Home Arts & Entertainment

Your Turn: Year of the Tiger art show in Setauket a roaring success

by TBR Staff - February 18, 2022

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By Qingyan Ma

For the second year in a row, the Asian American Association of Greater Stony Brook (AAAGSB) hosted the annual art show to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This year’s theme was Tiger, as 2022 is the Year of Tiger. The exhibition was held at the Setauket Neighborhood House on February 5.

The Art Show received 62 pieces of tiger-themed artworks, including paintings, calligraphy, digital art and hybrid art from participants of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and age groups.

Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn attended the ceremony and presented prizes to the 12 winners.

After successfully hosting the online art show for the Year of the Ox last year, this year’s art show was finally held in person.

“The Lunar Year celebrations in the New York area are mostly theatrical performances. Last year due to Covid 19, many theatrical performances could not be carried out. Therefore, AAAGSB thought of the form of art show to celebrate the new year. Last year, the event was well-received by the community and received a lot of artwork. Due to the pandemic, last year’s exhibition could only be carried out online through the website. This year, with improved Covid situation, we can finally exhibit all the artworks on-site,” said Li Shaorui, the organizer of the event and the President of AAAGSB.

Tiger is known for courage, strength, and determination. The participants of the Art Show used their imagination and creativity to think about how to represent the Year of the Tiger in their art.

The artwork was divided into three categories: Grade Pre-K to 6, Grade 7 to 12, and the adult group. The jury was led by Professor Qin Han from the Department of Art of Stony Brook University. “Tiger’s Reflection,” “Yin Tiger” and “Tiger: Past and Present” won the first prize in their respective categories.

12-year-old Valentina Trajkovic, the winner of the Pre-K to 6 Group, said: “2022 is the Year of the Tiger and is also my zodiac year. This lunar new year is both a celebration and a time for reflection, so I painted ‘Tiger’s Reflection’. I hope to bring everyone a peaceful and healthy New Year.”

The art show attracted art lovers of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and age groups, not limited to Asian Americans. This is a different way to celebrate the Lunar New Year and to bring the community together. Art has no border. Art transcends age and race. Art is a bridge. This is the original intention of AAAGSB to host this event.

The event also received strong support from Dr. Frank Zhang, Long Island Youth Development Inc., Cake Fairyland, Town of Brookhaven AANHPI Advisory Broad, and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward P. Romaine.

Qingyan Ma is the Director of Media relations from the AAAGSB Board.

All photos courtesy of Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich’s office.

Times … and dates: February 17 to February 24, 2022

by Heidi Sutton - February 18, 2022

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'Rock of Ages' — ROCK ON! The John W. Engeman Theater presents ‘Rock of Ages’ through March 13. Photo from Engeman Theater

Ongoing

Vanderbilt Museum reopens

Starting Feb. 11, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will be open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday nights for Planetarium shows at 8, 9, and 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Thursday 17

An Evening of Jazz

Join the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a jazz concert by the Bad Little Big Band at 7 p.m. The 12-member band led by pianist, composer and arranger Rich Iacona performs the music of The Great American Song Book with vocalist Madeline Kole. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday 18

No events listed for this day.

Saturday 19

Winter Forest Bathing

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a Mindfulness in Nature Walk from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Experience nature in this slow, mindful practice of forest bathing. Maureen Calamia will lead the walk, share some stories and some interesting facts about our connection to nature. But most of all, you’ll have time to experience it yourself. You can bring a small towel to sit on if you would like for one of the activities. $20 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org or call 979-6344.

Maple Sugaring class

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington will host a Maple Sugaring class from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This interactive program, geared for the average adult, will teach you how to identify and tap a maple tree so you can make real maple syrup at home. You will also learn the cultural, historical, economical, and scientific background of this uniquely American craft. Not recommended for children. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 423-1770.

Sunday 20

Huntington Winter Farmers Market

Get your farm fix in the off-season at the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday through March 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located behind the senior center at 423 Park Ave., Huntington, visitors will find items ranging from hydroponic greens to artisan breads and vegan treats and everything in between. Call 944-2661.

