Eric Hurnyak and Michael Zinn in front of the 'Dazzling Lights' exhibit. Photo from MCPL
'Dazzling Lights' exhibit. Photo from MCPL
'Dazzling Lights' exhibit. Photo from MCPL
'Dazzling Lights' exhibit. Photo from MCPL
The Middle Country Public Library has announced it will host “Dazzling Lights: A pop-up exhibit,” on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at its Selden location, 575 Middle Country Road.
Attendees can experience an innovative, immersive environment featuring local historic photos, artwork and animations. Upon entering the space, one will immediately observe dazzling visuals that utilize site-specific projection mapping, video and light. The creative duo Eric Hurnyak and Michael Zinn have brought this marvelous exhibit consisting of stunning 360 visuals that will morph and change into other images. Visitors will listen to coordinated audio as they are immersed in the Dazzling Lights exhibit.
All are invited to enjoy this free event. No registration required. For more information, please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org or call at 631-585-9393.
The new storefront at 37 West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station. Photo from Harry & Davids
Harry & David, the gourmet food brand known for its premium products and artisanal gift baskets, opened a new brick and mortar retail store in Huntington Station on March 6.
Located at 37 West Jericho Turnpike, next to the store operated by its parent company, 1-800-Flowers.com, the boutique storefront is the only one on Long Island and is committed to offering customers “a one-of-a-kind, in-person shopping experience and last-minute gifting options,” according to a press release.
Cheryl’s Cookies, renowned for their buttercream frosted cookies, will also be featured at the shop. This marks the first time Cheryl’s will have a retail store presence on the East Coast.
The Huntington location will feature a curated selection of Harry & David and Cheryl’s Cookies signature items, including Royal Riviera® pears and other premium fruit, gourmet food and wine, Moose Munch® premium popcorn, Scharffen Berger® chocolates, English muffins from Wolferman’s Bakery, seafood from Vital Choice and an assortment of gift baskets.
In addition to offering fan favorites, the store will host a variety of special events throughout the year, including exclusive product tastings, seasonal promotions, and interactive experiences designed to delight food lovers of all ages. The company also offers in-store discounts for AAA members, veterans and their families, and Senior Tuesdays.
“We are thrilled to open a community store on the east coast and especially in Long Island,” Jim McCann, CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com, said in a statement.
“This store embodies the legacy and spirit of our brand allowing us to foster connections with our customers in a more personal and meaningful way, creating shared experiences that bring the community together,” he said.
Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-485-8970 or visit www.harryanddavid.com.
Robert Pattinson as Mickey 18 and Mickey 17 in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
“Have a nice death. See you tomorrow.” This single line captures the plot, theme, and tone of Mickey 17, writer-director Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up to his award-winning film Parasite.
Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7 was among NPR’s Best Sci-Fi Books of 2022 and was nominated for Best Science Fiction Book by Goodreads. Now, Bong Joon Ho bringsthe novel to the big screen in an epic adaptation titled Mickey 17. The first-rate cast features Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
Robert Pattinson in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
In the year 2054, sad sack Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) and his friend, the opportunist Timo (Yeun), are pursued by a vicious loan shark. The pair decide to escape Earth, signing up for a four-and-a-half-year voyage to Niflheim, a planet colonizing under the rule of the failed multi-millionaire politician Kenneth Marshall (Ruffalo). The unskilled Timo finagles a position as a shuttle pilot. Conversely, the doubt-plagued Mickey signs on as an “Expendable.”
Using a cloning technique banned on Earth, Mickey is subjected to experiments and fatal assignments to make the new planet habitable. After he dies, he is literally reprinted, including uploading his memories and personality traits. (The visual printing is one of the film’s most memorable visuals.) Along the way, Mickey develops a relationship with Nasha Barridge (Ackie), a strong-willed, free-spirited security agent.
The complications come when Timo erroneously reports Mickey 17’s death, unaware that the planet’s indigenous lifeforms, Creepers, rescued Mickey 17. Unknowingly, the scientists generate Mickey 18, the brashest and most aggressive Mickey. This mistake generates the forbidden “Multiples” situation. The dual Mickeys introduce an element of farce into this hybrid of dark comedy, science fiction, horror, and satire.
Robert Pattinson departs from his usual leading man persona for Mickey 17. The fatally passive titular clone is the definition of the little man lost in society, almost blithely accepting his fate. He is a man who signed away his life without reading the contract. Mickey 18 is closer to Pattinson’s usual undertakings, the curled, lipped, sexually charged bad boy. Pattinson adeptly creates two visually identical but wholly contrasting characters.
