REFLECTIONS OF AUTUMN
Tom Caruso snapped this peaceful scene at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in his hometown of Smithtown on Nov. 13. He writes, ‘I found that the storms of the past week had blown most of the leaves off the trees, but I found this colorful scene on Willow Pond and couldn’t resist it.
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The Stony Brook women’s basketball team continued its red-hot start to the Ashley Langford era, holding off Iona on the road to earn a 53-46 win at the Hynes Athletics Center on Nov. 20.
Leighah-Amori Wool and Earlette Scott led the way, with the two combining for 31 points and six of Stony Brook’s seven triples on the afternoon.
India Pagan finished one point short of a double-double, hauling in a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with nine points.
The Seawolves’ lead was cut to one with 1:56 to go, but they were able to hold Iona off the board the rest of the way, scoring the game’s final six points to make sure the fifth-straight victory was secured.
Head Coach Ashley Langford has now taken the Seawolves to 5-0 in her first five games at the helm. She improves her record as the first head coach in Stony Brook women’s basketball history to begin her career at 5-0, and has the team tying their best start to a season since 2017-18 when the team also began 5-0.
The Seawolves have held their last two opponents to under 50 points scored.
Wool led the way with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including going 3-of-4 from deep including a three-pointer with 14 seconds left to hold off Iona’s comeback. She also pulled down five boards.
Pagan finished just shy of a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds, and moved into 13th-place on the all-time scoring list with 1,148 points scored, passing Janet Travis (1,144). Pagan is also now 12 rebounds away from tying Brittany Snow for ninth-place in career rebounds.
Scott finished second on the team with 15 points on 4-of-10 shooting, going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. She pulled down five rebounds, dished out two assists, and added three blocks.
Senior guard Annie Warren helped facilitate the offense, scoring seven points, put up a team-high three assists, while also grabbing five rebounds in a team-high 37 minutes on the court. Warren is eight made three-pointers away from tying Theresa LoParrino for eighth all-time. Sophomore forward Kelis Corey put in work down low, grabbing eight rebounds in 20 minutes of play.
“We had a good test today. Iona was physical, resilient, and executed their game plan well. I am proud of our team’s defensive effort – it won us the game. I’m also very pleased with our ability to remain poised during the fourth quarter to get a road win,” said head coach Ashley Langford.
“I thought Leighah and E-Scotty made huge offensive plays in the fourth quarter when we needed it. India and Kelis were active on the glass and we needed every extra possession we could get. Annie and Gigi struggled shooting today, but both continued to be solid defensively and Gigi made great decisions during the last two minutes of the game. Again, I am proud that we had a collective effort from everyone and players are stepping up when necessary,” she said.
The team played one more game before the Thanksgiving holiday, taking on Columbia at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24 afternoon in New York City. Results were not available as of press time.
Get in the spirit of the holidays with a screening of The Polar Express in a real train car!
The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host screenings of The Polar Express in the Chamber Train Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Fridays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 6 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 27, Dec. 11 and 18 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. $15 per person includes popcorn, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your tickets, visit www.pjstchamber.com.
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, West Side Story will return to select cinemas nationwide on Sunday, Nov. 28 and Wednesday, Dec. 1, courtesy of Turner Classic Movies, MGM and Fathom Events.
This electrifying musical, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim, sets the ageless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet in the slums of 1950’s New York.
West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage street gangs — the Jets and the Sharks. When a member of the Jets falls in love with the sister of the Sharks’ leader, things look hopeful at first, but rapidly go downhill. Illustrating the events are many memorable song and dance numbers such as “America,” “Somewhere” and “I Feel Pretty.”
Starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, Russ Tamblyn, Richard Beymer and George Chakiris, the film went on to win 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, ans was the highest-grossing movie of the year on its original release in 1961.
This special anniversary event will feature exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Locally, the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook on Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Island 16 Cinema De Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville on Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.
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The screening is the perfect precursor to Steven Spielberg’s much anticipated adaptation of the beloved film which is expected to hit theatres on Dec. 10. Featuring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as leading love-interests Tony and Maria, the star-studded cast not only includes Dance Moms alum Maddie Ziegler and Hamilton’s Ariana DeBose, but also features a special appearance by Rita Moreno who played Anita in the original film.
Honoring those who served
St. Johnland Nursing Center of Kings Park hosted a special Veterans Day ceremony for residents, staff and guests to honor those who served our country on Nov. 11. A patriotic performance of war-time tunes and a speech from a representative from the VFW led up to the presentation of certificates to 23 residents and one staff member to commemorate their service.
Calling all Santa’s and Hanukkah Harry’s or those who just want to help make a difference this holiday season! For over fifteen years, Stacy from Stacy’s Finds/Pattern Finders in Port Jefferson has helped bring magic to underprivileged children in the area, supplying the children with toys and clothing needs.
