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A CLASS ACT World-renowned pianist Vassily Primakov joins North Shore Pro Musica for a chamber music concert at the Long Island Museum on Nov. 21. Photo from LIM

All phone numbers are in area code 631 unless otherwise noted.

Friday Nov. 19

An evening of classical music

The Sound Symphony Orchestra opens their 2021-2022 season with a classical music concert at Comsewogue High School, 565 N. Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station The Sound Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. Directed by Dorothy Savitch, selections include Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture and Dvorak’s powerful Symphony No. 7. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students at the door. Children under 12, Veterans, and Active Military are admitted FREE with identification. Masks are required at all times while in the building. For more information, visit www.soundsymphony.org.

Drumming Legends

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents Drumming Legends, a concert featuring drummers Ronnie Zito, Jackie Wilson, Darrell Smith and Chris Smith along with Houston Person on tenor saxophone, Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more information, call 751-1895.

Full Moon Hike

Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a Full Moon Hike along the beach from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Test out your night vision and discover some fun facts about the moon! $4 per person. Reservations required by visiting Eventbrite.com and searching for #NatureEdventures. For more information, call 581-1072.

Saturday Nov. 20

Garage Sale fundraiser

Celebrate St. James will hold a garage sale fundraiser today, Nov. 14, 20 and 21 at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Lots of treasures including books, lamps, sporting goods, lightly used clothing, collectibles, fishing equipment and more. For more information, call 984-0201.

Scandinavian Bazaar

Loyal Lodge #252 Sons of Norway hosts its annual Scandinavian Bazaar at St. James Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 230 Second Ave., St. James (new location) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring Norwegian cheeses; chocolates; baked goods including Julekake, Sostekake, Krumkake and almond cake; t-shirts, jewelry, nisse, decals, coffee Mugs, and decorative items. Enjoy a delicious Scandinavian lunch including Lapskaus, yellow pea soup, Smorbrod, Norwegian waffles, raffle baskets and view a 24-foot Viking ship.  Questions? Call 862-8017.

Brick Studio

Brick Studio Open House

The Brick Studio and Gallery, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 57 & 60, St. James  will hold an open house today and Nov, 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The community is invited to browse the Gallery and find hand-made pottery created by their members. Enjoy chamber music, raffles and light refreshments. For more information, call 833-THE-BRICK or visit www.thebrickstudio.org.

Fall Craft & Gift Fair

Hauppauge High School, 500 Lincoln Blvd., Hauppauge will host its annual Fall Craft & Gift Fair today and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to benefit the Hauppauge High School PTSA. The indoor event will feature over 75 exhibitors with arts, crafts and gift items. See hand made textiles, jewelry, painted wood signs, painted flower pots, florals, soft sculpture, totes, pillows, birdhouses, chocolates, soy candles, organic soaps, bath & body butters and much more. Refreshments served by the Hauppauge HS Robotics Club. For more information, call 846-1459.

Fine Art & Craft Fair

Walt Whitman High School, 301 West Hills Road, Huntington Station hosts its 20th annual Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 100 fine art and craft vendors —  the perfect place to find one of a kind items for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Call 549-8582.

Caleb Smith Hike

Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for a Trail Less Traveled Walk from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy some refreshing autumn air as you hike to the northeastern edge of the park with its beautiful woodland scenery. This is a moderate level hike with some hills. Bring water and good walking shoes/boots. $4 per person. To register, call 265-1054.

Brookhaven Polar Plunge

The Town of BrookhaVen and Special Olympics New York will hold the 12th annual “Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason” at Cedar Beach, 200 Harbor Road, Mount Sinai with small groups at 11:30 a.m. and larger groups at 12:30 p.m. Register at www.polarplungeny.org\brookhaven. 

BALLETX heads to SBU

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents BalletX on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Co-founded in 2005 by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox and choreographer Matthew Neenan,Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet dance company challenges the boundaries of classical ballet by encouraging formal experimentation while preserving rigorous technique. Tickets range from $42 to $58. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Sunday Nov. 21

Garage Sale fundraiser

See Nov. 20 listing.

