This spring, the Town of Smithtown Stream Team kicked off an annual stream cleaning of the Northeast Branch of the Nissequogue River. This project began on the morning of Tuesday, April 11, and continued through Friday, April 14. Multiple levels of government worked together to conduct a thorough and efficient cleanup of our town’s waterways for the second year in a row.
Crews started working on sections of the East Branch from Route 347 to Stump Pond in Blydenburgh Park by removing fallen branches and debris that had accumulated, slowed the flow and created stagnant water. Other regions focused on included near Harrison Pond in Kings Park and near Hunts Pond in Hauppauge. Many areas that were cleaned as part of the 2022 stream cleaning were checked and cleaned again as needed.
There are multiple environmental benefits to stream cleaning. Removing debris prevents standing water that attracts more mosquitoes to the area. Additionally, with reduced flow of the stream, water cannot flow away, so potential flooding by surface or groundwater can be reduced with cleaning.
Workers from the Town of Smithtown Parks Department, Town of Smithtown Municipal Services Facility, Suffolk County Vector Control, Suffolk County Parks, Village of the Branch, and Town of Smithtown Highway Department participated in this effort. The cleanup was organized by the Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways and Environmental Protection Director David Barnes.
About the Stream Team:
In search of proactive measures to address flooding, high water table issues and reducing pollution caused by stormwater runoff, the Highway Department teamed up with department experts in Environment and Waterways, Engineering and Parks to create a Stream Team. This group works together to study and inspect the small streams beneath us for blockages, sediment and invasive species. The team will create a database, mapping out areas where water struggles to flow through, and will create a plan to remove harmful debris, invasive species and other blockages, which prevent the natural filtration and movement of water. This is a game changer for our local ecosystem and water quality.
The Stream Team engages with various neighborhoods, residents and each other to clean and maintain areas where sediment buildup and poor water flow causes flooding issues for residents. The plan moving forward is to maintain these clean streams through proper management and partnership, giving local residents peace of mind during significant rain events.
This program is spearheaded by department leadership; Parks Director Joe Arico, Assistant Town Park Maintenance Director Tom Heester, Environmental Protection Director David Barnes, Town Engineer Mark Riley, Highway Superintendent Robert Murphy and Deputy Superintendent Jim Deutsch.
The Four Harbors Audubon Society kicks off spring with a lecture on bird banding at the Bates House, One Bates Road, Setauket on Tuesday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m.
What have we learned from bird banding? How do you band a bird? Guest speaker Darlene J. McNeil will answer these questions and more.
McNeil got her start birding in 2004 after taking a master birder course in GA. She got her first camera in 2007 and became a “birder who holds a camera” to document her rare bird sightings. In September of 2011 she began volunteering at a bird banding station in TX and attended several bird banding courses to learn banding skills for her sub permit at Powdermill in PA, Braddock Bay in Rochester, NY, Appledore Island in NH and Belize.
Currently she holds a subpermit to band birds only in CT. To date she has handled over 1,500 birds in the banding process and has had the unique opportunity to hold every eastern warbler. Although Darlene does not band birds in New York, she is an avid birdwatcher and can be seen in the field often. Currently she works as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, and is a mom to 2 adorable Siberian Huskies, one whom is a certified Pet Therapy Dog.
All are welcome. There is no fee to attend this lecture. Masks are recommended.
The Suffolk County Police Department will hold a property auction on Wednesday, April 26 at the Property Section, located at 30 Yaphank Ave. in Yaphank.
The auction will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. There will be a preview of the jewelry and select property on Tuesday, April 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Among the items being auctioned include jewelry, bicycles, tools, landscaping equipment, electronics, iPhones and more.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to bid. All items are sold in “as is” condition and must be purchased with cash.
The cast of 'The Comedy of Errors'
Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
By Julianne Mosher
The theater department at Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman campus does not disappoint with their latest production of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors.
A scene from ‘The Comedy of Errors’ Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
This classic slapstick comedy follows two sets of identical twins who were separated as infants during a storm at sea. Set in the Greek city of Ephesus, we meet a merchant named Aegeon, played by SCCC student Stefan Pallotta, who’s monologue tells the audience of his arrest and the tale of the shipwreck that separated his family — his twin sons, both named Antipholus, his wife, Amelia, and two twin servant boys, both named Dromio.
