Freeport teacher Stephanie Arnell is excited to teach the workshops this fall. Photo from LIMEHOF
As part of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHoF) partnership with rock and roll legend Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock organization announced earlier this year, LIMEHOF will host the first ever series of free TeachRock workshops for teachers sponsored by Harmony Insurance at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook location, 97 Main Street, Stony Brook, on Sunday, September 17 and another on Sunday, October 15 both from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
TeachRock founder Steven Van Zandt at a TeachRock event. Photo from LIMEHOF
“We are so excited to give teachers this opportunity to learn more about Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock curriculum and to give them some time to explore our museum,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHoF’s Educational Programs Director. “My hope is that this leads to many music themed lessons in the classroom and field trips to the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame moving forward.”
These are free workshop events, sponsored by Harmony Insurance, open to local area teachers with registration. Teachers can register on TeachRock’s workshop registration page https://teachrock.org/LIMEHOF/. The first workshop Intro to TeachRock followed by a 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop themed workshop.
The workshops will be taught by TeachRock Star Teacher Stephanie Arnell who is a veteran Freeport Public Schools educator who has helped her district embrace arts integration and had fun doing it! She’s excited to share her tips and the free TeachRock lesson plans she uses with local educators. All attendees are granted free access to the museum following the event and are eligible for NY CTLE credits through TeachRock.
“Looking at curriculum through a musical lens keeps students engaged while they don’t even realize they are learning,” said Arnell. “For example, learning the history of MLK Day through Stevie Wonder’s song “Happy Birthday” or using data from Beyonce’s Instagram account to practice calculating ratios. I’ve seen in my classroom the way students’ gravitate towards TeachRock lessons and I’m excited to spread that enthusiasm to teachers and students on Long Island.”
Launched in 2002 by Van Zandt and the Founders Board of Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen,TeachRock.org provides free, standards-aligned resources that use music to help K-12 students succeed in science, math, social studies, and language arts, among other subjects. TeachRock improves students’ lives by filling every classroom with the sound, stories, and science of music. Nearly 60,000 educators—representing all 50 states—are registered at Teachrock.org.
“TeachRock teachers don’t tell kids to take out their earbuds, they ask them what they’re listening to and then make connections between their favorite music and the core curricula they need to master to succeed in life,” said TeachRock founder Steven Van Zandt. “This partnership will help my TeachRock team create more of those educators whose cool class keeps kids coming to school.”
The workshops are made possible by Harmony Insurance. “Harmony Insurance is proud to sponsor TeachRock’s Long Island Music Workshops for teachers, aiming to inspire and educate through music,” Harmony Insurance said in a statement.
“We’ve seen for years how the shared interest in music helps forge connections between teachers and students, and every year we witness how arts-integrated math, science, and social studies classes pull students from the margins and inspire them to participate,” said Bill Carbone, TeachRock Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to partner with LIMEHOF to help as many LI teachers as possible get excited about inspiring their students through the arts.”
Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy holds the Village Cup. Photo by Stuart Vincent
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
From left, Phyliss Macchio, NP and Dr. Melissa Devlin from Mather’s Palliative Health Program; Mather Executive Director Kevin McGeachy; Ralph Macchio; and Mayor Lauren Sheprow. Photo by Stuart Vincent
Port Jefferson Village Team. Photo by Stuart Vincent
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
Mather Hospital Team. Photo by Stuart Vincent
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy accepted the $47,000 Mather check (an equal amount went to the Lustgarten Foundation)
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
By Heidi Sutton
The 14th annual Village Cup Regatta, a friendly competition between Mather Hospital and the Village of Port Jefferson, set sail on Sept. 9 on the Long Island Sound for two good causes.
The Regatta consists of Yacht Club-skippered sailboat where employees from the Hospital and Village help crew the boats, which race in one of three classes based on boat size.
Presented by the Port Jefferson Yacht Club, the Regatta raises funds for Mather’s Palliative Medicine Program and the Lustgarten Foundation, which funds pancreatic cancer research. This year’s Regatta, which was won by the Mather team, raised $94,000 which was divided equally between the two groups. Mather Hospital’s Executive Director Kevin McGeachy accepted the Village Cup and the check for his team at a celebratory Skipper’s Reception at the Port Jefferson Village Center following the races. Mayor Lauren Sheprow represented the Port Jeff Village team.
