Members of the Smithtown Senior Center's Thursday Quilters club. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Smithtown residents belonging to the Senior Center’s Thursday Quilters club embraced the giving season with a heart-warming plan to spread tidings of joy to the Town’s wisest of residents.
The group of talented quilters handmade lap blankets, which were then delivered by the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department to eight center members who turned 100 or older this year. The quilts were stitched with love, and packaged with a holiday greeting card, wishing each recipient a happy birthday and holiday season.
Smithtown Senior Citizens Department employee Mae Inzone came up with the idea to present to the Thursday Quilters Club, which they happily embraced. The eight community members were deeply honored by the special delivery.
“The Senior Center is a very special place, where we all care for one another like family… which means celebrating all of life’s victories, big and small. I’d like to commend Mae Inzone for this very thoughtful idea as well as our talented members in the quilting group who devoted countless hours to making these timeless gifts, which will be treasured and enjoyed for years to come,” said Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizens Department Program Director.
Members of the Senior Center celebrating 100 years or more in 2021 include Mattie DiSpaltro (102), Fran Miller (101), Rita Maffe (100), Orlando Marotta (100), Janet DeVries (100), Lillian Guerriero (100), Mae Letsch (100) and Theresa Sanders (100).
“I’m deeply moved by this gesture given by the talented quilters and an incredible team at the Senior Center. I would like to formally wish our wisest and longest living residents a very happy birthday & hope for a memorable, healthy holiday season with good friends and family,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
Carbon emissions affect the planet significantly, causing global warming and ultimately climate change. This warming causes extreme weather events like tropical storms, wildfires, severe droughts, melting of the polar ice caps, heat waves, rising sea levels and the disturbance of animals’ natural habitat.
Greenhouse gases, including the carbon-containing gases carbon dioxide and methane, are emitted through the burning of fossil fuels, land clearance and the production and consumption of food, manufactured goods, materials, wood, roads, buildings, transportation and other services.
We all want a healthier planet, a place that will continue on for generations to come. You may wonder how you can make a difference in view of the enormity of the problem. The amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere because of our own individual energy needs is called our “carbon footprint.” It is our personal impact on the environment.
Did you know that the U.N. has found that 2/3 of all greenhouse gases originate from decisions made on the household level? Our decisions can help to rapidly transform our economies and lifestyles off fossil fuels and on to clean and green. Learn how your actions matter in ways to cut emissions, address equity issues and protect and restore ecosystems.
Change can become easier when individuals or small groups of people concentrate on their own personal change and share their ideas and accomplishments with others. Look at the success of the Carbon CREW project developed by Drawdown East End and supported by the League of Women Voters. The Carbon CREW Project brings together small teams of climate-friendly folks to plan, proclaim and live a 50% carbon reduction lifestyle! CREW represents both the team approach and is the acronym for Carbon Reduction for Earth Wellbeing.
Using 2040: A Handbook for the Regeneration by Damon Gameau, based on Project Drawdown https://drawdown.org/, guides lead participants in creating Personal Carbon Action Plans and in replicating the CREW strategy for exponential growth, peer to peer accountability and overall 50% carbon reduction by 2030. When the CREW sessions are over, groups stay in touch to confirm progress and provide ongoing support.
Despite our best intentions and our most persuasive approaches a person will not change just because we say they should. The only thing we can change is how we connect and relate to other people. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t offer help, guidance, or opinion when asked to. So, if you are finding changing other people difficult, shift your focus to changing you. You can do your part to reverse global warming.
Start by finding out your personal impact on the environment by checking your Carbon Footprint on this website: https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/.The calculator estimates your footprint in three areas: home energy, transportation and waste. Everyone’s carbon footprint is different depending on their location, habits, and personal choices.
Develop a Personal Carbon Action Plan which acknowledges all the good earth saving things you already do. Decide what changes you can make now. Set long term goals such as the purchase of a Hybrid or electric vehicle or solar panels.
Here are some things you can do immediately to lower your carbon footprint and change your impact on the environment.
1. Use cold water for laundry, make your own fabric softener, purchase detergent sheets instead of products in bulky non-recyclable containers, air dry clothes whenever possible
2. Stop buying single use plastic products.
3. Always use a re-usable bag when shopping.
4. Schedule your thermostat.
5. Become aware of how often you use your car — combine trips.
6. Learn to compost or join a community composting group.
7. Join a Carbon CREW in your area.
8. Support and become active in environmental groups in your area.
9. Turn each new positive change into automatic good habits and share your success with everyone you know.
Susan Wilson is president of the League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Shelter Island and the North Fork and representative to the board of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit www.lwv-suffolkcounty.org or call 631-862-6860.