Brick Studio Open House

See Nov. 20 listing. 

Fall Craft & Gift Fair 

See Nov. 20 listing. 

Northport Walking Tour

A Society favorite has returned! Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a lively, informative, and socially-distanced walking tour of Northport’s historic Main Street business district from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Using storytelling and historic photos from our collection, your guide will make the past come alive! Masks are required. Tickets are $7 per person. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org.

Pianist Alexander Wu in concert

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport welcomes pianist Alexander Wu in concert at 2 p.m. Enjoy American folk songs and spirituals, early popular jazz, Hollywood film scores and Latin American classics from Mr. Wu’s debut solo CD, Rhythm Road Across the Americas. To register, call 261-6930.

An afternoon of chamber music

North Shore Pro Musica will present a live chamber music program featuring world renowned pianist Vassily Primakov at the Long Island Museum 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook. The performance will take place in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room at 5 p.m. with a $20 suggested donation. All attendees are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of such, to attend this live program. For more information, call 761-0066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Monday Nov. 22

Virtual Movie Trivia Night 

Do you know a lot about movies? Well here’s your chance to prove it! Join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for a virtual Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Hosted by Dan French, the winning team will get up to four CAC Gift Cards (1 per team member) and bragging rights. Tickets are $10 per team, $7 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org to register. Questions? Email [email protected].

Tuesday Nov. 23

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday Nov. 24

An Evening of Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by the Jazz Loft Trio from 7 to 8 p.m. followed by a jam session. Arrive at 7 p.m. $10, arrive at 8 p.m. $5. To purchase tickets, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more information, call 751-1895.

Thursday Nov. 25

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Community Dinner

Word of Truth Church, 208 Jamaica Ave., Medford will host a free Thanksgiving Community Dinner event at 1 p.m. Please call Pastor Bruce to reserve your spot at 730-2976.

Film

‘Here Today’

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a free screening of “Here Today” starring Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Advance registration required by calling 928-1212, option #3 or by visiting www.cplib.org.

Theater

‘All Together Now!’

Star Playhouse, Stage 74, at the Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents Music Theatre International’s “All Together Now!,” a global event celebrating local theatre, on Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. The venue will be joining thousands of theatrical organizations around the globe for this one-night only performance. The event will highlight songs from beloved Broadway musicals, and will feature appearances by Broadway stars in addition to local talent. Tickets are $55 in advance, $60 at the door. To order, visit www.starplayhouse.com or call 462-9800 x-136.

‘White Christmas’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its MainStage season  with White Christmas from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2, 2022. Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming adaptation follows vaudeville stars and veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they head to Vermont to pursue romance with a duo of beautiful singing sisters. This family classic features beloved songs by Irving Berlin including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is The Ocean” and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. Tickets range from $75 to $80 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B17.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for the 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol from Nov. 13 to Dec. 26. Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition and broadwayworld.com winner for Best Play. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. A complimentary sensory sensitive abridged performance will be held on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. $20 tickets in November; December tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. See review on page B11.

Vendors wanted

» Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its Holiday Market Fairs on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. $75 for one market, $125 for two, $150 for three and $200 for four. To reserve a booth, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676.

» Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown seeks exhibitors for its Holiday Party for Wildlife and Craft Market on Dec. 4 from 3 to 9 p.m. Looking for craft and food vendors. Spaces are $60 each. Call 631-979-6344 or email [email protected].

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Rocky Point resident Michael McClure

By Rich Acritelli

[email protected]

On Veterans Day, there are always unique stories that originate from North Shore citizens who fulfilled their military duty to defend this nation. 

Rocky Point resident Michael McClure, a member of the U.S. Army for two decades, had some extremely memorable experiences in the service. 

Rocky Point resident Michael McClure

This mild-mannered resident, who retired from the Army in 1995, was a native of North Massapequa and attended Farmingdale High School. As a young man, he was a three-sport athlete, who enjoyed cross country, track and wrestling. McClure was a talented runner, who was in superb physical shape, and ran many races through the polo fields, hills and trails at Bethpage State Park.  

