LOVE CONNECTION
Dennis Whittam of Port Jefferson Station snapped this incredible photo of a pair of ospreys at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook earlier this week. He writes, ‘The ospreys have returned to Long Island and are working on their nests as they prepare for future chicks.’
Send your photo of the week to [email protected]
On March 28, in honor of Tuesday’s National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, representatives of PSEG Long Island met with public officials and business leaders at PJ Lobster House to announce an initiative to revitalize Long Island’s downtown areas.
Representing PSEGLI was John Keating, manager of economic development, and Michael Voltz, director of energy efficiency and renewables. According to Keating, small business districts are the engine behind Long Island’s regional economy.
“We’re celebrating this National Mom and Pop Business Day by announcing that we are adding $500,000 to our programs for small businesses for 2022,” Keating said. “To bring more people into your downtown, we offer a main street revitalization program which offers $25,000 grants for anyone who wants to renovate that property and make it more appealing for people.”
In addition to these beautification investments, PSEGLI will also offer a vacant space program. According to Keating, investments in vacant spaces are a way to remove blemishes from local business districts.
“We’ve all been to downtowns and when you see a lot of vacant spaces it really doesn’t make you want to spend a lot of time in that downtown,” he said. “We created this vacant space revitalization program to occupy a space that was vacant for at least a year and we can give you a discount on your first year’s energy.”
Voltz discussed the various improvements made through these grants by James Luciano, owner of PJ Lobster House. According to Voltz, due to this investment the restaurant now operates with greater energy efficiency.
“You see the beautiful lamps and chandeliers — all LED lighting,” he said. “LED lighting is very efficient. We provided a rebate of about $1,200 for all of the various LED lamps in this building and that’s going to save James about $500 each and every year.” He added, “It’s good for small business, it’s good for his expenses and it helps PSEG Long Island by reducing the strain on our electric grid.”
Luciano, whose business relocated in June 2021, said PSEGLI had offered him the vacant space grant, enabling him to save money on energy. According to him, this had provided much-needed relief to his small business at a time when it was most needed.Small businesses are what give a community a sense of place and a sense of identity.
— Jonathan Kornreich
“We had PSEG come down to our chamber [of commerce] and they introduced the programs they had and we were able to take advantage of the vacant space grant, which actually helped us out tremendously,” Luciano said. “We saved over $10,000 the first year on the energy that we used. We were also given during COVID the outdoor grants as well,” adding, “Starting out at a new location, that money definitely goes a long way, so PSEG is definitely a great partner to have in the community.”
Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D) thanked PSEGLI for supporting local businesses during their time of need. He welcomed the partnership between PSEGLI, local government and small businesses.
“Small businesses are what give a community a sense of place and a sense of identity for a lot of the families that live in those areas,” Kornreich said. “PSEG Long Island gets that and we appreciate you helping carry a lot of those businesses during the dark times of the pandemic.” He added, “Now that the pandemic is coming to an end, you’re helping to keep the lights on and we appreciate that.”
Mary Joy Pipe, owner of The East End Shirt Co. and president of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, discussed the cooperation between the chamber and PSEGLI. She suggested that investments such as these require foresight and ingenuity to be successful.
“A lot of foresight was given to how this could be an advantage for the small businesses in our community,” she said. “Thank you to PSEG for that foresight.”
To learn more about the grant programs offered by PSEGLI, visit the website www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization.
MEET CALI AND ARCHIE!
This week’s featured shelter pets are a pair of bonded two year old siblings, Cali (calico) and Archie (tabby and white) available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
These two sweethearts come from a feral cat colony where their caretaker worked very hard to socialize them. Cali is very outgoing and affectionate with everyone. Archie loves his caretaker very much and will roll over for belly rubs and play with her. He is very shy of other people. With some time and patience, and Cali to lead the way, we know that Archie will learn to trust a family too. These two can be seen cuddling together all day long and would really like to stay together.
If you would like to meet Cali and Archie, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them 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.
TVHS expands hours
The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket will be open for the spring season on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for exhibit tours of SPIES! and Chicken Hill and gift shop now through May 7. For more information, call 751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation 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 655-7798 for more information.
First Friday at the Heckscher
The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington continues its First Friday series tonight from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Explore the exhibitions during extended viewing hours and enjoy a concert featuring soulful standards with Steve Salerno and Mall Waldron at 7 pm. Free admission. For further information, call 380-3230 or visit www.heckscher.org.