Eric McCarthy and Deidre O'Connell in front of the new location. Photo courtesy of Daniel Gale Sotheby's
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that it is in the process of moving its longtime Huntington office from Park Avenue to a prime location on the corner of Main Street and New York Avenue in downtown Huntington Village. The new office will reap the benefits of high visibility and heavy foot traffic in this destination village known for its popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer Deirdre O’Connell made the announcement with the expectation that the new office will open in early spring 2022.
“To say that we are excited about our new location is an understatement,” said O’Connell. “We are delighted to bring a state of the art real estate office to downtown Huntington Village. Not only is Huntington the hometown of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, our very first office was founded on this busy corner in 1922. Its opening will coincide with the start of our 100th anniversary celebration.”
As the new home base for some 50 real estate advisors, the office, located at 263 Main Street with display windows running alongside New York Ave., has already been festooned with signs bearing Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s familiar whale logo.
“We’re sad to say goodbye to our longtime home on Park Avenue,” said O’Connell, “but this new office will incorporate design elements developed to accommodate the latest technology, the health and safety needs of those who work there or visit, and include leading edge meeting rooms.”
Eric McCarthy, sales manager of the Huntington office, is equally enthused about the move to Main Street. “An essential part of our culture is being part of the local community, and we will be in the thick of it here on Main Street. Huntington is among Long Island’s most desirable communities in which to live, and we look forward to inviting our neighbors, friends and passersby to stop in and say hello.”
From left, Lorelai Mucciolo and Leah Kelly in a scene from 'Frozen Jr.' Photo by Courtney Braun
By Melissa Arnold
It might seem hard to believe, but it’s only been eight years since Disney’s Frozen was released, captivating all ages and making Elsa and Anna household names. Children of previous generations might have idolized Belle or Cinderella, but now it’s all about the icy queen and her bighearted sister. The majority of girls under 20 would likely admit to belting out the now iconic “Let It Go” a time or two.
Among those Frozen superfans are Leah Kelly and Lorelai Mucciolo, who star as Elsa and Anna in the Smithtown Performing Art Center’s production of the stage adaptation for kids, Frozen Jr.
The pair have an effortless chemistry onstage, and when you get to know them it’s easy to see why. Behind the scenes, they’ve been friends for years, and both call Smithtown Performing Arts Center (SPAC) their second home.
Leah Kelly as Elsa in a scene from ‘Frozen Jr.’ Photo by Courtney Braun
Some of Lorelai’s (Anna) earliest memories are of toddling around the theater — her parents were involved there before she was even born. She admits she was “stubborn” when her family suggested she give performing a try, despite growing up at the foot of the stage.
“I actually had terrible stage fright. I was really nervous to try acting, but once I got up there I realized it was the best thing ever. It just felt right,” said Lorelai, a 15-year-old sophomore at East Islip High School.
Leah Kelly, who plays Elsa, also needed a little coaxing to make her acting debut.
“I started off with dance when I was 3 years old, but I was always singing,” said Leah, a 17-year-old senior at Smithtown West High School. “One day, my mom found me singing along to the movie Tangled while I played with my Barbies, and she asked if I wanted to take a singing class. I was and am a little on the shy side, so I was reluctant, but she suggested I go with a friend.”
It was through those singing classes at SPAC that Leah met her current voice teacher, future directors and a host of new friends, including Lorelai. The two girls have known each other for almost 10 years now, often sharing the stage. But this is the first time they’ve played sisters.
Frozen Jr. director Courtney Braun has watched Leah and Lorelai blossom into young women with confidence and grace. Braun, who is pursuing a graduate degree in social work from Stony Brook University, found her own voice on the SPAC stage as a girl.
“I first became a part of the theater’s ‘Youth Experiencing Arts’ program when I was six years old. We were doing Grease, and I showed up in a pink poodle skirt and a high ponytail, ready to go,” she recalled. “I’ve met so many wonderful people here, including my best friend.”
Braun was in elementary school when she met Lorelai for the first time — she was an infant then. Years later, Braun met Leah during a production of The Wizard of Oz.
“I’ve always been amazed by them. They are so kind — truly each other’s biggest supporters, and they’re wonderful role models for others,” Braun said of the girls.
This production of Frozen Jr. was originally planned for two years ago, long before COVID-19 shuttered theaters. Leah and Lorelai eagerly awaited their chance to audition, and when the time finally came, Braun felt that the girls were natural fits for Elsa and Anna.