Robert Pattinson as Mickey 18 and Mickey 17 in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
At the center of the film is the buffoonish but appallingly dangerous leader, the egomaniacal and photo-op-obsessed Marshall. Easily manipulated by his underlings and his diabolical wife (Collette), Ruffalo embodies the danger and idiocy of an oligarchical politician with too much power and money and very little brain power. The performance is a hilarious horror, as the fascist clown spews white supremacist hate speech aimed specifically at Niflheim’s resident Creepers. Collette matches Ruffalo, all blazing eyes and sharpened talons, whispering in his ear like a demented Lady MacB.
The entire cast is effective, alternating the comedic with the callous. Ackie exudes a rough charm as the daring and audacious Barridge. Yeun brings an off-handed charm to the morally bankrupt Timo. Even Patsy Ferran, as scientist Dorothy, creates dimension in one of the few caring team members.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji and production designer Fiona Crombie perfectly complement each other, capturing the overdeveloped Earth, the dark, cramped spaceship and colony quarters, and the bleak tundra of Niflheim. Bong and his frequent collaborator, Jang Hee-chul, designed the Creepers, which are simultaneously adorable and repellent.
Bong makes clear commentary with Marshall’s pejorative orations on a white master race, the eradication of the native Creepers, and acceptable scientific experimentation on people who are “expendable.” The presence of Marshall’s followers in their red baseball caps is a pointed statement; depending on one’s leanings, this is either the film’s strength or flaw. Mickey 17’s lack of subtlety often pushes the film from social satire into spoof.
Like with Parasite, Bong proves he is a master of bold cinematic strokes and unusual and exceptional focus. However, unlike its Academy Award-winning predecessor, Mickey 17 has excess in both grotesquerie and running time. If Bong did not surpass his masterpiece, Mickey 17 offers a bleak, often brutally funny, and ultimately engaging film.
Rated R, the film is now playing in local theaters.
From left, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Korneich, Nancy Goroff, Amani Kahn, Maria Nardiello, and Trust President Peter Legakis. Photo by Gretchen Oldrin Mones
Awards, recognition and special proclamations went to Nancy Goroff, Amani Kahn and Maria Nardiello at the Three Village Community Trust’s Annual Membership Meeting on March 12. The trust expressed a deep appreciation of the honoree’s unique contributions to the community:
Maria Nardiello was recognized for her special role in the life of Three Villages and community affairs:
● Long time innkeeper and resident manager of the Setauket Neighborhood House.
● 25 years of providing welcoming and friendly hospitality and service to the Three Village Community.
● Over the years, her friendly professionalism has made the Neighborhood House the place for all community events.
● Providing a welcoming meeting place for all residents
● An enthusiastic booster of our Three Village community
● Always ready to assist in planning family and community events at the Setauket Neighborhood House
● Widely known as a caring, gracious, calming voice in every interaction with residents
● A steady, dependable and welcoming presence at the Neighborhood House
● A very likely ‘person of history’ in the story of the Three Villages for her remarkable role at the Inn
Amani Khan was honored for her help and support to the residents of Council District 1:
● Longtime senior Legislative Aide for Council District 1
● A beloved and respected staff member at the Town and to the entire District 1 community
● Known for her outstanding, dependable and efficient constituent service
● Recognized for her ability to easily navigate the complexities of the town’s many different offices, departments, codes and regulations
● Acknowledged as an expert in all issues impacting the Three Village community
● Engaged in all issues of the Three Village community and the surrounding area
● Well-known to residents for her honesty, integrity and steadiness in all things ‘Brookhaven’
● An unrivaled ability to use grace and understanding in all situations and at all times
Nancy Goroff was recognized for her advancements in education, art, cultureand science:
● President of the Board of Gallery North, the largest non-profit art gallery on Long Island
● Treasurer and Co-Founder, Long Island Strong Schools Alliances
● Founding Board Member of the Institute for Digital Media and Child Development
● Past Chair of the Chemistry Department at Stony Brook University – a recognized leader in chemistry, materials science, and higher education.
● Gifted public servant with a track record of accomplishment as a leader, scientist and communicator.
● A history of building and managing diverse teams in a variety of disciplines. Demonstrating a longstanding commitment to community service and nonprofit organizations.
● Lifelong advocate for good government
● Outspoken leader in civic affairs
● A champion of rights for woman, children and the underserved and disenfranchised
● A fierce defender of the principles of fairness and compassion for all.