Port Jeff Winter Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson through April 25. This year’s vendors include Brownies N’ Stuff, Joann’s Desserts, Farm Fresh Potions, Mello Munch Awesome Granola, O Honey Bee Farm, Sweet Melissa Dip, Mr. B’s Hot Sauce, Speedy Kiwi Bakery, Knot of this World Pretzels, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.

Sunday at the Society event

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport continues its Sunday at the Society series with a lecture by the President of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island, author and presenter, Brad Kolodny at the Museum Gallery from 1 to 3 p.m. The author of Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island, Kolodny will discuss the history, architecture and other interesting aspects about every synagogue, past and present, in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. A book signing will follow. Free. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org or call 757-9859.

SBU Orchestra concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra in concert on the Main Stage at 3 p.m. Featuring guest conductor Jens Georg Bachman and flute soloist Hae Jee Ashley Cho. Tickets are $20 per person at the door. Free pre-concert lecture with Michael Hershkowitz at 2 p.m. For more information, call 632-2787.

Monday 21

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday 22

Healthy Libraries program

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a Healthy Libraries program from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Healthcare professionals and graduate student interns from Stony Brook Medicine will be available in person to provide you with resources and referrals related to public health, social work, nursing, and nutrition. Just drop in! Open to all. For more information, call 928-1212.

Anything But Silent event

Join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for a livestream Anything But Silent event titled Edward Everett Horton – Silent Comedian at 7 p.m. The Edward Everett Horton comedy shorts have not been seen by the general public in 95 years, and have recently been digitally restored from 35mm camera negatives preserved by the Library of Congress. Three of these hilarious, unseen gems will be presented in this program – Find the King (1927), Scrambled Weddings (1928) and Dad’s Choice (1928). The event will feature live piano accompaniment by Ben Model. General admission is Pay-What-You-Want. To register, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Wednesday 23

Seals of New York

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport hosts a lecture titled Seals of New York at 6:30 p.m. This lecture is an introduction to the different species of seals seen in New York waters. An educator from the New York Marine Rescue Center will discuss best practices when observing seals in their natural environment, how human interaction can negatively affect seals, common illnesses and injuries, and what is involved in their rehabilitation. You will also find out how to get involved in helping to protect and preserve our local marine environment. To register, call 261-6930.

Jazz Loft Trio and Jam

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by the Jazz Loft Trio led by bassist Keenan Zach at 7 p.m. followed by a jam session at 8 p.m. Tickets are$10 at 7p.m., $5 at 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org or call 751-1895.

Thursday 24

Winter Break at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200Route 25A, Stony Brook welcomes families for Winter Break Fun in the Carriage Museum today from noon to 3 p.m. Step back in time and explore their world class carriage collection! You’ll see amazing vehicles that show you what the world was like before cars! Docents will be onsite to share information, hands-on objects, and activities. All ages are welcome and admission is FREE! *Please note, the Carriage Museum will be the only building open this day due to exhibition installation in other buildings. Covid safety protocols remain in effect; physical distancing will be required and all visitors over the age of 2 must wear face masks while indoors. The LIM follows CDC-prescribed cleaning protocols for all buildings. For more information, visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Vanderbilt lecture

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a lecture by Elyse Graham in the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium at 7 p.m. Graham, who writes under the pen name E.J. White, is the author of You Talkin’ to Me?: The Unruly History of New York English, will explore how commonplace words like “boss,” “dollar,” “tycoon,” and “rush hour” got started in the thriving metropolis of New York City and eventually became part of our shared vernacular. Fee is $10 per person. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation program from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Please call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Atelier online workshop

The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will present a free online demonstration titled Spring Tulips via Zoom from 7 to 9 p.m. Instructor and certified botanical artist Liz Fusco will demonstrate how to paint a beautiful tulip in watercolor from start to finish. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org or call 250-9009.

Theater

‘Punk Rock Girl!’

The Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main St., Babylon kicks off the new year with the world premiere of PUNK ROCK GIRL! from Jan. 20 to Feb. 27. With book and arrangements by Tony-nominated Long Island composer Joe Iconis, arrangements and orchestrations by Rob Rokicki and directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner, the new musical features a score of popular songs written and made famous by female artists and female-fronted bands including Blondie, Pat Benatar, Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, P!nk, Gwen Stefani, and more. Tickets range from $49 to $77 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling 230-3500.

‘Rock of Ages’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rock of Ages from Jan. 27 to March 13. The five-time Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical smash tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day — and the music. Rock of Ages’ electric score features all your favorite ’80s rock anthems and power ballads, including “Every Rose has its Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love is,” Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and more! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Marvelous Wonderettes from Feb. 19 to March 26. This blast-from-the-past musical takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! Featuring over two dozen classic ’50’s and ’60’s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

Star Playhouse at the Suffolk Y JCCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents The Diary of Anne Frank on March 12 and 19 at 8 p.m. and March 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. In this transcendently powerful adaptation, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 23rd annual Festival of One-Act Plays, featuring the world premiere of six new works, at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage from Feb. 27 to April. 2. Featuring Steve Ayle, Antoine Jones, Tamralynn Dorsa, Brittany Lacey, Steven Uihlein, Steve Wangner, Bradlee Bing, Sari Feldman, Eric J. Hughes, and Evan Teich. Adult content and language. Parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

LIM offers free admission to Carriage Museum on Feb. 24

by Press Release - February 18, 2022

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The Long Island Museum, 1200Route 25A, Stony Brook welcomes families for Winter Break Fun in the Carriage Museum on Thursday, Feb. 24 from noon to 3 p.m.

Step back in time and explore their world class carriage collection! You’ll see amazing vehicles that show you what the world was like before cars! Docents will be onsite to share information, hands-on objects, and activities. All ages are welcome and admission is FREE!

*Please note, the Carriage Museum will be the only building open this day due to exhibition installation in other buildings.

Covid safety protocols remain in effect; physical distancing will be required and all visitors over the age of 2 must wear face masks while indoors. The LIM follows CDC-prescribed cleaning protocols for all buildings.

For more information, visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Medical Compass: Improving brain health

by David Dunaief - February 18, 2022

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Lack of exercise may rewire the brain

By David Dunaief, M.D.

What do we know about the brain? Startlingly little.

Certain drugs, head injuries and lifestyle choices have negative effects. Also, numerous disorders and diseases affect the brain. Among these are neurological, infectious and rheumatologic disorders. These can include dementia, Parkinson’s, strokes, meningitis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Cancer, psychiatric mood disorders, diabetes and heart disease also have potential long-term effects.

Although this list is long, it’s not exhaustive. And while these diseases vary widely, they generally have three signs and symptoms in common: they cause either altered mental status, physical weakness or change in mood — or a combination of these.

Cognitive loss, or mental decline, is a common fear and potential side effect of many of these disorders and diseases. Of course, addressing the underlying disorder is critical. Fortunately, several studies also suggest that we may be able to help our brains function more efficiently and effectively with rather simple lifestyle changes: sleep, exercise and possibly omega-3s. Let’s look at the evidence.

Clearing brain clutter

How many of us believe the stereotype that those in their 20s are sharper and quicker-witted than older folks? Are they really?

In a study, German researchers found that educated older people tend to have a larger mental database of words and phrases to pull from since they have been around longer and have more experience (1). When this is factored into the equation, the difference in terms of age-related cognitive decline becomes negligible.

This study involved data mining and creating simulations. It showed that mental slowing may be at least partially related to the amount of clutter or data that we accumulate over the years. The more you know, the harder it becomes to come up with a simple answer to something. We may need a reboot just like a computer. This may be possible through sleep, exercise and omega-3s.

Sleep removes brain waste

Why should we dedicate a large chunk of our lives to sleep? Researchers have identified a couple of specific values we receive from sleep: one involves clearing the mind, and another involves productivity.

For the former, a study done in mice shows that sleep may help the brain remove waste, such as those all-too-dangerous beta-amyloid plaques (2). When we have excessive plaque buildup in the brain, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. When mice were sleeping, the interstitial space (the space between brain gyri, or structures) increased by as much as 60 percent.