Lorelai Mucciol as Anna in a scene from ‘Frozen Jr.’ Photo by Courtney Braun
“Leah is a force to be reckoned with. For Elsa, I was looking for a strong personality that was also able to show the occasional insecurity when it’s called for, and Leah accomplishes that so well,” Braun explained. “And Lorelai has all of the sweet, bubbly, unique personality quirks that make us love the character Anna — she can be a little quiet when you meet her, but as soon as she takes the stage, it’s game on. She has such deep insights.”
For the girls, it’s a welcome relief to be back onstage, especially after enduring canceled shows and remote learning.
“Being part of a cast is very unifying, and you get to connect with an audience emotionally, which is a great feeling,” said Leah who is enjoying her time in Frozen Jr.
“I love the relationship that’s mended between Anna and Elsa, despite their differences. They learn to work through things together instead of on their own,” she said. “Coming out of the pandemic, I feel like we can all relate to feeling isolated and alone.”
Lorelai said that even with outdoor theater opportunities, there’s no replacement for being at SPAC.
“I love being able to look out into the audience and see the joy on people’s faces. A lot of people sing along and kids come dressed in costume,” she said. “There’s something about getting to go onstage and be somebody else for a while that I really enjoy — it’s like professional make believe, and for lack of a better word, it’s magical.”
Frozen Jr. is running now through Jan. 17, 2022 at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main Street, Smithtown. Tickets are $25. For showtimes, ticket purchases and information, visit www.smithtownpac.org or call 631-724-3700.
Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) announced on Dec. 13 that PSEG Long Island President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Daniel Eichhorn will retire in 2022. Eichhorn will continue in his current role until a successor is named to ensure a smooth transition and a continued utmost commitment to customer service on Long Island.
Concurrent with Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) board consideration for approval of the proposed revised operations services agreement, Eichhorn has chosen this time to retire, giving a new leader the opportunity to make their mark on the future of the PSEG Long Island organization and its commitment to customers across Long Island and the Rockaways. A search for PSEG Long Island’s next president and COO is now underway.
“During his 32 years of dedicated service, Dan has focused on significant operational improvements and an unwavering commitment to our customers and employees on Long Island and in New Jersey,” PSEG COO Ralph LaRossa said. “Dan’s leadership has helped place the PSEG Long Island workforce in a position to move into its next chapter with the right tools, team and dedication to serving every customer. We thank Dan for his considerable contributions across both Long Island and New Jersey over more than three decades of service.”
Eichhorn was named president and COO of PSEG Long Island in October 2017. Previously, Eichhorn served as PSEG Long Island’s vice president for Customer Service. As vice president, Eichhorn was responsible for customer satisfaction, marketing and marketing strategy, customer contact, meter-tocash functions, and solar and energy efficiency programs. Prior to that role, Eichhorn served as director of Customer Contact and Technology for Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G). Eichhorn retires with a broad background in electric and gas operations, customer operations and appliance service.
“As I announce my intent to retire in the coming months, I must reflect on the devotion of PSEG Long Island’s 2,500 employees, their achievements and the strategic improvements we have made since 2014,” Eichhorn said. “Over the past eight years, we have created a legacy of performance for customers across Long Island and the Rockaways, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I am confident that, as the company transitions to its next chapter, we are well-positioned for new leadership to build on these accomplishments – putting customers at the heart of everything we do, while further improving system reliability, enhancing customer service and supporting the state’s clean energy goals, and being an engaged and responsive community partner.”
Seiskaya Ballet principal Lara Caraiani and guest artist Blake Krapels will dazzle when they perform the elegant Sugar Plum Pas de Deux.
The Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island, returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for a six-performance run from Dec. 16 to 19. This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.
Hailed as Long Island’s most lavish “Nutcracker,” the Seiskaya Ballet production of the classic holiday ballet is a truly international collaboration beginning with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most famous score. Sets and several costumes were designed by Poland’s Margaret Piotrowska whose highly respected work in Polish television and stage productions has garnered wide praise.
Directed by founder Joseph Forbes, scenery was executed by Scenic Art Studios which has been credited with painting over 300 Broadway shows. The imaginative and unusual sculptures utilized in the Seiskaya Ballet’s production were the brainchild of creative artist Matt Targon. Choreographed by celebrated Russian-born Valia Seiskaya, this acclaimed production is imbued with bravura dancing, energy and endearing charisma.
The cast will be led by BalletX standout, guest artist, Blake Krapels (Cavalier) plus Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning Principal Dancers Lara Caraiani, Kyra Allgaier, Rachel Bland and Maya Butkevich.
Performances will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 children and seniors and $30 for groups of 20 or more at the Staller Center Box Office at 631-632-ARTS and at www.nutcrackerballet.com. (Attended box office hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and two hours prior to all performances. Online seat selection is available for all shows.)
