Suffolk County Police Department 4th Precinct Inspector David Regina updates the Smithtown Town Board on local crime trends during a public meeting Thursday, Sept. 21, at Town Hall. Photo by Raymond Janis
By Raymond Janis
The Smithtown Town Board convened Thursday afternoon, Sept. 21, for a public meeting covering public safety, walkability and downtown revitalization.
Public safety
Suffolk County Police Department 4th Precinct Inspector David Regina delivered the department’s public safety report, alerting the community to ongoing crime trends.
Following a stabbing at Millers Pond in Smithtown [see story, “Man stabbed at Millers Pond in Smithtown,” Aug. 26, TBR News Media], Regina said the victim was transported to a local hospital and has survived his injuries.
“This is an assault that is out of the ordinary for that area,” he said. “I do feel confident in saying that I don’t feel that this is a threat to the area of that community.”
Regina referred to 2023 as “a rough year in the 4th Precinct for fatal motor vehicle crashes,” which he said have “run the gamut between pedestrian, standard motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle crashes, bicycle crashes” and accidents involving scooters.
Reporting on a recent fatal accident on Harned Road in Commack involving the death of Ilona Kaydanov, a 22-year-old pedestrian [see story, “Jogger killed in Commack crash, two others injured,” Aug. 31, TBR News Media], Regina said the 4th Squad had investigated the accident, noting, “There does not appear to be any criminality involved.”
The inspector stressed the need for pedestrians to cross roadways at crosswalks, adding that “pedestrians under New York State law are required to walk or jog against the flow of traffic.”
Purse theft — a local crime phenomenon often involving the theft of one’s credit cards at retail spaces — remains pervasive within the 4th Precinct, Regina said. [See story, “Shopping spree: Thieves targeting handbags, wallets at Suffolk County retail stores,” Aug. 24, TBR News Media.]
He reported that this theft crime variety has occurred primarily around the Smith Haven Mall, advising shoppers to “secure your things securely.”
He noted that multiple incidents have included a co-conspirator, with one criminal creating a diversion while another robs an unsuspecting victim’s shopping cart.
SCPD “were able to identify one suspect, and I’m happy to say we cleared three of those cases last week, and we were able to charge that gentleman with several counts of criminal possession of stolen property,” Regina reported.
Sideshows and street races remain an ongoing crime phenomenon countywide. Regina reported a recent sideshow gathering of 250 cars at the Walmart parking lot on Garet Place in Commack.
“These get very raucous,” he said. “They were throwing fireworks in the direction of the police officers who were responding. These are officer safety concerns for us.”
While the department has moderately succeeded in dispersing some of these sideshow events, the inspector suggested the matter is unresolved.
The Hauppauge Fire Department will host a community gathering on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at 855 Wheeler Road to discuss the sideshow issue and its community impacts.
Downtown revitalization
Allyson Murray, principal planner in the Smithtown Planning & Community Department, delivered a presentation on a grant application for New York State downtown revitalization funds through the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the NY Forward grant programs.
Murray considered Kings Park an ideal candidate for these funds due to its substantial retail and civic spaces, compact size, centrally located Long Island Rail Road station and recent public and private investment.
“The vision is to attract public and private investment to enhance the character of downtown Kings Park,” Murray said, hoping to create “a vibrant and walkable Main Street business district with diverse mixed-use development.”
The proposal seeks to leverage existing community assets, such as the LIRR station, new sewer infrastructure and proximity to major employment centers, such as the Hauppauge Industrial Park and Stony Brook University.
Murray shared a draft list of projects to be included in the application. She encouraged community members to send ideas for other proposals by email to [email protected].
Harned Road proposal
In the wake of the recent roadway fatality, Commack resident Kevin Feit asked the board to consider several pedestrian safety enhancements on Harned Road between Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Veterans Memorial Highway.
“Currently, there are sidewalks in some sections of Harned Road, but they abruptly end,” Feit indicated. “Where there is no sidewalk, the shoulder is extremely narrow in some places and can be completely taken up by a sewer grate.”
Given these existing conditions, Feit suggested the current roadway to be “impassable for a wheelchair or stroller.” He added that while the speed limit on Harned is 30 mph, vehicles regularly exceed 40 mph due to long stretches between traffic signals.
“Sidewalks would provide several benefits to the community,” he said, among these being public safety, environmental friendliness and walkability to nearby shopping centers and parks.
