Events

Vendors lined up along Smithtown’s Main Street while attendees filled the street to check out all they had to offer, including music, arts and craft, raffles and food on June 5.

Smithtown Festival Day was presented by the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce Smithtown.

 

Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) 

After three years, the Stony Brook University (SBU) Economic Development  Incubator Showcase returns in full force on Wednesday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at the University’s  Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) building.

More than 60 companies from the university’s incubation system in the areas of biotechnology, energy, IT and food will be on-hand to provide attendees the opportunity to speak with the SBU entrepreneurs and network with business owners, financiers and investors. Please find the list of companies here.

The event is free with pre-registration required and must be completed by June 7.

“The showcase celebrates the entrepreneurial culture built at the university and the individual success of each company at every phase,” said Peter Donnelly, Associate Vice President for Technology Partnerships. “Investors, government officials, attorneys, business services professionals, and the public can meet with Stony Brook incubator companies’ leadership to see first-hand the technologies these entrepreneurs are bringing to the marketplace.”

This event is a joint effort by Stony Brook University’s Centers of Excellence, Centers for Advanced Technology, Long Island High Technology, CEBIP & Calverton Incubators.  Directions to the CEWIT building can be found here.

A view of the eroding bluff. Photo from Village of Port Jefferson
Sarah Anker
Suffolk County Legislator, 6th District

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, in conjunction with New York Sea Grant, will host a public presentation for homeowners on coastal erosion on June 9 at 7:30 p.m.. The informational session will discuss erosion, the recession of bluffs and shorelines, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disturbances caused by the changing climate.

“As erosion has impacted many residents in my district, it has become necessary to empower coastal homeowners with the knowledge to stay prepared for any disturbances and changes ahead,” said Legislator Anker. “I would like to thank New York Sea Grant for their partnership as well as their many contributions toward public safety and education throughout their many years of research and service.”

The event will feature speakers from New York Sea Grant, including Elizabeth Hornstein, who specializes in Sustainable and Resilient Communities. She will discuss her work with the Long Island Sound community to anticipate and address erosion caused by the changing climate. In addition, New York State Sea Grant’s Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist Kathleen Fallon will be presenting on erosion, recession of land, and options for mitigation.

This presentation will be held via Zoom at 7:30pm on Thursday, June 9th. Please use this link https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcu-qrTgoE9ZJRR7H7KVmGLwF6aTmMXDJ to register for the event. To receive additional information, please call Legislator Anker’s office at 631-854-1600.

Pixabay photo

On Wednesday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. Suffolk County Legislators Rob Trotta, Manuel Esteban and Stephanie Bontempi will host an Identify Theft Prevention Seminar at the East Northport Public Library, 185 Larkfield Road,  in East Northport.  

Assistant District Attorneys from District Attorney Ray Tierney’s Financial Crimes Bureau will address Identity Theft from an elder abuse point of view focusing on motor vehicle theft, forged documents, insurance fraud, and other acts of identity theft.

As a former Suffolk County Detective, I know first-hand how devastating identity theft can be for our seniors and that they are reluctant targets of such crimes,” said Legislator Trotta. “I encourage everyone to attend as anyone can be an unwilling victim,” Trotta added.

“Anyone can be the victim of ID theft, especially someone who is not equipped with preventive strategies. Hearing from and engaging with ID theft prevention experts is a fantastic way to avoid becoming a victim,” said Legislator Stephanie Bontempi.

Legislator Manuel Esteban Sr. said, “It is my pleasure to partner on another important community program to help our residents.”

The event is free and open to all. The library will be taking reservations via phone at (631) 261-2313 or through its website at https://www.nenpl.org/

'The Golden Girls'
Fathom Events presents a special screening of six of the most memorable episodes of ‘The Golden Girls’

Fathom Events has announced the return of the Emmy Award-winning television sitcom, “The Golden Girls,” to select theaters nationwide for the second consecutive year.  “Forever Golden!  A Celebration of the Golden Girls” hits movie theaters for two nights: Tuesdays June 7 and 14.

