By Bill Landon
It was the 6th annual Craft and Vendor Fair at Comsewogue High School, Saturday, Dec. 14. The event featured over 50 vendors, student club fundraisers and an opportunity to take a picture with Santa Claus.
— Photos by Bill Landon
By Steven Zaitz
A cold and gray afternoon turned into a bright and cheery night in Setauket on Sunday, Dec. 15.
The annual Three Village Rotary Holiday Electric Light Parade hit the streets with an easterly march on Route 25A. Starting with a caroling choir near the water at Setauket Pond Park, the crowds began to gather at dusk along the parade route, which ran from Setauket Elementary School to Veterans Memorial Park.
A platoon of 18th century-style musket men fired off the keynote salvo, shooting their weapons into the air with fiery, ballistic bangs.
Kids from the Roseland School of Dance, Ward Melville junior cheerleaders, youth soccer players and all sorts of decorative holiday floats warmed the spirit of the crowd, which was estimated to be about 700. Over 40 groups and organizations participated, as toy and hot chocolate vendors wheeled around their wares.
Of course the star of the show, Santa Claus, eventually rolled down 25A, as well as a huge Disney-themed float featuring Mickey, Donald, and Pluto. Brookhaven town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich rode atop a float as did Deb and Michael Rosengard, both of whom served as Grand Marshals.
By Rita J. Egan
On the chilly Sunday after Thanksgiving, dozens of children and teenagers weren’t at the mall shopping for presents; they were preparing for the holiday season in a different way.
Dressed in leotards and tights, they were rehearsing for Seiskaya Ballet’s upcoming performance of Nutcracker at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts. The dancers have rehearsed the holiday classic for months at Seiskaya’s St. James studio.
As they leaped and turned to the familiar score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, many received feedback from the school’s Artistic Director Valia Seiskaya and Administrative Director Dimitri Papadakos. The husband-and-wife team knows the ballet well. The school has presented the beloved tale at the Staller Center since 1995, only missing one year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alan Inkles, Staller Center director, said Seiskaya’s production of the classic is a staple at the venue during the holiday season. He called the academy part of the Staller family.
“It has really been a pleasant honor to be their venue for so many years,” Inkles said, adding “there are a lot of smiles in the lobby.”
Nutcracker tells the tale of a young girl named Clara who goes on a magical adventure on Christmas Eve as her newly-gifted nutcracker comes to life. Along the way, the two travel to magical realms and encounter a Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
This year, David Wright of Dance Theatre of Harlem will return to dance the roles of Cavalier and Nutcracker. Joining Wright on stage will be Seiskaya Principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, Kaede Urso and Michaela Lettiere as well as returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Eva Pyrros, Lara Caraiani and Diana Atoian.
Leading up to opening night
When Valia Seiskaya opened the school more than 50 years ago, she had no interest in choreographing a version after performing it several times during her dancing career, according to Papadakos. However, the opportunity to present the two-part classical ballet fell together when another local school’s production could have been more successful at the Staller Center, a venue Seiskaya dancers have performed at since 1980 in the Ballet Education and Scholarship Fund, Inc. annual benefit performances.
One of their students’ aunts was Margaret Piotrowska, an acclaimed artist and designer for Warsaw television, films and theater, who agreed to design a set for the school. Piotrowska developed the storyboards, and Broadway’s Scenic Art Studios painted them. In addition to Piotrowska’s work are sculptures by Long Island sculptor Matt Targon.
Regarding Seiskaya’s choreography, Papadakos described it as unique, adding she enjoys ballets with a storyline.
“My wife is not a boring person at all, and it’s reflected in her ballets,” he said. “They’re full of life.”
Seiskaya’s production has had various tweaks throughout the years, according to Papadakos, but “the basic showmanship of the show has remained the same.”
With five performances from Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22, the cast varies in each performance, and some dancers perform multiple roles throughout the weekend, allowing various opportunities to be part of the production.
Seiskaya and Papadakos watching each rehearsal, especially early on, is vital as it helps them determine which dancers will have the lead parts. The pair use a five-star system to help decide who will qualify for a role.
“Any academy dancer can try out for any role they are reasonably capable of performing,” Papadakos said. “Five performance-caliber rehearsals translates into five stars which makes you eligible for a role, but does not guarantee selection.”
He said such a system allows dancers to know their progress and where they stand, saving hearts from being broken.
