Community

Farmingdale State College (FSC) and The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) have signed a strategic alliance to drive innovation and support for emerging STEM talent across Long Island. The announcement was made in press release on Feb. 10.  

As part of the collaboration, ELC has leased approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of laboratory and office space at  Broad Hollow Bioscience Park (BHBP), located on the FSC campus. ELC intends to hire talent for more than 30 new scientific R&D roles and in spring 2022 will relocate select teams of employees to the new space.

The collaboration will include an applied learning initiative, which will begin in Fall 2022, and will help prepare students in FSC’s science and engineering programs for potential R&D roles at ELC. It will also include internships and collaborative research activities for FSC students and faculty, adjunct academic opportunities for ELC R&D leaders, and student scholarships.

The arrangement also brings to BHBP an anchor tenant focused on research and development, and marks ELC’s first co-location with an academic institution. The space at BHBP is only two miles from ELC’s skin care, makeup, body, fragrance, basic science and advanced technology R&D labs in Melville.

The Broad Hollow Bioscience Park is a partnership between Farmingdale State College, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the Research Foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY). BHBP is home to various biotech companies partnering to grow the bioscience industry along the Route 110 corridor.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Estée Lauder Companies to the Broad Hollow Bioscience Park and Farmingdale State College,” said Dr. John Nader, President of Farmingdale State College (FSC). “This extraordinary public-private alliance brings a premier corporate partner to our campus and will lead to scholarship support and collaboration opportunities for Farmingdale State College students and faculty. This is a victory for Long Island, the College, and the region’s bioscience corridor.” 

The new alliance reinforces ELC’s longstanding commitment to investing in and modernizing its Long Island operations and supporting the local communities in New York State. The company currently, which has been on Long Island for more than 50 years, has thousands of employees across R&D, manufacturing, finance, information technology, and other areas working on its Melville, NY campus. ELC has a strong history of hiring SUNY graduates and also has FSC alumni working at the company. 

 “We are very proud to collaborate with Farmingdale State College and SUNY to further fuel R&D innovation and empower STEM leaders of tomorrow across Long Island and New York State,” said Lisa Napolione, Senior Vice President, Global Research & Development at The Estée Lauder Companies. 

“At ELC, our scientists, researchers, engineers, and product developers thrive on combining science, technology and creativity to formulate transformative prestige beauty products. Our collaborations with universities around the world help us stay on the cutting edge and advance our commitment to scientific excellence and delivering the highest quality, breakthrough prestige beauty products to consumers.”

“This partnership between Farmingdale State College and The Estée Lauder Companies at Broad Hollow Bioscience Park is a testament to how SUNY and the private sector can work together to create limitless opportunities within STEM fields,” said SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley. 

“I’m confident this collaboration will yield hands-on experiences for our students to learn and grow, research and instruction opportunities for our faculty and job creation potential for years to come. Congratulations to Farmingdale State College on this exciting venture, and to our students who are seizing this opportunity and making their mark,” he added.

TVHS Director Mari Irizarry

The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) has  announced that Mari Irizarry has been appointed by the Board of Trustees as its new Director. Her appointment comes at an opportune time in the Society’s history, as it will unveil powerful new augmented reality experiences this spring that complement the Spies! exhibit and, plans for the Dominick-Crawford Barn Education Center groundbreaking.

Irizarry has worked with TVHS since 2016 and has emerged as a dedicated visionary after the forced restructuring, in January 2021, brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Mari brings over 20 years’ experience as a leader in non-profit and government sectors, in NYC and Long Island, focusing on leadership, programming, strategy, marketing, and communications.

“The Board is ecstatic to have Mari lead the Three Village Historical Society as we begin our next endeavor of expanding programming in the Three Village area with the addition of the Dominick Crawford Barn Education Center,” said Jeff Schnee, President of the Board of Trustees. “We are thankful that Mari has devoted so much of her time and expertise to the growth of the Society. She has walked with me every step of the way since the Society had to shift operations with Covid-19. In the end, we were compelled by Mari’s unique combination of energy, thought leadership, and experience, as well as her rare ability to toggle effortlessly between vision and action. We could not be more excited about this appointment!”