Furnishing Hope fundraiser
Setauket Presbyterian Church, 5 Caroline Ave., Setauket will culminate its Furnishing Hope online auction fundraising week for The Open Door Exchange with a special in-person celebration with auction items and raffle baskets at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 per person and can be purchased at www.opendoorexchange.org.
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Part Jefferson continues its Wintertide concert series with a concert by Old Fid – the sea shanty trio of Alan Short and Deidre and Sean Murtha from 7:30 to 9 p.m. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 802-210.
History at Hallockville workshop
Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead kicks of its 5-week spring workshop series, History at Hallockville, with Sustainability from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn about the “green” practices of the Hallock family throughout the farm and over the decades and discuss how these historic self-sustaining ways are important in today’s world. The series continues with Traditional Crafts on April 9, The Immigrant Experience on April 30, Farm to Table on May 7 and Culminating Session on May 14. $65 per workshop. To register, visit www.hallockville.org.
Stony Brook Preserve clean-up
In light of Earth Month, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich will co-host a cleanup of the Lee Koppelman Preserve, at the intersection of Sage Lane and Sheppard Lane in Stony Brook from 10 a.m. to noon. T-shirts, bags, gloves, pickers and certificates will be handed out to those who participate. For additional details, call 451-6963.
Bunny brunch and vendor fair
Location-St. Louis de Montfort Church, 75 New York Ave., Sound Beach hosts a Brunch with the Bunny and Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy brunch, pictures with The Bunny, vendors, auction baskets, 50/50 raffle, kids craft table and more! Tickets at the door are $18 adults, $10 children ages 10 and under, age 2 and under free. For more information, call 849-3653.
Huntington Militia Drill Day
Join the Huntington Militia for a Drill Day at the Huntington Arsenal and Village Green on Park Avenue in Huntington from noon to 4:30 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of The Order of the Ancient and Honorable Huntington Militia and see what is involved reenacting Long Island history with manual of arms, cannon and marching/maneuvering drills. Free. Visit www.huntingtonmilitia.com.
St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Join the St. James Chamber of Commerce for the 38th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicking off at 1 p.m. The parade will head down Lake Avenue from Woodlawn to Railroad avenues and will feature piper bands, marching bands, Scout troops, dance groups, floats, fire trucks, antique cars, and more. For more information, call 584-5200.
Viva Momix heads to SBU
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes Viva Momix to the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Known internationally for presenting works of astounding inventiveness and physical beauty, MOMIX is a company of dancer-illusionists focusing not only on the beauty of the human form, but also the beauty of nature, music, scenography, and life itself. Each show takes you into a surreal and fantasy world, allowing you to dip your toes into the stream of unconsciousness. VIVA MOMIX boasts their greatest hits, and is perfect for all ages and all occasions. Ticket prices range from $52 to $80. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Theatre Three Food Drive
Theatre Three will host a food and personal care items drive to benefit the Open Cupboard Pantry at Infant Jesus Church from 9 a.m. to noon. Items will be collected at the Infant Jesus convent building at 110 Hawkins St. (off Myrtle Ave) in Port Jefferson. Donations needed include juice, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, flour, sugar, Maseca corn flour, cooking oil, coffee, pancake mix (complete), pancake syrup, canned fruit, healthy snacks as well as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, toilet paper, baby shampoo, baby wash, baby wipes, baby powder, Desitin and lotion. Grocery store gift cards and cash also accepted. For more information, call 938-6464.
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, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.
Declutter & Organize seminar
St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd St., St. James will host a seminar titled Your Home – Your Life Declutter and Organize for Spring from 1 to 3 p.m. Interior designer Natalie Weinstein will offer spring cleaning tips and ways to to declutter and organize in a fun and interactive afternoon. Learn how to set realistic goals with tips, tools and free take home gifts. Donation $25, $20 seniors. To register, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.
No events listed for this day.
No events listed for this day.
Book Talk
The Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Melville Librar,y Room E-4340 will welcome award-winning Italian author Claudia Durastanti who will discuss her novel, La straniera, a coming-of-age story set between Italy, New York and London at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend this free event. Call 632-7444 for more information.