Actor, director and local resident Ralph Macchio once again served as Village Cup Regatta Celebrity Ambassador for the event. Macchio has helped to publicize the important work of the two programs funded by the Regatta for the last ten years. His wife, Phyllis, is a nurse practitioner in Mather Hospital’s Palliative Medicine Program.
From left, T.J. Hatter, Long Island director of intergovernmental affairs for New York State Attorney General Letitia James; former New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright; Anthony Rotoli Jr., president of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge 3436; and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich. Photo by Raymond Janis
Rain couldn’t halt the annual memorial service held on Monday, Sept. 11, in downtown Port Jefferson.
The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge 3436 hosts this event each year. The vigil honors the lives of brothers John and Joseph Vigiano, who died from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001.
Traditionally held outdoors in Harborfront Park, this year’s iteration moved to the Village Center’s drier interior, a last-minute accommodation courtesy of the Village of Port Jefferson.
“I don’t care if it was raining or not raining, we were going to get this done,” said Anthony Rotoli Jr., president of the lodge.
Lodge members, community residents, faith leaders and public officials gathered for a ceremony of prayer and reflection. Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), former New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and T.J. Hatter, Long Island director of intergovernmental affairs for New York State Attorney General Letitia James (D), each addressed the audience in turn.
T.J. Hatter, Long Island director of intergovernmental affairs for New York State Attorney General Letitia James, speaks during a Sept. 11 memorial service at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Photo by Raymond Janis
Of the many annual events Kornreich attends, he referred to 9/11 memorial services as “the most solemn and most painful.” Despite the lingering pain over two decades later, the councilmember maintained that the nation has endured.
“Although that day was a day of terror and sorrow and tragedy, the days that followed became days of community, hope and resolve,” he said.
In the face of tragedy, Hatter maintained that “inspiration can come from many places.” He asked those present to apply the examples of service and selflessness exhibited on 9/11 to their daily lives.
“Hope is real,” he said. “There is no such thing as false or too much hope. There is only hope. As we remember those who were lost that day, I want to thank you all for being here to help keep that hope alive.”
Englebright offered that services such as these can keep the memory of the 9/11 fallen heroes alive.
“We must never forget, always remember, and always give thanks to those who ran into the buildings and up the stairway into heaven on behalf of all of us,” he said. “The rain is the tears from heaven today.”
It’s time to play ball! Preservation Long Island and the Long Island Museum have teamed up to host Baseball on the Farm featuring an authentic 19th-century ballgame with the New York Mutual Base Ball Club against the Atlantics. With live music, games, prizes, food and more, this one-day special event will take place on the grounds of historic Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road in East Setauket on Saturday, Sept. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Rain date is Sept, 17.
Baseball on the Farm is a FREE community event for the whole family featuring an authentic 19th-century ballgame pitting the New York Mutuals Base Ball Club against the Atlantics Base Ball Club, games and craft activities, prizes including Long Island Ducks signed baseball and 4-pack of tickets for 2024, bounce house, live music by The Other Two and food and beverages (available for purchase) from Exotic Bowls, Maui Chop House and Root + Branch Brewing.
This special day of vintage baseball at Preservation Long Island’s Sherwood-Jayne Farm in Setauket is a collaboration inspired by two exhibitions currently on view at The Long Island Museum in nearby Stony Brook:
Picturing America’s Pastime (May 18-October 15, 2023): Since the 19th century, baseball and photography have grown up together. This exhibition of 51 historic photographs has been developed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museums, the world’s premiere repository of baseball photographs.
Home Fields: Baseball Stadiums of Long Island and New York City (May 18-October 15, 2023): This exhibition features exciting objects from several private collectors of historic baseball memorabilia. Many original items from Ebbetts Field (the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers) Polo Stadium, and Yankee Stadium are on view.
The first of eight documentaries will be 'Rather' on Sept. 18 — At the age of 92, iconic journalist Dan Rather reflects on his career that spans seven decades.
By Tara Mae
Whether there is too much or never enough of it, time may either soften memories with nostalgia or sharpen remembrances with accrued insight. Through art and action, the Fall 2023 Port Jefferson Documentary Series (PJDS) highlights the intricacies of this dynamic both onscreen and behind-the-scenes.
On specific Monday evenings between September 18 and November 13, at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson and John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station, the award-winning doc series will share eight distinct stories.