“I am very proud and honored to be part of this great organization that has been a staple of our Three Village area for nearly 60 years,” said Irizarry. “I look forward to building strategic partnerships and continuing to build on this incredible legacy which has already contributed so much to our community.”

Children’s Workshops, New Planetarium Shows

During the February school break, Monday to Friday, February 21 to 25, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will be open every day from noon to 4 p.m. (and Sunday as always) for exploring galleries, guided Mansion tours, and shows. The Planetarium also will be offering shows on Friday and Saturday, February 25 and 26, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

The Gift Shop and Café will be open. Visitors can purchase sandwiches, salads, and snacks prepared by the renowned Copenhagen Bakery and Café in Northport.

Visitors may purchase tickets for guided tours of the Vanderbilt Mansion and for two recently premiered Planetarium shows: Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds and Explore. And parents can sign up their children for fun, creative workshops.

In Exoplanets, visitors will be transported to planets orbiting faraway stars. While science has not yet found evidence of alien life, this exciting program speculates on the existence of such life and explores how scientists are currently searching for exoplanets and their potential inhabitants. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Explore is an odyssey to the planet Mars, seen through the lens of human history and scientific development. This visually stunning fulldome film begins with a look at how scholars and scientists throughout the ages used the sky as a clock and calendar to measure the passage of time. Their charts and star catalogs informed the modern science of astronomy. Dave Bush, director of the Reichert Planetarium, called Explore “one of the finest productions ever made available to our audiences. It’s truly an immersive masterpiece.” Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Children’s Winter Workshops
Portraits and Mixed-Media ‘Selfies’ – Monday, February 21: 10 am – 12 pm
Grades K-4 | $20 / $18 MembersWe will see Vanderbilt family portraits in the historic house, have a special viewing of a portrait of George Washington, and create a mixed-media “selfie” portrait.
Bulb Botany and Winter Blooms – Wednesday, February 23: 10 am – 12 pm
Grades K-4 | $20 / $18 MembersExplore the ways living things get energy, examine plant bulbs, make a bulb forcing container.
The Museum is following New York State and Suffolk County guidelines – wearing masks is suggested, but not required. For more information, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

 

By Cayla Rosenhagen

Cayla Rosenhagen

Over these past two trying years, more and more people have been flocking to nature for recreation and solace. It’s no wonder that birding, also known as birdwatching, continues to grow in popularity. 

Birding can be enjoyed by all and in just about any spot you can imagine.  Not only is it an engaging hobby for the whole family, but it can also be emotionally therapeutic, mentally stimulating, and provide physical exercise.  Additionally, being connected to nature makes us more attuned to our planet’s needs, and more passionate about protecting it. There’s never been a better time to begin birding. I’d like to share a few easy tips to help you get started.

1. There’s no place like home. Odds are, you have a variety of birds right where you live. Get familiar with your common backyard species that are easy to identify such as Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays.  Then start to notice finer details in other birds such as different sparrows. You will be amazed at the variety you see.

2. Get your hands on some resources to help you identify the birds you see. 

◆ Merlin is a great free app. It allows you to enter some basic info such as color, size, and location, to help you figure out what you’ve spotted.

◆ AllAboutBirds.org is a phenomenal, user-friendly website chock full of helpful birding info.

◆ Field Guides: My favorites are the Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, the Crossley ID Guide Eastern Birds, and the Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America.

3. Create a Backyard Bird Oasis. Make your yard a paradise for a wide array of bird species by offering various food and water sources, and shelter. 

There are many ways to feed your feathered friends, including planting native berry-and-seed-producing plants and offering feeders full of birdseed and suet. Some of my favorite native flora are Red Mulberry bushes to attract anything from Baltimore Orioles to Red-Breasted Grosbeaks, and Bee Balm flowers for Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds as well as other pollinators such as bees and butterflies. 

In addition to native plants, especially at times when they are not in season, consider supplementing your backyard birds’ diets with quality seed and suet. Safflower and black oil sunflower seeds attract dozens of species of songbirds. Hearty suet is the perfect winter treat for woodpeckers, chickadees, and more, due to its high protein and fat content. 

If you choose to set up birdfeeders of any kind, (platform feeders, cage feeders, etc.) please be mindful of where you place them. Be sure they are several feet away from glass windows to avoid bird collisions. Additionally, they should be very close to shelter, such as shrubs and trees, so birds can easily hide if a predator is nearby. Keep your feeders clean to help maintain the birds’ health.