This allowed the lymphatic system, with its cerebrospinal fluid, to clear out plaques, toxins and other waste that had developed during waking hours. With the enlargement of the interstitial space during sleep, waste removal was quicker and more thorough, because cerebrospinal fluid could reach much farther into the spaces. A similar effect was seen when the mice were anesthetized.

In another study, done in Australia, results showed that sleep deprivation may have been responsible for an almost one percent decline in gross domestic product for the country (3). The reason? People are not as productive at work when they don’t get enough sleep. They tend to be more irritable, and their concentration may be affected. While we may be able to turn on and off sleepiness on short-term basis, we can’t do this continually.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.2 percent of respondents reported having fallen asleep in the prior 30 days behind the wheel of a car during a 2009-2010 study (4). Most commonly, these respondents also reported getting usual sleep of six hours or fewer, snoring, or unintentionally falling asleep during the day. “Drowsy driving” led to 91,000 car crashes in 2017, according to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (5).

Make time for exercise

How can I exercise when I can’t even get enough sleep? Well, this study may inspire you.

In the study, rats that were not allowed to exercise were found to have rewired neurons in the area of their medulla, the part of the brain involved in breathing and other involuntary activities. There was more sympathetic (excitatory) stimulus that could lead to increased risk of heart disease (6). In rats allowed to exercise regularly, there was no unusual wiring, and sympathetic stimuli remained constant. This may imply that being sedentary has negative effects on both the brain and the heart.

This study suggests that a lack of exercise causes unwanted new connections. Human studies should be done to confirm this impact.

Omega-3 fatty acids may affect brain volume

In the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study, results showed that those postmenopausal women who were in the highest quartile of omega-3 fatty acids had significantly greater brain volume and hippocampal volume than those in the lowest quartile (7). The hippocampus is involved in memory and cognitive function.

Specifically, the researchers looked at the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in red blood cell membranes. The source of the omega-3 fatty acids could have been either from fish or from supplementation.

It’s never too late to improve brain function. Although we have a lot to learn about the functioning of the brain, we know that there are relatively simple ways we can positively influence it.

References:

(1) Top Cogn Sci. 2014 Jan.;6:5-42. (2) Science. 2013 Oct. 18;342:373-377. (3) Sleep. 2006 Mar.;29:299-305. (4) cdc.gov. (5) nhtsa.gov. (6) J Comp Neurol. 2014 Feb. 15;522:499-513. (7) Neurology. 2014;82:435-442.

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.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Lex Luthor

by Heidi Sutton - February 17, 2022

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MEET LEX LUTHOR!

This week’s shelter pet is Lex Luthor, a 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair neutered male currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Lex is a handsome beast. He is a large tomcat with affection for everyone he meets. He was found as a stray on the streets and he was thrilled to be found. He is loving the indoor life and all of the love and food he can devour. Lex is FIV positive.

If you would like to meet this sweetheart, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only).

For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

‘Lady Sings The Blues’ returns to the big screen

by Heidi Sutton - February 17, 2022

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Lady Sings The Blues, the Academy Award®-nominated biopic of the incomparable Billie Holiday, returns to select theaters nationwide in celebration of its 50th anniversary on Feb. 20 and 23. From working as a housekeeper in a brothel to headlining at Carnegie Hall, the film follows Holiday’s legendary, groundbreaking career and her tragic death at age 44.

Filled with the greatest songs of the incomparable “Lady Day,” the film received five Academy Award® nominations, including Diana Ross for “Best Actress.” Starring opposite Ross are Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor.

This special anniversary screening includes exclusive pre- and post-film commentary, presented by TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz.

Locally the film will be screened at Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.; Island 16 Cinema de Lux in Holtsville on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.; and AMC Stony Brook 17 at 7 p.m. on both days. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Movie Review: Jennifer Lopez rom-com ‘Marry Me’ falls short

by Jeffrey Sanzel - February 17, 2022

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'Marry Me' — Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

By Jeffrey Sanzel

Romantic comedies cover a broad spectrum. Whether classics, such as It Happened One Night, The Philadelphia Story, or The Shop Around the Corner or contemporary favorites, like When Harry Met Sally, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Love Actually, most viewers have their personal favorites.

