Under beautiful summer skies, the Deepwells Summer Art & Craft Festival was held this past weekend, July 22-23. It was a big hit.
On the historical grounds of Deepwells Farm, just a stone’s throw away from the St. James General Store, artisans displayed and sold original art, pottery, jewelry, fiber, candles, handmade soaps and lotions.
Over 30 vendors toted their wares as hundreds of art lovers and bargain hunters enjoyed themselves at the fair.
By Aidan Johnson
Port Jefferson’s St. Charles Hospital, a part of Catholic Health, held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, July 24, for its upcoming emergency department expansion.
The expansion will be 4000 square feet, to include 10 more treatment bays, an expanded waiting room and additional nursing and changing stations, according to a Catholic Health press statement.
“The ED expansion will also include an ED-dedicated advanced diagnostic imaging room with a fully outfitted CT scan to decrease wait times and improve patient flow from the ED to the inpatient setting,” the statement said.
The project cost of $10 million was partially funded through a $4.2 million grant from the NYS Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program.
During the ceremony, hospital President James O’Connor thanked the people involved throughout the process, including local officials, the Catholic Health executive leadership, local first responder organizations and the architects.
“As many of you know, St. Charles was founded in 1907 by four sisters of the order of the Daughters of Wisdom, helping homeless children with disabilities,” O’Connor said during his speech. “Their mission continues … over 116 years later as we continue to help those in need.”
Construction will officially begin on July 31 and is expected to conclude before the end of summer 2024.
Save the date! Organizers of the Over 50 Fair have announced its return to the Huntington Hilton, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This year’s event, its 14th annual, will offer Baby Boomers, seniors, and more the chance to meet with exhibitors and attend classes geared toward them. The Over 50 Fair annually entertains and educates hundreds of Long Islanders.
Each year, many dozens of businesses and non-profits promote local products and services, including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services, plus some less expected, such as a hypnotist and a divorce attorney.
Some of this year’s “draws” will be a singles lounge compliments of MTN Matchmaking, “funny money” blackjack with Ace Deuce Casinos, and a free photo booth, compliments of Smiles Per Hour. There will also be a live acoustic music showcase, courtesy of The Booking Ace.
Some of this year’s 20+ classes include “How to Improve Your Dating and Sex Life After 50” with Maureen Tara Nelson, “Three Techniques to Reduce Stress Right Now!” with David Lawrence, and “How My Positive Attitude Helped Me Beat Breast Cancer” with Helen Cernigliaro. Additional classes will include a comedy show and talks on Medicaid and Medicare.
Free health screenings this year will include hearing screenings from HearingLife. There will also be free energy scans and reiki healings available.
The Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan who said that the Over 50 Fair is “overflowing with opportunities for age 50+. Our attendees enjoy the opportunity to meet with many experts in their fields all in one place.”
Many local beauty queens from the Ms. New York Senior America pageant attend every year, including CJ Marie, Ms. New York Senior America 2015, and Elisabeth Zamarelli, Ph.D., Elite New York American Beauty 2015. The lovely “queens” will also be hosting a dance demonstration as part of the Seasoned Steppers.
Giving is Living, a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be in attendance collecting non-perishable food and funds. Those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win terrific donated prizes.
The event will feature:
Tickets in advance are $5, which includes all classes, exhibits, photo booth, “funny money” blackjack, singles lounge, health screenings, and more. Those who purchase tickets online at www.Over50Fair.com will receive a raffle ticket at the event for a special door prize raffle. Tickets are also available at the door for $7, free for veterans with ID. For more information, call 516-621-1446.
This article previously appeared in Prime Times, TBR News Media’s senior supplement, on July 20.
As part of Suffolk County’s Parks After Dark Series, Coindre Hall, 101 Browns Road in Huntington will host a special screening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” under the stars on Friday, August 4 at sunset.
The series, sponsored by the county and the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers, will continue with a screening of “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” at Indian Island County Park, Indian Point Road in Riverhead on August 18.