“It’s a growing experience,” he added.
Principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, 16, of Smithtown, and Kaede Urso, 16, of Setauket, said the star system and feedback help with their performances. Martufi called it “rewarding.”
“It’s nice to get feedback and corrections,” she said.
Urso said she aims to get a star each rehearsal but said if a dancer doesn’t receive one, the feedback helps for next time.
During rehearsals, younger students who will not be performing in the ballet will serve as placeholders to ensure there is always an entire crew to rehearse. Some of the younger students also have walk-on roles during the ballet’s party scene.
“By next year or the following year, they’ll not only know the choreography dead cold, but they’ll be used to dancing among other dancers,” Papadakos said, adding that mastering the Sugar Plum Fairy role can be a two- to three-year process.
Martufi, who has performed in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker since she was 6, and Urso, who has been in it for nine years, both started with walk-on parts. The two will each play the Sugar Plum Fairy this year at different performances. During other shows, Martufi will dance the parts of Clara and Dew Drop, while Urso will be the Chocolate Soldier, plus each principal dancer will take on other roles.
Martufi said she is looking forward to dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy, because while Clara has a lot of stage time, the role is a mix of dancing and acting.
“The Sugar Plum is very technical and intense,” she said.
Urso said it’s hard work to prepare to dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy and to build the stamina needed.
“It was definitely a challenge, but it all worked out,” Urso added.
A holiday tradition
Staging Nutcracker since 1995, Papadakos said he and Seiskaya evaluate their health and other factors regarding continuing to train dancers and produce performances, something they plan to do as long as possible.
“No one is putting more sand in our hourglasses,” he said.
If Urso and Martufi are any indication, the dancers are up for performing for years to come. Urso said it’s fun to be part of a holiday tradition such as Nutrcracker.
“I hope it brings everyone a little extra Christmas spirit,” Urso said.
Martufi said while it makes Christmastime a bit busier, “it’s so worth it.”
“It’s something so special to me that I can’t imagine my Christmas without it,” Martufi said. “It’s lovely getting to work with all my friends in rehearsal and getting to put something on stage that we’re so proud of.”
Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Staller Center’s Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 and $38 for children under 12 and seniors aged 62+. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nutcrackerballet.com.
By Jennifer Donatelli
In the quaint hamlet of Port Jefferson village, a wondrous transformation occurred on Dec. 7 and 8, whisking it back to the days of yore, specifically to the era of Charles Dickens. The enchanting village is the home of one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions — the Charles Dickens Festival.
For over 28 years, the festival has celebrated the works of Charles Dickens and his timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” bringing the spirit of Dickens’ era to life in the heart of Port Jefferson.
The festival is sponsored by Northwell Health’s Mather Hospital and is a partnership between the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council and the Village of Port Jefferson and is run by volunteers. Allan Varela, producer and creator of the festival as well as chairman of the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, said, “This is a great mix of entertainment, history, and holiday cheer that captivates both young and old.”
Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy said, “We are proud to have sponsored the Charles Dickens Festival for the second consecutive year. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to connect with and support our community at an event that brings us all together to celebrate this special time of year.”
This annual event, attended by over 25,000 people from all over the country and around the globe, transported festival goers back to Victorian England with costumed performers, bustling street markets, festive decorations and a variety of family-friendly activities. In the course of two days, there were 172 events and over 130 volunteer musicians, actors and townspeople who wandered through the crowd, all dressed in period attire.
From the moment attendees stepped onto Main Street for the opening parade and heard the bells ringing, they were enveloped in the charm of a Victorian Christmas. The cobblestone streets were brimming with life and bustling with street characters like Father Christmas, the Dickens Mayor, the miserly Scrooge, the ever-vigilant Town Crier and the soot-faced chimney sweeps roaming the hamlet.
“I’ve been coming to the Dickens Festival for years, and it’s the highlight of the season,” said attendee Jane O’Connor, who brought her grandchildren for the first time this year. “It’s magical how the whole town transforms. The costumes, carolers and the storytelling really make you feel like you stepped back in time.”
Held in the town’s picturesque First United Methodist Church, the main highlight of the festival was the array of performances and reenactments of Dickens’ most famous works, including a live reading of “A Christmas Carol,” where actors and volunteers joined forces to bring Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors to life.