After graduating from high school in 1971, McClure attended college for one year and eventually traveled to Washington state. West of Seattle, he worked as a logger at Port Angeles, located on a beautiful peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. This Nassau County boy was about 3,000 miles away from Long Island, where he learned how to drop trees, load them onto trucks and cut these massive pieces of wood into sections.  

Army enlistment

Four years after leaving Farmingdale, McClure enlisted in the Army in April of 1975. He was trained by Vietnam, Korea, World War II and Cold War veterans with combat experience in Southeast Asia. At this point in the mid-1970s, the military was in poor shape after the Americans had pulled out of Vietnam with a diminished amount of funding toward the U.S. Armed Forces. But McClure was a young man who was always in good condition, and he was motivated to do well in the Army.

After he completed his initial training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was a combat engineer who was transferred to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he learned how to move, store and detonate smaller nuclear weapons. Through the Medium Atomic Demolition Munition, also known as MADM, and the Special Atomic Demolition Munition, known as SADM, McClure learned how to use these weapons as obstacles and to slow down any potential Soviet military advances toward American territory and troops. 

An even-keeled individual, McClure easily describes his time as a combat engineer who received enhanced training to handle sensitive weapons and national security knowledge.

By 1986, with over a decade of service and experience under his belt, McClure entered the special operations forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At the height of the Cold War under the aggressive direction and funding of President Ronald Reagan (R) to defeat the Soviet Union, McClure was a sergeant first class and a “Green Beret.” Always in sound physical shape, McClure flourished within the advanced techniques and operations of this highly respected fighting force. He served with the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, where the Green Berets prepared to oppose the Soviet menace. 

For nearly 15 years, McClure was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, with the engineers and later the Special Forces. For many years, McClure spoke fluent German and he enjoyed his time living abroad in this allied country. He was a well-rounded noncommissioned officer who was instructed how to decipher and use intelligence for potential operations with the Green Berets. 

Gulf War 

During the Gulf War in 1991, McClure was not deployed immediately to the Middle East, rather his Green Beret unit was ordered to undertake serious training at Fort Bragg which his leadership refused to cancel. While this was a quick ground war that took only three days to defeat the Iraqi army in Kuwait, McClure was soon deployed to the region. Although Saddam Hussein was seriously crippled by the onslaught of American and coalition forces, the Iraqis held enough weapons to oppose the Shiites in southern Iraq and the Kurdish opposition groups in the northern mountainous areas. 

Operating 10,000 feet above sea level, through Operation Provide Comfort, McClure was sent to help the Kurdish minority group survive the assaults being waged against them by Hussein. From the ground, McClure witnessed the northern no-fly zone that was established to prevent Iraqi aggressive aircraft from attacking the almost powerless Kurds.

McClure understood the Kurds suffered greatly at the hands of the Iraqi dictator, as they were attacked with biological and chemical weapons. The Kurds fought during the Gulf War and desperately wanted their homeland removed from the abusive power of Hussein. McClure saw the abandoned Kurdish towns which had been gassed and the poor regions of this part of Iraq, where people still traveled on dirt roads and goat trails. 

Yugoslavian conflict

After his time in Iraq, McClure was then stationed in eastern Italy, not too far from the civil war that raged between the Serbians, Bosnians and Croatians in the former Yugoslavia. This once-communist nation was torn apart by the fighting and the brutal ethnic cleansing that dictated in the mid-1990s an American military presence to aid the weaker Bosnian forces.  

With aerial missions being flown over the rugged Balkan Mountains, McClure and his Green Beret detachment were ordered to provide support for air rescues for pilots who were shot down or forced to parachute during this war. The 2001 film, “Behind Enemy Lines,” is a military combat film starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman that depicts parts of the terrible Yugoslavian conflict. McClure liked this film that had a good amount of action, but he doubted its historical accuracy.

Back in the USA 

After spending many years out of the United States, often on dangerous missions that ranged from handling nuclear weapons to working with the Kurdish rebels, McClure retired as a master sergeant from the Army in 1995.

