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Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, SMM Advertising and Retired Volunteer Services Programs (RSVP) will hold a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothing  from Nov. 1 through Jan. 7. 

They are collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and blankets for infants, children, teens and adult men and women.

“As people prepare for the winter and clean out their closets or plan to give a new coat as a gift, it is important for all of us to help our fellow neighbors who need warm coats by contributing to this drive,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

Donations may be dropped off at Legislator Trotta’s district office, 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, Smithtown, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For directions or questions, call 631-854-3900.

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'Curiosity 4' by Myungja Anna Koh
'Market Day in Port Jeff' by Robert Roehrig
'Happy Anniversary' by Patricia Lind-Gonzalez
'Winter Chickadee' by Lori Scarlatos
'Dahlia 3' by James Kelson
'Turtle Over Coral' by Arlene Gernon

By Heidi Sutton

Just in time for the holidays, the Smithtown Township Arts Council’s Mills Pond Gallery in St. James presents Small But Still Mighty, an exhibition and affordable art sale featuring 170 smaller works ranging in size from 10 to 24 inches wide created by local artists in a variety of mediums including acrylic, colored pencil, ink, mixed media, oil, oil and cold wax, pastel, pencil, ink, photography, pigment ink, archival metallic luster, soft pastel and watercolor. The show opens on Nov. 2 and runs through Dec. 15.

“I believe that art speaks to us…sends a visual message that maybe reminds us of a past place, person or feeling. Maybe we make that connection through the colors used…or the style of the art or the place depicted. We each interpret that visual message based on our own experiences and emotions,” said Allison Cruz, Executive Director of the Smithtown Township Arts Council and Mills Pond Gallery.

“This exhibit celebrates the artists whose amazing creativity adds beauty to the world around us and offers an opportunity for the public to support creativity in their communities,” she said.

Cruz urges exhibit visitors to consider purchasing or gifting original art this holiday season.

“Supporting artists helps foster their continued creativity while bringing economic benefits to our communities. Art creates a connection between the giver and the recipient that can last long after the gift is unwrapped,” said Cruz. 

“By gifting art, you create an opportunity for the recipient to discover something new or get in touch with their creative side! Art can act as a constant reminder of the beauty and creativity in the world. Come browse the exhibit…you are sure to find something that perfectly fits the lifestyle of the person you are shopping for…nature art, animal art, abstract creations and so much more!”

The exhibit  includes 47 artists from 45 Long Island communities, one from CT, and one from NYC including Adriena Masi, Angela Stratton, Annette Napolitano, Arlene Gernon, Bernice Corbin, Bobbie Ludwig, Carol Kelly, Carol Ceraso, Debra Baker, Ellen Ferrigno, Frederic Mendelsohn, George Junker, Gia Horton, Heather Jablon, James Kelson, James Andrew Conan Dill, Jeanette Martone, Joan Rockwell, JoAnne Dumas, John Morris, John Mansueto, Josephine Puccio, Judith Musaro, Judy Stone, Kathee Shaff Kelson, Kathy Brown, Linda Ann Catucci, Liz Jorg Masi, Lori Scarlatos, Louise Mcclellan, Lynn Staiano, Mary Waka, Mary Jane Houser, Megan Kenny, Myungja Anna Koh, Nicholas Valentino, Pat Forie, Patricia Lind-Gonzalez, Patti Peterson, Patty Yantz, Robert Roehrig, Sally Anne Keller, Sheniqua Young, Theodora Zavala, Theresa Graff, and William Drost.

The community is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists and view their work. 

Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A in St. James. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 am. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., closed from Nov. 25 to 30 for Thanksgiving. Admission to the gallery is always free. 

For more information or directions, call 631-862-6575 or visit www.millspondgallery.org.

All images courtesy of Mills Pond Gallery

 

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Photo from StatePoint

The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it can also throw your wellness routines out of alignment. Doctors advise prioritizing healthy choices during this period, so you can start 2025 on the right foot.

“Everyone’s holiday wish is to be happy, health and safe, but the season is often a time for overindulgence in food and drink, increased stress and exposure to respiratory illness,” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

The AMA recommends taking these steps during the holidays:

1. Vaccines are a safe and remarkably effective defense from a number of serious respiratory viruses that circulate in the fall and winter. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccines are also available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Tools to protect infants during RSV season include maternal vaccination as well as the monoclonal antibody immunization. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

2. Watch what you eat. Pay particular attention to labels and avoid processed foods as much as you can, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Consider having a healthy snack before the big meal or offer to bring a healthier dish for the holiday spread. Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, and eat nutritious, whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables alongside richer holiday fare.

3. Stick to your exercise schedule and prioritize physical activity during this busy time of year. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. Brisk walks, bike rides, hikes and even family-friendly sports like basketball and touch football are good for heart health.