Providing clean sources of water is equally important. Birdbaths, ponds, and water dishes are wonderful ways to ensure your backyard birds are hydrated. Use a “water-wiggler” or similar device to keep the water from becoming stagnate and home to bacteria and mosquito larvae. Think about purchasing a heated birdbath in the colder months so the water doesn’t freeze. Lastly, the water should be shallow enough for birds to stand in.

Shelter for birds in your yard can range from a pile of wood to a stone wall to leafy trees and shrubs. Birds also require good nesting materials and nesting locations. Although it depends on the species, birds often nest on tree branches, in tree cavities, or in or around manmade structures. They build their nests using grasses, twigs, found objects, and even mud. If you are looking to attract more nesting birds, namely woodpeckers, consider not removing dead trees on your property. Dead trees are home to lots of cavities where birds like to nest, and they are home to millions of insects which are a vital food source to birds and their chicks. For more information, visit 4has.org/bird-oasis.

4. Seek out Other Birders. Join a local Audubon chapter or one of the many bird-related social media groups. The birding community can be very friendly, with members eager to share their knowledge.  What’s this Bird? from the American Birding Association on Facebook has very helpful and knowledgeable members.

5. Keep a Life List. It’s an exciting challenge to keep track of all the bird species you see. The ABA has a list you can download at https://www.aba.org/aba-checklist/

6. Get involved in Remote Learning. Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers many resources (free and some with a fee) for learning about birds.  For youngsters all the way through high school, check out https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/, and for birders of all ages, check out Bird Academy, https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/

7. This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning eBird.org. This amazingly comprehensive website provides resources such as maps, photos, descriptions, graphs, notifications, and other data collected by birders worldwide.  Participate in community science by making your own account so that you can contribute to the findings and keep track of your life list using eBird. 

8. Optics such as Binoculars or a Monocular (I found a monocular simpler to use when I was younger) can certainly add to the experience and make it easier to enjoy birds’ behaviors and identify them. 8×42 binoculars are a popular choice among birders. The numbers refer to the magnification and objective diameter.

9. A few tips on how to Bird Responsibly. 

◆ Maintain a respectful distance when birding.  This is especially important for migratory species such as the Snowy Owl.  Remain at least a few hundred feet away from such species. There have been many unfortunate circumstances (out of not knowing or out of selfishness to get a better photo), of people getting too close and stressing out birds that require rest from their long journey. 

◆ Apply bird collision window stickers. Birds have trouble seeing the reflections in glass and often accidentally collide with windows. Adhering stickers to your windows can prevent injuries and fatalities because of this.

◆ Keep your cat indoors. Feral and outdoor pet cats kill 2.4 billion birds annually. By keeping your cat inside, you are protecting wildlife from your cat, and keeping your cat safe from vehicle collisions, parasites, and run-ins with other animals.

Whether you gaze through your kitchen window with a warm mug of coffee in hand or bundle up for a brisk jaunt through the park, our feathered friends are always there to make us smile. I hope these tips help you get started in a lifelong pursuit of birding that will accompany you wherever your travels may take you. Best wishes and happy birding!

Cayla Rosenhagen is a local high school student who enjoys capturing the unique charm of the community through photography and journalism. She serves on the board of directors for the Four Harbors Audubon Society and Brookhaven’s Youth Board, and is the founder and coordinator of Beach Bucket Brigade, a community outreach program dedicated to environmental awareness, engagement, and education. She is also an avid birder, hiker, and artist who is concurrently enrolled in college.

Open auditions

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will hold open auditions for all roles in the ABBA musical Mamma Mia! on Thursday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. Seeking strong singer/actor/dancers ages 16 and older. Performances will be held from May 21 to June. 25. Bring a headshot/resume if available. For more information, visit www.theatrethree.com/auditions.htm.

 

By Qingyan Ma

For the second year in a row, the Asian American Association of Greater Stony Brook (AAAGSB) hosted the annual art show to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This year’s theme was Tiger, as 2022 is the Year of Tiger. The exhibition was held at the Setauket Neighborhood House on February 5. 

