Movieland Cinemas, a longtime fixture in the community, has closed. The announcement was made on its Facebook page on Sept. 7. General Manager Nicole Rapp cited high rent and declining foot traffic as the reason for the closure.
Located in Coram at 1850 Route 112 in the Pine Plaza, the theater opened in 1995 and changed hands many times, most recently in 2022 after extensive renovations.
“Over the years, our theater has been a place where the community has come together to enjoy films … and celebrate the magic of cinema. We have cherished every moment spent with you, our loyal patrons, and the support you have shown us,” read the post.
Many patrons reacted to the announcment with sadness and thanked the theater for the many years of memories.
“We want to extend our sincere thanks to each and every one of you who has been a part of our theater’s journey. It’s been an incredible ride, and we couldn’t have done it without you. We are going to miss hosting your birthday parties, special events, gaming tournaments, sensory friendly screenings, Princess/ Superhero meet-and-greets, and so much more,” said Rapp.
The post went on to the thank “the dedicated movie theater staff … who tirelessly worked behind the scenes” and hinted at reopening the theater in the future with a potential buyer.
“While our doors may be closing for now, the memories we’ve created together will live on. Thank you for being a part of our theater’s story, and we hope that this is a temporary speed-bump and soon be able to make a comeback,” added Rapp.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced Friday, Sept. 15, $1 million in federal funding for Smithtown through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry grants program.
This project will implement tree inventory assessments focused on public outreach and education while protecting and improving the existing tree canopy through tree maintenance activities throughout the town.
Tree planting will take place after a public outreach and education campaign. The campaign aims to increase local awareness of the positive impacts of maintaining an urban tree canopy for quality of life, the natural ecosystem and the environment.
“I am proud to announce Long Island communities are among the first in the nation to tap the historic funding I secured in the Inflation Reduction Act to conserve and increase tree canopy, educate residents and improve storm and flood resilience with new tree plantings,” Schumer said. “I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that Long Island could have access to the funding needed to breathe new life into its communities.”
Gillibrand added to this sentiment, noting the environmental trends that have made this funding necessary for communities such as Smithtown.
“Expanding access to trees and green spaces on Long Island will give our communities a higher quality of life,” the U.S. senator said. “This money will help bring new life to the Island, where families can enjoy a greener, healthier environment.”
Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) weighed in on this injection of federal stimulus. He tied the money to ongoing townwide efforts to improve the existing canopy.
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Schumer for his advocacy in securing this funding, which is a gamechanger to advance our urban forestry agenda, the result of which will allow us to improve the community’s quality of life, wildlife and ecological habitat,” he said. “This grant will undoubtedly serve as the catalyst to expanding cutting-edge initiatives like our tree inventory, STEM and community outreach programs and our street tree canopy, which Smithtown’s urban foresters and the Department of Environment and Waterways have worked tirelessly to broaden over the years.”
He added, “We look forward to expanding our local green space, which will deliver ecological benefits for generations to come.”
The senators noted that a neighborhood lacking trees can lead to various problems, from increased air pollution, urban heat islands and poor health outcomes, all on top of negative economic impacts like decreased property values.
Schumer and Gillibrand said the Inflation Reduction Act has finally created the robust funding needed to maximize access to urban forests in cities and towns across New York.
The Inflation Reduction Act included $1.5 billion over the next 10 years for the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program, more than five times the current level of funding.
Schumer and Gillibrand explained that Urban and community forests cool neighborhoods, improve psychological well-being, keep electricity costs down, positively impact property values and help residents avoid the severe health impacts associated with heat waves.
From left, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s Christopher Smith, Ava Romonoyske, Joshua Kwon, Evan Monaghan, Andi Kelly, Mari Fukuto, Marco Puopolo, Kay Moran and Michael Caravello. Photo courtesy PJSD
Members of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s music department paid tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, by giving a moving performance during the Port Jefferson Fire Department’s annual 9/11 memorial service.
The students, led by Michael Caravello, director of music and fine arts, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and taps.
Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC has announced that Edward G. McCabe has joined the firm as Partner. He will work out of the Firm’s Suffolk County office in Hauppauge with Partners John Farrell and Elaine Colavito.
Mr. McCabe concentrates his practice on civil and commercial litigation and appeals, municipal law and legislative practice and real estate law and transactions. He has litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal courts involving complex issues of law. He also has substantial experience litigating cases involving administrative and municipal proceedings and construction contract disputes, including mediation and arbitration proceedings. Mr. McCabe also has vast experience in real estate transactions and the complexity of contractual negotiations.
Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. McCabe managed his own general law practice, handling all aspects of client representation from litigation to real estate transactional work, such as contract and lease preparation.