Back in Rocky Point, McClure in civilian life for many years was a tractor-trailer driver. Currently, he delivers home heating oil for Swezey Fuel in Patchogue. Still an active man, he stays in good shape by competing in the annual Lt. Michael P. Murphy memorial run around Lake Ronkonkoma and Blydenburgh Park. McClure is an avid reader of military history, exercises almost every day and enjoys the chance to visit his family members in Colorado. 

May we never forget and always show appreciation toward veterans such as Michael McClure, who handled hazardous tasks and selflessly defended this proud nation.  

Author Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College.

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Ensemble of Elf The Musical. Photo by Russ Rowland
Timothy Fraser as Buddy the Elf and Robert Anthony Jones as Santa. Photo by Russ Rowland
Timothy Fraser as Buddy the Elf and Robert Anthony Jones as Santa. Photo by Russ Rowland (2)
Timothy Fraser as Buddy the Elf . Photo by Russ Rowland
Timothy Fraser as Buddy the Elf with ensemble. Photo by Russ Rowland

Long Island’s largest year-round, professional theatrical venue, The Argyle Theatre (Mark and Dylan Perlman, Managing Partners; Evan Pappas, Artistic Director), presents the iconic holiday favorite ELF The Musical with book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and based on the New Line Cinema Film written by David Berenbaum. Performances begin Thursday, November 11th for a limited engagement through Sunday afternoon, January 2nd at The Argyle Theatre (34 West Main Street, Babylon). ELF The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Directed by Evan Pappas, with choreography by Valerie Wright and music direction by Emma Weiss,the cast will feature Timothy Fraser as Buddy, Carolina Miranda as Jovia, Mark Epperson as Walter, Michelle Mallardi as Emily, Tamara Daly as Deb, Robert Anthony Jones as Santa/Mr. Greenway, Korie Lee Blossey as Store Manager, Kieran Brown and Landon Forlenza as Michael, as well as Kaitie Buckert, Melissa Goldberg, Garrison Hunt, Tre Kanaley, Molly Model, Drew Reese, Lucas Ryan, Mikaela Rada, Garret Shin, and Melissa Strain.

Mark and Dylan Perlman, Argyle Managing Partners, shared “We are thrilled to ring in the season with the holiday show of our generation: ELF The Musical.”  They went on to say, “Experience this heartwarming, holiday theatre magic that is sure to be a blast for the whole family! With our Artistic Director Evan Pappas at the helm and an absolute all-star team behind this production it is sure to be a holiday spectacular you don’t want to miss!”

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

The creative team includes Set Design by Tim Golebiewski, Costume by Jolene Richardson, Lighting Design by John Salutz, and Sound Design by Brianne Boyd.  The Technical Director is Michael Kauffman and Production Coordinator is Alison Savino. The Production Stage Manager is Craig Matthew with Assistant Stage Managers Emily Todt and Shannon Stewart. The Casting Director is Michael Cassara, CSA.

ELF The Musical is sponsored by Forerunner Technologies, Inc.

For performance schedule and tickets visit www.argyletheatre.com or call (631)230-3500. Tickets are priced from $40 – $79 Use Code: TIMES for $10 OFF*

*Discount valid off individual, premium mainstage tickets only. Not to be combined.

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From left, Coach Glenn Nathan, Tiffany-Ann Dookharan, Ashley Dodenhoff, Lauren Schiraldi, Kathleen Vereecke, Pamela Pillco and Marielis Cuevas. Photo from SCCC

Suffolk County Community College’s Women’s Tennis team has served up two National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) champions, an NJCAA Regional Team Championship and is NJCAA Division III National Runner-up.

Lauren Schiraldi of St. James and East Hampton’s Pamela Pillco took home the Number 1 Doubles National Championship at the NJCAA Championship in Peachtree City, Georgia earlier this month.

Pillco also earned the Number 2 National Singles Championship, and Schiraldi finished as runner-up in the number 1 singles flight.

