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'Red Barn' by Lynn Staiano
'Stillness' by Lynn Staiano
'Silence' by Lynn Staiano
'Through the Reeds' by Lynn Staiano

Smithtown Township Arts Council has announced that the works of Smithtown artist Lynn Staiano will be on view at Apple Bank of Smithtown, 91 Route 111, Smithtown from May 26 to July 25. The exhibition, part of the Arts Council’s Outreach Gallery Program, may be viewed during regular banking hours Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a press release.

Lynn Staiano is a self-taught artist who discovered a passion for painting during the pandemic. “Inspired by my late mother, a talented artist who nurtured creativity in our home, I found comfort and purpose in art during a time of global uncertainty. Though I had never formally painted before, I began exploring acrylics, later transitioning to oils, with occasional work in pastel and watercolor mediums,” she said.

The artist is particularly drawn to abandoned or fractured houses, barns, bridges, charming old windows, intriguing doors, and elements of antiquity. 

“I am moved to express well-lived environments; loved, forgotten, and vintage items. I enjoy painting plein air and in the studio, with a focus on landscapes and still life compositions,” she explained.

Staiano’s art has been exhibited in galleries across Long Island. “Committed to continually growing as an artist, I honor my mother’s dream through classes, practice, experimentation, and exploration.”

“STAC is grateful to Apple Bank for its continued support of culture in our communities,” read the release.

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A scene from the 37th annual drinking water tasting contest at Farmingdale State College.

To celebrate National Drinking Water Week, the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) hosted its 37th annual drinking water tasting contest at Farmingdale State College from Tuesday, May 7 to Wednesday, May 8. Sixteen water providers from across Long Island competed for the title of best drinking water in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, respectively. This year’s winners were the Greenlawn Water District (GWD) for Suffolk County and the Oyster Bay Water District (OBWD) for Nassau County.

“Our annual Drinking Water Tasting Contest is always a highlight of the year for us, serving as a fun, unique way for us to connect with members of our community,” said LIWC Chairman Robert McEvoy. “We love being able to educate students and faculty on everything that goes into delivering them with high-quality drinking water every single day. We hope that all of our participants enjoyed the experience as much as we did and that they learned a thing or two about their tap water.”

A scene from the 37th annual drinking water tasting contest at Farmingdale State College.

“It is a privilege to be selected as Suffolk County’s best-tasting water in this year’s contest,” said GWD Chairman James Logan. “We take pride in our ability to serve our residents the best water available on a daily basis, and to be honored on a County-wide scale shows that people from outside our District appreciate our efforts as well. We’ll make sure that the trophy has a safe home for the next year and we’re looking forward to being repeat champions in 2026!”

Over 320 participants cast their votes for what they believed was the best-tasting water and received exciting giveaways. LIWC representatives also provided important knowledge to attendees on the water delivered to the homes and answered questions regarding the treatment methods that ensure Long Island’s high-quality drinking water remains of the highest quality.

For emerging as the victors with the best-tasting drinking water, the Oyster Bay and Greenlawn water districts will possess the coveted trophy for a year and win bragging rights among their fellow providers. They will also participate and represent Long Island in the New York State Regional Metro Tap Water Taste Contest held in New York City this August, with a chance to win entry for the statewide contest held at the Great New York State Fair.

About the Long Island Water Conference

Since 1951, the LIWC has dedicated themselves to providing and ensuring a pure and plentiful water supply for the Long Island community. Representing over 50 regional water suppliers, the LIWC is committed to providing and maintaining a reliable and safe water supply today, while anticipating the water concerns of future generations. LIWC members provide more than 375 million gallons of clean water each day. For more information, please visit www.liwc.org.

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Pixabay photo

By Bob Lipinski

I’m one of those individuals that doesn’t wait until hot weather to light the barbecue grill. I enjoy grilling most anytime, including during snowstorms and frigid temperatures. However, I draw the line when outside is experiencing heavy torrential downpours.

Like most grill enthusiasts, my menu includes steaks, chops, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, sausage, chicken, pork, shrimp, seafood (especially tuna steaks), potatoes, and so on. I also love to grill most vegetables, including corn, portabello mushrooms, broccoli rabe, radicchio, eggplant, Romaine lettuce, cabbage, green beans, tomatoes, artichokes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, onions, carrots, and peppers of any type, especially hot chilis. I’ve even grilled kielbasa, mortadella, gnocchi, pineapple, peaches, octopus, clams, and oysters.