Welcome to the 39th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home
Camila
Meet Camila
With a name associated with grace, beauty, and strength, meet Camila, a twelve(+) year old Chihuahua mix waiting at Little Shelter in Huntington for her soulmate. As often happens, with age comes wisdom, and this clever little lady knows her best days are still ahead of her. Initially shy and demure, it doesn’t take long before she settles into your lap for a chat and perhaps a quick nap, making herself right at home. Dainty, darling, and the dearest friend you could ask for, Camila is now ready to find her forever home. Will you be the lucky one to welcome her into your family? 631-368-8770
“A Chihuahua’s loyalty is as grand as its heart … small in size, but limitless in depth.”
*Camila is not completely housebroken*
Daisy
Meet Daisy
Symbolizing cheerfulness and new beginnings, meet Daisy, a ten-year-old Mini Golden Doodle up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Fresh faced and free spirited, she radiates happiness, greeting each new acquaintance as another possible friend. Striking just the right balance between being active enough to maintain her girlish figure, while also easy going, so as not to jeopardize a good hair day, she would fit well into most family situations. You’ll want to stop by soon…a flower like Daisy is full of promise and would be the most adorable scene stealer on your holiday card! 631-368-8770
“A dog wags its tail with its heart.”
*Daisy is mostly housebroken and is good with dogs and cats.
Cash
Meet Cash
This 5 1/2-year-old brown lab mix has been at Save A Pet in Port Jefferson Station for over 1,400 days now. That is heartbreaking.
For almost four years, Cash has woken up in the same kennel, listening to the sounds of footsteps of potential adopters passing him by. He watches other dogs leave, tails wagging, excited for their new lives. But no one ever comes for him — he is officially growing old in the shelter. No dog should spend this long waiting. No dog should feel this forgotten. Cash doesn’t know what it’s like to have a home, a soft bed, or a person who loves him unconditionally. All he knows is waiting.
He loves other dogs, women, but needs time to warm up to men. He also needs a home without small children.
Somewhere out there is his new best friend. Could that be you? 631-473-6333
Bailey
Meet Bailey
Bailey is a spirited and playful shepherd mix at the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter. At just around 2-years-old, she’s already faced more challenges than most, having been born with genetic malformations. Despite these hurdles, Bailey remains an incredibly happy and affectionate dog, blissfully unaware of her mobility issues. She will require lifelong care which include issues with her spine and dysplastic hips, as well as ongoing management for a mild heart murmur. Her future will involve regular check-ups and possibly some special accommodations, including softer food and careful handling. 631-451-6955
Tomi and Sprinkles
Meet Tomi and Sprinkles
These two lovely ladies arrived at the Smithtown Animal Shelter a month ago when their mom fell on hard times. At four years old, they have lived a life full of love and are looking for a nice, quiet home that will continue to show them that they are valued and adored. These sisters have always been together and rely on each other so it would be nice to have them adopted out together. Call 631-360-7575 to set up a meet and greet.
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‘Senior Spring Fling’
Did you know? For the entire month of April, the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter, 300 Horseblock Road, Yaphank is waiving all adoption fees for all seniors pets (5 years old or older).The shelter is also offering free adoptions for ALL the pets for Easter Week — April 21 to April 25 — because everyone deserves a chance to find their forever home. Spread the word and help these sweet animals find their happily ever after! Donations of blankets are also appreciated. 631-451-6955
Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop.
Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of April 17.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.
Turbulence, one of many rides at Adventureland. Photo from Adventureland
Get a head start on your Spring fun this weekend! Adventureland in Farmingdale is gearing up for an exciting expansion with its 2025 Season which kicks off this weekend on March 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. As it begins its new season, Adventureland remains as popular as ever as a top tourist destination as recognized by Discover Long Island which just released a new video featuring the theme park as part of their Long Island Where You Belong campaign https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaNrGavMvfc
New ride Wave Twister will open later this spring. Photo from Adventureland
Long Island’s most popular amusement park, offering family fun for everyone since 1962, is offering more value this year, and for the same ticket prices as last year. Earlier this year, the park announced it is freezing its admission rates, group rates, season pass rates, and birthday party rates at the same prices from the 2024 season.
“At a time when everything around us is going up, we are proud and excited to be able to provide our guests this price freeze on admission,” said Jeanine Gentile, Adventureland Park Manager. “We are still making additions to the park, so you will definitely see some great changes for this upcoming season. But one thing that will not be changing is the admission prices for the 2025 season!”