The Town Board will reconvene Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m.
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
By Michael Scro
The Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum held its Irish Night 2023 on Friday, Sept. 22, at the RJO Middle School auditorium, featuring a lively performance by musician Ed Ryan and Irish step dancing by the Mulvihill-Lynch Irish Dancers.
Hosted by Kevin Johnston, chair of Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and representative of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, he welcomed the audience of about 40 to 50 people — many donning Irish clothing.
Ryan played a powerful and entertaining set of Irish songs from “Whisky In The Jar,” “The Black Velvet Band,” “When New York Was Irish,” “Big Strong Man To The Town I Love So Well,” “Danny Boy” and “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra (That’s An Irish Lullaby).”
Between songs, he told a variety of age-old Irish jokes, bringing about laughter from the audience and also gave historical background and reference to many of the songs he belted out with his acoustic guitar.
The Mulvihill-Lynch dancers provided a precise and professional level of dancing that wowed the audience from start to finish. Clapping along to the Irish music, the crowd cheered loudly after each dance.
Johnston thanked Ryan and the dancers, and noted that the dance studio was started about 40 years ago by Gerry Mulvihill. Among those in attendance were Debbie Lynch-Webber who ran the dance group and was a student of the founder, as well as Maureen Hanley who was also a former student.
Tiana Barone sets the play for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
Caroline Lange battles at net for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River freshman Brooke Rand battles at the net. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophia Romeo sets the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Brooke Borkowski from the service line. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophia Romeo digs one out. Photo by Bill Landon
Natalie Wilson puts the ball in play. Photo by Bill Landon
Tess Connolly with a monster serve. Photo by Bill Landon
Giorgia Balza from the service line. Photo by Bill Landon
Tess Connolly from the service line. Photo by Bill Landon
Maddie Blaha battles at net. Photo by Bill Landon
Maddie Blaha battles. Photo by Bill Landon
Brooke Borkowski from the service line. Photo by Bill Landon
Peyton Horan from the service line. Photo by Bill Landon
Olivia Honkanen sets the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Kamryn DeCicco puts the ball in play. Photo by Bill Landon
Brooke Borkowski digs one out. Photo by Bill Landon
Kamryn DeCicco puts the ball in play. Photo by Bill Landon
Giorgia Balza with a block. Photo by Bill Landon
After edging by Miller Place in the first set having to win by two, the Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats lost the second set to make it a new match in the League VI matchup.
Squeezing by the Panthers 25-23 in the third set and rallying in the fourth set, the Wildcats were lucky to escape with the 3-1 victory, 28-26, 18-25, 25-23, 25-18, on the road Sept. 22.
Senior Giorgia Balza led the way for the Wildcats with 13 kills, a pair of aces and 4 blocks, and teammate Caroline Lange had a block with 4 kills.
Setting the pace for the Panthers was Payton Horan with 13 kills, a service ace and 2 digs along with Olivia Honkanen’s 6 kills 3 service aces and 4 digs.
The win lifts the Wildcats to 2-2, leaving the Panthers searching for that elusive first win.
Both teams are back in action Sept. 28 when the Wildcats host Bayport-Blue Point at 4 p.m. and the Panthers have a road game against nearby Mount Sinai. First service is set for 4:30 p.m.
Each year the Adirondack Glassblowing Studio (ADK) produces thousands of gorgeous hand-blown glass pumpkins to create beautiful outdoor fall decor. ADK Glass partners with numerous non-profits nationwide on weekends throughout the fall season.
During the weekend of September 29 to October 1, ADK Glass and the Town of Smithtown will host a Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve at 200 New Hwy, Commack from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in support of Nesconset-based Paws of War.
Attendees at Hoyt Farm will enjoy a walking path lined with straw bales covered with hundreds of colorful glass pumpkins and experience the fall foliage on Hoyt Farm’s Nature Preserve. Twenty percent of proceeds from the weekend event will support Paws of War in furthering their mission of “Helping Both Ends of the Leash.”
Paws of War is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to train and place service animals and companion dogs to support and provide independence to U.S. military veterans that suffer from the emotional and physical effects of war.
The organization also provides animal rescue for U.S. troops who have befriended an animal while serving overseas. The organization also serves as a community center where veterans and first responders come together daily to build bonds and support each other.