Eighteen years later, Aegeon allows his son and servant to travel to Ephesus to search for their long-lost twins but they too disappear. Now, Aegeon has come to the city to find them, but is arrested due to the animosity between the citizens of Ephesus and Syracuse (where the merchant is from).Pallotta’s early monologue is not an easy one to remember,but he does so impressively.
Later on, we meet Antipholus (of Syracuse) played by Cara Macedonio along with servant Dromio played by Meredith Reed. When the two Syracuse-ians are off and about, we meet their long-lost brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus, played by Kayla Bruno, and his Dromio played by Jerry Ewald.
A scene from ‘The Comedy of Errors’ Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
The cast does a great job getting into their characters. Not only did they have to learn the rhymes of Shakespeare and ye-old language, but they also have to convince the audience of who they were — and they were funny! The performances of the two Dromio’s had the audience laughing during their performance last Saturday night. While Shakespeare might be hard to understand, the actors made the whole show completely coherent.
But we mustn’t forget the leading ladies of the show — Antipholus of Ephesus’s wife, Adriana, played by Madison Dodge, and her lovable sister Luciana, played by Kayla Pisano. While the two characters are completely different in personality, both Dodge and Pisano shine during their scenes.
Adriana, the tougher of the two, proves herself with her wit and no-nonsense attitude when faced with her “husband” acting oddly (surprise, it was the wrong Antipholus she was inviting to dinner). Then Luciana, the beauty who unintendedly seduces her “brother-in-law” will have you roar when you see the interaction between her and Antipholus of Syracuse.
But that’s just the beginning. For an hour-and-a-half, you’ll see the two sets of twins unknowingly interact with each other on several occasions that will make your skin curl with embarrassment for what is going on, but also laugh out loud.
A scene from ‘The Comedy of Errors’ Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
Other standout performances include Brooke Morabito as Luce, the greasy kitchen wench, the alcoholic officer played by Malachai Casanova, Duke Solinus portrayed by Krystyna Plesnik, Hailey Wenke’s Amelia/Courtesan and Gabriel Patrascu’s Pinch/Angelo.
However, the show would not have been complete without the fantastic set design and costumes which really set the tone of the show.
Director Steve Marsh said that he wanted to bring a bit of an edge to the show, which has been known as a slapstick comedy for centuries. While it was filled with humor, it had the underlying, more somber, tone of what a trade war and immigration can do to a community which made it almost more real.
“The program here at Suffolk and the students are so fantastic,” Marsh said. “I’ve been coming here for over 40 years — this is where I saw my first show and what got me interested in acting.”
Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden presents The Comedy of Errors at the Shea Theatre inside the Islip Arts Building on April 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15. Veterans and students 16 years of age or younger is $10. Suffolk students with current ID receive two free tickets. To order, visit sunysuffolk.edu/spotlight or call 631-451-4163.
High school students become model bridge engineers in annual contest
Jacqueline Seifert, a senior at Commack High School, won first place in the 2023 Bridge Building Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory on March 30.
The annual contest puts model bridges constructed by Long Island High School students to the ultimate pressure test. Students apply physics and engineering principles to build basswood structures to a set of specifications. Then, their bridges are judged based on efficiency, which is calculated using the mass of the bridge and the amount of weight it can support before breaking or bending more than one inch.
“This competition is an introduction to the world of engineering,” said Scott Bronson, manager for K–12 programs at the Lab’s Office of Educational Programs (OEP). “At Brookhaven Lab, engineers of all types support our science goals at world-class facilities and the DOE mission. We hope this contest inspires students to explore paths in science, technology, math, and engineering and to return to the Lab as interns and future employees.”
OEP received a total 142 bridges, of which 91 qualified for testing, captured below.
An awards ceremony to honor the winners was held at Brookhaven Lab on April 6. The top two winners in this regional competition qualify to compete in the International Bridge contest on April 29 in Chicago, IL.