On the low end are unwatchable travesties, usually humorless and coarse (thank you, Holidates, for ruining an entire year’s worth of celebrations). The majority play somewhere between, floating in that B-/C+ range on the bell curve. They are watchable but by-the-numbers predictable or just fail to reach their potential. Marry Me, now playing in theatres and streaming on Peacock, is guilty of both.

Singing superstar Katalina “Kat” Valdez (Jennifer Lopez) is poised to marry the younger Bastian (Maluma) in a spectacular event. The combination concert and ceremony will play to five thousand “guests” and twenty million watching from around the world. It will also unveil the titular duet. Just before she is about to enter and take her vows, an online news source posts video of Bastian carrying on with Kat’s assistant. After a speech about “love is a lie,” Kat selects an unwitting audience member to be her husband. He is math teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson), who happens to be holding his daughter Lou’s (Chloe Coleman) “Marry Me” sign. He comes onstage, marries her, and the story begins.

The premise is ridiculous, but there is an opportunity for both humor and insight if one embraces the idea. The opening shows preparations for a celebrity wedding in all its excess, both the over-the-top production and the media coverage. How much more interesting would the film have been to continue this path, emphasizing the misplaced values and the constant internet hype? Instead, the story becomes painfully predictable.

Kat’s people convince Gilbert to continue in the faux marriage so she can “change the narrative.” Because he is such a good guy—the windbreaker is a dead giveaway—he agrees. But, of course, they fall in love. She takes him to openings; she teaches his mathalon students to dance. It is all precious and precocious.

The supporting cast is reduced to ciphers, with Sarah Silverman playing Gilbert’s best friend, a school guidance counselor, who is the “kooky sidekick.” John Bradley (interesting in the execrable Moonfall) and Michelle Buteau play Kat’s considerate handlers. But they are given so little character, they function more to move things along, reminding Kat that she has a photoshoot or a plane to catch. The banality of their performances is no fault of theirs. Maluma, a gifted singer, is given the caricature Latin lothario. Coleman does well enough as Gilbert’s daughter, caught between divorced parents and trying to fit in her new school.

But the film’s sole reason is Lopez and Wilson, and, unfortunately, they seem uncomfortable much of the time. Lopez is saddled with the worst of it; she is the star who is lonely in the crowd. Lopez is a charismatic performer, which shines through when she is allowed to sing. Here, she engages fully, and these are the brighter spots. Wilson is trying to channel an everyman but just comes across as clueless (projected through his use of a flip phone).

There is not so much a lack of chemistry as no fusion. Kat and Gilbert are quickly too comfortable yet remain distant, mouthing speeches that are a patchwork of cliches. It is as if someone has cut up Hallmark cards and pasted them together as a script. In this case, the someones are John Rogers, Tami Sagher, and Harper Dill, who penned the pedestrian screenplay (based on a graphic novel by Bobby Crosby). Director Kat Coiro fails to bring any originality or point of view.

Many obvious moments will either satisfy expectations or just annoy. The whimsical challenge: Kat will attempt to function without assistants; Gilbert will go on social media. (The arc lasts all of three minutes and then is forgotten.) The requisite surprise birthday gift: A visit to a childhood amusement park. The romantic date: They chaperone the school dance. The build-up to consummation: It might be the first time in fifty years that anyone has been inspired by Robert Goulet’s “If Ever I Would Leave You.” The final obstacles involve the Grammy Awards and the big math event, lacking stakes and tension. So much for conflict, contrast, and texture.

One of the major missed opportunities is mentioned in passing. Kat is “north of thirty-five.” Far more interesting would have been incorporating the fears of a not-young-star in a youth-centric culture. Lopez would have brought both depth and dimension to this element.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you want. If you hope for wit and originality, Marry Me does not deliver. But, if you can accept a bland if not unpleasant movie, there are worse ways to spend a couple of hours.

