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Volunteer Fair heads to Middle Country Public Library’s Selden branch

by Press Release - January 31, 2024

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Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden will host a Venues for Volunteering Fair on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. Come find out what volunteer opportunities are available in our area and how you can help!

The following organizations are scheduled to be at the event: All American Assisted Living – Coram, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, EAC Chance to Advance, Family Service League Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, Federation of Organizations/Senior Companion Program, Fire Island Light House Preservation Society, Friends of the Middle Country Public Library, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, Great Strides LI, Kids Need More, Legal Hand, Literacy Suffolk, Inc., Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook, Mercy Haven Inc., Middle Country Public Library, NY Blood Center, Rebuilding Together Long Island, Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue, Selden Fire Department, Suffolk County Police Explorers, Town of Brookhaven Dept. of Environmental Education and the Three Village Historical Society.

No registration required. For more information, call 631-585-9393.

Holtsville Hal’s famous prediction to be revealed on Groundhog Day

by Press Release - January 24, 2024

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Holtsville Hal’s handler, Greg Drossel, shows him to the crowd during a previous Groundhog Day celebration. Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven

By Heidi Sutton

Pennsylvania may have the legendary groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, but here in Suffolk County we have our very own prognosticator of prognosticators, Holtsville Hal. The cute little rodent with his buck teeth and short bushy tail will be the star of the day as the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve celebrates Groundhog Day with a special event on Feb. 2.

Hundreds will gather to hear Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro announce Holtsville Hal’s famous forecast.

According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after stirring from hibernation on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early. Superintendent Losquadro will reveal Hal’s prognostication at approximately 7:25 a.m.

“Our annual Groundhog Day celebration is an enjoyable tradition for many local families,” said Superintendent Losquadro in a press release. “I’m always hopeful Hal will predict an early spring to help my snow removal budget, but either way this is a much-anticipated event each year in Brookhaven Town.”

Although he’s sure to be the center of attention, Holtsville Hal will not be the only animal available for viewing on Feb. 2. Following the ceremony, residents are welcome to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and bagels provided by 7-Eleven and Bagel Lovers and visit the more than 100 non-releasable, wild or injured animals residing at the Animal Preserve, including its latest resident, Leonardo “Leo” DiCatprio, the Eurasian Lynx.

The Preserve is also home to a buffalo, black bear, bobcat, coatamundi, hybrid wolves, an artic fox, goats, horses, pigs, cows, alpaca, deer and many more.

Gates will open at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, at 7 a.m.; parking is free. Residents are asked to arrive as close to 7 a.m. as possible to get a good view of Hal. Call 631-451-5330 for more information.

Ice, ice baby! Port Jefferson’s 5th annual Ice Festival is going to be really cool

by Julianne Mosher - January 21, 2024

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Update: Because of the rain on Sunday, January 28, the second part of the Port Jefferson Ice Festival will be held on Sunday, February 4 from noon to 5 p.m.

By Julianne Mosher

Back by popular demand, the fifth Annual Ice Festival is heading back to the Village of Port Jefferson on January 27 and 28 from noon to 5 p.m.

Hosted by the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the festival is a fan favorite that bring hundreds in to admire and pose alongside handcrafted ice sculptures created by Guinness Book World Record holder ice carver Rich Daly.

But that’s not all. According to Barbara Ransome, director of operations at the Port Jefferson Chamber, there will also be a new horse-drawn wagon available for rides (fee) and the now-sold-out Mac and Cheese Crawl.

Visitors can enjoy live music, performances by local Shine Dance Company, ice skating demos at the Rinx as well as character photo opportunities and interactive games (cornhole, bowling and tic tac toe) — made out of ice, of course.

Daly, who has been the star of the festival throughout its entire run, said that this year will be “bigger and better than ever.”

“We have about 200 blocks of ice ready for both days,” he said. “And while the ice is awesome, there are a lot of activities for families to do in Port Jeff, so it’s a great event.”

Daly said that on Saturday alone, there will be about 30 sculptures around town outside different Port Jeff shops. Sunday there will be another set ready to photograph with.

And these are not small statues. The famed interactive graffiti ice wall set up in the Frigate parking lot stands large enough for a whole family to pose with, but what’s most fun to watch are the live ice carvings done by Daly in the flesh.

On both days, there will be three live ice carvings starting at 12 p.m. at Mill Creek Road, 2 p.m. at the Meadow Parking Lot and 4 p.m. at Pocket Park. Each carving lasts at minimum an hour.

As founder of Ice Memories Inc. based out of Mastic, Daly is one of only eight certified master carvers in the U.S. Since starting Ice Memories in 2000, Daly has won over 200 ice carving competition titles and received the Guinness World Record for carving 60 ice sculptures in under three hours.