The series stars Bea Arthur (Dorothy Zbornak), Betty White (Rose Nylund), Rue McClanahan (Blanche Devereaux), and Estelle Getty (Sophia Petrillo) as four women in their golden years who share both a home and a friendship in Miami, Florida.  This special event will feature some of the most memorable episodes from the series.

“We’re excited to bring this beloved show back to the big screen this summer,’” said Ray Nutt, Fathom Events CEO. “The storyline and the friendships between these very different women have stood the test of time.  Fans love it just as much now as they did when it first aired on television back in the 80’s.”

This must-see, two-night event will feature episodes including:

The Competition, Season 1, Episode 7:  In a bowling competition, it’s Dorothy and Blanche verses Rose and Sophia. If Sophia and Rose win, Dorothy will allow Sophia to go back to Sicily for a visit with an old beau and if Dorothy and Blanche win Sophia will give her a pair of antique earrings.

It’s a Miserable Life, Season Two, Episode 4:  The girls circulate a petition to save a 200-year-old oak tree which is located on the property of the most hated woman in the neighborhood, Frieda Claxton, who wants the tree cut down.

The Sisters, Season 2, Episode 12:  For Sophia’s birthday, Dorothy flies in her sister, Angela from Sicily as a surprise. However, Dorothy’s the one who’s surprised when Sophia’s reaction is that of disgust.

Scared Straight, Season 4, Episode 9:  Blanche’s brother, Clayton comes to Miami for a visit and Blanche goes all out fixing him up on blind dates. However, Rose learns the truth, Clayton is gay and is afraid to tell Blanche the truth about himself.

Sisters of the Bride, Season 6, Episode 14:   Blanche’s gay brother Clayton, makes a visit to Miami with a surprise, he has found the right person to make a commitment to, but Blanche still can’t get over Clayton’s sexual orientation. Meanwhile, Rose expects to win a Volunteer of the Year award.

The Case of the Libertine Belle, Season 7, Episode 2:  The girls participate in a murder mystery weekend and Dorothy has a ball when she solves a mystery. However, when Blanche is accused committing a real murder, Dorothy will have to use all her keen detective skills to find the real murderer.

“The Golden Girls” premiered in September 1985 and delighted fans over 7 seasons and 180 half-hour episodes.  The series follows Miami homeowner Blanche Devereaux, joined by Rose Nylund and Dorothy Zbornak, brought together by a fateful ad for roommates posted by Blanche in a grocery store.  The three are joined by Dorothy’s mother, Sophia Petrillo, a feisty Sicilian woman who rounds out the fabulous foursome.  Together, the women form the perfect circle of friends.

“Forever Golden!  A Celebration of the Golden Girls” will  play in movie theaters on Tuesday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. (all times local).  Locally the film will be screened at Regal Deer Park 16, 455 Commack Road, Deer Park; Island 16 Cinema de Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville; and Farmingdale Multiplex, 1001 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.

