Three Village Community Trust’s Friends of the Greenway will host its monthly cleanup of the Greenway Trail on Saturday, July 20 starting at a new time of 8:30 a.m. in the Port Jefferson Station trailhead parking lot off Route 112 next to Port Jeff Bowl. Come help keep our community gem clean for the summer. Questions? Email [email protected].
By Julianne Mosher
Get your pink blazer on and swipe on some lip gloss for the John W. Engeman theater in Northport’s latest production of Legally Blonde The Musical.
Based on the 2001 hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, the 2007 Broadway musical, written by Heather Hach, hints to a lot of the famous movie moments and quotes, but certainly has its own identity and it’s just as good as the famous 00’s comedy.
But it couldn’t have gained the standing ovation it received on the theater’s opening night if it weren’t for the talented cast and crew who took on quite a challenge with Jay Gamboa’s choreography and direction from Trey Compton.
The show starts out with a simple stage design, headed by Kyle Dixon, of a Delta Nu doorframe at Elle Woods’ (Emma Flynn Bespolka) UCLA sorority house. There, we meet her best friends and sorority sisters, Margot (Lara Hayhurst), Serena (Juliana Lamia) and Pilar (Bridgette Carey) who are writing out a congratulations card for Elle who thinks she’s getting engaged to her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Nathan Haltiwanger).
The girls, dressed in their best 2000s-styled clothes (low rise jeans, a lot of color and bedazzles) learn from Elle’s dog, Bruiser, (Little Ricky and Cha Cha), that the soon-to-be bride is at the mall finding the most perfect dress. Always on cue with his scripted barks, jumps and licks, Bruiser with his minimal appearances had the audience in awe at what a good boy he is under the stage lights.
After finding the perfect outfit, hair done and makeup on, Elle meets Warner at a restaurant where he tells her he wants to get serious with her … Down on one knee he takes her hand and much to her surprise and dismay breaks up with her. Afterall, he’s going to law school to kickstart his political career and he needs “a Jackie, not a Marilyn.”
Two weeks of mourning of her idea of marriage falling apart, Elle decides to follow Warner to Harvard Law School. Although she has a degree in fashion merchandising from UCLA, with the financial help of her wealthy parents (Emily Bacino Althaus and Matt DeNoto), and a fantastic cheerleading-inspired live dance performance at Harvard clad in glitter and pink, she (shockingly) gets in and heads to the east coast. What, like it’s hard?
At Harvard, she introduces herself to her classmates, Emmett (Quinn Corcoran), Aaron (Christian Melhuish), Sundeep (Yash Ramanujam) and Enid (Haley Izurieta), as a Gemini who once told Beyonce that orange is definitely not the new pink. Everyone except for Emmett doesn’t take her seriously and backs away, heading to the tough Professor Callahan’s class (James D Sasser) where Elle learns Warner is dating a true “Jackie,” Vivienne Kensington (Nicole Fragala).
Throughout the rest of Act I, we see Elle struggle with acceptance as she tries to bring her sunny California personality to the gloomy New England university, while also trying to woo her ex back into her life (and dealing with his judgmental and jealous new girlfriend). The musical brings the iconic scene from the screen when Vivienne and her friends invite Elle to a costume party – but it’s not – and she learns that the hard way as she shows up as a Playboy Bunny.
Luckily for Elle, we meet her new best friend who becomes her support system, Paulette (Chanel Edwards-Frédérick), a hair dresser with a sad backstory. Paulette gushes over the new UPS driver, Kyle (Jeffrey Keller), who doesn’t have a lot of lines, but you’ll laugh until your stomach hurts at his seductive walk through the theater and suggestive jokes that have all the girls (and guys) in the beauty salon swoon. Eventually Paulette wins him over by the 99.99 percent effective “bend and snap.”
Back in Elle’s life, she gets added to Professor Callahan’s legal team to represent a former Delta Nu workout superstar, Brooke Wyndham (Julianne Roberts), who is accused of killing her husband. We’re introduced to her in Act II at the woman’s prison where she is demonstrating what is probably the most intense choreography the audience has ever witnessed – a whole song and dance involving constant jump roping. Roberts, with her impeccable lungs, doesn’t miss a beat and double jump with no flaws in her vocal range receiving a long-winded applause when the number is over. You’ll be tired watching her.