Rated PG-13, Marry Me is playing in local theaters and streaming on Peacock.

Plain Talk: Let’s show empathy for each other

by Father Francis Pizzarelli - February 17, 2022

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By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

Recently, I had a powerful discussion around a very toxic social issue. It was in my Honors Sociology class at Suffolk County Community College, which is probably one of the best kept secrets in public higher education on Long Island.

My class is diverse on every level. Their commonality is they are all bright and from all over Suffolk County. The respect and critical thinking skills they employed was refreshing. I have been an adjunct professor of Sociology there for over 35 years and I have never had a class that disappointed me.

However, this class has truly raised the bar. They took this very complex opinion piece and were able to dissect it, respond and not react to each other. They raised phenomenal questions and pursued them. They acknowledged that civil discourse was critical and ad hominem attacks were not acceptable. They agreed to disagree in an acceptable and respectful manner. They also demonstrated a quality that is sadly lacking in Washington — empathy for each other. Their quest for vetted evidence-based research for some of the more complex questions was refreshing.

The initial issue raised some important life issues and important life questions in a free society. The student’s quest for knowledge and truth was impressive. At the end of our discussion they were amazed at how much they all learned from each other because they were open and responsive instead of reactive and confrontational. They represent a real hope for tomorrow. Some who are leading us would learn much from their wisdom if they took the time to listen!

Recently, the federal government released another disturbing report regarding the heroin epidemic. They spoke about how this unfortunate health issue is out of control and is exponentially taking life senselessly. Most of us already know that!

However, the programs they are recommending money be spent on once again are misguided and will ultimately be ineffective in confronting this national health crisis. We in the trenches are dealing with this painful epidemic every day. The number of young men and women around the country who are senselessly dying is out of control. The lack of resources to make a difference in addicts’ lives and our response, at best, is pathetic.

Education and prevention are important, but we have no long-term treatment beds and no money being allocated to develop them. Our present system of treatment is inadequate and shameful. Every day we are bearing a growing number of young people that need not die. Visit the grounds of Little Portion Friary at Hope Academy in Mount Sinai, go behind the grotto of Our Lady of Hope to the Garden of Remembrance and you will find more than 100 crosses and other symbols that mark the young people who have died senselessly during this pandemic. Every day two or three more crosses are added. When are we going to say no more?

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

BNL, SBU physicist Abhay Deshpande named Fellow at AAAS

by Daniel Dunaief - February 17, 2022

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Abhay Deshpande 1 — Abhay Deshpande with a group of students at Stony Brook University. Photo from SBU

By Daniel Dunaief

The American Association for the Advancement of Science recently named physicist Abhay Deshpande a Fellow.

Deshpande, who thinks big about small matter, has distinguished himself with his discoveries, ideas, leadership, innovation, and mentorship. The Director of Electron Ion Collider Science at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and SUNY Distinguished Professor at Stony Brook University will become a fellow as part of an online ceremony on Feb. 19.

“I was really pleasantly honored” to be a part of a group that includes so many leaders in science, including actor and science advocate Alan Alda, who founded the eponymous Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook, said Deshpande.

Deshpande’s collaborators and scientific colleagues said Deshpande deserved the AAAS honor, which the society has given since 1874.

“Everything [Deshpande] has been doing is advancing science,” said Haiyan Gao, Associate Laboratory Director in Nuclear and Particle Physics at BNL.

Fundamental questions

A physicist who earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Bombay, which is now called the University of Mumbai, his Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and his PhD at Yale University, Deshpande has put his academic and intellectual talents to work answering fundamental questions about atoms.

In his research, Deshpande studies protons in the nucleus.

Inside protons and neutrons are quarks and gluons, which are fundamental particles. Gluons have no mass and bind the quarks together, which suggests that the mass of protons must come from quarks — except that it doesn’t.

“The surprise is that all quarks together only account for about one percent of the proton’s mass,” Deshpande explained in an email.

Researchers don’t know how the components of quarks and gluons and their energies contribute to the proton’s mass. At the same time, Deshpande wants to know about the origin of a proton’s spin.