Stony Brook Walking Tour
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for a Secrets of Stony Brook Village walking tour at 11:50 a.m. and again at 3:50 p.m. Hear some newly uncovered stories while strolling through the historic village. $10 per person. Reservations required by call 751-2244.
HHS Lunch & Learn
Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series at Encore Luxury Living, 300 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho from noon to 2 p.m. Award-winning author and historian Kerriann Flanagan Brosky will discuss stories intertwined with ghost tales and local history from her latest book, Haunted Long Island Mysteries followed by a book signing. $50 per person includes a gourmet two-course meal. To RSVP, visit www.huntingthistoricalsociety.org.
Volunteer Fair
Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport will host a Volunteer Fair from 4 to 7 p.m. Come and speak with representatives from local organizations including the Northport Historical Society, Huntington Historical Society, Island Harvest Food Bank, RSVP Suffolk, Northport Arts Coalition, East Northport Chamber of Commerce, Lewis Oliver Farm Sanctuary and more. To register, call 261-6930.
Art reception
Join Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket for an opening art reception for its latest exhibit, Prolonged Perception by Doug Reina, from 6 to 8 p.m. The solo exhibit highlights the artists’s exploration of obscure, ordinary spaces of contemporary life that are often shielded from view. For more information, call 751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org. Read more about Doug Reina on page B14.
Thankful Thursdays
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will kick off the first of a series of Thankful Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Reichert Planetarium. The evening will feature a family-friendly planetarium show titled Stars: The Powerhouse of the Universe narrated by actor Mark Hamill. After the show, astronomy educators will invite visitors to look through telescopes at the night sky – weather permitting. The event is free but registration is required by visiting www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
An evening of jazz
Join The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for an evening of jazz with the 17-member Jazz Loft Big Band at 7 p.m. Led by Jazz Loft founder and trumpeter Tom Manuel, the band will perform jazz standards, original compositions and arrangements written by band members. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
‘Earth: One Amazing Day’
To celebrate Earth Day and Earth Month, the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a Friday Movie Night screening of the BBC documentary “Earth: One Amazing Day” at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown on April 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Earth is home to a vast array of environments and animals, but what is a single day in the life of these creatures like? Narrated by Robert Redford, this film takes us on an astonishing journey revealing the awesome power of the natural world. Free and open to all. Reservations required by calling 766-3075 or 360-2480, ext. 232.
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. Adult content and language. Parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘A Bronx Tale’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents A Bronx Tale from March 24 to May 8. Based on Chazz Palminteri’s classic movie, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a doo-wop score, A Bronx Tale is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. Read the review on page B19.
‘Steel Magnolias’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Steel Magnolias from April 9 to May 7. Come on down to Truvy’s Louisiana beauty shop where six strong women share their hopes and dreams. Beginning on the day of debutante Shelby’s wedding, the play traces this eccentric and lovable cast of characters as they support each other through life’s many challenges. Stop by for some great laughs and unforgettable friendship. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.
Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents Henry V by Shakespeare at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building on April 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and April 24 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $14, students 16 years of age or younger $9.75, veterans and Suffolk students with current ID receive one free ticket. To order, call 451-4163.
‘Kinky Boots’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Kinky Boots from May 19 to July 3. With songs by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this ‘dazzling, sassy and uplifting musical celebrates a joyous story, inspired by true life events, taking you from the factory floor of a men’s shoe factory to the glamorous catwalks of Milan! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Mamma Mia!’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its 2021-2022 with Mamma Mia! from May 21 to June 25. ABBA’s timeless hits tell the enchanting story! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited twenty years ago. Featuring such chart toppers as “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and “Dancing Queen,” this is a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Contains adult themes and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.
◆ Calling all makers, artisans and crafters! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket welcomes vendors for its annual Easter Egg Hunts on April 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $50 per day or $80 both days for a 10’ by 10’ spot. Call 631-689-8172 or email [email protected] for further info.
◆ Huntington Historical Society will hold its annual “Antiques in April” sale on the grounds of the Daniel Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington on April 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $100 registration fee for vendors. Visit www.huntingthistoricalsociety.org for an application or call 631-427-7045, ext. 401.
◆ The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor seeks antique vendors for its outdoor Spring Antique Sale on May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For an application, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. For more information, call 631-367-3418.
◆ Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach seeks vendors for its Spring Craft Fair on May 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date May 22). $50 for a 10X10 spot. Food trucks also wanted. For more information, email Alex at [email protected].