4. Use time with relatives to find out whether your family has a history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and whether other family members have been told they have prediabetes. With this information, you can better understand your risk and take charge of your health.

5. Prioritize your mental health. Factors like holiday spending and navigating time with extended family can bring on extra seasonal stress. You can help manage stress by getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.

6. Make smart choices and plan ahead if you’re driving. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 Americans died in alcohol impaired-driving crashes. Do not drive under any circumstances if you intend to drink. And if you are the designated driver, make a 100% commitment to sobriety.

7. Be prepared when traveling. Whether you’re flying or taking a road trip, you might be tempted to grab convenient, unhealthy food for the journey. Consider packing your own snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables or small portions of dried fruits and nuts.

8. Get New Year’s resolutions started early. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use, and declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

“The holiday season is a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends – it’s also a chance to reconnect with your physical and mental health,” says Dr. Scott. (StatePoint)

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Photo courtesy of WMHO

Stony Brook Village has announced the return of its popular luncheon fashion show series, “The Lookbook Luncheons,” set to take place this November. This three-part series will showcase the latest fall styles from renowned local boutiques, offering a delightful blend of fashion and local cuisine. 

Each event will run from 12:30  p.m. to 2 p.m. at a different local restaurant, including Luca Modern Italian Restaurant (A two-course meal for $39) on Nov. 7; Country House Restaurant (A three-course meal for $45) on Nov. 14; and Mirabelle Restaurant at the Three Village Inn (A two-course meal for $35)on Nov. 21. 

Guests can look forward to enjoying a curated dining experience featuring a variety of fall fashion from Mint, Madison’s Niche, D.K. Brothers, Kate’s Vintage Rose, and Chico’s. Each luncheon will unveil new styles, making it possible to attend all three and discover the latest trends.

As attendees savor their meals, models will grace the dining spaces, showcasing stunning fall fashions and sharing insights about the looks they are wearing. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) will be present to share fascinating tidbits of local history connected to each dining location.  New this year, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in an enhanced culinary experience at the luncheon. They will be immersed in the captivating world of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, thanks to The Crushed Olive. Attendees will learn the benefits of olive oil and balsamic, while savoring complimentary tastings.

This event is the perfect way to prepare for Thanksgiving. Discover exquisite olive oils to enhance your holiday meals and find the ideal outfit to wear to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Reservations are required to ensure a spot at these events. Interested guests can make reservations by contacting the restaurants directly:

Luca Modern Italian Restaurant: 631-675-0435, 93 Main Street, Stony Brook Village

Country House Restaurant: 631-751-3332, 1175 North Country Road, Stony Brook

Mirabelle Restaurant: 631-751-0555, 150 Main Street, Stony Brook Village

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Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Oct. 20 Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner celebrated the grand opening of The Wax Bar, a new full body waxing studio located at 648 Route 25A, in Rocky Point. The new business caters to both women and men, offering a full line of waxing services, packages, classes, gift cards and products. 

For more information about the waxing services offered or to book an appointment, call 631-603-9811 or visit www.vagaro.com/thewaxbarli.

Pictured from left are Danielle McCauley; Abigail Ordmandy; Samantha Ringle; Danny Holmes; Julia McCord (owner); Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Alex McCord; Josh McCord; Karen Holmes; Thomas Holmes and Lauren Holmes.

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Pixabay photo

By Shannon L. Malone, Esq.

Shannon L. Malone Esq.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are preparing for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. And while the joy of seeing loved ones is the main focus, let’s not forget that each time we cross state lines, we’re also entering a new legal landscape.

Known as the “Implied Consent Doctrine,” this concept means that by simply driving into another state, you agree to follow its rules of the road—even when they’re downright bizarre. To help make your road trip a little more entertaining (and legally compliant), I’ve gathered some of the most peculiar traffic laws from the continental U.S.

Northeast

• Maine: You are not permitted to park in front of Dunkin’ Donuts. Considering how serious residents of Maine are about their morning coffee, this law might just be about preserving access to their lifeline.

• New Hampshire: Do not stop in the middle of the road to let a moose pass; it is considered obstructive driving.

• Vermont: It is illegal to whistle underwater while driving (though one might wonder how that situation could arise).

• Massachusetts: Drivers cannot operate a car with a gorilla in the back seat. Indeed, you read that correctly…

• Rhode Island: If you find yourself in Providence at night, keep a bell handy—it is legally required for cars after dark.

Midwest

• Ohio: In Youngstown, running out of gas on the road is actually considered a misdemeanor!

• Illinois: Hanging fuzzy dice or air fresheners from your rearview mirror is illegal. The goal here is to keep your line of sight clear, though it’s a tough break for lovers of retro car accessories.

• Michigan: When approaching a roundabout in South Haven, be sure to stop if emergency vehicles are nearby, as it is illegal to enter a roundabout while emergency vehicles are approaching.