The Art Show received 62 pieces of tiger-themed artworks, including paintings, calligraphy, digital art and hybrid art from participants of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and age groups. 

Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn attended the ceremony and presented prizes to the 12 winners.

After successfully hosting the online art show for the Year of the Ox last year, this year’s art show was finally held in person. 

“The Lunar Year celebrations in the New York area are mostly theatrical performances. Last year due to Covid 19, many theatrical performances could not be carried out. Therefore, AAAGSB thought of the form of art show to celebrate the new year. Last year, the event was well-received by the community and received a lot of artwork. Due to the pandemic, last year’s exhibition could only be carried out online through the website. This year, with improved Covid situation, we can finally exhibit all the artworks on-site,” said Li Shaorui, the organizer of the event and the President of AAAGSB.

Tiger is known for courage, strength, and determination. The participants of the Art Show used their imagination and creativity to think about how to represent the Year of the Tiger in their art. 

The artwork was divided into three categories: Grade Pre-K to 6, Grade 7 to 12, and the adult group. The jury was led by Professor Qin Han from the Department of Art of Stony Brook University. “Tiger’s Reflection,” “Yin Tiger” and “Tiger: Past and Present” won the first prize in their respective categories. 

12-year-old Valentina Trajkovic, the winner of the Pre-K to 6 Group, said: “2022 is the Year of the Tiger and is also my zodiac year. This lunar new year is both a celebration and a time for reflection, so I painted ‘Tiger’s Reflection’. I hope to bring everyone a peaceful and healthy New Year.”

The art show attracted art lovers of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and age groups, not limited to Asian Americans. This is a different way to celebrate the Lunar New Year and to bring the community together. Art has no border. Art transcends age and race. Art is a bridge. This is the original intention of AAAGSB to host this event. 

The event also received strong support from Dr. Frank Zhang, Long Island Youth Development Inc., Cake Fairyland, Town of Brookhaven AANHPI Advisory Broad, and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward P. Romaine. 

Qingyan Ma is the Director of Media relations from the AAAGSB Board.

All photos courtesy of Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich’s office.

ROCK ON! The John W. Engeman Theater presents ‘Rock of Ages’ through March 13. Photo from Engeman Theater
Ongoing

Vanderbilt Museum reopens

Starting Feb. 11, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport  will be open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday nights for Planetarium shows at 8, 9, and 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Thursday 17

An Evening of Jazz

Join the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a jazz concert by the Bad Little Big Band at 7 p.m. The 12-member band led by pianist, composer and arranger Rich Iacona performs the music of The Great American Song Book with vocalist Madeline Kole. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday 18

No events listed for this day.

Saturday 19

Winter Forest Bathing

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a Mindfulness in Nature Walk from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Experience nature in this slow, mindful practice of forest bathing. Maureen Calamia will lead the walk, share some stories and some interesting facts about our connection to nature. But most of all, you’ll have time to experience it yourself. You can bring a small towel to sit on if you would like for one of the activities. $20 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org or call 979-6344.

Maple Sugaring class

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington will host a Maple Sugaring class from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This interactive program, geared for the average adult, will teach you how to identify and tap a maple tree so you can make real maple syrup at home. You will also learn the cultural, historical, economical, and scientific background of this uniquely American craft. Not recommended for children. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 423-1770.

Sunday 20

Huntington Winter Farmers Market

Get your farm fix in the off-season at the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday through March 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located behind the senior center at 423 Park Ave., Huntington, visitors will find items ranging from hydroponic greens to artisan breads and vegan treats and everything in between. Call 944-2661.

Port Jeff Winter Farmers Market 

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson through April 25. This year’s vendors include Brownies N’ Stuff, Joann’s Desserts, Farm Fresh Potions, Mello Munch Awesome Granola, O Honey Bee Farm, Sweet Melissa Dip, Mr. B’s Hot Sauce, Speedy Kiwi Bakery, Knot of this World Pretzels, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.

Sunday at the Society event

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport continues its Sunday at the Society series with a lecture by the President of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island, author and presenter, Brad Kolodny at the Museum Gallery from 1 to 3 p.m. The author of Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island, Kolodny will discuss the history, architecture and other interesting aspects about every synagogue, past and present, in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. A book signing will follow. Free. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org or call 757-9859.