“There’s something about the intimate setting of Port Jefferson, with its history and beauty, that makes the story feel even more poignant,” said Varela. He explained how involved the audience gets, adding that it’s a great way to spread Dickens’ message of redemption and generosity.
Alongside the traditional readings, the festival also featured various musical performances, including Victorian-era carolers singing holiday classics as they strolled down Main Street.
“It’s so rewarding to see people enjoying our music,” said First Methodist choir member Susan Miller. “The weather can be chilly, but the warmth from the crowd makes it all worthwhile with people singing along with us.”
Visitors saw a few new additions this year. The second floor of the Village Center was turned into Elf Works. “You’ll go in there and see busy elves hard at work making Christmas gifts for the Festival of Trees,” said Varela of the elaborate Festival of Trees display featuring two rows of 30 over-the-top decorated trees.
Believers in ghosts of Christmas past took a stroll down to Dickens Central where they had photos taken with four oversized ghosts from “A Christmas Carol,” a six-foot photo of Dickens and a giant walk-in snow globe.
The festival also featured a charming Victorian marketplace that stretched down historic Main Street, with local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage books and holiday ornaments. The smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air as visitors sampled traditional Victorian fare such as milled cider and gingerbread cookies.
“The market really captures the essence of what Dickens would have experienced in his time,” said vendor Anna Whelan, who sells handcrafted jewelry inspired by Victorian designs. “The costumes, the music and the atmosphere all make this festival a true labor of love for the community.”
Varela explained that the festival is a true community event, with locals volunteering to create the festive atmosphere, from decorating storefronts to participating in the pageantry. “It’s a celebration that unites people of all ages who return year after year, making it such a cherished tradition.”
Of course, no Charles Dickens Festival would be complete without a live performance of his classic holiday story, “A Christmas Carol,” which was performed at Theater Three each night of the festival. “This is our 40th anniversary production,” said Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director of Theater Three who has performed the lead role of Scrooge over 1,600 times.
“But at the heart of it, of course, is the idea of making the community a better place, of taking responsibility beyond ourselves,” Sanzel said. “And this whole idea of the Dickens Festival, which brings the community together, really reflects that as well.”
“This festival has become part of our holiday season,” said Port Jefferson resident Tom Harris, who attends every year with his wife and children. “It’s a great way to create family memories and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.”
As the festival wrapped up this year, Varela and his team were already looking forward to the next celebration. “I’m already planning my costume for next year,” said Jessica Green, who portrayed a street vendor this year. “It’s such a fun event and I love seeing the joy it brings to everyone.”
Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the Charles Dickens Festival is a festive, enchanting experience that captures the magic of the holiday season in a way only Dickens could imagine.
By Bill Landon
The Mount Sinai 13th annual Turkey Trot kicked off Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8:30 a.m. under brilliant sunshine and a cold steady breeze, with a fun run for kids followed by the 5k run a half hour later at Mt. Sinai High School.
Proceeds of the fundraising event went to Holiday Magic which is a nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to making the holidays special for less fortunate children and their families.
Timing and scoring was courtesy of Strong Island Running Club. Results of the 5K event can be viewed online at runsignup.com/race/results.
By Julianne Mosher
To prepare for the Christmas season, Santa Claus made his way down Main St. in Port Jefferson to ring in some holiday cheer.
On Sunday, Dec. 1, dancers from nearby schools dressed in their favorite holiday gear while they twirled, spun and danced to some favorite Christmas songs like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and marched from the Port Jefferson Rail Road up to the Village Center, for the annual Port Jefferson Santa Parade.
Brought in by a horse-drawn carriage at the end of the show, Santa was accompanied by local businesses, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Mayor Lauren Sheprow, who also marched down Main St. Special guests included Disney princesses, Donald Duck and Goofy, who pranced through the streets, waving to all the good little boys and girls, who eagerly anticipated the man in red.
The parade also included characters from the upcoming Dickens Festival, which is scheduled for next weekend, Dec. 7-8.
Start your holiday season with one of the following Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus events on the North Shore!
Centereach
Centereach Fire Department Engine Co. 3, 9 South Washington Ave., Centereach presents The Original Pancake Breakfast with Santa & Friends on Sunday, Dec. 8 with seatings hourly from 8 a.m. to noon. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice. $10 per person. For reservations, call 631-588-0118.