◆ Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn is looking for craft vendors for its annual outdoor Friends of the Library Craft & Flea Market on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. The non-refundable fee for a 10X10 space is $35. To apply, visit www.harborfieldslibrary.org/friends.
◆ East End Arts, 133 E. Main St., Riverhead will host the 26th annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival in Downtown Riverhead on May 29 from noon to 5 p.m. Craft/artisan vendors and food/beverage vendors may visit www.eastendarts.org for an application or call 631-727-0900.
Sonny and my father always said
that when I get older I would understand.
Well, I finally did.
I learned something from these two men.
I learned to give love and get love unconditionally.
And I learned the saddest thing in life is wasted talent
And the choices that you make will shape your life forever.
But you can ask anybody from my neighborhood
And they will tell you,
This is just another
Bronx Tale.
(Calogero’s quote)
By Barbara Anne Kirshner
The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport captivates once again and this time it’s with the gritty, heartfelt, edge of your seat excitement of A Bronx Tale: The Musical. The show opened on March 24.
From the moment you enter the theatre, you are immersed in the Italian flavor of the show from the red/white checkered cloths decorating tables, to the delectable cannoli, to the Sinatra style crooner in the lounge.
A Bronx Tale is a coming-of-age musical told from the perspective of an Italian American young man, Calogero, growing up on the mean streets of 1960s Bronx. The gangsters in the neighborhood fascinate him. As a nine-year-old boy, he witnesses Sonny, the mob boss, brutally shoot a man for assaulting his friend, but when the police question the child, he doesn’t snitch. Impressed, Sonny takes young Calogero under his wing, gives him the nickname “C,” introduces him to his gang and offers him odd jobs around his bar.
Fast forward eight years; all this time C has been working for Sonny and hiding it from his father. He has developed the reputation as Sonny’s sidekick thus gaining respect from all the other mobsters. At school, C meets a Black girl, Jane, and they are instantly attracted though they know it is forbidden by both their neighborhoods. They plan a date anyway amidst mounting racial tensions which culminate in a climactic clash.
Centered around respect, loyalty, love and family, A Bronx Tale took on many forms before it was adapted into the musical version. Chazz Palminteri wrote the one man play version in 1989 as an acting vehicle for himself. It is semi-autobiographical, based on his 1960’s childhood in the Bronx. The play premiered in Los Angeles (1989) before moving to Off-Broadway. Robert DeNiro saw the play in Los Angeles (1990) and resolved to turn it into a movie. DeNiro and Palminteri teamed up to make the 1993 film. This was DeNiro’s directorial debut and the two wrote the screenplay. DeNiro played Lorenzo, the father, with Palminteri taking on the role of Sonny, the mob boss.
From October 25, 2007, through February 24, 2008, Palminteri performed his one man show on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre under the direction of Jerry Zaks. Next came the musical with book by Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and co-directed by DeNiro and Zaks. It opened on Broadway December 1, 2016, and closed on August 5, 2018. Of special note, the role of Jane was played by this year’s supporting actress Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose.
The Engeman production is breathtaking in every way. Kyle Dixon’s set impresses starting as Belmont Avenue with abstract tenements, fire escapes, a prominent stoop and streetlight where a chorus of doowop opens the show and then seamlessly transforms into various locations. Lighting by John Burkland washes the set in pale red tones, a metaphor for the crime-ridden streets, then brightens for lighter moments.
Calogero is played to perfection by Mike Cefalo whose soulful eyes, ready smile and rich vocals invites the audience into his world. His counterpart, the nine-year- old Calogero played by Michael Deaner, is adorable, but with a street wise edge, not an easy task for a kid to play. Deaner infuses so much joy into his songs it is infectious.
The voice of reason, Lorenzo (Charlie Marcus), exudes fervor fighting for his son’s soul with lines like, “If you get lost, look to me, I’m here for you.” Shaina Vencel (Rosina) makes us feel the motherly love and devotion she has for her son. Mike Keller’s mobster Sonny is charming and generous but dangerous if you cross him. He genuinely cares about Calogero and teaches him lessons he learned from the streets. “Make them fear you, not love you,” is his mantra. Mackenzie Meadows as Jane is radiant with a stunning voice. It is easy to see how C could fall for her. Sonny tells C that you only get Three Great Ones in your life and Meadows makes us believe she is one of them.