Seifert, who earned second place in last year’s local competition and placed 16th in the previous international contest, designed a bridge that weighed 23.47grams and recorded an efficiency of 1342.22. As the testing machine slowly added more and more weight to Seifert’s W truss design, the Science Learning Center erupted in impressed “oohs” as the load hit close to 70 lbs. Retired Brookhaven Lab engineer and longtime competition supporter Marty Woodle noted right away “that’s an international contender.”
Seifert, who will pursue civil engineering at Vanderbilt University, said it was rewarding to watch her design hit that high bridge load. “The most exciting part was the experimentation and seeing what works and what doesn’t, finding the weak points in my bridge so I could continue to make it better,” she said. “I’ll see how it goes in the international competition.”
Katherine Liang, a junior at Ward Melville High School, who garnered first place in two previous contests and 9th and the last international competition, placed second this year with a design that realized an efficiency of 1094.44.
Third-place winner Jonathan Thomas, a junior at Walt Whitman High School, constructed a bridge that recorded an efficiency of 1048.18. After conducting bridge demos in a physics lab at school, Thomas learned his design needed more horizontal support and looked to previous competition winners for potential engineering ideas.“It’s definitely a career path I want to go into,” he said.
Aidan Quinn, a junior at Smithtown High School East won this year’s aesthetic award. Quinn’s double arch design was neat with clean lines, inspired by a photo his father showed him that captured a historical moment when a pilot flew a biplane under a bridge that once crossed the Niagara River.
“I would love to major in biomedical engineering,” Quinn said. “I’m glad I was able to participate in the competition. It was a great experience.”
Shoreham-Wading River senior William Miller wins at “X” for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior Ryan Herr looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River goalie Jaden Galfano with a save. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Kershis pushes past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio grabs a loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio passes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Justin Bonacci from behind the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attack Brayden Arias pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Timeout, Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior James Krieg drives towards the crease. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Kershis pushes, looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Kershis looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attack Brayden Arias scores. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Gregorek breaks free. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio fends off Liam Gregorek. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior James Krieg fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Ryan Fleshner wins at “X” for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Justin Bonacci drives on defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Gregorek breaks free. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio readies a shot on goal. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats win. Photo by Bill Landon
Photo by Bill Landon
The Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River, at 5-0, took on the 3-1 Comsewogue Warriors at Thomas Cutinella Memorial Field on April 19 in what’s always been a bitter Div. II rivalry.
Shoreham-Wading River struck first with a pair of goals in the opening quarter, but the Warriors rattled off five unanswered goals to surge ahead 5-2 before the Wildcats could counter. Liam Kershis’ stick retied the game at 5-all as both teams traded goals before the halftime break.
Comsewogue attack Brayden Arias split the pipes to put his team out front 8-7 with four minutes left in the third quarter. Kershis then struck again with nine minutes left, retaking the lead 9-8 before teammates Ryan Wilson split the uprights and Alec Gregorek scored his fourth goal of the game as insurance goals.
Kershis found the net again with less than two minutes, putting his team out front 12-9 for the final score.
A partnership between L.L.Bean (www.llbean.com) and Mental Health America (www.mhanational.org) in March prioritized the power of going outside with 5 grant awards of $20,000 each to select not for profit agencies including The Association for Mental Health and Wellness in Ronkonkoma. Funding will provide for the development of innovative outdoor programs that supports and improves mental well-being while fostering connection and inclusion through time spent outside.
The Association for Mental Health and Wellness’s (MHAW) was awarded $20,000 for its Eco-Sposure program which will provide families enrolled in its care management program opportunities and resources to connect with the outdoors.The children in the families who will participate are living with chronic physical or mental health conditions, and face other barriers that limit their exposure to outdoor experiences- such as poverty and community violence. The grant program will serve 30 families and support them to engage in a range of outdoor green space activities that help to develop a sense of connection and inclusion that enhances each family members overall mental and physical health and leads to an ongoing connection to the natural environment.
“Children and youth are facing a mental health crisis and we need to tap into every tool available to support wellness. Engaging in outdoor activities as a family provides a healthy outlet with opportunities to experience the fresh air and the beauty of nature, all which support good mental health. There are so many benefits to connecting with nature from stress reduction and improved focus. This program helps the entire family to develop a love of nature; and connections with each other and ourselves that can come about. The program has the opportunity to foster a lifelong love of nature,” said Colleen Merlo, Chief Executive Officer for MHAW.
