 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join them for a lively conversation with young influential voices in the worlds of American antiques and design as they share fresh perspectives on collecting and the enduring relevance of old places and things.

Enjoy an evening of drinks and discussion with Michael Diaz-Griffith, Executive Director and CEO of the Design Leadership Network; Kyle Marshall, author and former Creative Director of Bunny Williams Home; and Lauren Brincat, Chief Curator and Director of Collections at Preservation Long Island.

United by a passion for preservation, decorative arts, and design, the speakers will explore the enduring appeal of antiques, the future of collecting, and how historic objects and interiors can reveal unexpected insights into the past. Together, they’ll consider the roles style, stewardship, and memory all play in shaping the spaces we inhabit and the stories we choose to preserve for the future. A wine and cheese reception will follow.

“Collective Interests: Preserving the Past for the Future” Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: Preservation Long Island Exhibition Gallery, 161 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
Tickets: $30 members / $35 non-members. Please register in advance.

Information and Registration: https://preservationlongisland.org/collective-interests/

About the Speakers:

Michael Diaz-Griffith is an art historian, designer, and Executive Director and CEO of the Design Leadership Network. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation and as Associate Executive Director of The Winter Show, America’s most prestigious and longest-running art and antiques fair. In 2024, he was appointed Vice Chair of the Show. His first book, The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors, was published in 2023. A second volume is in the works.

Kyle Marshall is the author and photographer of Americana: Farmhouses and Manors of Long Island—a project sparked by his preservation of an early 19th-century farmhouse and barn in Locust Valley—Kyle Marshall was formerly the Creative Director of Bunny Williams Home. Originally from Oyster Bay, New York, he holds a degree in architecture from Rhode Island School of Design and has contributed to publications including Cabana magazine and House & Garden online.

Lauren Brincat is the Chief Curator and Director of Collections at Preservation Long Island, where she organizes exhibitions and research initiatives focused on regional history and culture, including the award-winning Jupiter Hammon Project and the Art of Edward Lange Project. She is also a co-editor and author Promoting Long Island: The Art of Edward Lange, 1870–1889. Brincat has degree in American material culture from the Winterthur Program and is the co-president of the Long Island Museum Association.

About Preservation Long Island

Preservation Long Island is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate and preserve Long Island’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage through advocacy, education, and the stewardship of historic sites and collections. http://preservationlongisland.org

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Northwell Health’s Michael Dowling (left) and Dr. John D’Angelo. Photo by Lee Weissman/Northwell Health

Northwell Health has announced that after serving as Northwell’s first president and chief executive officer for more than 23 years, Michael J. Dowling will step down effective October 1, 2025 and transition to the role of CEO Emeritus, where he will serve in an advisory capacity, supporting the advancement of key public health initiatives, and focusing on teaching and writing, according to a press release on May 14.

Dowling’s transition marks the end of an extraordinary tenure characterized by significant growth, industry innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing health for all. Over the past two decades, his visionary leadership has transformed Northwell from a network of Long Island-based hospitals into one of the nation’s ten largest health systems, renowned for its clinical, academic, and research excellence. Under his leadership, Northwell became New York State’s first integrated health system in 1992 and now includes 28 hospitals across New York and Connecticut, employing 104,000 individuals, with over 14,000 affiliated physicians, 1,000 care locations, and a comprehensive network of home care, rehabilitation, and end-of-life services.

As president and CEO of Northwell, Michael Dowling spearheaded the system’s remarkable expansion, championing investments in research, leading to the growth of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and positioning Northwell at the forefront of bioelectronic medicine. His dedication to innovative medical education through the Zucker School of Medicine, the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing, and Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation has cultivated the next generation of health care professionals.

Additionally,  Dowling has taken a leadership role in addressing gun violence, the leading cause of death among children in the United States, recognizing it as a critical health care issue. He has mobilized over 60 health care CEOs nationwide to support gun violence prevention. For 18 consecutive years, he has been named to Modern Healthcare magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare,” achieving the magazine’s #1 ranking in 2022.

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Above, Dr. John D’Angelo will succeed Dowling in the fall.