For more information about the fundraiser, please visit, http://www.glasspumpkinpatchfundraiser.com/. For more information about Paws of War, visit https://pawsofwar.org/.
FALL INTO FUN
Heritage Park’s annual Fall carnival returns to Mount Sinai on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. File photo by Giselle Barkley/TBR News Media
Ongoing
Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch
Every evening from Aug. 27 through Oct. 6, from 5:30 p.m. until dusk, the Four Harbors Audubon Society will be tallying migrating Common Nighthawks to better understand nighthawk population trends. Join them at the Stone Bridge at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket to witness nighthawks as they pass over during their migratory journey to their wintering grounds in Brazil and Argentina. Visit www.4has.org for further details.
Thursday Sept. 28
Vanderbilt lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will host Andrew Lipman, Associate Professor of History at Barnard College, for a lecture based on his award-winning book The Saltwater Frontier: Indians and the Contest for the American Coast in the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium theater at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, members free at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host an evening of Native American Drumming from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. 631-655-7798
Friday Sept. 29
Poets in Port
Northport Arts Coalition continues its Poets in Port series at the First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St., Northport at 7:30 p.m. Featured poet will be Janet Wade who will speak with the audience about their process. The audience is then encouraged to bring their own poems. Free tickets via www.eventbrite.com.
Friday Night Face Off
Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 11 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. 631-928-9100
Saturday Sept. 30
Morning Birdwatch and Architecture Tour
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its morning Birdwatch and Architecture Tours, led by the Museum’s director of curatorial affairs, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate in the early dawn hours when the grounds are closed but the birds are active. Each Birdwatch will feature aspects of the estate’s architectural history while participants view the Vanderbilt’s resident avian species and hear their calls and songs. Sturdy hiking footwear and binoculars are recommended. Tickets are $12 per person, free for members, at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Car Wash and Fall Plant Sale
St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St.James will host a BSA Scout Troop 301 Fall fundraiser Car Wash and Fall Plant Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 631-584-5212.
Fall Yard Sale
Rescheduled from Sept. 23. Join the Yaphank Historical Society for its annual Fall Yard sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Hawkins House, 4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank. Featuring a large variety of crafts, collectibles, and household items. Rain date is Oct. 1. 631-924-4803, www.yaphankhistorical.org.
!Estamos! Symposium at the LIM
Join the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook for a one-day symposium featuring a varied group of artists and scholars with discussion revolving around the exhibition SOMOS/WE ARE: Latinx Artists of Long Island from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration fee is $12 adults, $10 students, seniors, LIM members; optional lunch $12. Register online at www.longislandmuseum.org/events.
Caumsett Hike
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road Huntington hosts a Traditional Nature Walk for adults from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Explore the woods and tall grass meadows of the southern section of the park. $4 per person. Call 631-423- 1770 for reservations.
Port Jefferson Hill Climb
Rescheduled from Sept. 23.The Port Jefferson Conservancy will host a re-enactment of the 1910 Hill Climb from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come cheer on antique cars as theyretrace the original Hill Climb course from the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson to the top of East Broadway followed by a car parade through the village. Gates open at 8 a.m. 631-238-2290, portjeff.com
Farmingville Fall Festival
The Farmingville Residents Association hosts a Fall Festival at its Farmers, Artisans & Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 45 vendors selling local produce, handmade and homemade items and flea market treasures, live music and more. Held rain or shine. 631-260-7411
PJS/ Terryville Family Fun Day
Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a Family Fun Day at the Train Car Park, corner of Route 347 and Route 112 in Port Jefferson from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Come celebrate local community, local business and good old family fun with a scarecrow contest, apple pie baking contest and performances by Neu Era Gymnastics, School of Rock and Backstage Studio of Dance. Free admission. 631-821-1313
Fish Hatchery Fall Festival – This event has been postponed to Oct. 7.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Fall Festival Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with environmental exhibitors, kid’s fishing, music, games, live animal encounters, food and more. Rain date is Oct. 7. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children. 516-692-6768
Community Wide Yard Sale
Rescheduled from Sept. 23.Sound Beach Civic Association hosts its 3rd annual Community Wide Yard Sale as well as the second yearly coat drive at the Adopt-A-Spot, 30 New York Ave., Sound Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over a dozen households are participating. Stop by to find a hidden treasure and share the warmth with those less fortunate. The Sound Beach Fire Dept. will bring an engine/ambulance and set up a recruitment table as well as have raffle tickets and challenge coins you can buy. 631-744-6952.