• Iowa: On Sundays, keep the honking to a minimum if there’s a horse nearby—it is considered harassment, which makes one wonder how many horses have actually complained.

• Kansas: It is illegal to screech your tires—unintentionally or otherwise.

• North Dakota: In Fargo, you can’t drive barefoot. I guess that means flip-flops are fine, but bare feet are a step too far.

South

• Florida: It is the law to let faster cars pass on highways, no matter how much you want to set your own pace. Florida does not mess around when it comes to staying in the right lane.

• Georgia: Driving with an animal tied to your car roof is illegal—a law that likely exists because of travelers who took Clark Griswold’s antics a bit too literally.

• South Carolina: In Hilton Head, it is illegal to ride a bike without keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

• Alabama: In case you were wondering, driving while blindfolded is prohibited. It sounds absurd, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

• Tennessee: Shooting at any game from your car is a no-go—unless, of course, it is a whale.

West

• California: Shooting at game from a moving vehicle is banned, except for—you guessed it—whales. Who knew whales were such frequent targets on U.S. roadways?

• Nevada: Camels are not allowed on highways, a remnant from the days when camels were actually used for transportation in the desert.

• Oregon: For those planning to fill up their gas tanks, remember that you are not allowed to pump your own gas in many parts of the state, so pretend you are in New Jersey, where motorists have not been permitted to pump their own gas since 1949!

Stranger than fiction traffic laws in our home state of New York

• No Sleeping: In Southampton Village, you are only allowed to sleep in your car at specific times. The local rule is simple: if your car is stationary, you may not sleep in it between the hours of 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. But it may be assumed that it is lawful to sleep in your vehicle for the remaining 22 hours of the day.

• No U-Turns in West Hampton Dunes: In West Hampton Dunes, if you miss a turn, you had better be a master of rerouting. The village has an ordinance that bans U-turns on all streets, leaving no room for error in your navigation.

• No Disrobing: Feel like changing clothes in your car while in Sag Harbor? Do not. The village’s vaguely worded bathing law makes it illegal to strip down in public or in your vehicle. When you bathe in Sag Harbor, you are also required to wear a swimsuit or suitable covering. No exceptions.

• No Warming Up: Cold outside? Too bad. New York is one of thirty states, where it is against state law to warm up your car unless you are sitting in it. The Unattended Motor Vehicle law prohibits leaving the engine running without the key removed. So, unless you want a ticket, you will need to shiver it out. The only exception to this law is if a remote-control starter is used to warm up the car.

• Other Laws Related to Idling Vehicles: Heavy-duty vehicles are prohibited from idling for more than five minutes at a time for trucks and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 8,500 pounds. New York City Prohibits idling for more than three minutes for all vehicles, or one minute outside a school. Fines for idling range from $500 to $18,000 for a first violation.

• No Speeding Past a Sanitation Truck: In 2016, New York expanded its definition of a hazard truck to include sanitation trucks. This means drivers must slow down when passing a garbage truck, just as they would for a fire truck or ambulance. The rule aims to protect sanitation workers from getting clipped by drivers in a hurry.

Although the main goal of Thanksgiving travel is to safely reach family and friends, learning about some of these quirky laws can add a bit of fun to your road trip. Plus, it never hurts to know what to expect when you cross into new territory.

Final thoughts

While these peculiar New York regulations might seem excessive, they are not alone in their strangeness. Just as New York State outlaws warming up your unattended car, unless by keyless remote, other states have quirky twists on idling rules too—like New Jersey, where pumping your own gas is illegal, or California, which limits idling time to protect air quality. 

Meanwhile, Sag Harbor’s ban on disrobing in vehicles is reminiscent of laws in Alabama, where driving blindfolded is prohibited (as if that needed to be specified). Compared to these, New York’s ban on speeding past sanitation trucks aligns more with other states’ safety measures, like Florida’s rule to let faster cars pass. While local ordinances reflect unique community concerns and seem more like relics of an overzealous town board meeting, state laws generally aim for broader public safety and environmental protection, often with stricter enforcement and heftier fines.

Although the main goal of Thanksgiving travel is to safely reach family and friends, learning about some of these quirky laws can add a bit of fun to your road trip. Plus, it never hurts to know what to expect when you cross into new territory.

Shannon L. Malone, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket. She graduated from Touro Law, where she wrote and served as an editor of the Touro Law Review. Ms. Malone is a proud Stony Brook University alumna.

Traffic Court Forum returns on Nov. 28

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Kate Alexander. Photo courtesy of CSHL

By Daniel Dunaief

In the nucleus of the cell, researchers often focus on the genetic machinery, as the double-helical DNA sends signals that enable the creation of everything from my fingers that are typing these words to your brain that is processing what you’ve read.