“I knew a little bit about Lauren from her high school days, but Pamela was a surprise walk-on. I knew we had some talented players and a team to start building around,” said Suffolk County Community College Women’s Tennis Coach Glenn Nathan, himself a former Suffolk Men’s Tennis champ and Suffolk grad.

“I know the journey. I knew that winning matches at Nationals was something that was attainable because of our play during the season,” Nathan said. “The goal was to get the team to Nationals and to be winners. Everytime we played a match the team came together. That’s what you want. A competitive squad that can execute.”

“Our goal was to go to Nationals,” said Suffolk Women’s Team Captain Schiraldi, 19, a Smithtown High School East graduate and 2020 Smithtown East Athlete of the year as well as the 2020 Smithtown Musician-Athlete of the year.

“I am so grateful to Coach Nathan and to SUNY Suffolk for the opportunity to play and use the gifts God has given me to represent the college on the National stage and earn a Nationals 1st Doubles Title and a Nationals 1st Singles Finalist Honor,” said Schiraldi. “While it has been an amazing season as well as a dream come true for me, it has been an honor to play under Coach Nathan and alongside Pamela Pillco. I am also incredibly appreciative of my parents and all those who have supported me,” she said.

Pillco, who has been playing tennis sine she was five years old said she was nervous during her first three matches, but settled in after words of encouragement from Coach Nathan. “I’m proud of myself,” Pillco said, “and thinking about transferring to a four-year college after Suffolk and continuing to play tennis.”

Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue congratulated the team, individual champions and coach. “Our student athletes teach us that you get out what you put in,” President Bonahue said, “and lessons learned on the court can transfer to the classroom and life. Clearly, the women’s team made a huge commitment of time and effort under extraordinary circumstances to bring home a winning season. Congratulations to our entire team, Lauren, Pamela and Coach Nathan,” he said.

College Associate Dean of Athletics and Special Events Neftali Collazo lauded the team and the individual champions. “Despite facing obstacles throughout this season, our Women’s Tennis Team was able to accomplish a great deal.  Their achievements both as a team and individually speak to their talent and dedication and I thank them. Congratulations!”

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Winning wreath by Marti McMahon in 2019
2nd place wreath by Marie Gruick in 2019
3rd place wreath by Sandy Bond in 2019

The Smithtown Historical Society (SHS) will host a Community Wreath Contest with a deadline of Dec. 1 at the Roseneath Cottage, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown. Open to all, the wreath must be a minimum of 12″ to a maximum of 24″ in diameter. Any materials may be used. Wreaths will be displayed at the historical society’s Heritage Country Christmas Fair on Dec. 4 (rain date Dec. 5) and the public will select the winners. Entry fee is the donation of your wreath entry to the SHS to use as it sees fit. For more information, call 631-265-6768.

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Photo from Town of Brookhaven

On Saturday, November 20, the Town of Brookhaven and Special Olympics New York will host the 12th Annual “Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason” at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. The annual event raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics New York athletes in the Long Island region. Pictured at a special presentation during the November 4 Town Board Meeting are (left to right) Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Kevin LaValle; Special Olympics New York Director of Development, Casey Maloney; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Special Olympics New York athlete, Danielle Birnbaum; Supervisor Ed Romaine; Councilman Michael Loguercio; Councilman Neil Foley; Town clerk Donna Lent and Councilman Dan Panico.

A scene from the 10th annual Brookhaven Polar Plunge. Photo by Kyle Barr

All Special Olympics New York Polar Plungers are encouraged to comply with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus (www.cdc.gov). Masks are recommended, but not required for unvaccinated plungers. To create more social distancing, there will be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available at the event for a sanitized experience.Plungers will be able to select their smaller group plunge times which start at 11:30 am. There will be a large group plunge at 12:30 pm. Online registration for the Polar Plunge is required prior to the event and there will be no on-site registration. All registrants must raise or surpass the fundraising goal of $150 to participate and to receive the signature Polar Plunge “Freezin’ for a Reason” sweatshirt. For more information, social distancing guidelines or to register online please visit www.polarplungeny.org\brookhaven. Donations are also accepted, and all funds raised help to support the cost for athletes to participate in training and competitions.

Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “The Polar Plunge is a great opportunity for the community to make a difference in the lives of the Special Olympics athletes. I thank all the volunteers, Town employees, police, fire and ambulance staff who work so hard to support the Special Olympics athletes every year.”

Councilwoman Jane Bonner said, “We are back on track to have a successful event in 2021 and I look forward to making my 12th consecutive plunge for the Special Olympics. As always, I have a great team of people to plunge with and I encourage everyone to join us and support these wonderful athletes.”

About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 68,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 170 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers and are never charged to participate. It costs $400 to support training and competition for one athlete for one sports season.

For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.

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Pixabay photo

As the days get shorter and the sun sets sooner, car crashes are more common. According to the American Automobile Association, after the clocks are turned back to standard time in the fall, more incidents happen between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

AAA recently reported that in 2020 there were 33,956 animal-related crashes in the state. Suffolk County, with 1,310 animal-related incidents, was the second highest in the state, tying with Monroe and behind Orange County. After the sun sets, residents are aware that animals can dart across the street, especially deer. Their sudden appearance on roadways in the fall is a regular occurrence as it’s rutting season for the creatures. It’s the time that they mate, and they have matters on their mind other than safety. 

While the last thing any driver wants to do is hit an animal, there are other dangers to look out for after dark. Pedestrians can still be walking in the evening hours. Many people wear dark colors and are hard to spot. The problem is compounded when they aren’t carrying flashlights that would draw attention to them.

While pedestrians can take care to wear the appropriate clothing and take a flashlight or wear some type of reflective material on jackets or shirts, experts advise drivers to pay extra attention, especially on streets that are lit dimly or not at all.

In areas where deer signs are posted or while traveling in busy areas where people may be walking, it’s best to drive slowly, of course, and keep more distance than usual between your car and the one in front of you. The same advice can come in handy when leaves are wet and can cause dangerous road conditions that make it difficult to stop. If a driver finds  a deer or a pedestrian close by, or tires slipping on leaves, the best thing is not to swerve suddenly and to brake slowly.

One last note, drivers need to make sure they stay centered in the lane. Many tend to gravitate more to the side when headlights go on; however, this can place vehicles even closer to pedestrians and animals. To make sure your car is centered in the lane, try to draw an imaginary line that goes from the asphalt to the sky. Look at the level of the horizon to stay on course if you feel you are gravitating to one side.

Driving at night can be a little tricky, but with extra care we can keep ourselves and our neighbors safe. 

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Here is a picture of a lopped tree cultivated in Middle Island standing in 1940, as photographed by Albert Bayles on June 29 of that year. Courtesy, Donald M. Bayles, Albert E. Bayles 1897-1963, A Lifetime in Middle Island, 2008.

Amongst the Middle Country Public Library’s many historical documents and artifacts are a few that explain just how far the area has come from its pastoral roots. The picture and story below come courtesy of a collaborative effort among the library staff.

To grow a fence — If this seems like an impossible idea, think again. 

If you lived on Long Island during the late 18th century and you needed an enclosure for your livestock or wanted to create a boundary line, you’d most likely grow a fence instead of purchasing one. 

Today we’d take a drive over to the local home improvement store to buy the posts and other supplies to erect a fence, or perhaps we would hire a contractor to take care of the project. 

Photo courtesy Frederick S. Lightfoot, et.al. Long Island in Early Photographs, 1867-1951, ©1984.

Whichever way we choose to install a fence nowadays, we have goods and services at our disposal to get the job done.

Take a look at these photos and read on to learn how our ancestors went about the same task, using materials at hand — trees or young saplings already growing in the proper locations.

As local historian Thomas Bayles wrote in his 1965 booklet, “Old Lopped Tree Fences,” live trees were partially cut with their tops bent over mounds of previously piled soil, in a technique known as “lopping.” 