Happy Harbor Day
Rescheduled from Sept. 23. The Village of Nissequogue and The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor will host Happy Harbor Day to raise awareness of Stony Brook Harbor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 555 Long Beach in Nissequogue. The day will include presentations by environmental and marine science experts, an aquarium touch tank, carnival games, music, art contest and more. Free admission. 631-862-7400
Family Fun Day in SB Village
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and the StonyBrook Fire Department for Family Fun Day in Stony Brook Village along Main Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Fire Prevention Day and Open House event, touch a truck, vote for your favorite scarecrow, giveaways, raffles and much more. Free. 631-751-2244
Oktoberfest and Vendor Fair
St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church, 4 Woodville Road, Shoreham will hold an Oktoberfest and Vendor Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Do some shopping with vendors and then enjoy traditional German food (sauerbraten dinner, bratwurst) plus pretzels and beer while enjoying traditional music. Dine in or take out. 631-744-7730
Superheroes of the Sky
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a Superheroes of the Sky event from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about a Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Fee is $10 per adult/$5 per child ages 11 and under. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Fall into Fun Carnival
Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai celebrates the season with a Fall into Fun Carnival today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy rides, games and food in a beautiful park. Fireworks on Sept. 30. Free admission and parking. Pay per ride or purchase a bracelet. www.newtonshows.com, 631-403-4846
Bizarre Bazaar at the CAC
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will host the Bizarre Bazaar — a vintage, oddities, art, and alternative market featuring a curated selection from Long Islands best makers, pickers, and artists to kick off the Halloween season from noon to 5 p.m. Vegan food and beverages, treats, and snacks will also be available. The event is free and all ages are welcome. www.cinemaartscentre.org
Basket Raffle & Craft Fair
The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1370 Grundy Avenue, Holbrook will hold its annual Basket Raffle & Craft Fair today from noon to 6 p.m. and Oct. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature holiday décor and crafts, food and home baked goods for sale. Over 200 baskets will be raffled off on Sunday at the close of the Fair. Rain dates are Oct. 7 and 8. 631-588-7689
Northport FD Oktoberfest
Time to raise your steins! Northport Fire Department hosts its 4th annual Oktoberfest at the Fairgrounds at 2 Clipper Dr, Northport from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with camaraderie, delicious German cuisine, music, and plenty of beer! Held rain or shine. Tickets are $65 at nfdoktoberfest.eventbrite.com
Author Talk at the LIMEHOF
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes author Steve Matteo for a book signing, discussion and Q&A event moderated by Tony Traguardo of his new book Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film from 3 to 4 p.m. The discussion event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org
Vickie Solomon in concert
Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai continues its UCC Steeple Showcase Concert Series with a concert by vocalist Vickie Solomon from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring a chair, a snack and sit back and relax! Concert is in the church parking lot, inside if it is raining. 631-473-1582.
Coram FD Oktoberfest
Coram Fire Department Truck Company’s headquarters, 303 Middle Country Road will host its 16th annual Oktoberfest at 5 p.m. Come and enjoy the best authentic German cuisine while you indulge in a fine selection of ice-cold German beer on tap or sip fine wine with good friends. Live music starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. Call 631-732-5733.
Sunday Oct. 1
Fall into Fun Carnival
See Sept. 30 listing.
Basket Raffle & Craft Fair
See Sept. 30 listing.
Thunderbird & Ford Car Show
The Long Island Thunderbird Club and Thunderbird Owners of New York present the 17th annual Thunderbird & All Ford Car Show at the Key Food Shopping Center, 58 Indian Head Rd., Kings Park on Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 8. Portion of proceeds benefits Building Homes for Heroes. Free for spectators. 631-724-3756, longislandthunderbirds.godaddysites.com
Soles for All Souls Race
Ready, get set, go! All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook hosts its 15th annual Soles for All Souls 5K Run/2K Walk starting at 9 a.m. Come race or walk through the beautiful tree lined streets of Stony Brook Village. All proceeds from the race will be dedicated to making the church handicapped accessible. Award ceremony with medal presentations and prizes immediately following race. To register, visit active.com or register on the day of the race at the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook at 7:30 a.m. 631-655-7798
Lions Club Car Show
Rescheduled from Sept. 24. The Port Jefferson Lions Club invites the community to its 2nd annual judged Car Show at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by The Fabulous 50s & 60s Nostalgia Car Club, the event will feature food, music, raffles and vendors with over 14 trophy classes plusa special people’s choice trophy decided by YOUR vote. Proceeds will sponsor a guide dog for the blind. 631-680-7212
Bead and Jewelry Festival
Truly a jeweler’s dream come true, the Long Island Bead and Jewelry Festival heads to IBEW Local 25 Banquet Center, 370 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nearly every style of bead and stone imaginable will be available for retail and wholesale purchase. Admission is $5.
