Community

Navy

Welcome to the 24th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home.

Meet Navy – NAVY HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!

Navy

Dignified in full dress white, this officer and a gentleman is Navy, currenly up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Strikingly handsome, yet humble and down to earth, he’s hoping to join an active family in time to participate in all their holiday gatherings and festivities. Intelligent, mischievous and friendly, he has both impeccable manners and an expressive, free-spirited side. While enjoying high ranking with the staff and volunteers, this young fellow would love nothing more than a home base, so stop by Little Shelter today and recruit Navy for your very own! 631-368-8770, ext. 21

Meet Beautiful

Beautiful

Introducing Beautiful — a sweet and stunning girl living up to her name! This one to two-year-old beauty is not just lovely on the outside but radiates love from within. Ready for her forever family, Beautiful is housebroken, a fantastic leash walker, and spayed. Enjoy long walks? Beautiful is your perfect companion! She’s a volunteer favorite, cherished for playtime and cuddles in the pens. Vaccinated and ready to embark on a lifetime of love, Beautiful deserves the world and is eagerly waiting for her people to give it to her. Beautiful would do well in a home with another dog, children 10 and up and potentially cats. Come meet her at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. 631-451-6950

Meet Meadow

Meadow

This happy lady is always smiling! Meadow is a 2-year-old female lab mix who is currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. Meadow was found as a stray on Nov. 11 and was never claimed. She adores making new friends and has energy for days. She needs a little work on leash manners and may be a bit much for small kids or cats but is otherwise perfect. If you are interested in meeting Meadow, please schedule time to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail. 631-360-7575

Meet Princess Polly

Princess Polly

This beautiful lady is waiting for you at Little Shelter in Huntington. The origin of the name Polly means “wished for” and this season of gratitude is the perfect time to add a nine year old Maltese mix to your family. Coming from a long line of royalty, she also enjoys the title of Princess, so when dressed in her holiday finest, she‘s affectionately known as Princess Polly. Congenial and easy going, this little socialite is quick to make friends and influence people when out and about on her daily rounds. The Maltese have been prized companions for centuries, being intelligent and affectionate, with the ability to easily learn new things. Her best trick? She knows how to make herself irresistible! Stop by to meet Princess Polly today! 631-368-8770, ext. 21

Cuteness Overload!

Geoff
Lemon
Daphne

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gilda

Check out these gorgeous kitties, Geoff, Lemon, Daphne and Gilda, currently up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. Stop by the shelter (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily) to meet them or fill out an adoption application ahead of time at www.kentanimalshelter.com. 631-727-5731 ext. 1

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of January 11.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

The Three Village Community Trust, the Three Village Civic Association, the North Suffolk Garden Club, the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and students and faculty at the Stony Brook School, and the Three Village Historical Society are partners in a Beautification Project at the Stony Brook Train Station.  Over the past year, significant progress has been made removing debris, weeds, and invasive plants from the landscaped beds. And a wide variety of Long Island native plants have been added to the landscaped beds.

As part of their ongoing efforts, the Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Committee invited local artist Michael Rosengard to create a unique art installation at the Station titled ‘All Aboard – Home For The Holiday.’ This outdoor work of art, located outside the front entrance of the historic Stony Brook Station House, creates a sense of wonder and whimsy to those walking or driving past the Station, highlights the history and importance of the Long Island Rail Road, celebrates the accomplishments of the Beautification Project, and helps kicks of the Holiday Season.

The community celebrated the opening of the exhibit on Monday, December 4th!

Kings Park Psychiatric Center. Photo courtesy of Preserve KPPC

Properties in Brentwood, Huntington, Kings Park, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Riverhead, and Smithtown are included in Preservation Long Island’s biennial list of Endangered Historic Places.

Preservation Long Island’s 2023 Endangered Historic Places List features seven nominated sites that span Long Island from a lighthouse on the Sound off Kings Point, to an early power plant in Riverhead. From historic homesteads to an expansive former mental health campus, the latest list highlights the historical richness of the region.

The Preservation Long Island (PLI) Endangered Historic Places Program (EHPP) is designed to identify, highlight, and address the imminent threats faced by significant historical sites and structures across Long Island. Properties are nominated to the list by concerned citizens and groups on Long Island. The program aims to raise public awareness about the endangered status of these historical places. PLI engages in advocacy efforts to garner support from the local community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.

“The program offers Long Islanders an opportunity to advocate for preservation in their communities while learning how to use tools like landmark designation, tax incentives, and public outreach,” said Alexandra Wolfe, Preservation Long Island’s Executive Director. “Our program partners receive priority technical assistance from our professional staff and their listings are featured on our website and social media.”

