Community

Meet New York Times Best Selling Author Carl Safina at the Bates House in Setauket on June 13. File photo

The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket welcomes New York Times Best Selling Author Carl Safina for an Author Talk on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. Safina will be reading from his many bestselling and award-winning books and talk about the work of his not-for-profit organization, The Safina Center, based in Setauket. A book signing will follow. $10 per person. To register, visit www.thebateshouse.org. For more information, call 631-689-7054

By Heidi Sutton

Children’s theater continues at The John W. Engeman Theater with The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. The adorable show, based on the first in a series of books by Jeff Brown, follows the adventures of Stanley Lambchop (Daniel Bishop) who lives with his parents (Michael Fasciano and Suzanne Mason) and his brother Arthur (Jae Hughes). His mailman, Mr Cartero (Patrick McCowen) serves as narrator and introduces Stanley as an average 10-year-old kid who has big dreams.

At bedtime, Stanley and his brother see a falling star and make a wish. While Arthur wishes for an A on his science project, Stanley wishes to travel and “do amazing things the world has never seen before.” In the middle of the night a bulletin board above his bed crashes down on him and flattens him like a pancake.

At first, Stanley and his parents are alarmed and take him to Dr. Dan for an evaluation but he is as perplexed (and confused) as they are. When Stanley goes to school, his classmates tie him to a string and fly him like a kite until he gets stuck in a tree. Then Stanley realizes the advantage of his two-dimensional position and, for the price of a stamp, mails himself in a letter to California to visit a friend. 

From there he mails himself to Paris and poses as a painting in the Louvre next to Napoleon and Mona Lisa to catch a sneak thief, and then heads to Hawaii to star as a surfboard in a movie. In the end Stanley realizes that home is the best address but will he remain flat forever?

Directed and choreographed by Danny Meglio, the five talented cast members, playing multiple roles, put on a terrific show. The question on everyone’s mind was how a flat character would appear on stage but the clever costume does the trick.

The song and dance numbers are a delight to watch with special mention to Bishop’s solo “I Wish I Were … A Hero,” “The Funny Sunny Side,” “Talent'” with a great soft-shoe number and Hughes’ heartfelt solo, “Arthur’s Letter.” 

With the message to look for a little adventure in everything you do, this imaginative and clever show is flat-out fun. Meet, greet and sign autographs with the cast after the show in the lobby. An autograph page is conveniently located at the back of the program.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through July 2 with a sensory friendly performance on June 10 at 11 a.m. Up next is Cinderella from July 22 to Aug. 27. All seats are $20. For more information or to order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

From left, Matthew Schettino (Suffolk Credit Union), Robert Suarez (Bethpage Federal Credit Union), Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, PhD (President/CEO of Family & Children’s Association), Tricia Daley (Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union), Eric Oterson (Jovia Federal Credit Union). Missing: Jennifer Gunn (Teachers Federal Credit Union). Photo from Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union

The New York Credit Union Association’s (NYCUA) Long Island Chapter donated more than $40,000 at its 31st  annual golf outing, held at Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club in Smithtown on May 31, to benefit the Family & Children’s Association, an organization dedicated to providing help and hope to Long Island’s most vulnerable children, families, seniors and communities 

The Long Island Chapter of the NYCUA includes representatives from credit unions across Long Island.

“It is an honor to be one of the five representatives with the Long Island Chapter of the New York Credit Union Association and to raise money for the Family & Children’s Association,” said Tricia Daley of Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union and Long Island Chapter Secretary for NYCUA. “At Ocean Financial, we are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with other credit unions across Long Island to help those in need.”

A visitor stands atop Patriot’s Rock in Setauket. Photo by Mallie Jane Kim.

By Mallie Jane Kim

Local parks and trails took center stage at the Three Village Civic Association monthly meeting Monday night, June 5. The civic’s land use chair Herb Mones took attendees on an impressive slideshow tour of the area’s offerings for walkers, cyclists, view seekers and the like. 

The sun sets over Setauket Harbor Marina. Photo from Mallie Kim

These natural spaces “are unique and different, and enable us to be proud that we’re Three Villagers,” Mones said. “I always say there are two types of people: Those that live in Three Villages, and those that want to live in Three Villages.”

Among the more-than-20 properties Mones highlighted were well-known spots such as Frank Melville Memorial Park, Avalon Nature Preserve, Gamecock Cottage and the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail. 

Also featured were lesser-known gems such as McAllister County Park located in Belle Terre near the eastern entrance to Port Jefferson Harbor; Old Field Farm County Park adjacent to West Meadow Beach; and the Besunder property on North Road at the entrance to Strong’s Neck.

Nearly all of the sites on Mones’ slideshow boast trails or harbor views, or both. Among his favorites, he said, is the Flax Pond Tidal Wetland Area.