SBU Orchestra concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra in concert on the Main Stage at 3 p.m. Featuring guest conductor Jens Georg Bachman and flute soloist Hae Jee Ashley Cho. Tickets are $20 per person at the door. Free pre-concert lecture with Michael Hershkowitz at 2 p.m. For more information, call 632-2787.

Monday 21

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday 22

Healthy Libraries program

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a Healthy Libraries program from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Healthcare professionals and graduate student interns from Stony Brook Medicine will be available in person to provide you with resources and referrals related to public health, social work, nursing, and nutrition. Just drop in! Open to all. For more information, call 928-1212.

Anything But Silent event

Join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for a livestream  Anything But Silent event titled Edward Everett Horton – Silent Comedian at 7 p.m. The Edward Everett Horton comedy shorts have not been seen by the general public in 95 years, and have recently been digitally restored from 35mm camera negatives preserved by the Library of Congress. Three of these hilarious, unseen gems will be presented in this program – Find the King (1927), Scrambled Weddings (1928) and Dad’s Choice (1928). The event will feature live piano accompaniment by  Ben Model. General admission is Pay-What-You-Want. To register, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Wednesday 23

Seals of New York 

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport hosts a lecture titled Seals of New York at 6:30 p.m. This lecture is an introduction to the different species of seals seen in New York waters. An educator from the New York Marine Rescue Center will discuss best practices when observing seals in their natural environment, how human interaction can negatively affect seals, common illnesses and injuries, and what is involved in their rehabilitation. You will also find out how to get involved in helping to protect and preserve our local marine environment. To register, call 261-6930.

Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by the Jazz Loft Trio led by bassist Keenan Zach at 7 p.m. followed by a jam session at 8 p.m. Tickets are$10 at 7p.m., $5 at 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org or call 751-1895.

Thursday 24

Winter Break at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200Route 25A, Stony Brook welcomes families for Winter Break Fun in the Carriage Museum today from noon to 3 p.m. Step back in time and explore their world class carriage collection! You’ll see amazing vehicles that show you what the world was like before cars!  Docents will be onsite to share information, hands-on objects, and activities. All ages are welcome and admission is FREE! *Please note, the Carriage Museum will be the only building open this day due to exhibition installation in other buildings. Covid safety protocols remain in effect; physical distancing will be required and all visitors over the age of 2 must wear face masks while indoors. The LIM follows CDC-prescribed cleaning protocols for all buildings. For more information, visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Vanderbilt lecture

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a lecture by Elyse Graham in the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium at 7 p.m. Graham, who writes under the pen name E.J. White, is the author of You Talkin’ to Me?: The Unruly History of New York English, will explore how commonplace words like “boss,” “dollar,” “tycoon,” and “rush hour” got started in the thriving metropolis of New York City and eventually became part of our shared vernacular. Fee is $10 per person. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation program 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. Please call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Atelier online workshop

The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will present a free online demonstration titled Spring Tulips via Zoom from 7 to 9 p.m. Instructor and certified botanical artist Liz Fusco will demonstrate how to paint a beautiful tulip in watercolor from start to finish. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org or call 250-9009.

Theater

‘Punk Rock Girl!’

The Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main St., Babylon kicks off the new year with the world premiere of PUNK ROCK GIRL! from Jan. 20 to Feb. 27. With book and arrangements by Tony-nominated Long Island composer Joe Iconis, arrangements and orchestrations by Rob Rokicki and directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner, the new musical features a score of popular songs written and made famous by female artists and female-fronted bands including Blondie, Pat Benatar, Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, P!nk, Gwen Stefani, and more. Tickets range from $49 to $77 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling 230-3500.