“Operating on two levels, the program seeks to educate and mobilize new preservation advocates while identifying endangered historic places,” said Tara Cubie, Preservation Long Island’s Director of Preservation and Advocacy. “The relationships fostered by becoming an EHPP listing site are long term. The goal is for communities to develop sustainable comprehensive strategies for the protection and preservation of their historic resources.”

A panel of Preservation Long Island staff and trustees, as well as experts in architecture, historic preservation, and other related fields selected the properties based on three key criteria: overall historic significanceseverity of the threat and impact the EHPP listing will have on efforts to protect the nominated site.

In-person events are planned for the Spring of 2024 that include site tours, and panel discussions open to the public. Visit the EHPP page on our website to learn more about each of the selected sites and browse the schedule of upcoming events.

Preservation Long Island invites all Long Islanders to join us in celebrating and supporting the important sites on Long Island’s List of Endangered Historic Places for 2023:

Eliphalet Whitman House (c. 1736), Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown (part of Caleb Smith State Park). Listed on the National Register as a contributing structure to the Wyandanch Club Historic District, the house does not appear to be maintained and is showing significant signs of neglect and deterioration.

Perkins Electric Generating Plant (Riverhead Electric Co), West Main Street, Riverhead. Constructed in 1897, it was one of the earliest electric plants on Long Island. The building is vacant and deteriorating.

Steppingstone Lighthouse, Long Island Sound, off Kings Point and South of City Island (owned by Town of North Hempstead). Completed in 1877, it is one of the last offshore lighthouses in the Upper Mid-Atlantic to be built of brick and stone.  The site is threatened by deterioration and neglect.

King’s Park Psychiatric CenterNissequogue River State Park, Kings Park. A former mental health facility established in 1884, with the oldest extant buildings dating from 1890, the complex is significant for its architecture and as a cultural historic landscape. The Master Plan for the park finalized in August 2023, proposes demolition of Kings Park Boulevard.

Coindre Hall Boathouse, Town of Huntington. Located directly behind Coindre Hall (c.1912), the boat house is a miniature replica of the mansion. No longer safe for use, the structure has been fenced in for safety purposes, and is in bad condition. Although there has been stabilization work completed, there is debate regarding whether the building should be restored or the waterfront should be turned into a nature reserve.

Shutt HouseTown of Islip. The house is one of the original homes in Modern Times (1851-1864), Long Island’s utopian community (which evolved into today’s Brentwood). The structure is threatened by proposed demolition and development by the current owner.

Mill Pond HouseTown of Oyster Bay. Built before 1720, the Mill Pond House is one of the oldest surviving dwellings in Oyster Bay. The building has been vacant since 2008 and continues to deteriorate.

Preservation Long Island’s Endangered Historic Places Program is made possible in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

About Preservation Long Island

Preservation Long Island is a not-for-profit organization that works with Long Islanders to raise awareness, appreciation, and support for the protection of our shared past through advocacy, education, and the stewardship of historic sites and collections.

Preservation Long Island’s preservation advocacy services support the work of our local partners in communities across the region. We offer consultation and strategic guidance for Long Islanders seeking help with local preservation projects, including historic resource surveys, local landmark designation, National Register listing, and restoration or adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Preservation Long Island also maintains and interprets historic sites and collections that embody various aspects of Long Island’s history including:

Joseph Lloyd Manor, Lloyd Harbor

Custom House, Sag Harbor

Sherwood-Jayne Farm, Setauket

Old Methodist Church and Exhibition Gallery

Reconstruction, reopening, and calls for donations to ensure future sustainability

The Art League of Long Island (ALLI) in Dix Hills has announced the successful beginning of the reconstruction efforts following the devastating damage caused by heavy rainfall on September 29, 2023. The catastrophe led to substantial damage to all nine studios, the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, office space, and the library. 

Despite the challenges faced, the Art League community remained resilient. Temporary accommodations were arranged for classes and exhibitions, hosted by supportive partners such as Spirit of Huntington, Nassau Community College’s Art Department, Nassau County Museum of Art, and the Half Hollow Hills and Northport School Districts. Exhibitions, including one hosted by Empire Mazda of Huntington, continued to thrive. The Art League of Long Island stood firm, ensuring the continuity of its programs and events.

Reconstruction efforts, managed by Anthony Lauto of Camber Strategies, are comprehensive, including renovations to the building and grounds. Critical infrastructure enhancements, such as the installation of six catch basins, a new concrete walkway, updated curbing to the foundation, a water dam, and additional drywells. Essential repairs to the parking lot and internal spaces are also being executed, including patching of sheetrock and drywall, improved insulation, repainting of the Strolling & Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, installation of new flooring, and enhancements to studios for better lighting and storage.

