Community

Pictured from left, Jackie Frank, RN; Dr. Salim Matar M.D., F.A.C.S., Cari Cioffi, Carly Montalto, PJCC Past President Mary Joy Pipe; PJCC Third Vice President Douglas Quattrock and PJCC Past President Dr. Suzanne Velazquez. Photo from PJCC

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) held a ribbon cutting welcoming new chamber member Long Island Sinus Institute on March 30. 

Located at 640 Belle Terre Rd. Bldg. C, Port Jefferson, the staff of ENT specialists offers complete, personal care plans to treat symptoms due to a variety of ear, nose and throat-related conditions including balloon sinuplasty (balloon sinus dilation) for recurrent sinus infections along with nasal allergies, nasal obstruction, nasal polyps, nosebleeds, recurrent sore throats, diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction and snoring.

“The  Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dr. Nahum Archin and Dr. Salim Matar and staff to the chamber! Their specialized medical expertise with the latest techniques in balloon sinuplasty surgery will provide needed services to our community. The Chamber wishes them well and much success,” said Barbara Ransome, Director of Operations at the PJCC. For more information, call 631-928-7750 or visit www.longislandsinusinstitute.com.

‘Oh the thinks you can think … when you think about Seuss!’

By Heidi Sutton

Families with young children packed into the Engeman Theater last Saturday morning to witness a most beautiful tribute to the imaginative world of Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss in Seussical the Musical. The children book author’s favorite characters come to life in this colorful and magical show, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and JoJo, a little boy with a big imagination.

Written in 2000 by Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the musical is now one of the most performed shows in the United States and it’s easy to see why. A trip down memory lane for many generations, it is based primarily on the Dr. Seuss children books, “Horton Hears a Who,” “Horton Hatches an Egg” and “Gertrude McFuzz,” but also incorporates references to other Dr. Seuss stories including “McElligot’s Pool” and “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!”

Directed by Andrew McCluskey with choreography by Jillian Sharpe, the colorful cast of characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. The Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes) guides us through the magical journey with the help of Jojo the Mayor’s son (Finn Brown at last Saturday’s performance), who occasionally jumps into the scene when warranted.

The show opens as Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) hears a cry for help and discovers a floating speck of dust containing the town of Whoville. After safely placing it on a clover flower, Horton is tricked into sitting on lazy Mayzie La Bird’s (Jillian Sharpe) egg for 51 weeks, is captured by hunters and eventually sold to the circus. When he is finally rescued by Gertrude McFuzz (Michaela Vivona), he is put on trial by Sour Kangaroo (Suzanne Mason) for “sitting on an egg and talking to a speck.” Will the faithful pachyderm be exonerated or will he be sentenced to a mental institution by Judge Yertle the Turtle?

The fast-paced show keeps the young audience wide-eyed and on the edge of their seats. One of the most exciting scenes is when the Wickersham Brothers (Justin Autz and Terrence Sheldon) steal the clover and are chased through the theater by Horton. The dance numbers are terrific with special props and audience participation is encouraged as Horton and Mayzie’s egg are auctioned off to the highest bidder. 

The incredible songs are the heart of the show, from the fun intro “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” to the sweet “Horton Hears a Who” (where a person’s a person no matter how small), the enduring “Notice Me Horton,” and a personal favorite, “It’s Possible.” Horton and Jojo’s duet, “Alone in the Universe,” will give you goosebumps and the group’s upbeat finale is a fitting rendition of “Green Eggs and Ham.” 

Costumes and wigs by Laura McGauley along with the cartoonish set mimic the original Seuss illustrations perfectly.

In the end, the show leaves us with the inspiring message that anything is possible when you let your imagination fly. Don’t miss this one.

Pick up a clover-shaped flashlight souvenir before the show and stay after for a meet and greet with the cast in the lobby for photos and autographs. An autograph page is conveniently located at the back of the program.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through April 30 with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 15. Up next is The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley from May 27 to July 2. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

The Gamecock Cottage exterior will soon undergo renovations. File photo

A popular landmark in the Three Village area is about to get a facelift.

Local architect John Cunniffe updated attendees at the Three Village Civic Association April 3 meeting on the renovations that are set to begin at the end of May or early June on the historic Gamecock Cottage at Shipman’s Point at the tip of the West Meadow Beach peninsula.

Renovations

Cunniffe estimated the work on the cottage would take two to three months. Once the cottage restoration is completed, the Three Village Community Trust will take over as steward. TVCT officially entered a stewardship agreement with the Town of Brookhaven in 2010.