While grilling, I enjoy a glass of chilled white or rosé wine. One of my go-to whites is the 2022 Ruffino “Lumina” Pinot Grigio “delle Venezie” DOC, Italy. It’s clean, crisp, easy-to-drink with sliced apple, tangerine, and pear flavors. Dry, with hints of bitter almond, dried flowers, and citrus. I enjoy noshing on some grilled radicchio while sipping this wine.

 Here are some others I recommend:

2022 Mezzacorona “Dinotte,” Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Red Blend, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. (Briefly aged in French oak barrels) Blend of Teroldego, Marzemino, and Merlot grapes. Purple-red with considerable spicy fruit; red currant, cranberry, blueberries, and chocolate-cherry. Dry, with notes of vanilla, spices, and plum. Pair with grilled eggplant brushed with garlic-olive oil.

2023 Bolla Chianti DOCG Tuscany, Italy. Bright ruby with notes of raspberry, spicy morello cherry, chestnuts, violets, and sage. Dry, medium body with flavors of blackberry jam, plum, fennel, and bitter almond. I serve it with grilled teriyaki marinated tuna steaks.

2020 Fiamme Montepulciano d’Abruzzo “Riserva,” DOC, Abruzzo, Italy. Deeply colored with a bouquet and flavor of dark fruit… plums, black cherry, and black currants. Notes of dried herbs, vanilla, tobacco, chocolate, and anise. A plate of grilled spicy Italian sausages with fennel says it all.

2017 Bolla Amarone della Valpolicella “Classico,” DOCG, Veneto, Italy. Full flavors of dried cherries, dark chocolate, figs, black plum, and bitter almonds. Notes of anise, espresso, rosemary, cinnamon, and wild berries. Almost port-like, with sensations of rich spicy fruit. Pair it with a ribeye steak cooked medium rare with smoky mushrooms.

2023 Tre Monti, Vigna Rocca “Albana Secco,” DOCG, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. (Made with 100% organic Albana di Romagna grapes). Light golden with a lively bouquet and taste of apricot, melon, yellow plum, and bitter almonds. Hints of orange rind, honeysuckle, and dried flowers. I pair this with grilled pineapple and peaches.

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

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A scene from the 2024 Setauket Memorial Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan

By Heidi Sutton

‘Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.’ — Unknown

Falling every year on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the heroes  who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in all branches of the U.S. military. May they never be forgotten. The following communities will commemorate this federal holiday on May 25 and May 26. 

Calverton

Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton will hold a Memorial Day ceremony on May 26 at 1 p.m. at the re-designed Assembly Area. 631-727-5410

Centerport 

The Centerport Fire Department will host a Memorial Day Parade on May 26 at 10 a.m. from Centershore Road, Harrison Drive, east on Mill Dam Road Centerport, southeast on Prospect Road, south on Little Neck Road.  Ends at Park Circle, Centerport followed by a ceremony at the memorial monuments in the park. 631-261-5916

Centereach

The Centereach Fire Department will hold its 2nd annual Memorial Day Parade on May 25 at 1 p.m. Parade kicks off at the corner of Horseblock Road and Middle Country Road and ends at the Centereach Fire Department on South Washington Avenue. 631-588-8652

Commack

VFW Elwood-Commack Post 9263 hosts a Memorial Day parade on May 26 at 10 a.m. Kick off is at the Home Depot parking lot at the intersection of Larkfield Road and Jericho Turnpike and head east on Jericho Turnpike to junction at Veterans Highway to Cannon Park for a ceremony. 631-780-4853

East Northport

Father Judge Council Knights of Columbus hosts the East Northport Memorial Day Parade with kick off on May 26 at noon at Clay Pitts and Larkfield roads and proceed to John Walsh Memorial Park. 631-262-1891

Farmingdale

— The annual Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade on May 26 kicks off at  1 p.m.. proceeding south on Main Street, ending at Village Hall. Followed by a ceremony on the Village Green.

— Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Ave., Farmingdale will hold a Memorial Day service on May 25 at 2 p.m. 631-454-4949

Farmingville 

The Farmingville Fire Department’s annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 26 at 11 a.m.  Parade starts at CVS on Horseblock Road to the memorial at Nicolls Road and Portion Road. 631-732-6611

Greenlawn 

Organized by the Greenlawn Fire Department, a Memorial Day parade will kick off on May 26 at 9 a.m. on East Maple Road, south on Broadway to Greenlawn Memorial Park, at the corner of Pulaski Road and Broadway. 631-261-9103

Kings Park

The annual Kings Park Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by American Legion Post 944, will be held on May 26 at 9 a.m. Kick off is at the corner of Old Dock Road and Church Street to the Veterans Plaza at Route 25A for flag ceremonies. 631-269-4140

Holbrook

Holbrook Chamber of Commerce will host a Memorial Day Parade on May 26 at 11 a.m. Parade begins at 1069 Main St., heads south to Furrow’s Road, west to Grundy and culminates at the Vietnam Memorial. 631-471-2725

Huntington 

— The Town of Huntington will host a Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 25 at Veterans Plaza on the front lawn of Huntington Town Hall at 100 Main Street at 10 a.m. 631-351-3012 

— American Legion Post 360 will hold a Memorial Day Parade on May 26 at noon. Parade will begin on Gerard Street to West Neck Road, Main Street to Stewart Ave. 631-423-7575

Lake Ronkonkoma

Join AMVETS Post 48 in honoring veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on May 26, for the Lake Ronkonkoma Veterans Memorial Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Church Street and ends at Raynor Park for a very special Veterans Ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. 631-615-1428

Parade of Flags at Heritage Park.

Mount Sinai 

A Parade of American Flags will be on display at Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Rd, Mt Sinai on May 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 1776. 631-403-4846

Northport

Organized by the Northport American Legion Post 694, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. on May 26 at Laurel Avenue School and proceed down Main Street to the Northport Village Park. 631-261-4424

Port Jefferson

American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 will perform a Memorial Day ceremony at Port Jefferson Memorial Park, West Broadway, Port Jefferson on May 26 at 10 a.m. 631-473-9774

Port Jefferson Station

Join the American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 for a Memorial Day ceremony at Steven J. Crowley Memorial Park on Old Town Road in Port Jefferson Station on May 26 at 9 a.m. 631-473-9774

Rocky Point

The Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249, 109 King Road, Rocky Point will host a Memorial Day service to honor the fallen on May 26 at 11 a.m. 631-744-9106

St. James 

A Memorial Day Parade organized by Sgt. John W. Cooke VFW Post 395 will be held on May 26 at 10 a.m. The parade steps off at the corner of Lake Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue and proceeds to St. James Elementary School for a ceremony. 631-862-7965

Setauket 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3054 will hold its annual Three Village Memorial Day Parade in Setauket on May 26 at 11 a.m. Parade starts at the corner of Main Street and Route 25A with an opening ceremony at the Village Green across from the library and a closing ceremony at Memorial Park along Route 25A by Se-Port Deli. 631-406-1938

Smithtown 

The Smithtown Fire Department hosts its annual  Memorial Day Parade on May 26 at noon. Kickoff is at the corner of Main Street and Singer Lane, continuing west on Main Street to Town Hall. 631-360-7620

Sound Beach

The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial Park on New York Avenue in Sound Beach on May 26 at noon. 631-744-6952

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Michael Martell celebrated the grand opening of The Martell Method: Pro Shop and Coaching with his mother, Nicole, who is the youth director at Maple Family Centers, on May 5.

Michael Martell grew up in a bowling center. His mother, Nicole Martell, is a long-time employee of Maple Family Centers, and Maple President John LaSpina recalls the door of his office routinely brushing up against Michael’s playpen. Now 27 and a pro bowler, Michael recently returned to Maple to open a pro shop inside Coram Country Lanes, which is one of the company’s five bowling centers, located at 615 Middle Country Road in Coram.

Michael Martell

The Martell Method: Pro Shop and Coaching, which opened May 5, offers bowling balls, accessories, apparel, custom drillings and fittings, lessons, and more. Most recently, Martell was the operator of 39 Boards, a pro shop in West Babylon, where he worked for five years. 

A resident of Centereach, Martell is a seven-year member of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour and a 2024 PBA East Regional Champion. He is also a 2024 New York State U.S. Bowling Conference (USBC) Open Championships All Events Champion and took 2nd place in the USBC Masters in 2023. He has also been a three-time member of Team USA.