The bent section of the tree would begin to sprout roots and continue to grow. After several years the larger upright branches would become new trees and the “lopping” process would be repeated again. According to Thomas Bayles, these living fences could be maintained for a century or more, with the original offshoots developing into large trees, still attached to the original trunk.

One of the most fascinating facts about the lopped tree fences is that George Washington took note of them on his 1790 visit to Long Island, even writing several entries about them in his diary. 

Lopped fences were very popular in our area at the time, and President Washington was quite intrigued by them. 

However, he did note that they were not “hog tight,” meaning that the homesteaders’ pigs could get around or under the fences. Nonetheless, the settlers of the time favored these fences because their horses and cattle were safely contained within their borders. 

Landowners learned that the fences could be reinforced by weaving in vines or adding other plants like saplings and woody shrubs along existing lopped tree fences to fill in gaps and provide a more secure barrier.

Over time, most of these trees have been removed, but some have been reported to be standing on Long Island as late as 1965. 

A few may be standing yet. Next time you are driving or cycling down an old country lane or exploring a wooded area, see if you can spy a tree which looks as if it may have been coaxed into growing in this special way, and you’ll see a piece of our living local history. 

If you locate a lopped tree and would like to let us know, please e-mail Middle Country Public Library’s Local History Team at [email protected].

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The 2021 cast of 'A Christmas Carol
Scott Hofer and Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from 'A Christmas Carol'
Stephen Wangner and Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from 'A Christmas Story'
Steven Uihlein and Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from 'A Christmas Carol'
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three
Noelle McLeer and Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three
Julie Friedman and Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from 'A Christmas Carol'
Streven Uihlein and Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from 'A Christmas Carol'
Douglas Quattrock and Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from 'A Christmas Carol'

By Heidi Sutton

The holidays have arrived at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson with the 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol. In the lobby the garland is hung and the tree is trimmed and in the Mainstage theater the Victorian London set awaits the wonderful imagination of Charles Dickens and the beloved retelling of a classic tale of redemption.

Based on Dickens’ 1843 novella of the same name, A Christmas Carol introduces the audience to Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and miserly man who has chosen “the world of business” over love, friendships and community. We first meet Scrooge “of all the good days of the year” on Christmas Eve, exactly 7 years since his business partner Jacob Marley died, as he snaps at his clerk Bob Cratchit, dismisses his nephew Fred Halliwell and chases carolers away. We see Want in the corner, a specter who will haunt Scrooge the entire show.

Later that evening Scrooge is visited by Marley’s ghost who offers him a precious gift — one last chance at redemption. Draped in the heavy chains he has forged in life, Marley warns Scrooge he will be visited by three spirits — the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future – in an attempt to save his immortal soul.

In one of the most important parts of the show, the Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge “the shadows of things that have been” — a series of events that led him to become the man he is today — from his mother dying at childbirth; his time at Wellington House, the boarding school where he spent many Christmases alone as a boy; his loving relationship with his sister Fan and his apprenticeship with the kind-hearted Fezziwig where he proposes to his first and only love, Belle.

The shadows also reveal the exact moment when he chooses to go into a business partnership with Marley (“and so it began”) and is overtaken by greed; when Belle walks out of his life; how he turns on Fezziwig; and the death of Fan.

The cheeky Ghost of Christmas Present arrives to teach Scrooge the joys of mankind. The first stop is Bob Cratchit’s home where he finds out about Tiny Tim’s failing health and that Cratchit’s oldest daughter works long hours in the workhouses to help the family pay their bills. Scrooge’s concern is evident. The mood lightens at a dinner party hosted by his nephew where the guests mock him in spirit during a game and compare him to a bear.

A daunting 14-foot Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge the shadows of what is yet to come, including his own death and how it affects those he has wronged. The frightening notion is exactly what the miser needs to turn his life around. His transformation on Christmas Day, especially in his interaction with Want, is a joy to watch. In the end, Scrooge discovers that old Fezziwig was right all along and that love is the only thing in life worth having.