Encompassing reflections on a career well-chronicled; a quickly encroaching catastrophe; a calamitous crisis averted; or, a curious occurrence, screenings will be followed by Q&As with guest speakers. Tom Needham, executive producer and host of “Sounds of Film” on WUSB, will once again serve as moderator.
“Our setup has not changed either behind-the-scenes or in how we choose the documentaries,” said PJDS co-director Lyn Boland. “We assess production values, whether it is a good story, and if it is available to film festivals instead of streaming — we want it to be new. We also prefer films where the director is available to talk in one sense or another.”
Now in its 38th season, the PJDS, which began in 2005, excavates tangible accomplishments and existential inquiries. In interactive interviews with documentarians, it seeks answers from those who first sought to ask the questions.
Sponsored by Maggio Environmental and Wellness; Covati & Janhsen, CPAS PC; and Port Jeff Storage,the season opens with Rather, a film that examines Dan Rather’s ongoing seven decade journalistic career and his continued dedication to making a difference.
We Dare to Dream traverses the triumphs and trials of 29 elite athletes. Deprived of their home countries, they strive for international success while preparing to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as part of the International Olympic Committee’s Refugee Olympic team. (This event will also feature a pre-show concert at Port Jefferson Methodist Church by pianist Jacqueline Schwab.)
Time Bomb Y2K revisits when, on the verge of a new millennium, the world feared that all of technology was about to have a nervous breakdown on New Year’s Day.
Between the Rains covers a 4 year period when record low rainfall in Kenya caused a reckoning for children caught in a culture being eroded by climate change.
Israel Swings for Gold traces the trajectory of Israel’s baseball team as it makes it Olympic debut in 2021.
Rolling Along recounts Bill Bradley’s revelatory professional career as informed by his personal ethos: Rhodes Scholar, champion New York Knicks recruit, and noted New Jersey senator.
Maestra showcases the melodious moments and discordant dilemmas women face as they compete in the world’s only all-female conducting competition.
Lastly, A Revolution on Canvas investigates the intriguing disappearance of more than 100 “treasonous” paintings by contemporary Iranian artist Nickzad Nodjoumi.
(For dates and times, please see Film Schedule below.)
Each documentary is selected by one of the “film ladies,” as Lyn Boland, Wendy Feinberg, Barbara Sverd and Honey Katz are known. They present their choices to the PJDS board. Top contenders from those viewings are shared with three esteemed longtime volunteers, Denise Livrieri, Yvonne Lieffrig, and Debbie Bolvadin, who then also vote on the films.
“It is important to have a wide variety of people choosing films; we know we each have private preferences that we always gravitate towards. If you do not have a wide group, you may leave out some of your audience,” Boland said. “We are lucky that our audience really trusts us. They know that we are invested and looked into the films personally, so we feel the documentaries are special to include.”
According to Boland, once the films are chosen, securing the rights to them and gaining access to the speakers is a game of cat and mouse. So, the hunt is on as soon film festivals announce their lineups. The Series’ cast of characters divides and conquers, attending screenings and identifying potential contenders for PJDS.
“Once I have focused on a film I would like to present, the fun of the chase begins! Nailing down films, dates, directors or producers, and working out schedule conflicts are issues we have to contend with when programming a series. So, it [helps] when you have a connection to anyone associated with the film,” explained Sverd.
Such relationships have been forged and nurtured over the years with different producers and directors who have previously shown their work during the Series. Rather and Time Bomb Y2K come from creators who screened earlier films through PJDS. Between the Rains and Rolling Along were acquired through Sverd’s and Feinberg’s respective personal connections.
“I am looking forward to seeing many of our repeat guests and also the new folks who will be attending the films this season,” said Feinberg.
In addition to making contacts and advancing the films, each member brings their individual skill sets, contributing what best aligns with their interests and industries, including law, event planning, education, and graphic design. Primary and paramount requirement for joining the team — it is looking for new volunteers — is simply being a film buff.
That passion translates to the audience, which includes familiar faces and new fans.
“In this day and age, with so much available to see and watch, it is just great that people appreciate the kind of experience that we offer,” Boland said.
Individual tickets are $10 (cash only) at the door, a combination ticket for the concert and documentary on is $15, or in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
FILM SCHEDULE
A scene from ‘Rather’
◆ The Fall 2023 season kicks off with a screening of Rather at Theatre Three on September 18 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Co-Producer Taylor Wildenhaus and Sarah Baxter, Director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting. Co-sponsored by the Stony Brook University School of Communications & Journalism and the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting.