After an extensive nationwide search, and confirmed in a unanimous vote, Northwell’s Board of Trustees has appointed John D’Angelo, MD, who currently serves as executive vice president of the health system’s central region, to succeed Dowling as president and CEO in October. Dr. D’Angelo began his more than 25-year tenure at Northwell as an emergency medicine physician at Glen Cove Hospital before advancing into health system-wide clinical and administrative leadership roles.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Northwell through a period of unprecedented growth and clinical transformation that has enabled our team members to make a meaningful difference and improve the lives of the tens of millions of patients and families who we’ve cared for over the last 25 years,” said Dowling in the release.

“In Dr. D’Angelo, the Board of Trustees has selected a tremendous leader who will lead Northwell to greater heights. John is someone who understands and champions Northwell’s unique and differentiated culture and his clinical and operational acumen coupled with skills as a decisive and collaborative leader will enable Northwell to raise the bar on the quality of care we deliver to the communities we serve in New York and Connecticut. I look forward to partnering with Dr. D’Angelo in the coming months to help ensure a seamless transition to what will be an exciting new chapter in the 33-year history of Northwell,” he added.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected to succeed Michael Dowling as Northwell President and CEO. I am committed to build on his unparalleled legacy and vision that grew Northwell from a Long Island-based health system into a regional and national health care leader,” said Dr. D’Angelo. “Health care is a calling. Every minute of every day, we have an opportunity to change someone’s life for the better, and I look forward to leading our more than 100,000 team members who contribute to this critically important mission. Together, we will continue advancing better health for all.”

As president of Northwell’s central region, Dr. D’Angelo leads a dynamic health care network serving 2.8 million residents in western Nassau County and Queens, a network that includes six hospitals, over 270 ambulatory practice locations, and a dedicated team of 24,000 employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. D’Angelo was at the forefront, orchestrating Northwell’s operational response and later becoming Chief of Integrated Operations, charged with streamlining system operations in the post-pandemic era.

Before this role, Dr. D’Angelo was the senior vice president of Northwell’s Emergency Medicine service line, where he managed 18 emergency departments and a network of 60+ urgent care centers, serving 1.5 million patients annually. With nearly three decades of experience as an emergency medicine physician, Dr. D’Angelo possesses a deep understanding of clinical care delivery, quality, process improvement, and operational management.

“The Northwell Board of Trustees is enormously grateful for Michael Dowling’s extraordinary tenure, and we are delighted to name Dr. D’Angelo as our next CEO,” said Board Chair Margaret Crotty. “Dr. D’Angelo is an experienced administrator, leading a region that itself would rank among the country’s largest health systems. He is a trusted mentor for so many Northwell leaders; a respected manager who inspires his team to consistently drive results; and a strategic leader who deploys technology toward the best health outcomes. John clearly stood out among an impressive slate as the best person to bring Northwell into a new era of care.”

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By David Dunaief M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Your kidneys do far more than filter waste and fluid from your body. They maintain your blood’s health, help control your blood pressure, make red blood cells and vitamin D, and control your body’s acid levels. With all these functions relying on them, it’s crucial to keep them operating well.

When kidney function degrades, you can experience hypertension or cardiovascular problems. In later stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may require dialysis or a kidney transplant. For the best outcomes, it’s critical to identify CKD early and arrest its progression to more serious stages. However, of the estimated 35.5 million U.S. adults who have CKD, as many as 9 in 10 are not even aware they have it (1).

Unfortunately, early-stage CKD symptoms are not obvious and can be overlooked. Among them are foamy urine, urinating more or less frequently than usual, itchy or dry skin, fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, and unintended weight loss (2).

Fortunately, simple tests, such as a basic metabolic panel and a urinalysis, can confirm your kidney function. These indices include an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine level and protein in the urine. eGFR is a calculation and, while the other two indices have varying ranges depending on the laboratory used, a patient with an eGFR of 30 to 59 is classified as having mild disease. The eGFR and the kidney function are inversely related, meaning as eGFR declines, the severity of CKD increases.

What can be done to address early-stage CKD, before you experience complications? Several studies have evaluated different lifestyle modifications and their impacts on its prevention, treatment and reversal.

What creates the greatest kidney risks?

Among the greatest risks for your kidneys are uncontrolled diseases and medical disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension (1). If you have — or are at risk for — diabetes, control your blood sugar levels to limit kidney damage. Similarly, if you have hypertension, controlling it will put less stress on your kidneys. For these diseases, it’s important to have your kidney function tested at least once a year.

In addition, obesity and smoking are risk factors and can be managed by making lifestyle changes.