The Jazz Loft. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
The following are events scheduled for July 2022 at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook:
Sat.    7/2      Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks                                                7:00 PM
Vince Giordano leads his 11 member Nighthawks in performing classic jazz. Bandleader, Grammy winner and multi instrumentalist, Giordano has appeared in multiple films including the Aviator, The Cotton club and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. His band has recorded for multiple movies and TV series. He has championed the cause of keeping the music of the 20’s and 30’s alive and well for the last forty years and his efforts can be seen in a documentary about him, ” There’s A Future in the Past”. The Nighthawks are a stellar band that have been performing in clubs and music venues in NYC  and beyond for years.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children 5 and under free.
Wed.  7/6      Young At Heart: Big Band Jazz                                                          1:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio will present music played by jazz big bands. Young at Heart is a monthly themed  afternoon jazz concert series for those that like their jazz in the afternoon.
Tickets: $10
Wed. 7/6        Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                      7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs. 7/7       The Jazz Loft Big Band                                                                    7:00 PM
The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band led by trumpeter Tom Manuel performs jazz standards and original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed. 7/13       Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                    7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs.7/14       Viva Cuba                                                                                       7:00 PM
Fri.     7/15
For two evenings, The Jazz Loft presents Viva Cuba. An 18 piece Latin big band led by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel presents the music of Xavier Cugat, Machito, Tito Puente, Prez Prado among others.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Sat.   7/16       Bill Crow Trio                                                                                   7:00 PM
Bill Crow is a jazz bassist and author. He has played and recorded with Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz and Teddy Charles, among many. Ticket holders are welcome to come at 6 PM to enjoy the guitar music of Steve Salerno in the Count Basic Garden where refreshments will be available.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed.  7/20      Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                    7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs. 7/21     Bad Little Big Band                                                                          7:00 PM
The 12 member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona, performs music of The Great American Songbook. Vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed.  7/21     Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                     7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by at jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs.7/28      Interplay Jazz Orchestra                                                                  7:00 PM
The 17 piece Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. children 5 and under free
Fri.     7/29        The Warren Vache Quintet                                                             7:00 PM
Warren Vache has been impressing audiences for years with his versatility and his cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn stylings.
He has recorded and performed with many jazz greats including Benny Goodman, Rosemary Clooney and Bobby Short among many. He will be playing with Tom Manuel trumpet, Dan Pugach drums, Dean Johnson bass and Steve Salerno guitar.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Sat.   7/30      The Smalls All-Stars                                                                            7:00 PM
The Smalls All-Stars are musicians from the Smalls Jazz Club in Manhattan.
Ticket holders are welcome to come at 6 PM to enjoy the guitar music of Steve Salerno in the Count Basie Garden where refreshments will be available.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village. Phone 631 751-1895
Tickets are available at www.thejazzloft.org and subject to availability, before events.

American Legion Post 432 hosts Memorial Day service to honor the fallen. Photo by Raymond Janis

Members of the American Legion Post 432, based out of Port Jefferson Station, held a series of services throughout the community to honor the sacrifices made by American servicemen.

The day began at Steven J. Crowley Memorial Park in Terryville. Cpl. Crowley was a security guard for the United States Marines. In 1979 Crowley made the ultimate sacrifice when he died in the line of duty when the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, was besieged by a student riot. 

Kevin Powers, sergeant at arms at Post 432, grew up with Crowley. The two later served together in the Marine Corps.

 “He was a good man,” Powers said. “I knew Steven since elementary school and we graduated together. I miss him dearly.”

The memorial service at Crowley Park is an annual tradition at the post. Powers suggested that this event is a yearly reminder of Crowley’s legacy of service and helps to keep a fallen comrade’s memory alive.

“We do this every year,” he said. “It’s an honor to do that for him and for all of the men and women in the service who gave their lives to protect our freedom.”

Ron Romaszka, commander of Post 432, reflected upon his own experiences during the Vietnam War and his brothers in arms who died in combat.

“I lost a lot of guys over in ‘Nam,” he said. “I don’t talk about it all the time. That’s mine and I keep that inside.” On the importance of the day in hand, he added, “Memorial Day has always been a very important day for me. For all of the veterans here, they all have a special feeling inside, and that’s why it’s an important day for all of us.”

Romaszka also touched upon the role of the American Legion in serving veterans throughout the community. “We stand behind every veteran that’s out there,” the post commander said. “For any veteran that needs assistance of any kind, we’re there to assist them. Whether it’s financial, whether it’s medical — whatever it is, we’re there for them.”

The post held a similar ceremony at the Port Jefferson Memorial Park in the village. Trustee Bruce Miller, who also serves as 2nd vice commander of Post 432, shared that freedom is inextricably linked to the sacrifices of American veterans.

“We come to honor the fallen on Memorial Day,” he said. “It is important to look back and remember that our freedom is not free, that we have our freedom because people have fought and died for it.” He added, “It is important to recognize their sacrifice and the sacrifices of those serving today.”

While it may be a solemn occasion, Miller said veterans can find solace this Memorial Day in knowing that American forces are not currently in the line of fire.