But DNA, which occupies most of the nucleus, is not alone. Scattered through the nucleus are protein and RNA filled structures that have an influence on their important gene-bearing nuclear cohabitants, including speckles.

One of the newest members of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory team, Assistant Professor Kate Alexander, who joined the lab in August, is focused on a range of questions about these speckles, which represent about 10 to 30 percent of the nuclear volume.

Preliminary data from Alexander’s lab support the idea that speckles can signal how a person responds to various types of therapy, although careful extensive follow up studies are needed, Alexander explained. She would like to know how the speckles are affecting the genetic machinery.

While speckles have been known since 1910, the ways they affect healthy cells and diseased cells remains a mystery. In some cases, normal or aberrant speckles can signal how a person responds to various types of therapy.

Normal speckles are in the center of the cell nucleus, while aberrant speckles are more scattered. Aberrant speckles can activate some of the surrounding DNA.

At this point, Alexander and her colleagues have “found that normal or aberrant speckle states correlate with survival of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. This accounts for over 80 percent of all kidney cancers.”

Medical choices

After a patient with clear cell renal cell carcinoma receives a cancer diagnosis, the first line of treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumor in the kidney. In addition, doctors could treat the tumor with a systematic anti-cancer therapy. The treatments themselves can and often do cause difficult side effects, as therapies can harm healthy cells and can disrupt normal biological functioning.

Normal speckles look something like the face of the man on the moon and are more centrally located.

Alexander is hoping speckles will help predict the state of the tumor, offering clues about how it might respond to different types of treatments. She could envision how aberrant speckles could correlate with better responses to one drug, while normal speckles might correlate with better responses to another treatment.

In her research, Alexander is exploring how DNA is organized around speckles, as well as how the speckles affect DNA.

“Speckles can change and impact what’s happening to all the DNA that’s surrounding them,” she said. 

Over 20 tumor types show evidence for both normal and aberrant speckles. Aberrant tumors can occur in many types of cancer.

“The consequence of [speckles] becoming normal or aberrant are starting to become more clear,” she said, although there is “still a lot to learn.”

Alexander is trying to figure out how to alter the conformation of these speckles. During cancer, she suspects these speckles may get trapped in a particular state.

In one of the first experiments in her lab, she’s culturing cells in an incubator and is trying to predict what cues may cause speckles in those cells to switch states. 

‘Speckle club’ leader

Alexander previously did postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania in the laboratory of Shelley Berger, where she was also a Research Associate. She led a subgroup in the lab known as the “speckle club.”

Charly Good, who is now Senior Research Investigator in Berger’s lab, worked with Alexander at Penn from 2017 until this summer.

Aberrant speckles are scattered throughout the nucleus.

Alexander “helped recruit me to the postdoc I ended up doing,” said Good who appreciated Alexander’s computational skills in analyzing big data sets. Speckles represent an “up and coming area” for research, which Alexander and Berger are helping lead, Good suggested.

Alexander’s quick thinking meant she would go to a talk and would email the speaker as soon as she got back to her desk. “Her brain is always spinning,” said Good.

Alexander is building her lab at CSHL. Sana Mir is working as a technician and is helping manage the lab. Recently, Hiroe Namba joined the group as a postdoctoral researcher. In the next few years, Alexander would like to add a few graduate students and, within five years, have about eight people.

Originally from Tigard, Oregon, Alexander attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. In her freshman year, she tried to get into a physics class that was full and wound up taking a biology class. She was concerned that biology classes were mostly memorization. When she started the course, she appreciated how the science involved searching for missing pieces of information.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory appealed to her because she could go in whatever direction the research took her.

For Alexander, scientific questions are like a layer of cloth with a few threads sticking out.

“You see one sticking out and you start to pull,” Alexander said. “You don’t necessarily know what’s going to come out, but you keep getting the urge to pull at that thread. You realize that it is connected to all these other things and you can look at those, too.”

She is excited to cross numerous disciplines in her work and is eager to think about how her research might “interplay across those fields and boundaries.”

Speckle origins

As for speckles, Alexander observed during her postdoctoral research how one factor seemed to influence a neighborhood of genes.

For that to occur, she realized that something had to affect those genes at the same time in the physical space. She hadn’t known about speckles before. A few of her colleagues, including Good, came across speckles in their analysis. That made Alexander curious about what these speckles might be doing.

She saw an opening to pursue connections between changes in these potential gene activators and illnesses.

Researchers know that viruses can use speckles to help them copy themselves.

If they are used by viruses “they must be important” and they “probably go wrong in a lot of diseases,” Alexander said. There are a series of neurodevelopmental disorders called “speckleopathies” that involve mutations in proteins found inside speckles.

“We have the computational and experimental tools to start investigating them across a wide variety of conditions,” she said.