About the Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW)
The Association for Mental Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation based in Ronkonkoma with the mission to empower and inspire people of all Suffolk County communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives. MHAW provides programs, services, and advocacy for people facing mental health challenges with an enhanced focus on serving Veterans. MHAW is committed to the core practice values of empowerment, hope, recovery, and cultural humility. All of the agency’s direct service workers are trained in the importance of addressing health from trauma-informed and whole-person perspectives with an enriched understanding of the social and economic conditions that contribute to physical and mental health and substance abuse.
Central to its mission is the belief that mental health is just as important as physical health. As the local affiliate of Mental Health America (MHA) and the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), they drive evidence-based practices and care, and provide information, education and resources to the community and behavioral health workforce. Its goal is to ensure that policy makers, educational institutions, hospital and healthcare systems businesses and individuals across our region prioritize social and emotional wellness.
The Village of Port Jefferson and the Village of Belle Terre need to get together about the views from Port Jefferson Harbor. The views to the west side of the harbor are of busy commerce while the east side has historically been a beautiful natural bluff, with houses discretely sited, until the advent of the McMansion. The new buildings are becoming an eyesore, but worse, the steep slopes are eroding.
Michael Schwarting
Port Jefferson
Earth Day is every day
Celebrate Earth Day, April 22, every day. Besides recycling newspapers, magazines, glass, plastics, old medicines, paints and cleaning materials, consider other actions which will contribute to a cleaner environment.
Leave your car at home. For local trips in the neighborhood, walk or ride a bike. For longer travels, consider public transportation. MTA NYC Transit subway, bus, Long Island Rail Road, the buses of Suffolk County Transit, Huntington Area Rapid Transit (HART) and Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) offer various options funded with your tax dollars. They use less fuel and move more people than cars. Many employers offer transit checks to help subsidize costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your destination.
Many employers allow employees to telecommute. Others use alternative work schedules, avoiding rush-hour gridlock. This saves travel time and can improve gas mileage. Join a car or van pool to share commuting costs.
Use a hand-powered lawn mower instead of a gasoline or electric one. Rake your leaves instead of using gasoline-powered leaf blowers. Pollution created by gas-powered lawn mowers or leaf blowers will surprise you.
A cleaner environment starts with everyone.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
Silence on upcoming school bond vote
Did you hear that? No? Neither did I.
I’m not hearing much about the Port Jefferson School District’s nearly $16 million bond that’s up for a vote soon. It’s the same day as the budget vote on Tuesday, May 16, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School cafeteria.
School tours? Not a word.
Postcard in the mail? Nope. But it must be coming. It’s the law.
Robocall? My phone’s not ringing.
Why the different tactic from last fall’s failed bond proposal when the rusty pipes and other wanted design changes were highlighted for the public?
Even a recent Facebook post about the school district presenting at a coming Port Jefferson Village public board meeting mentioned the budget and omitted the proposed bond. The district, I was told, must present the budget at the village board. But, apparently, not so much the bond. Further inquiries were being made.
You see where this is going.
You say budgets? Boring!
You say $16 million bond and some folks might be interested in attending … and voting.
So what is going on here? What’s the secret? Why the silence?
Silence works.
Silence is the sound of a harried resident with no student in the district unaware and uninformed about having their voice heard and their vote recorded on an issue directly affecting their increasingly strained pocketbook. Silence is the enemy of a fair and open government and process. Silence should never be condoned.
Omission, too, is a form of silence. A laryngitis. And it’s happening right before our ears.
I’m reminded of the school district administration’s postcards sent last fall announcing an important meeting for residents that conveniently omitted the then bond proposal. Remember? The district omitted the word “bond” on the postcard, I suspect, to not rally budget-strapped residents. The district, I’m sure, will deny my interpretation but optics matter.
Rinse. Recycle. Repeat. It’s happening again.
Now, the school district is presenting its school budget to the village board and public attendees on May 2 at Village Hall. The proposed $16 million bond should be given equal time, public discussion and attention and not just passing mention as a part of an annual budget presentation. The bond amount, time and date of the vote should be plastered across the village including on a banner across Main Street.