As a member of the men’s bowling team at Robert Morris University in Illinois, Martell helped his team win the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championship in 2016. He later served as assistant coach and then head coach of the Robert Morris women’s bowling team until COVID-19 canceled the 2020 season.

As a college student, Martell began working at Action Pro Shop in Illinois, where he was especially interested in learning how to drill holes in bowling balls and custom-fit them to a person’s hand. 

“As a kid, I never felt that the balls I used fit my hand properly,” he said. “When I got to college, I realized how important it is for the fit to be correct, especially for accuracy.”

Martell is excited to share his expertise with bowlers at his new business. 

“There is so much to give back to bowlers — from knowledge to taking the time to learn what they need as a bowler and a person,” said Martell, who is a USBC certified coach. “My goal is to help bowlers through my experiences to be the best that they can be.”  

He is also thrilled to come home to Maple Family Centers, a third-generation family-owned business owned by the LaSpina family. He grew up bowling and later working at Maple’s original location, which was in Brooklyn. His favorite memory at Maple was the annual Peter J. LaSpina, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Tournament, where he joined hundreds of kids in competing for scholarships.

“At about age 8, I was given the job of videographer, and I was SO excited,” Martell recalled. “I felt important and a part of the team. I enjoyed recording the opening and closing ceremonies almost more than the bowling. From a very young age, I felt that I was cared about and important to the LaSpina family. The LaSpinas know how to make you feel valuable and like you are truly family.”

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Cucumber Yogurt Salad

By Heidi Sutton

Grills are in full use and easy sides are a must at any Memorial Day gathering. Try this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Cucumber Yogurt Salad or this delicious potato salad, guaranteed hits to serve with burgers, steak, sausages, grilled salmon, shrimp or chicken skewers and more at this weekend’s barbecues.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Recipe by Elle Penner

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

YIELD: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:  

2 to 3 large English cucumbers

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

2/3 cup full-fat, plain Greek yogurt

1/2 large lemon, zested and juiced, plus more zest for garnish

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced or pressed

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 small red onion, sliced thin

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch slices. Place them in a large colander and lightly sprinkle with about ½ teaspoon salt. Toss to coat and place the colander on a dry dish towel in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to remove the excess water.

Make the dressing. In a large serving bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon zest and juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, the remaining salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and store the dressing in the fridge until your cucumbers are ready.

Assemble the salad. Transfer the salted cucumbers to a paper towel and pat dry. Remove the yogurt mixture from the fridge. Combine the cucumbers, onions, dill, and mint in the dressing bowl and toss to coat well. Sprinkle with additional dill, mint, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Potato Salad – SEE VIDEO HERE

Recipe courtesy of Cookin’ Savvy

Potato-Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

3 pounds potatoes

4 boiled eggs coarsely chopped

2 dill pickles

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 package real bacon pieces 2 1/2 ounces

2 cups mayonnaise

2 tablespoons mustard

salt to taste

pepper to taste

smoked paprika for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Coarsely chop potatoes. In Dutch oven, boil until fork tender. Drain then add coarsely chopped eggs and pickles. Add garlic powder, onion powder, bacon pieces, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well. Transfer to large bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Garnish with smoked paprika before serving.

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Photo by Pete Linforth/Pixabay

By Nancy Marr

Since the mid-20th century, when mass production of plastics began, they have infiltrated our lives. Their production and incineration release significant greenhouse gases, which contributes to climate change. The fact that plastics resist natural decay makes it difficult  to recycle them. Nearly all the plastic ever produced still exists in one form or another, and it is estimated that its production is expected to triple by 2060. 

Because they are inexpensive to produce and can be lightweight, the single-use plastics are useful as trash bags, utensils, and household items, and are used by the food and healthcare industries for hygiene, durability and cost effectiveness.

Plastics also pose risks to human health. Recent studies have found microplastics in almost every part of the human body, including breast milk, the placenta, testicles, hearts,  livers and kidneys. Although the full effects are still under research, the presence of plastic in our bodies raises serious concerns. Plastics also contain chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food and beverages. These disrupt hormones and are linked to health issues such as infertility, obesity, and cancer. Microplastics, formed when larger plastics degrade, are now found in seafood and even drinking water.  