‘We Dare to Dream’
◆ We Dare to Dream will be screened at Theatre Three on October 2 at 7:30 p.m. Preceded by a special concert featuring pianist at First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker via Zoom will be Director Waad Al-Kateab. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
‘Time Bomb Y2K’
◆ Next up is Time Bomb Y2K at Theatre Three on October 9 at 7 p.m.Guest speakers will be Co-Directors Brian Becker and/or Marley McDonald.
‘Between the Rains’
◆ Between the Rains will be screened at JFK Middle School on October 16 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be co-director Andrew H. Brown via Zoom and Dr. Dino Martins, CEO of the Turkana Basin Institute. Co-sponsored by the Turkana Basin Institute of Kenya and its affiliate, Stony Brook University.
‘Israel Swings for Gold’
◆ The season continues with Israel Swings for Gold at JFK Middle School on October 23 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Co-Director Jeremy Newberger. Co-sponsored by North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station and Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook.
‘Rolling Along’
◆ A special screening of Rolling Along will be held at JFK Middle School on October 30 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be former U.S. Senator and screenwriter Bill Bradley in person.
‘Maestra’
◆ Maestra heads to JFK Middle School on November 6 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Director Maggie Contreras via Zoom and Melisse Brunet, Conductor and subject in the film. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
‘A Revolution on Canvas’
◆ The season concludes with a screening of A Revolution on Canvas at Theatre Three on November 13 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Co-Directors Sara Nodjoumi and Till Schauder. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
For more information, call 631-473-5220 or visit www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com.
A DAY ON THE WATER
Join the Setauket Harbor Task Force for kayak lessons, a boat ride, music, crafts and more during Setauket Harbor Day on Sept. 17 (event moved from Sept. 16). Photo by Maria Hoffman
Ongoing
Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch
Every evening from Aug. 27 through Oct. 6, from 5:30 p.m. until dusk, the Four Harbors Audubon Society will be tallying migrating Common Nighthawks to better understand nighthawk population trends. Join them at the Stone Bridge at Frank Melville Memorial Park, One Old Field Road, Setauket to witness nighthawks as they pass over during their migratory journey to their wintering grounds in Brazil and Argentina. Visit www.4has.org for further details.
Thursday Sept. 14
An Evening Under the Stars
Huntington Historical Society hosts its annual fall fundraiser, An Evening Under the Stars Reimagined, at the Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a cocktail party withhors d’oeuvres, food trucks, wines and beer from local breweries and live music performed by the Bogs. Tickets are $150 per person, $130 members at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. 631-427-7045
Friday Sept. 15
Greenlawn Greek Festival
St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Shrine Church, 1 Shrine Place, Greenlawn invites the community to its annual Greek Festival tonight from 6 to 10 p.m., and Sept. 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries, rides and games. 631-261-7272, www.stparaskevi.org
Third Friday at the Reboli
The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Third Friday series with an engaging talk with exhibiting artist Mickey Paraskevas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments and light snacks will be served at this free event. No reservations are required to attend. 631-751-7707
Saturday Sept. 16
Greenlawn Greek Festival
See Sept. 15 listing.