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METRO photo

By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

By next week we will have elected a new President of the United States. Hopefully, whoever is elected, he or she will use language that unites us and language that divides us. The new president must be a bridge builder not a wall builder.

One of the many things that has been buried in the rubble of negative rhetoric is a respect for the human dignity of every human person. We must hold our president to a higher standard of respect for all people.

Respecting the human dignity of all people means recognizing and valuing each human person’s inherent worth and rights; regardless of one’s background, beliefs or human circumstance; it involves treating everyone with kindness and compassion; acknowledging their feelings and perspectives; always advocating for their rights and freedom.

This kind of respect for one’s human dignity is grounded in the belief that every person has a unique story to tell; deserving of acknowledgment and empathy. It encompasses promoting equality, combating discrimination and ensuring that everyone has access to equal opportunity and the resources that they need to thrive.

Ultimately, we must be committed to building a more just and inclusive society, where everyone can live authentically with dignity and no fear.

Our social justice lens has been blurred in recent years due to the intense polarization of our nation. I think our moral compass needs to be reset. Religion, sadly, has been used as a weapon rather than a profound reminder of the human dignity of every human person; one that is inclusive and that all of our holy books affirm.

The next generation of leaders have tremendous potential and possibility. I see it every day in the students and graduate students I am privileged to teach. My fear for them is that they have very few role models to look up to, to prepare them for the future.

They possess little or no civic responsibility. Many of them believe their vote does not count so why bother! However, some are seeing the value of getting involved and giving voice to the issues that are important to them. They need to hear and see that positive change is possible. Sometimes it just takes one voice to shed light on an issue of deep concern and change does happen.

Hope is a profound and positive emotion characterized by a belief in the possibility of a better future. This year my students have renewed my sense of hope for the future. I listen to their dreams, I hear them speak of a deep sense of purpose. They are resilient. They want to make the world a better place. I really believe they can.

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

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Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash

By Heidi Sutton

While pumpkin is the most celebrated squash in the fall, my favorite is acorn squash. Sweet and savory, it is rich in antioxidants including Vitamin A and C, low in calories, and can be stored for up to three months. The classic way is to cut it in half, clean out the seeds, add a dollop of butter and a splash of maple syrup or some brown sugar to the center and a pinch of salt on the outside and bake at 350 F until soft, but for the more adventurous cooks, the following recipes for this delectable squash can be a fun addition to your fall repertoire.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Crispy Sage

Recipe courtesy of Laurie McNamara of Simply Scratch

Roasted Acorn Squash with Crispy Sage

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 acorn squash

1 tablespoon extra light olive oil

2 pinches kosher salt

4 tablespoons butter, unsalted

12 fresh sage leaves

Black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400º F. Halve both of the acorn squash and scoop out the seeds. Turn the squash cut-side-down and slice into 3/4-inch pieces. Toss the sliced acorn squash with the olive oil and a couple pinches of kosher salt. 

Arrange on a rimmed, aluminum sheet pan and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and tender. (No need to flip.) Meanwhile, add the 4 tablespoons of butter into a pan over medium heat. Slowly melt and brown the butter until it reaches a deep golden color. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Once the butter is golden, throw in the chopped fresh sage and cook until crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Arrange the roasted acorn squash slices onto a platter and drizzle with the brown butter and crispy sage. Season with black pepper and serve immediately.

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad

Recipe courtesy of American Pecan Council

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

Squash:

1 acorn squash

1  tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Dressing:

1/2 cup raw pecan pieces

1/4 cup olive or pecan oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Salad:

3-4 handfuls baby spinach

1 1/2 cups cooked farro

1 medium shallot, thinly sliced

1 ounce crumbled goat cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 425° F.

To create base, slice small part of one side of squash. Trim ends from squash, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out sides. Place cut-side down and cut squash into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on sheet tray and toss with olive or pecan oil and salt. Roast until squash and peels are tender, 30-40 minutes.

While squash is roasting, heat small skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast, shaking pan, until nuts are fragrant. Transfer 1/3 cup of pecans to bowl and reserve remaining pecans for topping. Add oil, vinegar, maple syrup and salt while nuts are still warm. Stir vigorously and set aside.

In large bowl, combine spinach, farro, shallot, half the squash and half the dressing. Toss to combine then lay remaining squash on top of salad. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with goat cheese and remaining toasted pecans before serving.

Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash

Recipe courtesy of Kristy Hegner of Chocolate Slopes

Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 acorn squash

1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage, divided

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and pepper

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, finely chopped

2 cups chopped kale

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup dry quinoa

1/2 cup cheese, Mozzarella

1/2 cup cheese, Parmesan – divided

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400° F. Cover a baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Cut each acorn squash in half, along with each side of the squash to allow them to lay flat. Place each half on the baking pan open side facing up.

Lightly coat insides of squash with about 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the rubbed sage, salt and pepper over squash. Roast squash for 50 to 60 minutes or until squash is cooked thoroughly.