A key issue is not how much plastic waste is produced, but how much of it is mismanaged — improperly disposed of, often ending up in nature. Many developing nations lack the infrastructure to properly collect, sort, or recycle plastic, resulting in widespread dumping into the environment. Nigeria (87.5%), India (68.6%), and Indonesia (43.8%) have some of the highest rates of mismanaged waste, while wealthier countries such as the U.S.(5.1%) and the U.K. (6%) perform better, though not ideally. 

The United States produces more than any other nation, over 42 million metric tons of plastic waste, largely impacting communities of color and low income communities. New York State produces 6.8 million tons of packaging waste each year. Most of this packaging is sent to landfills, burned in incinerators, or littered in our streets, parks and beaches. Far too much finds its way into our rivers, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean.   

There were hopes that a United Nations global plastics treaty would be finalized by the end of 2024. However, due to resistance, especially from oil-producing companies, it did not happen. Talks are set to continue, but progress will depend on local action.

Since 2020, at least 5 states (California, Montana, Oregon, Minnesota and Maine) have enacted Extended Producer Responsibility legislation to make plastics producers responsible for curbing plastic pollution and paying municipalities for their share of managing the waste. In response, plastics producers have worked to improve their recycling efforts. 

As reported in Resource Recycling, Nicole Portley, program leader for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, pointed out “It’s important for producers to remember that the EPR came about as a compromise between industry and anti-plastic advocates, who wanted regulations like product bans.”

In New York State, Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick and Senator Peter Harckham (S1462) have introduced The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. The bill requires big companies to cut their plastic packaging by 30% over the next twelve years, bans 14 highly toxic chemicals including PFAS, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, vinyl chloride, and bisphenols that are used in packaging, and requires the companies responsible for dealing with the packaging waste to pay the municipalities dealing with it. 

A question has been raised about the cost to consumers from the introduction of EPR requirements. Satyajit Bose, Columbia School of Professional Studies, estimates that there would be no more than a maximum increase of $4 per household in monthly grocery costs, while plastic manufacturers claim $40 to $60 more per month. The bills are currently in committee; they will amend the Environmental Conservation Law, passed by the New York State Legislature in 2014, which included Article 27, Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling.

This bill is urgently needed. Long Island is responsible for 1.6 million tons per year of which 205,000 tons go to landfills off Long Island, and 1.4 million tons are sent to waste-to-energy facilities, resulting in 400,000 tons of ash that must be landfilled. The one wise choice everyone agrees with is to reduce our waste stream. This bill does just that. 

We need to press the Assembly and Senate and Governor Hochul to sign this bill this year in June to reduce the impact of plastic waste on our communities. 

Nancy Marr is Vice-President 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. For more information, call 631-862-6860.

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Jimmy Rosica

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a special Q&A event featuring inductee Jimmy Rosica, an original member and current bassist of The Brooklyn Bridge, on Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s museum location at 97 Main Street, Stony Brook. The event is free for LIMEHOF members and general admission ticket price for non-members.

“This is a must-see for fans of The Brooklyn Bridge and classic pop music,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham who will host the event. “Attendees of this special event will have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand insights from Jimmy Rosica about the making of this legendary album, its standout tracks, and the band’s lasting legacy.”

This exclusive discussion will take a deep dive into the stories behind every track on the band’s classic 1968 debut album, entitled “The Brooklyn Bridge”, which featured hits like “Blessed Is the Rain,” “Welcome Me Love,” and their gold-certified smash “The Worst That Could Happen.”

“I’m really excited to share stories about our first album with The Brooklyn Bridge at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Rosica said. “It’s a special part of our history that means so much to me.”

Formed in 1968 by Johnny Maestro, The Brooklyn Bridge combined the talents of The Del-Satins and Rhythm Method to create a signature sound blending doo-wop, pop, and powerful horn arrangements. With over 10 million records sold, the group left an indelible mark on American music history. The group was inducted into LIMEHOF in 2006 as Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge. They performed at the first LIMEOF induction ceremony with LIMEHOF inductee Jimmy Webb.

Jimmy Rosica grew up in Hicksville. In addition to his career in music, he is also the founder of Very Cool Music School, an educational program using pitch pipes and continues to share his love of music with students and fans alike of all ages.