From now on, we’re in court learning about Brooke’s story and who might have actually killed her husband. Using her knowledge of all thing’s beauty, Elle wins the case because everyone knows that you don’t take a shower after a perm…
This show is the most fun you’ll have and with a large cast of 25 talented actors (and two talented pups), you’ll always see something new. The lead role of Elle couldn’t have been better picked as Bespolka truly embodies the character in every sense. In fact, even the ensemble who appeared in only one or two numbers continuously also stole the show.
So, don’t object to this great opportunity and see for yourself what a great play this is.
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Legally Blonde The Musical through August 25. The Main Stage season continues with the murder mystery Clue from Sept. 12 to Oct. 27. Tickets range from $80 to $95. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
By Aidan Johnson
Former Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden has announced her candidacy for the village mayor position in 2025.
In a July 8 press release, Snaden stated that “with a year of extensive reflection and growth behind me, I return to the political arena with renewed vigor, authenticity and a stronger connection to the community I love.”
Snaden first ran for trustee in 2018, losing by just four votes. She then went on to be elected in 2019, reelected in 2021 and was appointed as deputy mayor by Mayor Margot Garant.
After Garant did not seek reelection in 2023, Snaden had an unsuccessful bid for the mayoral position, losing to current Mayor Lauren Sheprow.
Snaden’s announcement comes early, with the mayoral election being nearly a year away.
“The reason I decided to announce now is because I want the time … to be able to build relationships with people that I might not otherwise have that opportunity later on as we get closer to election time,” she said in a phone interview, specifying that she is not yet campaigning but has instead only announced her intention to run.
Snaden also discussed why she’s running, along with the issues facing the village.
“The main reason I’m running again is because I feel like my goal in running initially and being involved in politics in the village has never gone away, which is to be the voice of the community for the people who feel they don’t have a voice,” she said.
She further explained that she is running to represent the people and “not because I have my own agenda,” adding, “It’s always to listen to what the community wants and represent them in Village Hall.”
She sees the East Beach bluff and uptown revitalization as major issues, along with public safety as a more recent concern.
“Residents have been discussing different incidents that have not been brought out in the news or by the government, that are happening but aren’t being discussed publicly … and people are not feeling safe,” she said.
Snaden specified that she will no longer be running on the Unity Party line, which was created by Garant and shared with village trustee Stan Loucks, saying that the line “became something that people gave a tag to, that it represented the old guard, it represented the Garant administration, that it was Mayor Margot’s way of thinking,” but it’s “not how I do things.”
“Was I her deputy mayor for two years? I was. That doesn’t mean that Mayor Garant and I thought the same on many issues. It doesn’t mean that we agreed on many issues,” she said, elaborating that her voting record shows her differing views from Garant. However, she said that they still had a mutual respect for each other and a good relationship.
By Samantha Rutt
The first major construction in over a decade is in the works at The Stony Brook School. The private Christian college-preparatory school, located just off Route 25A in Stony Brook, will soon be the home of Daley Hall — a dormitory building set to house 52 boys and four faculty families.
The new building will replace a 100-year-old dormitory on campus and will be named on behalf of Clayton Daley, an alumni of the boarding and day school — Class of 1969 — who is also the former CFO of Procter & Gamble.
“We expect construction to be completed in time for the 2025-26 school year,” said Dan Hickey, the school’s director of advancement.
Led by J. Petrocelli Contracting, a family-owned construction company based in Ronkonkoma, the soon-to-be dormitory building is set to be constructed in line with the campus’ existing land.
The construction will utilize the elevation drop, on the Quaker Path border of the campus, to their advantage as they are in the process of “moving earth.” As explained by Hickey, “We are using the land drop to our advantage, maintaining the proposed three-story structure but building into the hill to adhere to the existing tree line.”
Obtaining approval and initial concerns
Just over a year ago, in July of 2023, the school applied to the Town of Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals, for a proposed expansion to add three new buildings to the 55-acre campus.
The initial proposal included the construction of an indoor practice facility, a three-story dormitory building and a three-story STEM building.
The school’s original application proposed installing a parking lot from campus, near the sports facility, with exit points onto Chub Hill Road, Stony Road and Woodbine Avenue, potentially resulting in an uptick in traffic in the neighborhood.
Since then, The Stony Brook School has hosted several well-attended meetings with members of the surrounding neighborhood where representatives of the school entertained input, ideas and concerns.
“The new athletic facility was a point of contention with our neighbors who bordered our campus. We had several in-person meetings with our neighbors on campus last year,” Hickey said. “The result of those meetings was a desire on our part to change our plans for a large stand-alone athletic facility to an expansion of an existing facility — an idea that actually came from one of our neighbors,”
On Sept. 20, 2023, after several ZBA meetings and opposition from nearby residents, the proposal was finally approved, but not without modifications.