Quarks constitute about a quarter of a proton’s spin and gluon’s another quarter, which suggests that the remaining spin should come from their orbital angular momentum.

Deshpande never thought about the mass deficit until a few years ago because of his focus on a proton’s spin. “The same rotational motion of the quarks and gluons could not only explain the spin, but hopefully explain the mass,” Deshpande said. Such a solution to both unanswered questions would be “elegant,” he said.

EIC champion

A $2 billion Electron Ion Collider, which the Department of Energy awarded BNL in 2020, will take measurements that will study the origin of the remaining spin and mass. BNL will start building the EIC, which will take eight years to construct, in 2024.

Dmitri Kharzeev, Distinguished Professor and Director in the Center for Nuclear Theory at Stony Brook University, helped nominate Deshpande to become a AAAS fellow in part because of his work developing BNL’s EIC bid.

Deshpande “really played a major role in bringing this project to Long Island,” Kharzeev said. “It means a lot for BNL, and it also means a lot for Long Island as a whole. A lot of people will be hired to work on it.”

Kharzeev said Deshpande is the leader of the science effort at the EIC “precisely because of his status in the scientific community.”

Kharzeev said some of Deshpande’s papers are “among the highest-cited papers in experimental nuclear physics,” which is considered a reflection of the importance of the work.

Gao credited Deshpande and other key leaders in the community for preparing a “white paper which laid out the science in a very convincing and powerful way,” which helped make the EIC a reality.

In addition to Deshpande’s accomplishments as a scientist, Kharzeev lauded his colleague’s leadership. Deshpande brought together researchers from BNL and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Virginia, which were originally competing for the rights to build the EIC. He helps researchers “put science first and scientific politics second,” which is a “spectacular achievement,” Kharzeev said.

Throughout his career, Deshpande has sought to find complementary strengths among his colleagues.

He is the founding director of the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science, which is a joint operation between BNL and SBU and is passionate about sharing the excitement of research with people who work outside science.

“The science we do, the excitement we feel, needs to be talked about to high school students, to college students, to their parents” and to others, Deshpande added.

Decision-makers in the government need to understand the benefit of the research, as well as the general public, whose taxes ultimately fund future discoveries, he said, and believes communicating science requires connecting with a range of audiences.

Science communicator

Deshpande’s colleagues gave him high marks for encouraging productive collaborations. He is “able to make very good, easy connections with people,” Gao said and is “approachable and easy to work with.”

Ciprian Gal, Assistant Research Professor at Mississippi State and Visiting Scholar at the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science, was a graduate student in Deshpande’s lab from 2010 to 2014

While he appreciated Deshpande’s intellectual acumen and knowledge of physics, Gal admired his mentor’s accessibility and eagerness to share his passion for science.

“He’s always very open” to everyone, Gal said, including students of any age. During Summer Sunday events at BNL, Deshpande spoke at length with middle school students and their parents.

“He instills a desire to communicate in all of us,” said Gal, who also appreciated how Deshpande made himself available to the graduate students in his lab during off hours and on weekends.

Engaging audiences

While he was interested in science during his formative years in high school in Mumbai, India, Deshpande also participated in several dramatic productions that were in Marathi, his native language. Typically, the plays tried to convey messages such as the importance of literacy and education or against blind faith and misinformation. Deshpande sees a benefit to using the techniques of drama to engage the audience.

He believes the EIC will provide precise knowledge of properties of the proton and the nuclei. “I promise that we will learn lots of new things,” he said.

Kindergarten connection

The celebrated physicist is married to Arati Deshpande, who works at American Health Pharmaceuticals. The couple, who met when they were in kindergarten and now live in Miller Place, have a daughter, Pooja, who is a graduate student at the Gillings School of Public Health in Chapel Hill, N.C. and a son, Ameesh, who is in high school.

As for his advice to students, Deshpande urges them to “identify a good scientific problem and pursue it no matter the cost or time.”