He also mentioned a particular point of pride in Patriots Rock Historic Site, acquired by the Three Village Community Trust. “For the first time in 300 years, the site is open to the public,” said Mones, who is president of the trust. According to him, the trust plans to add trails surrounding the location to enable the public to enjoy the entire property.

There are also undeveloped, “emerging” places to watch, Mones said, such as the Suffolk County parkland known as the Sand Pits along the Greenway Trail; the Patriots Hollow State Forest across from the shopping center on Route 25A in East Setauket; and the Stephen D. Matthews Nature Preserve in Poquott. Each of those areas, he said, could use trails and added public access.

Mones urged members to keep a careful watch over these local natural assets. “Parks are so special, parks are so desirable, parks are so beautiful that you have to be ever vigilant because somebody is always trying to acquire, buy and obtain it,” he said.

Mones added that he plans to publish his presentation on the civic association Facebook page.

Police scam warnings

Also at the meeting, Suffolk County Police Community Liaison Officer Sergio Moller, from the 6th Precinct, warned about the prevalence of scams popping up in the area, particularly electronic scams. 

According to Moller, residents are receiving texts purportedly from utility or media companies warning service will be halted unless the person clicks a link to pay their bill. “What a scammer wants you to do is hit that link, so they can get access to your computer,” he said at the meeting. “So don’t do that, please.” 

He also urged the audience to be skeptical of calls from an unknown number alleging a loved one has been arrested or needs money — even if the voice on the other line is familiar. “Artificial intelligence can reproduce your voice to a T, so it may sound like you’re talking to your grandson … it may sound like you’re talking to a loved one,” he said.

As with the texting scams, Moller said people should call the person’s known phone number to verify whether they actually need assistance. 

“Please don’t give money to anybody, especially if they ask you for gift cards,” he said. “If they are asking you for gift cards, this should be an automatic red light in the back of your head that this is not legit.”

Birds and Bees Protection Act

George Hoffman made an impassioned plea for civic members to lobby state Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and state Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) to support the imminent Birds and Bees Protection Act.

Pixabay photo

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), along with the State Department of Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Long Island on Thursday, June 8 as the smoke and haze from the Canadian wildfires continue to blanket the region. This air quality alert has been extended through this evening, June 8, until 11:59 p.m. and is potentially forecasted to continue into tomorrow as well.

The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter. Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air made of many different types of particles. Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to particle matter

What can you do to protect yourself?

  • Wear masks outside (Preferably a K95)
  • Limit outdoor exposure (Pets too)
  • Keep windows closed and use air purifiers
  • Consider rescheduling or canceling any outdoor activities
  • Continuously monitor the air quality
    Check the Air Quality in Your Area Here

 

Mike DelGuidice will cover classic hits from Billy Joel on Aug. 28. File photo by Greg Catalano/2019

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker has announced the Suffolk County Summer Concert and Movie Night Series in collaboration with community organizations including North Shore Youth Council, the Longwood Alliance, the Middle Island Civic Association, the Middle Island Fire Department, the Coram Civic Association, the Coram Fire Department, and the Ridge Civic Association.

“The summer community concerts have been instrumental in providing local performances with free-admission concerts across the district,” said Legislator Sarah Anker. “I encourage our residents to attend these concerts that provide a wonderful entertainment venue for all ages. A warm thank you to the community organizations for their partnerships with my office.”

Concert Information:

1. North Shore Youth Council Community Movie Night

Showing: ‘Luca’

Date: Friday, July 7th

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Location: North Shore Heritage Park 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd, Mount Sinai

 

2. Middle Island Concert with Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association and the

Middle Island Fire Department

Featuring: That 70’s Band (Fireworks after show)

Date: Saturday, July 8th

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Old Kmart Parcel Across from Artist Lake, Middle Island

 

3. Middle Island Concert with Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association and the

Middle Island Fire Department

Featuring: 45RPM (Firework rain date)

Date: Sunday, July 9th

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Old Kmart Parcel Across from Artist Lake, Middle Island

 

4. Ridge Civic Association Concert

Featuring: Tradewinds

Date: Saturday, July 15th (rain date July 16th)

Time: 4 p.m.