When the district is purposefully transparent, it will have rightfully earned my vote, and maybe yours too. I hope they do.
Until they do, sign up at www.myvillagemyvote.com to be reminded about upcoming important budget votes and elections. If they won’t do it, residents can.
Drew Biondo
Port Jefferson
Legitimate issues with wind and solar power
The letter by George Altemose [TBR News Media, April 13] raises some very legitimate issues with wind and solar power. Politicians are often happy to say that power will be 100% carbon free by a certain date. Such claims as Sunrise Wind providing power for about 600,000 homes as Altemose recounts makes clear the claim is about making electricity generation carbon free; the much more difficult issue is to make all energy use carbon free. Currently, electricity generation amounts to one-third of the energy used by New York state, and of that, about half is already carbon free, coming mainly from nuclear and hydro sources. The other energy uses are about one-third for transportation and one-third for everything else, such as heating buildings and industrial uses. The national goal is to decarbonize electrical generation at the same time that other energy requirements are shifted to electricity, for example, electric vehicles and heat pumps.
Electrical power generation has to be matched with the demand. As Altemose points out, wind and solar are intermittent sources and there are times when more power is needed than they can produce. It is important that the system includes sources that provide a baseline power such as nuclear, and also power that can be turned on when needed such as hydro. Altemose mentions several forms of energy storage systems that would need further development to address the shortfall in renewable energy. Another key component is the ability to import power from other regions where the wind may be blowing or the sun shining, and for this the grid must be modernized and upgraded. The Inflation Reduction Act includes $65 billion to upgrade the grid and make it more resilient. Once the grid is improved then market forces for electricity should help to distribute energy from the whole country to where it is needed. A high voltage DC line can carry power 1,000 miles with only a few percent losses.
Additional power will need to be added to the electrical system, to account for electric vehicles and heat pumps. Estimates are that this is comparable to the percentage increase in electrical demand that happened when air conditioning became more widespread. It will happen over tens of years and all systems must be improved over that time scale.
This transition to green energy will not be easy, and the fossil fuel companies will continue to fight it tooth and nail, but we must do it to keep the Earth a good place for humankind. The U.S. has put more CO2 into the atmosphere than any other country, including China, so we must lead the solution of this worldwide problem, and it is good for business to do so.
A RETURN ENGAGEMENT
Sheléa returns to the Staller Center for the Arts in concert on April 22. Photo by Courtney Baron
Ongoing
Flip Circus heads to Lake Grove
The circus is coming to town! As part of its 2023 national tour, FL!P Circus will put down stakes at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove from April 14 to 24. Ringmaster Arthur Figueroa serves as host of this new circus adventure which will feature audience favorites Stiv and Roni Bello, Italy’s “siblings of silliness”; a trapeze act by Carolina Vazquez; and the Duo Vanegas on the rotating Wheel of Steel. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $25 for children and $40 adults with senior/military/handicap discounts available. For tickets and additional information, visit www.FlipCircus.com. Tickets will also be available in person at the box office during each engagement. For more information, call 877-829-7839.
Thursday April 20
Gallery North reception
Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket hosts an opening reception for its latest exhibit,Tell Me Something Back: Abstractions by Tom Brydelsky, a selection of recent works by Tom Brydelsky, from 6 to 8 p.m. The show is on view from April 13 to May 21 with an ArTalk on April 29 and a collage and painting workshop on May 7. Details can be found at www. gallerynorth.org. For more information, call 751-2676.
Tribute to Tina Turner
Cinema Art Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Rock Legends Live! series with a Tina Turner Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Join for an evening of rare and thrilling performance films of the musical legend who is often referred to as “The Queen of Rock and Roll.” Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Friday April 21
Vanderbilt Evening Birdwatch
Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for an Evening Birdwatch and Architecture Tour with the Museum’s director of curatorial affairs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate at dusk, when the grounds are closed but the birds are active. Sturdy hiking footwear is strongly suggested, and participants are asked to bring their own binoculars. Walks will also be held on April 7 and 21, and May 5 and 19. Tickets are $12, free for members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Viking Auction
Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge #25 hosts a Viking Auction at the St. James Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 230 Second Ave., St. James at 6:30 p.m. $10 admission includes 25 tickets, coffee, tea and cake. Second level, third level and 50/50 tickets available for purchase. Questions? Call 229-395-6390.