This past weekend Judy Farabaugh, a representative from the Northport Rotary, along with several members of the community group, delivered 200 boxes containing 10,000 books to the home of Hindi’s Libraries co-founder, Leslie Gang, a result of their latest book drive.The rotary, whose mission includes supporting education and promoting literacy, has been a supporter of Hindi’s Libraries since the organization’s inception.
Over 10,000 books were collected.
In addition to the book donations, Hindi’s Libraries received a generous contribution of $2,000 from the Northport Rotary to assist with shipping costs the nonprofit may incur.
Hindi’s Libraries is a 501c3 international nonprofit that donates new and gently used children’s books all over the world, spanning across 50 states, Israel, India, Puerto Rico, Haiti and Africa. Books are sent to recipients, completely free of charge, as the nonprofit absorbs all fees associated with shipping. Since the organization’s inception in 2018, they have collected more than 250,000 books and partnered with 650 organizations worldwide.
All books are dedicated in memory of Dr. Hindi Krinsky, 32 year old educator and mother of 5 who suddenly passed away in August of 2018 due to complications from Crohn’s disease. For more information, visit www.hindislibraries.org.
On Friday, December 10, Harbor Country Day School paid a visit to Long Island Elite Limousines in St. James to deliver more than 200 toys donated to the Suffolk County Toys for Tots program. The toys were donated by Harbor Country Day School families as part of the Student Council’s annual toy drive. Given the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, there was an even greater need for donations than usual.
Because visitors are not permitted to Harbor Country at this time, and due to social distancing requirements, both the result of COVID-19, this year’s toy drive looked different than in years past.Historically, Harbor Country Day School was a local drop off point in the community and donated toys were picked up by the Marine Corps.This year, Harbor students and faculty loaded toys onto the Harbor Country Day School bus to bring to Long Island Elite Limousines where they were subsequently delivered to Suffolk County Toys for Tots.
Harbor has contributed to the Toys for Tots drive since 1998, when former Harbor employee and former Marine Mike Guido instituted the program. Now retired from the school, Harbor continues this tradition begun by Mr. Guido.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the Toys for Tots drive and to work… on such a wonderful program,” said John Cissel, Head of School for Harbor Country Day School.
For the first time this season sophomore diver Sara DiStefano has been named America East Diver of the Week as announced by the conference office on Dec. 7. DiStefano takes home the honor after a strong performance in the Blue Devil Invite Dec. 4 and 5.
The sophomore earned two scoring finishes at the Blue Devil Invite to help propel Stony Brook to a first-place overall finish. DiStefano placed seventh overall in the 3-meter dive with a total score of 196.15. On Sunday, she finished with a final score of 200.05 in the 1-meter dive, which was good for a fifth-place overall finish in the finals.
The Stony Brook swimming and diving team is back in action on Jan. 22 when they hit the road to compete against Rider in Newark, N.J.
The team celebrates after Friday night's game
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics
For the third time in its last four games, the Stony Brook University women’s basketball team (8-1) had at least four student-athletes score in double figures en route to a victory.
The Seawolves knocked off Penn (4-7), 75-69, on Dec. 10 inside Island Federal Arena behind the quartet of graduate forward India Pagan, junior guard Gigi Gonzalez, senior guard Earlette Scott, and graduate forward Leighah-Amori Wool all scoring in double-digits.
Pagan led the way with a season-high 20 points on an efficient 8-of-15 shooting from the floor as she dominated down low. Gonzalez finished the game with 14 points and did a bulk of her damage in the contest in the second half as she totaled nine points over the final 20 minutes. Scott and Wool each added 10 points apiece as they helped guide the Seawolves to their eighth victory of the season.
After a back and forth first half, Stony Brook used a 12-0 scoring run that carried over from the first half into the second to build its lead. The Seawolves were able to go ahead, 43-36, at the conclusion of the scoring spurt. Following that run, Stony Brook never looked back as it led for the remainder of the contest and secured its conference leading eighth win of the season.
The Seawolves’ lead grew to as large as 13 points in the fourth quarter as Gonzalez gave Stony Brook its biggest advantage of the game as she converted a driving layup with 6:35 to play. Penn responded and got within five points of the lead with 4:52 to play in the game, but the Seawolves were able to fend off the Quakers’ come-from-behind attempt.
“I’m proud of how we found a way to win – we were resilient today. We’ve had a lot of moving pieces and parts; I’m really glad that they locked in for 40 minutes and were able to be resilient, kept fighting, and found a way. I’m pleased to get a win right before we go on a long break. Overall, I’m just proud of the way they keep being resilient, growing, and pushing through all the adversity that we had,” said head coach Ashley Langford.
Here are some things you can do immediately to lower your carbon footprint and change your impact on the environment.
Prev