Work on the cottage will be supervised by the town. Cunniffe said a maintenance program would be developed for Brookhaven and the trust. The architect said the allotted budget for the work is $175,000.

“From 1990 to today, there was very little maintenance and upkeep on the building, and we’re at a 30-year lifespan on material, paint, with dilapidation. I think we’ve all seen what has happened to the Gamecock Cottage, and it seems to be getting progressively worse, exponentially by the month.”

William J. Solan Contracting, of Stony Brook, with Walter Dwan will be responsible for all decorative work. Solan and Dwan worked on the 1990 renovation, according to Cunniffe. Statewide Roofing, of Ronkonkoma, will be in charge of roofing, while the town’s Parks & Recreation Department will work on siding, painting and additional work.

Cunniffe added material will be pre-primed or pre-painted, so there will be no staging or scaffolding at the site. Custom-milled material will provide the full length needed so the roof and seams allow no water penetration.

Currently, the budget covers exterior renovations. While many have voiced concerns about beach erosion in the area and possibly elevating the cottage, Cunniffe said after talking to town historian, Barbara Russell, he feels it may be best to keep it at its current level for now.

Robert Reuter, a local architect, added that the building for decades flooded and dried. “It was designed essentially to do that,” he said, adding the salt water may have helped preserve it.

Cunniffe said the current staircase on the building doesn’t belong there architecturally, but it was added for utilitarian needs. As for an ADA-compliant ramp, that would be something for a future conversation, the architect said.

Herb Mones, community trust president, added once the trust takes over as steward, part of an agreement with the town is to aim to have a seasonal caretaker living in the second-floor apartment.

History

Cunniffe said Ward Melville bought the Gamecock Cottage in the 1940s and sold it to the town. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization took stewardship over the lease in the mid-1980s and in 1990 the cottage was renovated. Cunniffe said the roof was replaced, the cupola, gingerbread trim and windows were rebuilt, and 45% of siding was removed and replaced.

For decades, Gamecock Cottage was a boat storage facility, honeymoon getaway and rental unit, according to the TVCT website. WMHO relinquished the lease after 2004, and soon afterward the trust offered to assume stewardship. While the nonprofit was in discussion with the town, Brookhaven applied for and received the State and National Registers of Historic Places designation for the 1870s Gamecock. Cunniffe said Russell was instrumental in securing the designation for the town.

TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN OF SOUL CeCe Teneal celebrates the music and enduring legacy of Aretha Franklin at the John W. Engeman Theater on April 11.
Thursday April 6

Atelier lecture

The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James will present an online lecture at 7 p.m. with artist Kirk Larsen who will tell you why you’ve “gotta” see his upcoming exhibition, “WOW!” You’ve Gotta See This”, which opens April 13. To register, go to https://theatelieratflowerfield.org/lectures or call 631-250-9009.

An Evening of Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by The Jazz Loft Big Band, a 26-piece Jazz Orchestra directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel, titled Stan Kenton’s Cuban Fire Suite tonight, April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. For more info call 631-751-1895. 

Friday April 7

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.

Saturday April 8

Birding by the Beach

Town of Brookhaven presents a free environmental program, Birding by the Beach, at West Meadow Beach, Trustees Road, Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and again at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai at 2 p.m. Long Island is a popular stop over and nesting area for many avian species. Join the group in observing and identifying the birds that spend time on our coast. Please wear closed comfortable shoes, bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Second Saturdays Poetry Reading 

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays Poetry Reading series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Greg Alexander. An open-reading will follow;  all are welcome to read one of their own poems.  For more information, call 631-655-7798.  Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Sunday April 9

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 30. Featuring over 20 vendors. Call 473-4778.

Port Jefferson Easter Parade

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts the Port Jefferson Easter Parade in the Village of Port Jefferson at noon. Enjoy an old-fashioned “Easter Bonnet” walking parade from Theatre Three to the Port Jefferson Village Center (all are welcome to wear their Easter best and march) followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on Harborfront Park’s Great Lawn at 12:15 p.m. for children ages 2 to 8. Call 631-473-1414 for more info.

Monday April 10

Civic Association Meeting

The Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Ave., Sound Beach will host a meeting by the Sound Beach Civic Association at 7:30 p.m.  On the agenda is narcan training. Registration is required for anyone who wants a certificate of completion and an emergency resuscitation kit that includes nasal naloxone. Open to all. For more information call 631-744-6952.

Tuesday April 11

TV Garden Club Meeting

The Three Village Garden Club invites the community to attend its general membership meeting at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket at 11 a.m. Guest speaker Kimberly Simmen of KMS Native Plants in Lake Grove will present a program titled “Insect Friends and Foes.” For further information, call 631-751-2743.