Dragon Boat Race Festival
The 9th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival heads to Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Presented by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the event will showcase dragon boat races throughout the day with Asian-themed food, cultural crafts, traditional lion dance, children activities and much more. Held rain or shine. Free admission. 631-473-1414, https://portjeffdragonboatracefest.com
St. Elizabeth Car Show
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, 800 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma presents its annual car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with trophies, prizes and raffles. Spectators free. 631-484-2807
Garlic Festival
New location! Waterdrinker Farm, 663 Wading River Road, Manorville hosts the 21st annual Long Island Garlic Festival today and Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go on a garlic scavenger hunt, learn about garlic on a musical hayride, try garlic ice cream with live music, vendor market, food trucks and family activities. Admission is $20 per person. 631-878-8653
Community Yard and Craft Sale
St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church, 18 Magnolia Place, Selden will host an outdoor yard and craft sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families and vendors will be selling merchandise of all kinds, including yard sale wares, handmade clothing, jewelry, wreaths and more! 631-732-8773
Antiques, Flea Market & Craft Fair
The Manorville Historical Society will hold its 33rd annual Antiques, Craft Fair and Flea Market on the grounds of The Maples, 10 Ryerson Ave., Manorville from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Antiques, flea market items, handmade crafts, food and raffle auction. 631-878-8358
Setauket Country Fair
Caroline Episcopal Church of Setauket invites the community to it annual Country Fair on the grounds of the church (1 Dyke Road, Setauket) and the Setauket Village Green across from Emma Clark Library on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 60 arts, crafts and gift vendors, barn sale, food court, baked goods, basket raffle and live music. Free admission. Rain date is Sept. 23. 631-941-4245
Treasures Sale
Setauket Presbyterian Church, 5 Caroline Ave., Setauket will hold a Treasures Sale in Fellowship Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come shop for toys, games, jewelry, attic treasures, homegoods, and antiques. Baked goods and drinks will also be for sale. 631-941-4271
Pickle Festival
John Gardiner Farm, 900 Park Ave., Greenlawn presents its 43rd annual Pickle Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy specialty pickles, jams, farmer’s market, craft vendors, corn maze, hayrides and a ride on the restored Lollipop Farm train. Admission is $5. 631-754-1180
Craft Fair Weekend
It’s apple season on the North Fork and while you’re heading out east visit the Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River for a Craft Fair Weekend today and Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy local craft vendors, bounce house, carousel and face painting for kids. 631-846-2370
San Gennaro Feast
Lenny Bruno Farms, 740 Wading River Road, Manorville presents the annual San Gennaro Feast: A traditional Italian-American celebration of food, fun, and family, today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring a vendor market, food trucks, games, beer and wine tastings, visit with farm animals and more. Admission is $10 per person, children 2 and under are free. 631-591-3592
Setauket Harbor Day – This event has been postponed to September 17.
Come celebrate the history of beautiful Setauket Harbor at the Brookhaven Town Dock and Beach on Shore Road from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy free kayak lessons and boat rides, learn about Setauket’s shipbuilding past and view displays of the marine environment of a thriving harbor. Enjoy live music, food, arts and crafts and more. Sponsored by the Setauket Harbor Task Force. Free. 631-404-6447
German Fall Festival
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 30 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown presents its annual German Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring brats & beer, German baked goods, pickles, pretzels, hair braiding, vendors, bracelet making, children’s games, bounce house and raffles. Rain date is Sept. 23. 631-265-2288, www.standrewsofsmithtown.org
Victorian Tea
Join the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society for a Victorian Tea at the Fitz-Greene Hallock Homestead (1888), 2869 Pond Road, Lake Ronkonkoma with two seatings: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a full Victorian Tea lunch, self-guided tour of the house and grounds and door prizes. $30 per person with timed seating. Reservations required. 631-588-7599
Baseball on the Farm
Preservation Long Island and the Long Island Museum have teamed up to host aBaseball on the Farm event with the New York Mutual Base Ball Club at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, E. Setauket from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy an authentic 19th-century ballgame with the New York Mutual Base Ball Club against the Atlantics with live music, games, prizes, food and more. Free admission. Rain date Sept. 17. www.preservationlongisland.org
Car Show Fundraiser
Brandywine Living at Huntington Terrace, 70 Pinelawn Road, Melville will host a Classic Car Show to benefit veterans at 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase food and beverages to benefit Tunnels to Towers, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans and enjoy live music. 631-531-0000
Sunday Sept. 17
Greenlawn Greek Festival
See Sept. 15 listing.
Garlic Festival
See Sept. 16 listing.
San Gennaro Feast
See Sept. 16 listing.
Craft Fair Weekend
See Sept. 16 listing.