This year Stacy has teamed up with Melissa who runs Give Kids Hope in Port Jefferson. The agency is part of a group of everyday people that answer the direct clothing needs and toy requests of 1,500 of Long Island’s less fortunate children living in homeless shelters, temporary foster care, child protective services and domestic violence safe houses every year — and the numbers are still growing. This year especially, the expectation is of more children in need unless people being able to help. Last year Stacy’s group answered the needs of fifty of the children.
Stacy has the children’s requested clothing sizes, requirements, and toy requests. You can purchase one item, or fulfill the needs of a child’s entire clothing and toy wish list. Or, adopt a whole family! You may drop off any children’s new clothing and new toys or gift cards for donations at Pattern Finders, 128 East Main Street Port Jefferson, Fridays through Sundays.
In addition, a collection box for new unwrapped toys will be in Harbor Square Mall, Port Jefferson Village, outside of Sea Creations, 134 Main Street in Port Jefferson Village. Feel free to call Stacy at the shop with any questions at 631-928-5158.
By Heidi Sutton
When Hans Christian Andersen penned “The Snow Queen” in 1844 he surely had no idea that his beautiful fairy tale would live on and serve as the inspiration for Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Frozen over 150 years later. The second highest-grossing animated movie of all time, (Frozen II is the highest) it has morphed into a Broadway musical, short films, Disney on Ice and everything in between.
Now the timeless tale heads to the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts Center for 29 performances in the form of Frozen Jr. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and book by Jennifer Lee, the show features all of the beloved songs from the animated film along with a few fun new ones.
The story follows two sisters who are princesses in the kingdom of Arendelle. The eldest, Elsa, was born with magical powers that allow her to create ice and snow. As a young child, Elsa doesn’t know how to control her powers and while building a snowman she accidentally harms her sister Anna. Although Anna is healed by the mysterious Hidden Folk, their parents decide it would be best to protect Anna by keeping the two apart.
Anna, who has no memory of the accident, can’t understand why her sister avoids her. When the parents are lost at sea, Elsa stays in her room, keeping her secret hidden from her sister and the outside world.
Ten years have passed and it is time for Elsa to become Queen, but on coronation day her magic unintentionally brings an eternal winter to the kingdom. Accused of sorcery, she flees into the mountains to hide. Anna enlists the help of Kristoff the icemaker to help her find her sister and free Arendelle from the spell. Will she succeed?
Directed and choreographed by Courtney Braun with musical direction by Melissa Coyle, the production is polished from start to finish. Ranging in age from 8 to 17, the 24-member cast is extremely talented and clearly love what they are doing. Special mention must be made of Leah Kelly and Lorelai Mucciolo for standout performances in the role of Elsa and Anna.
Lorelai’s bubbly personality shines in “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time In Forever” and in her fun duet, “Love is An Open Door,” with Luke Hampson who plays the role of Hans. In contrast, Leah’s character is more reserved, fearful of the powers inside her, and carries herself like royalty. Her vocals are incredible and she literally brings the house down with her powerful number “Let It Go.” Both are perfectly cast.
Elena Grassi and Jillian Cerrato as Young Anna and Young Elsa and Riley Ferraro and Gabby Blum as Middle Anna and Middle Elsa set up the relationship between the two sisters perfectly. Much to the delight of the younger children in the audience, Olaf the Snowman (played by Ryan Romanelli) and Sven the reindeer (played by Derek Hough) make an appearance as well.
Costumes, designed by Chakira Doherty, are stunningly beautiful and her attention to detail is impeccable. Of special note is when Elsa changes costumes mid-song during “Let It Go” and turns into an ice queen with a beautiful blue shimmering dress, drawing gasps from the audience.
A nice addition is the animated projections on a screen depicting different locations in the Kingdom of Arendelle including the inside and outside of the castle, the snowy mountains and Elsa’s ice castle. Large panels on either side of the stage turn with the scenes and the lighting pulls it all together for a magical experience.
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts has gone all out in this production and it shows. The team has succeeded in bringing the the mystical world of Arendelle to life on the stage. If your child loves Frozen, they will love this show. And what’s better than live theater? Costumes are encouraged and booster seats are available. Meet Elsa and Anna in the lobby for a photo and pick up a Frozen souvenir on your way out.
The cast: Leah Kelly, Lorelai Mucciolo, Brody Hampson, Ryan Romanelli, Derek Hough, Luke Hampson, Ari Spiegel, Michael Gualtieri, Ryan Van Nostrand, Gabrielle Arroyo, Justin Walsh Weiner, Zachary Podair, Alia Romanelli, Elena Grassi, Jillian Cerrato, Gabby Blum, Dori Alghrim, Riley Ferraro, Adrienne Porti, Mairead Camas, Savannah Shaw, Sophia Weiner, Jonathan Setzer and Gianna Oppedisano.