Stirring Up History 

The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket presents Stirring Up History: The Timeline of Food with resident historic cook and educator Diane Schwindt from the Ketcham Inn museum at 7 p.m. From caveman to fast food and a lot in between…. explore moments in time that changed the course of food history. A display of authentic historic hearth ware will be discussed, concluding with food samples. A fun-filled evening of surprising facts that will leave you hungry for more! Tickets are $15 per person at www.frankmelvilllpark.org. 

An evening of Swing Dance

Swing Dance Long Island, a non-profit social dance club, holds weekly dances every Tuesday evening at the  Huntington 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.

Portrait of Aretha

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a concert titled Portrait of Aretha at 8 p.m. CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Award-winning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady,” and “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do).” Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday April 12

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

Join The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a Jam Session featuring The Jazz Loft Trio lead by Keenan Zach from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at 7 p.m., $5 after 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Thursday April 13

Atelier art reception

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield,  Suite #9, St. James hosts an opening reception for its’ latest exhibit, WOW! You’ve Got to See This!  by Kirk Larsen in Atelier Hall at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 25. For more info, call 631-250-9009.

Vanderbilt Planetarium lecture

At 7 p.m. the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will host Dr. David Munns, professor of history at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, for an evening lecture on the diverse technical systems needed to support life in space. Munns’s lecture will draw heavily from his 2021 book Far Beyond the Moon: A History of Life Support Systems in the Space Age. Tickets are $10, free for members, at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Theater
DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?
The Long Island premiere of Pride@Prejudice opens at Theatre Three this Friday night at 8 p.m. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three

‘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. Modern voices interject and build on this classic love story in the form of blog posts, chat room discussions, quotes from film adaptations, and even letters from Ms. Austen herself to create a delightfully postmodern view of 19th century England. 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 631-928-9100 or visit 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 631-261-2900 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 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $15. For tickets, call 631-451-4163. 

‘(Mostly) True Things’

The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St, Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Stories With A Twist “A Rough Start,” a game wrapped in a storytelling show that features true stories, with a twist, on April 15 at 7 p.m. This show features 4 true stories but 3 of them include subtle little lies. In the second act, the audience questions the storytellers, then votes for the person they think told it straight. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the evening. It is a combination of comedy, heart and community that is truly a unique experience. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, performers will include Nina Lesiga and David Lawson. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only). Visit www.mostlytruethings.com. 

Film

‘Legacy’

Four Harbors Audubon Society presents a viewing of the documentary Legacy at the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road Smithtown on April 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Narrated by Sting, photographer and director Yann Arthus-Bertrand looks back on his life and fifty years of commitment to his photographic art and the planet’s plight. Free and open to all but reservations required by calling 631-766-3075 or 631-360-2480 ext. 232.

‘Lift’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues on April 10 at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Lift which shines a spotlight on the invisible story of homelessness in America through the eyes of a group of young homeless and home-insecure ballet dancers in New York City. The story centers around ballet dancer and mentor Steven Melendez, who was a seven-year-old boy living in a Bronx homeless shelter who had his life turned around when he was the recipient of the New York Theater Ballet (NYTB) Project LIFT’s generosity. Guest speakers will be Director David Petersen and Steven Melendez. Tickets are $10 at the door or at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

New York Cat Film Festival

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the 5th annual NY Cat Film Festival on April 10 at 7 p.m. This collection of short films from around the world educates, entertains, and help us explore the mystique of the fascinating felines who share our lives  with submissions from Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Iran, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Poland, Spain, Taiwan and the UK. A portion of ticket sales benefit the Golden Paw Society, Inc. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Young Frankenstein’

The Cinema Arts Centre will screen  the comic gem Young Frankenstein on April 12 at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Glenn Andreiev. Part homage and part parody of Universal Pictures 1930s monster movies, Mel Brooks gives the old horror classic a riotous comic twist! Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick (Gene Wilder) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestor as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Rated PG. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

#51 Matt Anderson during Saturday's game. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook graduate midfielder Matt Anderson was in top form during the men’s lacrosse game against the Towson on April 1. With 44 seconds to play in the game and the score tied at 12-12, Anderson took a pass from senior attackman Blake Behlen and fired it into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the day, which proved to be the game-winner over the Tigers.

After Anderson’s heroic score, the Seawolves put together a stop of the defensive end of the field to seal the 13-12 victory and extend their winning streak to four games in a row. Stony Brook moves to a perfect 3-0 in CAA play and the four-game winning streak is its longest since winning four in a row last season (Apr. 5-23, 2022).