St. James Day
St. James Chamber of Commerce presents St. James Day, a street fair along Lake Avenue in St. James (between Woodlawn and Railroad Avenues) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy festival food, music, vendors, entertainment and much more. 631-584-8510.
Huntington Village Art Walk
The Huntington Village Art Walk, a self-guided tour of the new exhibits at the museums and galleries, in the Village of Huntington, returns from noon to 5 p.m. This year’s Art Walk will feature Huntington Art Center, Huntington Arts Council, Heckscher Museum of Art, Spotlight, Digho Arts, Industry, fotofoto gallery, bj spoke gallery, Huntington Public Library, and Huntington Historical Society. Free admission. No registration required. 631-380-3230, www.heckscher.org.
Evan & James in concert
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes Evan & James in concert at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy this local acoustic duo covering classic rock from the 60s and 70s. Open to all. Registration is required as seating is limited. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Monday Oct. 2
SHS Fall Lecture
Join the Smithtown Historical Society for a Fall Lecture at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker Larry Wolff, an expert on old Hollywood and classic television,will discuss the facts and fun behind the making of the funniest horror film of all time, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,and how it was almost never filmed! The presentation will include clips from the film, an autograph, memorabilia and a book display for the audience to peruse. Light refreshments will be served. Free. No registration required. 631-265-6768
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 $10 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7610.
Country Jukebox concert
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a Country Jukebox concert at 8 p.m. Rosin up your bow and get ready for a toe-tapping evening filled with the glory of country music stretching from classics of the 1950s all the way up to the hottest contemporary hits with a salute to Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Tammy Wynette, Rascal Flatts, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Carrie Underwood and more. Tickets are $45. 631-261-2900, www.engemantheater.com.
Tuesday Oct. 3
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a concert by FiZ, a guitarist and singer of pop, soul and jazz with a warm mellowing sound, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
Forever Simon & Garfunkel
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a tribute concert to Simon & Garfunkel at 8 p.m. Sean Altman & Jack Skuller of Forever Simon & Garfunkel lead the audience on a journey through Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career. Iconic songs include “The Sound Of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Mrs. Robinson,”and many more. Tickets are $45. 631-261-2900, www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday Oct. 4
Cruise Night at The Shoppes
Cruise Nights are back at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 25. Check out the fine array of classic and coveted automobiles from car enthusiasts from across Long Island in The Shoppes parking lot. 631-929-3500
History of PJS and Terryville lecture
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a program titled What’s In A Name? History of Port Jefferson Station and Terryville at 7 p.m. Join Jack Smith to explore 150 years of local history in the areas of Cumsewogue, Terryville, Echo, and Port Jefferson Station with photos, maps, and more. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Thursday Oct. 5
TIME TO SHOP! Celebrate fall at the annual Women’s EXPO at Middle County Public Library in Centereach on Oct. 5. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
Women’s EXPO
Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach presents its annual Women’s EXPO from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, the indoor event will feature over 80 exhibitors who create or distribute a variety of products, including jewelry, pottery, soaps, food and more. The indoor event is a great opportunity to support local women entrepreneurs while shopping for holiday gift giving. Free admission. 631-585-9393, www.womensexpoli.orgSee more on page B5.
NHS Lecture
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a lecture titled Coming Out Day with Northport author and artist Greg Fox at 6 p.m. Fox will speak about his experiences in Northport which led to the creation of his widely successful comic series, Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast. Centered around the town of Northport, Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast is the world’s only comic strip about a gay bed and breakfast. Copies of Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org.
Circus heads to Lake Grove
Cirque Italia opens under the white and blue big top tent at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove tonight at 7:30 and runs through Oct. 15. This high-octane show features master jugglers, low wire fanatics, dazzling contortion, wild trampoline antics, and even a wheel of death! Suitable for all ages. For tickets and more information, visit the box office on site or go to www.cirqueitalia.com.