Location: Longwood Estate, Longwood Rd, Ridge

 

5. North Shore Youth Council Community Movie Night

Showing: ‘Tangled’

Date: Friday,  July 21st

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Location: North Shore Heritage Park 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd, Mount Sinai

 

6. North Shore Youth Council Community Concert

Featuring: BonJourney

Date: Friday, August 4th

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: North Shore Heritage Park 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd, Mount Sinai

 

7. Middle Island Concert with Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association and the Middle Island Fire DepartmentFeaturing: Penny Lane

Date: Saturday, August 19th

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Middle Island Fire Dept. 31 Arnold Dr, Middle Island

 

8. Coram Civic Association and the Coram Fire Department Concert

Featuring: Southbound

Date: Saturday, August 26th (rain date August 28th)

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Middle Island Fire Department, 31 Arnold Dr, Middle Island

 

9. North Shore Youth Council Concert

Featuring: Mike DelGuidice on tour with Billy Joel

Date: Monday, August 28th (rain date August 30th)

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: St. Anthony’s of Padua Church 614 NY-25A, Rocky Point

 

There is no charge for admission to the concerts. For more information about the concerts, please contact the office of Legislator Sarah Anker’s office at (631) 854-1600.

Honorees, board members and Leg. Kara Hahn, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich at the TVHS Awards Dinner Photo by Rob Pellegrino

On May 17 the Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) hosted its 43rd annual Awards Dinner at the Old Field Club to honor  local businesses, residents, homeowners, Society members, and youth who have made outstanding contributions to the Society and the local community in helping to preserving our shared heritage.

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich were both honored guests at the event.

As the highlight of the evening, there was a surprise reveal! Earlier this year, the board and membership at the Society unanimously agreed that the Three Village Historical Society Community Award will now be known as the Three Village Historical Society Fred E. Bryant Community Award. Bryant has supported the mission of the TVHS for decades and without whom they would not have their award-winning exhibit Chicken Hill: A Community Lost To Time.

Congratulations to the following awardees:

— The Founder’s Day Program was honored with the Three Village Historical Society Fred E. Bryant Community Award in appreciation of valuable contributions to the advancement of the quality of life in the Three Villages and the fostering of pride in the rich historical heritage of our homes and lands.

­— Special Collections & University Archives at Stony Brook University Libraries was honored with the Kate Wheeler Strong Memorial Award in recognition of significant contributions toward the fostering of interest in local history and a fuller appreciation of the rich historical and cultural heritage of this community.

— The Stony Brook Yacht Club Mariculture Program received the Robert Cushman Murphy Memorial Award in recognition of significant contributions to the preservation and conservation of our natural environment and to the fostering of a personal identification with the natural heritage of the Three Villages.

— The Three Village Garden Club received a Community Award Certificate for their stewardship of the Three Village Arboretum and Nature Preserve on 4.5 acres on Conscience Bay.

— Ward Melville High School student Owen Murphy was honored with the R. Sherman Mills Young Historian Award in recognition of contributions to the Society by a young person.

— Ann Robitsek received the Maggie Gillie Memorial Award for contributions by a member of the Society in recognition of overall dedicated service, and for significant contributions to furthering the goals of the Society.

— Tim Adams was honored with the Gayle Becher Memorial Award in recognition of volunteers whose work consists of loyal support on a regular basis.

The Three Village area is comprised of communities where history is close to the surface. It encompasses the villages of Old Field, Poquott, the Setaukets, and Stony Brook. At the TVHS, you can learn about the area’s rich and fascinating past in creative and engaging ways.

By Colleen Merlo, LMSW

Colleen Merlo

One need not look very far to know that we are facing a mental health crisis. CDC data shows that youth are reporting high rates of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and a recently published report by the Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic.

For many Long Islanders, these findings are not merely statistics or verbiage. This crisis is affecting their daily lives. It may show up with a child pleased to not attend school, or through a decline in the cognitive health of an aging parent. Many of us are feeling a rawness that we cannot quite put to words, nevertheless we know it is there. For some of us it shows up as irritability and angst; others are walking around feeling exhausted.

Living through a pandemic has changed all of us and the way we think about mental health, and left us less resilient as a society. On the bright side, the pandemic has been a catalyst for increased discussion about mental health. We need to make sure this trend continues. In the past, when people thought about mental health, the topic took a myopic view that focused on illness.  While mental illnesses are common, widespread, and can affect anyone (around half of people in the U.S. will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life), this view left many people overlooking mental health and wellness, and the ways we can foster community mental health. 

Every day we have a chance to focus on emotional wellness and incorporate tools into our lives. We also have an opportunity to better recognize and respond to mental distress. An important first step is to learn common warning signs for mental health conditions or crises and how to respond.  Mental Health First Aid training takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

Understanding the risk factors for a mental health condition can be more difficult when it’s your own mental health. Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to see if you see a pattern that may be caused by a mental health condition. Here are some questions to get you started:

• Have things that used to feel easy started feeling difficult?

• Does the idea of doing simple daily tasks now feel really, really hard?

• Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you used to enjoy?

• Do you feel irritated, possibly to the point of lashing out at people you care about? 

• Have you withdrawn from family, friends, or society?

• Are you increasing your use of drugs or alcohol?