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. through Jan. 17 with a special sensory sensitive performance on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. All seats are $25. To order, call 631-724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
All photos by Courtney Braun
The Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center, Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham will host a DIY Paint Party on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join them for a fun evening out with The Crafty Bean Boutique and make q beautiful mini Christmas tree sign set. All supplies needed are included to make this unique sign and can be painted in 25 different color options.
Measurements Include:
Larger Tree – 10″ tall
Small Trees 9.5” tall
Merry Christmas banner 13” wide
$40.00 per participant
*Call 631-744-2601 to register by Monday, Nov. 29.
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents the following events in December:
Wed. 12/1 Young at Heart: It’s the Holidays 1 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio will perform holiday music at the themed monthly series designed for those who
like their jazz in the afternoon.
Tickets: $10
Wed. 12/1. Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: Arrive at 7 PM $10, Arrive at 8 PM $5
Thurs. 12/2 Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite & Holiday Music 7 PM 12/2, 12/3, 12/4
Fri. 12/3 & 2 PM 12/4
Sat. 12/4
The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band performs Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. Allan Harris, a soulful jazz vocalist, recording artist and guitarist joins the Band for holiday music.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children under 5 free
Tues. 12/7 Nikhil Bartolomeo, Antonio Ciacca DMA Recitals 7 PM
The Jazz Loft will host two Doctor Of Music recitals. Nikhil Bartolomeo is a clarinetist and saxophonist. He will perform works of Barber, Blake, Bunch, D’Rivera and Smith.
The Antonio Ciacca Quartet features DMA student Antonio Ciacca on piano, Andy Farber on tenor sax, Jennifer Vincent on bass and Michele Carletti on drums.
Nikhil and Antonio are students in the Stony Brook University Jazz Studies Department.
Tickets are $10 and admission is free for SBU students and staff
Wed. 12/8 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8PM.
Tickets: Arrive at 7 PM $10, Arrive at 8 PM $5
Wed. 12/15. Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: Arrive at 7 PM $10, Arrive at 8 PM $5
Thurs. 12/16 Bad Little Big Band Holiday Show 7 PM
The 12 member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona will perform music of the season. Vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children under 5 free
Friday 12/17 Ray Anderson’s Seasonal Solstice Party 7 PM
Acclaimed trombonist Ray Anderson is known to push the limits of his instrument. His performances are always spirited and fun.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children under 5 free
Sat. 12/18 Interplay Jazz Orchestra’s Family Show 1PM
The 17 member Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs a family friendly afternoon holiday show.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children under 5 free
Sat. 12/18 Tom Manuel’s Eggnog Romp 6 PM
Cornetist and Jazz Loft founder, Tom Manuel leads his ensemble of musicians in performing music of the season.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children under 5 free
Wed. 12/22 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: Arrive at 7 PM $10, Arrive at 8 PM $5
Thurs. 12/23 Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite & Holiday Music. 7 PM
The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band performs Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. Grammy winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis joins the band for holiday music.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children under 5 free
Wed. 12/29 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: Arrive at 7 PM $10, Arrive at 8 PM $5
For tickets, call 751-1895 or visit www,thejazzloft.org.
Please note: The Jazz Loft will be closed in January to line up the great music it will be presenting in 2022.
Have a happy and safe holiday season and listen to a lot of live music!
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa recently visited Newfield High School to recognize seven security guards who were instrumental in apprehending an intruder on school grounds.
On September 23, 2021 at approximately 10:49 A.M., security guards reported that an unknown male entered onto school grounds apparently to confront a student just outside of the school doors. The security guards confronted the man who acted aggressively, in such a way that they believed the man might be armed with a gun. The man fled, and the security guards started to chase the man who escaped over a fence and into the surrounding neighborhood.
Notifications were made to the Suffolk County Police, and four surrounding schools, Newfield High School, Selden Middle School, Jericho Elementary, and North Coleman Elementary School were all placed on lockdown. At 11:10 A.M. the subject was apprehended by Police Officers in the woods just north of 153 North Coleman Road, Centereach. An extensive search by multiple canine units was conducted from the Newfield High School to the apprehension location with negative results for any firearm; however, two knives were located where the subject jumped over a fence. At 12:35pm the lockdown was lifted, and nobody was injured during the incident.
“I am happy to recognize the efforts of these men; Michael Banks, Frank Crocitto, Matt Finelli, Emmanuel Rancy, Anthony Rivera, Russ Scott and John Webber,” stated Caracappa. “Their keen efforts helped ensure the safety of students and staff, and were instrumental in assisting the police with the apprehension of the intruder. My gratitude goes to Newfield High School’s Principal, Scott Graviano and his heroic security guards for their dedication to public safety.”
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