Saturday April 22
HAPPY EARTH DAY!
Comsewogue HS Craft Fair
Comsewogue High School, 565 Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Community Connections Craft Fair fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 50 vendors offering baked goods, hot food, candy, homemade crafts and more. Free admission. For more information, call 428-2530.
Health & Wellness Fest
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce presents its 14th annual Health & Wellness Fest at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get important information to meet your health and wellness needs. Over 50 health and wellness professionals will be participating including St. Charles, Mather Hospital–Northwell Health, and Stony Brook Medicine with a food court, music, rowing, electric bikes, painting and lots of free giveaways. Free admission. Call 473-1414 or visit www.portjeffhealth.com for more information.
Antiques in April
Huntington Historical Society presents its annual multi-vendor antiques & collectibles sale, Antiques in April, at the Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington today and April 23 from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Browse beautiful antiques from dealers all across Long Island along with furniture, books, and smalls from the Kissam barn. The Society’s Antiques and Collectibles Shop will also be open for fabulous finds. Free admission. Held rain or shine. Call 427-7045 for more information.
Spring Festival & Street Fair
Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber presents its 2nd annual Spring Festival & Street Fair at 175 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date April 23). This free family-friendly event will celebrate the arrival of spring and will feature vendors, fun games and activities, and lots of great food. For more information, visit www.rpsbchamber.org.
A visit from Chief Joseph
Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson welcomes back Maasai Chief Joseph Ole Tipanko and his delegation from Kenya from noon to 4 p.m. Learn about Maasai daily life, traditions, family responsibilities and enjoy a traditional dance and song performance. Handmade jewelry and other art items will be for sale. Free. Call 835-1520 for further info.
Wet Paints exhibit reception
The Wet Paints Studio hosts an artists’ reception for its group exhibit at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from 1 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit is on view on the second floor of the Center through April 27. For more info, call 513-2675.
Premiere of ‘We Are Guardians’
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will premiere a new show, We Are Guardians: How Satellites Help Us To Save the Planet, at 3 p.m. Find out how, with the help of satellites and scientific study, we can understand the links between human activities and climate change, and what we can do to work together to improve the health of our shared home. Best suited for ages 8 and up. Tickets are $15 adults, $13 seniors and students, $13 children ages 12 and under. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Sheléa in concert
Back by popular demand! After bringing down the house in 2021, Sheléa returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center Recital Hall, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 8 p.m.With a voice that stirs the soul and hands that glide effortlessly over the keys, Sheléa represents a return to true artistry that has garnered attention and adoration from legends throughout the music industry as she brings a contemporary edge to classics and a classic touch to contemporary pop standards. Tickets range from $42 to $58. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Sunday April 23
Antiques in April
See April 22 listing.
Car Show fundraiser
The Fabulous 50s & 60s Nostalgia Car Club presents its annual judged car show fundraiser at The Maples, 10 Ryerson Ave., Manorville from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 50/50 raffles, vendors and more. Rain date April 30. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities and Judy’s Run Stroke Awareness. For more information, call 463-4983.
Cars & Guitars fundraiser
Miller’s Ale House, 88 Veterans Highway, Commack hosts the 7th annual Hope for Warriors Cars & Guitars classic car show fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $15 car registration day of event, first 100 cars will receive gift bags. Free for spectators with live music. No rain date. Call 493-2370.
Open House brunch fundraiser
Celebrate St. James invites the community to a Sunday Brunch at the St. James Community and Cultural Center, 176 Second St., St. James hosted by NYS Senator Mario Mattera to save the historic Calderone Theatre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Suggested minimum donation of $20 per person. For tickets, visit www.celebratestjames.org.
Jazz & Art at the LIM
The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents Cool Rhythms: Intersections of Jazz & Art at 2 p.m. The creative cross pollination between modern visual art and jazz music is a vital American story. Through artist talks and a jazz performance, the Museum will explore these crosscurrents between music and art with The National Jazz Museum in Harlem and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. This Smithsonian Affiliate program is inspired by two LIM exhibitions: Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary and Creative Haven: Black Artists of Sag Harbor. Tickets are $10, free for members at www.longislandmuseum.org.