In addition to managing his own Firm, Mr. McCabe serves as the Vice Chairman of the Town of Islip Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mr. McCabe is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. He is also a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association.
He received his Juris Doctor from the Maurice A Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Mr. McCabe resides in Bay Shore.
His father, Hon. Edward G. McCabe, was the Firm’s Special Counsel before he passed away on June 16, 2023. A former Chief Administrative Judge of the Nassau County Courts, Judge McCabe joined Sahn Ward in 2009 and worked at the Firm until his retirement in April 2022. In addition to advising clients, he also served as a mentor to the Firm’s attorneys.
“I am honored to join the Firm where my late father had a tremendous influence on the attorneys at the Firm,” Mr. McCabe said. “I look forward to helping the Firm continue to grow its litigation, real estate and land use practices, and work with the Firm’s attorneys, many of whom I have known from my own practice.”
“We are extremely pleased to have Edward join our Firm,” said Michael H. Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Member. “His experience will be an asset to the Firm and our clients, and help us expand our practice in Suffolk County and elsewhere.”
For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.sahnward.com.
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
A scene from the 2023 Huntington 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Daniel Palumbo
By Daniel Palumbo
Town of Huntington residents, elected officials and family of those who died on 9/11 gathered in front of the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington Sunday, Sept. 10, where they honored fallen first responders and citizens during a patriotic memorial service.
Following opening remarks and reflections by Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth (R), speakers paid several tributes for the lives lost. The service also included a presentation of the colors, a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance and a rendition of the national anthem performed by the Faith Missionary Youth Choir.
Before the afternoon’s services concluded, Smyth joined fellow council members as they read aloud the names of the town’s fallen residents from that fateful occasion. Each fallen individual was met with a placement of roses to commemorate their life.
Public officials, service members and residents gather during the Town of Smithtown’s annual 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Raymond Janis
Attendees at the Smithtown 9/11 memorial service. Photo by Raymond Janis
Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, at podium, delivers his remarks.
An attendees places a rose upon the 9/11 memorial fountain. Photo by Raymond Janis
By Raymond Janis
The Town of Smithtown in conjunction with the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce conducted the annual 9/11 memorial service Monday afternoon at 4 p.m., Sept. 11, honoring the lives lost and the sacrifices made during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) presided over the service, which was well attended by members of the Town Board, New York State officials, the clergy, U.S. service members, local business leaders and residents.
Wehrheim said the annual ceremony fulfills “a promise made 22 years ago” to honor the victims, keeping their memories alive within the community.
“We pay respects to our friends and neighbors and grieve their loss together,” he said. “But we also reclaim a spirit of unity, faith and resilience that served us as a light of hope through our darkest of hours.”
The service included a name-reading ceremony of the 53 Smithtown residents who were killed during the attacks, ending with attendees placing roses upon the 9/11 memorial fountain.
Newfield senior Catarina Pacheco keeps the ball in play. Photo by Bill Landon
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Newfield senior Catarina Pacheco keeps the ball in play. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior Ava Finamore with a kill shot. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield’s Gabby Agostino keeps the play alive. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior Jayda Feeney blocks the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield senior Natalia Zdeb attacks at net. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield senior Gabby Agostino digs one out. Photo by Bill Landon
Cameron Gamble spikes the ball for Newfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield senior Payton Lundy from the service line. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield’s Kaitlyn Cooney serves the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield senior Gabby Agostino sets the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield’s Karli Scarfogliero sets the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield senior Catarina Pacheco puts the ball in play. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield senior Gabby Agostino sets the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield’s Karli Scarfogliero digs one out. Photo by Bill Landon
Cameron Gamble from the service line for Newfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield freshman Lily Kolasinski from the service line. Photo by Bill Landon
Alex Arroyo from the service line for Smithtown East. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior Lilly Schwartz puts the ball in play. Photo by Bill Landon
Brianna Cerullo spikes the ball for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon
Karson Catalanotto from the service line for Smithtown East. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior Julia Cerullo sets the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior Karson Catalanotto attacks with a block. Photo by Bill Landon
Karson Catalanotto attacks at net for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon
Brianna Cerullo from the service line for Smithtown East. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
The Bulls of Smithtown East looked to make it four wins in a row when they traveled to Newfield for a League III matchup, where they dominated the first two sets winning 25-14, 25-13 in the Sept. 12 contest. Newfield rallied in the third set, leading by three points late in the match, but the Bulls made fewer mistakes to win by four points for the 3-0 sweep.
The win lifts the Bulls to 4-0, not having lost a set and blanking all of their opponents in the early going while Newfield falls to 1-4.
Both teams retake the court Thursday when Newfield travels to North Babylon with a 6:45 p.m. start and Smithtown East hosts West Babylon at 5 p.m.