Film
‘We Dare to Dream’
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues with a screening of We Dare to Dream, about the dramatic challenges faced by refugee athletes who competed for a place in the 2020 Olympic Games, at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Preceded by a special concert featuring pianist and composter Jacqueline Schwab at First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker via Zoom will be Director Waad Al-Kateab. Tickets to concert and film are $15; film only is $10 at the door. www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com.
Theater
‘The Prom’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 53rd season with The Prom from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. As the lights dim on four fading Broadway stars, they wildly seek the spotlight. Courting the controversy surrounding a small-town Indiana prom, the quartet invades a community that wants to keep the party straight. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors, $20 students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Rent’
Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Jonathan Larson’s Rent from Sept. 16 to Oct. 22. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, the groundbreaking musicalfollows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians — Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny and Mark — struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $28 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org. See review on page B17.
‘Every Brilliant Thing’
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, in association with Response Crisis Center, presents Every Brilliant Thing, a one-man show starring Jeffrey Sanzel, on the Second Stage from Sept. 17 to Oct. 8. With audience members recruited to take on supporting roles, Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching, hilarious story of depression and the lengths we will go for those we love. All seats are $20. Fifty percent of the gross proceeds of this production will benefit Response Crisis Center. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beautiful’
Main stage theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical from Sept. 14 to Oct. 29. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing success with Tapestry, the showtakes you back to where it all began–and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” and many more. This Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning show is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget. Tickets range from $85 to $95. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Smoker’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson presents Totally True Things, a solo storytelling show series produced by Lifestage, Inc. that will feature award-winning artists sharing true stories that focus on mental health issues, beginning with Smoker, written and performed by Bob Brader, on Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. John Martin from the Suffolk County Office Of Health Education will join Brader and the show director Suzanne Bachner for a talkback Q&A facilitated by host/producer Jude Treder-Wolff following the performance. Tickets are $20 online at Eventbrite, $25 at the door.
‘Antigone Now: A Short Drama’
The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Antigone Now: A Short Drama by Melissa Cooper in Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. In the midst of a bombed-out city still feeling the aftershocks of war, the rebellious and intense Antigone defies her uncle to bury her disgraced brother. This contemporary response to the myth of Antigone brings powerful, modern prose to an ancient and universal story. *Mature ContentGeneral admission: $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. For tickets call 631-451-4163.
Northport One-Act Play Festival
Northport Plays presents the 14th Annual Northport One-Act Play Festival at The Playhouse at St Paul’s, 270 Main St, Northport, from October 6 to 8. Ten new plays will be performed in two different programs. Go to www.NorthportPlays.com for details and tickets. 631-223-8053
‘An Inspector Calls’
Minstrel Players, Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport presents J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls from Oct. 14 to 22. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, call 516-361-7232 or email [email protected]
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A scene from 'Rent' at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. Photo by Jackie St. Louis/SPAC
A scene from 'Rent' at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. Photo by Jackie St. Louis/SPAC
A scene from 'Rent' at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. Photo by Jackie St. Louis/SPAC
By Julianne Mosher
There are 525,600 reasons to head to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center and see their rendition of Rent.
Directed by Kevin Burns, the show opens in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village in the late 1980s with this exquisite rock opera originally written by Jonathan Larson. A modern-day musical, loosely inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Larson created the script based on where he was living in the early 90s — in a rundown apartment with several roommates all just trying to survive and, of course, pay rent.
Set in the middle of the AIDS epidemic, the musical follows the stories of several people, a group of friends and acquaintances, living with addiction, abuse, AIDs, homelessness and more. But despite the heavy topics, Larson’s opera-styled score brings humor and wit to situations that are not for the faint of heart.
We open with Roger (Zach Johnson) and Mark Cohen (David Reyes), an aspiring singer and filmmaker, sitting in their cold apartment during Christmas. Roger’s girlfriend passed away and while grieving, he meets his new neighbor, Mimi (Alisa Barsch) who asks him to “light her candle” during a power outage.
We learn of Benny (Trentin Chalmers), a friend-turned-businessman who is trying to evict the old comrades from their underwhelming living space, and we meet Tom Collins (Shiloh Bennett) who’s an anarchist professor living with HIV who falls for the positive and eccentric Angel (Ruben Fernandez), a drag queen street performer.