“What better way to spend time with family and friends than enjoying a movie under the stars at one of our county parks,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “The county’s Parks After Dark Series … will showcase iconic films that residents of all ages will enjoy.”
“The Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers is happy to partner with County Executive Steve Bellone in sponsoring these exciting ‘Movies After Dark’ in … Suffolk County’s beautiful and illustrious parks,” said Robert Fonti, co-chair of the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers. “These blockbuster movies will provide fun and an evening under the stars for all families in Suffolk. Looking forward to seeing you at the movies.”
Free tickets are available through Eventbrite. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages as well as blankets and chairs. Click here to reserve your seat.
Hope House Ministries will host the 7th Annual Jake Engel Hoops for Hope Fundraiser at the Cedar Beach Basketball Court, 244 Harbor Beach Road in Mt. Sinai on Friday, July 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 3v3 Basketball Tournament, food, music, basket prizes and raffles. All are welcome to enjoy a fun, exciting night. All proceeds to benefit Hope House Ministries. To register for the 3v3 tournament or for more information please call 631-473-8796 or email at [email protected].
By Julianne Mosher
Republican Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine visited Stony Brook University to address Suffolk County’s environmental concerns at a forum against Democrat Dave Calone in the race for county executive.
On Monday, July 17, the New York League of Conservation Voters, alongside Citizens Campaign for the Environment, filled the Sidney Gelber Auditorium at Stony Brook University for a two-hour debate with both candidates running for Suffolk County executive, replacing Steve Bellone (D) whose 12-year term will be ending in November.
More than 200 people listened to both Calone and Romaine discuss what both parties found to be most important regarding climate change, offshore wind, water quality, open space conservation, environmental justice, sustainable transportation and farming. NYLCV President Julie Tighe was moderator. The event began with Calone answering the dozen questions submitted prior to the event followed by Romaine. Each response was set to a 2-minute time limit.
Dave Calone
“We need to protect what makes us special, because what makes us special — whether it’s our beaches, our water, etc. — drives our economy,” Calone said. “And we need a thriving environment to make sure that (a) people want to live here and (b) people can live here.”
Calone said his experience in environmental concerns, as well as being a state and federal prosecutor, stem from his previous accomplishments in the private sector, planning commission and nonprofit space.
He said he supported renewable technologies by getting the ball rolling for off-shore wind production as early as 2012, leading the effort as Suffolk County Planning Commission chair to cut red tape and boost solar energy production. He added he fought for water quality by running the county’s first wastewater financing summit and helping to draft the county’s water quality ballot initiative.
“People in Suffolk County care about the environment,” Calone said. “I am the candidate with the broadest environmental experience in Suffolk County to run for Suffolk County executive.”
Calone criticized county Republicans for their handling of the Brookhaven landfill, which Romaine rebutted, touting his efforts to shut down the landfill.
Ed Romaine
Romaine, who has been Brookhaven Town supervisor since 2012, served in the county Legislature starting in 1985 and was deemed a fighter for the environment by authoring Suffolk’s first Clean Water Act. He was then elected to Suffolk County clerk, staying in that role for 16 years. In 2005, he was again elected to the county Legislature where he sponsored several environmental bills including Michael’s Law, which banned explosive fuel gels in the county.
As Brookhaven Town supervisor, Romaine has led other environmental initiatives, including protecting one of Brookhaven’s largest waterways, the Carmans River. He also sits on the board of the Central Pine Barrens Commission where he helps oversee and safeguard over 105,000 acres worth of land and groundwater. He is an avid supporter of farmland and wetland preservation on the East End and said he has worked to reduce waste and entice the growth of green energy in Brookhaven Town.
“Redevelopment is the way to go as opposed to new development,” Romaine said. “We only have one island and we need to save what is left.”
Agreeing on one thing in particular, Calone and Romaine both support adding the Clean Water Restoration Act to the Nov. 7 ballot. This vote could create one countywide sewer district and fund other improvements to water quality.