Director/choreographer Paul Stancato has assembled a stellar cast that hits all the emotional tones this show requires. His choreography is energetic with spectacular high kicks and passionate. Dustin Cross’ costumes are 60s nostalgia with tight fitting pedal pushers, midriff tops, black leather jackets and all those gangster suits. Music director Benjamin Stayner and his band glide through this tuneful score with its doowop, Motown and Broadway style ballads.
The Engeman delivers high powered professionalism on all cylinders with A Bronx Tale: The Musical. The show runs through May 8.
The John E. Engeman Theater is located at 250 Main Street in Northport. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Suffolk County Legislator Manuel Esteban (R-Commack) announced March 21 that Commack resident Maria Teresa Romero has been named the Suffolk County’s 2022 “Woman of Distinction” for her work in founding Latina Sisters Support, Inc., which provides outreach, education and support about breast cancer to non-English speaking women.
“Today we are making history,” said Esteban. “As Suffolk County’s first Hispanic Republican Legislator, having the honor of naming the very first Hispanic Woman of Distinction will forever be a highlight of my brand-new career in government.”
Ms. Romero is the first Hispanic woman to receive this distinguished honor since the first award was presented in 2003. She was chosen to represent the 16th Legislative District by Legislator Esteban, who is also the first Hispanic Republican representing this district.
Ms. Maria Teresa Romero is a Breast Cancer survivor of eleven (11) years. She turned her own experiences into a pillar of strength for all Latina and Hispanic women and founded Latina Sisters Support, Inc. to address and resolve the disparities in access to quality healthcare and breast cancer awareness amongst the Latino community. Unlike most nonprofit organizations who receive grants, Ms. Romero has personally funded this the organization with both personal funds and private donations.
“Ms. Romero saw a true need and continues to work day and night to provide services to Hispanic women who are fighting breast cancer,” said Legislator Esteban. “Her dedication is boundless, and she has helped hundreds of women and their families facing the sometimes-deadly diseases.
The very journey that women feel helpless, scared, hopeless, extremely ill during periods of chemo treatment, and the disparity of not having insurance at all to treat this life and death illness.
“It is an honor to recognize Maria Teresa Romero as the 2022 “Woman of Distinction” for Suffolk County. Professionally and personally, she is a leader among women and is deserving of this recognition due to her overwhelming compassion for others and life’s purpose. She is devoted to helping cancer patients not only survive, but provide them and their families hope for a better tomorrow,” said Legislator Esteban.
A humble, Ms. Romero said, “I am most proud and excited to be the recipient of the Woman of Distinction of Suffolk County, I assure you that this award will serve as a motivator for all my future endeavors. I will continue to strive on bringing kindness and awareness to the world and spread a message of love and unity allowing my moral compass to lead the way. My life changed drastically by being diagnosed with cancer and within seconds my purpose on earth also changed. I want to establish resources and services for women that are going through cancer. The Women are indeed the drivers of my motivation.”
On behalf of the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission, Chair Tina Norton said, “I would like to congratulate Maria Teresa Romero, Winner of the 2022 Woman of Distinction Award. She rose to the top of our review of this year’s nominees. Her steadfast commitment to women facing cancer diagnosis and her tireless support along their journey speaks volumes to her role as a distinguished community leader. She represents the best of who we are and is a model for how we lift one another up throughout life‘s highs and lows!”
Office of Women’s Services, Grace Ioannidis, Director stated, “As we celebrate the Platinum Anniversary of this award, Maria Teresa Romero represents exactly what this is all about. She dedicates everyday of her life fighting for the dignity and survival of women with cancer.”
Legislator Esteban along with his colleagues will honor and present Ms. Romero with a proclamation before the full the Legislature at their scheduled General Meeting on Tuesday, March 29 around 10 am.
The Northport Chamber of Commerce is hosting a donation drive for the people of Ukraine through April 5. Items needed include blankets, aspirin, rolled gauze, saline eye drops, Vaseline in small containers, feminine products, diapers, band aids and Pepto-Bismol pills. Drop off locations in Northport include Coach Realtors at 66 Gilbert Street, Copenhagen Bakery at 75 Woodbine Avenue, Cow Harbor Realty at 67 Main Street and Dr. Ron Iannacone’s office at 482 Main Street. For more information, please call 631-754-3905.