Caumsett Hike
Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a6 mile, hilly, moderately paced walk to relax, socialize, and enjoy the park’s beauty from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 631-423-1770
Taps & Talons at Hoyt Farm
Hoyt Farm, 200 New Highway, Commack host a Taps and Talons fundraiser for Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown from 2 to 6 p.m. With over 15 breweries, the event features beer tastings, live music, and wildlife demonstrations. This event is 21 and over; photo ID is required. Car pooling and ride share encouraged. Tickets are $45 per person at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
John Avlon
CAC welcomes CNN’s John Avlon
Long Island LitFest presents an in-person talk with CNN news anchor and award-winning columnist John Avlon, as he discusses his latest book, Lincoln and the Fight for Peace with his wife, Margaret Hoover, the host of PBS’ “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover,” at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40, $35 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
LITMA Contradance
Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 210 E. Main St., Smithtown will host a LITMA Contradance from 2 to 5 p.m. Basic instruction will be held at 1:45 p.m. Ridge Kennedy will be calling the Dance with music by Blarney Possum. $15 general admission, $10 LITMA members, $7.50 students, hildren under 16 free with paid adult. Please bring snacks to share at the break. 631-369-7854
Songwriters of LI Concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Songwriters of Long Island at 3 p.m. An ‘all-star’ lineup will be performing several of their original songs each including Bob Sinclair, Frank “Kingee” Latorre, Rorie Kelly, Erik Semo, Martha Trachtenberg and Hank Stone. Free with admission to the museum. 631-689-5888,visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Baroque Sundays at Three
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents a Baroque Sundays at Three concert in the Recital Hall at 3 p.m. Featuring Jeremy Rhizor on Baroque Violin, Arnie Tanimoto on Viola da Gamba and Marc Bellassai on Harpsichord. These performances are free of charge to the public and ask only for a good-will donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. 631-632-7330
Monday Sept. 18
TVHS lecture
Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket tonight at 7 p.m. Author Brad Kolodny will discuss his latest book, Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synogogues on Long Island. Free and open to all. www.tvhs.org
Sky Room Talk
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a Sky Room Talk titledThe Seriously Funny Cinema of Mel Brooks at 7:30 p.m. Film Historian Glenn Andreiev presents a one-night talk on the great Mel — with laugh-filled clips of his work in television and film. Tickets are $17, $12 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday Sept. 19
Travel Presentation Club
The Travel Presentation Club will meet at 7 p.m. at tEmma S. Clark Memorial Library , 120 Main Street in Setauket. Janice and F. James Rohlf will make a presentation entitled “Adventures at Ningaloo Riff and the Kimberley, Western Australia”. All are welcome. Please contact [email protected] for further information.
Wednesday Sept. 20
Harbor Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers are invited to attend the 8th annual Harbor Jazz Festival at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook from Sept. 20 to 23. Each day brings a line-up of jazz greats, including some of the top internationally and nationally recognized talents. All events on Sept. 23 are free and take place on the front lawn of the Jazz Loft and on the Stony Brook Village Green. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org
Hard Luck Cafe concert
Nashville-based singer-songwriters Halley Neal and Sam Robbins will kick off the 2023-2024 season of the monthly Hard Luck Café series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington in the Cinema’s Sky Room on from 7 to 10 p.m. An open mic, for which sign-up is at 6:30 p.m., precedes the concert. Admission is $20, $15 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org
Cruise Night at The Shoppes
Cruise Nights are back at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 25. Check out the fine array of classic and coveted automobiles from car enthusiasts from across Long Island in The Shoppes parking lot. 631-929-3500
Thursday Sept. 21
Harbor Jazz Festival
See Sept. 20 listing.
Film
‘Rather’
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series Fall 2023 season opens with a screening ofRather at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Frank Marshall’s incisive documentary is a long-overdue tribute to an icon of journalism, a late-in-life Twitter superstar, a father, husband, and a voice of reason, compassion, and brilliance: Dan Rather. Followed by a Q&A with guest speakers Taylor Wildenhaus andSarah Baxter. $10 (cash only) at the door or purchase in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
Theater
‘The Prom’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kick off its 53rd season with The Prom from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. As the lights dim on four fading Broadway stars, they wildly seek the spotlight. Courting the controversy surrounding a small-town Indiana prom, the quartet invades a community that wants to keep the party straight. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors, $20 students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Rent’
Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Jonathan Larson’s Rent from Sept. 16 to Oct. 22. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, the groundbreaking musicalfollows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians — Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny and Mark — struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $28 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Every Brilliant Thing’
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, in association with Response Crisis Center, presents Every Brilliant Thing, a one-man show starring Jeffrey Sanzel, on the Second Stage from Sept. 17 to Oct. 8.With audience members recruited to take on supporting roles, Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching, hilarious story of depression and the lengths we will go for those we love. All seats are $20. Fifty percent of the gross proceeds of this production will benefit Response Crisis Center. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beautiful’
Main stage theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical from Sept. 14 to Oct. 29. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing success with Tapestry, the showtakes you back to where it all began–and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” and many more. This Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning show is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget. Tickets range from $85 to $90. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Antigone Now: A Short Drama’
The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Antigone Now: A Short Drama by Melissa Cooper in Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. In the midst of a bombed-out city still feeling the aftershocks of war, the rebellious and intense Antigone defies her uncle to bury her disgraced brother. This contemporary response to the myth of Antigone brings powerful, modern prose to an ancient and universal story. *Mature ContentGeneral admission: $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. For tickets call 631-451-4163.