WLIR Radio Day at the LIMEHOF
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will present WLIR Radio Day at 3 p.m. Scheduled to appear is LIMEHoF Inductee Denis McNamara, Larry “the Duck” Dunn, Donna Donna and Max “the Mighty Maxximizer” Leinwand. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Fashion Show in Port Jeff
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce & Fedora Lounge Boutique Hair Salon presents the Vogue in the Village Fashion show at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from 6 to 9 p.m. Local vendors will be showing clothing, jewelry, and so much fashion. Come early at 6 p.m. to check out vendors at the Market Place before the show at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. Questions? Call 473-1414.
Monday April 24
No events listed for this day.
Tuesday April 25
An evening of Swing Dance
Swing Dance Long Island, a non-profit social dance club, holds weekly dances every Tuesday evening at theHuntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Rd. Greenlawn with beginner swing lessons at 7:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Singles and beginners are welcome.No partner necessary. Admission is $15 on DJ night,$20 on band night on the third Tuesday of the month. Call 516-521-1410.
A Band Called Honalee in concert
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a concert featuring A Band Called Honalee at 8 p.m. The modern-day folk trio is inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary. Musically accomplished, interactive, and energetic, their shows allow audiences to experience this timeless music live onstage once again. Satisfying diehard Peter, Paul & Mary lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, the band’s shows feature all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.” Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday April 26
Long Island Guitar Festival
Setauket Presbyterian Church, 5 Caroline Ave., Setauket kicks off the 31st annual Long Island Guitar Festival tonight at 7:30 p.m. and runs through April 30.Scheduled performers include Berta Rojas, Laura Snowden, João Luiz & Friends Quartets, Boyd Meets Girl, Harris Becker, James Erickson, Laura Lessard, Octavio Deluchi, Gabriele Leite, Eduardo Gutterres, Penelope Shvarts, The Hofstra University Chamber Choir and many more. Master Classes will be given by Laura Snowden and João Luiz and luthier Brian Itzkin will lead a discussion/Q&A on Guitar Building in Granada, Spain. For a full schedule of events and tickets, visit www.ligfest.net.
Seed Saving Workshop
Huntington Historical Society presents a Seed Saving Workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8 p.m. This class will introduce basic seed saving concepts and techniques, identifies what seeds can be easily saved, and how to plan your garden for optimal results. A hands-on component of the class will provide you with the opportunity to clean seeds for to take home. $15 per person, $10 members. Visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or call 427-7045 to register.
Thursday April 27
Long Island Guitar Festival
See April 26 listing.
Bobby Collins
Comedy fundraiser at the LIM
Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook hosts a Laugh Till You Give! comedy fundraiser in the History Museum featuring comedy legend Bobby Collins at 6:30 p.m. $100 per ticket includes wine, beer, refreshments and appetizers. Proceeds support the LIM’s education programs and exhibitions. To order, visit www.longiwlandmuseum.org. For more info, call 751-0066, ext. 247.
Theater
‘Pride@Prejudice’
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, presents the Long Island premiere of Pride @ Prejudice from April 7 through May 6. Watch Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy fall in love all over again — this time filtered through the world of the internet. Five actors play nearly two dozen roles in this hilarious and moving homage to Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’
The swashbuckling musical adventure The Scarlet Pimpernel heads to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport from March 16 to April 30. Percy Blakeney, a proper Englishman, takes on a sword fighting and dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-hungry guillotine. His exploits soon become the talk of Paris, however, the fanatical Agent Chauvelin will stop at nothing to catch the Pimpernel and send him to the guillotine. For ticket info, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘The Comedy of Errors’
The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare in the Shea Theatre in the Islip Arts Building on April 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $15. For tickets, call 451-4163. See review on page B15.
Film
‘In the Heart of the Sea’
Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a screening of In the Heart of the Sea starring Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy on April 27 at 2 p.m. This film is part of the Long Island Reads Film Series. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Town of Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann, left, and Supervisor Ed Wehrheim throw out the ceremonial first pitch at St. James-Smithtown Opening Day gala. Photo by Steven Zaitz
All photos by Steven Zaitz
The late Brooklyn Dodger great Jackie Robinson once said that a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.