The new construction “will have less impact on sight lines and traffic/parking, and we are very excited to move forward together as a community,” Hickey added.
Additional construction
The Stony Brook School is now in phase one of two phases, which will complete the updates approved by the town.
Phase two is set to include two additional structures — an academic building that will focus on math-and-science-related studies and an athletic building. Both structures are still in the planning phase, as the school continues to work with architects.
“We are currently working on those plans and they are not yet before the Town of Brookhaven,” Hickey said.
Going forward, The Stony Brook School looks to continue to enhance student experience, campus facilities and being good neighbors.
“We wanted to be good neighbors,” Hickey explained in an interview. “The level of concern from our neighbors was real, we want to be good neighbors. Though the upgrades would benefit our school, it was not worth fragmenting our community.”
By Sabrina Artusa
“Shark Week” originated as a Discovery Channel television program in 1988, appealing to the public’s long-standing curiosity of one of the ocean’s fiercest predators. Thirty-six years later, it remains one of the most popular programs, as well as the longest-running cable television event. It’s a testament to America’s fascination with these exotic fish.
Over time, the program has tended to succumb to fearmongering and docufiction — a combination of documentary and fiction — against these largely misunderstood fish. As a result, episodes have gravitated toward harrowing depictions of sharks rather than the research-backed realities of these creatures. Contrary to what episodes such as “Mystery of the Black Demon Shark,” and “Air Jaws: Fins of Fury” suggest, sharks aren’t malevolent creatures, but rather a necessary part of our ocean’s ecosystem.
Last year over 20 million people tuned into the Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” event, so here is a little bit of clarity regarding the unique place of sharks on our Island’s shores.
Sharks on Long Island
Sharks are often on the minds of beach-loving Long Islanders due to a wide variety of visiting sharks, such as the dusky shark, the sand tiger shark, the white shark and the sandbar shark. The New York Police Department captured the first shark sighting of this summer season using drone footage. The sharks were seen off the coast of Rockaway Beach.
Sharks have been known to appear in beaches like Robert Moses State Park, Long Beach and Kismet beach on Fire Island. In the last two years, 13 people were involved in shark-related incidents. However, this isn’t cause for fear. Since the surge in shark sightings on Long Island, the NYPD and New York State Parks have implemented more thorough measures to track sharks, such as drone tracking.
A ‘hot spot’ for wildlife
Long Island, an under-researched area in regards to sharks, has optimal conditions for sharks. Their visits to our island are certainly not new, according to Oliver Shipley, Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences research assistant professor.
“In the summer the South Shore of Long Island is a hotspot of wildlife,” he said. “There is so much going on there. And it is a very productive system for all different animals, not just sharks.”
Shark research in New York began seriously 10 years ago. Stony Brook started tagging sharks for tracking purposes in 2017. In order to make scientifically sound conclusions, Shipley said SoMAS would need 10-15 years of data.
Is there an increase?
Researchers do not view the increase in sightings and incidents these past two years as an increase in the number of sharks. In truth, the numbers of sharks that exist along our coast presently are only a fraction of the numbers pre-1950s.
Shipley said that this “increase” of sharks is only an increase of people noticing them. There are more drones on the water and more people patrolling, which will result in more sightings. Indeed, five shark attacks were recorded during Independence Day weekend in 2023 — a stretch of days when there would have been more people than usual at the beach.
Some species of sharks, such as the sandbar sharks, have had dangerously low populations, leading to the species being listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of threatened species. The population’s return to a stable number could also contribute to increased sightings.
Warming temperatures could be bringing sharks up north. Shipley has noticed different animals associated with warmer habitats moving closer to Long Island — water temperatures are important for these cold-blooded creatures to regulate their body temperature — but the research assistant professor is hesitant to definitively blame climate change due to lack of data.
“It’s important to understand that this is a really complex thing that we are studying and there is not a single cause or effect scenario,” he said. “We have really poor historical data to compare to.”
“We are doing everything we can to plug the gap and find out as much as we can about this animal,” Shipley said.
By Serena Carpino
The Setalcott Nation held its annual Corn Festival Powwow on the grounds of the Setauket Elementary School on July 13 and 14.