Class Reunions
•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].
A scene from a previous Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Kyle Barr
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from last year’s Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from last year’s Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from last year’s Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
By Julianne Mosher
These dragons won’t need any slaying and will not be spitting fire. In fact, this might actually bring some good luck.
The 9th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival is heading back to Port Jefferson on Saturday, Sept. 16 and it will have something for everyone.
Sponsored by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, this event is a way to foster community togetherness. It also serves to promote Asian and Asian American culture and customs while connecting with students at Stony Brook University.
Kicking off with a race in the Long Island Sound, it coincides with a full festival filled with fun, food and friends.
Barbara Ransome, the chamber’s director of operations, said that every year this particular festival brings in hundreds of people from across Long Island and even New York City.
“There’s nothing else like this around,” she said, “And we’re the only festival doing this in Suffolk County.”
Just a few miles away from Stony Brook University, which has a large Asian and Pan-Asian community, Ransome said the festival not only brings new people to the village every year, but also parts of these cultures that local residents might have not seen before.
“Not only is this festival entertaining,” Ransome said, “But it’s also educational and that’s a wonderful thing.”
This year, 21 teams are signed up — including two from the university and a group from Flushing, Queens. Each boat has about 22 people in it as they race for the win.
But it isn’t just a race for visitors to watch and cheer on. There are dance troupes, Japanese percussionists, singers and martial artists, plus retailers, cultural vendors and food trucks.
And you can’t forget the Bearded Dragon who will dance for the crowd — but don’t worry… it isn’t scary.
For centuries, the bearded dragon has had a significant impact on different cultures around the world. Specifically in Eastern cultures, including Chinese mythology, the dragon symbolizes power, strength and good luck. Similarly, in Japan, bearded dragons are associated with longevity and wisdom, as they are said to possess secret knowledge.
Other fun activities for kids will include face painting, origami, crafts and reptile visitors from the Center for Environmental and Educational Discovery.
“This is a way to embrace diversity within our own backyard,” Ransome said. “It offers different things that you might have never seen before.”
The Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival will kick off its opening ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. with a performance by the Asian Veterans Color Guard, singing of the national anthem by Samantha Reichers, a Blessing of the Dragon and the traditional “Eye Dotting” ceremony to awaken the dragon at Port Jefferson Harbor and Harborfront Park, located at 101A East Broadway. The race will begin at 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will run alongside the entertainment schedule (see left hand page).
The event will be held rain or shine. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy the festivities! For more information, call 631-473-1414 or visit www.portjeffdragonracefest.com
Schedule of Events:
7:45 a.m.
Team Captains Meeting at Harborfront Park
8:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies with Master of Ceremonies Suzanne Velazquez, Asian Veterans Color Guard, singing of the National Anthem by Samantha Reichers, and Blessing of the Dragon and‘Eye Dotting’ ceremony with Theravada Monks from the Vajiradhammapadip Buddhist Temple in Centereach
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Food Vendors, Cultural Crafts, Children Activities, Retail/Educational/Nonprofit Vendor Tables
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Continual Dragon Boat Races in Port Jefferson’s Inner Harbor
9:45 a.m.
Rebel Thaiboxing demonstration
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m
The Sound of Long Island Chorus, Americana program and traditional Chinese songs
10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Yixin Dance Center
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Long Island Chinese Dance Group performance
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Break (no racing)
12;30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Taiko Tides Drumming and Oroshi Drumming contest
1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Parade of the Team T-shirts Contest, Best Drummer Costume Contest
1:30 p.m.
Races resume
1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu Lion Dance , Kung Fu& Tai Chi demonstrations
2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Port Jefferson High School Music Group, Harbor Country Day School
2:45 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Rebel Thaiboxing Demonstration
3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Stony Brook Youth Chorus
3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Yana Dance Group – Chinese Traditional Dance
4 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Galante Martial Arts demonstrating Tai Chi, Arnis (Filipino Martial Arts) and Jiu Jitsu
The Concorso d’Eleganza car show scheduled for Sunday, September 10, at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Stony Brook University has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Thunderstorms and heavy rain have been in the forecasts for Sunday for the past 48 hours. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the organizers have decided to cancel.