Cook quinoa according to directions. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic, onions and red pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes). Add kale and sauté until tender. Stir in cooked quinoa, Mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese to skillet.

Fill each squash half with quinoa vegetable mix. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.

DID YOU KNOW? The seeds from an acorn squash seeds roast up beautifully and are especially flavorful. Acorn squash seeds are smaller than pumpkin seeds and the outer shell is not nearly as fibrous. When you roast the tender seeds with olive oil, they get wonderfully fragrant and crispy.

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MAGIC IN THE AIR Magician, comedian and ventriloquist Andy Gross heads to Theatre Three on Nov. 1.
Ongoing

Circus Vazquez Comes to Town

Circus Vazquez brings a thrilling new 2024 production to the Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road,  Huntington Station from Nov. 1 to 11. Blending the modern with the traditional, and featuring a brand new cast of extraordinary circus superstars, Circus Vazquez presents unforgettable entertainment that is fun for all ages. After the show, the audiences is invited to meet some of the circus stars. Weekday performances are set for 7 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday performances are scheduled for 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.CircusVazquez.com.

Thursday Oct. 31

WMHO Walking Tours

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) presents a walking tour throughout Stony Brook Village, “Hidden Beneath the Floorboards,” at 10:50 a.m. Discover stories of piracy, the Long Island Witch Trials, the history behind the haunting at Country House Restaurant, what ghostly spirits and the occult have to do with the birth of the Suffrage Movement, and the tale of Stony Brook’s Star-Crossed Lovers who meet each year on Halloween. Tickets are $15 per person. To register, call 631-751-2244. For additional information, visit wmho.org.

Halloween at the Mall 

Drop by the Smith Haven Mall, Moriches Road, Lake Grove for a spooktacular, fun trick-or-treating for all the little ghouls and goblins from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while supplies last*) Retailers and restaurants that have tricks or treats for the little ones will have pumpkin in their windows. Free. 631-724-1433

Safe Trick or Treat

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River invites all goblins & ghouls & children dressed in costume to enjoy a safe outdoor Trick or Treating from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 631-929-3500

Halloween at the Heckscher

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington from noon to 5 p.m. Create a spooktacular art activity, make a haunted Digital Action painting, and take home a festive treat! Free admission. Costumes encouraged. Free. 631-380-3230, www.heckscher.org

Halloween Festival

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts its 34th annual Halloween Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook from 2 to 5 p.m. with trick or treating in the shops and restaurants, Halloween parade, games and Monster Mash dancing. Free. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org

Halloween Costume Parade

The annual Downtown “Hauntington” Village Halloween Costume Parade returns to the Town of Huntington at 4 p.m. Line-up at the Huntington Post Office, 55 Gerard St., Huntington for a parade. Trick or treat at designated village merchants before and after the parade. Free. 631-351-3173

SBU Jazz Faculty Special Concert

Stony Brook University’s Jazz Department presents a special concert at tony Brook University’s Staller Center’s Recital Hall, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 5 p.m. The all-star combo of faculty members will present an evening of original compositions featuring The Jazz Loft founder and endowed artist in residence in the Department of Music at Stony Brook University Tom Manuel (cornet); Ray Anderson (trombone); Dayna Stephens; Dario Chiazzolino (guitar); Andrea Veneziani (bass); and Dennis Buloes (drums). Free admission. For more information, 631-751-1895.

Spooky Woods & Trick O’ Treat

Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown presents a family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take a spooktacular walk through a haunted trail, where little ones will have a great time seeing Halloween displays on one side and farm animals on the other. Enjoy trick o’ treating and say hi to craft and food vendors (and maybe some jolly ghosts) at this unique Halloween experience for the entire family. Don’t miss the hayride (additional charge) through the spooky woods! $10 per person, kids under 3 free. 631-265-6768

Halloween Magic Show

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Haunted Encounters: A Halloween Magic Show with magicians Jim Vines and Mike Maione on the Second Stage at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This spine-chilling event promises to bring local ghost stories to life like never before. Set against the backdrop of Halloween, when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, this immersive show will transport guests into a realm of supernatural intrigue and spectral encounters. *Not suitable for young children. Tickets are $40. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Haunted Firehouse

Farmingville Fire Department, 1080 Portion Road, Farmingville presents a Haunted Firehouse from 7 to 10 p.m. Visitors will step into a world of horror where the firehouse transforms into a haunted haven of the macabre. Tickets are $15 per person at www.longislandhauntedfirehouse.org.

Friday Nov. 1

Military Bridge

Join Union United Methodist Church, 1018 Pulaski Road, East Northport for an evening of Military Bridge starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $15 per person. For more information, call 631-368-7911.