After a rainy start Saturday morning, the two-day event included storytelling as well as performances from indigenous dancers and drummers. In addition, eventgoers heard speeches from Setalcott Nation chairwoman Helen Sells and tribal members Chiitra Wells and Monique Fitzgerald.
According to Sells, a graduate of Setauket Elementary School, the powwow is a celebration of Setalcott history.
“We started this 18 years ago and decided that we would try to keep this going because of the history,” she said. “Because history, if you don’t keep it going, gets lost.”
The tribe has successfully kept the tradition alive, with most of the vendors at the event having participated for the last 18 years.
This celebration has brought some Setalcott members back to their roots, while it has allowed others to connect to their roots in a way they have never done before.
Robin Murdock, a retired Army veteran of 22 years, came back to his former community for the first time in 30 years to attend the event. Although this was his first time present, Murdock explained that the tradition “signifies how we come back together and show community. It’s important for how we pass on the culture, and let people know that we are still here. It’s a time for the kids to see what their ancestors have done and to hopefully carry that on.”
Sells explained that the original deed to transfer ownership by the Setalcott tribe of their land — that became the future Town of Brookhaven — to the British was signed on April 14, 1655.
The land on which American Legion Irving Hart Post 1766 stands, located on Christian Avenue in Setauket, was given to the American Legion by Sells’ grandmother, who wanted to honor her brother, a veteran of both world wars.
“That’s why it’s called Irving Hart American Legion,” Sells, whose full name is Helen “Hart of the Morning Star” Sells, explained.
Setalcott Nation’s close community and familial ties also reflect the tribe’s core beliefs.
“We value life and family,” Murdock said. “We cherish our history. We are people of courage, and we try to stand for the right things. Those are our [peoples’] values.”
Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for The Silly Sorcery Showcase, a magical event for the whole family, on July 21 at 2 p.m. Hosted by Mike Maione aka The Silly Magician, the fun-filled afternoon will feature performances by juggler Keith Leaf and celebrated magician Magic Al.
Magic Al
Magic Al Garber is a celebrated magician whose vibrant performances have enchanted audiences for years. With a career rooted in the art of illusion and sleight of hand, comedy, and improv, Magic Al has established himself as a beloved figure in the world of magic. His shows are a delightful blend of mystifying tricks, comedic elements, and engaging storytelling, making them a hit for audiences of all ages. From private parties and school events to corporate gatherings and public festivals, Magic Al’s versatile performances have made him a sought-after entertainer who can adapt to any audience and occasion.
One of the pinnacles of Magic Al’s illustrious career is his successful Off-Broadway show, “It’s a Magic-Al World.” This show brought his mesmerizing tricks and charismatic stage presence to one of the most prestigious platforms in the entertainment industry. “Magic Al Live!” was met with rave reviews, drawing large crowds and solidifying his status as a top-tier magician. His ability to captivate audiences in such a competitive environment speaks volumes about his talent and showmanship. New York magazine recognized this excellence by naming him “Best Kids Magician in New York”, a testament to his skill and the joy he brings to his audiences.
A hallmark of Magic Al’s performances is his ability to create a sense of wonder and excitement, leaving spectators in awe with his impressive array of tricks and illusions. Whether making objects disappear, pulling rabbits out of hats, or reading minds, Magic Al’s acts are executed with precision and flair. Through his performances and educational efforts, Magic Al entertains and inspires, fostering a new generation of magicians who share his enthusiasm and dedication to the art of illusion.
Magic Al’s mom is still disappointed that he didn’t become a doctor.
Keith Leaf
Keith Leaf is an award-winning juggler who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic shows and exceptional skill. Over his extensive career, Keith has become a prominent figure in the juggling community, known for his ability to blend technical expertise with engaging showmanship. His performances are a high-energy mix of intricate juggling routines, comedic elements, and audience interaction, making each show a unique and memorable experience. From local festivals to international events, Keith’s versatile acts have earned him a reputation as a top-tier entertainer who can connect with audiences of all ages.
Keith Leaf’s performances are characterized by his use of diverse props, such as balls, clubs, rings, and even flaming torches, which showcase his extensive juggling abilities. His passion for juggling extends beyond entertaining; he is also a dedicated teacher, often conducting workshops to inspire and mentor aspiring jugglers, thereby reinforcing his commitment to the art form and its future. Keith’s client list is extensive, and he has appeared at numerous prestigious venues like New Year’s Eve in Times Square, the Metropolitan Opera House, and America’s Got Talent.