‘Rock of Ages’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rock of Ages from Jan. 27 to March 13. The five-time Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical smash tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day — and the music. Rock of Ages’ electric score features all your favorite ’80s rock anthems and power ballads, including “Every Rose has its Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love is,” Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and more! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Marvelous Wonderettes from Feb. 19 to March 26. This blast-from-the-past musical takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! Featuring over two dozen classic ’50’s and ’60’s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

Star Playhouse at the Suffolk Y JCCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents The Diary of Anne Frank on March 12 and 19 at 8 p.m. and March 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. In this transcendently powerful adaptation, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 23rd annual Festival of One-Act Plays, featuring the world premiere of six new works, at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage from Feb. 27 to April. 2. Featuring Steve Ayle, Antoine Jones, Tamralynn Dorsa, Brittany Lacey, Steven Uihlein, Steve Wangner, Bradlee Bing, Sari Feldman, Eric J. Hughes, and Evan Teich. Adult content and language. Parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

Photo courtesy of LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200Route 25A, Stony Brook welcomes families for Winter Break Fun in the Carriage Museum on Thursday, Feb. 24 from noon to 3 p.m.

Step back in time and explore their world class carriage collection! You’ll see amazing vehicles that show you what the world was like before cars!  Docents will be onsite to share information, hands-on objects, and activities. All ages are welcome and admission is FREE!

*Please note, the Carriage Museum will be the only building open this day due to exhibition installation in other buildings.

Covid safety protocols remain in effect; physical distancing will be required and all visitors over the age of 2 must wear face masks while indoors. The LIM follows CDC-prescribed cleaning protocols for all buildings.

For more information, visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Community leaders still await land use codes for Route 25A in Setauket after a visioning report was approved by the town in 2017. File photo by Rita J. Egan

In 2016, the Route 25A Citizen Advisory Committee, consisting of community leaders and elected officials, was formed to envision a better Route 25A in the Three Village area.

At the end of 2017, the Brookhaven Town Board adopted the visioning report, resulting from those meetings. The report included recommendations to create a safer roadway with quality buildings, improve pedestrian and bicycle-friendly activities and preserve historic and natural open spaces along the corridor. The next step was for the town to begin developing land use codes based on the findings in the report. The land use planning phase would be the most significant as the new zoning codes developed would help guide the future development of businesses and affect the community for years to come.

George Hoffman, president of the Three Village Civic Association who co-chaired the advisory committee, said there have been hurdles along the way. These obstacles have included the pandemic shutdowns, members of the town Planning Board retiring and former town Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station) running for and winning her bid as New York State Supreme Court justice. Cartright also had difficulties securing funds for a planning consultant to help write the codes, which would have cost $200,000, according to Hoffman, while she was in office.

Hoffman said there is new hope that the land use planning process will begin as he and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) will meet with the new planning commissioner at the beginning of March.

Hoffman said the earlier community meetings included the town hiring a planning company to help organize the focus groups and to write the report that was a result of the meetings. The members discussed a variety of subjects, including whether to allow mixed-use development, which many felt wouldn’t be the right  fit for the area.

The civic president said it has been a frustrating journey, especially as a similar process has been conducted in Councilman Dan Panico’s (R-Manorville) district and has been completed.

Hoffman said community leaders and elected officials had a consensus over what was needed. 

“I don’t think it was a radical change, but there were areas we were concerned about, “ he said.

Among those areas are the southeast corner of Nicolls Road and Route 25A where buildings have different architecture and signage and the area around East Setauket Pond Park, which lies on the western side of Se-Port Delicatessen on Route 25A. Many also expressed concern regarding the former Baptist church in Stony Brook, west of Stony Brook Road.

“Right now developers are driving what the development will be on 25A and not the community and the town,” he said. “That’s why you want the land use plan.”

Kornreich said he believes there are opportunities “to add amenities that are of the quality that people would expect in a community like this.”

He added in addition to taking the recommendations made by the visioning committee and adapting to land use codes, there are other strategies, too.

He said one opportunity is talking to property owners along 25A in the Three Village area.

“I started sitting down with the property owners in that corridor to see if we can find ways to bring them together to see if we can work together, maybe by them combining their properties and looking at things in a more imaginative way,” he said, adding it may lead to more dramatic and impactful solutions.

“Part of it is just simply using the existing rules that we have now to try to encourage people to redevelop their properties,” the councilmember said.

Lex Luthor. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

MEET LEX LUTHOR!

This week’s shelter pet is Lex Luthor, a 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair neutered male currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Lex is a handsome beast. He is a large tomcat with affection for everyone he meets. He was found as a stray on the streets and he was thrilled to be found. He is loving the indoor life and all of the love and food he can devour. Lex is FIV positive.

If you would like to meet this sweetheart, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). 

For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.