Adapted for the stage by Theatre Three’s Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel, the show evolves and changes every year, keeping it fresh and exciting. This year the show features a revised underscoring created by musical director Brad Frey, slight changes to the opening and closing, a shivaree, and due to COVID regulations, Tiny Tim is a puppet, designed by gifted puppet designer Austin Michael Costello. 

The entire cast is excellent, with many playing multiple roles. Sanzel, who has played the role of Scrooge in over 1400 performances, is fascinating to watch. Slightly hunched over, his character walks slowly with a cane and eases into a chair with a groan. But when the Ghost of Christmas Past brings him to Fezziwig’s Christmas Party, he jumps out of the shadows with a straight back and becomes a young man again dancing the night away with Belle. 

Special mention must also be made of Douglas J. Quattrock in the role of Scrooge’s loyal clerk Bob Cratchitt (a role he has played over 750 times) whose love for his family and the holidays is unconditional. His character’s attempt to be strong for his family while his child is very sick tugs at the heartstrings.

The Victorian set, designed by Randall Parsons, is most impressive with fireplaces that glow, a four-poster bed that tucks away neatly into the wall when the set transforms to the London streets, a church with stained glass windows, and a living home decked out for the holidays. The period costumes, also designed by Parsons, are perfectly on point and the lighting and sound design by Robert W. Henderson Jr. is truly magical, a word that also best describes the entire production.

Sanzel says it best in his director’s notes.“A Christmas Carol is a beautiful reminder that we are members of a community and that our responsibilities go beyond ourselves. Scrooge’s pledge to Tiny Tim’s future shows his ability to help those in his life; his embrace of the specter of Want shows his commitment to the world entire. Dickens’ message is one not just for Christmas but for always.”

Don’t miss this beautiful show.

Arrive early and be treated to a selection of Christmas carols by the actors on the Second Stage on the lower level and stay after for a Polaroid photo with Scrooge for $5 to support the theater’s scholarship fund or take one with your cellphone at no charge. 

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Christmas Carol through Dec. 26. A special abridged sensory-sensitive performance will be held on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. Running time is 2 hours with one intermission. Tickets are $20 each in November; $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12 in December. For more information or to order tickets, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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From left, Leg. Kara Hahn, Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich with a Veteran.
Cub Scouts Pack 333 Den Leader Eliel Pimentel gives the scouts a tour of the war memorials at Setauket Veterans Park on Nov. 11.
Councilmember Jonathan Korneich speaks with a Veteran during the Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021
Veteran's Day Observance at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park 2021

By Heidi Sutton

On Nov. 11, VFW Post 3054 hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park on Route 25A. The well-attended event paid tribute to the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country.

“Today we celebrate the millions of veterans who have ensured our freedom since America’s humble beginnings. That freedom is here because of the selfless that have continued to stand up, raise their right hand to take an oath and commit to ensuring liberty for all. Throughout our history, our veterans have answered the call to service and we all reap the many benefits of their selflessness. We celebrate their determination, dedication and unwavering patriotism,” said VFW Post 3054 Commander Reanna Fulton during the poignant ceremony.

Fulton’s son, Blake, a 5th-grader at Minnesauke Elementary School, read a speech he had prepared to thank all veterans. “Today is a day to celebrate all the veterans who served … Recent studies say that gratitude leads to happier, healthier and long-lasting life. Be grateful for our veterans and say thank you to them for their sacrifices.”

VFW Post 3054 Chaplain Mike Russell read the opening prayer and as in years past there was the traditional rifle salute and the playing of taps by Richard Wiederman followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

Bobby White from the American Legion Irving Hart Post 1766; Commander Earl Willoughby of the American Legion Harbor Post 417; Larry Coll of VFW Post 3054; Cub Scouts Pack 333 and Pack 18; and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket), Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) and state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) took turns laying a wreath at the park’s monument which honors members of the community who perished in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

“For those of us who are here today, we know the importance of honoring the sacrifices of veterans and their families. … I hope today serves to motivate us all with a renewed sense of patriotism, purpose and pride,” added Fulton.

 Photos by Heidi Sutton

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