Three Village Historical Society announces online lecture series line-up for 2022

by Melissa Arnold - February 17, 2022

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PHOTO Deborah Sampson - Vincent Morreale Photography — Judith Kalaora will portray Revolutionary War hero Deborah Sampson on Feb. 21. Photo by Vincent Morreale

Meet the first woman to secretly serve in the military at TVHS living history event

By Melissa Arnold

If you could spend an hour with any historical person, who would it be?

Many people have answered this question as part of an ice breaker or an online survey. It’s a fun dream to consider.

But what if you actually could meet and talk to someone who left a significant mark on American history? On Feb. 21, the Three Village Historical Society will welcome “Deborah Sampson,” a daring woman who bound her chest and hid her identity to serve in the Revolutionary War. Sampson, played by Judith Kalaora, will share her dramatic and captivating story and take questions from the audience about life in the 18th century.

Judith Kalaora as Deborah Sampson during a livestream event.

Kalaora is the founder and artistic director of History At Play, a living history performance group. She has made it her life’s mission to connect people in personal, immersive ways to fascinating historical figures. But for Kalaora, who holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in Acting from Syracuse University, it’s about so much more than entertainment.

“I’ve always believed that theater is a wonderful teaching tool. I had phenomenal teachers growing up who utilized role playing and activities like Mock Trial, and that’s all acting. It became very clear to me that there was an avenue to explore and that I wanted to teach, but I wasn’t sure what. I was drawn to history because it’s all about stories, and ultimately became a historical interpreter in Boston right out of college.”

A historical interpreter is highly educated in a particular period of history, and teaches by wearing the fashions of the era and playing the role of a historical figure, whether that is a specific person or just a common citizen.

For that first job, Kalaora chose to portray a woman named Deborah Sampson, a self-educated indentured servant who chose to disguise her identity and join the American military. Sampson fought under the alias Robert Shurtlieff and later became the first woman to be honorably discharged.

“She is the official heroine of Massachusetts, but I never learned about her when I was in grade school,” Kalaora explained. “I was always a tomboy, really interested in the military and weaponry from a young age. And as I looked through history books trying to decide who I would portray, I fell in love with Deborah’s life.”

Judith Kalaora will portray Revolutionary War hero Deborah Sampson on Feb. 21.
Photo by Bjorn Bolinder/Find The Light Photography

Tourists of all ages and nationalities were fascinated by Deborah’s story as well, and it inspired Kalaora to write a one-woman play called “A Revolution of Her Own.” Since its debut in 2010, she has taken the show from coast to coast for more than 2,000 performances, including on 42nd Street in New York City.

When the pandemic shut down theater performances around the world, History at Play had to get creative. Thanks to Zoom, audiences can meet Deborah Sampson and learn from her in the comfort of their living rooms. The event is a part of the Three Village Historical Society’s (TVHS) monthly Lecture Series, which hosts prominent and emerging historians, authors, genealogists, archeologists and storytellers from around the nation.

“The first lecture at TVHS was in 2003, and happened occasionally. It officially became a monthly offering in early 2006,” said TVHS executive director Mari Irizarry. “TVHS has proudly offered an average of nine monthly lectures to the public for nearly 16 years with the intention of furthering the mission of the Society by educating the public about our rich history.”

The historical society was introduced to Kalaora thanks to historian Margo Arceri, who runs Tri-Spy Tours which offers walking, biking and cycling tours around the Three Village area.

“This will be our first living history performance! We’re very excited about introducing this as a new offering from the Society,” Irizarry said. “The event is perfect for the entire family, and we hope that our younger audience attends this online presentation as well. The story of Deborah Sampson is largely unknown and we believe that our audience will be awe-inspired by her legacy.”

“A Revolution of Her Own! Deborah Sampson, Immersive Living History” will be presented online via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21. The evening is free for members of the Three Village Historical Society, and a suggested donation of $5 is requested for all others. For more information or to register, visit www.tvhs.org/lecture-series or call 631-751-3730.

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TVHS lecture series line-up for 2022

All lectures begin at 7 p.m.

MONDAY, FEB. 21

“A Revolution of Her Own! Deborah Sampson, Immersive Living History”

Presented by Artistic Director of History at Play Judith Kalaora