The Seawolves and Tigers traded blows all game long. Stony Brook erased an early 3-0 deficit, and the teams took a 4-4 tie into the halftime break. Senior attackman Dylan Pallonetti extended the nation’s longest goal scoring streak to 38 consecutive games with his goal at the 4:03 mark in the second quarter. The senior went on to tally four points, three goals and one assist as he notched his seventh hat trick of the season.

Anderson fueled the Seawolves offense in the second half as three of his four goals in the game came in the fourth quarter alone. Anderson tied the game up at 9-9 with 14:11 to play in the contest. He then gave the Seawolves a 12-11 advantage with his goal at the 4:43 mark. The graduate then went on to seal the win with his fourth tally of the game on the Seawolves’ final offensive possession with 44 seconds to play in the game.

On the defensive side of the field, sophomore goalie Jamison MacLachlan put forth a standout performance with 17 saves. He stood on his head time and time again for the Seawolves, which allowed Stony Brook to remain in striking distance all afternoon long.

Junior defensive midfielder Ben Morschauser caused three turnovers and picked up three ground balls. Two of his three caused turnovers came in the fourth quarter and his final one led to the Seawolves’ last possession where Anderson scored the game-winning goal.   

“I am proud of the effort from the guys. I have been part of this league for a long time and all CAA games are like this. We knew that there would be ups and downs and I am proud of how we fought to the finish. We talked about winning that last six minutes of the fourth quarter and we did, we scored three goals in the last 5:55. I am really proud of the guys for battling and never backing down,” said head coach Anthony Gilardi.

The team is back in action on Saturday, April 8, when it travels to Philadelphia, Pa. to take on Drexel, at 2 p.m. The meeting will mark the first time in program history that the Seawolves and Dragons wills go head-to-head in the sport of men’s lacrosse.

Corinne Badger

Senior catcher Corinne Badger was the hero on April 2 as she launched a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift the Seawolves to a 3-2 win over UNCW in the series finale. The victory marked Stony Brook’s first-ever CAA home win and first walk-off win this season.

Junior outfielder Alicia Orosco led off the top of the seventh inning by reaching on an error. Senior outfielder Shauna Nuss moved Orosco over with a sacrifice bunt to put her in scoring position. Badger stepped to the plate with the chance to tie or win the game — and she did just that.

Badger crushed Kara Hammock’s 1-0 offering over the right center field fence for a two-run walk-off home run. The homer was Badger’s eighth of the season. She leads the team in home runs and ranks second in the CAA.

Stony Brook received a pair of standout pitching performances in the circle. Junior Mia Haynes got the start and went the first 5.0 innings. Haynes surrendered seven hits and allowed one run (earned) and struck out three. Melaas earned the win in relief as she went 2.0 innings and gave up one run (earned) and struck out two.

“It was a terrific ball game, and I am so proud of the way we fought and played. Any time that we win it’s big and any time we win a CAA game it’s big. To be able to continuously get better within this series from game one, to game two, to game three it really shows growth from our team,” said head coach Megan T. Bryant.

 

UNDER THE SEA ART Create an ocean-inspired origami scene at the Whaling Museum on April 13.

PROGRAMS

Superheroes of the Sky

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky on April 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take part in a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about bald eagles, turkey vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children at www.sweetbriarnc.org. Call 631-979-6344 for more info.

Fossil Finds

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a family program, Fossil Finds, on April 8 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Take a journey through time and explore what kinds of plants and animals lived on Earth in the past. Learn about Earth’s natural history as you observe real fossils and simulate how they form. Explore how fossils are found, and how you can discover clues about the past by comparing them to life today. $4 per person. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. Questions? call 631-269-4333.

Egg Drop Workshop

Hop on over to the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Easter Sunday, April 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m.  for an “egg-cellent” adventure in engineering with Stony Brook University’s Biomedical Engineering Society! Kids will have a blast putting their engineering skills to the test as they design and build a structure to protect their eggs from a 10ft drop. The workshop is free with $5 paid admission to the Long Island Explorium but pre-registration is required by visiting www.longislandexplorium.org/events. Questions? Call 631-331-3277.

Books in the Barn

Smithtown Historical Society’s new Books in the Barn program for ages 3 to 5 with parent/caregiver continues on April 10, 17 and 24  from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Meet at the newly refurbished Franklin O. Arthur Farm, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown to listen to stories about farms, barns and animals. Then visit with the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies and barn cats that call the farm home. Free. Open to all. To register, visit www.smithlib.org/children. For more information, call 631-360-2480, ext. 140.