How can diet help protect your kidneys?

Fruits and vegetables may play a role in helping patients with CKD. In a one-year study with 77 patients, results showed that fruits and vegetables work as well as sodium bicarbonate in improving kidney function by reducing metabolic acidosis levels (3).

What is the significance of metabolic acidosis? Body fluids become acidic, and it is associated with CKD. The authors concluded that both sodium bicarbonate and diets including fruits and vegetables helped protect the kidneys from further damage in patients with CKD. Alkali diets are primarily plant-based, although not necessarily vegetarian or vegan. Animal products tend to cause an acidic environment.

In the Nurses’ Health Study, results show that animal fat, red meat and sodium all negatively impact kidney function (4). The risk of protein in the urine, a potential indicator of CKD, increased by 72 percent in those participants who consumed the highest amounts of animal fat compared to the lowest, and by 51 percent in those who ate red meat at least twice a week. With higher amounts of sodium, there was a 52 percent increased risk of having lower eGFR levels.

The most interesting part with sodium was that the difference between higher mean consumption and a lower mean consumption was not large, 2.4 grams compared to 1.7 grams. In other words, a difference of approximately a quarter-teaspoon of sodium per day was responsible for decrease in kidney function.

The National Kidney Foundation recommends diets that are higher in fruit and vegetable content and lower in animal protein, including the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and plant-based diets (2). 

In my practice, when CKD patients follow a vegetable-rich, nutrient-dense diet, they experience substantial kidney function improvements. For instance, one patient improved his baseline eGFR from 54 to 63 after one month of dietary changes, putting him in the range of “normal” kidney functioning. Note that this is one patient, not a rigorous study.

How often should you have your kidney function tested?

It is important to have your kidney function checked as part of your regular physical. If your levels are low, you should address the issue through medications and lifestyle modifications to manage and reverse early-stage CKD. If you have common risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, obesity or high blood pressure, or if you are over 60 years old, talk to your doctor about regular testing. 

Don’t wait until symptoms and complications occur. In my experience, it is much easier to treat and reverse CKD in its earlier stages.

References:

(1) CDC.gov. (2) kidney.org. (3) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013;8:371-381. (4) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2010; 5:836-843.

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.

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This Memorial Day the staff at TBR News Media remembers and pays tribute to our brave fallen heroes. The office is closed today but will reopen tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Interesting facts related to Memorial Day:

Memorial Day is celebrated annually on the last Monday of May across the United States. The proximity of Memorial Day to the summer solstice has led many to view the weekend preceding the holiday as the unofficial kickoff to summer. However, Memorial Day is about more than backyard barbecues and weekend getaways. Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving in the United States military.

Though Memorial Day traces its origins to the years following the American Civil War in the mid-nineteenth century, it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971. That’s one of just many interesting facts about Memorial Day that are worth noting as the United States prepares to commemorate the sacrifices of military personnel who died in service of the country.

• Memorial Day began as something of a grass roots movement. According to History.com, by the late 1860s individuals in towns across the war-ravaged United States began holding springtime tributes to soldiers who lost their lives during the American Civil War.

• Among the more notable postwar commemorations was one organized by former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. That commemoration occurred less than a month after the Confederate forces surrendered in 1865. Despite that, History.com notes that in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of Memorial Day.

• Postwar commemorations also were organized by northern veterans of the Civil War. General John A. Logan, who led an organization of Union veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance in May 1868. General Logan referred to the holiday as Declaration Day and chose May 30 because it was not the anniversary of any specific battle and therefore unlikely to be viewed by some as controversial.

• Early commemorations of Decoration Day, which gradually came to be known as Memorial Day, initially honored only those soldiers who died during the American Civil War. However, that changed over time as American servicemen fought in various wars, including both World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and other conflicts.

• The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day. That red poppy can be traced to a poem by Canadian John McCrae, who served as a Lieutenant Colonel in World War I. “In Flanders Field” notes the red poppies that grew in fields where countless soldiers had been buried in modern-day Belgium. The poem was published in 1915, three years before the war ended. Sadly, McCrae himself was a casualty of the war, succumbing to pneumonia in France in 1918 while still in the service.

Memorial Day honors service personnel who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday’s inspiration and lengthy history merits consideration as the nation prepares to commemorate countless soldiers’ sacrifices once more.

 

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