“This is the first year in the last 20 that we are not at war,” the village trustee said. “Veterans can rejoice that none of our soldiers, sailors or marines are coming under fire. But as the Ukrainians have shown us, we must always be ready.”

Port Jefferson is a great place to live and people have worked hard to create that freedom. I’m very thankful for their service, for those who have lost their lives, and we honor them.’

— Margot Garant

Mayor Margot Garant offered her own take on Memorial Day. She said she witnessed firsthand the sacrifices of American veterans as several of her family members, including her brother and father, have served.

“I feel that every day in our community is Memorial Day,” she said. “It gives us a time to pause and remember and be thankful for all of the great things that we have.” The village mayor added, “Port Jefferson is a great place to live and people have worked hard to create that freedom. I’m very thankful for their service, for those who have lost their lives, and we honor them.”

The day concluded with one last service at the post, followed by refreshments. To learn more about Post 432 and its various offerings, visit www.americanlegionwilsonritchpost432.org.

— Photos by Raymond Janis

Clematis. Photo from Pixabay

The Rocky Point Civic Association hosts its annual Garden Tour on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Tour the gardens of seven local homes and the garden at the historic Noah Hallock Homestead. Held rain or shine. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at Flowers on Broadway, 43 Broadway, Rocky Point; Heritage Paint, 637 Route 25A, Rocky Point; and Gings Nursery , 334 Route 25A, Miller Place. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.rpcivic.org.

Photo from Staller Center

In their only New York appearance, 16-time Grammy award-winning musician, composer, and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee will bring their viral Instagram sensation “The Kat & Dave Show,” direct from their living room to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts for one live show, Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

In her first appearance at the Staller Center since 2010, McPhee will perform some of her biggest songs from American Idol, Smash, and Broadway’s Waitress. ‘The Kat & Dave Show” will also showcase Foster’s hit songs created for countless music legends including Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Gloria Estefan, and many others.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Katharine McPhee and for the first time, David Foster,” said Alan Inkles, Director of Staller Center for the Arts. ‘The Kat & Dave Show,’ their ‘quaranstream’ Instagram Live concerts, delighted legions of fans during the early days of the pandemic. The combination of these two powerhouse entertainers is sure to be a treat for our audiences.”

Tickets for “The Kat & Dave Show,” starting at $62, are on sale online at www.stallercenter.com. For a limited time, ticket buyers can receive 10% off by using code KAT10DAVE. 

This year's Wet Paint Festival will be held at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm in East Setauket. Photo courtesy of Preservation Long Island

By Melissa Arnold

Since 2004, Gallery North’s annual Wet Paint Festival has invited artists from far and wide to revel in nature’s beauty. For a week or a weekend, artists enjoy each other’s company and a healthy dose of plein air painting — the tricky, constantly changing art of working outdoors.

This year’s festival, scheduled for June 4 and 5, will be held at the historic and picturesque Sherwood-Jayne Farm on Old Post Road in East Setauket and seeks to build upon past events where visitors can watch the artists work and ask questions about their creative process. There will also be the opportunity to tour the Sherwood-Jayne House, go bird watching, enjoy live music and more.

An artist paints plein air at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm. Photo from Preservation Long Island

“The landscape of the show has changed in a variety of ways over the years, not just in location but in the way it’s structured,” said Ned Puchner, executive director of Gallery North. “During the pandemic, people could paint remotely for a two-week period. Last year, we had a few different locations to choose from. This year, we’re returning to the traditional style of having a specific site where everyone will come together and paint for a weekend, with some additional activities for the public to enjoy.”

The Sherwood-Jayne Farm was originally slated to host the Wet Paint Festival in 2020, and planning for the event was nearly complete when the pandemic shut things down.  

“Gallery North reached out to us a few years ago looking to change up the festival from the way it was done in the past,” said Elizabeth Abrams, Assistant Director of Operations and Programs for Preservation Long Island, which cares for the property. “We used to team up with the gallery for an apple festival, and considering we are just down the street from each other, it was natural for us to work together again.”