Did you know? The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook offers docent-led tours of its state-of-the-art Carriage Museum on July 22, July 23 and July 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. Visit eight galleries and learn about the world before cars through conversation, photographs and artifacts. All ages welcome. Free with paid admission to the museum. For more information, call 631-751-0066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.
By Julianne Mosher
With high humidity, torrential rainstorms and hot temperatures, the Village of Port Jefferson brought a new meaning to the dog days of summer last weekend.
The second annual Port Paws Dog Festival was initiated last year and is a friendly competition for dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds. Dogs from all over the East Coast — and even Canada — came downtown to participate in what was supposed to be a three-day event.
On Saturday, July 15, Kevin Wood, economic development director for the village and chair of the event, said the event brought in more than 160 registered people and their furry friends while the start of the festival on July 14, a day for noncommitted competitors, brought more than 70 dogs to try it out. However, severe flooding resulting from Sunday’s rainstorm caused the last day of the festival to be canceled.
Wood said that the event, which has been in the planning since last year’s festival took place, won’t be rescheduled for 2023 as they are already preparing for next summer.
The Port Paws competition looks to see who can jump the highest, swim the farthest and retrieve a toy in the pool the fastest after jumping and diving off a dock, built on the field, and into the giant pool. All money raised goes to the Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy.
“The conservancy brings something special to Port Jefferson village and I am proud to plan and manage it,” Wood said. “A big thank you to the village parks, DPW and code departments for making this event one of the highlights of the summer in Port Jefferson.”
Located at Joe Erland Field on Caroline Avenue, a 30,000-gallon pool was installed as well as tents, a misting station and games; animal lovers alike were able to find something to do. Some played cornhole while others visited the tables of several local businesses that helped sponsor the event.
Throughout the show, Dock Dogs presented the Big Air Wave competition accompanied by the Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve competition for both competitors and spectators to enjoy. The Big Air competition featured dogs running down a 40-foot dock and diving into a pool of water for an object, in which they were electronically judged for the length of their jump. Rounding out the action was the Speed Retrieve — where the dogs were put on the clock to see how fast they could run down the dock, jump into the water, swim to the end of the pool and retrieve an object that was held by a modified extender arm.
The Extreme Vertical competition is a “high jump” for the dogs as they each lunge to snag a “bumper” suspended in the air. With each grab, the height increases in 2-inch increments until only one dog is crowned king.
Wood had previously said he first saw the competition while visiting the East End of Long Island, and soon realized he needed to bring it Down Port.
“Port Jefferson is a dog-loving town,” he said.
The Wood family always had small, lap dogs — whom they loved — but when they adopted Brody, who adores the water, Wood thought it would be fun to see how he, and all the other local dogs, would do in a friendly competition.
“No municipality has done this before,” Wood said. “I wanted to bring it to the next level and bring it to the village.”
This year’s winners were Tonka Bean, from Millerton south of Albany, who won a basket donated by Fetch Boutique and was crowned Top Iron Dog. Another pup, Gilly, won second place for Big Air and received a Fedora Lounge Salon gift certificate.
Also in attendance were the Suffolk County Police Department Canine Unit which showed off some of their lifesaving methods.
Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket hosts a Sip & Paint fundraiser event at Hap’s Red Barn on Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a night of fun and relaxation as you paint Japanese Cherry Blossoms. $55 per person includes step by step painting lessons, 11″ by 14″ canvas, all painting materials, wine and light snacks. To register, visit www.frankmelvillepark.org/fundraisers. Questions? Call 631-689-6146.
By Tara Mae
Since time immemorial, troubadours have chronicled every aspect of affection and antagonism through song. If love is a battlefield, music is one of the most effective weapons in its arsenal.
On Sunday, July 23, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) celebrates the power of music with “Funtastic 2023,” a benefit concert for the organization featuring Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with special guest Taylor Dayne at the Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane in Farmingville. The concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
“We are calling it Funtastic 2023 because we want people to have a lot of fun at this concert with powerful, upbeat music that has survived the test of time,” said LIMEHOF Chairman of the Board of Directors Ernie Canadeo.