Moon Chaser is one of the newest rides visitors can enjoy. Photo from Adventureland
The price freeze is not the only exciting news from Adventureland. For the first time, the amusement park is offering payment plans through FlexPay for online orders of $100 or more. This brand-new option will allow visitors to book tickets and purchase season passes online—now—and conveniently pay over time. Daily tickets and season passes are currently available for purchase online at https://adventureland.us/?keyword=Tickets
Last year, Adventureland announced plans for a multi-year, five-phase $15 million redevelopment. Now currently in phase 2, the amusement park promises a ‘Bigger and Better’ 2025 season, which includes two new outdoor games: ‘Wave Blaster’ and ‘Jungle Run.’ Additionally, plans are in place to install three new concession stands and a third restroom facility. Especially exciting is the highly-anticipated new family ride, ‘Wave Twister,’ scheduled to open later this spring.
Adventureland is located at 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale. For more information, call 631-694-6868 or visit Adventureland.us.
The biggest concern that most have when they are in need of long-term nursing home care is that their primary residence will not be protected. This may or may not be true.There are special rules surrounding the home that are different than other types of assets.
To understand this fear, it is important to understand how one becomes eligible for Medicaid to assist with nursing home costs.The applicant is permitted to have countable assets in the amount of $32,396, retirement assets in any amount so long as the retirement account is set up for a monthly distribution, and a pre-paid irrevocable burial.
Applying for this program also involves a five-year lookback. This requires the applicant and spouse to provide full financial disclosure for the five-year period immediately prior to institutionalization. The purpose of the lookback is to see if the applicant or spouse transferred any assets out of their names.If transfers were made, there will be a legal presumption that this was done for the purpose of applying for Medicaid, and a penalty will be assessed. The penalty will result in a time of ineligibility for services.
However, there are certain transfers that are exempt and will not draw a penalty, this includes transfers of any assets to a spouse or to a blind or disabled child.Specifically for the primary residence, transfers are exempt when made to a spouse, blind or disabled child of the applicant, a sibling with an equity interest in the home, or to a caretaker child.
A caretaker child is defined as a child who has resided in the primary residence with the Medicaid applicant for the two years immediately prior to institutionalization and who, during that time has provided some level of care support to the individual who requires nursing home care.Medicaid will closely scrutinize the transfer and ask for supporting documentation to prove residency for the caretaker child.
For several reasons, this type of planning is best used in crisis planning and is not an advanced planning technique. First, there may be adverse tax consequences when you transfer the real property to the caretaker child.Second, transfer to the caretaker child could thwart your estate plan to leave assets to multiple beneficiaries. Last, the transfer to the caretaker child can only happen immediately prior to your institutionalization.Therefore, if the child is moved out at the time you require nursing home care, the exemption is lost.
The fear of losing the home is common. Planning in advance can help ensure the primary residence is protected.
Britt Burner, Esq., Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., concentrates her practice in Estate Planning and Elder Law. Brittni Sullivan, Esq., Senior Associate at the firm, also focuses on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Burner Prudenti Law serves clients from Manhattan to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, New York City and East Hampton.
Sal Filosa and Jenny Bloom cut the ribbon for the new Teen Center at 205 Main Street on March 14.
Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
By Heidi Sutton
It’s been 10 years in the making but it was all worth it when the doors to the new Port Jefferson Free Library Teen Center swung open after a ribbon cutting event on March 14. A large crowd, including Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, attended the celebration which continued into the evening and at an Open House on March 15.
According to a press release, the library purchased the 1812 Bayles house at 205 East Main Street 10 years ago with plans of turning the former “Scented Cottage” store into a Teen Center which had been operating out of a rental space across the street from the library.
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich present certificates to staff of the Port Jefferson Free Library. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
A designated “Safe Space,” the new Teen Center features “multiple small rooms offering teens the ability to browse the library’s book, video and game collections, get homework and college application help, play board and video games, access craft supplies or participate in the busy schedule of program offerings,” according to the release. The Center, which is geared for teens in grades 6-12, also features a 3-D printer, homework stations and laptop computers.
Working with BBS Architecture and Belfor Property Restoration, the library preserved much of the building’s charm, including 5 fireplaces, a beehive oven, the front “Dutch Door,” and the original pine floors. A covered front porch was added after Kate Von der Heyden of the Port Jefferson Historical Society shared historic photos which showed a previously existing Greek Revival-style porch. Amendments include a wheelchair lift and wider doorways.