Mike Maione
Mike Maione, affectionately known as the Silly Magician, will host the show. Mike is a beloved entertainer known for his unique blend of comedy and magic. With a knack for making audiences laugh while simultaneously leaving them spellbound, Mike has carved out a niche for himself in the world of family entertainment. His performances are characterized by playful humor, clever illusions, and a lively interaction with his audience. Whether performing strolling magic in small, intimate settings or on stage, Mike’s engaging style and infectious energy ensure that his shows are memorable experiences for children and adults alike.
Mike also teaches magic, offering workshops and classes to aspiring magicians. Mike is a member of the prestigious 4F. He has performed at Smoke and Mirrors Magic Theatre in Pennsylvania, The Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, The Dickens Parlour Theatre in Delaware, and on stage at the Magic Circle in London. Mike is a lecturer and magic reviewer with a large following. He is also a magic creator who designs and creates magic for other magicians.
Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
See preview here.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Concert at the Engeman Theater raises $45k for Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
More than 200 guests turned out to a spectacular gala benefit concert put on by the Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro on Tuesday, June 18th, at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, NY, to help support the Capital Campaign to build a new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The event raised $45,000 for the effort.
Romantic singing sensation Anthony Nunziata headlined the evening with a mesmerizing mix of covers and original songs. Long Island’s own Leah Laurenti opened the show with a heartfelt rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know,” setting the tone for a night of touching performances and community spirit.
Inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano served as the emcee, highlighting the critical need for a Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Medical Center by introducing the Griswold family, who utilized the Ronald McDonald Stony Brook Family Rooms in 2017. The Griswolds stayed bedside as their 3-month-old son Nash underwent multiple life-saving procedures. Today, Nash is a thriving, active seven-year-old. Their story underscored the importance of having a nearby sanctuary during medical crises, a need the new Ronald McDonald House aims to fulfill.
Nick Croce, Co-Chair of the Stony Brook Advisory Council and RMHC New York Metro Board Member, organized the event and welcomed attendees. Reflecting on the evening, Croce expressed, “I want to thank our event sponsors and guests for showing up in support of our efforts to build a home-away-from-home for families with sick children here on Long Island. Our goal is to relieve as much stress as possible so families can be there for their sick children.”
Construction for the new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook is set to begin this year, with an expected opening in 2026. The new facility will feature 30 private bedrooms, plus a fitness center, communal kitchens, a movie theater, a playroom, and much more. It will provide essential support to families, ensuring they can stay close to their hospitalized children without the added burden of finding and funding nearby accommodations.
To learn more or to get involved in the Capital Campaign to build the Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, visit https://www.rmhcnym.org.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro (RMHC NYM) provides free lodging, meals, and emotional support to keep families seeking medical treatment for their sick children near the care they need and the families they love.
The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility collected over 14.42 tons of hazardous household waste at the free disposal event this past weekend. On Saturday, July 14, 416 households within the Township endured rainy conditions to safely dispose of thousands of pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups.
Alexander Orlov recognized for contributions to the AIChE’s division dedicated to promoting research, education and innovation related to the design of creative engineering solutions to environmental challenges
Alexander Orlov, PhD, Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University, is the recipient of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) Dr. Peter. B. Lederman Environmental Division Service Award.
The award recognizes outstanding service to the Environmental Division the AIChE. The AIChE has more than 60,000 members from more than 110 countries and is the world’s leading organization for chemical engineering professionals.
Orlov will receive the award during the AIChE’s annual meeting, which takes October 27 to 31 at the Convention Center in San Diego.
As an integral member of the AIChE, Orlov initiated fundraising and outreach efforts for the Environmental Division that helped to double its annual budget. His leadership led to a substantial increase in the Division’s membership. Both efforts led to his nomination for the service award.
Orlov is currently Co-Chair of the AIChE’s Sustainable Engineering Forum (SEF) Education Committee and an Institute for Sustainability Board Member. Previously, the Institute recognized Orlov for his education and commercialization efforts with the 2017 SEF Education Award and the 2021 AIChE SEF Industrial Practice Award.
In addition to his departmental faculty position at Stony Brook, Orlov is a faculty member of the Consortium for Interdisciplinary Environmental Research, and an affiliate faculty member of the Chemistry Department and the Institute for Advanced Computational Science. He also serves as a Co-Director of the Center for Laser Assisted Advanced Manufacturing and Center for Development and Validation of Scalable Methods for Sustainable Plastic Synthesis and Processing.
Orlov received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge. He has been teaching and conducting research at Stony Brook University since 2008.
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