If you are concerned about your mental health, there are several options available. You are not alone — help is out there, and recovery is possible. It may be hard to talk about your concerns, but simply acknowledging to yourself that you’re struggling is a really big step.

Taking a screening at http://mhaw.org/get-involved/online-screening/ can help you to better understand what you are experiencing and get helpful resources. After that, consider talking to someone you trust about your results, and seek out a professional to find the support you need.  

A phone call to the Association for Mental Health and Wellness can help link you to support, services, workshops, and trainings. Call MHAW at 631-471-7242 ext. 2. While you may not need this information today, knowing the basics about mental health will mean you’re prepared if you ever need it.

Colleen Merlo, LMSW, is a  the Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness in Ronkonkoma.

*This article first appeared in TBR News Media’s supplement Focus on Health on May 25, 2023.

Welcome to the 18th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home! 

Meet Donnie

With a name meaning “ruler of the world” (aren’t all Chihuahuas?), this two-year-old fellow is Donnie, currently up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Witty and intelligent, he’s the perfect partner to have by your side for family trivia night, ensuring your team will come out on top. Always ready for an adventure, he’s hoping to be included in all your plans, adding an element of fun to everything you do together. Loving and loyal, he would be a great addition to most any household, so don’t delay…stop by Little Shelter to meet Donnie and let the games begin! 631-368-8770, ext. 21

Meet Levy

The name Levy is associated with unity and loyalty, a fitting description for any canine! This two-year-old Terrier mix recently arrived at Little Shelter in Huntington via the Passage to Freedom Program. While still finding his footing, he is getting braver every day, trusting that his best life is just around the corner. Looking for a family that will be patient with his progress, he knows that he has a lot to offer someone that will give him time to acclimate, provide him with a sense of stability and already has another dog to give him confidence and show him the ropes. Once he opens up, you’ll discover that he is smart, funny, affectionate and the perfect copilot for all your travels and adventures. Stop by to meet this handsome young lad and leave with a best friend! 631-368-8770, ext. 21

Meet Wilbur

This tall drink of water is Wilbur. In the prime of his life, he’s a six-year-old Terrier mix at Little Shelter in Huntington who’s looking for a forever home and a brand new start. Described by the kennel staff as “spunky”, he loves toys and has a playful, outgoing personality. Enthusiastic about treats, he’s perfected the “good sit”, hoping you’ll be generous with a tasty tidbit as well as your praise. Always happy to see you, he often does a little tippy toe dance to convey his excitement…everyone deserves such a greeting upon entering a room! Simply the best, Wilbur is the one that will steal your heart. 631-368-8770, ext. 21

Meet Joey Biscuits

This outgoing and playful man is Joey Biscuits, a 2.5 year old grey tabby up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.  Full of love and energy Joey is extremely outgoing and will go up to just about any person he meets. Joey has an affinity for escape which is what landed him in the shelter and needs a home that will provide him with plenty of enrichment. He is far too friendly and lacks a healthy sense of fear; going outside would end badly for him. He would be a wonderful addition to any family. Come meet him today! 631-360-7575 

Meet Winslet

Winslet is a tabby & white cat who was rescued from Georgia and is now at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton waiting for his furever home. He is very affectionate and vocal to the people he loves. He has been described as a big teddy bear of a cat! If you’re looking for a cat who adores his human company, Winslet may be for you. Come on in today and meet him and some of his kitty friends. 631-727-5731, ext.

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Little Shelter Raffle

Take part in Little Shelter’s 32nd semi-annual Mercedez-Benz Raffle 2023 and help them rescue homeless animals! Tickets are $100 each and only 800 tickets will be sold. The winner will drive away in an A Class Mercedes-Benz or choose $25,000 cash. The drawing will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 3 p.m. Ticket holder need not be present to win. Visit www.littleshelter.org for more information.

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of July 13.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

 

The PRIDE exhibit at the Northport Historical Society runs through June 30. Photo from Northport Historical Society
The PRIDE exhibit at the Northport Historical Society runs through June 30. Photo from Northport Historical Society

In perfect timing with Pride Month, the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport presents PRIDE!, a pop-up exhibit curated and designed by Marketing and Membership Coordinator John N. Daniello.

The Society’s first LGBT+ exhibit, PRIDE! explores the history of the LGBT+ movement in the United States and Northport. The month-long exhibit is generously sponsored by Northport Copy and features local artist Greg Fox and his comic Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast. The Society welcomes members of Northport’s (and the surrounding areas) LGBT+ community — and their allies — to share their personal stories of Pride.

Viewing hours are Thursday to Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. including during Northport’s Pridefest on June 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Northport Village Park. Admission to the exhibit is free. For more information, visit northporthistorical.org