It’s time to play ball! Preservation Long Island and the Long Island Museum have teamed up to host Baseball on the Farm featuring an authentic 19th-century ballgame with the New York Mutual Base Ball Club against the Atlantics. With live music, games, prizes, food and more, this one-day special event will take place on the grounds of historic Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road in East Setauket on Saturday, Sept. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Rain date is Sept, 17.
Baseball on the Farm is a FREE community event for the whole family featuring an authentic 19th-century ballgame pitting the New York Mutuals Base Ball Club against the Atlantics Base Ball Club, games and craft activities, prizes including Long Island Ducks signed baseball and 4-pack of tickets for 2024, bounce house, live music by The Other Two and food and beverages (available for purchase) from Exotic Bowls, Maui Chop House and Root + Branch Brewing.
This special day of vintage baseball at Preservation Long Island’s Sherwood-Jayne Farm in Setauket is a collaboration inspired by two exhibitions currently on view at The Long Island Museum in nearby Stony Brook:
Picturing America’s Pastime (May 18-October 15, 2023): Since the 19th century, baseball and photography have grown up together. This exhibition of 51 historic photographs has been developed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museums, the world’s premiere repository of baseball photographs.
Home Fields: Baseball Stadiums of Long Island and New York City (May 18-October 15, 2023): This exhibition features exciting objects from several private collectors of historic baseball memorabilia. Many original items from Ebbetts Field (the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers) Polo Stadium, and Yankee Stadium are on view.
Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson recently received the Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department (PACED) designation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson recently received the Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department (PACED) designation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
PACED is a national accreditation program that seeks to improve pain management and substance use care for patients. Having a PACED designation means that patients in these hospitals will receive the highest level of treatment for pain and addiction, while minimizing the use of opioid medications.
“Receiving PACED accreditation confirms the work we’ve done across several disciplines — medicine, nursing, social work, pain management — to remove the stigmas associated with addiction and to provide the best evidence-based care,” said Adam Wos, MD., Medical Director of the Emergency Department. “This means that our clinicians are focused on approaches that prevent the harms of addiction, and our patients have more resources and fewer barriers to seeking out the care they need.”
Mather is one of 18 Northwell hospitals to received PACED designation. Sandeep Kapoor, MD, assistant vice president of Emergency Medicine Addiction Services, said the designation recognizes Northwell’s determined efforts over the past decade to create a landscape of humanistic and evidence-based approaches in helping people living with substance use disorder (SUD) and pain issues.
“The fact that 18 of our hospitals have received national accreditation recognizes our efforts to humanize the approach to substance use and pain. We are very proud that our model of care is being regarded as an industry standard,” Dr. Kapoor said.
The first of eight documentaries will be 'Rather' on Sept. 18 — At the age of 92, iconic journalist Dan Rather reflects on his career that spans seven decades.
By Tara Mae
Whether there is too much or never enough of it, time may either soften memories with nostalgia or sharpen remembrances with accrued insight. Through art and action, the Fall 2023 Port Jefferson Documentary Series (PJDS) highlights the intricacies of this dynamic both onscreen and behind-the-scenes.
On specific Monday evenings between September 18 and November 13, at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson and John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station, the award-winning doc series will share eight distinct stories.
Encompassing reflections on a career well-chronicled; a quickly encroaching catastrophe; a calamitous crisis averted; or, a curious occurrence, screenings will be followed by Q&As with guest speakers. Tom Needham, executive producer and host of “Sounds of Film” on WUSB, will once again serve as moderator.
“Our setup has not changed either behind-the-scenes or in how we choose the documentaries,” said PJDS co-director Lyn Boland. “We assess production values, whether it is a good story, and if it is available to film festivals instead of streaming — we want it to be new. We also prefer films where the director is available to talk in one sense or another.”
Now in its 38th season, the PJDS, which began in 2005, excavates tangible accomplishments and existential inquiries. In interactive interviews with documentarians, it seeks answers from those who first sought to ask the questions.
Sponsored by Maggio Environmental and Wellness; Covati & Janhsen, CPAS PC; and Port Jeff Storage,the season opens with Rather, a film that examines Dan Rather’s ongoing seven decade journalistic career and his continued dedication to making a difference.
We Dare to Dream traverses the triumphs and trials of 29 elite athletes. Deprived of their home countries, they strive for international success while preparing to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as part of the International Olympic Committee’s Refugee Olympic team. (This event will also feature a pre-show concert at Port Jefferson Methodist Church by pianist Jacqueline Schwab.)
Time Bomb Y2K revisits when, on the verge of a new millennium, the world feared that all of technology was about to have a nervous breakdown on New Year’s Day.