Benatar and Dayne, who are each on tour this summer, will play full sets spanning the continuing creative arc of their careers. Giraldo, a musician and five time Grammy Award winning producer, will join his wife, Benatar, onstage.
International artists whose first notes were formed on Long Island, Benatar and Dayne were inducted into the LIMEHOF in 2008 and 2012 respectively. Benatar, a four time Grammy Award winning rock singer/songwriter, is renowned for assertive, commanding hits like “Heartbreaker,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” and “Love is a Battlefield.”
Three time Grammy Award nominated, American Music Award winning singer/songwriter Dayne, is famous for defiantly danceable pop music, including “Tell It to My Heart,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” and “With Every Beat of My Heart.”
These multi-award winning, multiplatinum musical mavens are hometown heroes: Benatar grew up in Lindenhurst and Dayne was raised in Freeport and Baldwin.
“[The board] worked together to put on a concert utilizing the Long Island Music Hall of Fame’s inductees. From there we selected Benatar and Dayne, a natural fit…they are excellent representatives of Long Island. Canadeo said. “We felt that the LIMEHOF clientele would appreciate their music and artistry.”
LIMEHOF’s mission and membership will be well-represented at the event, with a promotional booth onsite selling its merchandise as well as concert t-shirts and raffle tickets for two house seats to a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden. Although LIMEHOF has had smaller shows in the past, this is its premiere big benefit concert, with the goal of many encores to follow.
“I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting future members of LIMEHOF. We hope it becomes an annual event,” Canadeo said.
Just as a performance requires cooperation, Funtastic 2023 is a collaborative exercise both onstage and behind-the scenes. The idea of the concert was born from a conversation between Canadeo and John Caracciolo, who athrough his company JVC Media, operates 16 radio stations and the amphitheater in Farmingville, which is owned by the Town of Brookhaven.
“I love the venue; it is the largest outdoor venue in Suffolk County, with a terrific sound system, and accommodating seating: people may opt to bring their own chairs to sit on the lawn or take advantage of the stadium seats,” Canadeo said. “…We were discussing how to promote LIMEHOF and the conversation evolved from there.”
While the arts are seemingly threatened by everything from the advent of Artificial Intelligence to streaming sales that yield cents per play, LIMEHOF lauds the universal language of music and honors fluent local musicians. Founded in 2004, LIMEHOF has honored 120 inductees. It is committed to preserving Long Island’s musical legacy so that it may be appreciated and celebrated now and in the future.
A rolling stone for many years, in 2022 LIMEHOF finally found a permanent home at the Stony Brook Village Center. With the price of admission, visitors to its headquarters may enjoy free concerts or immerse themselves in an interactive exhibition. It houses musical mementos and traditionally hosted awards ceremonies, including the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Induction through 2018.
Since settling down, LIMEHOF has reportedly exceeded all of its all attendance goals as visitors immerse themselves in exhibits featuring musician memorabilia or a surround sound theater that plays what Canadeo described as “rare music videos.”
“As a nonprofit, LIMEHOF depends on public support through admissions, donations, and events like [Funtastic] to help us operate and continue to create memorable, exciting experiences,” he said.
The success of these programs also enables a new duo to make its debut. At the concert, Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, CEO of Catholic Health, will announce Health and Harmony. This program, a partnership between the healthcare group and LIMEHOF, is designed to support residents’ mental health.
“People can listen to a select playlist that matches their mood; it is a multifaceted program that incorporates a vision to improve the wellbeing of Long Islanders through the power of music,” Canadeo explained.
During Funtastic, the message of music as sustainable sustenance for the soul is both a refrain and supporting act for Benatar, Giraldo, and Dayne.
“[This] is a wonderful opportunity for all Long Islanders to enjoy a terrific concert in a wonderful venue and support the Hall of Fame’s mission of keeping Long Island’s music heritage alive,” said Canadeo.
Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets, which range from $52.65 to $106.65 (including fees), are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information about this event and LIMEHOF, visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
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