Compared to previous festivals which included Olaf from Frozen, a turtle and a lighthouse, “There will be new characters this year like Spider-Man and Barbie,” Daly said. However, this won’t be your typical doll-sized blonde fashionista.

“She’s going to be a big girl,” Daly laughed. “She’ll be about 6-feet-tall and start off at 2,400 lbs of ice.”

A rain date is set for Feb. 3 and 4. The event and parking are free for both days. For a full schedule and map of events, visit www.portjeffchamber.com. For further information, please call 631-473-1414.

Narwhal Ball returns to The Whaling Museum Feb. 4

by Press Release - January 10, 2024

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The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor is bringing back its Narwhal Ball for a second year in a row on Sunday, February 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (10:30 a.m. for members). This popular winter celebration promises to excite guests with arctic tales and treasures including a very special guest from the north, the icy queen Elsa.

The museum will welcome visitors into a magical winter wonderland with snowflakes and glittering lights throughout the museum. To further immerse visitors in the icy feels of winter, the museum’s workshop will once again be fashioned into an old school ice cream parlor serving two flavors of delicious Original Recipe Ice Cream courtesy of Kilwin’s of Huntington. Every ticket includes a scoop to sit and enjoy.

Guests will learn all about arctic creatures through interactive presentations where polar animal tusks will be exhibited for exploring. The museum education team will share facts and engage kids in the wonderment of the world’s coldest regions.

Throughout the museum, participants will find lots of frosty crafts to make and take and fun arctic learning activities. Crafts will include Painting with Ice, a beloved activity where kids can let their creativity shine like the Northern Lights! Guests will make a stop at the Wheel of Fortune: Arctic Edition activity table where they can challenge their knowledge of arctic creatures and win a prize. More crafts and activities await Narwhal Ball-goers at every turn including some new surprises for this year.

Guests will gather around as Elsa shares Nordic tales from her icy domain. When not sharing fascinating tales of encounters with polar creatures and brave adventurers, Elsa will be waiting to meet guests in front of a snow filled backdrop, a perfect photo opportunity.

“Narwhals have inspired story tellers for thousands of years with thoughts of unicorns and mystical creatures galore. This event is a celebration of awe-inspiring arctic animals, shimmering snow-covered lands and the adventurers that explored these icy places. We can’t wait to share it with you!” said Brenna McCormick-Thompson, Curator of Education at The Whaling Museum.

The Whaling Museum is selling limited timed tickets online until Friday, February 2 at noon at $20 per child, $8 adults, $6 seniors; $15 per child, $5 adults/seniors for museum members. Tickets at the door will be $25 per child, $8 adults, $6 seniors; $20 per child, $5 adults/senior for museum members. To order, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. For further information, call 631-367-3418.

New Year’s Eve Comedy Night heads to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center

by Press Release - December 26, 2023

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Ring in the new year with laughs as the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown and Governor’s Comedy Clubs host a night of comedy on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. Stand-ups include Rich Vos, Bryan McKenna, Debbie D’Amore and Carla Oakerson. $80 per person includes an open bar of beer and wine, a selection of hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Huzzah! The 27th annual Dickens Festival rings in the holiday spirit

by Julianne Mosher - December 9, 2023

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Nearing three decades, the village of Port Jefferson turned once again into a Dickensian storyland for the annual Charles Dickens Festival.

Kickstarted by a parade down East Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 2, dozens of people dressed to the nines in their best Victorian-era suits and gowns joined characters from Dickens’ books like “Oliver Twist” and “A Christmas Carol” to march to

the Village Center.

“This really is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season,” Mayor Lauren Sheprow said. “Walking through the Village Center is literally like a movie set, and what the arts council has done in such a short period of time, I’m overwhelmed and amazed by it.”

Spearheaded by the Village of Port Jefferson and the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, there were plenty of things to do and see.

Different dance troupes performed throughout the day in different locations, while a blacksmith was melting iron in front of the Frigate store. For the first time ever, the arts council created Santa Claus Central, located inside the Methodist Church.

Sheprow said she was looking most forward to watching her nephew perform at the Presbyterian Church with his school’s orchestra, “and see how residents and visitors really appreciate this event.”

And it wouldn’t have been a Dickens Festival without sporadic performances from “Oliver Twist” and “A Christmas Carol” scheduled throughout the day on Main Street.

Other fun events that followed into Sunday, Dec. 3, despite the wet weather, included ice skating, checking out the festival of trees inside the Village Center, a magic show, horse and carriage rides and performances from all levels of the Port Jefferson school district choirs and orchestras.