Between the Rains covers a 4 year period when record low rainfall in Kenya caused a reckoning for children caught in a culture being eroded by climate change.
Israel Swings for Gold traces the trajectory of Israel’s baseball team as it makes it Olympic debut in 2021.
Rolling Along recounts Bill Bradley’s revelatory professional career as informed by his personal ethos: Rhodes Scholar, champion New York Knicks recruit, and noted New Jersey senator.
Maestra showcases the melodious moments and discordant dilemmas women face as they compete in the world’s only all-female conducting competition.
Lastly, A Revolution on Canvas investigates the intriguing disappearance of more than 100 “treasonous” paintings by contemporary Iranian artist Nickzad Nodjoumi.
(For dates and times, please see Film Schedule below.)
Each documentary is selected by one of the “film ladies,” as Lyn Boland, Wendy Feinberg, Barbara Sverd and Honey Katz are known. They present their choices to the PJDS board. Top contenders from those viewings are shared with three esteemed longtime volunteers, Denise Livrieri, Yvonne Lieffrig, and Debbie Bolvadin, who then also vote on the films.
“It is important to have a wide variety of people choosing films; we know we each have private preferences that we always gravitate towards. If you do not have a wide group, you may leave out some of your audience,” Boland said. “We are lucky that our audience really trusts us. They know that we are invested and looked into the films personally, so we feel the documentaries are special to include.”
According to Boland, once the films are chosen, securing the rights to them and gaining access to the speakers is a game of cat and mouse. So, the hunt is on as soon film festivals announce their lineups. The Series’ cast of characters divides and conquers, attending screenings and identifying potential contenders for PJDS.
“Once I have focused on a film I would like to present, the fun of the chase begins! Nailing down films, dates, directors or producers, and working out schedule conflicts are issues we have to contend with when programming a series. So, it [helps] when you have a connection to anyone associated with the film,” explained Sverd.
Such relationships have been forged and nurtured over the years with different producers and directors who have previously shown their work during the Series. Rather and Time Bomb Y2K come from creators who screened earlier films through PJDS. Between the Rains and Rolling Along were acquired through Sverd’s and Feinberg’s respective personal connections.
“I am looking forward to seeing many of our repeat guests and also the new folks who will be attending the films this season,” said Feinberg.
In addition to making contacts and advancing the films, each member brings their individual skill sets, contributing what best aligns with their interests and industries, including law, event planning, education, and graphic design. Primary and paramount requirement for joining the team — it is looking for new volunteers — is simply being a film buff.
That passion translates to the audience, which includes familiar faces and new fans.
“In this day and age, with so much available to see and watch, it is just great that people appreciate the kind of experience that we offer,” Boland said.
Individual tickets are $10 (cash only) at the door, a combination ticket for the concert and documentary on is $15, or in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
FILM SCHEDULE
A scene from ‘Rather’
◆ The Fall 2023 season kicks off with a screening of Rather at Theatre Three on September 18 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Co-Producer Taylor Wildenhaus and Sarah Baxter, Director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting. Co-sponsored by the Stony Brook University School of Communications & Journalism and the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting.
‘We Dare to Dream’
◆ We Dare to Dream will be screened at Theatre Three on October 2 at 7:30 p.m. Preceded by a special concert featuring pianist 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. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
‘Time Bomb Y2K’
◆ Next up is Time Bomb Y2K at Theatre Three on October 9 at 7 p.m.Guest speakers will be Co-Directors Brian Becker and/or Marley McDonald.
‘Between the Rains’
◆ Between the Rains will be screened at JFK Middle School on October 16 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be co-director Andrew H. Brown via Zoom and Dr. Dino Martins, CEO of the Turkana Basin Institute. Co-sponsored by the Turkana Basin Institute of Kenya and its affiliate, Stony Brook University.
‘Israel Swings for Gold’
◆ The season continues with Israel Swings for Gold at JFK Middle School on October 23 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Co-Director Jeremy Newberger. Co-sponsored by North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station and Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook.
‘Rolling Along’
◆ A special screening of Rolling Along will be held at JFK Middle School on October 30 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be former U.S. Senator and screenwriter Bill Bradley in person.
‘Maestra’
◆ Maestra heads to JFK Middle School on November 6 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Director Maggie Contreras via Zoom and Melisse Brunet, Conductor and subject in the film. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
‘A Revolution on Canvas’
◆ The season concludes with a screening of A Revolution on Canvas at Theatre Three on November 13 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Co-Directors Sara Nodjoumi and Till Schauder. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
For more information, call 631-473-5220 or visit www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com.
Located in Coram at 1850 Route 112 in the Pine Plaza, the theater opened in 1995 and changed hands many times, most recently in 2022 after extensive renovations. 
FILM SCHEDULE
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