Eventually we’re introduced to Maureen (Jess Ader-Ferretti), Mark’s artist ex-girlfriend who left him for Joanne (Michelle Demetillo) a strong-willed lawyer.
This is a beautifully crafted story of love and loss.
With aminimalist set, each and every actor uses their talents of voice and expression to give the scenery life, plus the costumes are straight out of the Broadway musical (1996) turned film (2005). That being said, the cast is so impressive that if one were to listen to their live performance and then the recordings of the original cast, you’d think it’s the same group.
With the band right on stage in the middle of the action, you learn of the hopes and dreams of the characters, experience loss and eventually find hope. In the three hours of viewing time, this emotional roller-coaster is definitely worth it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll experience a whole new outlook on life.
Johnson, Reyes, Barsch, Chalmers, Bennett, Ader-Ferretti and Demetillo’s performances on opening night were stellar. The talent of the main cast deserves two thumbs up, and of course, Fernandez embodies the beautiful Angel, both in and out of drag, perfectly — plus, he can dance in heels.
But the ensemble cast need a round of applause, too. The several roles each and every one of them play isn’t at all confusing, especially since there are several story lines happening at one given time. In fact, those in the background help ground the rest of the group and make the storylines even better.
So, go buy your tickets now because there’s “no day but today” and you deserve to go “out tonight!”
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main Street, Smithtown presents “Rent” through Oct. 22. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors (55 and older), $28 students (21 and under). To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Cinema Arts Centre's new series will kick off with 'Ladybird' on Oct. 6.
December 1st, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cinema Arts Centre (CAC). To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the Huntington cinema will introduce a new series, CAC Through the Decades. The series will commemorate each decade that the Cinema Arts Centre has been in operation by presenting special screenings of some of the most important and popular films shown at CAC throughout its history.
The cinema was founded by Founded by Vic Skolnick, Charlotte Sky and Dylan Skolnick December 1st 1973 as the New Community Cinema – later changing its name to the Cinema Arts Centre following a move into the Town of Huntington’s John J. Flanagan Center.
Co-Founders Vic Skolnick and Charlotte Sky, with their son Dylan, were passionate organizers who sought to bring Long Islanders together to create a movement around film culture that would eventually help shape and define the very character of our area, now renowned as a cultural destination and an arts-rich community.
Robert Rossen’s ‘Lilith’ will be screened on Dec. 1.
Long-time supporters of the Cinema often reminisce about the “sheet-on-the-wall” days, when films were projected from a borrowed projector in a friend’s dance studio. From those early days, the Cinema Arts Centre has expanded into a state-of-the art theater with film and digital projection capabilities, newly renovated theaters, and a multi-use space called the Sky Room Café.
Today, the Cinema Arts Centre presents approximately 400 special screenings and events a year, along with a full slate of new release first-run features. Regular special programming includes film and discussion programs with film historians, directors, and critics, silent films with a live score, historically significant classics, international cinema, educational lectures, classes and workshops, live music, open mic nights, as well as weekly screenings of cult and family favorites.
CAC Through the Decades will launch on Oct. 6 with a screening of Greta Gerwig’s award-winning coming-of-age comedy/drama Ladybird which will represent the 2010s. The 2000s will be represented by a screening of Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth on Oct. 10, the 1990s with a screening of the Coen Brother’s The Big Lebowski on Nov. 3, and the 1980s with a screening of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing on Nov. 17. Each screening will include a reception with fundraising raffles and other fun activities.
The series will culminate on Dec. 1 with a special celebration that will span the entirety of the Cinema Arts Centre’s space, including its three theaters, each of which will play an iconic and celebrated film shown at the Cinema during its early days in the 1970s.
Audience members will have the opportunity to attend one of three film screenings — Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, Robert Altman’s Nashville, or Robert Rossen’s Lilith — which was the first film ever screened by the Cinema Arts Centre. Following the screenings on Dec. 1, the Cinema will hold an anniversary party and reception featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres, and even a film projected on a sheet on the wall as a call back to the Cinema’s early days.
The films featured in the series were selected, and voted on by close Cinema Arts Centre supporters, staff members, a committee of dedicated volunteers, and the CAC Board of Directors.
Tickets to the Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17 screenings are $22, $15 members; tickets to the Dec. 1 event are $40, $30 members. You can purchase tickets to these and other events, and find more information about how to support the Cinema Arts Centre at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
New Snow Globe stamps from the U.S. Postal Service are now available for purchase.