Please note that a related event will be taking place as planned, since they are both located inside the Center for Italian Studies, F. Melville Library E4340, Stony Brook University:
“Vertigomania: An evening of manic speeds and Italian theater”
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Center for Italian Studies, F. Melville Library, E4340
The students of ITL 411, led by Dr. Loredana Polezzi, will be doing a stage reading of Autosuggestiosupernevrasterminamobilismovertiginomanìa, a 1907 proto-Futurist monologue created by playwright and actor Ugo Farulli (1869-1928). With its surreal humor, it poked fun at the automotive frenzy that swept through Italy and France at the dawn of the 20th century, capturing the psychological consequences of driving at high speeds. The monologue will be read by the students in both Italian and English, based on the original text edited and translated by Dr. Andrea Fedi. Light refreshments and coffee/tea will be served, and a virtual exhibit on famous racecar driver Tazio Nuvolari will be inaugurated.
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) in a walking tour experience, Unwind & Uncork History: The Story of Wine & the Stony Brook Grist Mill on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 3 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m.
Image from WMHO
In this walking tour experience, tour-goers will “uncork” the stories of the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751), the sight of Long Island’s very first vineyard. This will include a tour of the Stony Brook Grist Mill, the scandalous story of Edward Kane, his Lakeside Wine Company, and a brief lesson on wine.
The tour will begin at Tranquility Park (also known as T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park) across from the Stony Brook Grist Mill, and will end at Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique at the Stony Brook Village Center, which gained its name from Kane’s Lakeside Wine Company.
Fee for the touris $25 per person and includes a bottle of authentic Catawba wine from Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique. All participants must be 21 or older. Advance registration is required by calling 631-751-2244. For more information, visit www.wmho.org.
Save the date! The Village of Nissequogue and The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor, a coalition of neighbors from Head of the Harbor, Nissequogue and Stony Brook, will host Happy Harbor Day to raise awareness of the beautiful, yet fragile Stony Brook Harbor.
The free event, which will be held at 555 Long Beach Road just past the boat launch at Long Beach in Nissequogue on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., marks the return of Harbor Day after a 15-year absence. An opening blessing will be offered by the Setalcott Indian Nation.
“Stony Brook Harbor is the last pristine harbor along the entire North Shore,” said Nissequogue Mayor Richard Smith. “Bringing back our Harbor Day celebration seemed like the perfect way to foster community awareness that this remarkable resource is fragile and requires all of us to protect it.”
In addition to a variety of environmental and marine science experts who will make presentations, there will be aquarium touch-tanks for young attendees as well as carnival games and activities all with a nautical theme. Build a habitat for a bird, squirrel or bat with Habitat with Humanity, meet the Harbor Master and tour the new patrol boat.Two bands will perform, The Mondays, and The Royal Yard, which specializes in songs called “sea shanties” and food trucks will be on hand.
Some of the guest speakers will be John Turner of Four Harbors Audubon Society, Dr. Jeffrey Levinton of Stony Brook University, Dr. Malcom Bowman of Stony Brook University and Anna McCarroll of The Stony Brook Yacht Club Mariculture Program.
A community-wide art contest, open to all kids, kindergarten to 12th grade, will also be a feature of Harbor Day. The theme of the competition is “save our happy harbor.”Entries must be brouth to the Harbor Day art tent by 11:30 p.m. Top winners in three categories — grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 — will receive a ribbon and a $50 Amazon gift card and have their artwork on display on the Nissequogue Village website.
“In order to create a drawing or painting the artist must really study their subject,” said Mayor Smith. “An art contest not only creates an exciting opportunity for young people to participate in Harbor Day, but it also ensures they will forever appreciate and respect Stony Brook Harbor.”
Concluding the day will be the presentation of the Dr. Larry Swanson Environmental Award to former Assemblyman Steve Englebright.
Even intermission promises to be fun and rewarding. “Come intermission you’ll find me atop the dunk tank,” said Mayor Smith. “I expect that ‘dunk the mayor’ will be a tremendous fund raiser for the event. I’m happy to get wet for this great cause.”
For more information on the event, call Nissequogue Village Hall at 631-862-7400.
FILM SCHEDULE
7:45 a.m. 
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