Spring Break at the Hatchery

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts several programs during spring break including Hatchery Tours (11 am.), Fish Feeding Demonstrations (at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.) and Live Animal Encounters (2 p.m.) on April 10; Natural Art on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Bird Buffet on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Nature Detective on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. For more info, call 516-692-6768.

Teen Creators Comic Club

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook hosts an 8-week after school Teen Creators Comic Club workshop for teens in middle and high school on Wednesdays April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Students will learn about the art of creating comics by exploring overall concept, character development, setting, and storyline. Drawing skills will be developed, or started from scratch, as students work on backgrounds, faces and figures in motion and leave with their own comic creation. $90 per student. Register at www.longislandmuseum.org. For more information, call 631-751-0066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Ocean Origami

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents an Ocean Origami drop-workshop for ages 7 and up on April 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Did you know that in April of 1845, the Long Island whaleship Manhattan became the first American ship to enter Japan’s waters in over 200 years? Celebrate this anniversary and America’s enduring appreciation of Japanese artistry by creating an ocean-inspired origami scene. ​Admission fee + $10 participant; museum members $5. Call 631-367-3418 or visit www.cshfishhatchery.org.

FILM

‘The Prince of Egypt’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Prince of Egypt on April 9 at noon. The epic adventure tells the tale of two brothers — one born of royal blood, one an orphan with a secret past. As one becomes the ruler of a powerful empire and the other the chosen leader of his people, their final confrontation will forever change the world. Adapted from the story of Exodus. Rated G. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Finding Nemo Jr.

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. on April 6, 7 and 8. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through April 30 with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 15. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off spring with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 with a sensory sensitive performance on April 16 at 11 a.m. Join Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Mrs. Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the McGregors in this delightful adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter, a Theatre Three tradition for spring break. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

A scene from 'Finding Nemo' Jr. at SPAC. Photo by Jackie St. Louis

Just in time for spring break, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. through Saturday, April 8.

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

Final performances are on April 6 and 7 at 1 p.m. and April 8 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Photo from PSEG

April is National Safe Digging Month and PSEG Long Island reminds customers, contractors and excavators that the law requires them to call 811 before digging to ensure underground pipelines, conduits, wires and cables are properly marked out.

Every digging project, even a small project like planting a tree or building a deck, requires a call to 811. It’s the law. The call is free and the mark-out service is free. The call must be made whether the job is being performed by a professional or a do-it-yourselfer. Striking an underground electrical line can cause serious injury and outages, and result in repair costs and fines.

“It’s spring once again, and people on Long Island are starting outdoor improvements to their homes and businesses. Calling 811 ahead of time helps protect underground utility lines and, more importantly, the safety of anyone digging,” said Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Transmission and Distribution Operations. “Customers are getting the message. Last year there were more than 215,000 mark-out requests in our service area, and so far this year, there have been more than 44,000 requests to 811.”

According to Common Ground Alliance, a member-driven association of nearly 1,800 individuals and 250 member companies in every facet of the underground utility industry, 40% of active diggers in North America do not call 811 because they think their project is too shallow to require it. All digging projects require a call to 811.

A free call to 811 in the service area automatically connects the caller to the local New York one-call center, which collects information about digging projects. The one-call center then provides the information to the utility companies, which send representatives to mark the locations of nearby underground lines with flags, paint or both. Once lines have been properly marked and confirmation from all of the utility owners is received, projects may proceed as long as caution is used around the marked areas.

Here’s important information to consider:

  • Underground gas and electric lines are everywhere, even on private properties. These facilities can be easily damaged if dug into, with the potential to cause serious injuries. Digging into these lines can also disrupt vital utility services, resulting in costly delays, expensive repairs and environmental or property damage.
  • Whether the job is a major home improvement project or something as simple as a fence or mailbox post, a call to 811 must be placed beforehand to determine where it’s safe to dig.
  • Call 811 at least two business days before the commencement of each job to have underground pipes, wires and equipment located. Each facility owner must respond by providing the excavator with a positive confirmation indicating that marks are in place where utility lines are buried or that there are no existing facilities in the area of the proposed work. This service is free of charge.
  • Be sure to wait until all of the utilities have responded. Don’t dig until lines have been marked or you have received confirmation that the area is clear of facilities.
  • Property owners must maintain and respect the marks. Always hand dig within 2 feet of marked lines to find the existing facilities before using mechanized equipment.
  • If gas lines are damaged or there is a gas smell when excavating, call 911 immediately from a safe area.

Calling before you dig is more than a good idea − it’s the law. Additional information, including a booklet on safe excavating practices and the protection of underground facilities, can be found on the PSEG Long Island website.