An Evening with Andy Gross

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson  welcomes stand up comic, magician and ventriloquist Andy Gross to the Mainstage at 8 p.m. Gross is one of the hottest entertainers working today as evidenced by his sold out shows and devoted following. His show, Andy Gross: Are You Kidding Me?, will make you laugh out of your seat. Tickets are $65. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Saturday Nov. 2

Christmas Craft Fair in Yaphank

Integrity Church, 1 Old Dock Road, Yaphank hosts its annual Christmas Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free photos with Santa, food trucks, and a magical talking Christmas tree. Shop from over 50 local vendors selling items such as home decor, Christmas ornaments, holiday gifts and more during this outdoor event.  Rain date is Nov. 9. 631-840-7823

Raptor Day at the Vanderbilt

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum will hold its annual Raptor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with identical sessions at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Meet rescued raptors along with crafts and face painting, vendors, raffles, a short film and more. Tickets, which include admission to the museum, are $20 adults, $10  children 12 and under at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Huntington Christmas Craft Fair

Time to shop! Saint Anthony’s High School, 275 Wolf Hill Road, South Huntington will hosts its annual Mothers’ Guild Christmas Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 300 unique vendors for your shopping pleasure. Free admission. 631-271-2020

North Meets South Fair

Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank presents the North Meets South Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival-goers will have a wide selection of food options and local beers and wines along with over 60 vendors, axe throwing, permanent jewelry, hair tinsel, jumbo garden games, and henna. Families can enjoy a meet-and-greet with farm animals, face painting, hayrides, live music, and more. Tickets are $7 in advance at www.nmsfair.com, $10 at the door. Rain date is Nov. 3. 631-852-4600

Graveyard & Church Tour

The Landing Ladies Auxiliary presents a Graveyard and Church Tour of Smithtown Landing Methodist Church, 397 Landing Ave., Smithtown from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Built in 1834,  the church holds a wealth of stories waiting to be told. Learn about the church’s vibrant past as the center of activity for the Smithtown Landing area, see the historic interior, preserved through years of dedicated care by the community, and discover the stories behind the gravestones of local legends such as author James E. Handshaw. Proceeds will directly support the ongoing restoration efforts of this historic landmark. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.eventbrite.com, $20 at the door. 

Hallock Homestead Tour

Rocky Point Historical Society’s Hallock Homestead Museum, 172 Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point will be open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Saturday through Dec. 7. Take a step back into colonial times with a fascinating fact-filled Docent Tour or take a self-guided tour through the house, which is filled with historic artifacts, photos and stories. $5 donation welcome. Group tours by appointment. 631-744-1776.

Saturdays at Six Concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with The Whitman String Quartet at 6 p.m. sharp. The group was founded at Stony Brook University in 2015 and has been performing professionally throughout Long Island since. They perform more contemporary and lesser-known works for string quartet, string trio, and with colleagues in other instrumentations. The group includes Joenne Dumitrascu & Olga Turkina (violins), Stephen Gorgone (viola), and Craig Mehler (violoncello). Free. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Us and Floyd in Concert

Us and Floyd returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for two dazzling live concert performances — in sync with two stunning Pink Floyd laser light shows: The Wall at 7 p.m. and Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 members and children in advance at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org; tickets are $40 adults $30 members and children at the door.

Baroque Concert

St. James Episcopal Church, 490 North Country Road, St. James welcomes the Anima Baroque Ensemble in concert at 7 p.m. featuring works by Purcell, Frescobaldi, Monteverdi, and others. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors, $15 students, children free at www.libaroque.org or at the door. 

Sunday Nov. 3

Car Show and Swap Meet

Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville, hosts a Car Show and Swap Meet by Long Island Cars from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Street rods, classics, muscle cars, antiques, exotics, imports and collectible cars on display with vendors selling parts and accessories, food and entertainment. Rain date is Nov. 10. Admission is $10, under 12 years are free. 631-567-5898, www.LongIslandCars.com

Cedar Beach Clean-Up

Join New York Marine Rescue Center for a clean-up at Cedar Beach, 223 harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is part of NYMRC’s “Pick It Up!” initiative to reduce marine debris in our local communities and collect valuable data concerning garbage on Long Island’s beaches. All supplies will be provided. Registration is optional at www.nymarinerescue.org.

CSHL Walking Tour

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor will host a guided walking tour of the campus from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about the historic and modern architecture, the Nobel legacy, and the advanced cancer, neuroscience, and plant research taking place at the lab. Fee is $7.18 per person. To register, visit www.cshl.edu. 516-367-8844

Como Brothers in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by the Como Brothers from 3 to 4 p.m. Combining a pop and rock easy listening sound with a blues vibe, they have written and recorded multiple albums and EP’s of original songs. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org. 

Monday Nov. 4

Movie Trivia Night at the CAC

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $11 per person, $7 members at cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7610.