Beloved by children and adults alike, snow globes can be miniature worlds of white, kitschy souvenirs of memories made or tiny works of art caught in a whirling microcosm. Celebrating the spirit of the holidays, the U.S. Postal Service captures the playful pleasure of snow globes on four new stamps.
“People collect all sorts of souvenirs on their travels: coffee mugs, T-shirts, refrigerator magnets — but none are as enchanting as snow globes, creating snowstorms you stir up with a flick of the wrist, that gradually settle to display a world in miniature,” said Sheila Holman, dedicating official for the stamps and marketing vice president for the Postal Service.
New Snow Globe stamps from the U.S. Postal Service are now available for purchase.
The dedication ceremony for the Snow Globes stamps took place at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena in Breckenridge. The stamps are now available at Post Office locations nationwide and online at The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps.
Joining Holman at the ceremony were Gregory Manchess, stamp artist; Eric Mamula, mayor of Breckenridge; Scott Reid, deputy town manager and winter sports enthusiast; Jonathan Oetken, winter sports host and master of ceremonies for the event; and Harry Rinker, author of a book about snow globes and noted antiques writer.
“Snow globes cause wonder,” said Rinker, who is also a member of the Postal Service’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee and a snow globe collector himself. “Every shake is different and each time a globe is shaken, it is the beginning of a new adventure. Shaking a snow globe is an opportunity to relive a multitude of childhood, winter, and winter holiday memories.”
The first published reference to snow globes was in a report of the 1878 Paris Exposition Universelle, where several manufacturers exhibited “snowstorm paperweights,” as they were called at the time. Beginning around 1900, snow globes began appearing as souvenirs at tourist sites around Europe.
Over the years, snow globes have been called by many names — snow dome, water globe and snowfall weight, among others — but the most widely used name today is snow globe. Though “globe” seems to indicate a sphere, they come in almost any shape that can contain the liquid inside. The container is often mounted on a base, though sometimes the shape, such as a bottle, allows it to stand alone without a support. The base might enclose a music box; other modern embellishments can include lights and animation of the scene inside.
Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the Snow Globes stamps with original art by Manchess. Painting in oil, Manchess created the designs featuring icons of the season, each spherical snow globe sitting on a brown base: a snowman wearing a jaunty red-and-white scarf; Santa Claus on a rooftop, preparing to climb down the chimney; a reindeer standing in a snowy forest; and a snowy tree decorated with colorful ornaments.
In each snowy scene, white flakes fly beneath the dome of glass, with the words “forever” and “USA” in the lower left-hand side of each stamp. The booklet cover features a detail of the snowman globe. To the left, the title Snow Globes is in capital letters of icy white and blue. The booklet includes 20 stamps, five each of the four designs.
The Snow Globes stamps are being issued as Forever stamps, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Mary Ellen McCrossen, Community Relations Manager at St. Catherine, has Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta complete the required forms before getting his flu shot. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office
The rain and the wind did not stop Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, other elected officials and residents from attending St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center’s free drive-thru flu vaccination on Saturday, September 23. Throughout the event, there was a steady stream of cars coming with people to get their flu shot.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a flu vaccine is the best protection against getting the flu, and everyone six months and older should get one. Such vaccinations are available from your local health care provider and pharmacies, and it is best to check with your doctor before getting the shot. “I commend St. Catherine’s and its staff for offering free flu shots last weekend, and think this is a great public service particularly when we are still dealing with COVID,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.
Additional information about the flu and other health related issues is on the Suffolk County Health Department’s website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health
Constitution Day at North Ridge Primary School. Photo courtesy of Commack School District
Constitution Day is celebrated at Sawmill Intermediate School. Photo courtesy of Commack Central School District
We the People – History in Action
Students across the Commack School District celebrated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day this year by honoring the foundational document of the United States. They wore patriotic colors, learned about the Constitution’s history, read the Preamble, made a patriotic video about the Constitution, and learned about the flag and other symbols of American democracy. They also paid their respects to those who fought for our freedom.
At Sawmill Intermediate School, students participated in a variety of activities to learn about the Constitution and its importance. They read the Preamble aloud, and discussed its key principles, and designed artwork to celebrate the document.
At North Ridge Primary School, students held a special ceremony outside to commemorate Constitution Day, singing patriotic songs and displaying the American Flag.
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