For more information, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org

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Two Grey Arches

Garden lovers in Long Island are in for a treat this Saturday, May 24, with three unique opportunities to explore three diverse private gardens through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program. The featured gardens are:

Tranquility

Tranquility (Mount Sinai). Hundreds of perennials, shrubs, trees, and annuals are combined with water features, lawn art, and recently relocated garden trails that allow the visitor to enter the owner’s vision of an Impressionistic garden painting. Footpaths wind through the extensive garden, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature and escape the general stress of modern lifestyles.

Two Grey Achers

Two Grey Achers (Setauket/East Setauket). This garden was designed by its owners to provide beauty and interest in all seasons. Adjacent to Conscience Bay on Long Island’s North Shore, the mild maritime microclimate is reflected in the broad range of taxa thriving on this intensively planted site. A remarkable collection of choice conifers and Japanese maples, amassed over three decades, creates a year-round tapestry of color, texture, and form. Come, enjoy, and find specific ideas for stunning, hardworking woody plants to add to your own garden.

Woodland Garden

Woodland Garden – Bill & Veronica Schiavo (Wading River). The property features a heavily wooded landscape with one large pond, three small ponds, and two streams. Twelve- to fifteen-foot rhododendrons and flowering shrubs encircle the house. The lawn-less, deer-resistant terrain showcases diverse plants, including a new shade and fern garden with a stone patio. A nature trail winds through the front woods alongside a 75-foot stream and waterfall. Behind the house, two ponds, one with a Japanese red maple and waterfall, are surrounded by trees and grasses. The woodland garden is a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

Open Days offers a unique opportunity for visitors to peek behind the garden gates of otherwise private gardens for one day only, and to explore a variety of garden styles and horticultural traditions.

The gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for registered guests. Tickets for garden visits are $10 per person, or $5 for members of the Garden Conservancy. Children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. All registrations must be processed online through the Garden Conservancy’s website. Visit gardenconservancy.org/opendays.

Fueling America’s passion for gardens, the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days™ program is the only nationwide garden visiting program. In 2025, Open Days marks its 30th year. Over three decades, Open Days has welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors into thousands of inspired private landscapes—from urban rooftops to organic farms, historic estates to suburban sanctuaries—in 41 states.

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Celebrate turtles at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery on May 23 and 24.
PROGRAMS

World Turtle Day Celebration

Join the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor in celebrating World Turtle Day on May 23 and May 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a scavenger hunt and crafts. On May 24, enjoy turtle encounters at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. along with a feeding demo at noon. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Open Farm Days

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will be open to the public this weekend, May 24 and May 25, in celebration of Memorial Day from noon to 4 p.m. Tour the farm, visit with the animals, see the new babies and enjoy the Big Swing with an open mic event on a Model T truck on Saturday and sheep sheering demonstrations on Sunday. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors and children. 631-689-8172

Open Play at the Explorium

The Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will be open on May 24 and May 25 for Open Play from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join them in celebrating STEM, Space, Math, and Makers with hands-on activities, crafts, and more. Admission is $8 adults, $6 children. 631-331-3277

Flag Craft for Memorial Day

Drop by the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Make Your Own Flag craft on May 24 or May 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on May 26 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

THEATER

‘The SpongeBob Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition by the Engeman Players on May 27 and June 2 at 7 p.m.  Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Why, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a hysterical musical retelling of the wonderful story Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs from May 31 to June 21 with a sensory friendly performance on June 1 at 11 a.m. Come on down for this daffy tale with a Queen, a Witch, a Princess with skin as white as snow, and seven crazy dwarfs that are guaranteed to keep you laughing from start to finish. Tickets are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘The Muppets Take Manhattan’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents The Muppets Take Manhattan on May 25 at noon. When Kermit the Frog and friends start a stage act, they decide to take the show from their college town to Broadway. However, once the Muppets wind up in New York City, they have difficulty finding financial support for the production, instead running into cheats like Murray Plotsky. Unable to stage the show, the group splits up, and they all take different jobs around the country. Just as Kermit thinks he has finally found a backer, an accident gives him amnesia. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

OPEN CAST CALL

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will hold open auditions for ages 12 to 18 on May 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to join the Engeman Select Players for two performances of Grease School Edition. Call backs will be on June 19 and 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and classes begin on July 1. Performances will be held on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. Call 631-261-2900 to register.

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