It was only fitting that the St. James-Smithtown Little League Opening Day parade and celebration coincided with Major League Baseball’s annual day of recognition of Robinson.
Over 1,000 players, coaches, parents, and baseball fans marched and lined the sidewalks of Woodlawn Avenue west to Gaynor Park in St. James on Saturday as the league marks its 66th year of little league competition — and the impact of this celebration of baseball’s return to Smithtown could be measured by the smiles of everyone who was there.
The 11 and Under Girls Softball team, who won the New York State Championship in July of 2022, rode in the Fighting Two Fire Engine of the St. James Fire Department, which led the parade west on Woodlawn to the new artificial turf field at Gaynor. The champs were honored lavishly throughout the day. Five hundred other players and coaches followed them, dressed in full uniforms, all carrying decorative team banners with one hand and waving to adoring onlookers with the other.
This trip down Smithown’s version of the Canyon of Heroes was the thrill of a lifetime for the girls.
“The fire truck arrived and one of the firefighters asked the girls to enter, the shocked look on their faces said it all,” said Coach Sean Singh, who piloted the team to glory. “As the fire truck slowly drove along the parade route, they quickly realized that the cheering from friends, family and community was all for them! Having so many people come down to personally congratulate the young ladies was such an honor and their success spoke volumes to the quality of programs Smithtown provides such as our Little League program, along with the opportunities we can provide for our younger athletes.”
Singh’s daughter, Jiselle, plays shortstop for the team.
“Riding in that fire truck was so cool,” Jiselle said. “When I heard the cheering and knew it was for us, I almost cried.”
Tears of joy and laughter were de rigueur on this day, as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and soft drinks were available to all at no cost. League sponsors pitched tents along the foul line of Gaynor Field 3 to ply their wares and dole out raffle tickets, most to kids who didn’t know or care what the prizes were. Two giant, rainbow-colored bouncy houses rollicked behind the centerfield fence, as the rain that had been predicted earlier in the week for this day, exercised a reasonable restraint.
SJSLL Board Member and Co-Softball Coach Peter Russo welcomed the crowd and then league President and Master of Ceremonies Richard Tomitz introduced the girls individually in his customary carnival barker style.
“This is a great day and great celebration of our league, our town and our State Championship girls,” said Tomitz. “It is the first time we are able to have this party on the new turf field here at Gaynor and I’m happy the rain held off and everyone is able to have a wonderful time and stay mostly dry.”
Tomitz then brought Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim to the podium and he, along with Councilman Tom Lohmann, who played in SJSLL in the late 1960s, threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season to softballers Gabrielle Krayewski and Riley Connelly. Players and coaches formed a semi-circle around the two politicians as parents and fans cheered from the bleachers.
Wehrheim also gave his congratulatory remarks to the softball champs, the league and spoke glowingly about the project team who helped to complete the turf field. This improvement was the clincher that enabled St. James-Smithtown to acquire the hosting rights to the New York State Championship later in the summer.
“This is an amazing group of girls, and they represented this town with class and excellence,” Wehrheim told the crowd. “This new field surface and improved grounds project was truly a team effort with the league, town hall and the community and is a great example of your tax dollars working for Smithtown.”
Lucas Neems, who is six years old, is not yet focused on a championship, but was nevertheless having the time of his life.
“I loved marching with my new baseball friends,” said Lucas, who plays on Pietro’s Sandlot Scrappers. “I also loved the chocolate ice cream and the pretzels.”
When the ceremony was over and most of the crowd took to the free food, it was time to play ball for a select few. On the main diamond, Singh, Russo, Eric Hanson and Mark Sciortino shared coaching duties for a mixture of girls in blue and red, while minor league boys kicked off the baseball season on Gaynor Field Two. Later on, the 12-year-old boys, the oldest group in the league, played a game on the new turf. This ballgame closed out the party, as sponsors, food vendors and face-painters folded up their tents.
“It was a great time,” Tomitz said. “We had competitive baseball and softball, everybody seemed to have fun, and I’m happy the girls got the recognition and kudos that they deserve.If they win again this year on our home turf, I hope Supervisor Wehrheim gives them one of those giant keys to the city.”
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