Preservation Long Island is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting Long Island’s history and culture. Founded in 1948, their focus is on education, advocacy, and the stewardship of historic buildings and artifacts.

Abrams explained that the Sherwood-Jayne House was built in 1730 as an early colonial, lean-to salt box dwelling. The house and surrounding farmland were cared for by the Jayne family for more than 150 years. In 1908, it was acquired by the founder of Preservation Long Island, Howard Sherwood, who lived in the home and displayed a variety of antiques there.

Throughout the weekend, the Sherwood-Jayne House will be open for tours with Preservation Long Island curator Lauren Brincat. Keep an eye out for the Tallmadge wall panels, and the incredibly beautiful wall mural in the parlor that’s meant to look like wallpaper — they are very rare to see, especially on Long Island, Abrams added.

“The house contains a large portion of Howard Sherwood’s personal antique collection and other bits of history from colonial Long Island. This area had a foundational role in American history — exploring the house and its collections are a unique way to learn more about that important time period,” she said.

There will be plenty of outdoor inspiration for the artists at the festival as well. The property is also home to a variety of outbuildings and trails, gorgeous old-growth walnut trees, an apple orchard, and all kinds of wildlife. 

The Four Harbors Audubon Society will lead tours exploring the wildlife and ecology of the area, with a particular focus on local birds. If the barn is open, you might be lucky enough to meet some goats, a few sheep, or an old, sweet white horse named Snowball.

Visitors are free to wander the grounds at their leisure, watch the artists work or ask questions, Puchner said. For those who are feeling shy or not sure what to ask, an artist will offer a guided tour and lead discussions once each day.

“The whole objective of the Wet Paint Festival is to help people understand what goes into the process of creating a painting, and to meet local artists. It’s a great way for someone who has no artistic experience to learn how it all works,” Puchner said.

Nancy Bueti-Randall, pictured in her studio, will join over 40 other artists at this year’s Gallery North Wet Paint Festival.
Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

Over 40 artists will be participating this weekend including Nancy Bueti-Randall of Stony Brook who began to paint outdoors as a way to recharge while raising her three children. She’s spent more than 20 years creating and showing her work, which runs the gamut from pictorial to abstract, figures and landscapes. Most of the time, though, she’s painting in her garden or other familiar surroundings.

Sometimes, she’ll start a painting with the idea to focus on one thing, but something else in a landscape will catch her eye instead.

“There are a lot of challenges with plein air painting. It’s very fleeting — a landscape is always changing, even from day to day,” Bueti-Randall explained. “You have to be fast and responsive to what’s going on around you. It’s about becoming engaged with the thing you’re painting. I can get overwhelmed by beauty, and I try to capture the essence of what I’m seeing in a process of give and take.”

Marceil Kazickas of Sands Point considers herself an artistic late bloomer. She started drawing and painting to cope with a health crisis, and found that when she was being creative, she wasn’t in pain. Kazickas prefers to work in oil, which she loves for its luscious, sensual properties.

“When you go outside, there’s an overwhelming amount of information to take in — the views are always changing, the clock is running, and you want to get your design done quickly because the light and shadows are constantly evolving,” she explained. 

“I’m not as focused on painting exactly what I see … People can get caught up in producing a finished, frameable piece of art, but for me it’s exciting to be outside and come up with whatever I can in the short time I’m out there, even if it’s nothing. It’s about the painting process.”

Puchner hopes that the variety of activities, including a scavenger hunt for kids and live music from the Keenan Paul Zach Trio and Tom Killourhy, will appeal to all kinds of people.

“These new additions will give the public the opportunity to enjoy nature, the arts and history all in one place, and our artists will have a fun new location to experiment and be creative in,” he said.

The 18th Annual Wet Paint Festival will be held June 4 and 5 at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is June 18 and 19. The event is free and open to the public. 

All participating artists will have their festival work on display in an exhibit at Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket, from July 7 through Aug 7. A free opening reception will be held at the gallery from on July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

For more information about the festival or to register to paint, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676. Learn more about Sherwood-Jayne Farm at www.preservationlongisland.org.