Winter Holiday Market heads to Setauket Neighborhood House on Dec. 10

by Heidi Sutton - December 8, 2023

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Ewes and Coos Felted will be at the Winter Holiday Market.

The Cinnamon Candle will be selling custom-scented soy candles at the Winter Holiday Market.

Time to shop! The historic Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket will transform into a winter wonderland this Sunday, Dec, 10 as the Three Village Historical Society presents an indoor Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 30 vendors will be on hand including artist, woodworkers, makers, bakers, florists, felters and creators of all kinds offering gifts for everyone on your holiday list in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Participating vendors include:

Alex Greco Lettering

Ally Liff Designs

AnTiAmy’s Gifts

Contessa’s Designs

Sweet Woodland Farm

Tend Coffee

The Cinnamon Candle

Dara Saol Jewelry

Finest Macarons

Clovis Outdoor Services

Dan McCarthy Wildlife Art

Ewes and Coos Felted

Grateful Bread Microbakery

Inspired Stones

Janet Kurnatowski Studio

Li Li’s Creations

Monika Botanika

OHoney Bee Farm

Old Post Candle Company

Petals, Paper & Thread

Julia Vogelle Pottery

Stormy Garden Soapworks

Sweet Legends Bakeshop

The Granola Plant LLC

The Nautical Arts Workshop

The Pot City

The Spice Cabinet

The Well Fed Family-Pampered Chef

Three Village Historical Society

Tracy Marlowe Jewelry

White Hat Silver

Wolf & Timber

Sweet Melissa’s

Cozy Knots

The Big Cheese

For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

Port Jefferson Village Center to host Blood Drive Dec. 9

by Press Release - December 8, 2023

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It’s time to bundle up and give. Michael Ambrozy from Howard Hanna Coach Realtors with special thanks to Richard Savino, M.D. NYU Langone will host a Community Blood Drive by the New York Blood Center in the Skip Jack Room of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All donors will receive a coupon for a voucher for a pint of beer or soda from participating Port Jefferson establishments including Tommy’s Place, Port Bistro and Pub, Billie’s 1890 Saloon and Barito Tacos and Cocktails. To make an appointment, call 1-800-933-2566. For further information, contact Michael Ambrozy at 631-994-0082.

Lessons & Carols Christmas concert returns to All Souls Church Dec. 9

by Press Release - December 5, 2023

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Concert #14 — Participants from last year's concert. Photo from Daniel Kerr/All Souls Church

Historic All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook invites the community to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as it joins with eleven other faith communities to present its annual Lessons and Carols Christmas concert on Saturday, December 9 at 6 p.m.

Heidi Schneider will be the featured soloist this year.

The free concert will feature Stony Brook University soprano Heidi Schneider and tell the story of the Nativity in scripture and song. Heidi’s solos will include “Ave Maria,” “Silent Night,” and “Away in the Manger.”

Local guitarist Bill Clark and his Brave Trio will also perform “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Hallelujah,” and “What Child Is This?”All attending will be invited to sing “Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark the Herald Angels” as All Souls organist Dan Kinney plays the church’s 1855 Tracker Organ.

The readings will be done by clergy and lay people from The Stony Brook School, Caroline Church, Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, Messiah Lutheran Church, St. Gerard Majella RC Church, Stony Brook Community Church, the Three Village Church, Religious Society of Friends in St. James, the Little Church of Smithtown Landing, St. James RC Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook.

There will be a 15-minute intermission and refreshments will be served. All Souls Church collects food each week to feed the hungry at the St Gerard Majella’s food pantry. Please bring a can of food to donate (“Lend a hand, bring a can”).

Please call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Santa comes to town in Port Jeff

by Julianne Mosher - December 2, 2023

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You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, want to know why?

Santa Claus made his way for another year to Port Jefferson last weekend, ringing in holiday cheer and the start of the Christmas season.

Who else joined the parade with the man in red, whose sled was attached to a horse-drawn carriage? Other visitors included business owners and elected officials who took the time to show some spirit with costumes, floats and dancing.

Local Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts dressed in their favorite holiday hats Sunday, Nov. 26, along with Shine Dance Studio and Backstage Studio of Dance who had their students twirl up and down Main Street. Special guests showed up including Disney princesses, Donald Duck and Goofy. The parade was finished with a march of characters from the upcoming Dickens Festival scheduled for next weekend.

“I’m grateful to the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for giving first responders, business owners, elected officials, Scout troops, community groups and performing artists an opportunity to sync up and help usher in the joy of the holiday season for the young and young-at-heart,” said Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay, who is currently running for New York’s 4th Assembly District. “May the weather be just as cooperative and the spirits just as jolly for the Dickens Festival this coming weekend,” she added.

— Photos by Julianne Mosher

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