The total cost of these efforts amounts to approximately $500,000, entirely funded through internal resources. However, the Art League of Long Island continues to seek support from the community through donations to match its programs with the renewed space and to establish an endowment for future sustainability.

Executive Director, Marianne Della Croce highlighted, “Our mission, dating back to 1955, has been to provide broad-based visual arts education and serve as a platform for artists of all ages and abilities. Our vision remains steadfast in creating an art-centric community that fosters creativity and support. We are seeking continued backing from our community to ensure the Art League continues its impactful journey.”

The Art League of Long Island invites individuals and businesses to contribute through memberships, donations, and employer matching programs. Every contribution will help sustain the Art League’s mission, supporting artists’ development, outreach programs to underserved communities, and maintaining high-quality fine arts exhibitions.

For more information on how to donate and support the Art League of Long Island, please visit www.artleagueli.org.

Loose ball. Bill Landon photo

Being one of the smallest schools in Suffolk County, when the Lady Royals of Port Jeff play an early season nonleague game, they always face a team from a larger school district. This was the case Friday afternoon with a home game against Miller Place. 

Having lost perennial scoring threats to graduation, Port Jeff’s roster features only one senior as the Lady Royals had their hands full, falling to the Panthers 47-22 in the Dec. 8 matchup.

Returning starter Ava Zicchinelli for Miller Place was the offensive spark for the Panthers, leading her team with 14 points followed by Brooke Callaghan, who banked nine. Sophia Ingenito netted seven.

Rose Meliker-Hammock scored three from the floor and three from the free throw line for nine points for the Royals.

Port Jeff (0-2) retakes the court with another nonleague matchup Saturday, Dec. 16, with a road game against West Islip. Game time is scheduled for 10 a.m.

The Panthers (2-4) face one more nonleague matchup at home to Pierson/Bridgehampton Dec. 20 before league play begins with a home game against Harborfields Thursday, Jan. 4, with tipoff at 5:30 p.m.

Pictured from left, Ray Anderson, Kara Hahn and Tom Manuel. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, presented two local notables with the Jazz Loft Legends in Jazz award on Dec. 2. World-renowned trombonist Ray Anderson and former Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn were both honored by Jazz Loft founder and president Tom Manuel.

The annual Legend in Jazz Award seeks to recognize individuals who have contributed to the art form of Jazz in a deep and meaningful way. The recipients have invested profoundly into the soundtrack of our society and culture and have used the power of music to speak to people’s heart and souls. 

Ray Anderson, who is Distinguished Toll Professor at Stony Brook University, has distinguished himself as a preeminent jazz trombone player who has received international acclaim. Formerly the Director of Jazz Studies at Stony Brook University, Anderson maintains a thriving performance and recording career that has spanned more than three decades. He is a co-founder board of The Jazz Loft and currently serves as vice president.

“I am so grateful to have received this wonderful award from the Jazz Loft,” Anderson said. “And my gratitude extends to all the many people on Long Island and elsewhere, who have supported the abundant performance, education, and preservation that this amazing non-profit institution provides.”

“Ray Anderson has graced the latter 20th century as one of the most innovative and creative voices in Jazz, has gifted us with an incredible body of creative and ingenious musical compositions, and has left a lasting mark as an educator of note,” said Manuel. “We’re beyond honored to have him serve as the Vice President of The Jazz Loft and to have him involved in so many music projects and education workshops and clinics throughout each season at TJL.  The world is absolutely a happier and more spirited place because of Ray!”

Kara Hahn, a former Suffolk County Legislator, is currently New York State Parks deputy regional director for the Long Island region. Hahn entered the county Legislature in 2012 and could not pursue reelection because of 12-year term limits for legislators. During her time as legislator for the 5th District, Hahn was incredibly supportive of The Jazz Loft and its mission to bring live music to the community. 

“Everything is better with great live music!” Hahn said. “Live music brings people together. Music heals people, it hears you, it sees you, it expresses for you what you wish you were articulate enough to say! Music, especially jazz music, soothes our souls and inspires us and energizes us. Houses of music like the wonderful Jazz Loft do the same for communities, and that is why we are so lucky to have Tom Manuel and the Jazz Loft here in our hometown, and I am incredibly honored to be recognized in this way.”

Manuel said “Kara Hahn is akin to our Jazz legends like Norman Granz, Leonard Feather and Nat Hentoff. These folks were stalwart advocates for the American born art form of Jazz and they championed both artists and organizations that today are household names. Jazz has always been a music of what’s ‘new’ and ‘new’ needs friends. Kara has supported the Jazz Loft from day one and through her support TJL now has an annual Swing Into Spring Festival that brings Jazz all throughout our community– to restaurants, businesses and more. She also helped create our outdoor series called Summer SWAP (Stage With A Purpose) that helps bring free concerts to our community and has continued on thanks to sponsorship from Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine. We are so grateful for Kara’s commitment, drive, and dedication to her community. She is without question a gift to us all.”