Stacy Davidson of Pattern Finders/Stacy’s Finds in Port Jefferson knows how unexpected expenses can be difficult especially during these unpredictable times. To help local families, she wishes to donate gowns and tuxedos to enable a wonderful experience for local seniors who might have to skip the event due to monetary issues.
“My amazing customers always answer the call for a prom drive. Rather than limit the young ladies to the donated gowns, I will make my entire vast inventory of spectacular gowns and formal dresses available for the girls to come to the shop and choose from. Fedora Lounge Boutique Hair Salon in Port Jefferson is one of the local salons donating hair styling for some of the girls and Give Kids Hope in the village will also supply the students in need,” said Davidson.
Located at 128 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, Pattern Finders is open Wednesday through Sunday. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 631-928-5158.
Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker visited three local supermarket stores in March to distribute COVID-19 at-home test kits to their employees. She met with managers and employees of the Stop and Shops in Rocky Point and Miller Place, as well as the King Kullen in Middle Island, where she distributed over 700 test kits between the three stores.
This effort follows Legislator Anker’s recent Drive-Thru Test Kit Distribution event which was open to all residents, as well as the dissemination of boxes of test kit to the various senior communities and day care centers in the area.
“I want to thank the essential workers of our local supermarkets, who worked tirelessly throughout the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is my hope that these COVID-19 test-kits will help to keep the stores’ workers and patrons safe and healthy as we start to work our way back to a sense of normalcy,” said Legislator Anker.
“I also want to express my appreciation for our Local Unions 338 and 1500, who represent the workers of Stop and Shop and King Kullen. Through these challenging times, our local unions have continued to dedicate themselves to ensuring workers and their families are protected and supported,” she said.
By Julianne Mosher
Something new is heading into Port Jefferson village.
The Bar Method, a workout studio that was designed with high repetition and low impact resistance training, is officially set to open its third Long Island location right in Port Jefferson.
Theresa Livingston, the franchise owner, said she fell in love with barre almost a decade ago, but during the COVID-19 pandemic realized she wanted to bring this method close to home.
“As I got older, my joints really started to hurt and it just wasn’t maintainable anymore,” the Selden mom said. “I was looking for something that’s easy on the body and I found barre. It just works.”
Livingston said that in barre practice, one matches the working in the muscle to stretching where you lengthen and strengthen.“It’s just something you can do forever,” she said.
During the pandemic, Livingston said she started trying The Bar Method through their online classes and she knew it was the right fit.The Bar Method is all about educating our students, how they can be in tune with their body.
— Theresa Livingston
Compared to other barre studios, instructors for The Bar Method have “hours and hours” of training, Livingston said.
“We work with personal trainers, we’re taught proper alignment and modifications, and then we work in the studio to train for months before becoming an instructor,” she added.
According to the company’s website, The Bar Method exercises also include elements of Pilates, yoga and other strength training workouts fused into a ballet-inspired barre workout.
But Livingston said one doesn’t necessarily have to have a dance background to succeed and see results.
“The choreography that we do is easy to follow,” she said, “We have so many different props and equipment that you can use to help and bars in the room or different heights. So, everything can be modified.”
While Livingston was practicing online, she also traveled to The Bar Method’s only two other locations on Long Island — Huntington and Roslyn.
The commutes were long, so she said, “Let’s get one closer to us.”
“I just thought I thought the village would be the perfect spot for this,” she said. “It’s such a community. People live here, they shop here and they want to stay here. So, I just felt like it would be great to have The Bar Method here.”
Livingston signed her franchise agreement in September and officially locked in the space inside Harbor Square Mall at the end of October.
Located right on Main Street, The Bar Method is planned to take over the back part of the mall with its own entrance right next to PJ Lobster House. Livingston said that when a student walks in, the plan includes a big, open lobby featuring different apparel and retail. Inside, the studio space will have roughly 30 bar spots along with a locker room, makeup area and showers.
Livingston is anticipating a summer opening and for now is looking to get the word out about the method and what it’s all about.
“The Bar Method is all about educating our students, how they can be in tune with their body and know what’s happening,” she said. “It’s a workout that just kind of fits whatever it is they need.”
In the interim, Livingston said that she and her instructors are planning free community lessons that will pop up around the village.
For more updates on Port Jeff’s new workout spot, interested students can follow on Instagram @barmethodportjeffvillage.
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