East Northport
Union United Methodist Church, 1018 Pulaski Road, East Northport will host Magic Circle Nursery School’s 43rd annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a holiday treat filled with fun, food and a photo with Santa Claus. Tickets are $8 adults, $4 children. 631-754-5565
Farmingdale
The American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale will host its Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Join them in their historic Republic Aviation Hangar decorated for the holiday season for pancakes, sausage and hot beverages and juices followed by a meet and greet with Santa for photos and take a Flight line tram ride (weather permitting). Admission is $15 adults, $10 children. For reservations, call 631-293-6398.
Medford
Medford Fire Department, 171 Oregon Ave., Medford presents their annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 children, children age 2 and under are free. To RSVP, call 631-481-6184.
Mount Sinai
The North Shore Youth Council carries on the tradition of Breakfast with Santa at the Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai on Sunday, Dec. 15 with seatings at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. Enjoy a breakfast buffet catered by Tuscany Gourmet Market and live holiday music. Admission is $25 adults, $20 children, under age 2 free. Includes a family photo with Santa and a favor for each child. Reservations are required, no walk-ins. Call 631-403-4846 or visit www.nsyc.com.
Rocky Point
Rocky Point Fire Department Engine Co. #1, 1 Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point hosts its 25th annual Breakfast with Saanta on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, eggs, hash browns, orange juice, apple juice, coffee and tea. Meet Santa in front of an antique fire engine. Admission is $10 adults, $5 seniors and children ages 5 to 12, under the age of 5 are free. RSVP at 631-744-2231.
— Compiled by Heidi Sutton
Huntington Historical Society presents its annual Holiday Historic House Tour on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s event will feature five historic homes in Northport, East Northport and Greenlawn, including the John Gardiner Farmhouse, beautifully decorated for the holidays along with a stop at the Conklin Barn in Huntington for refreshments. Get in the holiday spirit while supporting a great cause: keeping Huntington’s history alive for future generations!
Tickets are $60 per person, $50 members at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or click here.
For more information, call 631-427-7045 ext. 401.
Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead will showcase old-fashioned holiday traditions during the Historic Holidays at Hallockville open house on Sunday, December 8 from noon to 4 p.m.
Costumed docents will lead tours of the historic Hallock Homestead which will be decorated for a Victorian Christmas, and explain why Christmas celebrations were banned by early East End settlers and eventually came to the North Fork primarily as a secular celebration. In the Cichanowicz Farmhouse docents will recreate a Polish Christmas Eve celebration from the 1930s.
The Hudson-Sydlowski House will welcome visitors for holiday shopping at the Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art and Gift Show featuring exclusively handcrafted items. The Trubisz House will feature a charming dollhouse exhibit. Outside, there will be a demonstration and sampling of traditional bread-making, using a wood-fired outdoor hearth, strolling carolers, children’s activities and refreshments.
Admission to Historic Holidays at Hallockville is free. The event is sponsored in-part by Suffolk County.
For more information, call 631-298-5292 or visit www.hallockville.org
Three adorable children and grandchildren of the staff of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack led the way for the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27.
The parade is a local take on the MACYs Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, where staff guided more than a dozen homemade “floats” – made from medical carts and decorated with balloons, steamers, signs and lights – on a parade route through the halls of the facility, as residents sang and clapped along to music provided by the Commack High School “Jazz Messengers.”
The parade is an annual event held to enhance and reinforce the emotional health of residents who are apart from their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
“The holidays can be a rough time for residents who are here, because they’re used to being at home. So starting new traditions can help them see the positive light of being here,” said Nicole Hopper, Director of Therapeutic Nursing, Gurwin Healthcare System. “The smiles are incredible! We get cheers and claps. Some people can’t believe what they’re seeing.”
“I think it was so great, it was wonderful!” said Linn Carlson of Long Beach, who is at Gurwin for a short rehabilitation stay. “The imaginations that created these floats was ways up there. They were good.”
“That parade, all those balloons, and the costumes! One came over and gave me a hug!” said Mary Creter, resident council secretary. “And the music was nice. I wanted to get up and dance!”
This is the second year students from Commack High School have participated in the event.
About Gurwin Healthcare System
The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 5-star CMS rated 460-bed skilled nursing care facility in Commack, Long Island, and is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, a renowned health-care provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for medically complex individuals and frail older adults. Gurwin successfully rehabilitated more than 200 of its residents who were diagnosed COVID-19, through the work of its dedicated team of doctors and nursing staff.
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