Tuesday Nov. 5

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a special concert featuring singer and guitarist Alex Alexander in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Vanderbilt Lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series in the Reichert Planetarium with Singing to the Gods: Ancient Egyptian Funerary Rituals Through the Lens of the Chantresses of Amun at 10 a.m. The Museum’s Curator of Ancient Art Roberta Casagrande-Kim will discuss ancient Egyptian funerary art from a female perspective and discuss artifacts such as coffins, statuary, and musical instruments. $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Wednesday Nov. 6

Shed the Meds

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will present a Shed the Meds event from noon to 4 p.m. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office hosts this safe way to properly dispose of unused medications, essential to protect the environment and ensure that old drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands. Please note: The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office cannot accept any liquids, needles, creams, or ointments of any kind. They are only accepting unused or expired medications from individuals (not large quantities from a doctor’s office or health care facility). This service is open to the public.  There is no need to register or to be a Three Village resident to participate. Questions? Email [email protected]

Thursday Nov. 7

Energize Long Island Conference

PSEG Long Island will hold its annual Energize Long Island conference at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature more than a dozen educational workshops to help attendees reduce their carbon footprint, maximize efficient energy usage and cultivate renewable energy resources. along with a vendor showcase. Keynote speaker will be New York Mets’ Ron Darling. Registration is free for PSEG Long Island customers at www.energizelongisland.com.

Theater

‘Shakespeare’s Lovers and Fighters’

The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Shakespeare’s Lovers and Fighters by William Shakespeare in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building, 533 College Road, Selden on Nov. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m.  and Nov. 10 and 17 at 2:00 p.m. Featuring 11 of Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits including scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado, Macbeth, Henry V and of course Taming of The Shrew!  You’ll witness some of the greatest broadsword, rapier and hand to hand stage combat the Great Bard put words to along with the sweetest words of love ever uttered by woman or man.  You will be thrilled and delighted by turns! Tickets are $15 adults, $10 veterans and students 16 years of age or younger,  Suffolk students with current ID get two free tickets. To order, call 631-451-4163.

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with the 40th annual production of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 9 to Dec. 28. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Tickets are $25 through November; $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12 in December. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘9 to 5 The Musical’

Star Playhouse at Stage 74, 74 Hauppauge Road Commack presents 9 to 5 The Musical on Nov. 9 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $32 adults, $25 seniors, students and members. Call 631-462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com to order.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Step into a world of pure imagination this holiday season as the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Nov. 14 to Dec. 29. Join young Charlie Bucket and four other lucky Golden Ticket winners as they embark on an unforgettable journey through Willy Wonka’s magical candy factory. With beloved songs from the 1971 film such as “Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Oompa-Loompa Song,” and “Pure Imagination,” this production promises to be a treat for the entire family. For ticket information, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Annie Warbucks’

Community Playhouse of Northport presents Annie Warbucks at the Brosnan Theater at 158 Laurel Avenue, Northport on Nov. 15, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 (sensory friendly), 17 and 24 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, visit www.communityplayhousenorthport.org. 631-683-8444

‘(Mostly) True Things’

(mostly) TRUE THINGS returns to The Performing Arts Studio, 224 East Main Street, Port Jefferson on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. with stories that warm us up for upcoming holiday gatherings on the theme FRAMILY: Friends that feel like family, family that feels like friends. Featured performers include Calvin Cato, Jean Le Bec, Dennis DiMaggio, Dawn Borchers and host/creator Jude Treder-Wolff. Tickets are $20 online at www.eventbrite.com, $25 at the door (cash only). 

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents It’s A Wonderful Life from Dec. 7 to 29. Based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, this beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. This mainstage performance is a family holiday treasure appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, and $25 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘A Christmas Carol’

The Minstrel Players present their annual production of A Christmas Carol at Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport on Dec. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, call 516-361-7232.

Film

‘Searching for Amani’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series closes out its Fall 2024 season with a screening of Searching for Amani at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. In the heart of Kenya, a tragedy shatters a young boy’s life. Simon Ali, 13, finds himself in a world of mystery when his father, a respected conservancy guide, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Armed with his video camera and an unwavering desire for truth, Simon and his best friend, Haron, embark on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets behind his father’s demise. In Swahili with English subtitles. Panel discussion to follow. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students. www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

Vendors Wanted

Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai seeks vendors for its annual Holiday Market  on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only new or hand-crafted items or antiques; no rummage or corporate items please. Fee is $60 for an 8’ by 6’ space; vendors must supply their own tables. Call 631-473-1582 or email [email protected].

Class Reunion

— Ward Melville High School Class of 2014 will hold its 10 year reunion at The Waterview, 44 Fairway Drive, Port Jefferson  on Nov. 30 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are  $100 — plus ones allowed. Includes open bar, passed appetizers, and dinner. Please email [email protected] for the link to purchase tickets.

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

 

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