Past recipients of the Legends in Jazz Award have been bass player Bill Crow and guitarist Gene Bertoncini.

For more information about The Jazz Loft visit https://www.thejazzloft.org

The popular holiday show has been extended to Jan. 7.

By Julianne Mosher

Frosty the snowman is a fairytale, they say. He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. This long-time holiday favorite is now playing at the Engeman Theater in Northport and it’s certainly one you need to bring the kids to.

This modern take on the classic tale brings the holiday musical to life with catchy sing-a-longs and plenty of audience participation. Directed by Andrew McCluskey with stage manager and choreographer Jillian Sharpe, Frosty is not only wholesome, but shares important messages of friendship.

The show starts off with narrator Candy Kane Carolyn (Caroline Meyers) who gives the lay of the land in Chillsville — a little town with a population of about 500 that’s always covered in snow. It’s the townspeople’s favorite thing. She introduces us to Jenny (Natalie Seus), the mayor’s daughter, who loves to play outside, but usually by herself. She doesn’t have many friends. 

With the help of her father (Terrence Bryce Sheldon), they build a snowman in the park and name him Frosty. The mayor gives Jenny his scarf that she eventually puts onto the snowman, and because there was so much love in that piece of fabric, Frosty (played by Patrick McCowen) comes to life. 

We’re introduced to Ebenezer Pierpot (played last weekend by swing actor Christina Cotignola, but typically Jae Hughes), the president of Pierpot Enterprises — a manufacturer of snow shovels, snowblowers, and ice scrapers — who want to build a bigger factory in the park but can’t do that with all the snow. During a meeting at town hall, Pierpot tricks the mayor into signing a contract to build a machine that will melt all the snow in the town, putting Frosty’s life in jeopardy. They describe it as a giant outdoor dehumidifier. 

As the weather gets warmer, Jenny must come up with a plan to save the town and make sure her new friend Frosty doesn’t melt away.

Frosty is full of fun surprises, but the best part of all is seeing the enthusiasm on the children in the audience’s faces. What is so special is that as soon as you sit down, the actors on stage start to interact with the kids, asking them questions, making them sing along and even asking for advice. They call on them to tell the rest of the audience what ideas they have throughout the show which could help Frosty and his friend.

Being included in the conversations on stage definitely make the children sitting in the seats below feel validated and important, like they are part of the show as well.

Meet the cast in the lobby after the show for pictures and autographs. An autograph page is conveniently located at the back of the program. 

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Frosty, which has been extended through Jan. 7. Running time is 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. 

Children’s theater continues with Disney’s Frozen Jr. from Jan. 27 to March 3, and Alice in Wonderland will follow on March 26 to April 28. All seats are $20. For more information or to order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

A scene from a previous production of ‘The Nutcracker.’ Photo from Dimitri Papadakos

The Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island, returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for a five-performance run from Dec. 15 to 17. This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike. 

Seiskaya Ballet principal dancer Madeleine Martufi

The cast will be led by guest artist David Wright, dancing the dual roles of Cavalier/Nutcracker, a featured artist with the Dance Theater of Harlem. Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning principal dancers Vivian Ye, Madeleine Martufi, Nina Zhang and Kaede Urso plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Eva Pyrros, Diana Atoian and Lara Caraiani.

Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker is truly an international collaboration beginning with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most famous score.  Sets and several costumes were designed by Poland’s Margaret Piotrowska whose highly respected work in Polish television and stage productions has garnered wide praise. Directed by founder Joseph Forbes, scenery was executed by Scenic Art Studios which has been credited with painting over 300 Broadway shows.  The imaginative and unusual sculptures utilized in the Seiskaya Ballet’s production were the brainchild of creative artist Matt Targon. Choreographed by celebrated Russian-born Valia Seiskaya, this acclaimed production is imbued with bravura dancing, energy and endearing charisma.

Performances will be held on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults, $38 children and seniors. To order, call 631-632-ARTS (2787) or visit www.nutcrackerballet.com.

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School student leaders and role models attend the annual Compassion Without Borders Student Leadership Conference. Photo courtesy ESD

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School student leaders and role models recently attended the annual Compassion Without Borders Student Leadership Conference, sponsored by the Suffolk County Principals Association and hosted this year by Half Hollow Hills East High School.

The event provides young leaders a chance to network with their peers from across Suffolk County and learn from other students through leadership activities.

“John Glenn Student Council members were able to share experiences and ideas with other student leaders from throughout Suffolk County,” teacher Jon Maccarello said. “Our student leaders were able to discover their ‘why’ and find more motivation for bettering their community.”