“The reputation of this institution transcends the boundaries of the village. This is a draw for kids not just in this community but all the surrounding communities. I want to thank you for putting this together and for doing it in such a sensitive way that it maintains the streetscape and the look and feel of the village; it is such a great enhancement,” said Councilmember Kornreich.
“I am so grateful to this library board, to the leadership here and to the community for having the foresight to obtain this historic building, maintain it and renovate so that it can continue to be part of the beating heart of our library system and be a safe, wonderful and fun place for the teens,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.
“… So proud to walk through these doors for the first time and see what’s inside. I want to use it! There’s a nook and cranny for everything. I’m so glad that my nieces and my nephews and their friends will be able to use it as they come through middle school into the high school … It’s an incredible facility and what a great resource for them,” said Mayor Sheprow, who went on to thank Head of Teen Services Sal Filosa and Library Director Jenny Bloom for bringing the Teen Center to fruition.
“Growing from our one-room rental space to multiple rooms with a covered porch offers a variety of spaces for teens to relax, do homework, play games, or create art. We hope they consider the Teen Center to be their new ‘home away from home,” said Filosa.
“The restoration of the Bayles House and development of the new Teen Center has been the dream of a decade of Board Trustees, Staff, and community members, and the Library is very proud to welcome the community to the grand opening, and for teens for generations to come,” added Bloom.
The Teen Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-509-5707.
Stony Brook University will hold its 7th annual Giving Day on March 26.
Day Dedicated to Philanthropic Giving from Inside and Outside the University Community
On Wednesday, March 26, Stony Brook University is hosting its seventh annual Giving Day. This 24-hour crowdfunding event brings together alumni, friends, patients, parents, faculty, staff and students to support causes close to their hearts in an effort to help Stony Brook “Be Unstoppable.”
More than 130 different academic units, clubs, athletic teams, clinical departments, student enrichment programs, and other initiatives across the Stony Brook community will be positively impacted on Giving Day. A series of special matching gifts and participation challenges will multiply the impact of individuals’ donations. To inspire participation, all gifts made will be tracked in real-time on givingday.stonybrook.edu.
The university looks to surpass previous years’ results, with a goal of 3,500 unique gifts. Last year, Giving Day generated $1.6 million from 3,800 gifts. Donations have totaled $3.8 million dollars since the inaugural Giving Day in 2019. Every year, about 20% of gifts come from first-time donors.
“Giving Day is an exciting opportunity for the Stony Brook community to step forward and support the university in a big way. Every year, I am inspired by our community’s engagement, not just by their generous philanthropic contributions but also by the motivation behind their philanthropy,” said Scott Barrett, interim vice president for advancement.
“It’s remarkable to see how many people are driven by the positive impact they can make for our current students and faculty — and, frankly, for generations to come. I look forward to celebrating that impact again this year,” he said.
For those seeking to make social media postings regarding Giving Day, the hashtags for this year’s Giving Day are #SBUGivingDay and #BeUnstoppable.
It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu — morning, noon and night — can go a long way toward healthier eating habits.
While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you can use to add good fats and great taste to recipes throughout the day.
Avocados provide a good source of naturally unsaturated fats, and are also a good source of fiber
If you’re looking for an easy yet tasty way to add more avocados to your family’s menu, these recipes for Avocado, Brussels Sprout, Kale and Date Salad and Fresh Guacomole Salad provide a delicious introduction to the superfruit, courtesy of Family Features.
Avocado, Brussels Sprout & Kale Salad
Avocado, Brussels Sprout & Kale Salad
YIELD: Makes 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
Dressing
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 dates pitted, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Salad:
2 avocados, sliced
6 cups Brussels sprouts shaved or shredded
3 cups lacinto dinosaur kale, shredded
1 cup red onion sliced
1/2 cup pistachios or pumpkin seeds, shelled
reduced-fat sharp Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for topping (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
To make dressing: In food processor, blend lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pitted dates, mustard and add olive oil to combine.
To make salad: Combine avocados, shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion and pistachios. Drizzle salad dressing over greens and top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Fresh Guacamole Salad
Fresh Guacomole Salad
YIELD: Makes 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
Dressing
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virginolive oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, optional
Salad
2 avocados, diced
1.5 lb. kinless chicken breast, cooked, shredded
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, thinly sliced
8 cups mixed baby greens
DIRECTIONS:
To make dressing: Place all dressing ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
To prepare salad: In a large bowl, combine chicken, avocado, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and baby greens. Top with 4 tablespoons of the dressing and toss lightly until combined.